West Seattle, Washington
11 Sunday
(Bright Horizons team: L-R standing – Janice, Melody, Lindsay, Krys, Laurie, Helen, Michelle, Jasmine; in front, Patrick)
Today, we welcome a new sponsor, Bright Horizons, whose new West Seattle child-care center recently opened on the first floor of the Link Apartments building in The Triangle, and has a Grand Opening celebration this Saturday. Here’s what they would like you to know: Bright Horizons offers child care for infants through preschoolers. Bright Horizons works on each part of the development of each child, be it the mind, body, social self, or character. Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, while their parents are given up-to-date information about children, education, child care, and development. Bright Horizons‘ goal is to create competent, life-long learners who will do well during their upcoming school years. Infant, toddler, and preschool programs are offered, along with limited part-time care for preschoolers. Tour appointments are accepted year round – just call 206-932-0820.
This Saturday (June 18th), you’re invited to the Grand Opening festivities at Bright Horizons-West Seattle (4530 38th SW), 10 am-1 pm – with activities, a chance to enter a drawing for gift-stuffed bags, and more. Here’s the schedule:
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – State Senator Sharon Nelson 10:45 a.m.
• Storytelling with Professor Watermelon 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Live performance by The Not-Its! 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• Face Painting with Colorific Kids 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Scavenger Hunt, Food, Fun, and Festivities all day long
We thank Bright Horizons-West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(5:08 PM UPDATE: The car’s owner just heard from SPD – their car’s been found)
This afternoon’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup has two theft reports – a car (whose owner hopes you can help find it) and a package. Details after the jump:Read More
A new principal has been announced for Arbor Heights Elementary School, less than one month after current principal Dr. Carol Coram announced she’s moving to an assistant-principal job at Denny International Middle School. From the letter going home with AH students today, from West Seattle’s executive director of schools Aurora Lora:
I am excited today to announce the appointment of Christy Collins as your new principal, effective July 1. Ms. Collins comes to Seattle Public Schools from the Lake Washington School District and brings more than 29 years of experience leading faculty and students. She is an instructional leader and has made a lifetime commitment to quality education. She is well-known for her work in building partnerships with the community and I know she will be a great fit for the Arbor Heights families, students and staff.
Ms. Collins served as principal of (McAuliffe) Elementary in Sammamish from 1999-2006 and was principal of Rockwell Elementary in Redmond from 1993-1999. Most recently, she served as Special Education Coordinator for the Lake Washington School District for the past four years. In this role, she guided and directed all aspects of administration of special education programs for the district.
She started her career as an elementary special education and general education teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in K-8 education from Western Washington University and a Master of Education in Education Administration and Principal Certification from Western Washington University.
Ms. Collins was selected after a hiring process that included input from staff and families in the Arbor Heights community. The selection team committee was impressed with her curriculum expertise, special education background, and experience with Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. Please join me in welcoming Christy to Arbor Heights and Seattle Public Schools!
According to the AH PTSA website, Collins will be at the school tomorrow morning to meet parents. Also changing principals for next school year is Lafayette Elementary, as reported here yesterday.
(Photo by Laura Sweany)
The Community Orchard of West Seattle continues taking shape on the north side of the South Seattle Community College campus, and just marked a milestone, according to this report from Patrick Dunn (who’s in the photo above with fellow orchard Steering Committee member Narcissa Nelson):
I’m pleased to report that The Community Orchard of West Seattle delivered its first small harvest of spinach and lettuce to The West Seattle Food Bank (Wednesday) for (that evening’s) distribution. As our newly planted orchard comes of age, this will be the first of many future produce donations to support local food security programs.
Since The Community Orchard broke ground in January at South Seattle Community College, hundreds of neighbors have joined in to sheet mulch the plot, build pathways and trellises, and plant a vast array of edibles. In the process, those neighbors have not only improved the future of our local food security but they’ve also formed a great Orchard community that’s growing right along with the plants.
