West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Parade

    WS GRAND PARADE: Just two days away!

  • Teacher

    STAR HONORS TEACHER: WSHS educator’s big win

  • RTCC

    REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER: WS use?

Sylvan Ridge Townhomes: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
July 7, 2010 4:11 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

That’s Tamea Duckworth, who not only is community sales manager for Sylvan Ridge Townhomes in West Seattle, she lives there too. We’re introducing you to her, because today we welcome Sylvan Ridge Townhomes as one of the newest WSB sponsors. And per WSB tradition, it’s their chance to let you know what they’re about: “Most Sylvan Ridge clients are in the 1st-time-homebuyers category, or moving up from a condo. People visiting Sylvan Ridge find our floor plans very unique because of the openness on the main floor. Our double-sided gas fireplaces with built-in bookshelves act as a room divider between the dining & living room. The upper-level master suite and second bedroom have vaulted ceilings for a spacious and airy feel. We are one of the few townhomes here in West Seattle that have two-car attached garages, and we are our own community, meaning we are in our own little cul-de-sac surrounded by trees, so it’s very quiet. All our homes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room.” Tamea adds some information about her personal touch: “I have tried to be not just a friendly & informed sales agent here at Sylvan Ridge but, a good neighbor as well because I do actually live here, so I schedule window washing, dryer vent cleanout, got the community involved with the neighborhood-watch program. I am now working on our upcoming 2nd annual community picnic.”

This month at Sylvan Ridge Townhomes, a new phase with 10 more homes is scheduled to be ready. Our home of the week is priced at $299,950. We have other homes from $314,950 that qualify for our limited-time $8,000 buyer bonus. The Sylvan Ridge sales center and available homes are open Fridays through Tuesdays, 12 to 6 pm, at 2733 SW Sylvan Way, above the Home Depot and down the hill from the junction of 35th and Morgan. Tamea can also be reached by phone at (206) 933-6800 or tduckworth@matrixrealestate.com, and more information is available on our website at www.sylvan-ridge.com.

We thank Sylvan RIdge Townhomes for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

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Final stage of Hiawatha Playfield work is under way today
July 7, 2010 3:58 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The fences are going up around the track at Hiawatha Playfield today, as the Parks Department had warned field users would happen – this is so the last phase of the Hiawatha renovations, the rubberized track, can be installed. Project manager Garrett Farrell says the contractor has until July 23rd to finish the job, so the track and field are scheduled to be off-limits for the next few weeks. (Summer events at Hiawatha including the July 16 Family Fun Fest and West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court Coronation, the July 17-18 Mediterranean Fantasy Fest, and the July 20th Hi-Yu Concert in the Park – with West Seattle Volunteer Recognition Award winners honored! – are on the other side of the community center.)

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NOAA on the Duwamish? Media event announced for tomorrow
July 7, 2010 2:32 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

You’ve probably heard about the controversial decision for NOAA to leave Seattle, where it’s had vessels on Lake Washington, and move to the central Oregon coast. Just got word of a media event in West Seattle tomorrow to urge the federal government to reconsider, and to take a look at “existing federal facilities” including Federal Center South on the Duwamish. Scheduled to appear tomorrow morning at Herrings House Park is a contingent including Mayor Mike McGinn, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, City Councilmember Jean Godden, and, from Harbor Island-headquartered Todd Shipyards, retired Adm. John Lockwood. They’re planning to announce a letter they’re sending to Commerce Secretary (and former Washington governor) Gary Locke asking that the NOAA-siting process be reopened.

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West Seattle food: Eness making way for Blackboard Bistro
July 7, 2010 2:22 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Saw the name on the liquor-license application lineup recently but couldn’t get the scoop – the name Blackboard Bistro, attached to new liquor licensees for 3247 California SW, the Eness/Beato/O2/Ovio/etc. spot. But this afternoon, Nancy Leson at the Seattle Times (WSB sponsor) has the full story – she reports that Eness is making way for Blackboard Bistro to open next month. Its proprietor worked most recently at Olivar on Capitol Hill. Read all about it here. 6:21 PM NOTE: We went over to the restaurant to look for signs of the transition, and to see if anyone was around to talk to. Aside from the “Blackboard Bistro” liquor notice, there is no sign of the impending change; a flyer taped to the window just says the restaurant will be closed July 1-12. THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: A spokesperson for Blackboard Bistro says Eness is definitely “closed for good” and that Blackboard plans to open “mid-August.”

