Each and every one of the 30 nights of April, we are marking Disaster Preparedness Month with a suggestion of something you can do – in some cases a simple step, maybe just something to read – to achieve another bit of progress toward being prepared, albeit for things we hope never will happen. You can catch up with the archive by going here – each of our nightly items is tagged for the WSB Preparedness archive. Tonight, it’s about the youngest members of the family – how do you bring kids into the preparedness loop without scaring them? Both FEMA and ready.gov have kids’ sections – here’s FEMA For Kids, including the “Kids to Kids” section with artwork and letters created by students (hurricanes, tornadoes and 9/11 are represented), and then there’s the slightly higher-tech Ready Kids, starring a family of mountain lions. And for parents, teachers and others who live/work with kids, here are resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics. That page, in turn, points to this one that reminds parents they should ask their children’s care providers what plan they have in place, should disaster strike while the kids are in child care – that “check-in number” we talked about back on Night 3 also applies here – if you cannot directly reach the provider, she/he may be able to get word to the out-of-area contact. One last note – remember that as noted on Night 6, a statewide earthquake drill is coming up April 21 – might be a good idea to make a note to talk to your child(ren) before and after. Now, our nightly reminders: Join the West Seattle Be Prepared group on Facebook if you haven’t already; set aside some time to browse the West Seattle Be Prepared website and know your nearest Emergency Communication Hub; and check in with the city’s “3 to Get Ready Challenge“ (WSB sponsor) – where you can register for fun freebies (yes, preparedness can be fun).
It’s in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, even though it’s happening in Wallingford, because it’s for a man who’s meant a lot to many West Seattleites – Jade West Café owner Wah Wong. This Sunday is the first major benefit for Wah and son Jason Wong – both seriously injured when a drunk driver hit them last December – and their family. It involves a three-course lunch at Perché No Pasta and Vino, 1319 North 49th (map), with live music and a silent auction, for $35/person. The driver who hit the Wongs has since pleaded guilty and been sentenced, but the family is left with financial challenges, and particularly for Jason, who lost part of a leg, a long road to recovery. Sunday’s your chance to support them. Here’s a Facebook invite for the event.
Bail is now set at half a million dollars for the 33-year-old man arrested near his High Point apartment Wednesday night (WSB coverage here), suspected of crimes including kidnapping, beating and robbing a woman who called police for help from that apartment. The suspect is not yet charged – Monday is the deadline, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – but we have new details about the incident from the probable-cause document they provided, as well as the letter that High Point management sent to residents. Read on:Read More
Last year, Alki photographer David Hutchinson shared several progress reports on Canada geese along Harbor Avenue SW, birth to maturity. This year, the photo you see above just arrived, under the heading “First Gosling Photo of 2010.” David explains:
The Canada Goose gosling season has begun on schedule along Harbor Avenue. This family of six goslings was seen getting acclimated to their new surroundings. Hopefully everyone will be tolerant of their presence over the next 2 ½ months as they roam the shoreline of Elliott Bay from Don Armeni south to Salty’s.
From the WSB Forums: Lowman Beach Park neighbor Dr. Ron Sterling has set up a website to rally those concerned about the possibility of the park being dug up to place a large wastewater-storage tank underground if King County chooses that as the solution to “combined sewer overflows” (CSO) into Puget Sound. He had the most to say at the county-led public meeting last week on what the county has announced as its 3 options for the Lowman Beach (formally known as Murray) pump station’s CSO solution. His new website is at soundangels.org. As he writes on the site, the next chance for public discussion is the April 21st Morgan Community Association meeting (7 pm, The Kenney), but in the meantime, some of those commenting on our coverage of last week’s meeting had asked how to get involved. In addition to sending official comments to the county (go here), those who are concerned can join an online petition just linked from the soundangels.org website.
