West Seattle, Washington
16 Thursday
While relatively routine work continues at Murray Pump Station in Lowman Beach Park, decision time is nearing for a complicated process to figure out how to reduce overflows from that station – the so-called “combined sewer overflows” that happen if runoff from heavy rain in the “basin” that feeds the station overwhelms the system. If you have been keeping an eye on the process (explained here), you know that the neighborhood did not exactly cheer the three options presented by the county back in March (WSB coverage here) – and at a subsequent meeting (WSB coverage here), suggested a citizens’ advisory group. The county took the suggestion; that group’s been meeting since June and is now close to finalizing its recommendations. At its latest meeting Wednesday night, the group narrowed down a list of 16 options (which in turn were from an even longer list that had emerged from their discussions plus expanded county recommendations) – deciding that they would continue looking at five. Read on for details:Read More
Earlier today, we mentioned the happy ending to the search for a West Seattle yellow Labrador Retriever named Toby. Tonight, the story of another West Seattle yellow Lab – which is about to come to a different kind of ending. We heard from Jayson DeMers, who has a website called Cory’s Story at corysstory.com. He explains that Cory is “a 13.5 year-old yellow Labrador Retriever with an amazing story – he conquered canine epilepsy, and his story serves as an example for how all dogs can live happier, healthier lives. … Unfortunately, he is old and at the end of his life. After a heartwrenching family meeting last night, we have decided that the time has come to put Cory down. It will take place tomorrow at 3 pm.” Jayson asked if we could share the word, “so that as many people can pray for him as possible while he transitions into the next life.” Jayson’s website isn’t the only place Cory’s Story is being told – he says his mom Sandra DeMers, also a West Seattleite, has written a book about it that is weeks away from publication. Jayson says that his mom “spent years of her life figuring out exactly how to not only cure epilepsy in Cory, but help him live to be 13.5 years old (far beyond the expected age range for a yellow lab, especially one with epilepsy).” He concludes, “I hope other West Seattleites find Cory’s Story touching and learn from it so that their dogs can live longer, happier, healthier lives.”
Just out of the WSB inbox – the lineup for who’s onstage during Holy Rosary‘s WestFest, tomorrow night and all day/night Saturday on the school’s campus on the north side of The Junction. Here’s the announcement:
Now in its 21st year, WestFest has become West Seattle’s Fall Family Festival. In it, we celebrate the culmination of a summer well-spent and the beginning of an exciting new school year! Join us for music and talent on the stage, rides, games, food, beer garden, Bingo and fun for all both Friday evening (6-10) and all day Saturday (10-10). Wristbands for rides are available in advance at Curious Kidstuff, 4740 California SW, 206-937-8788. Wristbands will also be available at the festival.
Updated Stage Lineup:
Friday
6:00 pm till 7:15 pm “We’re Not Dead Yet” – Dad’s playing classic rock
7:30 pm till 9:30 pm “Tupelo” Blues, country rock and soulSaturday
12:00 pm till 12:30 pm – Dance Troupe performance (waiting for name)
1:00 pm till 1:30 pm – Rose Laughlin -Celtic/traditional folk music
2:00 pm till 2:45 pm – “Best In Show” – See amazing pets from around West Seattle.
Hosted by King5’s Jim Dever
3:00 pm till 3:45 pm – “CastBound” – ROCK!!!
4:00 pm till 5:00 pm – West Seattle Idol – Talent Show! Hosted by King5’s Jim Dever
5:00 pm till 6:00 pm – Stage Dark – Mass
6:00 pm till 7:15 pm – Westfest favorites “Midlife Crisis” (aka The Dads) Rock ….unplugged!
7:30 pm till 9:30 pm – DeCoda – Classic Rock!
Your stage MC for the weekend, Bill Reid
This Saturday, the Parks Department will pay tribute to a Seattleite who made history, while renaming High Point Playfield in his honor. Read on for the official announcement of the naming celebration for Walt Hundley Playfield:Read More
Got a call (thank you!) a while ago about a large police presence at/near the Shell station at Delridge and Orchard. Just so happened we were nearby, at the Southwest Precinct, at the time – where Lt. Norm James told us a parking-enforcement officer had spotted what turned out to be a stolen car; the responding officers wound up finding not just a stolen car, but arresting a suspect, too.