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West Seattle Food Bank looking for home-delivery drivers
July 7, 2010 1:35 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Food Bank looking for home-delivery drivers
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Just in from Jack Wagstaff, ops manager at West Seattle Food Bank:

Do you have an hour or two once a week to help alleviate hunger in West Seattle? West Seattle Food Bank is currently seeking drivers for our Home Delivery program. We are looking for volunteers to deliver groceries to seniors and adults with disabilities at their homes or apartments. Prospective volunteers should meet the following requirements:
• Proof of WA driver’s license and the ability to pass a WA State Patrol background check.
• Use of their own vehicle and proof of current insurance.
• The ability to deliver groceries on Wednesday or Friday (mid morning to early afternoon)
• The ability to continuous lift 20-30 lbs for an hour or more.
• We are looking for a minimum commitment of six months.
• Ability to interact with a diverse population with kindness, consideration, and confidentiality.

We are especially looking for volunteers with mini-vans and covered pick-up trucks.

You can reach the food bank via e-mail or phone – all the info’s here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch update: ‘Bones’ is back
July 7, 2010 12:05 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

This was first noted in a comment at 3:45 this morning, and we just got confirmation from the theft victims – Someone returned “Bones,” the drummer in a popular Delridge driveway-side art installation, overnight, five days after he was stolen (as originally reported in the WSB Forums). The theft victims’ note was addressed to us but we believe it’s meant for all of WSB-land:

We just wanted to thank you one last time and let you know that to our immense delight Bones was returned last night. He’ll be going back into surgery (we’re beginning to worry he may have an addiction) and was missing his shoes, but otherwise we’re hopeful he’ll return to his drum kit soon. Thanks again for helping to restore our faith in the world!

If you, like us, hadn’t seen the band when they were all “together,” go here to see a photo shared by Brian Zenk.

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Tonight: Road work, police briefings @ Southwest District Council
July 7, 2010 11:05 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

In case you hadn’t checked the WSB West Seattle Events calendar yet – where things are getting lively again now that the long holiday weekend is over for most – the night’s marquee event is the Southwest District Council meeting, where they’ll get the latest road/highway construction updates directly from WSDOT and SDOT reps. Also scheduled as guests, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler and King County Councilmember Jan Drago. The public’s always welcome; the meeting’s at 7 pm in the board room in the central building at South Seattle Community College (6000 16th SW).

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Development proposal for 7100 Delridge; design review set
July 7, 2010 8:01 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

For the first time in a half-year, the Southwest Design Review Board will soon have a project to review. The meeting tentatively scheduled for August 12th – no time/place yet – will be “early design guidance” for a proposal at 7100 Delridge Way SW (map). It’s described on the city Department of Planning and Development website as a “split-zone site” with one 4-story mixed-use building “containing 58 units over 1,750 sq ft of retail space,” plus three single-family homes. The proposal also mentions underground parking for 77 vehicles. Owner/developer is John Su, best known for Bellevue high-rise projects like this one.

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West Seattle scenes: 2 Alki sights from the ‘start of summer’
July 7, 2010 4:56 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

As the “second day of summer” begins – here’s the latest forecast – we have two you-don’t-see-THAT-every-day photos to share, both taken along Alki on Tuesday. The first is from Eilene Hutchinson, who explains:

We were out enjoying the sunshine with a walk along the Alki Promenade when we met Jason Aman and his 3-year-old albino Burmese Python, “Albi.” Albi drew quite a crowd of onlookers who had many questions.

Next, from Bob Bollen:

(Related to Journey to Makah 2010, later this month, maybe?)

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West Seattle on wheels: 3 special bicycle rides this weekend
July 7, 2010 4:37 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Perfect weather, too:

THE BIG SATURDAY BIKE RIDE: It’s the annual Water and Spirit Bike Ride, starting at St. John the Baptist Church in the Admiral District with registration 6:30-8 am, proceeding through three ferry crossings over the course of the day, concluding with a barbecue on Alki. Proceeds benefit Family Promise of Seattle, a West Seattle-based nonprofit that helps homeless families around the city. Full details here.

THE NOT-AS-BIG SATURDAY BIKE RIDE: Meet at the Log House Museum at 12:30 pm to tour Alki, and beyond; the ride will end at the Duwamish Longhouse around 2 pm. Details here.

