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Thanksgiving tradition: Free Fauntleroy meal – and how to help
November 16, 2009 9:46 am
|    Comments Off on Thanksgiving tradition: Free Fauntleroy meal – and how to help
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo of a table set for last year’s free Fauntleroy feast)
From e-mail to Facebook, we’ve had several inquiries about whether there’s any place to help serve others this Thanksgiving (a week from Thursday!). We don’t have the definitive answer to that question so far, but we did confirm with Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes that the traditional free holiday dinner is on again this year and they do need a bit of help:

The free community Thanksgiving meal is on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM at The Hall at Fauntleroy. All are invited to this traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings prepared with love by our executive chef, Mike Chase. For anyone who has attended before it is a wonderful mix of folks from the neighborhood and the surrounding area.

This is the 11th year that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering owners David and Meg Haggerty and David Meckstroth have opened up their hearts and the Hall at Fauntleroy for this fantastic meal and event. It really seems to usher the season in with warm beginnings.

We have enough volunteers this year; however we do accept pies, whipped cream and cookies for desserts. People can bring them to the Hall at Fauntleroy the day before Thanksgiving or that morning after 10 AM. For information or directions please call our office at 206-932-1059 or go to our website www.tuxedosandtennisshoes.com

Before (and after) Thanksgiving, of course, our two local food banks – West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank (which is tracking turkey prices!) – welcome your donations, too. Any other Thanksgiving-related service opportunities? Comment here and/or e-mail us so we can help get the word out too.

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Today/tonight: Sustainable West Seattle “shopping spree,” & more
November 16, 2009 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo from last year’s Money-Free Shopping Spree)
SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S “MONEY-FREE SHOPPING SPREE”: Once again this year, SWS invites you to come swap sustainable gift items – services as well as goods (see last year’s list here) – this year, the event’s at what is truly a brand-new venue, High Point Neighborhood Center (just dedicated on Saturday! WSB coverage here), starting with potluck dinner at 6:30 pm.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Sold Home Decor Furniture Consignment (WSB sponsor) is offering “a host of planet-, family- and budget-friendly ways to enjoy the holidays at home,” 7 pm. RSVP to be sure there’s still space – maria@soldhomedecor.com

LINCOLN PARK COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: This co-op preschool based at Seaview Methodist Church (4620 SW Graham) has room in some of its classes and invites you to stop by 3-5 pm today to find out more about the school.

More of what’s happening today – and beyond! – on the WSB Events calendar page.

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Classroom interview: SWYFS students’ side of the stabbing story
November 15, 2009 10:36 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Nineteen days ago, police cars and fire/medical units filled southbound Delridge Way, for a short time, outside Southwest Youth and Family Services.

SWYFS is this area’s lead agency for the city’s new Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, so there was uncomfortable irony in the fact those emergency units were there because one of its classrooms had become the scene of an act of youth violence: One boy stabbed another, both 17, after an argument.

The victim was rushed off to Harborview Medical Center; the alleged attacker was led off by police. The incident drew citywide media attention – but since it was quickly determined that victim and attacker knew each other, and that the victim would survive, the attention ebbed after a day.

Since then, though, what happened has been a daily reality for the students in the blended-grade high-school classes at Southwest Education Center – getting updates on their wounded classmate.

Until Thursday, when he returned to school, and told his story as part of an unusual group interview offered to WSB, unsolicited, by SWYFS.

Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Forecasters say wind’s on the way
November 15, 2009 8:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Heads up from the National Weather Service: A wind advisory is in effect till 6 pm Monday, upgrading to a high wind watch Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, possibly with gusts as high as 60 mph. Famous forecaster Cliff Mass says a “major event” is possible – but adds that some forecasting models disagree. Not sure you’re ready? There’s good advice at Take Winter By Storm. 9:36 PM UPDATE: The wind advisory’s been revised a bit – it’s in effect till noon tomorrow, then a break before the high wind watch takes effect in the evening.

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School boundary vote planned this week; petition asks delay
November 15, 2009 8:17 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This Wednesday, the Seattle School Board is scheduled to vote on the newest versions of the attendance-boundary maps for its Student Assignment Plan. West Seattle resident and parent Susan McLain has started an online petition to ask the board to push back that vote so that WS parents can have more time for feedback on the revised maps (find them here). The first maps were followed by 9 community meetings (2 in West Seattle), which led to revisions, but the second version — with major changes for West Seattle — was followed by 2 community meetings and one public hearing (none in WS). No changes will be made now unless they’re amendments proposed by a board member and approved by a board majority before the final vote. The online petition is here; whatever your thoughts on the new maps, if you’re interested in speaking at Wednesday’s board meeting, signups start at 8 tomorrow morning, via boardagenda@seattleschools.org or (206) 252-0040.

