West Seattle, Washington
04 Monday
Something new turned up on the city’s Travelers Information traffic-info map: Links to live video from the two main cameras on the West Seattle Bridge. There’s no direct link so far as we can tell, so here’s how to get to them: Go to the map, scroll till you see “Live Traffic Video” on the lower right, click that, and it opens a list of 12 cameras around the city, including the two on the bridge. The video seems to stop after 30 seconds, though, requiring another click to resume. We’ll be checking with SDOT later this morning to find out more about this new addition.
Like its counterpart a few miles north, Chief Sealth International High School opened its Open House last night with music – in their case, the Jazz Band played in the auditorium. The program that preceded classroom visits included a special event – acknowledgment of the new public-art installation outside the auditorium, visible from SW Thistle:
The six illuminated steel “Sentinels” are the work of Seattle artist Juan Alonso, who spoke briefly and emotionally, explaining the inspiration behind them:
A Washington State Arts Commission rep explained the work as part of the “1/2 of 1%” program. Sealth’s new principal Chris Kinsey also spoke briefly, saying the year – his first there – is off to an “amazing” start. (No classes today – it’s a professional-development day throughout the district.)
No school today for Seattle Public Schools students – but last night was big for at least two schools here on the peninsula, high-school Open House night. We stopped by both; at West Seattle High School in the early going, we found principal Ruth Medsker out in the courtyard with the band, ready to serenade arriving parents. Then we got the student musicians on video:
Tomorrow (Saturday) is WSHS Homecoming, with a barbecue in the courtyard starting at 2:45 pm, followed by a caravan to the stadium at 4:15, and the game at 5, with the Homecoming Dance (at the school) afterward.
Story and photo by Karen Berge
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
This week’s Admiral Neighborhood Association monthly meeting provided attendees with another opportunity to learn and ask questions about the upcoming Alaskan Way Viaduct closure – scheduled to begin on the evening of October 21st – now just one week away.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, Viaduct project deputy director Matt Preedy, who had presented a community briefing at West Seattle High School the night before (WSB coverage here), was the featured speaker.
Preedy described what is going to happen during the closure and reiterated many of the points that have been covered recently in previous meetings – but there were still lots of questions. (And there’s some new information, you’ll notice, if you’ve been following the coverage closely!)
You just can’t escape the Alaskan Way Viaduct this month. Not only because of the ubiquitous countdown to the 9-day, 10-night closure, but then, there’s art like Cheryl Robinson‘s paper/wax-on-wood creation, on display at Link (WSB sponsor), where Cheryl and her Twilight Artist Collective-mates made all the art happen. Cheryl’s “On the Viaduct” is featured on the fall-quarter West Seattle Art Walk posters/postcards:
… so we started tonight’s Art Walk coverage with her work. We also stopped by The Kenney (WSB sponsor), where quilter Doris McHenry was one of the resident artists showing work:
The Kenney also had a bazaar raising money for the Resident Life Care Fund, helping pay the rent for those whose resources run out too soon. Back in The Junction, ArtsWest opened a new exhibition a few days ago, “The Edge of Night,” and participating painter Jean Bradbury was at tonight’s reception:
Further south along California SW, Art Walk night also meant one of the periodic Open House events at longtime WSB sponsor M3 Bodyworks. They’re showing work by Sarah Barrick:
One of the great things about Art Walk night is that it’s even more an introduction, than a self-contained event – most if not all the artists/exhibitions can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the month. So whether you did or didn’t make it out tonight, take a look at the official Art Walk website at wsartwalk.com and think about visiting local businesses for art’s sake as well as for purchases and services.
No rain tonight – but you know it’ll be back. And if you’re in an area that tends to flood, you might want to take advantage of the city’s offer of up to 25 free sandbags, which will be offered at Delridge Community Center starting Saturday. (Thought we saw a SANDBAGS sign outside there just the other night, but the city’s official announcement says October 15th.) Details ahead:Read More
West Seattle’s newest neon sign is at Freshy’s Coffee in the Admiral District. We got word from Western Neon that it was going up today, and caught it shortly after their crews finished. Freshy’s (2735 California SW) just celebrated its sixth anniversary last month, by the way. One thing you might not know if you’ve never been there, or haven’t been in lately – soup is on the menu, with the latest varieties often listed on their Facebook page.
