West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
It’s been in the citywide-media digest on the More page, but we wanted to add a home-page shoutout: Seattle Police Officer Adrian Diaz, who also has ties to the Chief Sealth High School community including serving as assistant wrestling coach, is being honored tonight with the city’s Latino Heritage Award. Here’s a Times story with photo; the award’s being presented tonight at the Seattle Aquarium.
(Photo by Scott C.)
From the Orchard Street Ravine dedication this afternoon: The mayor and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, looking on as Cindi Barker of the Morgan Community Association (which has its quarterly meeting this Wednesday) says a few words. More coverage a bit later. Meantime, it was a great day for sports on fields all over West Seattle:
State Sen. Joe McDermott, a proud uncle, sends that photo of his nephew Aidan playing Holy Rosary first-grade soccer, while noting, “They don’t keep score, but they play hard and have a great time!”
As noted in comments on last night’s report about the West Seattle High School Wildcats‘ sixth-straight football win (photo left), their next game is Homecoming. This afternoon, we received an invitation to share with you, to come celebrate not just Homecoming, but also the great season WSHS is having so far: 4:30-5:30 pm Friday at the WSHS Commons, a good old-fashioned pep rally, free, community invited, hot dogs and hamburgers. See you there! (The actual game is 7 pm, SW Athletic Complex, vs. Rainier Beach.)
One week from tonight, at Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College, you can multitask in the best of ways: Have fun, and help a West Seattle/White Center nonprofit that’s busier than ever these days: 
The White Center Food Bank. Despite its name, it’s important to note, the White Center Food Bank serves a big chunk of West Seattle as well – food banks have service boundaries; if somebody shows up at a food bank but lives outside its service area, they’ll get some one-time emergency help and directions to the appropriate location. So to help fight hunger in West Seattle, it’s important to help the White Center Food Bank as well as the West Seattle Food Bank. Earlier this year, WSFB had great success with its “Instruments of Change” event, and now it’s the WCFB’s turn — the fourth annual Harvest Dinner and Auction starts with a silent auction at 5:30 pm next Saturday (10/18) and dinner at 7:15 pm. WCFB has taken out space on WSB this week to thank its major sponsors and remind you about the event. See the invitation here; for $60/person, you can enjoy a steak/salmon entree or pasta option; call or e-mail for reservations ASAP since the event is only a week away — 206/762-2848, or rick@whitecenterfoodbank.org.
After a bit of a hiatus, we’re starting to adding new chapters to the West Seattle 101 (note the “tab” link on our header) section here on WSB. WS 101 
is the all-things-West-Seattle book written by Lori Hinton, who’s been sharing selected chapters here on WSB since this past spring. Today, we add Lori’s story about Take Back Your Time Day, a national movement with strong West Seattle support, and the official observance is less than two weeks away – though the philosophy is something you can start applying immediately. The full WS 101 on WSB archive is here. Watch for more additions.
Lots more in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, but wanted to hit these again: ROAD WORK — Three spots on California will see crews today; details and a map here. DELRIDGE NATURAL AREA WORK PARTY — Not too late to join; show up across from Boren/Sealth at 10 am — see our preview here. MAYOR @ ORCHARD STREET RAVINE — One week after neighbors got word of a new plan for the “connector” through this greenspace, the big dedication/celebration happens noon-2 pm today. ADMIRAL CONCERT — Tonight’s show headlined by local up-n-coming Brent Amaker and The Rodeo launches a new era for entertainment at the historic theater; read our preview here.
Days after people of all ages gathered along 35th to call attention to safety concerns including speeding drivers, a fast-moving car took a furry friend from his Junction-area family. Fiori C posted her story in the West Seattle Blog Forums, and we asked her to send a photo so we could feature it here on the home page, including her plea:
Tragedy struck my family (Thursday) when our family dog escaped from our fenced yard close to the Alaska Junction, ran into the street and was immediately struck by a car traveling way too fast for the area. The car didn’t even stop. I’m not sure they even saw or felt what had happened.
All I can say is that it was an absolutely devastating experience for me and for our family that was visiting here from Des Moines, IA. We had had a perfectly lovely visit and our parents were packing the car, getting ready to head back home when Monte darted out the gate and was struck by a car coming up Edmunds by the True Value at about 40 miles per hour.
Monte was a Wire Fox Terrier that was more like a child to my Mother & Father-in-law than a dog. He was very special to all of us and will be greatly missed by the entire family.
