West Seattle Tuesday: Back-to-school for some; Denny/Lafayette dedications; Viaduct updates, more

Look what we found on the city Traffic Cameras list – an actual Alaskan Way Viaduct traffic camera. It’s since been added to the WSB Traffic page (tidied that up a bit this weekend – fixed some broken links, enlarged the “live” images, added a few other new, relevant ones too). The Viaduct is actually on the preview list today, too:

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM REOPENS: The week-plus budget-cut-plus-holiday closure is over as of today.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Many of West Seattle’s independent schools start the new year today – and one public school; full list here.

DEDICATING THE NEW DENNY: Ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for new Denny International Middle School building, north side of the now-shared Denny/Sealth campus, with guests including Seattle Public Schools‘ interim superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield, 1 pm (details here).

PLAYGROUND PARTY: Lafayette Elementary playground celebration/dedication, community party with entertainment, free barbecue and more, 5-7 pm (details here)

ROTARY GETS VIADUCT UPDATE: Rotary Club of West Seattle weekly luncheon meeting features Seattle Times (WSB partner) transportation reporter Mike Lindblom discussing the Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct/tunnel project, noon at Salty’s on Alki.

CITY COUNCIL GETS VIADUCT UPDATE: City Council’s Alaskan Way Viaduct committee gets briefed on where things stand, 2:30 pm (agenda here)

FIRST TUESDAY TUNE-UP: Salty’s on Alki launches the “First Tuesday Tune-Up” series — a cocktail fundraiser to benefit a local nonprofit, hosted by Victor Janusz, no cover, raffle prizes, tonight featuring ArtsWest Playhouse, on the eve of its new season, which opens with “Amy’s View.” 4:30-7:30 pm.

OPEN MIKE AT SKYLARK: Skylark Café and Club is adding a second open mike night on Tuesdays! (Wednesdays have been packed full of acts for months now.) It’s slightly different … hosted by Tekla & Brian of local band Blvd Park and will be acoustic-only. Poetry and comedy are encouraged, as well as all types of acoustic music, all ages 7-9 pm, then 21+ after 9 pm as usual.

TRY IT FOR $2: Seattle Parks and Recreation‘s “Try It for $2” Program (WSB sponsor) starts its September 2011 run today: Attend a program or class session once for $2 at one of the city’s many community centers. If you like it, register for the remainder of the class for a prorated amount. If you’re new to a water-fitness program, try one session for $2. Current participants get in FREE if they bring a new participant More info at tryitfor2.com.

Unique new class for teens in West Seattle: Playwriting

As school revs up, so does the quest for after-school activities. Here’s one coming up this fall, called to your attention by Carol at Southwest Teen Life Center – creative and free: The ACT Theater playwriting class, October 11-December 8, 3-4:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the TLC, 2801 SW Thistle. It’s described this way:

The Young Playwrights Program is a professional playwright/teaching program that teaches the basics of playwriting. Each student playwright completes a 10- to 45-minute original play by the end of the session. Students will have the opportunity to learn the art and craft of theater and be introduced to the basic knowledge and elements of how to write dialogue, create characters, and use action to create an entertaining, theatrical piece. Following the class, selected plays may be showcased through staged readings at the ACT Theater. Earn Community Service Learning hours for school. Receive free tickets to plays at the Langston Hughes Performing Art Center and the ACT Theater by enrolling.

You can find out more, and/or register, by calling 206-684-4115.

West Seattle wildlife: Divebombing owl reported in local park

You know Lincoln Park is home to owls (wonderful past proof includes this). You know owls sometimes dive-bomb humans (past anecdotes include this). Tonight, just out of the WSB inbox … an owl-attack report from Lincoln Park, courtesy of “Fauntlee Hill Bill“:

Had the head phones on and was enjoying a beautiful Labor Day eve twilight jog along the Lincoln Park bluff trail in the NW corner of the park. Encountered a few dog walkers and runners along the way but was momentarily alone when all of a sudden out of nowhere I felt a scrape along the top of my head.

