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    WHALE-WATCHING: Southern Residents at dusk

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    CAMP LONG: Help rebuild the history

  • Holiday Guide

    WS HOLIDAY GUIDE: See what’s in it!

Engine 37 firefighters check out hot deals at Gatewood bake sale
July 22, 2009 1:21 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

It’s the little surprises that make life fun – like, when neighborhood heroes stop by your bake sale. Cori from Gatewood just e-mailed to share that photo (editor@westseattleblog.com) and explained, “Thanks to the firefighters of Station 37, who took time out to stop at a bake sale put on yesterday by some neighborhood kids. They were so great and it gave the kids such a thrill!” Inbetween fighting fires and crimes, local firefighters and police officers do spend a lot of time involved in community activities large and small – which reminds us that you probably need another reminder to sign up for your Night Out close-the-street block party August 4 – local public-safety personnel are known to make the rounds that night too. Sign up here before the July 31st deadline.

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West Seattle scene: Waiting for the tide to come back in
July 22, 2009 12:52 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

The cameraphone photo’s a bit fuzzy but you get the drift, so to speak – today’s low tide left a boat marooned on the Alki flats. Thanks to Stephanie for sending the photo; it reminded us of one we photographed last year – we looked it up and in fact, that one was in July 2008. Today’s low tide bottomed out before noon so here’s hoping today’s unlucky boater will be back afloat soon; there are minus tides for the next few days as well, but none as low as the past few days.

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West Seattle Helpline has back-to-school on its mind
July 22, 2009 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Helpline has back-to-school on its mind
 |   Arbor Heights | How to help | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Helpline‘s “Clothesline” clothing bank (featured here in April) at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in Arbor Heights, those two young volunteers were hard at work Tuesday morning helping brighten up the space. Other volunteers on hand during the work party were quick to point out that painting materials were donated by McLendon Hardware and TrueValue. Helpline executive director Anna Fern explains they’re painting one wall in the Clothesline space that same shade — “fruit punch.”

After the sprucing-up is done, Clothesline will reopen August 7, with an emphasis on getting kids the clothes they need for returning to school. And toward that end – Helpline’s big annual Backpack Drive is now under way. You can drop off a new backpack at Capers in The Junction – Mondays-Saturdays 10-6 and Sundays 11-5 – or at Helpline HQ in the resource center at 35th/Morgan, Mondays-Thursdays, 1-4 pm. Or donate $25 to Helpline and they will buy one on your behalf; 932-2746 is the number to call if you’d like to make a $ donation – or use the link atop the Helpline home page – also call to find out how/when to donate clothes for Clothesline.

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Singer-songwriter Susan Werner coming to West Seattle
July 22, 2009 9:57 am
|    Comments Off on Singer-songwriter Susan Werner coming to West Seattle
 |   Announcements

Just announced for September at Fauntleroy Church, and promoters say they expect it to be a hot ticket:

Chicago singer-songwriter Susan Werner will make her only Seattle appearance this summer in West Seattle. Tickets have just gone on sale for her concert in the Fauntleroy Church sanctuary on Sunday, September 13, 7 PM, with reception to follow.

She is a defining artist of the folk music genre, with six albums to her credit, an active touring career, and a string of accolades from critics throughout the country, including The Washington Post and The New Yorker.

Her performance will also include jazz and pop, punctuated with sassy wit and Midwestern charm. Tickets ($20 to $30) are available at the church office (9140 California Ave. SW; 932-5600 – here’s a map); cash or check only, please. You may reserve tickets by phone but payment must follow within five days. For more information, e-mail Cryer at Bron@sirensongweb.com or call 206-255-4590

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Design Review tomorrow night: 4532 42nd proposal online now
July 22, 2009 9:51 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

That’s the cover rendering for the revised design proposal for Golden Crest, the mixed-use (35 residential units, plus retail) building at 4532 42nd SW that’s been going through Design Review off and on since spring 2006. It’s the building at left – immediately south of Capco Plaza, which you see at right. The next Design Review meeting for Golden Crest could be its last if board members approve the latest version of the plan – the meeting’s at 6:30 pm tomorrow, Senior Center of West Seattle. You can see the full design proposal packet online here; the cover shot doesn’t appear much different from what was shown at the last meeting in April, but if you look very closely at the ground level, and read pages 3 and 4, you’ll see how the developer and architects believe they have addressed what was brought up at that meeting, including features to “emphasize the retail spaces.” (If the address still doesn’t jog your memory, this is the same site where the big old blue house – which had been a hospital long ago – was torn down in November.)

