West Seattle Thursday: Fauntleroy protection; Alki landscaping
FAUNTLEROY PROTECTION: During the power outage two days ago, that truck was a reminder of what lies between millions of gallons of wastewater coursing beneath the peninsula, and the countless gallons of seawater out in Puget Sound: Not much. The truck took a generator to stop an overflow from the Murray pump station at Lowman Beach, one of two that are part of King County Wastewater Treatment‘s Combined Sewer Overflow projects. The other one is the Barton pump station area, by the ferry dock, and that’s the subject of a meeting TONIGHT, 6 pm, Southwest Community Center. The county still has to decide how to prevent overflows, and needs your thoughts on the 3 alternatives – which are detailed here (including a potential underground tank at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse site).
ALKI AVENUE LANDSCAPING: We’ve received a few recent questions about the new landscaping along part of Alki Avenue SW. If you’re curious about it, come hear about it firsthand from Seattle Parks’ Carol Baker, during tonight’s Alki Community Council meeting, 7 pm at Alki UCC Church at 6115 SW Hinds. Also scheduled: Seattle School Board rep Steve Sundquist (coming off an intense board meeting Wednesday night).
LATE ADDITION (11:23 am) – got word from C & P Coffee that student poets from Denny Middle School will read their work at the coffeehouse tonight at 6.
What else is up? The WSB Events calendar is here.
Got glasses? 2 more weeks to get them recycled
If you have an old pair of glasses you don’t need any more, here’s a way to make sure they don’t go to waste: Keller Williams Realty in The Junction is continuing to collect used prescription and non-prescription eyewear through the end of the month, to help Vista Missions. Hominee at KW explains, “They deliver them to people in need in foreign countries to provide free vision clinics and eye exams. Our goal is to collect enough eyeglasses by March 31st to supply an entire 5-day clinic for the team leaving for Mexico in April.” You can help by dropping off used eyewear at KW’s Junction office, 4452 California SW (map). They’re open weekdays 8:30 am-5:30 pm.
Your weekly West Seattle Bookshelf, 2nd edition
Lists courtesy of Square One Books
Once again this Thursday, courtesy of Gretchen Montgomery @ Square One Books (WSB sponsor), we bring you her store’s five best-sellers in four key categories. (We’re testing the title suggested by Mark Matassa in comments following edition #1 – what do you think?)
Hardcover:
1. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
2. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
3. Anthill by E.O. Wilson
4. Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis
5. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Paperback:
1. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
2. Old Filth by Jane Gardam
3. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
4. The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
5. Ex-Cop by Warren Hammond
Children:
1. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1 by Jeff Kinney
3. The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
4. In My Meadow by Sara Gillingham
5. The Witches by Roald Dahl
Teen:
1. Dealing with Dragons #1 by Patricia Wrede
2. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
3. Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
4. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Speaking of young readers, Square One has a special bookselling event tonight at Madison Middle School — offering books that are popular with middle-schoolers, and Square One pays the tax, which means you get the equivalent of a 9.5% discount.
South Park Bridge: Councilmember Bagshaw’s life-extending idea
(Photo courtesy Dale Brayden, from the “Captain Dave river tour” last weekend)
Wednesday night of last week, City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw was at the second of two consecutive-night meetings in South Park (WSB coverage here), talking with – and listening to – community members regarding the county’s scheduled shutdown of the deteriorating South Park Bridge. She promised them, “I’ll be here with you.” One week later, after she wrapped up an appearance last night at the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting, we caught up with her to ask what’s happened since then. She mentioned meetings with other key elected officials – but most notably, a new idea she’s exploring: Since the bridge’s biggest safety issues come from the wear and tear of repeated openings and closures for marine traffic, she’s trying to find out if there are vessels based south of the SP Bridge that could be moved upstream (north) for a year or so – till a new bridge could be built. If the bridge didn’t have to open for marine traffic, Bagshaw says, it could have an extended life of availability for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. She emphasizes that a lot of research has to be done to see if this would be feasible, including conversations with the Port of Seattle and the Coast Guard.
West Seattle biznotes: Donna Ryan, Wax Bar, Mountain to Sound
ANOTHER NEW JUNCTION BUSINESS SETS THE DATE: We first told you in December about Donna Ryan Photography coming to The Junction, in the former Swee Swee Paperie storefront just east of Cupcake Royale (WSB sponsor). Just got word from Donna that she has set April 23rd as her official opening date – and she adds it’s not just going to be a photo studio:
I am also super-excited to announce that I will also be carrying the Tea line of children’s clothing – mostly daily Tea – which is quality, fashionable every day wear at an affordable price. I will also be carrying some kids’ accessories, shoes and layette items.
