Latest in the never-ending “skatepark or no skatepark” saga
So after the May 1st Myrtle Reservoir park meeting, at which it was revealed the idea of a skate feature at Myrtle was suddenly out of the picture, we started pursuing comment from city Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tim Gallagher, as (a) the buck of course stops with him and (b) he was reported to have been the one who took the wheels off the whole thing. Finally today, we got e-mail from him. Sounds more like a form letter to neighbors than a response to our request for comment on “why was the decision made?” but if you are interested in this ongoing issue, we thought you’d want to read it anyway:Read More
Crime Watch reader report: West Seattle store flasher
From Rosa at On the Way Maternity (5446 California SW), who wants to warn other local store owners:
I’ve had a few weird ones, but this one tops it all…
Yesterday, May 15th a man came into my store around 4:15-4:20 or so. He explained that he was going to a party here in West Seattle where the men had to wear a woman’s shirt. I said ok as he seemed very nice and well put together. The whole thing seemed really weird but I just couldn’t say whether his story was legit or not and I didn’t want to discriminate right off the bat. Again, he was very pleasant and seemed for the most part “normal”. He explained that he has to buy a maternity shirt because anything else would not fit his “gut”. So he picked out a plain t-shirt.
Before I knew it, the guy comes out of the dressing showing me everything!! Meaning no pants, and no underwear and fully exposed!! He proceeded to ask me what I thought!! I was absolutely shocked and speechless for a good 10-15 seconds. I told him he needed to put all of his clothes on and to leave! For some strange reason I didn’t panic?? I filed a report with the Seattle Police Dept about 5-10 minutes later after gathering myself together. If he comes into your store, send him back out!!
I’m guessing that he chose my store since it’s a bit more secluded than the other stores in the Junction. If he comes back here, he’ll definitely get a dose of mace!
Description: Caucasian male, 5’10” or so, 60-65 years old and balding. Roughly about 185 with a gut, dressed nice in trousers and a silk/rayon short sleeve shirt.
Be a “Master of Disaster”: Another neighborhood check-in Sunday
View Larger Map
Tthe West Seattle neighborhood readiness campaign we’ve been telling you about is still under way: To refresh your memory, the map above shows the West Seattle locations already designated as neighborhood gathering places for information and help in case of disaster — somewhere you’d be able to go, if the regular lines of communication weren’t working — and it’s important to memorize where your nearest one is, and to make sure your loved ones know too. (Some areas of south West Seattle are still a work in progress.) To help make it easier for you to know your gathering place, and to get info about how to be ready for the unthinkable, each area has set up a time for a drop-in event — Alki, (Alaska) Junction, Morgan Junction, Pigeon Point, Olympic Heights and Admiral have had theirs; the Fairmount event is noon-2 pm Sunday in the southeast parking lot of Providence Mt. St. Vincent. One more important thing we want to mention again: a checklist of supplies you can purchase right now to have on hand “just in case” – it has helpful specifics, not just the generalized lists you often see. We’ve uploaded it here so you can take a look and print it out for yourself for use in building a kit you can get to if you need it (and if you don’t have MS Word — here’s a PDF version).
West Seattle Weekend Lineup, JP Patches in WS edition
(WSB photo of JP Patches in July 2007 West Seattle Grand Parade)
Some tickets are still left for JP Patches at the Admiral Theater tomorrow morning (available online here) — not only will the local TV legend be there, so will a magic act that the Admiral’s Steve Garrett told us is truly amazing, including the magician’s 14-year-old protege. Along with a walkathon, two fundraiser yard sales (one of which is under way right now!) and a fundraiser book sale, even a luau! and much more — we have 43 West Seattle weekend events ahead (and if you have to leave WS this weekend, remember the traffic advisories we published here and here):Read More
Grocery-shopper traffic alert: Thriftway parking-lot work
Spotted this unusual sight while driving through Morgan Junction — the West Seattle Thriftway parking lot partly empty in the middle of the day! Called the store to get the scoop; managers tell WSB that it’s just restriping/sealing/blacktop work to freshen up the parking lot – no changes in the number or size of spaces – they’re taking advantage of the great weather to get this done, since it’ll dry faster; the Fauntleroy/Morgan entrance is closed at the moment (so you’ll need to enter off California). The work will continue through the weekend but they say today’s the “biggest chunk.”
Seafair Pirates sail to Hi-Yu float’s rescue
Earlier this week, we showed you that photo of the Seafair Pirates clowning around with the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival banner as both organizations appeared at the first major parade of the season, at the Sequim Irrigation Festival last Saturday. That report also included an account of parade trouble involving the breakdown-plagued float-propelling vehicle; that problem’s not solved yet but Hi-Yu Festival president Tim Winston reports, the Pirates are lending some mechanical expertise, as their signature “vessel” Moby Duck also has decades-old infrastructure. However, that’s not going to help in time to get the Hi-Yu float to what was its next appearance, this weekend in Port Townsend; instead, Winston says, they’re arranging for the Hi-Yu court to ride in convertibles in that parade. He’s hoping the Pirates’ help will enable Hi-Yu to get its float in shape for its 6/14 gig in Marysville; he also says they’re still looking at the prospect of a fundraising drive to get the estimated $30K it would take for a float-propelling vehicle that would last for years to come, as Hi-Yu continues not only delighting West Seattle families, but also representing WS in events around the region (which brings the reciprocal event of those events sending floats and representatives to the midsummer parade here).