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Highland Park: HPAC’s new night tonight; HPIC weekend fun
July 22, 2009 6:43 am
|    Comments Off on Highland Park: HPAC’s new night tonight; HPIC weekend fun
 |   Fun stuff to do | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

Two items from Highland Park: At 7 pm tonight, the Highland Park Action Committee debuts its new meeting night – the fourth Wednesday of the month. Agenda includes an update on the Westcrest Park mini-summit featured at last month’s meeting. HPAC gathers at the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s building, 12th/Holden (map).

Speaking of HPIC, they have two big events coming up this weekend – here’s the announcement:

2nd Annual HPIC Giant Group Rummage Sale! Come one, Come all …….

When: Sat., July 25, 2009 10 am-3 pm (setup 9 am)
Where: Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot (indoors if rainy)

corner of 12th & Holden
“Recycle” those useful items cluttering up your life! Sell your Crafts Projects and Bake Sale items-help raise money for the club while cleaning out your basement! OR call Kay for info if you want to just donate sale items for the club to sell.

Table Rental Fee (benefits the club 90th Anniversary)
$15 members/ $20 non-members
You keep all your sale proceeds!!
Questions or to reserve a table, contact Kay @ 206-762-2266

Followed by our Summer Neighborhood Potluck BBQ & Kickball event
When: Sun., July 26, 2009 2 pm-6 pm
Where: Highland Park Playground

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Election 2009: 14 council candidates on 1 West Seattle stage
July 22, 2009 2:41 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

There were moments of humor and moments of tension as 14 of the 16 candidates running for four Seattle City Council seats fanned out across several tables at center stage in the ArtsWest theater this evening.

(iPhone shot courtesy Chas Redmond – taken before Nick Licata arrived)
First – it’s become clear that for many West Seattleites, transportation is the hottest issue of all. That was one of the first questions to the candidates – listen to this audio clip as they take up to 1 minute each to discuss it (the first voice is Council President Richard Conlin, the others are each identified in turn):

Now, as for what else was said – read on:Read More

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One more day of notably low tide – and a bit of a weather break
July 21, 2009 10:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

We took out the pocket Flip video camera for a quick pan of the beach at Alki, where we stopped to check out the exact moment this morning (about quarter till 11) that the tide hit its lowest point of the month. (As you can see in the video, no major crowds, lots of room to explore.) Tomorrow will be almost as low, in case you have a chance to get out during the late morning — it bottoms out just after 11:30 am. And tonight’s “forecast discussion” from the National Weather Service mentions a “minor cooling trend” for the next day or two, before a bigger blast of hot air comes this way over the weekend (just in time for the Alki Art Fair Saturday and Sunday, and the next West Seattle Junction Outdoor Movies on the Wall presentation Saturday night – the original “King Kong”).

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Fundraising begins for West Seattle High School Grad Night 2010
July 21, 2009 8:06 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Summer vacation’s not even half over and West Seattle High School parents and students are already looking ahead to the end of next school year and another successful Grad Night event. Last weekend, they washed cars to kick off the fundraising campaign, and Carol Viger shares this update and the accompanying photos:

Thanks to our loyal community, and our fabulous sponsor Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor], WSHS students washed more than 40 cars Saturday 7-18 at our kick-off fundraiser for Grad Night 2010.

What is Grad Night at West Seattle High School?
Grad Night is a celebration on graduation night that is safe for seniors, and the location and activities are mysteries. All attendees are searched, no cell phones are allowed, and the venues remain a mystery until arrival. Grad Night was started by a young man who as a high school junior himself, lost his best friend (a then senior) on graduation night due to an alcohol involved accident. The next year, the student as a senior organized a safe and secret celebration for his classmates. It was so successful that it grew to his company.

Why support Grad Night?
Because everyone makes mistakes – even the smartest, most athletic kids. Accidents happen. (We heard stories of grad-night accidents from some patrons at our most recent car wash fundraiser.)