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Date set for Admiral Safeway’s return to Design Review
November 15, 2009 5:57 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Per the city website – Admiral Safeway‘s next date with the Southwest Design Review Board, which could be its last if the project design wins the board’s final approval, is tentatively set for December 17th, 8 pm, Youngstown Arts Center. (One of the additions since its October SWDRB review, another store entrance on California SW, was previewed at the Design Commission a week and a half ago.) ADDED 8:46 PM: Almost forgot to mention, there’s a 6:30 pm review same night/same place – 2988 SW Avalon, the 16-unit Transitional Resources building last reviewed in April.

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Happening now: The big 9-0 for Highland Park Improvement Club
November 15, 2009 4:02 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: The big 9-0 for Highland Park Improvement Club
 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | West Seattle news

The foggy, soggy weather isn’t keeping friends, neighbors and well-wishers away from the Highland Park Improvement Club 90th anniversary party, in full swing now till 5 pm, including tantalizing treats:

Live music too, with the Zadrozny Jazz Trio. Read the HPIC history here; go join the fun at 12th and Holden – all ages welcome.

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Happening now: Morgan Junction Pet Adoption Stroll
November 15, 2009 1:44 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

From now till 4 pm, you’ll find adoptable pets at three places along a half-mile of California SW in Morgan Junction. The photo above shows Ted, who we found at The Wash Dog (6400 California); other pets looking for their forever home are at Pet Elements (6701 California) and Stella Ruffington (7003 California). ADDED 3:30 PM: A pic shared by the folks at Stella R’s – this is Butch Cassidy the cat:

Still time to go find a new friend!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car-prowl report, and area alert
November 15, 2009 1:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: Car-prowl report, and area alert
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Out of the WSB inbox, from MC:

We live at 41st and SW Holgate [map], and woke up last night to a noise (what I now think in retrospect was the sound of my car door slamming shut). My GF and I both heard a car out on the street and went to the bedroom window to take a look. There was a red extended cab Dodge pickup (that’s the ID from my girlfriend, since I didn’t have my glasses on) driving VERY slowly east down the hill on holgate. We heard some talking, and actually saw someone run up to the truck from further north on 41st (where it dead ends). We thought it was kind of suspicious, obvs, but the truck turned around on Holgate and went back south on 41st.

I wish we would have called the cops, because when I went out to my car in the driveway this morning, the contents of my center console were strewn about the car. Nothing was missing, because there was nothing of value to be had (except for my brand new stereo, which was left untouched). I called SPD this morning and made a report, and Officer Jorgensen (6122) came by within 30 minutes. He said there’s been a rash of car prowls, but primarily in the area south of WS High School. He gave me a case number, and said the info was useful for them for trending/tracking purposes. Anyway, just a reminder for neighbors to keep their eyes peeled, and don’t be shy about calling if something doesn’t seem right. (OFC Jorgensen’s words).

And you’ll also hear that if you come to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting this Tuesday, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room.

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From the WSB Forums: New job listing
November 15, 2009 11:57 am
|    Comments Off on From the WSB Forums: New job listing
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle online

Reminder — The WSB Forums include a section where West Seattle/White Center-area businesses are welcome to post job listings for free. Here’s a brand-new listing.

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West Seattle wildlife: Name that bird
November 15, 2009 11:04 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | Wildlife

Hutch sent the photo, wondering if the bird is a peregrine falcon. We couldn’t say for sure from consulting various online sources, so thanks in advance to any of the many expert birdwatchers of West Seattle who might offer an opinion. ADDED 11:18 PM: Rob sent this next photo he took near Schmitz Park a week ago, thinking it’s the same bird and hoping the photo might help with ID:

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Today: Farmers’ Market; fashion; freebie; toy sale; party; pets!
November 15, 2009 5:54 am
|    Comments Off on Today: Farmers’ Market; fashion; freebie; toy sale; party; pets!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Second-to-last Farmers’ Market till Thanksgiving – and you’re likely to see that display again this week, with a reminder about the chance to enter your market-sourced Thanksgiving dinner in a contest. As always, the market’s 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Here’s the Ripe ‘n’ Ready fresh sheet.

