West Seattle Crime Watch: Car prowls way down, say police
First of three short reports from last night’s Southwest District Council meeting at South Seattle Community College: Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James gave members a quick briefing on crime trends – helpful since the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, which usually gets those briefings, isn’t meeting this month. Lt. James says that fighting car prowls has been an area of emphasis for the precinct for the past few months, and in June it appears to have paid off – 80 car prowls in West Seattle in June, down from 130 in May. Auto theft, he said, also is on the decline. And he mentioned that there currently are “more officers assigned to this precinct than we have ever had.” That’s enabled them to have an “09 car” – outside the regular patrol mix – daytime and nighttime, assigned to California SW businesses, particularly from Admiral to The Junction. Those officers “walk, talk, meet with business owners,” according to Lt. James. And without citing specifics, he also said they’re geared up for a “lot of activity on Alki” this first really warm summer weekend (which includes, on Alki, the Seafair Pirates Landing on Saturday).
Speaking of art, kids can create it for/at West Seattle Summer Fest
Since it’s West Seattle Summer Fest eve, we’ll also be publishing previews throughout the day – more than a few participants (festival site map) have sent us extra info about what they’ll be up to, and if you’ll be there, you’re welcome to do the same! (Here’s all the ways to get info to WSB.) Kids’ activities at Summer Fest go far beyond the bouncy toys in the Super Terrific Happy Fun Zone – there’s also an area where kids can work on arts and crafts and other activities, hosted again this year by Pathfinder K-8. Plus, here’s your chance to get a jump on a coloring contest that one Summer Fest merchant is presenting for kids 12 and under – Dawn Jump from Prudential NW Realty asked us to help get the word out about the contest, and we invited her to share a scan of the coloring sheet (it’s available at PNW offices at Jefferson Square, but you might not be able to get there before WSSF). Print it out here, start coloring, and take it to the PNW booth during Summer Fest (again, here’s the map – they’re #48), where Dawn says every young artist will be entered in a drawing for “a variety of prizes,” plus they’ll be displaying the art too. P.S. Another BIG art feature for all ages @ Summer Fest is the Art Dive – presented by Twilight Artist Collective – look for the big tent full of local arts/crafts (marked by the palette icon here).
Tonight: West Seattle Art Walk; streets closed pre-Summer Fest
Though the 43 venues (list/map) participating in West Seattle Art Walk tonight (as well as the August and September editions) stretch far beyond The Junction (Alki to Endolyne, as the Art Walk poster/postcard puts it), the Summer Fest eve street closure in “Downtown West Seattle” plays an integral role. As mentioned here earlier this week, street performers – “buskers” – are invited to play in the shutdown streets; by late this afternoon, California will be closed from Edmunds to Oregon, and Alaska between 42nd and 44th, and they’ll remain closed until after the Summer Fest booths, stages, etc., are taken down Sunday night. (One of the headliners will be back – Bubbleman is expected outside Elliott Bay Brewery tonight.) The closed Junction streets are not the only reason this is usually the biggest West Seattle Art Walk of the year – the great weather usually brings everybody out, and tonight, it’s the perfect reason to get out of your probably-not-air-conditioned house (here’s the newest forecast). Many venues have beverages and snacks, free to Art Walk visitors, and tonight, with the theme “Art Walk Live!”, there’s lots of live music, not just in The Junction.
Many venues’ highlights are now posted on the official Art Walk website. Just a few – the grand opening for The Cask in Admiral (reported here Tuesday); Alki Bathhouse has a guitarist playing live (beach breezes!); WSB sponsor Bin 41 has tastings with popular Oregon winemakers Athena and Stewart Boedecker plus TWO live musical groups (details here) ; at newly returned WSB sponsor West Side Yoga/Doga in Morgan Junction, stop in for the Dogs Deserve Better benefit featuring artist Emily Rieman and “live surf music”! Other WSB sponsors participating in tonight’s Art Walk are Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (artist info here), Brunette Mix (artist info here), Cupcake Royale, 8 Limbs Yoga (artist info here) – all in The Junction – and Click! Design That Fits in Admiral (artist info here). Again, you can browse artist info for many of the venues on the official Art Walk website; here’s the venue list and walking map. Stay cool, spend tonight at the Art Walk! We’ll see you there – and we’ll be reporting “live” here and via Twitter – 6-9 pm tonight.
