West Seattle, Washington
29 Friday
(September 2010 photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
It’s “the pizza that made White Center famous,” but it’s also popular among West Seattleites and beyond, so we’re sharing the news here that Proletariat Pizza confirms it’s about to venture into delivery (as hinted earlier today on their Facebook page). WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz talked to Proletariat’s Stefanie Albaeck, who says they’re starting simple – a customized bicycle now being built in Georgetown will enable home delivery in the 9622 16th SW pizzeria’s immediate area. After that, Proletariat expects to expand to delivery by car, to a much wider area (no boundaries set yet, though eventually they would hope to cover much of White Center, West Seattle, and Burien). Right now, they’re strategizing the logistics of this expansion. It’s already been a half-year since Proletariat celebrated its one-year anniversary – here’s the story Deanie wrote last fall.
GOT THE NEED TO READ? Sanislo Elementary has a Used Book Sale coming up in just a week and a half – 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, March 19th, at the school (1812 SW Myrtle). Used books for both kids and grownups – “most priced below $2,” organizers note.
Heading south – big news in Arbor Heights:
BECU GRANT BUYS A-V CART FOR ARBOR HEIGHTS: In the parent-contributed photo above, that’s Sarah Lyons from BECU at Roxbury Safeway at left, with Robert and Meri Patton of the PTSA, Arbor Heights Elementary principal Dr. Carol Coram at center, and students, at the school assembly that kicked off this week with something big to celebrate: BECU granted Arbor Heights’ PTSA-parent-written-grant request to fund an A-V cart, which includes a projector and sound system, plus the cart to transport them around. We’re told Arbor Heights has never had a cart like this; it will be used for student and staff audio/visual needs, including showing videos and online media in a wide range of subject areas, and helping launch the online Study Island program. It also means teachers will be able to access closed captioning, which is not currently possible with many of the TVs in the school. The BECU grant is for $2,289.88, and Sarah from BECU presented it with the whole school on hand!
You can make it a “good time for a good cause” doubleheader this Saturday night and Sunday midday with two events that WSB is honored to be co-sponsoring:
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ SPRING GALA: Saturday night, the intergenerational three-group West Seattle Community Orchestras are raising money for their youth programs with a night of music, silent auction, and light dinner at West Seattle’s Kenyon Hall. The gala is at 7 pm Saturday, doors open at 6:30, tickets $25. To check on availability, e-mail Abe Santini at abe@wscorchestras.org.
NATURE CONSORTIUM BRUNCH: Then Sunday, mimosas are on the menu for the Nature Consortium‘s annual brunch. So are roasted-vegetable stratas, the acclaimed cuisine of Tuxedoes and Tennis Shoes Catering (WSB sponsor). And you’ll be inspired by a performance from the NC’s Youth Art Program. It’s noon-1:30 pm Sunday at the The Hall at Fauntleroy. It’s free to register (NC contributions will be requested during the event). Just go here to get your name on the list.
(King County rendering of new South Park Bridge design)
Two months after they were requested, bids were opened this afternoon for the new South Park Bridge, and the county has announced that the “apparent low bidder” is Kiewit-Massman. The joint venture of Kiewit Infrastructure West Company (Kiewit, by the way, helped build the West Seattle Bridge) and Massman Construction Company bid just over $96 million dollars, less than the county’s estimate ($98 million-$108 million). In the official county news release, King County Executive Dow Constantine called it an “excellent bid”; it needs to be evaluated before it becomes the official winning bid. Construction is expected to start in May, about 11 months after the old South Park Bridge was permanently closed, and the new bridge is expected to open in mid-2013. On the eve of the bid opening, the county threw a “Thank You, South Park” party last night at the Machinists Union Hall in SP (celebrants posed for the group photo below, including Constantine and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott)
(Photo by Ned Ahrens, courtesy King County DOT)
From Devin, a car theft in Fauntleroy:
I wanted to report that our car was stolen on Sunday evening, sometime between 10:30 pm and 6 am Monday. It was parked on the street in front of our house on Vashon View SW [map]. We have filed a police report. The car is a 1996 Acura Integra. It’s dark red with a spoiler on the trunk.
