West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
From Wednesday night’s Southwest District Council (WSB sponsor) meeting: 2 drafts, both with time running out for you to review them and have a say. First one is the city’s draft Pedestrian Master Plan — which you can see here – comment time running till June 15. SDOT‘s Barbara Gray was at the meeting to review its highlights and answer questions. One thing she was asked: Do too many advertising A-boards on sidewalks get in the way of pedestrians? Gray said the city used to have a staffer who worked on those types of enforcement issues, but the position was cut, so now neighborhood business groups need to work internally to handle any such issues. Next draft that comments are being taken on is a little wonkier – read on: Read More
By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Park and playground updates filled most of the agenda at the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting Wednesday night.
As we’ve been reporting, the anxiously awaited Delridge Skatepark is moving forward with a total of $750,000 virtually secured, and plans in the works for a 12,000-square- foot skate bowl with trimmings.
Some had hoped for a slightly larger skateboard park, maybe a little closer to 15,000 square feet, but there are also many advantages to the more compact counterpart:
From left, Paulson Kimani, Nat Livingston, Ned Sander and Raphael Jimenez are members of the sixth-grade Denny Middle School team that helped their school get the 1st-place overall school score today at Seattle Public Schools‘ middle-school Math Olympiad, according to Ned’s proud dad Jim Sander. He adds that it took place at the UW Hub ballroom, and the sixth graders took 2nd place in their division. He says the Denny teams were coached by math/science teacher Gary Lai.
Remember what happened to “Desperate College Student,” whose school items were stolen from her car? She did get some of them back. Now Kathleen is hoping her daughter also can recover some of what *she* just lost in a theft:
We live at 106th and Marine View Drive [map] and someone broke into our daughter’s car in the driveway. She’s home from college for a couple of weeks and her car was locked and in the driveway. This morning I heard someone outside and saw a man get out of a black Suburban-like car. He was walking towards our house. I think he had already robbed my daughter’s car and was walking towards my husband’s car in the driveway to see if they could take anything from it. They took a box from her car that contained art books (she’s an art history major) and sentimental items. If they dumped the box because it had no value to them, please contact us so our daughter can get the box back. Call 206 497 8665.
Lots of school news tonight, including the School Board meeting from which we’re still reporting “live,” but maybe it’s just a final-weeks frenzy. At any rate, we got that fun photo from Tom Myers, who explained:
Sanislo Elementary School had its annual unicycling performance (last night) at 7 PM. Miss T retired a few years ago, but can’t stay away, so still teaches in the unicycling P.E. program after school. Great fun for the students and parents too!
Friday night’s almost here, and with it the West Seattle gala celebrating the peninsula’s first-ever participation in the Seattle International Film Festival – with the Admiral Theater hosting 25 showings of SIFF films between Friday and the following Thursday. To kick it off — even if you are NOT going to the movie that follows! — YOU are invited to a free, fun open-house style party this Friday night. WSB is co-promoting the party with The Admiral, 5:30 pm-6:45 pm, before the opening-night showing of “The Admiral.” Special guests include SIFF director Carl Spence – who lives in West Seattle – and the Seafair Pirates; treats include a ship-shaped cake from Vertu Cakes and appetizers from Metropolitan Market, plus decorations include flowers and balloons from Sharon’s Westwood Florist. Haven’t been to the Admiral? Its interior has unique sights such as the mural behind the concession stand, and other classic decor. One more note: If you’re trying to find the full schedule of SIFF films at The Admiral, and how to buy tickets (you get them through SIFF, *not* the Admiral’s box office), start here, with the June 5 schedule, featuring Admiral showings on the left side of the grid.
Tom in Fauntleroy e-mailed to share news of an unsettling “visitor” early today – and half an hour later, we are adding to this story, with Charles‘s report of a suspicious sighting in Highland Park – read on for both:Read More
(video of pre-meeting protest in the board room, added at 6:28 pm)
We’re now at the John Stanford Center in Sodo, headquarters of Seattle Public Schools. Tonight’s school board meeting was preceded by a raucous protest against teacher layoffs, with more than a hundred people chanting in the parking lot on the building’s north side.
The protesters then proceeded inside and chanted for several minutes just before the meeting started; we’ll add video of that shortly. Many are holding up signs, such as “Cut from the top, NOT from teachers and students.” Public comment is under way now – you can watch live on cable TV – and the first to speak was Chief Sealth High School junior Duron Jones, talking about a student-run program, as part of a new initiative to have the first speaker at every board meeting be a local high-school student:
We’re expecting to hear more tonight – probably not until after 7 pm – about enrollment levels at local schools, looking ahead to fall.
