West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WCN/WSB)
If you haven’t already seen this on our partner site White Center Now: An aquarium store in WC is under orders to move, fast, because its landlord says the building is being foreclosed on. They have thousands of fish – and nowhere to go. Read the story here.
Got a few minutes to watch something amazing? Just off West Seattle shores, the hatching of tens of thousands of Giant Pacific Octopi was documented by diver Laurynn Evans. The video’s been on YouTube since last fall but it’s getting national attention because Laurynn sent it to NPR’s Robert Krulwich, who wrote about it today (we’ll forgive him the “Harbor Avenue in downtown West Seattle” reference) – WSB’er Lisa saw his story and suggested we share it here.
11:21 AM: Somewhere around lap 37 of his 60 fundraising laps for Make-A-Wish (explained in our Sunday story), Pathfinder K-8 teacher Lou Cutler had to take a break. For a good reason – a KING 5 TV photojournalist had shown up to interview him and roll a little video as Lou and students ran/walked around the field during his annual fundraiser.
After that, “we’re going to be on channel 5!” was the buzz in the spectator gallery – but shortly, it was back to “How many laps has Lou done?” (There’s an easel where young assistants are diligently marking off each one and shouting his progress as he passes by during each lap.) He told the TV visitor he’s more than halfway to his $6,000 fundraising goal for this year’s run. (If you missed our story – Lou doesn’t just run to raise money for Make-A-Wish, one lap for each year as his 60th birthday approaches; he’s volunteered for them for 15 years and is on the team that grants “rush wishes” – for children who may be in their final days or even final hours, as was the case of little Gracie, to whom this year’s run is dedicated.)
12:26 PM: He did it!
60 laps equals 10 miles, by the way.
It’s one hour and 15 minutes of potentially life-saving information: Reminders are circulating today about the city’s next SNAP (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare) class, which is in West Seattle tomorrow night – 6:30-7:45 pm at High Point Library (35th/Raymond). Free, no registration required. You’ll find out about putting together a disaster kit and a household/family disaster plan, among other things. Be there – the city only offers these in our neighborhood a few times a year. (Another preparedness essential – familiarize yourself with West Seattle Be Prepared resources, including knowing your nearest Neighborhood Communication Hub.)
(Flowers along Beach Drive; photo shared by Tina Doherty)
LAPS WITH LOU: As previewed here on Sunday morning, Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler hits the field this morning for his annual birthday run raising money for Make-A-Wish, joined by students, staff and community members. It starts at 8:45 am. You can make an online donation:
Just go here!
CITY LIGHT PROJECT MEETING: Community meeting at White Center Library (11220 16th SW) about an extensive Seattle City Light project that’s coming up, 7 pm (details in this preview we published last month).
DREAM DINNERS TASTING PARTY: Monthly tasting party at Dream Dinners of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 5:30-7 pm – details here.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET CLASS: Kathy Abascal will be starting a new 5-class To Quiet Inflammation (TQI) diet series at The Kenney, 6:30 – 8 pm (6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 and 7/11. Register for class online
NIGHTLIFE: Trivia with Tom Hutyler at Christo’s on Alki, 7 pm … Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm
TRANSPORTATION NOTES: The Melissa Ann is replacing the Rachel Marie on the West Seattle Water Taxi run (explained here) …
11:27 PM: We’d been waiting to hear back from the precinct after asking about a report of police at Denny International Middle School earlier. This new update from SPD Blotter is apparently the answer:
On June 5th at approximately 3:49 p.m. officers responded to a middle school in the 8400 block of 30th Avenue SW after school security received an interior burglar alarm trip. School security was able to hear banging and breaking glass, and eventually saw the juvenile male suspect inside the office area of the school breaking things.
After establishing containment, officers entered the premises and found fresh damage to the office area including smashed glass panels in the doors. Officers then saw the suspect running in an interior courtyard. When they cut off his avenue of escape, the suspect turned and ran in another direction through the complex. After a brief foot pursuit, officers took the suspect into custody.
Officers secured the suspect and finished searching the rest of the building complex. Officers then photographed and documented the damage and collected evidence.
The suspect, a 13-year-old male, was transported to the Southwest Precinct where he was released to the custody of his father.
There are no other suspects outstanding or believed to be involved in the burglary and property damage to the school. Southwest Precinct Burglary detectives will be handling the active and ongoing investigation.
No word on how/if this affects school tomorrow – we’re checking.