WSBers have spotted stolen cars before, but since we don’t get reports directly from police (their special Twitter feed doesn’t identify the theft location), please keep sending in the info if car theft happens to you. By the way, this is the only category of major crime that rose in Seattle last year compared to 2009, according to 2010 crime stats released today by Seattle Police. We were at HQ for the announcement and are putting together a West Seattle-focused story you’ll see here later.
To the list of political leaders with West Seattle appearances ahead (including City Council President Richard Conlin tomorrow night and all 3 state legislators this Saturday, as previewed here), add one more: Congressmember Jim McDermott has just scheduled a “coffee hour” at West Seattle’s C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) for 10 am March 26th. His staff says it’s the first in a series of “constituent coffee hours” he’ll be holding around the city.
One day before the first tenants are expected to move into Harbor Properties‘ new Link (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle on March 25th, its plan for another Triangle site will be shown to the Southwest Design Review Board. The SWDRB meeting for Harbor’s proposal at 4600 36th SW (just north of the motel) is set for 6:30 pm March 24th at the Senior Center of West Seattle. We first reported two months ago that Harbor was planning to develop the site, currently used for parking. They’re promising more details later this week, but in the meantime, the city webpage for the proposal describes it as “a 5-story, multifamily residential structure containing 63 units of housing.” That’s about a third of the number of units in Link, two blocks west. Side note – since few major developments have been under consideration around here lately, this will be the SWDRB’s first meeting since its “early design guidance” session seven months ago for the 7100 Delridge proposal (which has yet to go to a second SWDRB meeting).
From WSB contributor Katie Meyer at the King County Courthouse: Arraignment has just concluded for 19-year-old Angelo Felice, charged with first-degree murder for last month’s fatal stabbing of the Fauntleroy-residing entertainer best known as Hokum W. Jeebs. Felice pleaded not guilty; his bail remains at $1 million, and his next hearing is set for (updated) April 6th at 1 pm. He was arrested at 16th/Holden after police started searching for a man seen climbing out of a ravine near the murder scene hours afterward (as reported by a commenter here). More details, and a photo (the judge denied the defense’s request to stop the media from photographing Felice’s face) to come. ADDED 11:58 AM: Photo of the suspect in court today, photographed for WSB by Jill Schmieder of Altena Photography. Here’s her image of the entire scene at the bench, including Judge Theresa Doyle:
(Photo from 2010 Taste of West Seattle)
It’s a major fundraiser for West Seattle Helpline, and a major chance for West Seattleites (and visitors) to try out local food and beverages all in one place, one night. The Taste of West Seattle was bigger than ever last year – more than 300 people showed up – and the planning for this year’s event has just begun, so we’ve been asked to share the word that organizers are looking for restaurants to participate – and for sponsors, too. The date’s set – 6-9 pm May 19th, The Hall at Fauntleroy. If you’re interested in being part of it, you’ll find the contact info at tasteofwestseattle.org – that’s also where tickets for Taste-goers will be available soon (and you can watch the Facebook page, too).
10:50 AM: Update on the contact info – to reach WS Helpline to express interest in participation or sponsorship, call 206.932.4357 or e-mail wshelpline@gmail.com.
(Crocuses photographed by Tina Doherty)
Welcome to a soggy Fat Tuesday (here’s the forecast). It’s also “second Tuesday,” which means community meetings – the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s agenda has a long list of items including a briefing on the Lafayette Elementary playground project, 7 pm at Admiral UCC Church (California/Hill), while the Fauntleroy Community Association board meets at 7 pm in The Hall at Fauntleroy (also site of the FCA’s March 15th Fauntleroy Food Fest annual meeting and membership drive next week), and the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Association has organized a Block Watch meeting for tonight – whether you are a Block Watch captain or you have a neighborhood that needs a Block Watch, you’re invited to meet with neighborhood reps, SPD reps, and West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network reps, 6 pm at Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster) … The Kenney has an open house for its Ballymena independent-living units tonight, with a tour and beverages, 5 pm (RSVP to Karmen, 206-938-6941) … At High Point Branch Library (35th/Raymond), 6-7:45 pm, members of Poetrybridge will be on hand to comment on poets’ works in progress – call to register (206-684-7454) … Capers Home in The Junction kicks off its new Design Department with free classes for customers, including one at 11 am today, “Divining Your Style” (register by calling 206-932-0371) … Also at midday today, another brown-bag talk on “Developing Personal Safety Nets,” Alki Arts (call 206-659-0665 to register) … More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!
