West Seattle, Washington
16 Thursday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After almost 15 years, Rev. Peter DeVeau will deliver his last sermon to West Seattle’s St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church tomorrow.
His departure is entwined with a return – he is going to lead the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral congregation in Kansas City, where he served for more than 6 years earlier in his career.
Sunday night, community members are invited to a farewell celebration at St. John’s. We caught up with him late Friday for a look back, and ahead.
Been to the beach lately? Off Beach Drive, or Lincoln Park, in particular, there is much to see and hear – if you look closely. Thanks to another much-appreciated wildlife photographer (and sharer), Trileigh Tucker, for that photo of hooded mergansers. She writes:
We’ve just begun the exciting season when the sea ducks begin their dating-and-mating process! The males are going all out to impress the ladies, splashing and head-bobbing in ways that the females apparently find pretty endearing. Keep an eye out for mergansers, scoters, buffleheads, and others in waters near the West Seattle shore!
Trileigh is also writing about this topic on her Natural Presence website.
This past week, the City Council listened to presentations about possible changes to the mayor’s budget plan for next year. Next week, they start making decisions about possible changes, before finalizing a plan around November 21st. A group of Southwest Community Center users concerned about the mayor’s proposal to change it into a Teen Life Center and Neighborhood Service Center invited councilmembers to visit – and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen accepted their offer, visiting SWCC on Friday afternoon, to talk and tour.
The Family Learning Program is particularly concerned; their program has grown since starting earlier this year at SWCC, and while they have been told they can keep using space there, they told Rasmussen that much of the functional space they use will be taken away by changes to the building that will be necessary to turn it into a Neighborhood Service Center. They believe the city used bad data in deciding that SWCC was underutilized, as it’s had frequent closures in the past few years for upgrades and repairs, some of which aren’t even fully paid off yet, though their availability to the public will be curtailed if these changes are made.
Rasmussen asked if the SWCC supporters had reached out to other councilmembers; yes, they said, but nobody else responded. He suggested they try again, and promised to convey what he had heard. And when asked what else they could do – he suggested offering other money-saving or revenue-raising ideas, to show what could be done to save money instead of changing operations at SWCC.
You can keep an eye on the ongoing council budget process here.
If you’re interested in a little shopping, a little art/craft appreciation, two things happening now:
RACHEL AUSTIN AT CLICK! Looking ahead to Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk for art! Artist Rachel Austin is at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction this afternoon. You can check out her “Cartography Series” during the reception continuing till 5 pm. Look closely at the painting she is standing next to (sent by Click! a short time ago) – see West Seattle’s outline?
CRAFT FAIR IN HIGH POINT: Didn’t get advance word of this one, or else it would have been in our morning preview, but Jennifer e-mailed to say that Bridge Park is hosting a craft fair till 4 pm at 3204 SW Morgan: “There are a variety of vendors here… Scentsy candles, handmade jewelry, scarves, holiday decor, African jewelry, historical photographs, handpainted plates and wineglasses, Usborne books, handmade cards, and an artist doing pastel portraits while you wait. There is a drawing for door prizes! Refreshments available as well.”
Two reports of car prowling early today in two West Seattle neighborhoods – read on for details:Read More
Big fall for Fauntleroy resident Donn Bennett. His eponymous Drum Studio in Bellevue has just been honored as “Best in Western Washington,” for musical instruments. And tomorrow, he’ll rally hundreds of drummers for the annual “Woodstick Big Beat” mega-drum charity-benefit event he organizes – not in West Seattle, but not that far, if you want to go help local children’s charities and see an inspiringly thunderous display of musicians’ teamwork. Donn says, “We’re featuring Danny Seraphine, original drummer from Chicago, and 7 other top pro drummers” – along with hundreds of Northwest drummers, gathering tomorrow at the Juanita Field House in Kirkland. The official announcement explains more:
They’ll join drummers in 15 cities across North America to set 2 new Guinness World Records for drummers playing a song simultaneously. One record for the most drummers playing a song in a single location, the other for the most drummers playing together via live internet connection. The entire international event will be directed from our Kirkland, WA, location.
Drummers in Birmingham England assembled 588 drummers in 2008 to beat our previous record of 533 set at Qwest Field in 2005. On November 6th 2011 we’ll attempt to bring the record back to the Northwest where it all started. All proceeds will go to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to purchase musical instruments for underfunded local schools and to Camp Korey, a camp in Carnation WA for kids battling serious illness.