And we hope to continue meeting more our neighbors through our monthly work parties, socials, and free classes. Next month’s free class on July 16th will be “Tracking Critters in the Urban Garden,” taught by local tracker Pete McGlenn. For more information, please visit: fruitinwestseattle.org
Notice a power surge/flicker in the past hour? Apparently at least one rippled throughout the region (though we didn’t notice anything here at WSB, we’ve received at least one note and seen other reports via Twitter) because of an explosion/fire at a substation in Redmond. Our friends at KING 5 are covering it online.
(From the updated “interactive simulation”: Red marks the Viaduct section to be demolished during late October closure; green shows how new section will be connected to detour)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you are thinking about a fall vacation – October 21-31 might be an excellent time to consider. That has just been announced as the time frame WSDOT is projecting for the biggest Alaskan Way Viaduct shutdown required by the south-end replacement project, according to its director, Matt Preedy.
His Viaduct-project briefing was the biggest presentation at last night’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting, and included other new information of interest to West Seattle drivers/bus riders/etc. – such as, what is being planned to keep our area out of total gridlock during that time.
Details ahead:Read More
After many years at Seaview Methodist Church, Lincoln Park Cooperative Preschool decided to seek a new home – and has just announced it has found one for next school year: The Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse at 9131 California SW, you’ll recall, is in its first year of a new life as a nonprofit-owned-and-operated community facility, and is continuing to add new tenants; this is the latest one. Lincoln Park is part of the South Seattle Community College cooperative-preschool family, with a format that includes parents working in the classroom one day a week. It offers classes for ages 1-5, and has a few openings – e-mail Judy at jkatalki@aol.com.
An update from Brody Webster‘s mom, in the comment section following the original report about the search for him: He’s been found, she writes, adding, “Thank you for keeping an eye out for him. Hopefully this time we can get him back on track.”
(Wednesday night moon photo by Bill Bacon)
It’s a time of extremes – the full moon, and the tides it brings:
(Wednesday midday photo of Seacrest Pier pilings by Patrick Sand)
Again today, Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be at Lincoln Park and South Alki to assist with low-tide explorers. Low tide is -3.0 at 11:54 am. Also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
CONGRATULATIONS, SSCC CLASS OF 2011: South Seattle Community College commencement, 2:30 pm Benaroya Hall downtown.
USO BENEFIT: Hosted by Merrill Gardens (WSB sponsor, 4611 35th Avenue SW). This benefit event is to support our troops through our local U.S.O. Attendees will enjoy dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by the West Seattle Big Band from 7 – 8 pm. Active and inactive service members will be on hand to share their experiences and memorabilia. Minimum donation is $10 per attendee. Call 206-932-5480 to RSVP.
PUBLIC MEETING ON DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP SITE: Tonight the EPA is hosting a meeting to ask for public comments on the cleanup of the polluted area known as Jorgensen Forge (adjacent to Boeing Plant 2). Doors open 6, public comment starts at 8, South Seattle Community College Georgetown Campus, details and background here
COMMUNITY CENTERS’ FUTURE: The second of two city meetings – not in West Seattle, but the official one for the “south” side of the city including WS – is tonight, 7 pm. Here’s our preview from last night.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: ACC’s monthly meeting, 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds), agenda details here.
WSHS MUSIC: West Seattle High School Music Department presents the 2011 Spring Concert at the WSHS theater at 7 pm, admission is free! Donations appreciated.
BENEFIT SHOW AT THE BRIDGE: The Gifted Program performs tonight at 8:30 at The Bridge in West Seattle, as a fundraiser to recover from a recent fire in Tukwila that destroyed some of the band’s equipment. More details on this Facebook event page.
(Our first round of photos from the communitywide LB debut is here)
Story by Stephanie Chacharon
Photos by Christina Chacharon
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It was really only a matter of time before West Seattle had its own branded beer. Enter Löwman Bräu, a summery Kölsch-style beer that unapologetically boasts: “It’s a West Seattle thing, you wouldn’t understand.”