CURIOUS KIDSTUFF SALE: While you’re in The Junction for the Farmers’ Market, check this out – West Seattle’s only toy store, Curious Kidstuff, rejoined the WSB sponsor ranks this week to get the word out about today’s big sale – massive chance for early holiday shopping – 25 percent off, 11 am-5 pm, today only. (No gift wrap.) 4740 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE FASHION BRUNCH: And yet ANOTHER Junction event today – 11 am-2 pm, have brunch at Shadow Land while Sweetie, Carmilia’s and Forsythe Studio show off the latest fashion. More info here.

FREE YOGA: Perhaps before brunch and shopping, you’d like to work out – for free? SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) is offering Free Sunday Yoga today, 11 am-12:15 pm.

SHARE YOUR HOME! One day after the fun and games of Catsino (photo above), Furry Faces Foundation presents its now-traditional afterparty of sorts – the Morgan Junction Pet Stroll – 1-4 pm at Pet Elements, The Wash Dog and Stella Ruffington, new furry friends looking for their forever homes.

PARTY IN HIGHLAND PARK! If you haven’t seen last night’s preview yet – head here and find out why Highland Park Improvement Club is the place to party, 2-5 pm.

LOTS more in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup – including two plays and a concert this afternoon.

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ACLU Civil Libertarian Award for West Seattleite Amanda Lee
November 15, 2009 2:15 am
|    Comments Off on ACLU Civil Libertarian Award for West Seattleite Amanda Lee
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

We received two notes suggesting we share the news that one of two lawyers honored at the state American Civil Liberties Union’s Bill of Rights Celebration Dinner last night is from West Seattle: Amanda Lee of Fauntleroy received the organization’s 2009 Civil Libertarian Award, as did colleague Jeffrey Robinson, for work the organization describes as “seeking to uphold American values in proceedings for detainees facing the death penalty at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp” (detailed here). Lee and Robinson are part of the John Adams Project.

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Admiral/California signal timing, again: Still not right?
November 14, 2009 10:03 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news


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One month after SDOT reported tweaking the Admiral/California signal timing, some drivers say it’s still not right. Acemotel brought this up in the WSB Forums today – not long after we got the following e-mail from Ted:

Whatever timing changes the city made a few months ago to the light at Admiral Ave SW and SW California, it is much worse than it used to be. Today I was again frustrated with long backups going east on SW Admiral toward California Ave. The backups on Admiral go beyond the yellow flashing light at Waite Street, which is already an extremely dangerous intersection. The backups make it hard to pull out on to Admiral from Waite St. and then there is a five, six, seven cycle wait to get through the first light at California. This causes people to make all kinds of dangerous moves. They bypass the queue on Admiral by driving for blocks up the left turn lane, etc. I find the problem to be bad in the afternoons on weekdays, but even much worse on weekends. Today I drove through the back up at 10:30 AM Saturday morning.

I imagine someone at the city thinks they improved things at the intersection. I think they need to get away from their desk and their computer and get out on the road and see what they have done. /with the changes, it is SLIGHTLY better going west on Admiral in the afternoons on weekdays and SLIGHTLY better going north on California and turning left onto Admiral. I make both moves regularly and used to have a two cycle wait during busy times. Now I SOMETIMES get a one cycle wait. Usually, it is still two cycles. But these minor improvements are not worth the big delays and safety problems that have been created. We do not need another serious accident at Admiral and Waite St. because of this!

Please go back to the way things were . . . .

The city suggests two ways to report traffic-signal problems – the overall hotline 206-684-ROAD and/or traffic.signals@seattle.gov; more background about the signal system on this page.

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Highland Park Improvement Club birthday party tomorrow!
November 14, 2009 8:20 pm
|    Comments Off on Highland Park Improvement Club birthday party tomorrow!
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle history | West Seattle news


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Tons of fun today – if you’re not out and about tonight, it’s time to think about tomorrow. One of the most spirited celebrations will be at 12th SW and SW Holden, as the Highland Park Improvement Club celebrates one decade short of a century. Here’s its official announcement:

Friends and neighbors are invited to attend a ninetieth anniversary party at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden, on Sunday, November 15, from 2 to 5 p.m., to celebrate the club’s past, present and future.