Have a bit of fun with 8bitseattle.com, thanks to a West Seattleite
It’s West Seattle, and the rest of the city, as you’ve (probably) never seen it – resembling a very-old-school video game. The guy who brings 8bitSeattle.com to our attention, West Seattleite Jerry Whiting of JetCityOrange and Azalea Software, describes it as “a new city map in the style of 1980s video games.” Jerry says Brett Camper made the maps, starting with New York City. His companies sponsored Brett’s Seattle work – without knowing ahead of time that this happens to be Brett’s hometown. It’s all just for fun, Jerry explains (speaking of fun, he’s the guy you may recall who had the webcam wedding, and has also drawn fame for his Lava Lamp Cam). Jerry says that 8bitSeattle.com also has 8-bit images of the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline, as well as “links to things geeky and nerdy.” Jerry also points out he’s “a map freak” so getting involved with this just made sense. Explore the 8-bit Seattle map here.
West Seattle Summer Fest to allow abortion-issue advocacy after all
Last night, the political-news website PubliCola reported that this year, abortion-rights-supporting organizations NARAL and Planned Parenthood were not being allowed to have booths at West Seattle Summer Fest – see the PubliCola report here, and a followup here. The PubliCola report has been a hot topic in the WSB Forums all day long. Minutes ago, West Seattle Junction Association director Susan Melrose sent WSB and PubliCola this statement – saying they’ve changed their minds.
After the 2009 West Seattle Summer Fest, the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) decided to not accept organizations into the event to discuss the issue of abortion. In past years, WSJA received strong negative feedback from the public against how the issue of abortion was being presented though we had asked these organizations to be contentious. Many families wrote, called and emailed that the graphic displays still offered by certain groups were not appropriate for their children. Summer Fest is a family and community oriented event, therefore WSJA listened to community input and chose not to accept any organizations to debate abortion. This seemed like a fair way to address the issue since not all applicants are accepted into the festival due to limited space. The first responsibility of the WSJA is to our community and we were responding to community feedback.
Now the West Seattle community has spoken out again. After it was publicized that pro-choice and pro-life organizations would not be registered with Summer Fest, we received calls and e-mails that many do want this issue to be presented at the event. Our organization has no position on this issue and our decision to not accept organizations from either side of this debate was based solely on the feedback of the community who we tried to accommodate.
Based on recent community input, WSJA has made the decision to allow one booth for each side of the issue into this year’s festival. In our effort to be neutral, we created a far greater stir than expected. We hope to respond to and remedy the initial complaints by having vendors sign a statement that all displays and handouts are subject to approval by WSJA.
Extra time for girls to apply for West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court
A summer day in the life of a West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court queen or princess – On the 4th of July, we photographed Queen Kailin and Princesses Isabella and Kaitlin at the Admiral Kids’ Parade in the morning, and then again at the Burien Independence Day Parade in the afternoon. And that’s just part of the fun. Hi-Yu leaders tell WSB they’ve extended the deadline for girls to apply to be on the next Junior Court: You now have till July 13th – that’s next Tuesday. If you’re interested, you can e-mail Hi-Yu’s Deena Mahn at dbmahn@comcast.net 
and she’ll reply with all the info you need (or if you’re interested in downloading the application right now, you can get it here. Plus, you’ll find application forms at the Hi-Yu booth at West Seattle Summer Fest this Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Qualifications, you ask? Ages 8-11 by September, and must live and/or attend school in West Seattle. Apply by Tuesday, and there won’t be too much suspense – coronation is the following Friday, July 16th.
Happening now: High Point Market Garden farm stand, week 1
The whiteboard with the produce prices proudly proclaims that this is the first farm-stand day of the season at the High Point Market Garden (32nd/Juneau). We just stopped by, and found out that the produce is so fresh, they’re picking it even as customers are shopping! Here’s the stand to look for, on the east side of the beautiful “farm” plot where it’s all grown:
They’re open till 7, and subsequent Wednesdays, 4-7 pm. Read more about the market-gardens program here; meet some of the farmers here.
