West Seattle, Washington
13 Sunday
A West Seattle family has extra reason to be proud today: Their son Chad Kimball just got a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, for his role in “Memphis” on Broadway, which played at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle prior to its NYC run. Here’s the story from our regional-news partners at the Seattle Times; his reaction to the news is here, from Broadway.com.
(Seattle Fire Department photo)
As best we recall, the first media report about the new Ladder 13 came in this report by Seattle Weekly’s Mike Seely last August. We’ve mentioned it a time or two since, most recently in our report last week on the South Park Bridge closure-plan meeting, during which SFD mentioned its imminent deployment from Highland Park’s Station 11 as potential backup for South Park once its bridge closes and cuts off quick access from the other side of the Duwamish. And today, the Fire Department itself is officially introducing Ladder 13 on its Fire Line site. As you’ll see in the SFD update, its main purpose is to make sure our area has enough coverage despite the increased traffic expected during the most intense road construction coming up between here and downtown/SODO – where some crews come from during major responses. You’ve probably seen Ladder 13 (unmarked) around West Seattle, as its crew drove around to get acclimated in the past few months.
**10:53 PM UPDATE – Sale #105 canceled – we’ve taken it off this map; if you’ve printed, please X it out**
Just four days till the 6th annual – and biggest ever – West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day: 200 sales (with hundreds more sellers, thanks to group sale sites, organization/school/business/block sales, etc.)! On Saturday, the Google Map with all the sale sites, numbered 1-200, starting with #1 in the north to #200 in the south, went live (it’s embedded above – here’s the direct link). Just one problem with Google Maps – for something like this, they tend not to print that well. So again this year, we have put together a more packet-like printable map. It’s a 12-page Word doc (6 pages if you print both sides) – with the map cut into sections, with the numbered sales, followed by the list of all 200 “ads” for the sales, in numerical order. (ADDED 1:17 PM: If you’d rather print from a PDF, use this link. Thanks to Karen for helping!) Take note that sellers will be seeing this version for the first time today too, and if anyone sees a major problem (so far so good with the Google version), we will update the map and repost here as well as at westseattlegaragesale.com and at the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day page on Facebook.
That’s the Westside Symphonette combined strings and junior orchestra, rehearsing last night at The Hall at Fauntleroy, where both of the Symphonette’s orchestras are performing their spring concert “Classical Elegance” tonight (more details here). … This afternoon, you are invited to show your support for local law enforcement at the annual Seattle Police Memorial ceremony, with Mayor McGinn scheduled to be among those in attendance, noon at Dignity Memorial/Forest Lawn (map) … Also at noon, King County Executive Dow Constantine is scheduled to speak to the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of West Seattle at Salty’s on Alki. … For the regular Tuesday happenings, check the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.
(May 2009 photo by David Hutchinson)
In less than three weeks, one of the big summer kickoff events hits the street at Alki: The second annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, benefiting the organizing West Seattle High School PTSA, kicking off this year’s Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets “car-free day” on Alki. (Third year for that – the first year, it was a standalone event, and it happened in early September; last year, it moved to May, following the first-ever WS5K.) WSB is proud to be among the co-sponsors of this year’s West Seattle 5K, so we’re reminding you that the early-bird discount is only available through this Thursday (May 6th) – if you’re thinking about participating but haven’t registered yet, this might just be the perfect time. Go here to register; note that kids 6 and under are free! P.S. Got a logistical question about how Alki traffic will be handled that day? SDOT has posted an FAQ.
The latest forecast update from the National Weather Service verifies that things should keep calming down after a windy Monday. But there’s still some cleanup ahead – Sha’ari shares that photo of the tree blocking part of the Longfellow Creek path in North Delridge, between Findlay and Brandon (map). Meantime, we went back to the sidewalk outside Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) as city crews took down the tree that came loose earlier in the day:
Here’s our earlier report on that particular episode of tree trouble.