SUNDAY BIKE RIDE: From Stu Hennessey at Alki Bike and Board: His shop is the meeting place at 10 am Sunday for this month’s Spokespeople West Seattle ride, North Admiral to downtown, “a stay-together ride at a leisurely and easy pace, 11.5 miles round trip, with hills … This ride will feature the new SODO bike trail along the Sound Transit light-rail line.” Questions? Contact Stu at alkistu@hotmail.com or 206-767-9366.

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Nature Consortium’s new summer camp planned for August
July 7, 2010 2:58 am
|    Comments Off on Nature Consortium’s new summer camp planned for August
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If your teen’s summer isn’t quite filled out yet – there’s a new weeklong camp next month, offered by the West Seattle-based nonprofit Nature Consortium: Arts in Nature Camp, 10 am-4 pm daily, August 16-20, for ages 12 and up, at Camp Long. It’ll feature “workshops from real local artists” and activities including “challenge course, recycled art, world music, nature games, sound installations, and forest ecology/restoration.” Full details and online registration, here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Metal thieves/’scavengers’ again?
July 7, 2010 2:23 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news

From KV:

After reading through the blog it seems like these might be the same people that struck other neighborhoods. I live in the Gatewood neighborhood between Holden and Kenyon. Older model loud blue pickup with two men stopped pickup in alley, one African American male and one Caucasian male, got out and walked into neighbor carport. The whole back of the pickup was full of large metal items and they looked through the neighbors whole carport and stole fencing and other pieces of miscellaneous metal. The pair was stopped by another neighbor further down the block when they were found in the backyard looking around another neighbor’s yard. They said they were looking for scrap metal, but were going to ask permission before they took anything. This time, one of the people was actually around the front and side of the house and it is unclear what they were doing.

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West Seattle Little League update: All-Stars tournament fundraiser
July 6, 2010 9:43 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Little League update: All-Stars tournament fundraiser
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo provided by WSLL: With manager Derek Page and coach John Coats are players Anthony Coats, Jack Page, Timmy Roach, Ethan Chen, Jackson Chilcott, Jackson Oehling, Anthony Goss, Thomas Sobotta, Jacob Terao, Blue James, Matt Dietz, and Grayson Oneil)
That’s the district-champion West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars team we told you about last Thursday, after the big win that put them into the state tournament (WSB coverage here). Now they need a little help: The tournament is in Yakima, July 17-26, and WSLL is hoping to reduce the out-of-pocket costs to players’ families by raising money at a pancake breakfast and car wash this Saturday at Bar-S (map), 10 am-1 pm. Here’s the official flyer (with prices, including the discount for breakfast if you’re getting your car washed too!)

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Followup: Puget Sound Clean Air reviewing Ash Grove complaints
July 6, 2010 9:22 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

(Saturday night Twitpic by @davidgjames)
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency tells WSB the agency received two complaints over the holiday weekend about the Saturday night emission from Ash Grove Cement that drew attention from West Seattle, and elsewhere (WSB coverage here), as well as an initial “fire in building” response from the Seattle Fire Department. PSCAA spokesperson Amy Warren says the complaints will be reviewed before the agency decides what, if any, action to take. Meantime, Ash Grove has issued a statement saying “finished cement was discharged” from the plant, “as a result of the affected silo being overfilled,” though the amount of “finished cement” was not mentioned. The statement sent by corporate PR rep Jackie Clark also says Ash Grove has “contacted affected neighbors to offer cleanup assistance.”

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From West Seattle to Glacier Bay: Outrigger adventure begins
July 6, 2010 5:04 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

“He read ‘Kon-Tiki‘ as a kid.” That’s one explanation Beach Drive resident Peter Goldman gave for the solo outrigger journey his 27-year-old nephew Alex Kongsgaard launched this morning from the rocky shore below Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive – West Seattle to Glacier Bay, planning on about 30 miles a day over the next eight weeks or so. Kongsgaard is actually from Napa, California, sixth-generation Napan who works at the family winery:

His West Seattle aunt Martha Kongsgaard, Peter’s wife, provided that photo – she says Alex and his dad “just finished bottling the Kongsgaard 2008 vintage of Chardonnay, Cabernet, VioRous, and the famous ‘The Judge'” – as well as sharing this next photo, with a closer look at Alex:

Martha says her nephew has paddled long distances before – in 2007, he and a friend kayaked to Port Hardy, on the north tip of Vancouver Island. The 33-pound outrigger he’s paddling this trip is based on a Kevlar racing kayak, she adds. This morning, she had to catch a ferry to Bainbridge, so we were on the beach with Peter – the solo sendoff party for the solo paddler – and rolled video on his first minute and a half at sea:

Alex called out “See you in two months!” to Peter, who had to head off to work before the sun even finished rising above the Me-Kwa-Mooks hillside (note that Alex isn’t in sunshine till about half a minute into our clip); Peter yelled back, “May the Force be with you!” (Earlier, Alex had joked that he blamed his adventurousness partly on Peter, who’s climbed in the Himalayas, among other places.) Once Alex had paddled away, we drove over to Alki Point to watch until he was out of West Seattle waters, Canada- and Alaska-bound (Peter says his nephew plans to sleep in a hammock each night). We’ll let you know how he’s doing if the family shares any updates they get along the way.

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SDOT makes it official: Admiral Way ‘rechannelization’ proposed
July 6, 2010 2:00 pm
|      62 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

As first reported here in May, the city has been looking at a possible “rechannelization” for the Admiral Way southeastbound hill – and now, SDOT‘s official proposal is out, with news of an open house:

To reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for all roadway users, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is proposing to alter the lane configuration on SW Admiral Way between SW Olga St and the West Seattle Bridge on- and off-ramps at SW Manning St.

To brief the community on the rechannelization concept and receive public feedback, SDOT will hold an open house on Tuesday, July 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the West Seattle Library, located at 2306 42nd Ave. SW.

The improvements are designed to reduce speeds and benefit everyone who uses the street, including commuters, truck drivers, bus passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists. SDOT is proposing the following for SW Admiral Way:

* Providing two travel lanes uphill that are wider than current lanes

* Removing one travel lane downhill between SW Olga St and SW City View St

* Maintaining a through lane and a right turn lane to SW Manning St at the bottom of the hill

* Providing a six-foot wide bike lane in each direction adjacent to the curb

* Placing the parking lane between the bike lane and the travel lane on the street’s uphill side

* Striping a two to three foot buffer zone between the bike lane and travel lane on the street’s down-hill side

* Remarking a crosswalk and constructing a median island at SW City View St

* Removing under-utilized parking on the uphill side of the street between the West Seattle Bridge off ramp and SW City View St

As average speeds are in excess of posted limits, this proposal will help address the speeding problem on SW Admiral Way. It will also make the roadway more accommodating for vulnerable users like pedestrians and cyclists.

SDOT is interested in hearing from the public about these recommended changes. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to walkandbike@seattle.gov or by calling 206-684-7583. This project is part of the voter-approved Bridging the Gap transportation initiative.

The project even has its own webpage already, with graphics showing the potential alternatives (we’ll add here shortly too). If this goes through, it will be the second major “rechannelization” in West Seattle in less than a year, following a similar process on Fauntleroy Way between Morgan Junction and The Triangle.

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West Seattle schools: Principal announcements from the district
July 6, 2010 1:58 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A long list of Seattle Public Schools leadership appointments that have just been announced includes some West Seattle news: First, two interim principals are now official: Madison Middle School‘s Henterson Carlisle and Alki Elementary‘s Clover Codd. Second, the announcement reiterates that Ruth Medsker is the interim principal at West Seattle High School (as noted here 2 weeks ago). Third, a new principal is announced for Highland Park Elementary, whose previous principal Ann Gray left for a new job in another district. Here’s the district’s announcement for HP:

Ben Ostrom has been appointed principal at Highland Park Elementary School, effective July 1, 2010. Mr. Ostrom comes to Highland Park Elementary from ORCA K-8, where he has served as principal since 2003. Prior to ORCA, he spent three years as principal at Loyal Heights Elementary. He also has extensive classroom experience, including six years as an elementary teacher at both Cooper Elementary School and Madrona K-8 school. Mr. Ostrom received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. He also completed the Danforth Educational Leadership Program at the University of Washington.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Summer sunshine makes a splash
July 6, 2010 1:47 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: Summer sunshine makes a splash
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Just in case you’re locked in an office somewhere and having trouble believing summer really and truly has arrived – here’s the scene at Hiawatha, where (along with Lincoln Park, as previewed here this morning) the wading pool is indeed open for serious splashing. The morning forecast update has downgraded tomorrow a bit, to “only” the 80s – but 90s are still possible for Thursday, and the “special weather statement” remains in effect.