Donna actually has worked in that space before – it’s where she did Santa photos for the West Seattle Junction Association last holiday season. Meantime, east of The Junction in The Triangle:
1ST DAY FOR THE WAX BAR’S 2ND LOCATION: As reported here last night, today was opening day for The Wax Bar, which was founded in Ballard and now has added a West Seattle location (37th/Alaska). We dropped by in the early afternoon and talked briefly with co-owner Mac and aesthetician Bevan (one of three on the WS WB staff for starters). A comment on last night’s story asked about grand-opening specials – Mac said they’ve got a special on “Brazilian” waxes for starters, $45, which is more than a third off. As with their Ballard location, they plan “happy hour” specials 1-3 pm. And of course – what about the beer, since that’s part of what sets them apart? Several types, including Corona and Pike, Mac said – plus they have non-alcoholic beverages too (he mentioned Dry Soda). Their formal “grand opening” festivities, he added, will be in about three weeks.
SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS MEANS SMILES IN THE TRIANGLE – PLUS A SIDEWALK SALE: Another new business in The Triangle, ski and paddle shop Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), is looking ahead to a huge weekend March 26-28: In conjunction with its sister business Alki Kayak Tours (which just reopened for the season), there’ll be a big sidewalk sale at Mountain to Sound (3602 SW Alaska). Here’s the flyer; deals are planned for ski and paddle gear, plus skate rentals, as well as a free barbecue on Friday night (with the store staying open till 9:30 that night), and a raffle to benefit the now-forming West Seattle Snow Sports Council, which is being founded to help get West Seattle-area kids more access to snow sports.
Seattle Parks Board to discuss viewpoints and more March 25
Here’s official word of the next Parks Board meeting:
SEATTLE PARK BOARD TO HOLD
REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 25
Please note special 6:30 p.m. starting time
The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 25, in the Park Board Room at 100 Dexter Ave. N, the Parks
Administration Building at the corner of Dexter Ave. N and Denny Way.
The agenda includes:
Green Seattle Partnership
Parks and Cascade Land Conservancy staff will provide the Board with an update on
progress on the Green Seattle Partnership. The Partnership, between the City of
Seattle and the Cascade Land Conservancy, is a commitment to restore 2,500 acres of
urban forest by the year 2020. For more information on the Partnership, please go to
http://greenseattle.org/.
Viewpoint Management
Parks staff will bring the Board up to date on Parks and Recreation’s implementation
of the Viewpoint Management Policy. It will include information on the status of
designated public viewpoints and the efforts underway to manage the vegetation at
these sites.
Budget Briefing
Parks staff will provide a briefing on information received to date on 2010 City
revenues and the likelihood of a 2010 mid-year budget reduction, and on the 2011
budget process.
Followup: No DMS traffic sign for Delridge; plus, bridge-cam update
Following our report on Saturday about the new Dynamic Messaging Signs that SDOT is putting up in West Seattle (and other areas of the city), commenter Aim wondered why one wasn’t going up on Delridge. We checked with SDOT to see if one was in the works for Delridge further down the line. Short answer: No – Fauntleroy, Admiral and 35th are the three where you’ll get information before you get to The Bridge. We asked SDOT why Delridge isn’t getting one. Not enough money – they had to prioritize, according to SDOT’s Marybeth Turner, and of the four main roads that carry traffic onto The Bridge, Delridge has the lowest volume. So, she says, “While Delridge would benefit from a DMS, it is not funded at this time.” Adiam Emery from SDOT’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) team says, “For the lower level roadways, we will keep all the flashing beacons that inform drivers when the swing bridge is open and operating.” Speaking of bridges, we also inquired with SDOT when the West Seattle Bridge traffic camera would be back in operation – the one that points westbound has been dead for months. Emery’s reply: “The new West Seattle Bridge camera is installed and ready to go, waiting for electrical service connection. We are coordinating with Seattle City Light to assist in any way possible to get power to the equipment. They hope to have power to the camera by the end of this month, if not before.” By the end of August, 136 traffic cameras will be in operation within the city limits, though Emery cautions they’re not all reflected on the travel-info page so far (web5.seattle.gov/travelers).
