West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
That’s the followup to the photo we published last night from Bob in North Admiral – the house that previously flew Bears and Seahawks flags side by side now has taken down the ‘Hawks flag. Though today’s 35-24 loss is disappointing (unless you’re a Bears fan!), remember that they made history by winning a playoff game despite a regular-season losing record. A few photos shared with us during the game – Shannon shared this one of a young cheerleader:
And Kelly at Muttley Crew Cuts in Admiral noted that the dogs there had the chance to watch the game too:
With the Seahawks’ season over – you could look ahead to the Mariners‘ season, opening at Oakland on April 1st (with spring training games starting 2/27) … and for an even more-local hook, the Rat City Rollergirls just skated their first 2011 bout yesterday and have the next one on February 19.
10:55 AM: We are at the Log House Museum, steps away from the Alki Homestead (above), where 4 groups are announcing their updates on the Homestead’s status, on the 2nd anniversary of the fire that closed it. Historic Seattle says it still hopes to find a way to buy it. The 3 other groups say they have asked the city to step in to prevent further damage to the building. More to come after the media briefing.
(video unavailable due to blip.tv shutdown)
12:58 PM: Our video clip contains the complete, unedited 17-minute briefing (including Q/A). It was led by Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Clay Eals, who, toward the briefing’s end, summarized the event’s purpose: “We are speaking for the building … somebody has to speak for the building.” Full story to come; here’s an updated link to the official news release.
ADDED 1:50 PM: The snug first-floor central space of the Log House Museum was filled with media (including citywide TV crews), historic-preservation advocates, and SWSHS volunteers for the occasion. Speaking, from left, at a table facing cameras were Chris Moore from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Flo Lentz from 4Culture, Rick Sever from Historic Seattle, and Eals.
Notably absent was the building’s owner, Tom Lin, who says expert studies he’s paid for show that the building is too far gone for restoration, and would need “reconstruction.” The groups participating today said Lin had been notified of the event by e-mail and was invited to be there – as an observer, however, not as a speaker. Last summer, he had announced he would put the building up for sale, and extended an exclusive monthlong window for these same 4 groups to purchase it. Historic Seattle’s Sever would not comment during today’s briefing on the status of any negotiations and whether any talks had occurred recently, repeatedly saying “due diligence” prevented specific commenting. He also would not identify the “private investors” that were mentioned.
Regarding the request to the city regarding protection of the structure, we were told that came in the form of a letter to the Department of Planning and Development, which enforces code compliance; specific concerns were described as including being open to the elements, accessible to potential vandals, and having “waste” left around the site. Whatever complaint was filed, it’s not showing yet on the official DPD page for the Homestead/Fir Lodge site (2717 61st SW), which does note previous complaints (from unknown complainants), all listed as “case closed.”
The third major initiative announced today was creation of a new poster featuring the “This Place Matters” photo taken outside the Homestead/Fir Lodge last July 4th. Volunteers are going around putting up copies – we followed former Log House Museum director Andrea Mercado, her daughter Ruby and other young volunteers immediately after the media briefing, as they put up the first one at Sunfish Seafood a few blocks away:
So now what? As Sever repeated before the briefing ended, “In real estate, the door’s always open.” Whatever happens next, the Homestead, for now, remains closed.
Five months after first word of the remodeling project at PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor), the store celebrated its completion this week. We stopped by for a quick tour with PCC’s Diana Crane, who showed us the results – some of which are so subtle you might not notice till someone points it out. In the top photo, of course, what you see in the background can’t be missed – new deli offerings, including pizza and gelato. Closer to the foreground – the cheese case, like refrigeration/freezer cases all over the store, now has LED lighting, which is cooler and more energy-efficient. Ahead, some of what else is new:Read More
(From WSB Flickr group pool: Fireboat Leschi, photographed Friday by Danny McMillin)
Lots of early openings around the peninsula this morning to invite people in for The Big Game; the ones we’ve seen/heard mentioned are added here. Also happening today: Sustainable West Seattle/WS Tool Library promises a home-brewing demonstration at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm … The weekly “adult/big kid pickup soccer game” is still happening Sundays at 10:30 am … Just got word of a free organ-music concert by Linda Knebel, 2 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, public welcome … Dogs/handlers “positive training” flash mob at Westlake Plaza downtown, 3 pm, co-organized by West Seattle-based Service Dog Academy (details here).