LB is the hops-filled lovechild of Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) proprietor Jeff Gilbert and master brewer Alejandro Brown of White Center’s Big Al Brewing (both pictured below with Feedback co-owner Matt Johnson). To celebrate the release of this local legend-in-the-making, ten neighborhood bars tapped their kegs at 7 pm Wednesday night — serving up frosty pints that both taste good and do good.
The Feedback Lounge was filled with neighbors bellied up to a pint (or two) of Löwman Bräu, many wearing the beer’s signature t-shirt, created by Modern Dog Design. Proprietor and LB-instigator Jeff greeted guests with a handshake or a cheerily raised glass, calling “Happy Löwman Bräu day!” to the steady crowd in front of the T-shirt table.
From a Fauntleroy resident who doesn’t want to be identified:
I wanted to report that someone shot at our front picture window in the 9400 block of 45th Avenue SW (Wednesday) evening around 8 pm. Southwest Precinct responded and is investigating. We aren’t clear what was shot, since it’s at least 30-40′ from the street to our window. But our own research shows that BBs can’t shoot more than 15′. We have a double pane picture window, and only the outer pane was pierced, with a tiny dent on the inside of the inner pane.
Needless to say, we are distressed and frustrated. And our kids are spooked. Thanks, just wanted to let our neighbors know.
The new developer/architect team for Oregon 42 – the proposed development at 42nd/Oregon in The Junction, a couple lots north of QFC/Capco Plaza – explained project changes to community members last night. In case you couldn’t be there, we recorded the 1-hour meeting on video. We detailed the changes here earlier this month, after Junction Neighborhood Organization president Erica Karlovits announced the project’s new leaders had contacted her to talk about the changes. Primary among them: The project has dramatically downsized its planned retail space, switching to more apartments instead. Karlovits raised issues on behalf of nearby neighbors, including parking and construction noise, but no conflicts or unaddressable concerns erupted. If the city signs off on the changes, the developers say they hope to start work by the end of the year; they believe construction would take about a year and a half. The deadline for comments on the project is June 29th (more in this story).
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Sure, it was an excuse to drink a brand-new beer. But tonight’s Löwman Bräu launch was about fundraising, too. With so many venues participating, and donating part of the proceeds from this new West Seattle brew, we had two crews out checking in with the events – here’s the first round of photos, from WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen. Top photo, that’s The Bridge co-owner Trevor Garand with dog rescuer Ginger and crew – The Bridge’s beneficiaries are canine charities including hers. Heading south from there, Locöl chose Roxhill Elementary, which had a contingent in a booth:
Behind the bar at Locöl was Shane, who said, “Come to Locöl, drink for kids!”
On Ellen went to White Center, where Big Al Brewing brewed Löwman Bräu – and is donating to the White Center Food Bank, which had a team out on Big Al’s patio (executive director Rick Jump included):
Full Tilt Ice Cream also is benefiting WC Food Bank with its Löwman Bräu sales – and with matching donations from its 3rd-birthday ice-cream sales next Monday, as noted here. One more WC stop – we found Jesse and Aaron at Company, which chose WestSide Baby (as did Shadowland in West Seattle):
Our north/center crew will check in later, including the scoop from Löwman Bräu central at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor). The venues listed here all got an initial shipment of the new brew, so even if you didn’t make it out tonight, ask for it tomorrow and beyond!
Long before the budget battles of fall arrive, the city is trying to gather comments on the future of its community centers. This year, you’ll recall, saw some drastic changes – here in West Seattle, Alki Community Center was the hardest hit, losing operating hours and staff, running as a “limited operation” center. Should that continue? Should more go that way? Or should hours be restored? The city is mulling 9 options, detailed here; you can speak out on them at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night at 7 at Jefferson Community Center on Beacon Hill (closest meeting to West Seattle), or by taking this online survey before the month is out.