Bill’s story continues ahead:Read More

West Seattle schools: Many students return tomorrow

September 5, 2011 9:16 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Many students return tomorrow
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just hours till the new school year starts for many of West Seattle’s major independent/private/parochial schools, including Holy Rosary, Hope Lutheran, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Seattle Lutheran, and Tilden. One public school starts tomorrow too – West Seattle Elementary; the others start Wednesday, as do more of the independent schools, including Westside School and West Seattle Montessori (both WSB sponsors), as well as Explorer West. (Some students already have started, like those in the Highline Public Schools district serving White Center and points south, and Holy Family [WSB sponsor].) Remember that among other things, this means school zones are back in effect on the road – please slow down!

Watch for the ‘For Sale’ sign soon at West Seattle’s ex-Fire Station 37

(2010 photo of ex-Fire Station 37, at 35th/Othello)
It’s likely to be a quick, routine vote of approval, but nonetheless, it should be noted that the authorization to sell historic former Fire Station 37 is on the agenda tomorrow during the City Council‘s afternoon meeting. Here’s the full version of what they’ll be voting on. The new Station 37, a few blocks south of the old one, opened last fall; the city had been taking comments on the old station’s future since last summer, and concluded it’s most likely to become a “private residence.” Ex-FS 37 was built in 1925.

Metropolitan Market: Things are just peachy after 40 years

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With three grocery stores within a radius of barely three blocks, the Admiral District is home to West Seattle’s busiest food-shopping hub.

And it’s been a big year for all three of those supermarkets – Safeway just opened its new store, PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) remodeled its West Seattle store, and Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) celebrated “a fantastic 40 years of being in business,” as Admiral store manager Glen Hasstedt describes it.

We talked with him recently to check in on what’s new with MM, and what’s ahead.

Read More

Another dedication tomorrow: New Denny Int’l Middle School

September 5, 2011 11:19 am
|    Comments Off on Another dedication tomorrow: New Denny Int’l Middle School
 |   Denny-Sealth | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo from August media tour of new Denny)
On Wednesday, when Denny International Middle School sixth-graders get the school to themselves as per tradition, they will be the first to officially attend the brand-new Denny, adjacent to the remodeled Chief Sealth International High School. But first: As was the case for Sealth on back-to-school-day-eve last year, Denny gets the spotlight at a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow. Seattle Public Schools‘ interim superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield will be there, as will of course Denny’s proud principal Jeff Clark, and other dignitaries, including West Seattle’s school-board rep (and its president) Steve Sundquist. If you’re planning on being there too, note that Denny’s entrance is on the north side of the campus (2601 SW Kenyon), while Sealth’s entrance remains on the south side. A formal community open house/tour event is set for 10 am Saturday, September 24th.

In case you wondered: Police/fire on Harbor Avenue

September 5, 2011 11:13 am
|    Comments Off on In case you wondered: Police/fire on Harbor Avenue
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Just in case you passed by or were in the area and wondered: The fire/police response that’s wrapping up in the Salty’s vicinity on Harbor Avenue involves a diver who, according to the scanner, felt sick after emerging from the water. No water rescue was needed, but 911 was called, SFD responded, and was taking the diver to the hospital at last report. Police were called to help with traffic in the vicinity of the SFD units.

West Seattle Monday: Happy Labor Day (2011 edition)

We took the photo Sunday afternoon at Delridge Skatepark, formally opening on Delridge Day September 17th (but being skated like crazy, again, when we ran by) – we got a tip about the banner, made by an anonymous West Seattleite who wanted to show appreciation for the Grindline design/build crew’s labors. On to the Labor Day info:

TRANSPORTATION: Metro Transit, the West Seattle Water Taxi (along with its shuttle buses), and Sound Transit express buses are all on their Sunday schedules. Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is on a weekend schedule .