…and West Seattle High has the largest Alumni Association in the United States at 17,000 members. Grad Night is a good segue to that end. We want to keep our kids connected to our community, and coming back to give back and keep West Side the Best Side…and we have great kids. Last year’s graduating class had the highest attendance of any Seattle Public School, and 48% of the graduates were on the honor roll or above.

You as a parent of a senior will be glad you did support Grad Night. When your student comes home (and you have slept well, knowing they were safe all night) and grins that it was “so fun, I’m glad I went” even though they are exhausted, you will be glad. As a community member, maybe even one without kids, know that you may have saved a life, or at least given memories to last a lifetime in the community called “home” to these kids.

How much support is needed?
As a public high school, our goal is to raise $50 for every student who attends in order to keep the cost as low as possible at about $100 per student. We offer as many scholarships as we can. Additional funds at the end of the year will go to the next year’s class Grad Night. The kids get so much – security, camaraderie, food and beverage, entertainment, myriad activities, transportation, even some prizes! The last Big Yellow School Bus Ride ever!

How can I support Grad Night? Thank you for your consideration!
Cash of course is our greatest need. Donations can be sent to WSHS PTSA, attn: David Broadstoane, 2600 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116, “for Grad Night 2010”; you will be sent a tax-deductible receipt. We are a 501(3)c. You can specify your desire (for scholarship, for general fund). Fund raising ideas, support: cviger@comcast.net, cathasue@comcast.net, Carol Viger 938-4204, Catha Elder 937-6119.

Here’s the car-wash team shot:

(Top row, left to right: Catha Elder, Cindy McComish, Joe Lam, Mark Viger, Christopher Tyler, Carl Swenson, TJ McComish. Bottom row, left to right: Helene Viger, Anna Rosen, Kaitlin Elder, Lori Tyler, Carol Viger, Kam Leng Lam.)

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Happening now: City Council candidates’ forum in The Junction
July 21, 2009 5:32 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

From left, candidate Sally Bagshaw, Admiral resident Dennis Ross, and candidates David Ginsberg and David Miller are among those on hand for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-presented City Council candidates’ forum at ArtsWest in The Junction – starting shortly (but feel free to drop in “late” – it’s in the theater, and there’ll likely be seats left). We’ll be publishing in-progress updates via Twitter at @wsblive and will add a wrapup here later. 6:58 PM UPDATE: The forum just concluded on time. By the time it was over, 14 candidates had participated – Nick Licata showed up about half an hour after it started. Lots of lively banter and questions/answers about serious neighborhood issues. Will write up the wrapup as soon as we can.

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West Marginal Way firm fined by the state Ecology Department
July 21, 2009 4:53 pm
|    Comments Off on West Marginal Way firm fined by the state Ecology Department
 |   Announcements

Announced today by the state:

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined Fog Tite Inc. $18,000 for illegally discharging industrial wastewater into a storm drain and for failing to properly monitor discharges of industrial stormwater into city storm drains.

Seattle storm drains serving the manufacturer of concrete meter boxes and catch basins – located at 4819 West Marginal Way S.W. – flow to the Duwamish Waterway.

Fog Tite connected drain lines to a city storm drain outside the facility without permits or approvals several years ago. The company discharges caustic water and sediment from its production process areas and its outdoor work yard into the drain line.

“Ignoring the city’s permit process inevitably resulted in Fog Tite connecting its drain line to the storm drain instead of the sewer,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, Ecology’s regional water-quality supervisor. “They’ve been discharging poorly-treated industrial stormwater and process wastewater directly to the Duwamish for years. An industrial facility in this day and age has a duty to know where its industrial discharges are going.”

Businesses can arrange to discharge industrial wastewater into the sanitary sewer but must have authorization from King County to do so, and may need to provide pre-treatment. Fog Tite has begun applying to the city and county for a legal sewer connection for its process wastewater and contaminated stormwater.

Fog Tite also failed to submit quarterly monitoring reports to Ecology on stormwater discharges, as required by the state industrial stormwater general permit.

“The self-reporting permit system reduces costs for companies and for the state,” Fitzpatrick explained, “and permitted facilities must do the required monitoring and reporting. Truthful and accurate self-reporting is fundamental in keeping our waterways clean and safe.”

Inspectors from Ecology and the city of Seattle uncovered the drain line violation earlier this year.