Well, the story could have started that way, though Jesse headed the e-mail sent early today “Crazy late-night wildlife” – read on:Read More
(WSB photo of ‘The Hole,’ 2 weeks ago)
When last we were in court on February 24 covering the legal maneuvering over “The Hole,” once King County Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead rendered her order putting the foreclosure sale on hold, there was a “last day of school” sense – as if the key players didn’t expect to see each other again for a while. The next trial in the two-part case, after all, isn’t scheduled to start for three months. Then – the case took another turn. Now a new hearing is set … on April Fool’s Day … for the motion that could do no less than preclude that future trial.
Yet another memorable image arrived in the inbox to share with you. Robin Lindsey‘s backstory for this: “Two hours of patience finally paid off this morning – the sun momentarily broke through the clouds just as this heron reacted to an incoming cormorant.” Robin is known well as first responder for Seal Sitters (see more of her work on their Blubberblog site) but says all’s been quiet on the seal front lately – the birds, however, are another story!
Two warnings from the WSB inbox tonight: First, an odd telephone call that turns out to be a scam attempt that’s been going around a while; second, a Craigslist post for a West Seattle rental that yielded a bizarre reply. Read on for details on both:Read More
(WSB photo from October 2010 Halloween Ski [etc.] Swap)
Another winter-gear-swap event is in the works, organized by the folks at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle. Dropping by the store today, we heard from M2SO staff about the plans for a followup to the first-ever Halloween Ski Swap last year: The swap event will be at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska, across the street from M2SO), Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27 – with dropoff on Friday the 25th, 4-7 pm; the swap 10 am-6 pm on Saturday and 11 am-5 pm on Sunday (retrieve the leftovers 4-6 pm). M2SO tells us 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit nonprofits. Details are being finalized, so more info is yet to come, but go ahead and mark your calendar if you’ve got gear to swap! P.S. M2SO’s winter-clearance sale is in its final week – including 50% discounts.
Today, we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Always Best Care Senior Services of Seattle, specializing in non-medical in-home care and senior living referrals, and owned and operated by Brian and Maureen Englund. 
New sponsors are offered the chance to let you know more about their business: With more than 30 years of experience in senior living, care and services, the Englunds have a sincere concern for enhancing the quality of life that goes beyond doing what is required and doing more for those entrusted to their care.
Always Best Care Seattle is licensed to provide non-medical in-home care needed for seniors and adults of any age to continue living safely and comfortably at home. Care providers are directly employed, licensed, insured and bonded, and receive comprehensive orientation and ongoing training. Home care services are available 1 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. With Always Best Care, seniors and their families have the important and empowering option of remaining at home with in-home care or receiving assistance with the selection and move to a senior living community. You will receive guidance in making a well informed and sound decision. Either way, you will receive exceptional service and peace of mind.
Always Best Care is also pleased to offer their services as certified leaders of the American Red Cross Family Caregiving program as a complimentary public service. The program consists of eight one-hour classes, and each is a self-contained module allowing you to attend any or all of the classes. The program has just begun at the Senior Center of West Seattle, every Wednesday, continuing this week (March 9). The next seven classes are:
General Caregiving Skills – March 9
Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move – March 16
Assisting with Personal Care – March 23
Healthy Eating – March 30
Caring for the Caregiver – April 6
Legal and Financial Issues – April 13
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease – April 20
To register online, go to www.abc-seattle.com/red-cross.