The Junction fills with music on Sunday afternoon as HONK Fest West brings the third of its three days to our side of the bay (California SW will be closed between Oregon and Alaska) … Sunday is also when the King County Water Taxi (WSB sponsor) throws its grand-opening party, including free rides ALL DAY … And there’s a HUGE number of benefit events this weekend – a fundraiser for Jade West Café proprietor Wah Wong and family, “Borscht and Bagels” for Delridge Produce Cooperative, Dog Makeovers for the Cure, The Kenney‘s annual brunch, WSUU‘s gala dinner, WSHS Grad Night‘s car wash, two animal-advocacy groups teaming up … And to help your summer planning, check out the High Point Youth Activities Fair. Click ahead to see the whole lineup, because from now through Sunday, more than SEVENTY! events/activities are on the list, sponsored by Skylark Cafe and Club, where you’ll find FREE live music and rockin’ food:Read More
We’re welcoming the Dakota Condominiumstoday as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they’d like you to know: The Dakota Condominiums are located at 4116 California Ave. SW (map), just two blocks to “The Junction,” West Seattle’s shopping and dining district and home of the year-roundWest Seattle Farmers’ Market and West Seattle Summer Fest. This is a great neighborhood where homeowners can walk to everything — the bank, the grocery, cafés, shops, the post office — but when they need to drive into downtown Seattle, it’s also very accessible. Priced from $219,950, the collection of 39 studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes is FHA-approved. The developers, Kevin Krout with Paul Cesmat and Steve Butler of Omni Construction, hand-selected quality materials that represent the Northwest’s natural beauty and have a classic, timeless appeal. Interiors feature oak hardwood floors in the main living areas and kitchens, slab granite countertops with full-height backsplashes, maple cabinetry, full-sized washers and dryers and a full stainless steel kitchen appliance package. Many of the homes include mountain and/or sound views and a select few surround a landscaped interior courtyard for added outdoor entertainment possibilities. Additional amenities include a rooftop terrace with seating and 360-degree views, a controlled access parking garage and video-monitored entry. The Northwest Multiple Listing Service recently reported an increase in home sales, and its agents say buyer traffic is up as the April 30th deadline approaches for the federal tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for existing homeowners who purchase a new residence. Buyers should try to take advantage of the tax credit if they qualify and be aware that historically low interest rates could go up soon. All of the condominium homes at The Dakota are complete and ready for move-in. The community’s model homes are open weekends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays through Thursdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For photos and floor plans, visit our website at www.westseattlecondos.info, or call 206-948-6046 with any questions.
We thank the Dakota Condominiums for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Thanks to Vera from Village Green Perennial Nursery (open again this season, Thursdays-Fridays noon-7 pm and Saturdays-Sundays 10 am-4:30 pm) for the video clip of a baby hummingbird getting fed. Gardening is also at the heart of one of the events we’re previewing this morning: The West Seattle Lions Club‘s annual two-day plant sale includes an evening session tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle in The Junction, 5-8 pm. Also of note today: The Seattle Humane Society‘s Maxmobile will bring pet adoptions to Pet Pros in Westwood Village, 2-5 pm. West Seattle’s community centers and Southwest Poolare closed for a furlough day. And tonight is the first of six performances for “The Miss Firecracker Contest” by Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm at Youngstown Arts Center. More to come in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.
You’ve probably seen the photos from the outside – but this time, we’re going inside. As Chief Sealth International High School renovations move into the final months, school administrators thought it was time to get the students excited about the upgrades too. So Thursday morning a busload of 2nd-period class reps – who act as liaisons between classmates and staff – got a hardhat tour; WSB got to join them. First stop on the tour, the former commons area, where project manager Robert Evans explained what it was morphing into:
After Sealth students and staff move back to the permanent campus this fall, they’ll be lunching in the new Galleria (top photo). Many more sights ahead, including another look at the slope-clearing goats:Read More
This hasn’t been formally announced yet but we just found it on the Alaskan Way Viaduct project website’s “Public Events” page: Another public meeting for information about the viaduct-replacement project (not just the tunnel but also the south end replacement, which starts work soon) is set for West Seattle – 6-8 pm April 27, Madison Middle School. ADDED 8:01 AM: One of West Seattle’s reps on the project’s South Portal Working Group, Pete Spalding, says you also have a chance before then to get updated on the major transportation projects affecting our area: SDOT will be at the April 21 Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting to “discuss all of the closures and related items involving the Spokane Street Viaduct project,” and Alaskan Way Viaduct reps will “make a presentation on where things stand with this project.” DNDC meets at Youngstown Arts Center, 7 pm 4/21.