West Seattle St. Patrick’s Day scene: “Seussian spectacle”
That’s the phrase Luckie used as she shared that photo taken in a kindergarten class at Lafayette Elementary:
Mrs. Bell decided to combine Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2) and St. Patrick’s Day (today) with a reading of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, followed by a banquet of green eggs and ham and a few other green foods. A little green food coloring turned the ham and eggs into a Seussian spectacle! And, just like the protagonist of Green Eggs and Ham, the kids were willing to try them. They polished off pretty much everything!
Countdown to Easter: West Seattle egg hunts announced
That photo’s from the West Seattle Thriftway egg hunt last year – always a hugely popular tradition. Just a few hours ago, we got a note that this year’s event is set for 9 am April 3rd, and just now, the city has just sent its list of egg hunts at local parks/community centers – see the full list here. We’re working on our West Seattle Easter page right now; we invite everyone with Easter-related events/specials, from church services to brunches to egg hunts and beyond, to share the info with us so it’ll be on the page (here’s our contact info).
West Seattle jail? Still possible – but not needed before 2017
A new development in the jail-site fight: The planning process for a new municipal-misdemeanor jail is still moving ahead, with a West Seattle site (Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way) among the 6 possible locations. However, the potential need for that jail (in which Seattle would partner with other cities) is moving further into the future. Last fall, the city and county agreed to a 3-year extension of the contract for the county to handle misdemeanor offenders; by the time the proposal got to the Seattle City Council Public Safety and Education Committee today, it had become a 4-year extension, through the end of 2016. (Here’s the council bill; here’s an explanatory memo.) It doesn’t cover all the city’s expected needs for that time, warned council staffer Peter Harris, so they will need to keep contracting with Yakima (and possibly the new south-end jail) for some space. But the agreement requires the city to confirm that it has no expectation that King County will be able to handle its misdemeanor-offender needs beyond 2016, which means the jail-planning process continues, though Councilmember Sally Bagshaw noted, “There’s little stomach for building a new jail.” (As noted earlier, Bagshaw is in West Seattle tonight, guesting at the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting at 7 pm.) The committee voted unanimously to approve the 4-year extension; it goes now to the full council.
West Seattle 5K will once again kick off a “car-free” day on Alki
(Photo from “Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets” event on Alki Ave, 5/31/2009)
With the mayoral change and budget cuts, this was by no means a sure thing, but with two months to go till the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, it’s just been confirmed, according to organizer Jo Bader from the West Seattle High School PTSA: The second annual edition of their successful-from-the-start fundraiser will again be the kickoff to a “car-free day” on Alki – as part of Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets, as the city rechristened the series last year. We don’t know yet about other Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets plans around the city – an official media announcement is in the works. But since the Alki “car-free day” is confirmed, you can mark your calendar for Sunday, May 23, starting with the West Seattle 5K, followed by special events along Alki SW. Here’s our wrapup on last year’s Alki CSSS event; here’s our story on the first-ever West Seattle 5K that kicked off the day. By the way, registration is under way now for this year’s run (WSB is among the co-sponsors for a 2nd year), with an early-registration discount available.
Top o’ the mornin’: West Seattle Wednesday, St. Patrick’s edition
Sending that photo of last night’s rainbow, Edgar from Captive Eye Media wondered if leprechauns would be finding the pot o’ gold at that SW Dakota playground. No reports of that yet. But Frances at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor, with their Daylight Saving Time sale continuing till Sunday) did find the green line down the middle of 41st SW, north of Admiral:
Now, the highlights:
JAIL AGREEMENT ON SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: You’ve probably heard about the “aggressive panhandling” law coming up for a public hearing at today’s meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety and Education Committee. But another item on the agenda might be of even more interest in West Seattle: The city’s planned extension of its jail-services agreement with King County – extending it till 2016 – which is part of what took a proposed new municipal jail (with a West Seattle site under consideration) off the fast track. The committee meets at 9:30 am and will be live at seattlechannel.org (cable channel 21).
BRING MORE “SEATTLE FREE SCHOOL” CLASSES OUT WEST: 6:45 tonight at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library branch, you can join a class on how to facilitate a Seattle Free School class to share your skills with the community; SFS is hoping to offer more classes here, but that means they need instructors to offer them! This class, of course, is free. Sign up here.
DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm tonight at Youngstown Arts Center, reps from community groups and organizations around eastern West Seattle get together for their monthly meeting. Tonight’s agenda includes City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, an update on Camp Long Lodge renovations, and a presentation by White Center residents supporting annexation by Seattle (as Mayor McGinn proposes a vote in northern North Highline this fall).