“We keep getting bigger and better, but would like to fill in some of our smaller sections,” says Toni Reineke of West Seattle Community Orchestras, with days to go till their first rehearsal of the year (last week was “snowed out”). She elaborates:
We especially need cellos, string basses, trumpets, and percussion—and oboe and bassoon, of course!
If you are a beginner or haven’t played for a while, don’t be shy! We have three orchestras spanning beginning to advanced levels.
Pre-register online at wscorchestras.org, then be ready to rehearse on Tuesday night at Chief Sealth International High School. E-mail Toni with questions, tonireineke@comcast.net.
Seattle Lutheran High School‘s boys-varsity basketball team used its deep bench to wear down Tacoma Baptist in West Seattle on Saturday night, cruising to a 55-27 win. Details ahead:Read More
… though it won’t be open to the public (so far as we know). Bob in North Admiral shares the photo of a West Seattle home where every TD in tomorrow morning’s game will draw a cheer – from somebody. 10 am, Q13 FOX, Seahawks vs. Bears – and if you’re still deciding where to watch, we’ll have a list early tomorrow of West Seattle venues planning to open early and/or offering specials. Let us know if you’ve heard of one, or run a business that’s offering one. (Among what we’ve heard of so far – you can even get pizza for breakfast – Zeeks is delivering starting at 9 am citywide.)
ADDED SUNDAY MORNING: Places we’ve heard from (or seen via Twitter and/or Facebook) opening early (or early enough) and specifically mentioning game-viewing include: Elliott Bay Brewery, The Wing Dome (free popcorn chicken), and Talarico’s in The Junction, 9 am; Brickyard Bar-B-Q and Admiral Pub (free breakfast buffet) in Admiral, 9 am; Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction (21+), 9:45 am; Christo’s on Alki (20% off game-watchers’ tickets), 10 am. And for an alternative – West 5 promises, via Twitter, a Football Widows’ Brunch: “No TVs, no bandwagon … hope we get to do it again next weekend.”
What a way to start the weekend: West Seattle-based kinder-rockin’ Caspar Babypants drew hundreds to High Point Community Center this morning. Our video shows this morning’s show-opening song, “Baby Bear.” There was at least one “Baby Seahawk” there too:
That photo was shared by Nicole via Facebook; she dubbed the most eager young concertgoers as “the baby mosh pit.” (added) Here’s a different view, shared by Tony:
Whether they moshed or bounced or boogied, the young concertgoers were offered treats by the PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) Kid Picks crew, Clauda and Andrea:
The Caspar Babypants concert was part of High Point CC’s Fabulous Family Fun series, which has two more special presentations this quarter, both also at 10:30 am on Saturdays – a magic show on February 19th, and more music with The Board of Education on March 19th.
That’s not fog or mist … that’s steam rising off hot compost at the site of the future Community Orchard of West Seattle. A group estimated at up to 50 volunteers has just wrapped up a truly groundbreaking work party, putting down cardboard (remember the donations last fall?) and compost mulch along the orchard site, which is now on the northeast side of the South Seattle Community College campus. They worked at the site – undaunted by the steady rain – after a morning permaculture workshop.
ADDED: Two photos shared by organizer Aviva Furman (best known for Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle):
She has some words of gratitude in the comment section – and info on how you can get involved with the orchard.
(Photo added 3:12 pm)
2:18 PM: This is just south of West Seattle, but we got tips from Ann Marie and Maryann: 26th SW is closed just south of 106th SW for a crash investigation. Sheriff’s deputies at the scene tell us a pickup hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to Harborview. The closure is expected to continue a few hours; the Major Accident Response team just arrived a few minutes ago.