Update: Work parties to fix up WS house for Addie Killam
A month and a half after we first told you about the bizarre surfing injury that left West Seattle native Addie Killam disabled (original WSB report here) — we have two updates: First, Addie is undergoing rehab in a western Colorado hospital and could return to West Seattle sometime next month. Second – work parties are happening today, tomorrow, and Sunday, as well as later this month, to get a West Seattle house wheelchair-accessible for Addie’s homecoming. Full details — including when help is needed, where it’s needed, who to call if you can help, plus a link for a donation fund — are all on this website that’s just been set up.
Update: Big fire callout for vault trouble in alley west of 35th
Thanks to tipsters who e-mailed about seeing huge contingent of fire crews rushing to this. Exact address is on 911 log as 4511 35th SW, our crew’s in the area and trying to pinpoint. 6:31 PM UPDATE: Finally found it – alley behind apartment/commercial buildings along 35th near Snoqualmie, south of Alaska (alley is west of 35th) (map) – smoldering electrical vault, neighbors tell WSB it started about an hour ago, some units are without power because of it. Several engines and City Light still on scene. No injuries reported. 6:39 PM UPDATE: City Light also says it’s had trouble with this vault before, because of rewiring for buildings in the area, some of which have apparently had intermittent outages. Photos to come. 6:52 PM UPDATE: Photos added. Above, the fire units; below, the vault (Friday morning addendum — City Light tells WSB repairs were completed at about 1:35 am today):
Satterlee House owner goes to court to challenge city ruling
The fight over what can and can’t be built on that large lawn in the 4800 block of Beach Drive, stretching westward from the city-landmarked Satterlee House, isn’t over yet. Richard Hill, lawyer for Satterlee House owner William Conner, has just confirmed to WSB that Conner is going to court to challenge the city Hearing Examiner‘s recent ruling on his development proposal. As reported here April 28th, Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner upheld the city Landmarks Board vote against Conner’s proposal to build three 3,000-square-foot homes on the land; it’s been subdivided into three lots for potential development, and it was suggested at the extensive hearing preceding the ruling (this archive includes all WSB coverage) that the board might have looked more favorably on smaller houses. The HE ruling was the city’s final say, so court action was the only means by which it could be challenged; the 51-page appeal asks King County Superior Court to review the decision – we won’t have time to review all 51 pages till later, but we’ve uploaded the document here in case you want to read it first.
Great day for West Seattle gardening – consider these offers
First, this just in from the Admiral-area branch of the city library system, announcing a seed exchange:
Do you have extra garden seeds? Don’t let them go to waste! Bring them to the West Seattle Library in a sealed, labeled envelope, and take home someone else’s extra seeds! The seed exchange is happening from now until the end of May.
And the city’s offering compost bins at reduced prices – read on for full details:Read More
Saving Fauntleroy Schoolhouse: Pursuing landmark status
A little more than a month is left before Fauntleroy Community Services Agency needs to make an official deal with Seattle Public Schools as part of the first round of negotiations to buy the 92-year-old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, which the district is putting up for sale as “surplus property.” Meantime, landmark status is being pursued – we heard last night from Alison Swing, who is working on the landmark-nomination documentation and asking to hear from anyone who can help her with this type of information:
I’m just looking for testimonies on behalf of the community on significant impacts the school has had on the local community, whether socially, economically, politically, and any other information on the significance of the school as a historic landmark for the community.
If you have anything to say along those lines, please e-mail Alison at aswing@u.washington.edu as soon as you can.
West Seattle Gas Price Watch: Not leveling off yet
Looks like we’re in one of those periods when the folks who change the numbers on gas-station signs are getting quite the upper-body workout. Our informal barometer of the high end of WS prices — 35th/Holden Chevron, which we noted yesterday had broken the $3.90 barrier — is up 2 cents on all grades again this morning. (According to AAA, the citywide and national average prices went up about 2 cents overnight too.)
Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Dightman Capital Group
As is our tradition when a new sponsor joins WSB, we offer them a chance here on the home page to tell you something about themselves and their business. This morning, we’re welcoming Dightman Capital Group, an independent Registered Investment Advisor; here’s what they want you to know: “Dightman Capital was founded in 2007 by West Seattle resident Brian Dightman after nearly 6 years at RBC Dain Rauscher. Brian and his wife Michelle settled in West Seattle 8 years ago and shortly thereafter welcomed their two sons, Maxwell and Owen. Brian summarizes his feelings for West Seattle this way: ‘We love this community, its people, and look forward to continuing to build a rich history here for our family.’ Brian is a 3rd-generation West Seattleite; Grandma Ann and Mom Mitzie have many stories about their time at the Luna Park amusement center and saltwater pool on the pier back in the early 1900’s! Brian founded Dightman Capital when he realized that the best form of investment management and planning was going to come from an independent, fee-only source. The goal at Dightman Capital is to deliver a unique and focused portfolio-management approach to individual and institutional investors within a comprehensive planning environment. The firm emphasizes services in money management, financial planning, wealth management, generating retirement income, college cost evaluations and concentrated stock strategies.” You can reach Dightman Capital Group through its website at www.dightmancapital.com. Thanks to Dightman Capital Group for sponsoring WSB — and thanks to our other sponsors, all of whom you will find on this page, which also has info for anybody interested in joining them to grow their business and reach more customers while helping WSB be a sustainable source of 24/7 community news, information, and discussion for West Seattle.
At left, you see Nick DeSantis as Charlotte von
| 4 COMMENTS