Volunteer forest steward Sharon Baker with Friends of Lincoln Park shares these photos and a report on the special volunteers who helped her group last Saturday:
On behalf of the Friends of Lincoln Park and the Green Seattle Partnership I would like to thank the fabulous girls of Brownie Troop 42780 of West Seattle (and their brothers and parents). They came to Lincoln Park on Saturday, May 1 and cleared a large patch of one of our major invasive weeds, “stinky bob”. It was really fun to work with these strong, active, outdoorsy kids. They did very good work and made a major contribution to the Park.
Want to help in local parks/greenspaces? Most weekends, there are several work parties in West Seattle – check greenseattle.org. And by the way, if you don’t know offhand what “stinky bob” looks like – check this out. Unless you are a world-class weed-puller, it may be in your yard right now. The hairy red stems are the telltale sign, along with those little pink flowers – if you grab it close to the ground and pull slowly, it comes out fairly easily.
Tonight we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Integrity Coaching and Training Systems. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what Integrity’s Patricia Eslava Vessey wants you to know: “I knew as a little girl that I wanted to work with people and I’ve committed my studies and career to understanding and helping people resolve problems and create the success they desire. 
I didn’t change careers to get into this field; I’ve expanded my expertise in it. I know what it’s like to be stuck and unable to move forward. I draw on over 33 years of social work with children, youth, families and individuals and some of the best training available as well as a lifetime of experience in learning what works best with people in order to provide powerful and effective services to my clients. I see it as a blessing and an honor to support people in this line of work. I believe everyone is unique and deserves the very best possible care available. I am passionate about helping people transform limiting beliefs and behaviors into the authentic, fulfilling, resourceful and empowered lives they desire and deserve. I’ve created a unique blend of effective tips, tools and techniques to support my clients in making these changes and achieving their goals. I’ve heard the following comments among others, ‘My life has completely changed for the better. Wow, you are really good! Since the first session I’ve been making healthy food choices, exercising 3-5 times per week and drinking 8 cups of water a day. I find myself just wanting to live this way. Wow, it really is easier than I thought to make changes, I feel better and have a better outlook on life. Your CDs are very effective. You inspired me and helped me gain clarity so I could make better choices.'”
Patricia is teaching Hypnosis for Weight Loss at High Point Community Center beginning this Wednesday, May 5th from 6-8 pm. Her community involvement includes membership in the West Seattle Earlybirds Toastmasters Club, donating her services at Highline Hospital doing guided meditation for cancer patients and at Evergreen High School helping teens with mock job interviews, coaching women from Dress For Success, and recently conducting a hypno~coaching goal setting session with a group of young men at a local church. Her credentials are listed here. She also co-authored the book “Vibrant & Lasting Relationships.” You can reach Patricia by calling 206-459-2898 or e-mailing her through this page on her website.
We thank Integrity Coaching and Training for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
The National Weather Service has lifted the wind advisory, though it’s still windy, with gusts possible to 40 mph tonight, along with showers and possible thunderstorms (here’s the newest forecast). There’s also a new round of tree trouble: In the past few hours, as our video shows, the weather has apparently destabilized a tree in the 6400 block of California SW, where the sidewalk work was done in front of Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor). As our video also shows, a city inspector was there when we were a short time ago, and is assessing; Feedback co-owner Matt Johnson tells WSB the big crack at the tree’s base wasn’t there when he last looked at 2 pm. 5:19 PM UPDATE: We’re told the city will be back to remove the tree tonight. Meantime, it’s a temporary no-parking zone:
6:49 PM UPDATE: And they’re taking it down now:
(WSB photo from December 2009)
Five months ago today, we broke the news that the totem pole at West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park had been stolen. In the following days and weeks, we followed the story through the investigation, the first arrest, the discovery of the pole in Oregon a week later along with another stolen pole from Renton, and the poles’ return to Seattle, where the Parks Department took possession of the one from West Seattle:
(WSB photo from December 2009)
The next chapter’s taken a while, so we haven’t had an update for some time. However, since our inbox indicates many are wondering – here’s what’s going on. First, regarding the theft itself: Prosecutors have yet to file charges against the 69-year-old suspect, who was arrested twice in December, the second time in connection with the second stolen pole. We checked today with King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe – which we have done many times in the past few months – and here’s his reply:
It is still under review and investigation. Seeking some additional information, and we’ll let you know when we have a charging decision.