6:25 PM: This is the rowdiest meeting we’ve been to since the school-closure process; chanting is breaking out between speakers: THEY SAY CUT BACK, WE SAY FIGHT BACK (as you can hear in the video just added atop this story) and THEY SAY LAYOFFS, WE SAY NO, GOODLOE-JOHNSON’S GOT TO GO. The president of the Seattle teachers’ union is speaking now (6:26 pm).
6:40 PM UPDATE: Jesse Hagopian, one of the Madison Middle School teachers who’s being laid off, has just addressed the board, with Madison students at his side holding protest signs. He said they’re asking nicely now that the decision be reversed – but hinted that more drastic action could follow if their concerns are not heard and acted on:
7:50 PM UPDATE: A district staffer is now updating the enrollment figures.
CLICK AHEAD TO SEE THE REST OF OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE:Read More
We’re in the Sound Transit Board Room at 4th/Jackson on the south edge of downtown, for the third meeting of the “South Portal Working Group” that’s helping make sure the Viaduct/Tunnel/associated projects function for the communities that will be using them. This is the group that is dealing with the specifics of the West Seattle-facing end of the changes coming to the “Highway 99 corridor” – and much of today’s meeting will deal with a huge sticking point that emerged at the second meeting, according to West Seattle members of the group: A change to the Alaskan Way/East Marginal Way connection that would no longer make a straight-shot waterfront surface trip possible. The bypass that was shown at the last meeting (here’s the presentation) did not go over well, we’re told, and now there are three alternatives to be discussed tonight. They’re not available online yet but we’ll link when they are, and we’ll add information from this meeting as it happens. Right now there’s an overview of where all the areas are at, including the future of the Central Waterfront; the manager leading the briefing says that it’ll take a “couple years” to design what the post-Viaduct waterfront will look like. (P.S. Important note, your next chance to find out a lot more about where all this stands is at the “scoping meeting” next Wednesday, 6-8 pm, Madison Middle School; the project is advertising on WSB for the next week to help get the word out about that meeting – here’s the official invitation). MEETING NOTES: Read on — we’re adding them as they go:Read More
Yesterday, as a proud co-sponsor of the West Seattle Summer Outdoor Movies on the Wall choices, we shared the announcement of the first and last movies chosen for this year, via Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor)’s Lora Lewis … and today, as promised, we have two more, starting with movie #2 on July 25 – here’s one of its most famous scenes:
Yes, the original “King Kong” from 1933! Then one week later, on August 1st, it’s “Footloose“:
If you missed yesterday’s announcement – the series opener on July 18 will be “The Princess Bride,” and the series closer on August 22 will be “Cars.” Tomorrow – movies number 4 and 5 will be announced, to complete the slate! Thanks again to everyone who offered suggestions, here on WSB, on the official Movies on the Wall website, on Facebook, via e-mail, via Twitter. Mark your calendar for those six summer Saturday nights July 18-Aug. 22 – movies start at dusk in the courtyard between Dr. Wolff and Hotwire – be sure to bring money for concessions and cool raffle prizes benefiting local nonprofits.
We reported earlier this week on Denny Middle School‘s success at a music festival in Idaho last weekend – now, we have word from Madison Middle School music teacher Clark Bathum that Madison students’ trip to the same event was successful too:
Madison Middle School Music Department had a successful and fun-filled trip to the Music in the Parks Festival in Coeur D’Alene last weekend.
In the Middle School AA Division Madison Ensembles won:
String Orchestra: 1st place (Excellent Rating)
Jazz Band: 1st place (Superior Rating)
Concert Band: 2nd place (Excellent Rating)
Middle School/Jr High outstanding Jazz soloist Award: Patrick Gordon, Baritone Sax (this was the 7th straight year that the award went to a student from Madison)Madison was also very proud to receive the Esprit De Corps award, which is given to one school at the Festival that best demonstrates “personal integrity, quality character values, and a desire for excellence.”
Click ahead for three more photos shared from the trip:Read More
Editor’s note: We first reported in July 2007 that this historic Fauntleroy home was on the market for $5 million; thanks to Amy for the tip that it just sold for $3,850,000; thanks to Fauntleroy writer and historian Ron Richardson for tracking down the details and providing this report and photos:
By Ron Richardson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
After being on the market for nearly two years, the Colman-Pierce home in the Laurentide section of Fauntleroy has new owners.