Just a few days till the third annual West Seattle Junction Car Show – and tomorrow’s the deadline to preregister to guarantee your car a spot – too late to get the form in the mail, so drop by Liberty Bell Printing tomorrow. (Sunday, you and your car can show up at 7 am to see if there’s space left, but there are no guarantees.) You’ve probably noticed the no-parking signs that are already up, because during the show on Sunday, The Junction’s main streets will be closed, California from Oregon to Edmunds, and the sections of Alaska that are immediately west and east of California; hundreds of classic cars will line them. The show runs 8 am-4 pm on Sunday, and you’ll find some other fun activities nearby – for example, the West Seattle Eagles invite you to drop in for breakfast, and the West Seattle Farmers’ Market keeps the vehicle theme on the move with the annual Zucchini 500 – kids can make and race their own zucchini vehicles! The car show is free, by the way – just show up and wander – but do bring a few dollars because there’s a raffle and 50/50 drawing, with proceeds benefiting West Seattle Helpline. WSB is proud to be among the sponsors again this year, and we look forward to seeing you there.
One week after Square One Books proprietor Gretchen Montgomery announced they had shut down for good, without getting to say goodbye in person – she just e-mailed with word of a chance for you to stop by, particularly if you’re interested in the following free and for-sale items:
Square One Books is giving away all of our bookshelves. We have a variety of sizes. Some are freestanding, but most need to be attached to a wall. We have already disassembled most of them. We will be here on Friday and Saturday from 1-3. The shelves are free, but donations are greatly appreciated. You must be able to haul them away. They tallest shelves are 84″ long, but we have some that are a bit smaller. Please bring a drill with a phillips head bit just in case you want one of the shelves that has not been taken down yet. If you cannot come during the times we will be here on Friday and Saturday, let me know and I will make other arrangements with you.
We also have many of our store decorations for sale as well as other items such as folding chairs. We hope to see you here! This would be a great time to say goodbye as well.
If you’d never been there – Square One is along the east interior side of Jefferson Square.
Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Futura Health Screening, located in Jefferson Square. Here’s what they’d like you to know: Did you know that 80% of strokes could have been prevented? Screening for stroke in at-risk people can identify early signs of carotid artery disease, the major cause of stroke. Recommendations can then be made for lifestyle changes or care that can significantly manage this risk. 
Futura Health Screening now has a West Seattle facility at Jefferson Square – SW Alaska and 42nd SW. Please visit our website or give us a call to make an appointment. Futura recently launched a comprehensive online resource for Vascular Disease concerns. Here you can use the Risk Calculator to assess potential concerns, learn more about vascular disease, lifestyle adjustments, options for treatment if necessary and to schedule a screening. Futura Health Screening utilizes non-invasive ultrasound scanning technology to see the inside your arteries, which assesses your current state of risk for stroke. Screenings are inexpensive, do not require a physician’s referral and are quick & comfortable. Unlike other screening services, Futura takes great care to make sure that only those at risk for vascular disease (blood circulation diseases) are screened. Inappropriate screening for people who are not at risk may result in false-positive results (tests indicating disease, when it is not present). These incorrect results can lead to additional testing or care that is unnecessary, costly and potentially dangerous. In addition to screening for the risk of stroke, Futura can also screen for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), conditions that can lead to death or disability. You can contact Futura Health Screening at www.futurahealthscreening.com or at (425) 398-7797 or toll-free at (866) 486-4882.
We thank Futura Health Screening for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Two bits of four-footed news: First, you might have seen signs – or searchers – 
looking for Toby the yellow Lab. He’s been on the WSB Pets page for the past several days, too, and a topic of discussion in the WSB Forums. This morning, we got word he’s been found. Grace, who recently adopted Toby, sends a big thank-you to everybody who helped look, saying they got lots of calls from WSB readers. We also just got word of another happy reunion, this one from a post to the Pets page early today. Hope you never need to use the Pets page, but if you find or lose a pet, it’s been there as a West Seattle-specific resource for almost three years now (e-mail lost/found pet reports, with photos if you have them, to editor@westseattleblog.com).