As we roll on with nightly Disaster Preparedness Month spotlights – tonight it’s about unlearning, instead of learning. We found an expert who’s written about the “5 Myths of Earthquake Survival.” Worth a look – they include helpful advice on a thing or two you SHOULD do, as well as what you should NOT do (#4, regarding how to signal to rescuers that you’re trapped, is a point we’d never heard before). Again, read the list here. Now, the nightly reminders: Browse and bookmark the West Seattle Be Prepared website, and make sure you know your Hub by heart; join the West Seattle Be Prepared group on Facebook to directly connect with other local folks working to be sure they’re ready; and jump into the “3 To Get Ready” city promotion (which is advertising on WSB this month to help make sure the word gets out) – there are freebies to be had, and simple steps to be taken. Anything you’ve done regarding preparedness that you’re particularly proud of, no matter how small or how big? Let us know about it so we can share your story!
Chief Sealth travels to Ingraham Friday after losing to them at home 10-8 on Wednesday. That same day, West Seattle HS suffered only its second loss on the season – here’s that recap from assistant coach Scott Meaker, who says WSHS has games Friday too:
WSHS Varsity Baseball faced Metro League foe Nathan Hale HS Wednesday at Hiawatha Sports Complex. After battling to a 2-2 tie after 5 innings, Nathan Hale pulled away to win the Sound Division game 6-3. Aaron Thomason pitched a complete game for Hale to earn the win, and senior Brandon MacKinnon took the loss for West Seattle. West Seattle senior Trevor Martin went 2-for-3 with an RBI. West Seattle is 6-2, (5-2 Metro) and Hale is 5-3 (4-2 Metro). The two teams play again Friday at Hale. The JV game at Hale was rained out. The JV hosts Hale at Hiawatha on Friday, weather permitting. All games are at 3:30.
Also playing today: Seattle Lutheran at Chief Leschi.
The Body Bar on the north end of The Junction was the most sizzling venue during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – because it was all about bacon. At right, with her muse, that’s artist KathyJ, who can be best appreciated through her website what do bacon do? – see it here. Next, Max Humphres was at Brunette Mix (WSB sponsor) with his mirror art:
And if you had wandered into Mural (WSB sponsor), you would have heard the sounds of guitarist/singer Rod Moody mingled with cheery conversation:
His performance was presented by Mural’s future sister building, Link, under construction in The Triangle. These were three of the 41 venues on tonight’s list; next West Seattle Art Walk is Thursday, May 13th.
We first met Lori and Tim McConnell just two months ago (here’s the story), when they had just signed the lease for space to open a “specialty running store” in Charlestown Center (map), but didn’t even have a name for it. But now, their store West Seattle Runner is just about ready to be, well, off and running:
Tonight, they opened the doors for a sneak peek, as a test run for Saturday, their official grand opening.
They’re planning festivities 10 am-7 pm on Saturday (chair massages plus running coach and physical therapist on hand). And while you’re there – sign up for next month’s West Seattle 5K (with co-sponsors including WSB as well as WSR).
ArtsWeststill has slots open in its summer Theater Conservatory program and is putting out a last-minute call tonight for actors 12 to 16 years old to audition tomorrow. The play is Aristophanes’ “The Birds” – information about the intensive July/August program leading up to its production is here. Actors need to prepare a “contemporary or classical monologue no more than 2 minutes in length” and bring a resume and headshot photo. Lindsay at ArtsWest says you can just show up there at 5 tomorrow – or if you have a question, you can call during the day tomorrow, (206) 938-0963 x 102.
