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West Seattle school news: Holy Rosary students thank Safeway
April 20, 2010 8:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Holy Rosary School shared that photo, explaining that Dave Dupuy of Jefferson Square Safeway is one of two local Safeway store managers receiving special presentations from students recently; he and Admiral Safeway‘s Amy Hill got posters and certificates in honor of their contributions to the school through the eScrip program. The announcement from Holy Rosary explains, “eScrip contributes to our operating budget which helps keep tuition affordable for all families, compensates our faculty and staff at a just and equitable salary, and continuously improves the learning opportunities for our students.” Last year, the program – which donates a portion of the monthly grocery purchases by each registered participant – brought almost $5,000 to Holy Rosary. Other local schools participate too – you can see the list and support a local school by going to escrip.com.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: More numbers, and 2 reports
April 20, 2010 6:38 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

First, the numbers: During the crime-trends update at last night’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting (WSB coverage here), Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James mentioned that auto theft was down, but didn’t mention numbers. We just got those from him – 38 in February, dropping to 28 in March. Meantime, we have two short reports from WSB’ers who wanted to get the word out about recent incidents – read on:Read More

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Sewer overflow facility at Lowman Beach? Next meeting tomorrow
April 20, 2010 6:13 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

Three weeks after the first public discussion of three options for reducing “Combined Sewer Overflows” from the Murray Pump Station at Lowman Beach – including one that would dig up much of the small park – it’s back on a local agenda tomorrow: The Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting. Meantime, park neighbor Dr. Ron Sterling writes on his website dedicated to the controversial proposal that nearly 400 signatures have been gathered on an “offline” petition, while this online petition is still open to signatures and as of this writing has more than 60 names. At the March 30 public meeting (WSB coverage here), the county described the three alternatives it’s considering for reducing overflows at the site; all involved some form of storage, with the most concern voiced about the option detailed in the graphic above, showing a large tank buried at the park and a storage pipe under part of Beach Drive, plus an above-ground odor-control/electrical vault on the park’ s north side. (The other two listed alternatives include one that would put an underground tank on land across from Lowman that now holds homes and apartments – which could be claimed by eminent domain if their owners chose not to sell – plus one with underground storage under a street uphill.) Neighbors urge anyone interested in the project, pro and con, to be at tomorrow night’s MoCA meeting, 7 pm in the downstairs meeting area at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW). Meantime, the county is taking comments through the end of this month – feedback options are listed here.

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Attention, artists: Be part of the West Seattle Art Walk’s “look”!
April 20, 2010 3:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Attention, artists: Be part of the West Seattle Art Walk’s “look”!
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Every quarter, the West Seattle Art Walk‘s promotional materials take on a new look – for spring, the flyers and posters show the photo collage making up the WSAW’s name (as you can see at left). Twilight Artist Collective in The Junction is putting out the call for local artists to send in art to use on posters, flyers, etc., in future quarters. If you’re chosen, your work will be seen on more than 2,000 pieces of promotional material – not to mention myriad places online. Here’s the form with more details on what and who they’re looking for (By the way, the next WS Art Walk is May 13th; you can keep up with WSAW plans on the Web at wsartwalk.com and on Facebook by going here.)

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West Seattle traffic alert: “Rolling slowdowns” for film crew
April 20, 2010 2:01 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

From SDOT:

Drivers may encounter congestion on the West Seattle Bridge on Thursday, April 22, while a film crew works from noon to 3 p.m. and again from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be “rolling slowdowns” on the bridge from First Avenue South to Southwest Avalon Way in both the eastbound and westbound directions.