Even if you’ve never met her, you may feel like you know longtime WSB’er “JanS.” She has participated in many discussions both here in the news section and in the WSB Forums since their inception almost four years ago. In the community, online and offline, Jan has reached out to help many, both with words and with deeds. And now she needs a little help herself. Her daughter, Jessica Diamant, tells the story, and explains how you can help … in small ways, and maybe even in a big way:
As some of you may know, my mom Jan Seeley (or as you may know her on the WSB forums JanS), was diagnosed with fibrillary glomerulonephritis, a rare form of kidney disease, last year. It was discovered after many months of extreme fatigue and anemia. After her diagnosis, she underwent treatments and chemotherapy for the disease, but unfortunately her kidneys failed, and she is now in end-stage renal failure. After a few more months of rigorous testing, she was approved and added to a kidney transplant list. I was planning on donating one of my kidneys to her, but due to the antibodies in her blood, we found out that I am not a good match. She is now on dialysis, which she goes to three times a week.
My mother is no stranger to struggle and health problems. After my parents’ divorce nearly 20 years ago, she built a home=based massage business from the ground up while raising a wild teenager (me) and trying to make ends meet.
Organizers of next week’s School Board candidates’ forum in West Seattle – presented and sponsored by local PTAs and PTSAs – just locked in a topnotch moderator, KUOW education reporter Phyllis Fletcher. So says organizer Carla Rogers, who shares more information about the 6:30 pm Tuesday forum at Madison Middle School (day before ballots go out):Read More
Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Junction’s fresh-fish market has a new owner you just might know: Jon Daniels was the owner of City Fish in Pike Place Market for fifteen years and he’s bringing his experience, along with some big plans, to Seattle Fish Company.
Daniels calls taking over the fish market the “perfect situation.” After selling City Fish and taking a year off for family time, he was ready to get back into business. When the opportunity came to take over Seattle Fish Company, he says, “I walked into the shop for the first time (around) September 12th and we closed on October 7th.”
The fish market continues to sell the fresh fish, shellfish, and crab cakes they’re known for, and come January, it’ll also be a seafood restaurant, serving lunch and dinner.
(With the Chengdu students are educators, L-R, Liu Jing, Lisa Clayton, Jen Dowell)
West Seattle schools have been at the forefront of the increasing amount of Chinese-language learning offered to students – with the Confucius Institute based on the Denny-Sealth campus – but did you know that English-language learning is key for students in China, too? That’s a big reason why this group of 4th- and 5th-graders from Chengdu Longjiang Road Primary School in central China (map), is spending three weeks at Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point. Their visit was arranged by Pathfinder assistant principal Lisa Clayton (who also happens to be the mom of two China-born daughters).
Since there’s no classes tomorrow, the students are wrapping up their first week today; we stopped by to meet them early Tuesday. In a quick chat before the school day revved up, the students told us they are enjoying all aspects of their visit – not just getting to practice their English, but also making new friends, playing with their host families’ pets, enjoying seasonal all-American traditions like a visit to a pumpkin patch.
The students are here in the U.S. with their school’s assistant principal Liu Jing; a frequent Pathfinder substitute teacher, Jen Dowell, has been hired to help out during their stay. None of this comes out of the school’s budget or any other public funds – Clayton worked it out with the Northwest International Student Exchange, based in Portland, which handles it all. This is part of a monthlong U.S. visit for the students, which started back East and continues after their West Seattle stay, with a trip to Disneyland!
(Photo added 1:37 pm as railing work continues)
Shortly after we published our report on last night’s Roxhill Park Skatespot meeting, Jay, asked in the comment section why Delridge Skatepark‘s “egg bowl” is currently “fenced off.” Our followup question to Seattle Parks‘ Kelly Davidson brought this reply: “Parks is having a two-level rail put around 50% of the egg bowl since safety issues were raised about toddlers from the wading pool wandering over, or pedestrians cutting the corner at night. There was concern either would fall into the deep end.” (From covering project meetings, we recall that the wading-pool concern had surfaced previously, more than once.) Davidson says the fence will be up “until tomorrow so the posts can cure.”
Tomorrow is opening night for the 2011 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (WSB sponsor), and once again this year, the festival includes screenings in West Seattle, at the historic Admiral Theater. This morning, SLGFF has sent a news release with details of the 11 films you’ll be able to see at The Admiral, starting one week from tonight – read on!Read More
(Click for full-size view, as a PDF – upper right of rendering is 29th/Barton)
Back in August, the first community design meeting for the soon-to-be-built Roxhill Park Skatespot included discussion of the adjacent playground renovations (WSB coverage here). And when the final design plan is presented next month, the two projects will share the stage again. But last night at Southwest Library, the “schematic” (draft) design that California Skateparks has come up with for West Seattle’s second skatepark was alone in the spotlight.