I know the traffic police are doing their best right now to make people aware of certain areas (like 35th) that we need to slow down on but there are other areas of great concern like this corner of 44th & Edmunds. This has always been a bad intersection but lately, things have gotten completely out of hand. On the weekends, there is a constant stream of cars that don’t seem to be able to read the “DEAD END” sign on Rutan and come flying down that street only to find it end, then they back up at unsafe speed to get out. My fence has been knocked over, my cars have been scratched by those that turn around in our driveway. All things just completely inconsiderate of the fact that families are living here.
When we find ourselves complaining about the growth here in West Seattle, we should be thinking about what our contribution to that is. If we are driving fast, on our phone or just generally not aware, WE make that growth unpleasant. West Seattle is a wonderful place to raise a family. Let’s keep it that way and be considerate of our neighbors and SLOW DOWN A BIT FOR THE LOVE OF OUR FAMILIES!
~ IN MEMORY OF MONTE GRUVER ~
Loving Fox Terrier & Loyal Companion
Your life was taken too soon but our love for you will last forever….
During our e-mail exchange, Fiori added, “If you know of any community group that could use some help in organizing an effort to become more aware of this problem, please let me know as I would be willing to help/organize.” If you have any suggestions along that line, please leave a comment here, or e-mail us and we will put you in touch with Fiori.
On the offhand chance you haven’t already heard this (TV’s in Frost Freakout mode) — “frost advisory” in effect for tomorrow morning, first one of the season.
As we mentioned this morning, Seattle Public Schools reps have spent the week touring the city to invite members of the public to come offer ideas for projects to put in the next capital levy that’ll go before voters, likely February 2010. We got first word almost three weeks ago and mentioned it here; it was publicized many other ways, too. Certainly, Friday is a less-than-optimal night for a public meeting; even considering that, the turnout was absymal — just 4 people were on hand for the meeting: 2 members of the public (both teachers), the official SPS presenter, and the reporter we assigned to cover it. Here’s her story:Read More
Dropped by Southwest Athletic Complex just in time for the end of the game — West Seattle High School 54, Cleveland 7. WSHS is now 6-0 in ’08. We’ll add post-game-cheering video later. (Chief Sealth has the week off; Seattle Lutheran played Chief Leschi tonight and also had a lopsided win, 67-6!) ADDED 11:30 PM: Video of the cheerleaders’ celebratory routine at game’s end:
(video lost in blip.tv shutdown)
You may already have seen this linked from our More page (which includes two automated link feeds: citywide/regional media stories mentioning West Seattle, plus CL items mentioning West Seattle) – a story in today’s Puget Sound Business Journal (you’ll only see part of it unless you have a subscriber log-in) suggesting the economic doldrums may be threatening Harbor Properties projects scheduled to start construction next year, including Link (38th/Alaska; rendering above). We contacted Harbor’s Emi Baldowin (a West Seattleite) to follow up, and here’s the HP reaction:Read More
A Westwood resident who wants to remain anonymous believes someone stole her missing chocolate Labrador/pointer mix (shown at left), just 16 months old, and wants to ask you to be on the lookout. She says the thief or thieves removed “panels from a wooden fence” to get onto the property and “poorly patched up the fence in an attempt to hide their robbery.” They say they’ve reported this to Seattle Police as well as the Seattle Animal Shelter and they have reason to suspect the culprits might be in the neighborhood, so they are asking fellow West Seattleites to watch for their dog. She has a chip and was wearing its tags when taken. If you have any information, they have an e-mailbox set up via CL; click here to launch a mail window.
Back in March and April, we brought you a series of reports about the city Hearing Examiner‘s consideration of an appeal filed by William Conner, owner of the city landmark Satterlee House on Beach Drive, challenging the city Landmarks Board‘s denial of his request to build three homes (averaging 3,000 square feet) on the house’s expansive front lawn. (The board has to review and approve changes proposed to official city landmarks.) After the Hearing Examiner ruled in April against his appeal, Conner filed a challenge in May in King County Superior Court. That case is finally coming before a judge, and we received word today that oral arguments are scheduled Monday afternoon. At the heart of the case is not whether Conner can build on the site, but what he can build on the site; he is asking the judge to rule that he has the right to go ahead with the original proposal. Meantime, online listings indicate the house remains on the market, listed for more than $2 million; listing agent AC Braddock had told us in May that Conner had approved one of the major repairs which he’d testified were needed, jacking up the house to fix major settling; the permit for that work was issued in July.