Ecology had first visited Fog Tite in March 2009 as part of a Duwamish Urban Waters Initiative program to visit businesses that are likely pollution sources to storm drains or sanitary sewers, lack environmental permits, or are potential generators of hazardous waste. A technical specialist helps each company identify whether it needs permits or can make voluntary improvements to its environmental practices.

Ecology and the city of Seattle made a follow-up inspection in May. A city dye test showed that all of Fog Tite’s production area and outdoor drains went to the city storm-drain system, and not the sanitary sewer as the company had claimed.

Fog Tite may seek an Ecology review of the penalty or file an appeal with the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.

The Urban Waters Initiative is a cooperative program aimed at controlling sources of pollution to the Duwamish Waterway. The 2007 Legislature established the Initiative, which also operates along Tacoma’s Commencement Bay and the Spokane River in Spokane.

The Initiative supports Ecology’s work as a co-manager with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup site, a 5.5-mile stretch of the Duwamish upstream from Harbor Island. The Initiative also aids in Ecology’s priorities of reducing toxic threats and supporting the Puget Sound Initiative, a comprehensive effort by local, tribal, state and federal governments, business, agricultural and environmental interests, scientists, and the public to restore and protect the Sound.

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Memorial planned Thursday for South Park stabbing victim
July 21, 2009 4:49 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | South Park

We received this announcement from Beth Yockey Jones, a West Seattleite who used to live next door to Teresa Butz, the South Park woman killed by a man who broke into her home and attacked her and her partner early Sunday. (Ms. Butz is shown at left in a photo from Facebook.) From Beth:

The South Park Community Center has graciously volunteered to host a candlelight memorial vigil so that friends and neighbors can gather and celebrate Teresa’s memory.

We will gather at 7.30pm on Thursday July 23rd, on the South Park Community Center ball fields and share memories and celebrate Teresa’s life. If you would like to say a few words, there will be an opportunity to do so.

I also created a Facebook event page here –
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107364352557

If you need more information, you can e-mail Beth: bethyockeyjones@gmail.com Meantime, no new information on the case today – aside from police adding one note to the description of the killer – saying he had “blotchy skin.” Get the latest here. NOTE: Beth added in comments that the gathering will be in the “grassy area between the parking lot and softball fields” because of a prescheduled event on the field.

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WS Crime Watch: Police manhunt for Morgan Junction-area burglar
July 21, 2009 3:34 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just off the phone with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen, who we called to verify a few reports of a break-in early today in the Morgan Junction-area and questions about whether that case might be related to the South Park attacks. First of all – While there are rumors that the description of the burglar was close to that of the South Park killer, Lt. Paulsen stresses THEY ARE 98% CERTAIN IT’S NOT THE SAME MAN. That said, they are putting extra priority on finding the Morgan Junction burglar because he “doesn’t match any patterns.” They are working on a sketch to put out. Lt. Paulsen says the man broke into an apartment in the 6000 block of California around 6 am. “He fled after the occupant screamed.” He was not “hostile” toward the occupant – he didn’t indicate any violent intentions, according to Lt. Paulsen – and he didn’t take anything. But since they don’t know exactly what his motive was, they’re particularly eager to catch him. They know the man got on a Metro bus and headed toward downtown; they have collected “trace evidence” and have some good leads as well as witness accounts. The man is described as a “thin black male in his 20s,” 6 feet tall, shaved head, wearing a red shirt and dark pants, and he has a wound on his head – he apparently got cut while running away. (No one in the apartment was hurt.) He broke in through a ground-floor bathroom window, according to Lt. Paulsen. He promised to let us know as soon as the sketch is available, so we’ll bring it to you when we get it. Meantime, he stresses all the advice you’ve heard before – keep your doors and windows secure, and if you see anybody suspicious, call 911. (Meantime, as for the South Park case, no new major developments today.)

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Traffic alert: Highway 99 lane closures; Viaduct closure Sat. night
July 21, 2009 2:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just got this note from the folks working on the various Alaskan Way Viaduct-related projects:

On Wednesday (July 22) crews will close the far right lane of northbound SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Railroad Way S. ramps from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Thursday (July 23) crews will close the far right lane of southbound SR 99 between the Railroad Way S. ramps and the West Seattle Bridge from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This is related to the South End Replacement work – more info here.

ADDED 4:14 PM: And we’ve received two reminders that the northbound lanes of The Viaduct are closed for two hours Saturday night because of the Seafair Torchlight Run – 5:45-7:45 pm.