Filming is also scheduled Thursday for the Alaskan Way Viaduct from East Marginal Way South to the Western Avenue off-ramp, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The filming will affect only northbound traffic on the viaduct.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day signups: Deadline nears
April 20, 2010 11:26 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

garagesaledaysmalllog5.jpgAs of this morning, we’ve passed 120 sales registered for the sixth annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coming up Saturday, May 8th – not one big sale, but a multitude of sales big AND small, all over the peninsula. It’s the third year that WSB has sponsored/coordinated the sale, and we’ll start making The Map as soon as registration closes late Thursday night (it’ll be available May 1st). A few notes:

*Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) still has a few courtyard spots, if you don’t want to sell at your own place (or don’t have enough room) – you can sign up @ Hotwire (free)

*C & P Coffee also is offering space for individual sellers (free) – we’re checking on their status but you can contact them in the meantime

*(added) Highland Park Improvement Club is offering space too, but charging $20 as an HPIC fundraiser – e-mail hpic1919@gmail.com

*If you have stuff you don’t want to sell but would like to donate to one of the nonprofits that’s participating, we know of at least one: CoolMom is collecting donated items at Cycle University (4550 Fauntleroy; that’s where their sale will be) up through Friday 5/7, the day before Sale Day. CM executive director Terri Glaberson says, “Folks can drop off their loot at Cycle University and place inside the Blue large storage container, which is located on the East side of Cycle University, Fauntleroy side. Here’s their flyer about the donations and sale.

As usual, we’re promoting West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day regionally so that sale-shopping fans know they’re also welcome to come to the peninsula that for one day becomes a garage-saler’s paradise – the ultimate in person-to-person recycling. Want to be part of it? Register and pay online by 11:59 pm Thursday (4/22), starting here. (The form server’s been running a little slow this morning; we appreciate your patience.) Any questions? E-mail our special WSCGSD mailbox, garagesale@westseattleblog.com or call our 24/7 business line, 206-293-6302.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Reading group; Tool Library meeting; more …
April 20, 2010 7:55 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor Avenue gosling and parent, photographed by David Hutchinson)
Want to curl up … with a good book? The monthly reading group at High Point Library meets at 6:30 tonight to discuss the 2010 Seattle Reads featured work, “Secret Son” by Laila Lalami … The West Seattle Tool Library, closer to launch after two recent successful donation drives, needs YOUR help tonight – join the people working on it as they meet at 7 pm at Uptown Espresso in The Junction (full details and background here) … Crosstown rivalry in boys’ varsity soccer today, West Seattle High School at Chief Sealth HS, 3:30 pm … Tonight at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), the weekly Spin Your Wax open-turntables event at 6 is followed by the monthly Alauda bellydancing showcase, 7:30 … More on the WSB Events calendar!

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Kiwanis Club of West Seattle hears from Alliance for Education executive April 21
April 20, 2010 1:49 am
|    Comments Off on Kiwanis Club of West Seattle hears from Alliance for Education executive April 21
 |   Announcements

Announced by the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle:

Alliance for Education Exec will Address Kiwanians

Vice President for Operations, Karen Tollenaar Demorest is the featured speaker at a 7 a.m. breakfast meeting of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, Wednesday, April 21st. The Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to help all students in Seattle Public Schools achieve academic success.

In her role, Demorest works with the district’s leadership, foundations, corporations, and other partners to secure strategic investments for innovative programs in Seattle Public Schools. She also oversees the organization’s community engagement program, and provides leadership for the Educational Investments and Community Engagement Task Forces to lead the work in the two core priority areas. She also convenes funders, community groups and civic leadership to provide support for public education.

The meeting will be held in the dining room of BE’s Restaurant, 4509 California Ave SW. Parking in the Junction lots on 44th Ave SW behind the marked rear entrance. The public is invited. Please call 206-938-8032.

The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, now in its 82nd year, undertakes a full program of service to the communities of West Seattle with special emphasis on the growth, education and needs of children from preschool though college. An affiliate of Kiwanis International which has clubs in 83 nations, the West Seattle club is an organization of concerned adults dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

The West Seattle Kiwanis club is one of the first service clubs established in West Seattle, and was started in 1929.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle offers you the opportunity to share your experience, knowledge, and time in service to the community. This service is great fun and builds fellowship with other members. Excellent, diverse
programs can be enjoyed at our weekly meetings. Membership is open to all men and women who possess a genuine interest in serving the community.

The club meets at 7am every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, and Noon every 2nd Wednesday, at Be’s Restaurant in the Junction, at 4509 California Ave SW. Park in rear lot and enter the rear door.