3:12 PM: Added a photo. Deputies say the black pickup in the photo was the vehicle that hit the person, whose belongings were still on the other side (southbound, right side of photo) of the street when we were there. No other details at this point, except that the crash happened around 12:30 pm. If you’re having trouble placing where this is, it’s just south of the small Shorewood market, and 106th SW is a busy road between Arbor Heights and White Center. (Here’s a map.)
5:31 PM UPDATE: We just went to the scene to check – 26th SW is open again. And while there’s no further official info, Bryce says via Facebook that he was among the first on the scene after the truck hit what he and other sources say is a male juvenile:
According to witnesses at the scene and the distraught young man driving the pickup; the teen darted out in front of his truck. It was an accident. My heart and prayers go out to both families involved. I hope the boy recovers 100%.
Because of the holiday weekend, we might not have official information before Tuesday.
6:40 PM UPDATE: King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. John Urquhart has sent a brief news release on the crash, but the only additional detail it contains is that the victim, described as “around 15 years old,” is in serious condition.
11:59 AM: It’s been a while since the last reported whale sighting off West Seattle shores, but Linda reports via Facebook that, about an hour ago, she “saw whales between Blake and tip of Bainbridge … from Lincoln Park. Not certain what type of whale.” Checking Twitter for any corroborating reports, we came across one from a Bainbridge resident reporting an orca sighting from “the ferry” with the past 15 minutes. No word on which direction, nor have we heard from our area’s whale experts, but a heads-up is always in order.
12:29 PM UPDATE: Orca Network just mentioned them on FB a moment ago:
We have reports from the Ferry Tilikum of 4-5 orcas in the Fauntleroy ferry lane at 10:32 AM, 6 or 7 seen by Melinda Simon heading north off Alki Point around 11:10 AM and of 6-8 orcas seen by Jeff Hogan at 11:25 in the Bainbridge ferry lane, still heading north. So far no definite ID’s but they are likely transients.
(Photo courtesy Aviva Furman)
While mulching material was being moved to the new site of the future Community Orchard of West Seattle, that little salamander turned up. Not sure if s/he will be there, but you’re invited to pitch in at an orchard-site work party and design workshop today – details here … Also from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Need a little more purring around the house? Though technically closed for the season, Kitty Harbor is opening today for a special one-day adoption event, noon-6 pm, with more than 50 cats and kittens from local rescue groups. 3422 Harbor Avenue SW. … A little ways up the road, divers at Alki Cove 2 will be part of the Seattle Aquarium‘s Giant Pacific Octopus Census, 9 am-1 pm … Need help paying your utility bills? Assistance is available – but you might not know how to find it, so there’s a special sign-up event continuing today (and tomorrow) at Southwest Youth and Family Services, 9 am-3 pm (details here) … Looking to move? New WSB sponsor Link – the almost-done building in The Triangle – is officially pre-leasing; look for the Airstream along 38th SW between Fauntleroy and Alaska, 8 am-5 pm … If you’re looking to fix up the place where you live now, West Seattle businesses are part of the Remodeling Expo at the Convention Center downtown today (and tomorrow), including WSB sponsors Potter Construction and NCompass Cottage Company (find show info here) … Another downtown event featuring a West Seattleite: An afternoon of poetry with Eugenia Toledo, 2-4 pm at Central Library … And West Seattle Community Clinic is having one of its periodic events offering free health exams to women 40-65 who are uninsured or underinsured – call to check if they have any appointments open; 206-937-9722 (if they’re booked up … Also call on this one before you go: Learn the history of High Tea, at Merrill Gardens West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 4611 35th SW, free, but RSVP to 206-932-5480 … Finally, a reminder about the West Seattle Eagles‘ dinner tonight to benefit the family of Brian Teachout – here’s our preview with details. … More on the calendar!
6:42 AM: A full house-fire response has gone to the 9000 block of 37th SW (map). But most of the units are being canceled after one crew discovered most of the smoke in the house was caused by a “smoldering couch,” according to scanner traffic.