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Where to find free air conditioning tonight, 5-7 pm
July 21, 2009 12:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Evening sunshine along Beach Drive, photo by Chas Redmond)
BEFORE you go for your evening walk – one place to cool off in the early evening heat (temperatures peak around 5-6 pm!): ArtsWest in The Junction, where, tonight between 5-7 pm, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s City Council Candidates’ Forum takes the stage. You don’t have to be there right at 5 – the first half-hour is for mingling and/or one-on-one questions/answers – then the forum starts around 5:30. Candidates who are confirmed so far include West Seattleites David Ginsberg (Position 2) and Dorsol Plants (Position 4) as well as Sally Bagshaw and David Bloom (Position 4), Marty Kaplan (Position 6), David Miller, Mike O’Brien, Robert Rosencrantz, Jordan Royer and Rusty Williams (Position 8). #4 and #8 are the spots where the incumbents aren’t running again, so the primary vote (August 18, but it’s all by mail and your ballot will arrive by the end of next week) is particularly huge. CR Douglas moderates, no admission charge, and since it’s done by 7ish there’s still time to go enjoy the beach, a walk, whatever. ADDED 3:35 PM: One more name on the confirmation list – City Council President Richard Conlin, who’s being challenged by Ginsberg for Pos. 2.

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Delridge’s new playground: The “last sprint” before it opens
July 21, 2009 11:39 am
|    Comments Off on Delridge’s new playground: The “last sprint” before it opens
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That’s just part of the exhausted yet exhilarated crowd of volunteers that gathered for photos last Friday afternoon after building Delridge Community Center‘s new playground. Among them, North Delridge Neighborhood Council co-vice-chair Betsy Hoffmeister, who wanted to share a bit more news today:

As we approach the Grand Opening Ceremony for the new Delridge Community Center playground on July 23rd at 6:30 pm, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is taking stock. We are immensely grateful to the community at large for supporting this amazing project. We have a few announcements to make.

· Only 14 Delridge tshirts are left. Made in White Center! Folks can buy one of the last 14 silk screened shirts left, Adult sizes: $15, Kids sizes: $10. Email your order to delridgetshirt@gmail.com .

· We have a donation of cupcakes for the grand opening, but, in order to make this a stylin’ event, we are looking for more food and drink donations. (We spent more than we anticipated on food for the build because we had nearly 270 people show up!)

· Every person or business who donated funds, goods, or services to the project is recognized on the 1X1 foot tiles attached to the fence around the playground (although the volunteers missed one). There are about ten more spaces for dedications. If you would like to add your message to the playground wall, please contact betsy@hoffmeisters.com with your contribution and message by Thursday. Minimum suggested donation is $25.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary encore in Admiral
July 21, 2009 9:56 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Pauline e-mailed to say that while she’s relatively new to the neighborhood, she has had an overly warm welcome from the criminal element – read on:Read More

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Lowest tide of the month today – and naturalists’ last day
July 21, 2009 6:30 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(photo via Twitter from @andreajwalker, taken Monday at Alki)
Lowest tide of the month today, and John Smersh – co-proprietor of Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) and volunteer beach naturalist – says it’s the naturalists’ last day of the summer. So if you want to low-tide-walk and learn as you go – get out this morning. John will be at Constellation Park; other beach naturalists will be at Lincoln Park. They’re out 10 am-1:30 pm but John notes that the lowest tide is 10:47 am, minus 3.5 feet – it’s still low-ish again tomorrow but not as low as today.

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Hiawatha haps: Concerts debut Thursday; wading pool now open
July 21, 2009 4:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Erik Walum for that photo – his spouse Katy Walum is organizer of the first-ever Admiral Neighborhood Association Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (with WSB among the co-sponsors), and the banner sign just went up at the park as a reminder that the series is about to kick off: This Thursday night, 6:30 pm, east lawn at Hiawatha, Alma Villegas serenades you for free! Just bring your own blanket and/or chair. It’s the first of six consecutive Thursday nights with these free concerts – the lineup ranges all over the musical map, from jazz to Cajun to folk to rock and even Big Band; see the list of performers here.