For more information, contact Warren Lawless at 206-938-8032 or ewl@westseattle.com

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Disaster Preparedness Month, night 19: Secure your water heater
April 19, 2010 11:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Preparedness | Safety | West Seattle news

One relatively simple, but hugely important, home-improvement action you can take in honor of Disaster Preparedness Month: Secure your water heater, since it can supply you with fresh water for quite a while if trouble interrupts your access to the main system. The sketch at right is from a how-to page on the state Department of Health website – which points out that plumber’s tape is no longer the preferred method for securing water heaters, because “so many tanks burst through this strapping” during the 1989 Bay Area and 1994 Southern California quakes. To see how to secure your water heater, check out the state how-to here. Got yours secured already? Send us a photo so we can show the world your awesome preparedness! And while we’re talking earthquakes – a reminder that the statewide drill, recommended for everyone (work, home, school, etc.), is coming up at 9:45 this Wednesday morning. Till then, make sure you’ve completed the basic preparedness steps we’ve been reiterating each night: Take the “3 to Get Ready” challenge (city campaign, sponsoring WSB this month); explore the West Seattle Be Prepared website and memorize your Emergency Communication Hub; and if you’re on Facebook, join the West Seattle Be Prepared group.

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West Seattle “reasonably quiet,” Crime Prevention Council told
April 19, 2010 11:18 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(L-R, Lt. Norm James, WSCPC president Dot Beard, secretary Betty Wiberg, VP Richard Miller)
There was so (relatively) little crime to talk about at tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, it didn’t even last an hour. In his meeting-opening update, Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Norm James began, “Everything’s been reasonably quiet.” And he said that is particularly good news for one neighborhood, Highland Park, where burglaries have “dropped off the charts” – recent arrests seem to have ended the latest series (described in this April 1st report). More of his toplines on current West Seattle crime trends, plus a surprise presentation at the meeting, and more, ahead:Read More

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West Seattle scene: Wedding wrapup at Alki
April 19, 2010 9:07 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

For better or for worse, through richer or poorer … through rain or shine … Mark shared that photo taken over the weekend after he spotted the truck on Alki.

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Another way to mark Earth Day: West Duwamish Greenbelt walk
April 19, 2010 9:04 pm
|    Comments Off on Another way to mark Earth Day: West Duwamish Greenbelt walk
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Nature Consortium – a West Duwamish Greenbelt pond that’s home to red-legged frogs)
Thursday is the official celebration of Earth Day – the 40th anniversary of the first one on April 22, 1970 – and just one day later, you can get an up-close-and-personal look at our city’s largest remaining contiguous forest, the West Duwamish Greenbelt, by joining the free monthly guided eco-hike (mild terrain) presented by the Nature Consortium, the West Seattle-based nonprofit that’s devoted to restoring the WDG. RSVP by calling 206- 923-0853 or emailing lisa@naturec.org; then meet at 1 pm Friday at the 14th SW/SW Holly (map) trailhead. P.S. Even if you’ve already seen our Duwamish Alive! coverage from Saturday – don’t miss the comments on this report – they include reports that two key participants added just today.

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Followup: What researchers found inside the Arroyos gray whale
April 19, 2010 5:05 pm
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photo from Thursday)
From Wednesday through Saturday last week, we brought you the story of the gray whale that stranded and died at Arroyo Beach on the southwesternmost end of West Seattle. Cascadia Research has posted some early results from the necropsy done on the whale’s remains yesterday. Here’s their full writeup. No definitive cause of death, they write, but:

The animal had more than 50 gallons of largely undigested stomach contents consisting mostly of algae but also a surprising amount of human debris including more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, surgical gloves, sweat pants, plastic pieces, duct tape, and a golf ball. The debris while numerous, made up only 1-2% of the stomach contents and there was no clear indication it had caused the death of the animal. It did clearly indicate that the whale had been attempting to feed in industrial waters and therefore exposed to debris and contaminants present on the bottom in these areas.