The event is 2-4 pm tomorrow (Sunday), 10601 NE 32nd; doors open at 10 am. Admission is $12/participant (register online here), $10/spectator, all going to charity. Quite a sight and sound, as you’ll see on the highlight reel from last year (above) – especially once it gets to the overview of the entire Field House.
(Photos by John Hinkey unless otherwise credited)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It was standing room only in Alki Elementary’s gymnasium Thursday night when students in Native American costumes held a Potlatch as part of an in-school cultural program created by Native American Artist and teacher Ronn Wilson.
A Potlatch is a traditional Native American ceremony that involves storytelling, song, dance, and gift-giving. Alki’s Potlatch was the culmination of a six-week Artist-in-Residence program called “Of Cedar and Salmon,” in which Wilson taught students the traditions and culture of Native Northwest Coast people. He’s been visiting the school twice a week for the past six weeks, sharing stories of how native cultures lived off the land, and teaching skills such as “good listening” and “showing respect.” He adds: “This is a very small piece of a big picture.”
Wilson painted the stage set; the students colored their headdresses as a school project. Kindergartener Freja showed us hers:
Students from all grades participated in drumming and performing dances such as “The Welcoming Dance” and “The Lightning Serpent Dance.” Wilson himself performed dances in elaborate costumes, including the headdress that didn’t just stick out its tongue — it stuck out a tongue with a frog on it.
The gift-giving portion of the Potlatch came at the end, when Wilson presented his own orca painting to the school, and former Principal Clover Codd (left) presented new Principal Chanda Oatis with a print of the painting:
Plus, each participating student got a poster showing the orca design and everyone present received bookmarks depicting the stage set designs.
Ronn Wilson says that beyond “getting kids to connect to Native American culture and tradition, I hope this is a catalyst for them to dig into their own history and connect to their elders.”
(Photo by Ted Johnson, from “The Foreigner,” continuing tonight at Fauntleroy Church)
Suggestions for your Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
BUSINESS CELEBRATIONS: Ribboncutting scheduled at newly opened Petco (41st/Alaska) at 8:55 am; grand-opening celebration at newly opened Stuffed Cakes (35th/Henderson), noon-3 pm, lots of details here.
STORY TIME: At Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am: The PJ Library Storytime at Kol HaNeshamah Congregation. The PJ Library welcomes Erik Lawson as our guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as our storyteller. We will be reading the book “Ella’s Trip to Israel.”
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Westside School (WSB sponsor) is having an open house 10 am-noon. Families are welcome to stroll the entire campus, speak with teachers, parents, and students about Westside School. The Open House is for all levels, Preschool through Middle School. In addition, Westside is offering weekly campus tours. For more information, contact Director of Admission David Bergler, davidb@westsideschool.org. (More information on the Westside website.)
GREEN SEATTLE DAY: Your chance to get out and help keep Seattle green, maybe even make it a bit greener. Westcrest Park in Highland Park is a hub for this event – check out the work-party opportunities here; it all starts at 10 am.
RETURN OF THE FOOD TRUCKS: After a week away, the food truck pod is back at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), 11 am-3 pm. Scheduled: Lumpia World, I Want Curry Now, Charlie’s Buns. (1:11 pm note: WSB commenter says only Charlie’s showed up)
MEET ‘HELLO KITTY’: Not in West Seattle, but the International District’s sponsoring WSB this month to let you know what’s up at the Wing Luke Museum, and today they’re inviting you to come meet “Hello Kitty” and explore Shop-O-Rama, 1:30-3:30 pm at 719 South King Street – lots more info here.
(added) RACHEL AUSTIN AT CLICK! Meet the artist and see her “Cartography Series” creations, 2-5 pm at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction.
‘THE FOREIGNER’ IN FAUNTLEROY: This community play continues at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 2 pm and 7 pm. “The Foreigner” is a comedy for all ages. More details and ticket info here.
COMFORT FOOD THROWDOWN: Comfort Food Throwdown fundraiser for Family Promise of Seattle, 6 pm at Seattle Lutheran High School (41st/Genesee) (full details here) – or, for a bit extra, be part of the 4 pm pre-event with a cooking demo by Amy Finley!
ALSO ON STAGE: Not in West Seattle, but – Matt Jeakle and Colleen Devine, West Seattle residents and Holy Rosary School ’09 graduates, are starring in the comedy “You Can’t Take it With You” at Seattle Prep, tonight at 7 pm (with a 2 pm matinee tomorrow). William Jeakle says, “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live theater, laugh like crazy, and support up-and-coming West Seattle actors. Spend some money to support live theater. After all, you can’t take it with you!”