Once again today, via Twitter, we heard police were focusing on West Seattle Bridge bus lane violators. Here’s the results, from SPD Blotter:
On June 15th, the Aggressive Drivers Response Team (ADRT) conducted a “Bus Only” lane emphasis patrol on the West Seattle Bridge at the request of West Seattle residents.
The following citations were issued:
West Seattle Bridge – 45 mph zone
1 at 59 mph
19 Bus Lane violationsAdditionally, an ADRT officer issued the following citations today:
3100 block SW Admiral Way – 30 mph zone:
1 at 52 mph
1 at 49 mph
1 at 48 mph
2 at 47 mph
3 at 46 mph
1 at 44 mph1 Seat Belt
Big news for West Seattle’s biggest elementary school: Lafayette Elementary in the Admiral District is getting a new principal. After seven years as Lafayette principal, Virginia Turner is moving to Coe Elementary in the north end. Here’s her announcement in the school newsletter, shared with us by a parent:
I wanted to let you know that I have made the decision not to return to Lafayette next year. I feel it is time for new leadership at the school, and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading a new school. I will be the Principal at Coe Elementary on Queen Anne Hill next year.
I am so grateful for the kindness and support you have given me during my tenure at Lafayette. Lafayette is a remarkable school, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with you the past 7 years. Thank you for allowing me to work with your children. It has been so rewarding to be a part of their learning, development, and growth.
The new principal for Lafayette is an experienced principal named Jo (Lute-Ervin) who is currently the Principal at Tops K-8. Previous to that position she was principal for 9 years at Leschi Elementary. I know you will welcome her as she becomes a part of the Lafayette community.
Lute-Ervin has been principal at TOPS for two years. Lafayette’s student population has grown dramatically in the past few years, well past 500 students; a double-size portable was moved onto school grounds last winter to house some of the overflow.
(From left, photographed at Tram’s Salon, are Lan, Tram, and Mary)
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Tram’s Salon, which recently opened at 4110 California, just north of The Junction. New sponsors are offered a chance to tell you about themselves, and here’s what salon owner Tram wants you to know: She has been styling hair in West Seattle for about eight years. She says she opened her own salon because she believes being able to both work and live in West Seattle is a joy.
Tram’s Salon offers men’s, women’s, and children’s cuts, as well as coloring and perms. She also has a line of products that includes Paul Mitchell, Nioxin, and American Crew. Tram says that at her salon, she strives for perfection and believes everyone should get a great cut at a reasonable price.
Tram’s Salon welcomes walk-ins – here’s a map to the location – but you can also call in advance, 206-935-2970. The salon is open 9 am-9 pm, Mondays through Fridays, and 9 am-7 pm on the weekends.
We thank Tram’s Salon for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
From a longtime WSB’er – who begins her note, “My family was almost killed today on the WS bridge” – a road-rage report. Read on:Read More
WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz, who broke the story that B & D Aquarium in WC had to find a new home fast, reports it’s official – the store has a place to go. It’s a site owned by the White Center Eagles; she first reported the possibility last Saturday. Deanie’s working on more details for a longer followup on WCN later today.
After months of extensive renovation work, West Seattle’s only motel – now known as The Grove, West Seattle Inn – is about to unveil its new look. Its owners have just announced an open house for 4 pm Monday, June 27th. They’re already taking reservations, too, for dates in July and beyond. We’ve been chronicling the transformation since the new ownership was announced in December; the motel has been closed since early April.
From the WSB inbox:
SEATTLE HAM RADIO ENTHUSIASTS COMPETE IN NATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO CONTEST & PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Event Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 25th & 26th, 11 am Saturday until 12 pm Sunday.