6:49 AM: This is announced as a “tapped” (as in, more or less out) fire.
SATURDAY NIGHT NOTE: As discussed in comments, SFD was called back to this house tonight. We went over to check it out; it appeared to be something of a false alarm – what we could find out at the scene indicated someone smelled smoke again and called 911 just in case.
Tomorrow marks two years since the fire, blamed on a Christmas-lights malfunction, that blackened the inside of the city-landmark Alki Homestead and forced its beloved restaurant to close. While its owner has proposed “reconstructing” the historic log structure and including other businesses on the site, and even took steps toward applying for a permit, it’s been 14 months since that proposal went before the Architectural Review Committee of the city Landmark Preservation Board, whose signoff is required – and it has not reappeared in that venue.
Last July, owner Tom Lin announced he would sell the Homestead, offering it first to preservation/cultural groups, then to the general public. No public listing ever appeared, and no deal has ever been announced. We have left Lin messages asking for comment on its status, but no reply. However, an announcement came Friday afternoon from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, headquartered half a block away at what was the Homestead’s carriage house: They plan a media event Sunday morning, on the fire anniversary:
A coalition of four heritage organizations — the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Historic Seattle, 4Culture and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation — will hold a press conference to provide updates on the potential for protection, preservation and restoration of the city-landmark 1904 log building known as Fir Lodge and the Alki Homestead Restaurant.
Those are the same four Lin mentioned in his July announcement offering the Homestead for sale. They also were part of last July’s “This Place Matters” photo gathering, part of this nationwide historic-site-awareness campaign. But at the time, at least one of those organizations made a point of saying they’re not in the building-buying business. So what’s their plan? They’ll discuss it at the Log House Museum, 11 am Sunday.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB – added 1:31 am)
1:05 AM: Heavy-rescue call at 38th and Oregon – avoid the area. Christopher Boffoli is there for WSB. He says it’s an overturned car. The “heavy-rescue” part of it has been closed quickly – indicating fire/rescue crews not needed after all. But we’ve heard police say via scanner, the stop sign on the southeast corner of 39th and Oregon will need repair/replacement.
1:12 AM UPDATE: Christopher reports, “SPD tells me that there are no serious injuries despite the fact that one car overturned. It seemed everyone was wearing seat belts. An out-of-town driver missed a stop sign that was leaning way over and t-boned another car. Everyone is shook up but OK. SPD says no evidence alcohol or drugs are involved.”
1:41 AM UPDATE: Added photos, and here’s more info from Christopher: “It was a Mini versus a little Ford. … The woman driving the Mini was a designated driver for the night. She’s visiting from Boston. She was headed north on 38th and blew through the stop sign at Oregon (which) was leaning way over. Looks like someone hit it and no one noticed. Amazingly, there were barely a few scratches on the front bumper of the Mini. SPD said they considered it an accident and wouldn’t be citing anyone. The tow truck was just arriving a few minutes ago before I left. They should have Oregon open to traffic again within 15 minutes.”
In one week, Roxhill Elementary School librarian Pat Bliquez will officially receive the Golden Apple Award that was announced last October (here’s our coverage of the Roxhill assembly where students and staffers congratulated her). Our partners at the Seattle Times also wrote about her, and Roxhill’s head teacher Chris Robert says that story inspired a good deed from miles outside West Seattle:
A grandmother in Kent read the story and was inspired to donate over 200 hand- knitted caps/hats to Roxhill and Mrs. Bliquez. Pat created a lesson for all the Kindergartners, 1st graders, and 2nd graders in which she read a story about caps/hats, students wrote/drew about the story, and every student left (the) lesson with a new cap. It was incredible seeing the look on students’ faces as they were told they got to select a cap to keep, and it was fun watching kids keeping their caps on all day at school.
Hearing about this, we asked for a photo, and received the one above, some of the Roxhill kindergarteners in their prized caps!