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Capital, postseason play in Olympia, 7 pm.
TEN-YEAR REUNION: Chief Sealth Class of 2001 10th Reunion, 7-10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria in West Seattle. Contact Arlana Angel – arlanaangel@gmail.com. And check out the Facebook group.
‘EVIL DEAD’: Two shows tonight at ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery for “Evil Dead,” based on the cult-classic Sam Raimi movies, 7:30 and 11 pm (tickets available online).
ON THE RUN: Chief Sealth runner Kenaia Neumann competes in state championships (WSB story here)
CHANGING BANKS TODAY? There’s been a national call to move your money to community banks and credit unions today. If you are thinking about this, note that two Pacific Northwest community banks are on the WSB sponsor team: Viking Bank in The Junction and Umpqua Bank, newly opened in Admiral.
SET THE CLOCK BACK: Daylight Saving Time ends tonight (actually early tomorrow) – at 2 am, it’ll become 1 am.
(WSB photo from November 2010 Feedback Lounge holiday bazaar, with Ivette, Mary, and Bradi)
Christmas Eve is exactly seven weeks away. Some like to shop early, some like to wait till the holidays are closer. This year, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is having its Holiday Bazaar on the later end of the season – so it’s time now to send out their call for potential participants:
……………………..Call to Crafters, Artists, Creators!
Feedback Lounge in West Seattle is holding our 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar, on Dec 11th!
We are interested in having your creations at our Bazaar.
The event will be from:
11:30 am to 6 pm at
Feedback Lounge
6451 California ave SWTable with floor space available per vendor. Table sizes vary at approx 3’x5′—3’x8′ etc. (smaller & larger tables are options as well) with plenty of floor space. Vendors are invited to bring their own table as well. $25 per table space all day.
We can work with you on any amount of space, table size, etc, that you might need, just let us know!
If you are interested in selling your wares at this event, please contact me directly (see my contact info below).Crafters, Artists, Shoppers, Awesome Food, Award-winning Cocktails and You!
It’s going to be a great time, and hopefully prosperous afternoon for all, so let us know if you’d like to be a part of the day! Please see attached poster.
Thank you,Gianetta Griffitts
Feedback Lounge
giagriffitts@yahoo.com
The high-school-football postseason continues for two local teams: Seattle Lutheran High School defeated Bellevue Christian, 21-19, Friday night; according to the SLHS Twitter feed, the Saints will play on Tuesday for the chance to go to the state tournament. Meantime, West Seattle High School plays Capital in Olympia tonight (Saturday) at 7. (We’re keeping an eye on other sports too, with the help of our partners at the Seattle Times, but the results aren’t always up to date, so any sports reports you have from SLHS, WSHS, or Sealth, are always welcome – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)
Octopus’s Junkyard from Laura James on Vimeo.
A sea-life doubleheader tonight! Also just received this from diver/underwater photographer extraordinaire Laura James – not an “Octopus’s Garden,” as the soundtrack goes, but rather, an “Octopus’s Junkyard” off Alki. (Thanks to Laura for continuing to share the submerged sights for us landlubbers!)
News tonight from Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters:
I thought your readers might want to know that seal pup Spanky was rescued successfully today after falling off a high rock, deep into a hole between immense boulders late yesterday afternoon. It was quite a challenging predicament for the little pup who could not climb back out – and we could not reach in far enough to get him. Spanky has been a fixture along the west side rocks since we first discovered him on October 5th, entertaining volunteers and onlookers almost daily with his antics. We want to thank everyone who has respected the stranding network’s tape perimeter which has been put in place on busier days so he could rest undisturbed. Thankfully, we have had a good ending to this nerve-wracking incident and we hope Spanky returns to his rocky stretch of beach – just not to this particular rock!
Robin says a state wildlife worker turned into a seal-rescuing “superhero” to get Spanky out of there – she tells the story on Seal Sitters’ “Blubberblog” site. (And remember that if you see a seal, or any marine mammal, on a local beach, call 206-905-7325 [SEAL] to let SS know.)
The City Council hasn’t taken its final budget vote yet, but the plan to move West Seattle’s lone Neighborhood Service Center into what is now the Southwest Community Center may already be considered a done deal, if you consider the fact that the space has just been put up for lease. We got the word from real-estate broker Kelsey Diller at City Closers, who sent us the link to the new listing for 5405 Delridge Way SW (see it here, including a photo from inside the NSC), describing it as a followup to this story we published in September, after the budget proposal for community-center changes was announced. Just this afternoon, City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen visited SWCC to meet with community members who don’t want it to be changed into an NSC and Teen Life Center (separate story coming up later); the council is supposed to start finalizing budget tweaks next week, with a final vote due two weeks later.