PARKING IN THE PAY ZONES DOWNTOWN, ETC.: Pay stations/meters are on holiday too – free street parking today.

SOLID WASTE PICKUP: If you have city trash/recycling/yard waste pickup on Mondays, it’s on a normal schedule despite the holiday.

STATE LIQUOR STORES: Open 10 am-7 pm.

WHAT’S NOT HAPPENING: Most government offices/facilities closed (Seattle Public Library system reopens tomorrow), most banks closed, no mail delivery.

BUSINESSES? Mixed bag, judging by what we’ve seen mentioned on business Facebook pages/Twitter feeds – more closed than open, overall. Avalon Glassworks did e-mail to say they’ll be open.

As for events, we have a few:

COOKING CLUB MEETS: The holiday’s not stopping the West Seattle Cooking Club from meeting today. Location: Beveridge Place Pub. Theme: “4 ingredients.” Time: 2 pm. The challenge this week – to create a dish limited to 4 ingredients – salt, pepper and oil are allowed in addition to the 4 ingredients that you choose. (Then bring your creation to BPP for the meeting.)

LAST DAY FOR THE WADING POOL: Last day of the season for the last West Seattle wading pool still open, Lincoln Park.

West Seattle wildlife: Seal pup ‘Cupcake’ visits Jack Block Park

Yet another reason to remember the tenet “Share the Shore” (noticed the new Alki banners yet?) – the latest seal sighting, shared this time by West Seattle-based entrepreneur/speaker Sunny Kobe Cook (thanks!), who says her photo shows:

A newly identified, healthy harbor-seal pup, named “Cupcake” by visitors to Jack Block Park this afternoon. A Seal Sitters volunteer came, took pictures, recorded the find, set up a tape barrier to be sure the pup wasn’t disturbed, and provided information to park visitors.

Watch the Seal Sitters “Blubberblog” site for news on other recent pup sightings on local beaches, and remember that if you see a seal, or any marine mammal, on a local beach, call 206-905-7325 (SEAL) to let SS know.

Lafayette school-playground dedication Tuesday: Party details

September 4, 2011 10:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Lafayette school-playground dedication Tuesday: Party details
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Before Seattle Public Schools classes start Wednesday, some West Seattle schools have big pre-school-year events Tuesday. And we have new details tonight on one of them: The playground dedication at Lafayette Elementary in the Admiral District. It’s been a long road for volunteers and donors, and they are inviting you to help them celebrate, 5-7 pm Tuesday evening. One of the Play It Forward Project leaders, Holly Grambihler, describes it as a “fun, free event for the community,” with the ribbon-cutting set for about 5:15 pm. The Junction QFC is hosting a free barbecue – hot dogs, salads, chips – Holly explains that the store’s new manager, Jill Hamilton, “is a West Seattle native and grad of WSHS. She’s very excited to be back in our area and to get involved in our community. She stepped up and volunteered their donation and services to help our event!” Live music will be courtesy of the Toucans steel-drum band (recently seen at the grand opening of the Admiral Safeway across the street); jump-rope artistry will be courtesy of the Lafayette Popcorns team; and a Seattle Sounders FC player (TBA) is scheduled to appear. Holly says fun playground prizes are in store for a “kids’ only” raffle, and two last additions – treats from the new Safeway and from Little Rae’s Bakery. Never been to the Lafayette playground? It’s on the west side of the school, alongside SW Lander, west of California SW (map).

9-day Viaduct shutdown: Making the Water Taxi easier to use

(Photo courtesy Debra Herbst, taken @ Seacrest 7/20/11, when big events boosted WT ridership)
After last Monday’s announcement of the official dates for October’s 9-day/10-night Alaskan Way Viaduct construction/demolition closure, some asked about the West Seattle Water Taxi – would it add more runs during the shutdown? The short answer from King County was, no – runs were already added earlier this year, and the service was finally extended to be year-round. However, Michelle Allison from the office of King County Councilmember Joe McDermott (who chairs the King County Ferry District Board, an alter-ego of the KC Council) says they are working on ideas for making it more “accessible” during that time. In particular, she told WSB, they’re trying to figure out if they can ease the parking crunch for people trying to get to Seacrest to catch the WT, since the shuttle/bus routes don’t work for everyone. Any specific ideas – that would be easily implementable, temporarily and quickly – that YOU think would make the WT easier to use?