We thank Always Best Care Senior Services of Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Craig Young has been keeping an eye on the emergency sewer-main repair at Fairmount/Forest in the Admiral District – which started with a once-small sinkhole – and sent us a new photo this morning: Repair workers almost 30 feet under the street! So we called Seattle Public Utilities to get more details about this “big dig” – and a conversation with Frank McDonald revealed a lot about what goes on underground, here and elsewhere:
McDonald says the collapsed main that’s being replaced is a century-old, one-foot-wide clay “sanitary sewer” pipe. He says clay is actually a “resilient” material for pipes like this, so the age and material aren’t necessarily the cause of failure. Though the pipe is almost 30 feet – which means a contractor is doing the repairs, as SPU workers stop at about 18 feet – McDonald says it was only five feet under when it was installed in 1910, and most pipes are only about 10 feet down. This street has been graded and straightened over the years, and so the pipes just kept going further down.
We say “pipes” because McDonald says there’s another one under there that may have something to do with this one’s failure – an 18-inch-wide storm-drain pipe installed in 1974, when the “combined” sewer system was split in this area as part of the Forward Thrust program. That pipe crosses over the sewer main in a few spots, he says, and the interplay between the pipes and groundwater may have led to the settlement that revealed the growing problem underground. It was confirmed with use of a special camera, McDonald explains, equipment that’s carried by five SPU trucks. They don’t just respond to problems – they also use data analysis to figure out what types and ages of pipes around the city might be most at risk of trouble, so they are out proactively checking on pipelines too. (With 43,000 pipelines around the city, McDonald notes dryly, they have to prioritize.)
In this case, he says, after they dug down to the “original problem,” the crews started checking further down the line – literally – and “are finding some other potential problem areas,” so they’re going to keep going until they get to a section that seems to be OK. He still expects the work will be done by the end of this week – unless they find some major additional problem.
The digging has included the removal of the intersection’s traffic circle – here’s our photo from February 18th, before the repair work began:
McDonald says it’ll be up to SDOT to come in and replace the road surface, as well as features like the traffic circle. (And then, he points out, SPU will get an interdepartmental bill.)
This year’s version of “Catsino” – a growing-every-year benefit for local animal advocates – has just been announced for 2-6 pm April 3rd at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction. As you’ll note on the official poster above, BPP is one of four places where you can buy advance tickets – and there’s a discount if you buy yours by March 31st. Here’s more info in the official news release:
What do Hotwire Hot Mess Roulette, Pig Craps, BlackCat 21 and K9 Blackjack all have in common? “These are just a few of the twelve crazy Las Vegas style games we’ll be playing at Catsino,” says Lora Swift of Furry Faces Foundation, “Local businesses and animal rescue groups are adopting” the gaming tables, dealing out the cards and rolling the dice. Rumor has it that some of the tables will be shelling out extra prizes!
Tickets are just $25 at the door or save $5.00 by purchasing your ticket early at one of our four ticket outlets by March 31st. Each Catsino guest will receive $1,000 in Catsino bucks, three raffle tickets, one free drink ticket, gaming instructions, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win over 30+ raffle prizes. ‘Use your ‘Vaccination Record Passport’ as a guide to visit and play at each table,’ says F-Cuber Teri Ensley, ‘every time you play for at least five minutes at a table you have not visited before, you will receive a stamp. Play at six different tables, you’ll win an extra Grand Raffle ticket; play at nine different tables—another Grand Raffle Ticket; play at all twelve and earn your third grand raffle ticket!
‘This is a chance for our community to meet our local business owners in a fun, personal setting and learn more about animal rescue groups’, says Tammy Lyle, Furry Faces VP, ‘and, if you like what you hear and see, perhaps deal a few dollars into their donation bucket or sign up to volunteer with them! We know that A.A.R.F., Purrfect Pals, Regional Animal Services of King County and Furry Faces Foundation folks are looking forward to meeting all of you!’
For more information, please visit www.furryfaces.org
Pre-Sale Ticket Outlets-Save $5 By Purchasing Your Ticket Early!