We introduced you last Saturday to the Westside Wildcats junior-football team (shown above during a recent practice at Madison Middle School); they play at home again today, with games all day starting at 9 am at West Seattle Stadium, so if the weather kept you from going out and cheering for them last Saturday, check ’em out today. Other highlights this weekend include the Thrill-O Pillowfest family overnight TONIGHT at Hiawatha, the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association dance, the SSCC Plant Sale, another Blessing of the Animals –. all part of the 41 West Seattle events on our handy list ahead (sponsored by Skylark Club and Cafe, with free live music six nights a week):Read More
While putting the finishing touches on the West Seattle Weekend Lineup (publishing within the hour), we realized we should issue this extra alert to bargain-hunters — the Tibbetts United Methodist Church fall rummage sale is happening RIGHT NOW, till 4 pm (and again tomorrow 9 am-3 pm). The church is at 3940 41st SW; directions on the Tibbetts website.
Back in July, we told you Budget Cuts was one of two tenants signed for Charlestown Center, which is now open at the California/Charlestown (map) ex-Schuck’s site. Budget Cuts just celebrated its grand opening last week, and today, we’re welcoming them as one of the newest WSB sponsors. As always, we offer new sponsors the chance to share information about their business, so here’s what Budget Cuts wants you to know: Co-owner Michael Zillinger, who is also a manager at BMW of Seattle, lives downtown but realized he was always coming to West Seattle to 
get his hair cut by Tram Luu (photo left), who was managing Supercuts in Jefferson Square but is now managing Budget Cuts at Charlestown Center. When Michael and his business partner Mauricio Gonzales got the idea to start a haircut store, they knew they wanted Tram to manage it – and she told them she was interested as long as it was located in West Seattle. So they settled on West Seattle and built the business around her. Michael says the location makes sense because they saw a need for this type of service along the higher-density northern half of California SW – lots of families, and Budget Cuts wants to be considered a family-friendly business. They are also working to support West Seattle’s business community by relying on WS sources for all their “business services” so far – they want to keep their money in the neighborhood, and will be a major sponsor of the Lafayette Elementary School Walk-A-Thon coming up October 17th (you’ll see them on the T-shirt!). Right now, they’re offering a special price in honor of their Grand Opening — all cuts are $10 until October 31st, after which it’ll be $13.95 (women, men, or kids). No appointment necessary. Budget Cuts is on the east side of Charlestown Center, which is on the northwest corner of California/Charlestown, 206/932-5954. Thanks to Budget Cuts and all our WSB sponsors, listed here along with info on how to join them.
Coinciding with International Walk to School Month – celebrated with events like this week’s walk from Bar-S to Alki Elementary (photo left; full WSB coverage, with video, here) – we get word from Brian Dougherty, Safe Routes to School coordinator for SDOT, that applications are being accepted for “the Seattle Safe Routes to School Mini Grant program. Any group of two or more people qualifies to apply for a grant of up to $1,000. Projects should improve pedestrian and bicycle safety near schools and encourage walking and biking to school.” The deadline’s about a month away; the application form is fairly simple, and you can get it – along with more details on who can apply and what the program’s for – by clicking here.
We told you yesterday about the extensive no-parking zone along Alki and Harbor Aves 5 am-3 pm Sunday for striping work; now another alert from SDOT about 3 other areas of West Seattle (map above) where work is planned tomorrow:
SDOT paving crews will make street repairs at three locations on California Avenue Southwest on Saturday, October 11. Traffic will be able to get through, but drivers should expect congestion and may want to consider an alternate route.
The work will take place in the northbound lanes of the following blocks: the 5900 block (between SW Juneau and SW Raymond), the 4500 block (between SW Oregon and SW Alaska) and the 3200 block (between SW Hanford and SW Hinds) from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The work is required to restore the pavement after repair of underground water lines.
Two months ago, we mentioned this post on the Delridge Grassroots Leadership blog about two city-owned properties at 26th/Juneau (map) where old houses were being “deconstructed” to turn the sites into “open space.” Late last night, Betsy Hoffmeister of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council sent word that it might be getting TOO open: Neighbors suddenly discovered “some guy on a bulldozer (was) tearing out the huge mature rhododendrons and other trees” on the property, which is believed to have had a history as an orchard and nursery and is near Longfellow Creek. Many calls ensued but Betsy says, “No one seems to know why or what for.” So far this morning, the bulldozer hasn’t returned, but neighbors are still trying to find out why the land-clearing was happening (there’s no obvious explanation on the DPD page for the property), and have posted signs there asking that it stop; we also are inquiring with Seattle Public Utilities, the site’s owner, to look into what’s happening. Betsy says they “want the destruction of trees STOPPED until the SPU has had a conversation with (the NDNC) about the future of the property. If we want to, we can make any appropriate proposal we want for the property, including P-Patch, park, drainage basin … but we can’t do that without the conversation.” 2:18 PM UPDATE: We’re still awaiting official word but Betsy sent an update – earlier she had reached someone who mentioned “detention pond” work at the site but that’s apparently not the case:
There’s a whole team from the City down at the site right now. Apparently some wires got crossed and some trees that were supposed to have been saved were not, but tree destruction is now halted. They are only supposed to be pulling out the foundation of the old houses. The current plan for the site is NOT a wastewater detention pond, but it was purchased with stormwater control funding. The current idea is for native trees and plantings. But, if we neighbors have another idea like a p-patch or playground or open space or whatever … we can start the conversation with SPU.