P.S. Yet another reminder – the West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule tomorrow (Labor Day), as are its shuttle buses, while the Vashon Water Taxi won’t run at all.

Last-minute invite: Stargaze tonight with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen

Aside from the forest-fire-smoke haze, the skies are clear, and it could be a great night for stargazing. Since a comet and a supernova just might be visible, West Seattle’s NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen – whom you might know for throwing solstice/equinox sunset-viewing parties (like this one) – is inviting you to Solstice Park tonight at 9. She’ll have telescopes, and expert guidance on what to look for. Solstice Park is upslope behind the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts (Alice’s site has an excellent map to guide you).

More West Seattle wildlife: Hawk vs. crows – see who wins

Another urban-wildlife tale shared by photographer/writer Trileigh Tucker

A few days ago I was watching pairs of adult/fledgling crows poking the grass for insects on the south ballfield in Lincoln Park, when suddenly this young Cooper’s Hawk (possibly one of the fledglings from this year’s nest in Lincoln Park) started trying to capture young crows for her breakfast. Surprisingly to me, she also tried to nab a squirrel, who seemed remarkable unperturbed at being swooped on. The Coop repeatedly went after the crows until finally the adults got fed up and started harassing her.

She finally flew off, probably hoping for a better breakfast buffet elsewhere.

More photos and some reflections on the usefulness of city parks are on my website.

Thanks to Trileigh and everyone who shares photos of West Seattle sights – wildlife, people, places, all welcome, besides of course breaking news! If you use Flickr, there’s a WSB group there, too.

West Seattle coyotes: A warning, a sighting, and reminders

Haven’t received many sighting reports lately, but that doesn’t mean coyotes aren’t out there. It may actually mean people are doing a better job of encouraging them to keep their distance, by not leaving out food, or trying to spook them when spotted. Outdoor pets remain at risk, as evidenced by a sad (and slightly graphic) note just received from Clay, one of two reports ahead:Read More

9/11’s 10th anniversary: Update on local commemorations

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated – most recently 9/10 – with added information about local events)

(Photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
On Thursday afternoon, residents, staffers, and community members joined together at Providence Mount St. Vincent to fold dozens of paper cranes, adding to what they hope will total 1,000, as The Mount prepares for a remembrance service next Sunday, part of a growing list of local commemorations on what will be the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Here’s what we have on the list so far (and if you know of one in West Seattle or White Center that’s not listed here, please e-mail information so we can add it – thank you!):

9/11 HISTORY EXHIBIT AT LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: This is the first of two ways you can join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society/Log House Museum in observing the anniversary. Visit the LHM (61st/Stevens) next Sunday, noon-7 pm (that’s a later closing time than usual), to see its exhibit.

9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE MOUNT: 1 pm next Sunday in the chapel, public welcome. Providence Mount St. Vincent is at 4831 35th SW.

TRIBUTE CONCERT AT HOLY ROSARY: Cantare Vocal Ensemble will perform a 9/11 tribute featuring Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor” and Albinoni’s “Adagio in G Minor” at 3 pm next Sunday, with donations and a portion of proceeds going to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. The tribute also includes Voices of 9/11, described as “select memoirs of victims and their families, narrated by Q13 FOX Meteorologist MJ McDermott.” Cantare founder/artistic director Mark A. Adrian conducts. Tickets $25, available online here, or at the door before the concert.