CS’s lead designer Colby Carter explained the design as a “basic street plaza,” albeit one with more transitional elements than his company usually builds. A lively discussion followed, including specific critiques from youth and adult skaters who were in attendance, as you’ll see in our video:
A couple quick points in case you couldn’t watch the video: Carter said that while there’s still “flexibility” to tweak this design, the “major breakthrough” came in fitting the concept onto the challenging site, because of its size, grades, and trees (5 will go, 18 will be planted, said Seattle Parks‘ Shwu-jen Hwang), not to mention the budget. Still no lights, Parks’ project manager Kelly Davidson reiterated; she says there’s just no money in the budget for them. (Lights had been a request at the August meeting, along with perhaps a bowl feature; that’s not in the schematic design, either, but there are multiple bowls at the open-a-month-now Delridge Skatepark.)
Among those on hand was Matthew Lee Johnston of the city’s all-volunteer Skatepark Advisory Committee, which has reviewed the project with California Skateparks since the August community meeting, and he thanked Carter for taking into account feedback they had provided. SPAC had concerns earlier about the project, having not been kept in the loop when donations from the Rob Dyrdek Foundation were announced for the project while that skating star was in town last May (WSB coverage here), which led to a “no-cost” design contract with California Skateparks.
Next step: The final design is due to be unveiled November 14th, 6 pm, Southwest Library, along with the final playground design – though that project gets its own “schematic design” unveiling at the library next week, 6 pm Monday (October 17th). And there’s still time to take a look at the design and tell Parks what you think, if you weren’t there last night – check the project’s official city page for info on how to send in your comment(s).
(Wednesday morning almost-moonset photo by mriggen, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: Bring your kids to get read to by firefighters! Today’s edition is at the Southwest branch of the Seattle Public Library (9010 35th Ave SW), 11 am.
LEARN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Free civic-skills-training class in West Seattle, presented by Seattle Free School, full details here including how to register, 4:30 pm at the High Point Library (35th/Raymond).
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! Dozens of venues around West Seattle are waiting to welcome you with art and in some cases music and treats – check out previews on the official site. 6 – 9 pm; walking map/venue list is here.
BAZAAR AT THE KENNEY: During the Art Walk, The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is also hosting a bazaar, with proceeds going toward the Resident Life Care Fund for residents whose financial resources fall short. The Kenney says items on sale include “arts and crafts made by our residents and family members … greeting cards, pressed flower bookmarks, snowman kits, lavender sachets, scarves, afghans, jewelry, super yummy baked goods and more including a rummage sale table and a funny game involving a mustache.” (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: These are open houses for students’ families to come meet their teachers and learn about this year’s curriculum. Chief Sealth International HIgh School‘s open house starts at 6 pm with a gathering in the auditorium; West Seattle High School open house starts with a gathering in the gym at 6:30 pm; more details in this preview from earlier today.
M3 OPEN HOUSE: M3 Bodyworks (WSB sponsor) catered open house (including ginger-snap cookies with pumpkin-chiffon dip, says proprietor Michael Mandell) featuring artist Sarah Barrick, 6-9 pm.
SOUTHWEST SEATTLE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN: Linda Mitchell, president of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington (State), is the guest. This group includes West Seattleites but meets tonight in Burien, 6 pm, Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, 601 SW 153rd, all welcome.
PARKS BUDGET: Tonight the city Parks Board gets a briefing on the department’s budget proposal, including service reductions at some community centers, 7 pm at Parks HQ downtown.
(Photos courtesy Juan Alonso)
It’s a big night for thousands of local families, those of students and/or staff at the two biggest high schools on the peninsula: It’s Open House night for both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School – where the new public art shown above, Juan Alonso‘s “Sentinels” (read about it in our August story) will be dedicated as part of the event.
At Seattle Public Schools campuses, “open house” usually means the time for families to come meet their kids’ teachers and find out how things are going so far in the new school year (as opposed to independent schools, which often have “open houses” for prospective families to come learn more about the school). Both schools are hoping for big turnouts:
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: Families are invited to gather in the gym for a brief program at 6:30 pm, and then they’ll be dispersed to classrooms, to find out about curriculum and meet teachers. The event is scheduled to continue till 8:30 pm. (Note that it’s Homecoming Week at WSHS and you’ll see signs of school spirit – also note that there’s a barbecue at the school on Saturday afternoon, before the big game – details on the WSB Events calendar.)
CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL: The night begins with a 9th-grade parent social at 5 pm in the Galleria; the all-school general program begins at 6 pm, after a welcome starting at 5:30 pm, with the night’s schedule and progress reports handed out in the Commons. The main program begins at 6 pm in the auditorium, with presentations plus the official dedication of “Sentinels.” Rotation through classrooms will start at 6:30 and last for six ten-minute periods, with five-minute transitions inbetween.