7:31 AM MONDAY: Principal Jeff Clark says the damage “is not extensive.” He adds, “The district facilities department did a great job replacing several broken windows in the library and main office last night. We are all set to have a normal student day here at school.”
6:35 PM MONDAY: We asked the school district about a dollar value on the damage done; spokesperson Teresa Wippel says the only damaged items that had to be replaced were broken windows, costing $732 for labor/materials.
(WSB photo of Rachel Marie, from last month)>
7:53 PM: Just in from King County:
Over the weekend, the Water Taxi crew discovered a small crack in the hull plating of the Rachel Marie. The King County Marine Division has made arrangements to use another vessel, the Victoria Express, while the Rachel Marie is being repaired. The Victoria Express is a mono-hulled vessel of similar passenger capacity to the Rachel Marie and Melissa Ann, but it travels at slightly slower speeds and its length is better suited for the Vashon dock than the Seacrest dock in West Seattle. So beginning on Monday, June 6, the Victoria Express will be put into service on the Vashon Island/Downtown Seattle route, and the Melissa Ann will provide service on the West Seattle/Downtown Seattle route.
ADDED 8:09 PM: The issue of a backup vessel is one the county had been working on since other recent problems that pulled the Rachel Marie out of service, according to Michelle Allison from the office of King County Councilmember Joe McDermott (who is King County Ferry District board chair). We had also asked her recently about the status of the plan for the county eventually to have new boats built for the West Seattle and Vashon runs:
We recently wrapped up an expert review panel and expect the final report soon. This was an important step for us in discussing what elements our new boats should include – the number of passengers, technical specifications, etc. Once the Board receives the final report, they will spend some time reviewing and then they will develop the detailed procurement documents needed to secure a builder.
Background on the RM and its recent history of trouble, ahead:Read More
If you’re in the Don Armeni vicinity around 3:30 pm tomorrow and see a knot of activity, probably including TV trucks, here’s what it’s about: Mayor McGinn, Seattle Police Chief John Diaz, and other SPD leadership (among others) will be discussing a new plan for “citywide late-night public safety emphasis patrols.” The media invitation that arrived minutes ago describes this as: “City will promote uniformed police visibility in areas with high concentration of people enjoying Friday and Saturday nightlife opportunities.” What does that specifically mean for West Seattle? We’ll have details as soon as that’s available. (This time last year, the mayor and police chief announced these types of patrols for several non-WS neighborhoods.)
Story and photos by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The new Junction restaurant/lounge Bang Bar has chosen its opening date: Next Friday (June 10).
We learned that in an interview Saturday with Bang Bar owners Kay Fuengarom and Aom Tiacharoenwat and their chef, who goes by “Chef Jahn.”
As the owners of two other Thai restaurants (Zab Thai in Everett and Chaiyo Thai in Northgate), they were attracted to the former site of Tom Yum Koong (which closed in February) for a few reasons.
Kathleen sent the photo, explaining the kids are in the 5400 block of 36th SW:
They want to donate all proceeds to Kitty Harbor kitten rescue. Fair Trade Organic Homemade lemonade, homemade zucchini bread, shave ice. They’re selling until the lemonade’s gone.
Planning a lemonade stand? Or a formal gala? Let us know in advance!
A few days ago, after receiving a handful of notes from local providers who wanted to get the word out that their summer day camps still had room, we published a short update, and invited anyone else with openings to send them along. Since then, the list has grown fivefold, to 20 camps/workshops, including one we’ve mentioned before, the Chief Sealth Basketball and Life-Skills Camp, plus others at schools, fitness facilities, community centers, and more. So if you’re still planning summer for a child or teen – check out the expanded list of programs that reported some room remains (subject to change at any time, though, so if you find out one of these is now full, please suggest they let us know – thank you!)
Thanks to a text, we’ve found out Zippy’s Giant Burgers is closed today. According to the recording that answers the Zippy’s phone, it’s because they’re out of food after selling a “crazy, crazy amount of burgers” their first five days in the new White Center location, but they expect to reopen tomorrow. ADDED 2:20 PM: It’s been pointed out to us (via Krista on Facebook) that, also in WC, Proletariat Pizza is now open Sundays, as of today.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler has spent 15 years fulfilling wishes in his spare time.
Today, he has a wish you can help fulfill: Support for his 12th annual birthday run around the school playfield – which for eight years has been a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which works to make wishes come true for seriously ill children.