(September 2001 photo by David Hutchinson: Candles, flowers, tributes at the Alki Statue of Liberty)
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AT ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY: 7 pm on September 11th, you are invited to join the memorial vigil that’s being organized by SWSHS/LHM, at the spot where so many came from all over not only West Seattle but the rest of the region, to mourn, and to show unity. At the time, only the original Alki Statue of Liberty statue (recast, and unveiled on September 11, 2007, while the original now is kept at the museum) was there; the plaza was dedicated in 2008. (History side note: Did you know the Twin Towers were designed by a Seattle-born architect?)

TRIBUTE DURING HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY STREET FAIR: September 11th will be the second day of this year’s community street fair at Holy Family School (20th/Roxbury), and once again this year, a 9/11 tribute is planned. (We are checking on the time; last year, a moment of silence was observed toward the start of the day; here’s our 2010 story.) Update: We are told this will be at 9:15 am.

(added Monday) HEALING SERVICE @ TIBBETTS: At 10:00 am, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) will hold a special service. From their announcement:

Milestones are marked in many ways, some happy, some sad, some healing, Directly, or indirectly, we were all deeply touched by the events of that day. Whether by people we knew who were there or simply waking up, on what was a beautiful morning and hearing the news. As the day progressed, knowing in the back of our mind, but not being able to say quite yet; from today, life, as we know it, would forever change. As the days passed and more information came to light, the nagging thought we had that morning became a reality. The next ten years were indeed turbulent times. Our service marks that milestone with a time for remembrance, reflection, prayers and song. These are healing times, so please, come share in the healing.

Tibbetts is at 3940 41st SW.

(added Wednesday) REMEMBRANCE SERVICES AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: The theme is “Remembrance: A Time for Reflection, Reconciliation, and Hope,” at 8 and 10:15 am Sunday at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave SW. From their announcement:

All are welcome to join in this time of remembrance and hope on the tenth anniversary of the events that have marked our times and changed our lives. The Reverend David Wold, former bishop of the Southwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is guest preacher. The Reverend Peter DeVeau, Rector, presides. We all know where we were on this date ten years ago. That same day, many made their way to a house of worship. This house of prayer for all people will be open this Sunday to any seeking thoughtful insight and inspiration for the living of these days of challenge and change. All ages and all people are welcome.

(added Wednesday) SPECIAL SERVICE AT ‘THE WAY’: Also at 10 am Sunday, The Way Church of God, which meets at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, plans a special service. From their announcement:

Calling all service men/women, past, present, and future, and the community to a special service designed to honor all the service men/women who have given themselves for our safety and freedom. In remembrance of 9/11, The Way COG will host an event Sunday 10 am at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, dedicated to bring honor to all our heroes!

(added Friday) SPECIAL OFFER AT THE ADMIRAL THEATER: From Dinah at The Admiral: “This Sunday, in honor of the 10 year anniversary of September 11th, The Admiral Theater will be offering our first matinee FREE (any movie of your choice) to Police Officers, Fire Fighters and their immediate families. Police and Fire Fighters will need to show their Department ID and this is on a first-come, first-served basis.”

P.S. WSB Forums members are continue to share their 9/11/2001 memories in this thread, and you are welcome to contribute.

West Seattle Sunday: Sunshine, sales, Market, movies, more…

(Photo from Saturday afternoon, taken along Beach Drive, looking toward Vashon Island)
Looks like the beautiful holiday-weekend weather continues (here’s the newest forecast). From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

LOOKING FOR YARD/GARAGE SALES? WSB Forums have free listings here – and there are a few sales listed for today.

GO SEE A MOVIE: Here’s the Admiral Theater movie schedule.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING/WADING: It’s Colman Pool’s last weekday of 7-day-a-week summer operations (pool schedule/other info here) – after tomorrow, it closes till one last “post-season weekend” next Saturday/Sunday. Also at Lincoln Park, you’ll find West Seattle’s last city wading pool still open IF the weather is forecast for 70+ degrees (last scheduled opening day is Sept 5)

AT THE MARKET TODAY: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). From market management, here’s what’s happening today:

Music: Canote Brothers!
Eggs…check!
Wine tasting…check!
Pepper roaster…check!