More, with a few St. Patrick’s Day nightlife notes (including a big slate with food and drink specials at Feedback Lounge [WSB sponsor], plus the schedule at West Seattle’s only Irish pub), in the WSB Events calendar.
Birth announcement: The Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council
At the front of the room, that’s Chas Redmond, co-chair of the Southwest District Council, with more than two dozen people who answered the council’s call to organize. They came to PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) tonight to form what they decided to call the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council. The SWDC’s goals for the year included helping West Seattle residents organize in areas that don’t currently have community councils – and this is the first. In addition to discussing procedural points – the need for regular meetings, boundary-drawing, and officer elections – they talked about hot issues in their area, with the fate of the former Genesee Hill Elementary School atop the list. The school housed Pathfinder K-8 for more than a decade till the Pathfinder move to the former Cooper Elementary in Pigeon Point. Genesee resident and realtor Alan Krell said that if the site were ever turned into a housing development, up to 60 homes could be built. So the new council hopes to have a Seattle Public Schools rep come to a meeting to talk about the building and the district’s longterm plans. Other concerns: The Genesee-Schmitz area’s lack of public meeting spaces and playgrounds. Before this kickoff meeting concluded, Dick Miller volunteered to serve as temporary chair, and a smaller group organized to work on nuts-and-bolts tasks such as mailing lists, meeting times, organizational structure, and publicity. If you’re interested in getting involved but couldn’t attend tonight’s meeting – e-mail carol.vincent@comcast.net to get on hte list.
Hiawatha debut for West Seattle High School boys’ varsity soccer
Thanks to Tim McMonigle for sharing photo and summarizing the latest milestone for newly renovated Hiawatha Playfield and the players who have been waiting a long time for it:
West Seattle High School (in blue) had their first varsity soccer game of the season today and played on the beautiful new turf at Hiawatha in front of local students and fans, beating Franklin HS 3-0. This is a great improvement over playing their home games at Memorial Stadium the last several years where many fans could not see them. The weather cooperated and the boys played their hearts out. Their next game is Thursday afternoon at Ingraham HS and Friday evening against Sammamish HS, hopefully at a local venue. Come on out and support your local WSHS Wildcat soccer team!
West Seattle business news: Wax Bar opens in Triangle tomorrow
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Tonight, another one of the new West Seattle businesses we’ve been tracking is just hours from opening … The Wax Bar opens tomorrow morning at 37th/Fauntleroy, between the shoe repair and brake-service stores. Founder Karen says they’re planning to open the doors at 9 am. We first confirmed in December that The Wax Bar – which is expanding from Ballard – was coming to West Seattle. We got the original heads-up when they applied for a liquor license – which, as they told us, is needed because their twist is that they serve beer: Waxing, skin care, and beer. They’re online at thewaxbarseattle.com and opening tomorrow morning at 4450 37th SW (map).
West Seattle power outage: Westside Symphonette still a go
Since Gatewood Elementary School lost its power along with almost 2,800 other homes/businesses/facilities this afternoon, there’s been some question about whether the Westside Symphonette concert set for 7:30 tonight would still go on. Just talked to the orchestra’s leader Toni Reineke, and while she says they haven’t confirmed yet whether the power is back, they’re proceeding under the assumption it will be. If they have to call it off at the last minute, she’ll give us a call and let us know, so if you’re planning to go, you can check back here for any updates before you leave.
West Seattle power outage: Lowman Beach sewage overflow
(Cameraphone added 5:23 pm, generator truck at Lowman Beach)
Just got word from King County Wastewater Treatment that, as often happens in power outage situations, this one triggered an overflow at the Murray Avenue pump station by Lowman Beach. The county estimates 40,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed for about 15 minutes before they got a portable generator going so the normal pumping could continue. They’ve posted signs on the shore, however, warning of possible contamination. (Added: We talked with Annie Kolb-Nelson at the county; she confirms Lowman still doesn’t have an emergency generator – that’s part of the CSO projects, with a meeting coming up March 29.) Read on for the full news release:Read More
Traffic alert: Crash at 41st/Admiral
No indication of serious injuries but Mike and Wendy both have sent us word via Facebook of the crash at 41st/Admiral, affecting westbound traffic on Admiral – Wendy says it looks like cars are being rerouted down 41st, so if you’re heading back into West Seattle that way, heads up. 4:19 PM UPDATE: Traffic’s moving westbound on Admiral, one lane, slowly.
From last night’s 
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