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It’s official: High Point Playfield renamed for Walt Hundley
July 6, 2010 12:42 pm
|    Comments Off on It’s official: High Point Playfield renamed for Walt Hundley
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Back in April, Seattle Parks announced it was taking name suggestions for High Point Playfield. On followup, they explained to WSB that it was a process triggered by a request to name it in honor of Walt Hundley, the department’s first African-American superintendent. Today, it’s official – Parks has announced three new facility names citywide, including Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point. Here’s the official news release.

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West Seattle Art Walk Thursday: The Cask opening; buskers wanted
July 6, 2010 11:02 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Before we get to West Seattle Summer Fest this Friday-Saturday-Sunday, there’s one more Big Event – the next West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday night, “from Alki to Endolyne,” as the official postcard art proclaims – 43 venues (here’s the list/map). We mentioned one venue’s big plans last week. Today, two more highlights – First, as noted on the official Art Walk website, The Cask in Admiral plans its grand opening that night. (We brought you first word of this “Old World ale and wine house,” 2350 California SW, in this story last April.) (added 1:15 pm – we just dropped by The Cask and got these indoor/outdoor pix)

(back to original 11:02 am story) Second, for the venues in The Junction, the streets will already be closed for Summer Fest, and the theme is “Art Walk ‘Alive'” – with street performers (“buskers”) welcome to be part of it – Art Walk organizer Lora Lewis from Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) has even put out a citywide call. So if you know a busker, let them know they’re welcome to be in The Junction this Thursday night, 6-9 pm – as is everybody – we know the weather will be summery, the art will be awesome, so here’s another look at the map (again, not just The Junction, there are venues all over the peninsula) – as well as venue highlights on the WSAW site (many offer free refreshments too). See you there (and of course, at West Seattle Summer Fest the following three days).

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West Seattle business news: Alki Arts to open next to Cactus
July 6, 2010 9:28 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’d been checking on reports of activity in the former All The Best Pet Care (closed last November) space east of Cactus, at 2820 Alki SW – and this morning, there’s a small sign in the window solving the mystery. (Thanks very much to Pat for photographing and sharing it!) The sign announces Alki Arts and points to this website, promising “amazing art, affordably priced, from local artists” and also offering the space as a venue for events of up to 60 people. The website also says Alki Arts will open this Saturday (July 10). We have a message out seeking more info, which we’ll add here when we get it. ADDED 1:02 PM: Just in, co-proprietor Diane Venti answered our request for more details:

We will be a Co-op of artists – each renting wall space in the gallery. We have room for 3 more artists at this point, but the ones we have in place now are very talented! The proprietors are Tom Wyrick and Diane Venti-We are trying this space out for the summer to see how it is received and supported by West Seattle. The space still belongs to Susan Moss, owner of All the Best Pet Care, who has ‘gone above and beyond’ making it possible for us to fill the empty store front during the summer months. She really is helping to support this endeavor!

Our hours will be 12-8 Wed-Sun. We’re so excited to have people come in to enjoy all the amazing art, which includes oil paintings, water colors, metal work, glass, and photography – there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Drumming up support to find ‘Bones’
July 6, 2010 9:09 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

That’s a photo of “Bones” – a North Delridge neighborhood fixture before somebody “kidnapped” him from his driveway-side “stage” a few days ago, according to a creative, plaintive post published to the WSB Forums. In a subsequent e-mail conversation, his owners told us:

On July 2 someone stole (“Bones”) just after we’d spent a great deal of time and money repairing him from weather damage, and we’d really like to have him returned since he has great sentimental value as well as being a significant time and financial investment.

They don’t want to make their contact info public at this point – they just hope that publicizing the theft will inspire someone who knows something to find a way to get “Bones” back to his rightful place as part of their garden-art display.

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Finally wading-pool weather, but remember the schedule change
July 6, 2010 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on Finally wading-pool weather, but remember the schedule change
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

With today’s weather looking to have no trouble meeting the criteria for opening the city-run wading pools – sunny and at least 70 degrees – here’s the reminder that the schedules have changed for all but one in West Seattle, because of the midyear budget cuts. According to the revised schedule, the two that should be open today are Lincoln Park (the only one in West Seattle that’s still open daily if warm enough), 11 am-8 pm, and Hiawatha (open Mon.-Tues.-Wed.), noon-6:45 pm. Here’s the full citywide schedule (PDF).

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