• Beveridge Place Pubm: 6413 California Ave SW, 932-9906 (Morgan Junction)
• Hotwire Coffeehouse: 4410 California Ave SW, 935-1510 (Alaska Junction)
• Muttley Crew Cuts: 4200 Southwest Admiral Way, 932-6888 (Admiral District)
• Pet Elements: 6701 California Ave SW, 206-932-0457 (Morgan Junction)
(January 2011 photo shared by Lisa)
Just about everyone loves walking our beautiful beaches at low tide. Are you ready to help beach visitors learn more about what they’re seeing – as well as how to make sure they don’t cause unintended harm? The Seattle Aquarium‘s volunteer Beach Naturalist program – which stations volunteers on area beaches (including two in West Seattle) during summertime low tides – is looking for help. Here’s the official announcement just out of the WSB inbox:
Care about beaches? Good with people? Sign up to be a volunteer beach naturalist at a Seattle-area beach this summer. Naturalists will attend a program orientation on Tuesday April 12, and receive training from marine and interpretative experts on four weekday evenings (April 19, May 3, 10 and 17) and three weekend days (April 23, May 7 and 21). Once trained, volunteers spend three summer days educating visitors about beach ecology and beach etiquette at Carkeek Park, Constellation Park (South Alki), Des Moines Beach Park, Golden Gardens, Lincoln Park, Olympic Sculpture Park Beach, Redondo Beach, Richmond Beach or Seahurst Park. To sign up or get more information, please email beachnaturalist@seattleaquarium.org or call (206) 386.4365.
(Photos and video by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
As West Seattle Elementary School fifth-grader Allamagan Anod returns to school today, he has an extra reason to be proud.
He wrote an essay that won a school contest!
West Seattle Elementary, you might recall, is in the first year of an intensive improvement plan. One year after landing on a list no school wants to be on, the school is “soaring,” as new principal Vicki Sacco recently told WSB. That’s not the result of her work alone – her staff is generating innovative ideas as well as emphasizing stepped-up academics.
This is where WSES school counselor Laura Bermes comes in. She suggested an essay contest to help inspire better attendance – fewer absences, fewer tardies. After all, the more you are at school, the more you will get out of school.
The theme: Attendance Matters. It’s not just an emphasis for high schools, as they work intensely to keep students from dropping out. It’s a value that elementary schools work to instill as well.
Laura asked if WSB would be interested in publishing the winning essay. (Of course!) So the essay’s appearance here is part of the prize package, along with a pizza party for the winner’s whole family. The winner (and two runners-up) received certificates too.
Participation wasn’t mandatory, but Laura reports it was sizable. Essays were evaluated for criteria including thoughtfulness and – most important – what life could be like with an education. We were there as Allamagan read his essay to classmates Friday afternoon:
Here’s what he wrote:
“When I first came to America, I lived in San Diego for about two years. I went to a school called Porter Elementary School. I was nervous about the first day of school because it was my first time going to school in my life. I never went to school when I was in Africa. When the teacher was talking, I didn’t understand what she was talking about. Then, when I wanted to use the restroom, I didn’t even know how to say it. But now, I am starting to learn how to speak English, because I never gave up. Now, I see myself driving a beautiful car, coming from my important job as a lawyer, and donating money to build a park for children to enjoy. To keep that dream, I must go to school every day and never be late!”
Laura also is tackling attendance problems by working with parents/guardians. When a student has an unexcused absence, a letter is sent home requesting “a meeting mandated by the school,” she explains. At that meeting, the importance of regular attendance is explained, and a school magnet is given , with information including how to contact the school. The family is also offered the chance to discuss any issues affecting attendance, and how they might be resolved. Laura says these meetings are working well, with a dramatic reduction in the number of second-time unexcused absences.
She’s optimistic that, once everyone is clear about the necessity for good attendance, it will improve exponentially. If the students’ enthusiasm regarding the essay contest is any indication, she is on the right track.