(WSB policy note: We evaluate every case separately, but our baseline policy is to not identify suspects until and unless they are charged. If you are just catching up on this story, the alleged motive for the theft was detailed in the law-enforcement document we transcribed for this late December report.) Meantime, the Rotary Club of West Seattle – which gave Viewpoint Park and the totem pole to the city in 1976 – is awaiting the outcome of this part of the case. But there’s some urgency, explains Josh Sutton from Rotary, who had two updates when we checked with him today – first:
Our club had decided in January that we would await outcome from thief/prosecutor on next steps for the pole. We are reconsidering our options, as this has taken much too long.
He then went on to add that one of the Rotarians who cracked the case is fighting for his life: “On a more personal note to our club, Ken Wise, longtime Rotarian, has received word that his cancer is terminal, potentially end of summer.” Ken is one of the men in this photo we took near Lake Sawyer, when we went along as he and fellow Rotarian Duane Ruud accompanied the tow-truck driver who took the pole away the night it was stolen – believing the removal had been authorized – back to where he’d dropped it off:
(WSB photo from December 2009)
Josh goes on to say, “Ken has made it clear he wants the pole put back before he passes. Our club is working hard to see what we can do to make that possible.”
Most weekends, you have a chance somewhere in West Seattle to adopt a cat – but this weekend, the city’s bringing one of its big adopt-a-thons to Alki Community Center:
As part of its ongoing outreach efforts to find suitable permanent homes for foster animals, the Seattle Animal Shelter hosts a cat adoptathon on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Alki Community Center, located at 5817 S.W. Stevens. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and features numerous cats of different breeds.
…Adoption prices range from $152-157 and include:
* Initial vaccinations
* Deworming
* Feline Leukemia testing
* Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians
* Spay or neuter
* Microchip
* Seattle Pet License (if applicable)To help reduce the number of animals euthanized, the Seattle Animal Shelter has a foster-care program to rehabilitate sick and immature dogs and cats. Donations from the city’s “Help the Animals Fund” pay for veterinary care for these animals that would otherwise be euthanized.
(WSB photo from May 2009)
At noon tomorrow, you are invited to Dignity Memorial/Forest Lawn, just east of High Point, for the annual Seattle Police Officers’ Memorial ceremony. Here’s our coverage from last year; since then, SPD has lost an officer in the line of duty – one with West Seattle ties – WSHS graduate Officer Tim Brenton, murdered on Halloween night. He and others who’ve given their lives will be remembered during tomorrow’s event. 2:22 PM NOTE: Mayor McGinn is expected to attend the memorial tomorrow.
Almost three weeks ago, more than 200 people voiced their opinion in the comment section when we reported that the vegetarian restaurant Chaco Canyon Café is considering a West Seattle expansion in the Link project now going up – fast! – along 38th SW in The Triangle. We invited Chris from Chaco Canyon to provide an update on what happens next – click ahead to read the update, which includes a few more questions if you are interested in informally assisting their research:Read More
(Scroll down for the newest info/photos)
(WSB photo added 9:15 am, trees across 48th SW)
ORIGINAL 7:35 AM REPORT: First report of notable weather-related trouble; Metro just sent an alert that the 37 and 53 bus lines are rerouted because of “an incident” at 48th SW/SW Eddy. Checked with Seattle Police – they have word of trees down on 48th SW at SW Holly, which is also affecting car traffic – not sure yet exactly where the detours are, but avoid that area. Here’s the reroute alert from Metro:
Routes 37 & 53 are rerouted due to an incident on 48th SW near SW Eddy St. Use the stop north of SW Graham St or the stop north of Atlas Pl SW.