ORIGINAL 2:55 PM REPORT: Just in from WSDOT:
The right lane of southbound SR 99, approximately ½ mile north of the West Seattle Bridge, is closed for emergency road repair work. The lane will be closed through the evening commute. During the 6-hour closure, crews will place a steel plate in the lane. When the road reopens, motorcyclists should use extra caution near the steel plates. The 40 mph speed limit will not change.
ADDED 3:31 PM: On the WSB Facebook page, at least one person with a view of the Viaduct says it’s already a mess.
5:35 PM UPDATE: WSDOT has reopened the lane hours earlier than projected.
LATE-NIGHT UPDATE: And WSDOT says it’s closed again.
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: And … reopened.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In King County Superior Court Judge Joan DuBuque‘s courtroom, the third of the three men found guilty of murdering Steve Bushaw in West Seattle in early 2009 has just been sentenced: One of the two triggermen who pleaded guilty, John Sylve, was given a sentence of 20 years total.
His sentencing originally was to be on the same day as that of the other triggerman, Danny O’Neal (here’s our Sept. 30th report), but Sylve’s family was a no-show in court on that date and all parties agreed to a postponement, including the victim’s family.
As the hearing began, the 26-year-old victim’s mother Meg Bushaw spoke:
At Westside School (WSB sponsor), they’re getting ready for an Open House tomorrow – the type to which prospective families are invited, so they can check out the campus. This afternoon, we got a firsthand look at some of the ways Westside students are integrating the newest technology into their work – iPads in math class. Above, teacher Marsha Lovely‘s kindergarteners; below, David Preston‘s 6th graders:
We’re told the middle-schoolers (this is Westside’s first year of middle school by the way – it’s being phased in, so they’ll add seventh grade next year) gave presentations to parents earlier today too, to show them what they’re doing with the iPads. Sixth graders get to use the iPads “full time,” we’re told, while the younger students share. You can find out more about Westside tomorrow at 10 am, which is when the open house begins – but if you can’t make it, you can also inquire about their weekly tours. They’re at 7740 34th SW.
(Editor’s note: After we had published this news release, SSCC sent a corrected version saying the flag-raising will actually be on the 10th, so we have made the change inline.)
Just out of the WSB inbox from South Seattle Community College:
On
Friday, November 11, Thursday November 10, at 11:11 am, a ceremony/flag raising will take place on the campus of South Seattle Community College to recognize Veterans Day. Throughout the day, the campus screens will feature a slideshow of South veterans and their family members who served. No classes are held November 11, but campus offices remain open and staffed.Nearly 200 student veterans reflect and add to the rich diversity of South’s student body. They come from all over the world, represent every branch of the military and, while they share some strong common bonds as veterans, all are following their individual paths to academic and career success.
South a “Military Friendly School”
For the second year in a row, South Seattle Community College has been designated by G.I. Jobs magazine as a “Military Friendly School” for 2011 – 2012 based on its role in accepting America’s veterans as students.
Seattle Public Utilities says it’s almost finished with the hydrant upgrades promised after water-flow problems hampered firefighters’ 
work to extinguish the flames that destroyed an Arbor Heights home on August 27 (WSB photo at right). We spoke with SPU today, after Arbor Heights resident Kevin McClintic clued us to work that’s been under way in the area this week (and shared the photo atop this story).
According to SPU’s Ingrid Goodwin, “Ten of the 12 hydrants that were identified for upgrades have been replaced with larger, standard-sized hydrants. The remaining two hydrants, located at 107th SW and 35th Ave SW, and 100th Street and 35th Ave, are scheduled to be replaced by the week of November 14.”
During work yesterday, several Arbor Heights residents noted on the WSB Facebook page that they lost water service but hadn’t received advance notification. Goodwin says SPU had warned “about 15 to 20 homes along 100th between 39th SW and 44th SW” that they would lose water yesterday, but the shutdown affected more homes than those. She said, “This was not supposed to happen, and we apologize for the disruption in water service to those customers. SPU is investigating why those homes, outside of the shut-down area, were affected.”
The new hydrants are painted yellow “for greater visibility,” Goodwin says, adding that while they originally planned to upgrade 11, a twelfth was identified and added to the list.