This year’s run is tomorrow morning. Lou started the tradition when he was on the brink of 50, and now he’s soon to turn 60, so he’s taking 60 laps. Many of the school’s students will join him on the field for all or part of it. Here’s our video from last year:
This year, we thought it might be fun to talk to Lou ahead of time, so we went to Pathfinder last Thursday afternoon toward the end of the school day to find out more about his mission:
Another day full of sunshine – but without as full a slate of events as Saturday (when we photographed that pirate kite on Alki)! Still a few things of note. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
TAI CHI ON THE BEACH: Martial-arts instructor Lao-Shi (Caylen Storm) leads a group at Alki (every Sunday morning), 9 am, $1.
PLANTS AND PETS: Furry Faces Foundation fundraiser plant sale, with adoptable dogs on site. 10 am-4 pm, 3809 46th SW, flyer with full detailsat furryfaces.org
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Market manager Catherine Burke says today’s special features and new arrivals include cherries, morel mushrooms, music by Farm Report, and kids’ tent activities courtesy of Junction toy store Curious Kidstuff. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska.
ADOPTABLE CATS: Side trip while you’re at the Farmers’ Market, perhaps? West Seattle-based Friends of the Animals Foundation is at Next to Nature in The Junction, 11 am to 2 pm, with adoptable kittens and cats. All have been spayed/neutered and are up-to-date with routine shots.
SWIM IN THE SUNSHINE: Colman Pool at Lincoln Park, our area’s only city-owned outdoor pool, is open on the pre-season-weekend schedule again, with sessions starting at noon (here’s the schedule and other info – and take note that a computer upgrade means they’re not taking plastic after 4 pm, today only).
BEACH NATURALISTS: Seattle Aquarium naturalists will be on the beach near Colman Pool and south of Alki Point, 12:30-3:30 – the low tide is back on the rise but still notable, -1.6 just before 2 pm (here’s the chart for the entire month).
CRASH SURVIVOR BENEFIT: Benefit for the motorcyclist who survived an April 30th crash in the Luna Park business district, 1-10 pm at Brickyard BBQ with live music and more(details here).
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AT THE ADMIRAL: Four movies will be screened today at the Admiral Theater as SIFF begins its final week: First one is at 1 pm; full schedule is here.
WIN YOUR WAY INTO THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER: Free Texas Hold Em’ @ the Heartland Café. 1:30 and 3:30 pm, more information here.
LIVE MUSIC: Buildings on the Moon and Hausfrau tonight, 7 pm, Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), all ages.
‘PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS’ SCREENING: On Memorial Day, we reported on West Seattle filmmaker Ellen Frick‘s documentary about the motorcycle riders who serve the families of fallen American military members. Tonight is its first official Seattle showing, 7 pm at Northwest Film Forum as part of STIFF – info at the end of our report.
WEST SEATTLE TARGET’S GROCERY GRAND OPENING: As previewed here Thursday, the added grocery section at Target in Westwood Village is complete, and the store is celebrating its “grand opening” all day, open to close, with giveaways and specials.
If you have an engraved brick in place at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza – you have something no one else can get from here on out. The Alki Community Council has announced that the plaza brick sale has ***ended***, so they are not taking any more orders. From the ACC: “We wish to thank all of you who contributed over the years to the success of this project. Since the ACC assumed the responsibility of selling the remaining bricks and plaques in 2009, over 600 bricks and 7 Tribute Plaques have been ordered. The Council is allowed to retain a small fiscal sponsor fee and pays the cost of engraving the bricks and casting the plaques. More than $47,000 has been turned over to Seattle Parks & Recreation for future Statue and Plaza maintenance needs.” Now, as for those two bronze Tribute Plaques that are still available – you can find out more about how to order one by calling Eilene at 206-933-8352 or e-mailing her at libertyplaza@msn.com. (Photo by David Hutchinson)
Statue of Liberty Plaza morphed into a dance floor tonight on Alki, as a long-awaited salsa-dancing celebration finally arrived, to unbelievably perfect weather. Thanks to Debra Herbst for sharing a photo of the fun. (If you missed it, mark your calendar for two weeks from tonight, the second of four Salsa on Alki events scheduled this summer – here’s the Facebook event page.) Earlier, the beach itself grew more crowded as the day moved on toward an eventual high temperature just two degrees short of 80:
That photo is courtesy of David Hutchinson, who also reports that Harbor and Alki Avenues took on the traditional summertime backup, too – he says he was stuck in traffic for 20 minutes just getting between the West Seattle Bridge and Seacrest Pier, so from there, he detoured up to the Admiral District to make it home to Alki without too much further delay. Tomorrow is expected to be a lot like today – sunny, 70s.