The whale died shortly after Arroyos residents first spotted it off their beach on Wednesday afternoon; researchers towed it away Saturday, bound for the South Sound beach where the necropsy was done, and where it will be left to decompose, with the bones eventually to be collected and displayed by marine researchers from Highline Community College‘s Marine Science and Technology Center.

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Council OKs “aggressive solicitation” law; mayor vows veto
April 19, 2010 4:09 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The City Council just sent its official announcement about passing the so-called “aggressive solicitation” law proposed by Councilmember Tim Burgess, who promoted it during a speech to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce at West Seattle’s Southwest Precinct last month (WSB coverage here). The vote was 5-4; voting “no” were Councilmembers Bruce Harrell, Nick Licata, Mike O’Brien and Tom Rasmussen. But five votes aren’t enough to override the veto promised by Mayor Mike McGinn (as reported by our citywide-news partners at the Seattle TImes). Read on for the council’s announcement:Read More

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One more park note: Myrtle Reservoir Park work to start soon
April 19, 2010 3:47 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Barely a block from High Point Playfield (subject of our previous story), construction is finally about to start for the park atop newly buried Myrtle Reservoir. It came up in the WSB Forums last week; now Cindi Barker of Morgan Community Association has confirmation from Parks’ project manager Virginia Hassinger that the project’s going out to bid, with bids to be opened May 12th, construction to follow. (This’ll be on the agenda at MoCA’s quarterly meeting Wednesday night, 7 pm @ The Kenney.)

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High Point Playfield name search: Potential tribute to trailblazer
April 19, 2010 3:26 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo of High Point Playfield, taken this afternoon)
A few days ago, the city circulated a news release seeking name suggestions for three parks around Seattle. One is High Point Playfield. The news release didn’t explain why a not-new park was in the market for a new name, but we followed up, and just got the answer – it’s the first step toward potentially naming the playfield in honor of trailblazing former Parks Superintendent Walt Hundley. Read on for more:Read More

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Metro reminder of upcoming 1st Avenue S. ramp-closure reroutes
April 19, 2010 1:29 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

Shortly after the date was announced last month for the upcoming closure of the 1st Avenue South ramp to the westbound West Seattle Bridge — part of the city’s Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project — Metro provided WSB with its bus-rerouting plans (3/5 story here). They haven’t changed, but with the May 17 ramp closure less than a month away, Metro has now sent an official news release, so in case you missed the news before, here’s the full text:Read More

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Triangle meeting #2: Facing the “gorilla” – & businesses’ concerns
April 19, 2010 12:01 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When the city-convened West Seattle Triangle Advisory Group gathered for its first meeting (WSB coverage here), developer Denny Onslow of Harbor Properties pronounced Triangle parking “the 500-pound gorilla in the room”: It wasn’t on the official agenda, but it was on almost everyone’s mind.

When the group gathered again this past Wednesday night at the Senior Center of West Seattle for meeting #2, the “gorilla” was at centerstage, with four potential Triangle “streetscape” concepts presented, each one including information on how it would affect the area’s street-parking inventory.

The other major headline from the meeting: While local property owner and advisory-group member Steve Huling wasn’t in attendance this time, several other Triangle business and property owners were represented in the audience, including Alki Lumber, Tom’s Automotive and Doyle’s Automotive.

Their concerns and what happens next – as the story continues:Read More

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What the Alki dust is all about: Pump-station road restoration
April 19, 2010 11:07 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | Utilities | West Seattle news

A little while ago, a note came in asking about a big cloud of dust or smoke on the east end of Alki Beach. If you’re seeing it from a distance, here’s what it’s all about: Road-resurfacing work at the 53rd Avenue Pump Station site, final phase of the two-year-plus project. Thanks to Bob Bollen for sharing the photo – he wrote, “At last a finished road is in sight!”

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West Seattle Monday: Crime council, skate dinner, Shipwreck laughs
April 19, 2010 6:21 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunday photo from Lincoln Park, shared by Gabe)
EAGLE-EYED CRIMEFIGHTERS: The intrepid West Seattle Crime Prevention Council has moved its meeting for this month only; it’s TONIGHT at the Southwest Precinct, 7 pm.