This is between Seaview and Lowman Beach; here’s a map. 9:25 AM UPDATE: From the scene – 48th SW is closed from SW Eddy at the top of the hill, to the bottom where it meets Lincoln Park Way and Beach Drive. We also received this photo with another perspective on the blocked road, as a school bus (they had to reroute too) faced the mess:
We also got a note about the wind tearing away more of the plastic sheeting around the scaffolding on the 35th/Myrtle water tower that’s been getting painted. Here’s how it looked as of a few minutes ago:
10:05 AM UPDATE: Just checked with SDOT – Marybeth Turner tells us the urban-forestry crew estimates 48th will be cleared/reopened no later than 11:30 am. 1:21 PM: Kris notes in comments that the road has reopened; also, Metro has confirmed Routes 37 and 53 are now back to normal. 2:04 PM: Jody adds this via Facebook: “”A good section of the sidewalk on the east side of the street is closed though for anyone walking in that area.””
(Friday photo taken at Alki by Chas Redmond)
The weather of course is the biggest thing so far today – with the wind advisory continuing in effect till 7 pm. If things aren’t too crazy, you might check out the last minus tide we’ll see for a few weeks, -0.6 just before 3 pm today – not as low as the photo above from Friday afternoon, but low enough for tidewalking. Otherwise, no major public meetings tonight – West Seattle Hi-Yu members meet at 6:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Church, just as festival/parade season starts to kick into high gear; you can check the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for regular Monday night happenings, including bingo at Alki UCC Church. (Are we missing something of note? Add a comment – thanks!)
(Photo courtesy Westside Symphonette)
In the mood for music? Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, the Westside Symphonette community orchestra’s spring concert will fill The Hall at Fauntleroy‘s Vashon Room with “Classical Elegance.” The Symphonette Strings and Junior Orchestra play at 6:30 pm, the Senior Orchestra at 7:30 pm. Program highlights listed by Westside Symphonette’s Toni Reineke include:
Strings: Fancy Fiddles, Hotaru Koi
Junior Orchestra: Egmont Overture, Grand March from Aida
Community Orchestra: Finlandia, Intermezzo from Hary Janos, Emperor Waltz, Bugler’s Holiday (with a twist!)
All welcome; admission $5 adults, $1 students (extra donations welcome!). The Hall is at 9131 California SW (here’s a map).
The National Weather Service has a wind advisory in effect for our area, 11 tonight through 7 tomorrow night. See it here. We could get gusts as high as 50 mph. (Coincidentally, the NWS website notes that today is the start of Severe Weather Awareness Week.)
Time’s running out to get in on a new Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle program – here are the details from Community Harvest’s Aviva:
Gardeners: Here is a great opportunity to improve your skills in growing vegetables, and help people grow affordable, healthy food!
Garden Helpers: Connecting new gardeners with community mentors
Community Harvest of Southwest and Seattle Tilth are excited to offer a new program to train community members to mentor new gardeners in West Seattle and White Center.
If you would like to help others grow their own food, then consider becoming a Garden Helper! Training will consist of a free 5-week, 30-hour course on organic gardening and teaching adults, Thursday evenings (7 – 9 PM) and Sundays (9:30 AM – 2 PM) from May 20 through June 13. Mentors will then volunteer 30 hours (or more!) and help novice gardeners grow their own food. Volunteers should have some vegetable gardening experience, a desire to work with others, and an encouraging attitude.
We’re also looking for people who want help growing their own food! Mentors will provide free, in-person assistance to help budding gardeners get started in backyard, P-patch, or container gardens.