(photo by Tyler, substituted at 6:47 pm for our original cameraphone photo)
In case you saw the big police response right at Walk All Ways in The Junction a little while ago – we’ve gotten a couple inquiries – here’s what police say happened: Someone “inebriated” randomly decided to lash out at one or more innocent bystanders. The “inebriated” person was subdued, and arrested. Police told us everybody’s otherwise OK. 7:39 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Lachlan for pointing us, in the comment section, to this tweet from Easy Street‘s owner, saying the suspect was kicking a dog. FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: After a commenter wrote that someone else was arrested at the scene, we checked with the Southwest Precinct to see if any more information was available today about the circumstances. Lt. Norm James‘ summary:
Call came in about 5:45 regarding an intoxicated male pushing people at California and Alaska. Turns out an intoxicated male confronted two male victims then kicked a dog that was passing by. The intoxicated male pushed one of the two victims and chest bumped the other. Both victims were fearful of the intoxicated suspect. Officers arrived and took the suspect into custody and placed him in the back of the patrol car. The suspect began trying to kick out the windows of the patrol car and subsequently there was a taser application on the suspect to control him. The fire department aid was called to extract the taser barbs (which is standard procedure). The suspect was then booked into KC Jail.
That photo shared onFacebookby Lee shows what kind of day it’s been – more than a little sunshine, but also some brief bursts from banks of dark clouds – we were in White Center around lunchtime when sleet started to fall; about the same time, Christophere-mailed from The Junction that a flurry was under way. The forecast still says there’s a chance of snow in “heavier showers” later tonight and/or tomorrow, so while it looks great now, take a jacket. And take the walking map for the West Seattle Art Walk– it’s the second page of this 2-page PDF. We’ve also gotten details on one last feature to mention – at Mural Apartments (WSB sponsor), their future sister buildingLink Apartments (under construction in The Triangle) is sponsoring a performance by West Seattle guitarist Rod Moody during Art Walk, 6-9 pm. Plus, we’ve gotten a note that Sanislo Elementary has its Science Fair tonight, everybody welcome – 6-8 pm (map).
If you’re on KEXP Radio‘s e-mail list, you already heard this – a couple people mentioned it when they included it in an e-mail blast as an aside, but KEXP wouldn’t confirm it for us till now – May 21st is the date they’ve picked for the celebration of West Seattle’s victory in the “Hood-to-Hood” fundraising challenge last year (here’s our June 2009 report). Their short announcement says, “KEXP is planning to take over your neighborhood Friday May 21st with a LIVE Broadcast that will include live performances from bands and artists you love along with various evening showcases and events! Look for more updates in the near future!” At least one West Seattle venue has confirmed its live slate – see this Facebook status update from Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor).
Just in from Seattle Public Schools – Chief Sealth is now an International High School, the first one in the district. That matches it with Denny International Middle School, with whom it will share a campus starting in 2011. Coincidentally, we were just over at the construction site (shown above – renovating Sealth/building a new Denny) for a hardhat tour this morning; that story’s still in the works but this news can’t wait. Read on for the official district announcement:Read More
Tonight, it’s about the youngest members of the family – how do you bring kids into the preparedness loop without scaring them? Both FEMA and 
Bail is now set at half a million dollars for the 33-year-old man arrested near his High Point apartment Wednesday night (
The Junction fills with music on Sunday afternoon as 
This is a great neighborhood where homeowners can walk to everything — the bank, the grocery, cafés, shops, the post office — but when they need to drive into downtown Seattle, it’s also very accessible. Priced from $219,950, the collection of 39 studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes is FHA-approved. The developers, Kevin Krout with Paul Cesmat and Steve Butler of 
Worth a look – they include helpful advice on a thing or two you SHOULD do, as well as what you should NOT do (#4, regarding how to signal to rescuers that you’re trapped, is a point we’d never heard before). 
If you’re on 
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