DINE AT DUKE’S, HELP KIDS SKATE: Tonight if you dine at Duke’s on Alki between 4 and 10 pm, a portion of the proceeds go to Lafayette Elementary to help buy new rollerskates for the PE program.

FEEDBACK LOUNGE BIRTHDAY WEEK BEGINS: This week, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) celebrates its first anniversary, with nightly specials, new rock ‘n’ roll art exhibits and more. Today’s special: $3.65 sliders and fries, open till close.

KNIT NIGHT: Seattle Yarn invites knitters to begin the week with a night of needle arts, crafting, food and drinks, starting at 6:30 pm at Endolyne Joe’s.

ZERO WASTE: That’s the topic for Sustainable West Seattle‘s monthly community forum, 7-9 PM, Senior Center of West Seattle.

KITTY CATS IN PIRATE HATS: It’s the first-ever comedy showcase tonight at Shipwreck Tavern, 8:30 pm, presented by the “Uh-Oh Dudes.”

COUNTDOWN TO GARAGE SALE DAY SIGNUP DEADLINE: Continuing the last week of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which is 9 am-3 pm May 8 – go here (registration deadline is this Thursday night, 4/22, 11:59 pm).

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West Seattle Tool Library: Help build it! Meeting April 20th
April 19, 2010 12:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tool Library: Help build it! Meeting April 20th
 |   Announcements

From Patrick @ Sustainable West Seattle:

Help Build The West Seattle Tool Library

With two successful tool drives behind it, The West Seattle Tool Library will be meeting again on Tuesday night, April 20, 7 pm at Uptown Espresso to discuss plans to develop the rest of our collection and plan for our involvement in The West Seattle Community Garage Sale. We’ll also be reviewing our logo designs, and establishing how we’ll promote the Tool Library as our June Grand Opening approaches. All are invited and more than welcome to attend. As always, feel free to send any ideas, comments, questions, or answers along to Gary Lichtenstein at library@sustainablewestseattle.org or visit the Tool Library’s page (sustainablewestseattle.org/tool-library) for more details.

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Disaster Preparedness Month, night 18: Got radios?
April 18, 2010 11:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Preparedness | Safety | West Seattle news

That’s Morgan Junction-based preparedness volunteer Ron Zuber, doing double duty this morning – while joining in the student-led breast-cancer walk (here’s our earlier report), he stopped for a few radio tests. If other communication channels go down, there’s a radio plan in place for the West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs to talk with other neighborhoods and other areas of the city, as well as with authorities – and Ron works to make sure the system’s running, which means periodic testing. This is in addition to the ham-radio operators who are part of a formal network – we’ve reported before on some of their local tests, often headquartered at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge (site of the Communications Academy we spotlighted on Night 10). Even if you’re not part of these networks, simple 2-way radios are often advised as part of your preparedness kit – they can provide family or neighborhood communication over a short distance if needed. And there are some 2-way radios among the increasing number of hand-crank- or solar-powered options. Meantime, our nightly reminders as Disaster Preparedness Month continues:

****Join the West Seattle Be Prepared group on Facebook
****Take the “3 to Get Ready” challenge (WSB sponsor – with prizes!)

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Followup: Owners of “The Hole” say they’ll answer the letter
April 18, 2010 8:54 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

A week and a half ago, the Southwest District Council decided (WSB coverage here) to send a letter to the owner of The Hole, aka the excavated-then-stalled Fauntleroy Place development site at Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th, asking for safety and aesthetic improvements. The letter subsequently was sent, after a few changes (here’s our report with the final version). We subsequently sought reaction from the addressee, Seattle Capital. After a few days, spokesperson Mary Grace Roske sent this reply:

I have talked with representatives of Seattle Capital Corporation, managing member of Fauntleroy Place LLC, and they have received the letter from the Southwest District Council. Seattle Capital intends to respond to the letter and is reviewing the issues raised. A response will be sent as soon as reasonably possible … the property is in foreclosure and that legal process continues.

A motion for judicial foreclosure was filed eight months ago (WSB coverage here) as part of the ongoing lawsuits (consolidated into one mega-case that is currently set for trial in October).

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