Also in the canine realm:
That photo’s used with permission from Byron , who posted it on his blog-format site for Textura Design, a creative agency in West Seattle. He photographed the coyote this morning near his Schmitz Park-area home and says he’s seen this one before. (If you haven’t read the advice for coexisting with coyotes, here’s the link we always share; our archived coverage of West Seattle coyote reports, including other photos, is here.)
From the WSB inbox:
Community Harvest Plant Sale!
Come get your spinach, lettuce, kale, onions, swiss chard, garlic and more!Sunday, September 19, 2010 1:00-3:30pm
South Side of South Seattle Community College
Fall starts only $3!
All Proceeds benefit Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, a 501(c)3, whose mission is to reduce hunger by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our neighbors in West Seattle and White Center. Along with harvesting and distributing the abundance growing in our backyards, we encourage and inspire edible gardens through our educational programs and events.
(Photo copyright Mark Gardiner)
Upside down on the left, that’s Cathy. She’s hoping you can help her find the custom-made trapeze boots – and other gear – stolen out of her car in Seaview. Her friend John shares this photo of the boots – with the unmistakable red stars:
Cathy says it happened Monday night along 44th between Findlay and Juneau (map). The thief/thieves stole a black lululemon bag with “all my trapeze clothes in it as well as 2 pairs of custom-made leather boots that go with my new act. … They have no heel or toe as they are specially made for trapeze and fit my foot exactly.” Any info, call police – she’s reported the theft.
From the SPD door-to-door survey, to traffic concerns, and a P-Patch tour reminder – toplines from last night’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – read on for our toplines:Read More
3 highlights for tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Alaska Airlines‘ “Greener Skies” proposal – which could change air-traffic patterns over our area – gets a forum before the Alki Community Council, 7 pm at Alki UCC; tonight’s “An Evening of Inspiration” for Transitional Resources, 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy; also at 6, the West Seattle Tool Library debuts its “Ask an Expert” series for DIY’ers – full details here.
The famous rubber-duck display by Lowman Beach Park has been targeted by vandals and thieves before, but what its creator and owner, Dr. Ron Sterling, caught in that surveillance video goes beyond what he’s documented recently: The video from late last night shows people walking up and igniting something – then captures the resulting explosion. Sterling posted about it shortly afterward in the WSB Forums:
There is a $500 reward for solid information about and apprehension and charging of the perpetrator(s). The reward will be paid at the time that a detective thinks he/she has the perp in hand, so to speak.
$500. It’s enough to make you, whoever you are, think twice about your loyalties. Might even be more if this is an outcome for felony arson and the perp does some hard time…
The explosion was loud enough that some (according to two notes we have so far this morning) thought it was a gunshot in the park. Call police if you recognize anyone in the video – 206-625-5011 is the non-emergency number. ADDED 9:36 AM: We went to Lowman for a look at the damage once it was fully light. It’s not a big charred mess, and some of the ducks survived, but if you look closely you’ll see the many damaged spots, including burned trimmings, and this big crack in the pool, with the signs telling the story:
(Video added 12:26 am)
ORIGINAL 10:46 PM REPORT: The call’s listed as a “garage fire” in the 5000 block of 25th SW (map) – but Seattle Fire Department has sent a fair amount of units. One neighbor tells us she’s seen a lot of smoke, though it seems to be dying down now. No word of any injuries. We’re off to check it out. 11:36 PM UPDATE: Back from the scene. It was actually a detached shed behind a house; the incident commander confirmed nobody was hurt, but had yet to talk to investigators re: the cause (we’ll check in the morning). From what we could see from the street, though, it was still smoldering, and firefighters were still putting water on it.
UPDATE, 1:08 PM THURSDAY: SFD spokesperson Helen Fitzpatrick tells WSB the fire is blamed on “smoking materials” that weren’t discarded properly; damage is estimated at $7,000.