Three break-in reports for West Seattle Crime Watch, plus one potential-prowler sighting that football fans might want to know about, all from the WSB inbox – read on:Read More
8:58 PM: Two scores in so far tonight from local high-school basketball games. In girls’ varsity matchups, it was Seattle Prep 78, Chief Sealth 43, and Seattle Lutheran 50, Chief Leschi 16. Boys’ varsity games are under way now in both of those pairings, which are being live-tweeted (Sealth at @wsblive, SLHS at @seattlelutheran). West Seattle HS teams are playing Nathan Hale tonight.
ADDED 9:09 PM: Another final: SLHS boys’ varsity 43, Chief Leschi 35.
ADDED 9:28 PM: And another boys’ varsity final, Seattle Prep 57, Chief Sealth 50.
WSHS scores and details from tonight’s spotlight matchup (Sealth/Prep) ahead:Read More
Tonight we’re welcoming new WSB sponsors under the same ownership, Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, and Bamboo Grill. New sponsors get to tell you about themselves. First: Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, at 2770 Alki Ave SW, has been serving West Seattle for more than 25 years and provides great dine-in experience as well as a take-out service for your convenience. The moment you set foot into Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, you can tell that someone has an eye for details. With large windows that look onto Alki Beach. you are able to soak up the essence of being on one of Seattle’s favorite beaches. The restaurant seating is terraced so that everyone can enjoy the view. Intimate lighting can make for romantic dinner or a focused family occasion. Come to the Pegasus on any evening and you will find a variety of people and groups.
Nothing goes with authentic Pizza and Pasta like a great bottle of wine. Recently Ted has enlisted help from some of the industry’s top wine connoisseurs to evolve and build a wine list that will compliment any dish. Choose from any of our hand chosen wines or 12 different beers on tap. Pegasus Pizza and Pasta is proud to be a sponsor of West Seattle Blog and a proud member of the West Seattle Community. Pegasus Pizza and Pasta can be reached by calling 206-932-4849 or online at www.PegasusonAlki.com
BAMBOO GRILL
The Bamboo Grill has been a West Seattle and Alki Beach favorite for more than 8 years. Located at 2806 Alki Ave SW, the Bamboo Grill provides a great surfer Tiki bar atmosphere and incredible menu diversity, with a great view of the beach and Puget Sound boat traffic.
Recently, the Bamboo Grill has had the privilege of bringing in a new head chef, Chris Beh. Chef Beh has a long history of culinary experience as well as being featured on local TV cooking shows. “What I like about working at the Bamboo is the diversity of food we create,” says Chris, “Someone can come in for a great steak, a rack of our famous baby back ribs or one our signature seafood dishes. There truly is something for everyone.” Don’t be surprised if Chef Beh comes out and asks how your meal was.
West Seattle businesses have enjoyed the Bamboo Grill’s location for many company parties and events, with its scenic views and free parking. Some couples decide to have their wedding on the beach and the Bamboo Grill has been chosen to provide reception catering and reception services. Eating out does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Bamboo Grill has weekly food and drink specials such as “kids eat free” breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday “Double Lunch Punches,” Football/Basketball food and drink 
specials.
Giving back to the local community is also a priority. The Bamboo Grill has been involved with a number of charities over the years. “Giving is contagious,” says Sarah Suseyi (right), owner/general manager, “and we are happy to help out when we can.” Last November, the Bamboo Grill hosted an event to help and honor our local law enforcement as well as the Lakewood Memorial Fund – featuring members of local Seattle bands Queensryche, Lotus Crush and Candlebox.
The night life at the Bamboo Grill does not disappoint. Starting at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, the Bamboo Grill turns into Alki’s hottest nightlife with DJ Ronnal Ives spinning tunes, and plenty of room to dance. Bamboo Grill is happy and proud to be a sponsor of West Seattle Blog and can be reached at 206-937-3032 or online.
We thank Pegasus & Bamboo 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.