The non-profit was established in 1919 to bring improvements to the community while providing a social center. Since then, the club has worked on projects ranging from securing a streetcar line that came up Highland Park Way, to fostering a WPA sewing group, to sponsoring playgrounds and baseball teams, all the while hosting dance parties and other entertainments. More recently, the organization has persevered through uncertain times, as the membership had difficulty attracting new members, and considered dissolution. Despite their discouragement, the long-term members continued to reach out to the neighborhood, and today the Club has a steady and growing membership. New members have presented gala events for the Club and the community: the Day of the Dead dance last year, the Inauguration Day celebration in January, the popular Wine for Our Times event this spring, and the Second Annual Rummage Sale this summer.

(WSB note: That’s the one where we found this scene:)

The Highland Park Improvement Club hosts several neighborhood groups, including the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC), which is dedicated to community issues, and meets at the club monthly. The Club is also home to on-going dance and yoga classes.

This historic neighborhood hub, at the corner of 12th and Holden, is becoming vibrant again- just in time for its 90th birthday.

It’s a humble old building that just got some new trimmings – including curtains and paint – before the big bash. Here’s where to find HPIC; online, they’re at www.hpic1919.org.

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2 local schools’ soccer squads in their tournaments’ Final Fours
November 14, 2009 7:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Two girls’ soccer updates: First, Bil Hood from Seattle Lutheran High School reports that the Saints beat Mount Vernon Christian 5-0 today, advancing to the Class 2B/1B final four next weekend in Sumner. Also, Madison Middle School will play Eckstein at 3 pm Monday (Memorial Stadium downtown) for third place in the middle-school tournament.

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Video: High Point Neighborhood Center dedication celebration
November 14, 2009 4:13 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

About an hour ago, that ribboncutting marked the official grand opening of the High Point Neighborhood Center, the $13 million “heart of High Point” community facility that we’ve been chronicling since even before its August 2008 groundbreaking (WSB coverage here, and here’s the tour we took during construction). Hundreds of people at the celebration this afternoon – which started with an hour of tours before speeches and the ribboncutting ceremony – here’s just one small cross-section of the crowd:

Speakers included executive director Mark Okazaki of Neighborhood House, the organization that led the project, which is already famous for its solar array and LEED Gold certification – he listed some of its other environmental attributes too:

We’ve got other scenes and speeches to add later. If you haven’t been to HP Neighborhood Center yet, you can check it out during Sustainable West Seattle‘s “Money-Free Shopping Spree” pre-holiday gathering, which’ll be happening there 6:30 pm Monday – we also published a detailed preview story last Monday, with photos of some of its amazing art. ADDED SUNDAY: More photos – click ahead!Read More

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Happening now: Catsino, Bridge Park crafts, Dubsea Coffee day 1
November 14, 2009 3:49 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | White Center

So busy around West Seattle today, you’d think it was a midsummer Saturday. Continuing till 6 tonight, Catsino at Beveridge Place Pub is a fundraiser for Furry Faces Foundation, with fun games and more – and once again this year there’s an “afterparty” of sorts tomorrow, the Morgan Junction Pet Stroll. Till 4 pm, there’s a craft fair at Bridge Park – vendor Anna sent this photo before we dropped by for a few of our own:

She says, “We’re having fun selling funky knit hats and fabulous finger mustaches! There are lots of other beautiful and original wares like the Loteria onesies and handmade market bags.” And continuing till 7 pm, grand opening day 1 at Dubsea Coffee on 8th SW in Greenbridge, about a block south of Roxbury:

LOTS more happening this weekend – including several big events tomorrow, like the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s 90th birthday party – check the West Seattle Weekend Lineup for the full list.

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Update: Armed man’s challenge to Seattle parks/gun law
November 14, 2009 12:33 pm
|      162 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | Westwood

It’s all over – Bob Warden went into Southwest Community Center with his concealed weapon (backstory here), a parks security staffer came up to him and asked him to leave, he left, now he says he’s got grounds to sue. Big media circus, of course, including TV, newspaper and new-media crews. Here’s the TV contingent (photo added 12:58 pm – sorry we didn’t get the photojournalists’ names, but at left and right, reporters Theron Zahn from channel 4 and Chris Daniels from 5):

Adding more shortly, video and photos. The reason Warden said he chose SWCC at noon was because they were having the Dogs in the Hood show; as of 12:30, the people and dogs who showed up for the show left when they saw all the commotion. (Photo above – TV reporters asked to see his gun, after he’d been asked to leave; when he entered the center, it was under his jacket.) ADDED 12:55 PM: Here’s video as we followed Warden entering the center, after spending about 15 minutes talking with the media outside, then leaving as he’d said he would if asked:

(Despite what you heard him say there toward the end of our clip, he had sent a letter to the city Parks Department informing them he’d had a gun, so you could say they DID know.) Police were standing by inside the center but did not get involved at any point.