Sylvan Ridge Townhomes: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
That’s Tamea Duckworth, who not only is community sales manager for Sylvan Ridge Townhomes in West Seattle, she lives there too. We’re introducing you to her, because today we welcome Sylvan Ridge Townhomes as one of the newest WSB sponsors. And per WSB tradition, it’s their chance to let you know what they’re about: “Most Sylvan Ridge clients are in the 1st-time-homebuyers category, or moving up from a condo. People visiting Sylvan Ridge find our floor plans very unique because of the openness on the main floor. Our double-sided gas fireplaces with built-in bookshelves act as a room divider between the dining & living room. The upper-level master suite and second bedroom have vaulted ceilings for a spacious and airy feel. We are one of the few townhomes here in West Seattle that have two-car attached garages, and we are our own community, meaning we are in our own little cul-de-sac surrounded by trees, so it’s very quiet. All our homes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room.” Tamea adds some information about her personal touch: “I have tried to be not just a friendly & informed sales agent here at Sylvan Ridge but, a good neighbor as well because I do actually live here, so I schedule window washing, dryer vent cleanout, got the community involved with the neighborhood-watch program. I am now working on our upcoming 2nd annual community picnic.”
This month at Sylvan Ridge Townhomes, a new phase with 10 more homes is scheduled to be ready. Our home of the week is priced at $299,950. We have other homes from $314,950 that qualify for our limited-time $8,000 buyer bonus. The Sylvan Ridge sales center and available homes are open Fridays through Tuesdays, 12 to 6 pm, at 2733 SW Sylvan Way, above the Home Depot and down the hill from the junction of 35th and Morgan. Tamea can also be reached by phone at (206) 933-6800 or tduckworth@matrixrealestate.com, and more information is available on our website at www.sylvan-ridge.com.
We thank Sylvan RIdge Townhomes for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Final stage of Hiawatha Playfield work is under way today
The fences are going up around the track at Hiawatha Playfield today, as the Parks Department had warned field users would happen – this is so the last phase of the Hiawatha renovations, the rubberized track, can be installed. Project manager Garrett Farrell says the contractor has until July 23rd to finish the job, so the track and field are scheduled to be off-limits for the next few weeks. (Summer events at Hiawatha including the July 16 Family Fun Fest and West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court Coronation, the July 17-18 Mediterranean Fantasy Fest, and the July 20th Hi-Yu Concert in the Park – with West Seattle Volunteer Recognition Award winners honored! – are on the other side of the community center.)
NOAA on the Duwamish? Media event announced for tomorrow
You’ve probably heard about the controversial decision for NOAA to leave Seattle, where it’s had vessels on Lake Washington, and move to the central Oregon coast. Just got word of a media event in West Seattle tomorrow to urge the federal government to reconsider, and to take a look at “existing federal facilities” including Federal Center South on the Duwamish. Scheduled to appear tomorrow morning at Herrings House Park is a contingent including Mayor Mike McGinn, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, City Councilmember Jean Godden, and, from Harbor Island-headquartered Todd Shipyards, retired Adm. John Lockwood. They’re planning to announce a letter they’re sending to Commerce Secretary (and former Washington governor) Gary Locke asking that the NOAA-siting process be reopened.
West Seattle food: Eness making way for Blackboard Bistro
Saw the name on the liquor-license application lineup recently but couldn’t get the scoop – the name Blackboard Bistro, 
attached to new liquor licensees for 3247 California SW, the Eness/Beato/O2/Ovio/etc. spot. But this afternoon, Nancy Leson at the Seattle Times (WSB sponsor) has the full story – she reports that Eness is making way for Blackboard Bistro to open next month. Its proprietor worked most recently at Olivar on Capitol Hill. Read all about it here. 6:21 PM NOTE: We went over to the restaurant to look for signs of the transition, and to see if anyone was around to talk to. Aside from the “Blackboard Bistro” liquor notice, there is no sign of the impending change; a flyer taped to the window just says the restaurant will be closed July 1-12. THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: A spokesperson for Blackboard Bistro says Eness is definitely “closed for good” and that Blackboard plans to open “mid-August.”
West Seattle Food Bank looking for home-delivery drivers
Just in from Jack Wagstaff, ops manager at West Seattle Food Bank:
Do you have an hour or two once a week to help alleviate hunger in West Seattle? West Seattle Food Bank is currently seeking drivers for our Home Delivery program. We are looking for volunteers to deliver groceries to seniors and adults with disabilities at their homes or apartments. Prospective volunteers should meet the following requirements:
• Proof of WA driver’s license and the ability to pass a WA State Patrol background check.
• Use of their own vehicle and proof of current insurance.