P.S. Both Sustainable West Seattle and the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are scheduled to have members tabling today (as they do regularly, but not every week) – look for them and say hi!

CATS AWAIT YOU: Friends of the Animals Foundation has volunteers on site at Next to Nature in The Junction, 11 am – 3 pm, to help you find the perfect rescued feline companion.

LEARN ABOUT HISTORY: Noon-4 pm, tour the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).

BORROW A TOOL: West Seattle Tool Library has regular Sunday hours at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (east side of main building), 1-5 pm.

High-school football: Seattle Lutheran’s first game

September 4, 2011 1:32 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Seattle Lutheran’s first game
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Opening weekend of high-school-football season continued Saturday night. Seattle Lutheran HS was in Pierce County, playing Life Christian/Seattle Christian, which won the game 49-25. SLHS is on the road again next week, playing at North Beach.

Seattle Parks brings back ‘Try It for $2’ starting next week

September 3, 2011 10:22 pm
|    Comments Off on Seattle Parks brings back ‘Try It for $2’ starting next week
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

It’s a low-risk way to check out some of the programs at local community centers and pools – and it’s making a comeback this month. Seattle Parks is promoting its “Try It for $2” offer again (advertising it on WSB and elsewhere), which starts after the Labor Day holiday and continues all month. There’s some info at the official website, tryitfor2.com, and you can find programs to try by browsing the fall West Seattle-wide brochure – it’s permalinked atop the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page, or you can access it directly (PDF) here.

West Seattle roads: Delridge/Croft improvements in progress

Thanks to Mike for sharing that photo of the work that’s under way by the bus stop on the northbound side of Delridge at Croft (map). It’s a multi-component project from the city’s Neighborhood Projects Fund, according to SDOT spokesperson Marybeth Turner:

SDOT paving crews are working on a neighborhood improvement project at Delridge Way and Croft Place SW. They installed a curb ramp and paved an area within a driveway. They also paved a bus pad. They will install a new traffic island (median) on one side of the intersection to assist pedestrians crossing Delridge. The crew chief expects the work to be completed sometime next week.

Update: Fire in Olympic Nat’l Forest, visible from West Seattle

(Photo substituted 3:01 pm – took this one from Charlestown Hill)
1:58 PM: We’ve gotten a few questions about all the smoke on the east slope of the Olympic Mountains, north of the iconic Brothers peaks, clearly visible from West Seattle. (Our photo is from the hill over south Lincoln Park.) So far we believe it’s this one that’s reported to have closed the Duckabush trail (here’s a map of that area) – still looking for a more comprehensive sense of information.

3:06 PM UPDATE: Substituted a better photo, after checking it out from Charlestown Hill and Beach Drive. Our friends at KING 5 quote authorities on the peninsula as calling this one the “Big Hump Fire.” They report at least 20 firefighters are assigned to it. Also just in – best photo yet, from David Hutchinson on Alki:

4:53 PM UPDATE: First time we’ve seen a cause mentioned – the Peninsula Daily News has a story up now, and says it’s believed to have been sparked by an abandoned campfire.

8:15 PM: The fire’s size has been updated to 50 acres.

Election 2011: See how your area voted on tunnel referendum

The King County Elections Department is out with the breakdown on last month’s vote, precinct by precinct, and our partners at the Seattle Times have turned the Seattle Referendum 1 (tunnel-related) vote into a color-coded map. Eastern West Seattle was the anti-Ref. 1 stronghold – get a closer look at the map here – and there was a bit of a north-south split, too, with a few pockets of opposition in north WS, such as one area just south of Alki Point. (If you know your precinct number, you can check out the text version of the vote breakdown – for all races/measures – on the county website.)