With Warden was one of his young-adult children, Casey. A few people showed up to support him, including a man who worked the media sidelines handing out pamphlets for the Museum of Flight, where he said he was a docent. We asked Warden if he’d be going home and starting to draw up legal papers immediately; he said, no, he’d probably watch some sports.

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Gatewood power outage: City Light says they’re working on it
November 14, 2009 11:17 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | Utilities | West Seattle news

Got a note about an outage in Gatewood that’s been under way since about 8 this morning. Just checked with Seattle City Light‘s on-call media rep – no estimate yet when it’ll be fixed; they say it’s affecting about 53 customers, in the northern Gatewood Hill residential area east of the Morgan Junction business area so far as we can tell from the boundaries.

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Happening today: Toy Swap, Seal Sitters jewelry, and more
November 14, 2009 6:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Added: Toy Swap photo from about 10 am)
coolmomgrab.jpgSAVE MONEY, SAVE THE EARTH: That’s the slogan for CoolMom‘s second annual Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale, 9 am-1 pm. CoolMom’s Terri Glaberson tells us some deal-hunting earlybirds were even waiting when the doors opened last year. This time it’s at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW; here’s a map). 9 am-1 pm, proceeds benefit WestSide Baby as well as CoolMom. On to another of today’s many sales:

(Photo by Robin Lindsey)
ALL THAT GLITTERS … HELPS SEAL SITTERS: Neptune the seal pup is just one of many helped by Seal Sitters in their few short but acclaimed years of existence. Today is their first-ever fundraiser – and in addition to more than 500 pieces of estate jewelry on sale, there are a few additions to the plan – Seal Sitters founder Brenda Peterson — an acclaimed author — will sign books purchased between 11 and 2; a framed photo by Robin Lindsey and a specialty Italian wine basket will be offered for silent auction; and they’ll be raffling items including plush toys and what’s described as “an amazing artisan seal bread.” Cash, credit and debit, 10 am-2 pm at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), 2326 California SW, across from the Admiral Theater. Now on to an outdoor highlight:

GET OUT AND GET GREEN: Thanks to Cindi Barker for forwarding a photo from last Saturday’s Orchard Street Ravine work party during Green Seattle Day. This morning, like most Saturday mornings, you have multiple chances to get out and dig in during volunteer work parties – Delridge Natural Area, West Duwamish Greenbelt and Roxhill Park, this time around, details in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup along with MULTIPLE other events today/tonight!

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Alki Homestead future: Restoration or reconstruction?
November 13, 2009 11:40 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Homestead | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

That’s the question members of the city Landmarks Preservation Board will want to see sorted out, as became clear during this morning’s meeting of the board’s Architectural Review Committee. This was the first public meeting at which Tom Lin, owner of the fire-damaged landmark, and his consultants have discussed its status and its future since a comprehensive presentation before the Alki Community Council two months ago (WSB coverage here). The meeting also provided a reminder of the fact the historic building’s future is of interest outside West Seattle – those who offered comments included representatives from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, which five months ago declared the Homestead among the state’s most endangered buldings, and Historic Seattle; the Southwest Seattle Historical Society was represented as well. Read on for details on what was discussed and what the landmarks board – which has jurisdiction over the site’s future because of its landmark status – will do next:Read More

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Firefighter followup: Highland Park’s tasty thanks for Station 11
November 13, 2009 9:17 pm
|    Comments Off on Firefighter followup: Highland Park’s tasty thanks for Station 11
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

As promised when a team from Seattle Fire Department Station 11 (map) visited last month’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting (WSB coverage here), HPAC put together a delegation to bring the station a home-cooked dinner tonight, and we dropped by to catch the good deed in progress. From left, firefighter Dan Peterson, HPAC chair Dan Mullins, firefighter Shane Casillas, HPAC treasurer Shawn Mazza, Colette Napoli, SFD Lt. Russ Wiseman, firefighter Sean Williams, and standing tall behind them, HPAC vice chair Nicole Mazza, who organized the whole thing. (HPAC’s also organizing a Station 11 tour a week from tomorrow.) What’d they bring for dinner, you ask? Lasagna, salad, chips ‘n’ salsa, pickles, plums, cookies, chocolate, ice cream. Hopefully they got a chance to enjoy it; it was delivered just after 6, and the 911 log shows Engine 11 didn’t have an emergency call till almost 8:30.

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