• The ability to deliver groceries on Wednesday or Friday (mid morning to early afternoon)
• The ability to continuous lift 20-30 lbs for an hour or more.
• We are looking for a minimum commitment of six months.
• Ability to interact with a diverse population with kindness, consideration, and confidentiality.
We are especially looking for volunteers with mini-vans and covered pick-up trucks.
You can reach the food bank via e-mail or phone – all the info’s here.
West Seattle Crime Watch update: ‘Bones’ is back
This was first noted in a comment at 3:45 this morning, and we just got confirmation from the theft victims – Someone returned “Bones,” the drummer in a popular Delridge driveway-side art installation, overnight, five days after he was stolen (as originally reported in the WSB Forums). The theft victims’ note was addressed to us but we believe it’s meant for all of WSB-land:
We just wanted to thank you one last time and let you know that to our immense delight Bones was returned last night. He’ll be going back into surgery (we’re beginning to worry he may have an addiction) and was missing his shoes, but otherwise we’re hopeful he’ll return to his drum kit soon. Thanks again for helping to restore our faith in the world!
If you, like us, hadn’t seen the band when they were all “together,” go here to see a photo shared by Brian Zenk.
West Seattle on wheels: 3 special bicycle rides this weekend
Perfect weather, too:
THE BIG SATURDAY BIKE RIDE: It’s the annual Water and Spirit Bike Ride, starting at St. John the Baptist Church in the Admiral District with registration 6:30-8 am, proceeding through three ferry crossings over the course of the day, concluding with a barbecue on Alki. Proceeds benefit Family Promise of Seattle, a West Seattle-based nonprofit that helps homeless families around the city. Full details here.
THE NOT-AS-BIG SATURDAY BIKE RIDE: Meet at the Log House Museum at 12:30 pm to tour Alki, and beyond; the ride will end at the Duwamish Longhouse around 2 pm. Details here.
SUNDAY BIKE RIDE: From Stu Hennessey at Alki Bike and Board: His shop is the meeting place at 10 am Sunday for this month’s Spokespeople West Seattle ride, North Admiral to downtown, “a stay-together ride at a leisurely and easy pace, 11.5 miles round trip, with hills … This ride will feature the new SODO bike trail along the Sound Transit light-rail line.” Questions? Contact Stu at alkistu@hotmail.com or 206-767-9366.
Nature Consortium’s new summer camp planned for August
If your teen’s summer isn’t quite filled out yet – there’s a new weeklong camp next month, offered by the West Seattle-based nonprofit Nature Consortium: Arts in Nature Camp, 10 am-4 pm daily, August 16-20, for ages 12 and up, at Camp Long. It’ll feature “workshops from real local artists” and activities including “challenge course, recycled art, world music, nature games, sound installations, and forest ecology/restoration.” Full details and online registration, here.
West Seattle Little League update: All-Stars tournament fundraiser
(Photo provided by WSLL: With manager Derek Page and coach John Coats are players Anthony Coats, Jack Page, Timmy Roach, Ethan Chen, Jackson Chilcott, Jackson Oehling, Anthony Goss, Thomas Sobotta, Jacob Terao, Blue James, Matt Dietz, and Grayson Oneil)
That’s the district-champion West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars team we told you about last Thursday, after the big win that put them into the state tournament (WSB coverage here). Now they need a little help: The tournament is in Yakima, July 17-26, and WSLL is hoping to reduce the out-of-pocket costs to players’ families by raising money at a pancake breakfast and car wash this Saturday at Bar-S (map), 10 am-1 pm. Here’s the official flyer (with prices, including the discount for breakfast if you’re getting your car washed too!)
Followup: Puget Sound Clean Air reviewing Ash Grove complaints
(Saturday night Twitpic by @davidgjames)
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency tells WSB the agency received two complaints over the holiday weekend about the Saturday night emission from Ash Grove Cement that drew attention from West Seattle, and elsewhere (WSB coverage here), as well as an initial “fire in building” response from the Seattle Fire Department. PSCAA spokesperson Amy Warren says the complaints will be reviewed before the agency decides what, if any, action to take. Meantime, Ash Grove has issued a statement saying “finished cement was discharged” from the plant, “as a result of the affected silo being overfilled,” though the amount of “finished cement” was not mentioned. The statement sent by corporate PR rep Jackie Clark also says Ash Grove has “contacted affected neighbors to offer cleanup assistance.”
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