Seattle Police have published another roundup of speeding (mostly) citations on their SPD Blotter site – Admiral Way, West Seattle Bridge, and a new wrinkle: the Arbor Heights Elementary school zone. (Numbers aren’t mentioned, just “five speeding citations” for that area.) See the details here.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Part 1 of this two-part report, detailing a recent security incident at the Highland Park Way/W. Marginal Way camp, can be found here.)
Story by Joanne Brayden
Photos by Kevin McClintic
Special to West Seattle Blog
Nickelsville is a self-managed homeless encampment that recently moved back to vacant city-owned land in the industrial area on the southeastern fringe of West Seattle. It is easy to dismiss it as just another collection of tents harboring those who opt out of a more structured life. But the portable toilets and dumpster in the parking lot, along with the security tent just inside the camp, tell a different story.
Obviously someone is in charge here – but it’s not any one particular person.
(Photo courtesy Erik Walum)
A business fire in South Park this afternoon sent one person to the hospital with burns (not believed to be life-threatening). We checked it out after notes from several people who either saw the smoke – visible from east West Seattle – or heard the sirens (responding crews included some from West Seattle stations). The business address, in the 7900 block of 2nd South (map) – between Highways 509 and 99 – is listed as a recycling firm. The fire was mostly out when we got there – a pile of charred debris was visible outside the building:
Investigators had just arrived; fire crews told us they were still sorting out the circumstances, including how it started, and how the victim was burned – they say he had been in a motorhome on the business’s property.
ADDED MONDAY: The fire was declared accidental – SFD Lt. Sue Stangl says it actually started in the engine compartment of that RV, spreading to the adjacent warehouse area, and that the victim was not seriously hurt – burned fingertips.
Yes, there’s a carnival in town today. It’s a fundraiser on the sun-splashed playground at Arbor Heights Elementary, 3-6 pm, and the bouncy “rides” are all set up and ready to go, according to the photo we just received from AH teacher Mark Ahlness. From the carnival announcement on the AH PTSA site: “… lots of fun bouncy rides and slides, games, prizes, face painting, dunk tank, cotton candy, good food and a huge amount of fun. Wristbands are $15 and include unlimited rides and 5 game coupons. You can also purchase single 50-cent tickets for rides (takes 2-4 tickets each) and games (1 ticket each). Cash, Check, Visa or Mastercard accepted.” Arbor Heights is at 3701 SW 104th (map).
Yet another of the many groups out doing great things in great weather today – this morning was the quarterly Adopt-a-Street event for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, whose president Katy Walum shared the photo, explaining: “Big smiles from some of our younger volunteers as they set out to clean up in the sunshine! 13 showed up today. We thank all of our volunteers for their commitment to keeping Admiral beautiful.” ANA has another big summer ahead – the free Summer Concerts at Hiawatha (with WSB among the sponsors) run Thursday nights July 28-September 1 (here’s the lineup, if you missed our story on the announcement last month).
Kicking back on a sunny summery Saturday? Not these two groups of West Seattle High School students – they’re hard at work. Top, it’s the WSHS volleyball team’s car wash at West Seattle Produce (Fauntleroy Way, just south of SW Alaska, just west of the Beloved Mexico food truck). They’re planning to keep washing till 2 pm. Further north, we spotted two more WSHS students, collecting food for the West Seattle Food Bank outside PCC Natural Markets‘ West Seattle store (WSB sponsor):
It’s the WSHS National Honor Society food drive, and the students on duty at PCC are Haley and Rojine.
The soundtrack of a sunny West Seattle Saturday … kids, lawn/garden power tools, commercial shredder … Well, on THIS sunny Saturday, sound from the latter is filling the air (see the truck on the right in our photo?) in the Junction parking lot behind the Oregon-to-Alaska block. Windermere Real Estate‘s free shredding event is coupled with free electronics recycling (just a few minutes in, a pile was already building, and trucks are standing by to haul away the dropped-off computers, TVs, phones, etc.). Enter the lot from 42nd SW; it’s scheduled to continue till 1 pm.
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