(Click to see tonight’s new rendering in full: Top is west; the lighter area in the upper right is the previously suggested driving-range area; the area with dots around it is the newly proposed area)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The design team for the West Seattle Golf Course‘s future driving range unveiled a proposal at tonight’s second public meeting that differs dramatically from what was roughed out for the first meeting – with architect Todd Schroeder calling it “a driving range that fits in the area where we can actually build it.”
That refers to what the team (bios here) explained were daunting challenges to the originally proposed site (see upper right of top rendering), close to the slope that runs down alongside West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park and parallels 35th SW. Among those challenges: It would have required a $1 million retaining wall (taken out of the $2.5 million construction budget for the $3.4 million project), as well as blocking the park view with tall netting, and other cons (such as removing trees, and hauling away more than 3,000 loads of soil during an excavation process). Those challenges led the team, overseen by the Parks Department‘s Garrett Farrell, to focus on a different section of the golf course site – one not requiring “digging into a nasty, gooey hillside,” as Farrell put it. (With the possibility, consultant Bob Thorpe said, of maybe even “blowing out” 35th SW.)
The area that’s now under consideration for the driving range is further east, not level but not on the slope, and would have driving-range users facing south-southeast into the golf course site from a starting point close to the existing clubhouse and parking lot. (See the full rendering here.)
But the newly proposed design drew sharp criticism from golfers (who, along with site neighbors, were present in much bigger numbers than the first meeting) – because it would mean big changes for the existing first and ninth holes on the golf course (the previous driving-range proposal would not have affected the course itself at all). One declared it a “no-go”; another vowed “revolt” if the course changes went through.
Highland Park Action Committee chair Dan Mullins shares the news of a big achievement for artist Kay Kirkpatrick, an HPAC member and Highland Park Improvement Club board member – her work “Rescue” will be celebrated as the new Seattle Fire Station 35 is dedicated in Crown Hill on September 25th. Dan shares the official announcement here. The photo of Kay’s work is used with permission of our fellow community-collaborative neighborhood-news publishers at My Ballard, from their tour of the new station last month.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
Families facing foreclosure will have the opportunity to meet with their mortgage lenders and get free one-on-one advice and resources from state- certified housing counselors at Mortgage Help Day on October 2.
Last year, over 30,000 families in Washington State lost their homes to foreclosure. With another wave of adjustable rate mortgages resetting and the economy still staggering, it is estimated that nearly 41,000 Washington homeowners are likely to face foreclosure this year.
To support homeowners and communities as well as build awareness around the need for changes in public policy to better stabilize our communities, Statewide Poverty Action Network (Poverty Action) and partner agencies are hosting Mortgage Help Day on October 2, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. at South Seattle Community College.
The free event will connect homeowners with lenders and HUD-certified housing counselors, as well as help attendees understand the foreclosure process and take steps to help remedy the crisis. To date, lenders who will be attending the event include Chase Bank and Wells Fargo. Attendees should bring a photo ID, social security card, last two years of W-2s and tax returns, last two pay stubs and bank statements as well as all mortgage documents (note that pre-registration is required for translation services). For more information, call (206) 694-6794 or go to www.povertyaction.org.
“Because lenders, borrowers, homeowners and our communities all benefit if foreclosures are avoided, we are committed to helping vulnerable homeowners gain a broad range of options to maintain their housing,” said Bev Spears, Executive Director of Poverty Action. “Homeowners who are worried about losing their homes or are facing foreclosure should attend our free Mortgage Help Day to gain a deeper understanding about the process, timeline and options to avoid foreclosure.”
In addition to helping Washington homeowners understand and navigate the foreclosure process and possible options, Mortgage Help Day will highlight the overwhelming need for laws to help protect Washington homeowners from foreclosure. Poverty Action is promoting legislation that would create a mandatory mediation process in Washington State to give homeowners every opportunity to avoid foreclosure and maximize the ability for loan modifications. In 23 other states and municipalities around the country, this mediation process has helped 60 percent of participants avoid losing their homes.