Sunday’s the Fauntleroy Fall Festival – and that was one major topic of Tuesday night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting. Kim Petram was there with a reminder about a contest you’ll need to plan for in advance: Everyone’s welcome to enter the cake-decorating contest! Any kind of cake, Kim says, any shape, just bake it, decorate it, bring it down and maybe you’ll win a prize. They’re planning categories for competitors from kids to pros. The festival runs 2-5:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church/YMCA/Schoolhouse, but you can bring your cake entry over as early as noon. Entering or not, you’ll want to be there for the cake walk! Full details on this flyer. More festival details ahead, and other FCA business:Read More
Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Walls are being painted bright red, orange, and purple inside the storefront at 4709 42nd Ave SW (vacated by SIMA Martial Arts, which moved to The Triangle), and some walls can be drawn on with multi-colored chalk. This space is becoming home to Young at Art, an art workshop that will be open to kids and adults to learn and play with arts and crafts.
Owner Theresa Anderson tells WSB that the space will be a combination workshop and artist’s studio, with art wor kstations positioned around the space and focusing on particular mediums.
(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
“Life is a cabaret, old chums … come to the cabaret!” You can do exactly that this Saturday night, while enjoying not only exceptional entertainment, but also a dessert buffet, and the sweet knowledge you’re helping a local nonprofit performing-arts troupe. Here’s their invitation:
Please join Twelfth Night Productions for our annual Cabaret Fundraiser!
The investment in Twelfth Night Productions from our tremendous donors keeps this volunteer-driven organization alive, enriching the greater community with the gift of the performing arts. Each year we raise nearly a quarter of our annual budget at the Cabaret Fundraiser. We look forward to seeing you there!
The evening will feature light appetizers, a dessert buffet, raffle prizes (including getaways to Lake Chelan and Victoria, B.C.), and fabulous entertainment from Twelfth Night Productions’ seasoned players.
Saturday, October 15th, 2011
The doors open at 7 PMSeattle Lutheran High School Gym
4141 41st Ave SW (enter at Genesee and 41st)
Tickets are $50 per person, or $450 for a table of 10
Purchase your tickets at Brown Paper Tickets or RSVP to Cronin.Anna@gmail.comPlease join us and support your local theater troupe! For questions, please call Anna at 206.937.1394.
Not a new scam, but in case you or someone you know hasn’t heard about it – Maria wants to make sure you’re aware the scammers/”phishers” are out there again right now, trying to get you on the line. Read ahead for her report:Read More
From our partner site White Center Now – King County Sheriff’s Office has made the decision about who will fill the newly restored position of storefront deputy. It’s not the deputy who used to have the job, though he was reported to be a candidate for the position. Details here.
(Rendering courtesy Stewart Chung)
First came the 35th/Graham spot where Marination Mobile has spent Saturdays for more than a year, occasionally with another truck joining in. Then, as of last Saturday, came the Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot, where Lumpia World and Curry Now are expected back this Saturday. And now, we’ve just received this word from Stewart Chung of the burger truck BUNS:
BUNS and other premier food trucks will start coming to W Seattle on a regular basis. We will be serving from the Uptown Espresso lot at the junction. While the scheduling is in progress, three food trucks: Fusion on the Run, Big Food Mobile, and Raney Brothers BBQ will be there on Fridays starting this coming Friday. BUNS will debut Saturday night 10/22.
Stewart says the way-beyond-expectations success of the October 2nd Mobile Chowdown in The Junction was an inspiration for this. Meantime, the new pod has a website, at wseattleeats.com. Note that this will NOT be a conflict with the trucks that have been coming to West Seattle on Saturdays, under the schedule they’re envisioning now.
(Photo courtesy Holli Margell)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Three and a half months after first word of a proposed apartment project meant to house 75 homeless people living with mental illness and possibly substance abuse, questions and concerns still abound in Delridge.
That was the bottom line of last night’s first Delridge Community Forum, launching a new volunteer-organized series of mediated conversations on major topics of local interest. The DCF organizing group spun off from the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, after a June community meeting about the Downtown Emergency Service Center‘s proposal left a lot of dissatisfaction, particularly the fact it was in a tiny venue that led to a lot of turnaway.
For last night’s forum, which brought an estimated 150 people to the theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, organizers went to extensive lengths to try to ensure the event would not lean too heavily toward either the pro or con direction, and that it would not dissolve into an angry brouhaha. The only real flash of the latter potential happened when the meeting was already running overtime – and resulted in a quick adjournment.
Ahead – the key points of information and concern, including video of the presentations that preceded the Q/A:Read More
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