P.S. Here’s a look at Allamagan’s essay, with the drawing that accompanied it:
P.P.S. A “best picture” winner was chosen too – here it is, by Ashley:
Congratulations to the students and staff of West Seattle Elementary!
Near Lowman Beach Park early today, R noticed and reported a trio of suspected car prowlers – read on for details:Read More
(Photo by Kenna Klosterman, from last week’s storminess; rain is forecast to return tonight)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: New Block Watch captains are invited to the last multi-neighborhood training session before longtime Crime Prevention Coordinator Benjamin Kinlow retires this month – it’s at 6 pm tonight, Southwest Precinct meeting room, RSVP information on the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network site … The Little Pilgrim School at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) starts accepting registration forms for next school year today, with morning/afternoon classes for 2-5-year-olds (206-932-5600) … Local business owners are invited to check out Happy Hour at the new restaurant/lounge Avalon while networking with the Westside Professionals (WSB sponsor), 5-7 pm (2940 Avalon Way) … With construction of the new South Park Bridge starting soon, a community celebration is planned tonight, 6-8 pm at the Machinists Union Hall, 9135 15th Place S. (flyer here) … Monday night Karaoke with Kelli debuts at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) tonight, 9 pm … More on the calendar!
(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB)
PORTSIDE COFFEE COMPANY MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY: Amid all the hubbub over Highland Park business changes at 16th/Holden, we almost lost sight of the fact that even with JoJo’s closed, HP still has coffee – Portside Coffee Company, in the big metallic ship-shape building, is down the Highland Park Way hill at 6720 West Marginal Way. Owners Sarah and Justin Awes told WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz that business in Year 1 exceeded their projections and continues to grow, as people continue to discover them: “I hear this all the time from people – they’ll tell me ‘I’ve driven by here a hundred times and never saw you,’” Sarah says. Her father built the custom “ship’s hull” coffee stand. She says they were the first espresso stand in Seattle to use coffee from Lynnwood-based Silver Cup; they’ve built business with “Two-Dollar Tuesdays,” charging that sum for a 16-ounce coffee drink (single or double) or 12-ounce fruit smoothie. Portside is open 5 am-5 pm weekdays, 7 am-noon Saturdays, closed Sundays.
LOCAL MARTIAL-ARTS ENTREPRENEUR LEADS NATIONAL ORGANIZATION: Lisa Skvarla, who owns LMA Martial Arts in West Seattle, is now the chair of the Association for Women’s Self-Defense Advancement, a national nonprofit organization. From the online announcement (which you can read in full here):
Skvarla has attended numerous AWSDA conferences over the years, in Toronto, Phoenix, Greenville, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina. “Those conferences were so beneficial and many of them changed my life,” she says. “Every time I came home I was pumped about the information I had received. Teachers and members from all over the world, including Germany, South Africa, England, Denmark, come to the AWSDA conferences.
AWSDA welcomes anyone who supports the growth and improvement of a woman’s ability to defend themselves. Membership and involvement is relevant to everyone – (including) housewives, teenage girls, self-defense instructors, law enforcement professionals, and rape-crisis counselors. All male teacher applicants are required to submit a brief resume plus a letter of intent explaining their reasons for applying for AWSDA. In conclusion, Skvarla advises: “I would encourage all women to get involved, empower themselves and improve their personal safety. It is a great honor to serve and to be a part of this organization.”
As you might recall, Skvarla is also an actor/stuntperson, recently featured in a cable-TV movie.
WEST SEATTLE AUTHOR WINS AWARD: Alki-based author Robyn M Fritz was honored recently by the Dog Writers Association of America with their 2010 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. It’s a national award, sponsored by Merial, for “the work that best highlights the unique relationship between a dog and its owner and best brings to life the concept of the human-animal bond.” In this case, the work the award honors is Fritz’s book (cover at left), “Bridging Species: Thoughts and Tales About Our Lives with Dogs.” The award came with a $500 cash grant and a $250 travel stipend to attend the banquet. More information at www.alchemywestinc.com. Robyn is co-hosting “Crystals as Art” at Alki Arts next Saturday, 2-7 pm (more info here).
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