Location: South Seattle Community College, SE field near Olympic Hall.National Ham Radio Emergency communications exercise draws together five regional amateur radio groups forming one local City team competing with thousands of Amateur Radio operators making radio contacts throughout North America, showing off their emergency capabilities with a public demonstration this weekend hosted by South Seattle Community College, at the West Seattle Campus June 25th and 26th.
Erecting Ham Radio stations in community parks, campground, schools and emergency centers through out the country, radio teams operating their radios off the power grid will join over 35,000 amateur radio enthusiasts demonstrating their emergency wireless communications skills while having fun talking to friend all over the continent with their radios, participating in the national event called “Field Day” that is the climax of the week long “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio.
This year’s Seattle combined team is comprised from members of the “Auxiliary Communications Service” and “Medical Service Team” that serve the City’s Office of Emergency Management, plus the “West Seattle Amateur Radio Club”. Also participating are members of the Seattle Chapter of the American Red Cross Emergency Radio Unit and colleagues from the Puget Sound Repeater Group.
Seattle’s team will be showing off the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code as they compete in the contest making as many Radio Contacts as possible to other teams through out North America to gather points, operating Ham Radio equipment powered only by batteries, generators, wind turbines and solar arrays.
Field Coordinator for the Seattle site, Tammy Zoch said, “The Public is invited to the site where they can try their hand at Ham Radio with a special radio station set up just to see how much fun it is to operate an amateur radio. During the two day event there will be demonstrations for Satellite Communications, a digital communications workshop and a Ham Licensing Examination Session. This is a chance to see what Ham Radio Emergency Communication is all about”.
Major sponsor for this years Seattle event is the “Seattle Office of Emergency Management” that provides support and training for the Ham Radio “Auxiliary Communication Service” Program that serves the City’s Emergency Operations Center Ham Radio Station W7ACS in times of emergency communications and community needs when all other means of radio and telephone systems fail.
The staging area for the Seattle City Ham Radio Event is provided by South Seattle Community College and is located in a large grass field in the South East Sector of the Campus near Olympic Hall. On-Air operations will start at 11 am Saturday and continue till 12 pm Sunday.
In the past months, the news has had many reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications in emergencies world-wide. During fires earthquakes, tornadoes and other crises, Amateur Radio was often the only way by which people could communicate. Amateur Radio operators are often the first to provide critical early information and observations to responders in crisis situations.
If you have any questions, contact Dave Mann, ACS PIO at 206 365-9700 or Mark Sheppard, ACS Director, Cell Phone 206 510-7118
For more information about preparedness and amateur radio – please visit:
(CLICK FOR FULL-SIZE VERSION: Top of the rendering is west, left is south, right is north)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For nearby residents, a meeting last night was a chance to voice concerns and ask questions about what will happen over the next six months of demolition and construction, imminent now that Denny International Middle School‘s new building adjacent to nearby Chief Sealth International High School is almost done.
But for a few others at last night’s meeting with members of the project team for the forthcoming transformation of the current Denny site into sports facilities and park space, it was a chance to be sure that the work they had done two years earlier hadn’t somehow changed in the meantime.
Through months of meetings in 2008 and 2009, the original Design Team for the Denny site – including community members as well as school staffers and other stakeholders – had brainstormed, analyzed, and planned. What emerged in 2009, was the final “preferred plan” – see it in our story from its debut.
As you can see if you compare it to the newest graphic, atop this story, what was shown at last night’s meeting was fairly close in its details. But Mary Quackenbush and Sandra Melo, who had been there through the Design Team process, noticed a difference or two.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It’s shaping up to be an action-packed summer schedule for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, based on the full agenda and lively discussions at the group’s meeting Tuesday night at Admiral Congregational Church.
Meeting highlights included a recap of plans for the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (lineup here) and Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (latest update here), a “summer activity” preview from SPD, and discussion about ANA’s new website (latest update here).
Ahead, toplines including what police had to say about the reported child-luring attempt in Admiral, as well as information about events that will interest even those who live outside Admiral:Read More
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