Community Harvest’s website has more information, applications, and even Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us at info@gleanit.org or 206-762-0604.
This program is funded by a Small and Simple grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
Three Crime Watch reports to share this afternoon – after the jump:Read More
That’s Terri Glaberson of CoolMom, caught during a moment between meeting and greeting visitors at the Bike Swap they’re sponsoring right now at Cycle University (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle, 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. We were there about an hour after it started, and Cycle U’s Brad Loetel told us they’d already sold 10 bikes:
Part of the proceeds benefit the Major Taylor Project (explained here). You’ll also find activities and clinics (like “learn to ride” for kids) – it’s all under way till 3 pm; here’s the flyer.
(Photo courtesy Kelly from Muttley Crew Cuts)
Also right now, as Brittany reminded us in a comment earlier, a fundraiser in Admiral to help Maddie the rescue dog:
Animals First Foundation is having a fundraiser for one of their rescue dogs- Please help Maddie walk again!! Join us this Sunday, May 2nd from 11am-4pm at the corner of 42nd and Admiral, CrossFit parking lot in West Seattle for a Car Wash & BBQ. All donations go directly to Maddie’s CCL surgery and recovery. For info or to donate: 206.932.6888. Maddie was rescued off the streets by a Good Samaritan. She may have fallen out of a two-story window, or may have been pushed….unfortunately she can’t tell us. She was not able to walk at all and needed surgery on both back legs. Please help us raise the $1600 for her surgery and recovery.
ADDED 3:11 PM: Also got a car-wash photo from Meredith, including Maddie herself up front:
We’ve been talking about it for months – and now, it’s almost here – the next major closure affecting West Seattle drivers as part of the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. Two weeks from tomorrow, on May 17, the 1st Avenue South onramp to the westbound West Seattle Bridge will close for good; a new one, with a different configuration, will be built as part of the project, but it won’t be open till late 2011 at the soonest. If you’ve got questions for SDOT, this Wednesday morning’s meeting of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is your chance to get answers in person. They’re hosting Paul Elliott from SDOT community relations, 7 am, Be’s Restaurant in The Junction (4509 California SW), public welcome. Meantime, you can check out our archive of project coverage here, and detour maps/project updates are available in this area of the SDOT website. (Side note re: the Kiwanians: They were expected back at today’s Farmers’ Market, collecting eyeglasses, cell phone and ink-cartridge donations, KeyBank side, like last week.)
(“Pointed” cloud photographed by Dan E. last Thursday)
Even if blue skies don’t grace us today, there’s plenty to do, indoors as well as out. Two bicycle-geared events: At Cycle University (WSB sponsor), you can shop the Bike Swap, 9 am-3 pm, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Major Taylor Project, and activities including “learn to ride” clinics for kids. At 10 am, supporters of transportation bicycling are invited to join the first West Seattle Spokespeople ride, leaving Alki Bike and Board in the Admiral District (full details here). 10 am is also the start time for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market; here’s today’s fresh list. There’s also a special family activity: Spring planting, including seed-planting for kids. And 10 is when doors open at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds) for the second and final day for the West Seattle Rock and Gem Show, free, continuing till 5 pm, presented by the West Seattle Rock Club (WSB sponsor), with amazing displays as well as prize drawings and activities. One more Junction note: This is the first Sunday for “Tell Me on a Sunday,” the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical now on stage at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – 3 pm matinee; tickets are available online here.
Editor’s note: West Seattle writer Jen Boyer covered the “Deadliest Catch“ fan convention in Seattle this weekend; we’re publishing her coverage for interested fans.
Story and photos by Jen Boyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
They wanted their crab captains and they wanted them now.
More than 1,000 superfans of Discovery Channel’s crab-fishing reality show “Deadliest Catch” attended the sold-out-in-advance second annual CatchCon on Saturday at Pier 66, some coming as far as Scotland and the Netherlands to get up close and personal with everything Deadliest Catch.
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