The first week of pre-trial motions and discussions in West Seattle’s Steve Bushaw murder case started with a guilty plea, and ended with one. Our partners at the Seattle Times report tonight that, four days after Danny O’Neal, one of two accused triggermen, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, the other one – John Sylve – struck the same plea bargain. Here’s the Times story. This happened during what was supposed to be a recess in the case until next Tuesday; when proceedings resume then, two defendants remain – alleged mastermind Bryce Huber and alleged getaway driver Brandon Chaney, both still charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting of Bushaw outside Talarico’s in The Junction on Super Bowl Sunday night in February 2009. The documents from today’s announcement are not in the online files yet, so we don’t have full details of the latest plea agreement.
One month ago today, we reported on community help for the family of Brian Teachout, who died at after surgery for an injury suffered while putting up Christmas lights. Brian was just 46. Since then, other successful grassroots benefits have been organized – the ornament sale, the light-show donations – and now there’s word of one more way to help. Linda Fittro sends word that tomorrow (Saturday) night at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ, Mary Lou Wilkerson is sponsoring a dinner to benefit the Teachout family: “Salisbury steak, real mashed potatoes & gravy, veggie, roll and dessert, all for $8. 5:30 pm till 7 pm or sold out. All proceeds go to the Teachout family.” The WS Eagles are at 4426 California SW (206-938-4426).
(Seattle Police investigators with the wrecked Buick on Sunday morning – rescuers had cut its top off)
Throughout the week, we’ve received notes from people living near the scene of the 47th/Charlestown crash that led to a major power outage early Sunday (original WSB coverage here), wondering how the two people in the car were doing. Though they originally were described as having life-threatening injuries, we have just learned from Harborview Medical Center that the passenger, a 31-year-old woman whose hometown is not listed in the police report, is out of the hospital. The driver, 23-year-old Mohammad Nema of Burien, is still at Harborview but is now in satisfactory condition – and he is charged with vehicular assault as well as domestic violence. According to the charging documents, the passenger was his estranged girlfriend, who had two protection orders against him linked to an assault allegation in early December. The charging papers don’t say why she was with him on Sunday morning, but they say:
… the defendant was speeding well in excess of the posted speed limit. He failed to maintain control of his car and crossed the centerline and began rotating clockwise as he skidded 133 feet. He then left the road and slammed broadside into a utility pole. The force was sufficient to break the pole which caused a power outage in the neighborhood. There was enough energy left to propel his car an additional 52 feet until the car eventually came to a stop. Both the defendant and (passenger) were unconscious. Both suffered at least fractured pelvises. …
A bottle of open, mostly empty tequila was found wedged between the defendant and his driver’s door. Blood alcohol results for him are pending. Preliminary collision reconstruction shows he was speeding at least 48 mph and that does not even take into consideration the energy to break the pole. The analysis indicates he was traveling freeway speeds when he lost control.
When Nema gets out of the hospital, he will be booked into the King County Jail, with bail set at $100,000, according to online records. Court documents say he has a record of citations and charges including driving the wrong way on a one-way street, possessing an open alcohol container in a car, speeding, and driving without liability insurance.
Six weeks from today, we should find out if anyone’s coming forward to buy The Hole, the West Seattle development site (map) that stalled after excavation more than two years ago, caught in legal skirmishes that are only now starting to play out. As part of said skirmishes, the first trial ended in November with a decision (which has been appealed) that the company that dug The Hole, Aero, has lien priority; King County Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead formally ordered the foreclosure sale two weeks ago, and the official notice was published Thursday in the Daily Journal of Commerce. According to that notice, the sale is set for 10 am Friday, February 25, at the King County Administration Building downtown. The notice also says: “The judgment debtor can avoid the sale by paying the judgment amount of $23,286,974.16 together with interest, costs, and fees before the sale date.” The “judgment debtor” is Fauntleroy Place, LLC, which is still linked to Seattle Capital; the site’s note is held by 3922 SW Alaska LLC, a concern linked to Madison Development, which had sought foreclosure in 2009 without having to pay the construction-company liens (totaling $4 million) that Judge Craighead has since ruled are at the head of the line.
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