Ahead – see the list of the replacement hydrants’ locations:Read More
Last week, the Seattle Police Aggressive Drivers Response Team was out enforcing the bus lane on the West Seattle Bridge during the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure. This week, they’re back to speed enforcement (among other things), with 4 West Seattle school zones on the latest roundup list, plus Highland Park Way (including a ticket for 51 mph in a 30 zone) and Admiral Way (with one for 52 in a 30 zone). See the full list on the SPD Blotter site, here.
(Purse seiner off Alki Point – explained by Beach Drive Blog; photo by Danny McMillin via Flickr)
Happy Friday! From the West Seattle Events calendar:
FOOD TRUCK POD: 1 truck due at lunch, 3 for dinner, at Uptown Espresso lot on the south end of The Junction, schedule here
SPA DAY AT PHARMACA: It’s Spa Day at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (WSB sponsor), 1-5 pm (p.s. did you know they have a longstanding discount coupon here on WSB? find it and print it here).
COUNCILMEMBER VISITS SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CENTER: Supporters of SW Community Center, which faces major changes under the mayor’s proposed budget, invite community members to join them in talking with City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen at 2 pm today – more details here.
IN-STORE WINE TASTING: At Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral, 5-7 pm
WASHINGTON WINE MEDLEY: That’s the theme of Bin 41‘s weekly wine tasting, 6-7:30 pm.
‘THE FOREIGNER’ IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to a community play this weekend at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Avenue SW), with four performances through Sunday, starting at 7 pm tonight. The Fauntleroy Players of yore come to life again with “The Foreigner,” a comedy for all ages. More details and ticket info here.
‘THE DESPERATE HOURS’: Final performance for West Seattle High School’s Drama Club production, 7:30 pm at WSHS Theater. More info here.
This fall, the WSB Forums – added 2 years after the site’s debut – turn four. They were created when the requests for local recommendations – “where do I find a …” – started to overwhelm the front-page news stream. 
That’s a form of “people helping people,” and the Forums also have yielded face-to-face versions of that … as members joined together to reach out to people who need more than information. Sometimes, that’s meant face-to-face events, like the one coming up Sunday at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), a fundraising silent auction for Jan Seeley, a longtime Forums and comment-section participant you’d recognize as “JanS.” But much more than a screen name, she is a West Seattle community member, wearing hats including independent businessperson and mom.
Jan’s had health trouble for a while, and has won some victories, beating breast cancer, among other things. Right now she is in another health battle, waiting for a kidney transplant, because of a rare disease called fibrillary glomerulonephritis. Jan’s daughter Jessica had hoped to be a match, but tests revealed that was not to be, so Jan is still waiting and hoping. But Jessica, friends, and Forums members have done something else to help – organized Sunday’s fundraiser, including rustling up some unique auction items. Drop by The Feedback 2-5 pm Sunday to bid on something and enjoy Happy Hour (with proceeds from a special drink and appetizer going to Jan’s fund), as well as chair massage. Auction items mentioned in the ongoing WSB Forums discussion about the event so far include: great wine, coffee baskets, photographs, art, pest control services, massage gift cards, yard work, bagels from Zatz’s, an Angelina’s gift card, Curves membership, and handblown-glass ornaments. (Tis the season!) The Feedback is at 6451 California SW. By the way, its co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert is also a graphics artist extraordinaire and designed the poster art above (as well as the many others you’ll see on the Feedback’s site regarding the other events it hosts/presents).
Two years after the city started allowing them everywhere, “backyard cottages” continue to generate buzz. Our partners at the Seattle Times featured them in a story this past week. One of the companies mentioned in the story is West Seattle’s own Ncompass Cottage Company (WSB sponsor), which is putting on a free workshop next week to demystify backyard cottages, with information about everything from design to construction to financing. Not only will Ncompass’s team (and other experts) answer questions about backyard cottages, you can even ask one of the people for whom they’ve built one, Sean McClintock, who is featured in that Times story. The workshop is at the Community School of West Seattle at 7 pm next Wednesday (November 9th), 9450 22nd SW. RSVP by e-mailing stefan@ncompass-llc.com or calling 206-933-5961. (City of Seattle photo)
Winter’s on the doorstep – and that means West Seattle Helpline will be getting more requests for help from people in difficult circumstances, maybe just for something as basic as staying warm and dry, with a roof over their head. Making sure WS Helpline will be able to offer that help, was the goal of tonight’s gala dinner and auction at the Duwamish Longhouse in West Seattle.
Above are Helpline board members Terry Burns (who emceed) and Rev. Ron Marshall. Ahead – other community leaders/members who attended tonight to show their support:Read More
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