SECOND NOTE: Hiawatha’s wading pool opened Monday as promised by the city, according to Holly. That means West Seattle now has three wading pools open, including Lincoln Park and Delridge; E.C. Hughes is scheduled to open next Monday, and Highland Park is not scheduled to be open this year at all because of federally mandated drain-safety upgrades the city needs to install (because of that work, it’s opening 14 wading pools citywide this summer instead of the usual 25).

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Election 2009 close-up coverage: Council candidate Sally Bagshaw
July 21, 2009 3:01 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgPrimary Election Day is coming up on August 18; your ballot will arrive in less than two weeks. WSB is offering close-up looks — with West Seattle-specific questions — at hot races including the three Seattle City Council contests you’ll find on the primary ballot. So far in the past week, we’ve looked at three of the Position 8 candidates; now we’re jumping over to Position 4, the seat being given up by Jan Drago for her mayoral run, and starting with one of the 2 candidates dual-endorsed by the 34th District Democrats: Sally Bagshaw.

By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

City Council candidate Sally Bagshaw was at the Luna Park Café for breakfast Saturday, working on a plate of eggs, a fruit bowl and bottomless cups of decaf coffee.

Breakfast could be her only meal of the day as she dashes to neighborhood events, meetings, interviews and fundraisers.

“The single most exciting thing about this campaign is what I have learned,” she said.

That’s saying a lot coming from an attorney who earned her pilot’s license when she was 47 and recently returned from an adventure to Bora Bora aboard a 39-foot sailboat that she called “eight months of the hardest work I ever did.”

Read More

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“This shouldn’t happen”: Police, mayor discuss South Park attack
July 20, 2009 11:06 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | South Park | West Seattle police

That’s the hundreds-strong, standing-room-only crowd that jammed into South Park Community Center tonight to hear from Seattle Police leadership and Mayor Nickels, less than two days after a terrifying attack that left one woman dead and another seriously hurt: A man broke into their western South Park home – not far from West Seattle’s eastern edge (map) – and stabbed them while they slept, early Sunday morning. Flowers have been placed outside the home where it happened – we went by just before the meeting:

The same police who patrol West Seattle also handle South Park, so it was a familiar face, Southwest Precinct Captain Joe Kessler, who outlined how his team has responded and will continue to search for the killer:

Most importantly, as we showed you a little earlier tonight, police have just released a sketch of the man they are looking for, believed to have been a stranger to the victims. The description remains – per the SPDBlotter report – “a black male, 20s to early 30s, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall, thin muscular build, a thin moustache, and ‘nappy’ hair.” The victims have not been publicly identified — authorities say, “to protect their privacy” — but friends and neighbors have said they were a couple and, according to this Times story, about to be married. Police did allude to the victims being members of “a sexual minority” and as such say they have not ruled out the possibility this could have been a hate crime, though they do not have any evidence of that. Read on for more of what was said at the meeting:Read More

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Video: Georgia Mitchell crowned as new Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu
July 20, 2009 9:52 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

The coronation just ended at West Seattle High School’s theater – big crowd – lively production – and the new Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu is Georgia Mitchell (center). Princesses are Veronica Pupava (left) and Kelly Nealson.

ADDED 11:50 PM: Video as the Queen announcement was made at the end of the 2 1/2-hour event – the voices off-camera are first, previous Queen Margo Femiano, and then emcee Elisa Jaffe from KOMO TV – as you’ll hear/see, the new queen had quite the cheering section:

Other candidates competing tonight were Kelsey Bills and Julia Hodges. Yet more to be added, including touching tributes to JB Webster, the Hi-Yu volunteer, Seafair Commodore and West Seattle real-estate agent whose sudden death shocked the community earlier this year. ADDED 3:51 AM: Read on for the rest of the story, including more video clips:Read More

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Police issue sketch of South Park murder suspect
July 20, 2009 9:25 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime

Seattle Police assistant chief Nick Metz told a standing-room-only crowd at the South Park Community Center at 7 pm this evening that a sketch of the suspect in Sunday morning’s stabbing incident would be available before the end of the night’s meeting. Half an hour after making that announcement, Assistant Chief Metz said that the sketch was now available and copies of this sketch were passed out to the audience. This is the man they are looking for in connection with the stabbing attack on two women while they were asleep in their home – one died, one survived.

We’ll have more from that meeting, which included remarks from the mayor and the acting police chief. Seattle Police also have published an update on their website – find it here.

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