ADDED 5:54 PM: Official SPU response from Cornell Amaya, who reiterates there are NO plans for a pond:
In an effort to restore properties along the creek at 26th and Juno, Seattle Public Utilities regrets that trees and shrubs were removed without proper notification to the community. It is our policy that community members should be notified. No further work will occur without proper notification. Longterm plans call for the property to be open space. We intend to plant new trees and work closely with the neighborhood. We appreciate your understanding.
Public meetings on Friday nights are fairly rare. Tonight, though, there’s one in West Seattle: Seattle Public Schools reps have gone around the city this week asking for opinions on what might belong in the next “capital levy,” February 2010; tonight you’re invited to show up and chime in, 6:30 pm at West Seattle High School library – here’s the official flyer.
That video zooms in on a well-gnawed tree that we learned about while talking to volunteer forest steward Mike Arizona near one of the beaver ponds in Delridge Natural Area. Mike agreed to meet us there to preview two major work parties he’s organizing, one for tomorrow (Saturday 10/11), one for next month (Saturday 11/8) – steps away from busy Delridge Way, but a world away – read on to find out more about them, and about those beavers:Read More
Just last night, we told you about the Admiral Theater’s latest efforts to broaden the offerings at the historic venue, and tonight we welcome one of them as a new WSB sponsor: 
The Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, with a schedule involving screenings at the Admiral later this month. Here’s what the festival’s organizers want you to know: “Three Dollar Bill Cinema is thrilled to bring the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival to West Seattle¹s Admiral Theater, Oct 24-25. There¹s something for everyone in the slate of programs we¹ve lined up for our first-ever foray into West Seattle, from features focusing on family values (THE SENSEI and THE NEW WORLD) to engaging documentaries (EQUALITY U and THE KINSEY SICKS) and edgy short films (TOUGH GIRLS). From dancing zombies to trick-or-treaters, the Halloween spirit is sweeping West Seattle during our weekend at The Admiral, and we¹re joining the celebration with several spooky programs, including: CAMP BLOOD, a fun collection of creepy and comical short films; the slasher classic with a queer subtext A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY¹S REVENGE; and a very special edition of a long-running West Seattle tradition, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. We hope to make this first of many years that the festival finds success in West Seattle. For more information on all programs and a complete guide to the entire festival, including screenings, parties and events all over town, visit www.threedollarbillcinema.org.” Thanks to the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival for joining the WSB sponsor team; the full list is on this page along with information for anyone interested in becoming part of it; we also thank everyone for their strong support of all the WSB sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you West Seattle news 24/7.
That’s some of what we found in the Art Lending Library at Youngstown Arts Center, which opened tonight as part of the monthly West Seattle Art Walk. The folks there tell us they plan quarterly Art Walk open houses, so the next one’s expected in January. Youngstown is among the newest of the recordsetting 43 participating venues; the Art Walk started in The Junction but now has moved far beyond, adding Delridge venues like Youngstown as well as Alki participants and, in Admiral, participants include Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), where we caught up with photographer Karen Derby:
We interviewed Karen for this story last month about her long and challenging recovery from injuries suffered when her motorcycle collided with a minivan in Westwood almost four months ago. Turns out she used to work with Click! proprietors John and Frances Smersh. She’s got two more months left to wear a cast; because of reconstruction work on her mangled right leg, she’s had to wear loose clothing like skirts most of the time, but during the Art Walk, she happily told us, “Today is the third time in four months I was able to wear jeans!” You can see her photography at Click! all month; it’s being sold commission-free to help Karen raise money for her continuing medical expenses. Meantime, mark your calendar for the next West Seattle Art Walk, November 13th.
| Comments Off on Congratulations to Officer Adrian Diaz