Per WSDOT via Twitter, a semi is blocking the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to northbound I-5, and that’s backing up The Bridge. Refresh to see the latest “live” version of the bridge image above (from SDOT).
Back in July, we reported that the King County Water Taxi had found enough money to continue its West Seattle run through December, but money for the first few months of the year hadn’t been secured yet. Now, it has. Just announced in King County Councilmember Jan Drago‘s e-mail newsletter, the Water Taxi will continue uninterrupted – though the months of November through March will be morning/evening commute hours only. More details here. 4:05 PM UPDATE: Drago staffer Jodie Vice explains that the funding for this winter was freed up when the county got a Puget Sound Regional Council grant for maintenance work; since the maintenance already was in the budget, the money could be moved to operations. For at least the two following winters, she says, it’ll be covered by state funding given to the county for mitigation of Alaskan Way Viaduct construction effects. P.S. Speaking of maintenance – don’t do a doubletake if you see a different Water Taxi next Friday through Wednesday – the Rachel Marie is going in for some work, and the Spirit of Kingston will replace it, no schedule changes.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
The groundbreaking this morning was in White Center, but the project has strong ties to West Seattle: Strength of Place Village, a 30-unit housing complex for low-income families, is headed up by partners including Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, White Center Community Development Association, and Capitol Hill Housing. DNDA executive director Derek Birnie was among those who helped break ground (photo above), as did West Seattle’s State Senator Joe McDermott – here’s Birnie at the podium with CHH’s Chris Persons:
We’ve got more photos in a longer report on partner site White Center Now.
One meeting tonight that we didn’t have on the calendar yet – and the group itself just got big news – the West Seattle Snowsports Council. Greg Whittaker from Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor and site of tonight’s meeting) says:
We have just got confirmation that the West Seattle Snowsports Council and 4H will be working toward a partnership this winter! … We are excited to see the process moving along, and will be holding a
meeting tonight at Mountain to Sound Outfitters to discuss:Halloween Ski Swap Volunteers and Logistics
Youth development
IT support, such as web development and registration systems
Location- which mountains
BudgetingThis is a great step forward for West Seattle Snowriders!
The meeting’s at 6 tonight at M2SO, which is at 3602 SW Alaska in The Triangle.
As we first reported this morning, a change at the top 
is imminent for West Seattle police – the Southwest Precinct is getting a new commander – though he’s not new to the precinct. Steve Paulsen, who was Operations Lieutenant at SWP when he left this January for a downtown job, has just been promoted to Captain, and will take over back here in West Seattle on October 1st. Capt. Joe Kessler, who has been running the precinct since spring 2008, is taking over as commander of the West Precinct. (He’s shown at right with Precinct Advisory Council chair Pete Spalding, from Night Out last month.) Capt. Kessler asked if we would share this thank-you letter:
Southwest Precinct Residents:
During the past two and a half years I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving as the commander of the Southwest Precinct. During this time I have been continually amazed at the incredible quality of the work done on a daily basis by the men and women of the Southwest Precinct. The ability to provide our community with quality service is due in large part to the great working relationships our officers have with all of you.
Your support of the Seattle Police Department and your officers, in particular, has helped create an environment that allows great work to be done. As I prepare to move to my new assignment at the West Precinct, I would like to take a moment to say thank you for making my tenure at the Southwest Precinct one of the most rewarding of my career. It has been a pleasure to serve your community. I look forward to assisting Captain Steve Paulsen, who will be returning to the Precinct as the new commander, as we transition during the next few weeks.
Again, thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing to provide the quality service you have grown to expect from the Southwest Precinct.
Sincerely,
Captain Joe Kessler
Southwest Precinct
While asking if we’d publish that letter, Captain Kessler said he wished he could thank everybody in the community personally. Meantime, the briefing that included news of the precinct command change also included a document that wasn’t much discussed, with additional details about the department’s future plans and priorities as new Chief John Diaz settles into the job; we’ll be reviewing that for another followup. (The full news release, with attachments, from this morning’s brief is now online here.)
| 2 COMMENTS