Dr. Jack Pierce has sold the home and 2.5-acre estate to Mr. David Jones and his wife Mary Ann of Preston. Dr. Pierce had received offers from developers but wanted to be sure that the property ended up with someone who appreciated the home, the gardens and would maintain its atmosphere and garden setting:
Fauntleroy neighbors are appreciative and relieved that Dr. Pierce found such a buyer. Mr. Jones was born in England, has been a Microsoft executive and currently lives on a ten-acre farm in Preston. According to Dr. Pierce, Mr. Jones likes the idea of having a home in the city with the serenity one finds at the Colman estate. And he likes gardens.
The home, called Laurentide, was built in 1922 by Laurence Colman and was designed by well-known Seattle architect Arthur Loveless. Seattle pioneer James Colman, an immigrant from Scotland, eventually settled Fauntleroy in 1906, along with fellow members of Seattle’s Plymouth Congregational Church. The Colman family over the years has built and maintained a spectacular garden with dozens of rhododendrons, including new species developed by the Colmans.
Dr. Pierce and his wife Leilia have moved to their other home at Horsehead Bay near Gig Harbor. Older Fauntleroy residents would remember being taken to summer camp at Horsehead Bay by Laurence Colman.
It seems a Fauntleroy and West Seattle historic property has been saved from ‘development’ and will retain its historic sense into the future, thanks to Dr. Jack Pierce and Mr. David Jones.
Read more Fauntleroy history in Ron Richardson’s HistoryLink.org essay.
That’s WSB video from last year’s West Seattle Kiddies’ Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle right before the American Legion Grand Parade down California SW. Hard to believe it’s a little more than six weeks till parade day (Saturday, July 18) – but the Rotary has just sent its official invitation to local families to plan to be in the Kiddies’ Parade. It travels a shorter segment of the parade route, starting at Genesee/California [map]; full details, including who to call or e-mail with questions, are on this flyer.
Major events today/tonight, from the WSB Events calendar:
VIADUCT/TUNNEL “SOUTH PORTAL” WORKING GROUP: Third meeting of this group reviewing issues regarding how traffic will flow on the side of the Highway 99 corridor that’s closest to West Seattle. Three West Seattleites are members of the group (Jerome Cohen, Vlad Oustimovitch, Pete Spalding) but you are welcome too; 4 pm, Sound Transit board room at 401 South Jackson [map]. (P.S. Remember The Viaduct closes 6-11 am Sunday for Race for the Cure.)
TEACHER LAYOFF PROTEST AND SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: As mentioned here. The rally is at 5 pm, School Board meeting (with many other hot topics) at 6 pm, district HQ in Sodo [map].
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: This neighborhood is jumping these days, with the playground and skatepark projects, among other things. NDNC meets at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library [map].
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL (WSB sponsor): Representatives of groups and organizations from all over the Southwest District section (as outlined by the city) of the peninsula will have their monthly meeting at 7 pm, South Seattle Community College board room [map], with agenda items including the city’s draft Pedestrian Master Plan.
FREE REMODELING/HOME-BUILDING WORKSHOP: Longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction offers its monthly free workshop tonight, 6:30 pm – just call to RSVP. Details on the workshop, and contact info, are here.
In addition to our Events calendar, be sure to check the new Announced page daily – with links to even more West Seattle news than we publish on the main page, particularly when first word comes in about non-immediate events (it’s evolving to include other stories too). And make sure to let us know when you have scheduled an event you want everyone in West Seattle to know about – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
The official news release (and note that Sept. 7 is Labor Day holiday, so the libraries won’t reopen till Sept. 8):
THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM TO CLOSE
AUG. 31 THROUGH SEPT. 7
The Seattle Public Library system will close Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6 due to citywide budget cuts. Please note Monday, Sept. 7 is the Labor Day holiday and all libraries will be closed. Regular Library operations will resume Tuesday, Sept. 8.
All city departments identified reductions to address a $43 million gap in the 2009 city budget. The Library is funded from the city general fund.
The systemwide closure, along with other cuts, will help the Library meet a 2 percent budget reduction – about $1 million. The closure will save approximately $655,000.
The closure will mean salary reductions for about 700 employees who will not be paid, or accrue vacation or retirement benefits during those weeks. An additional $350,000 in cuts – which include management and administration layoffs, extending the staff computer replacement schedule and reducing the training budget, are also being implemented.
No Library services will be available during the one-week closure and will have the following impacts:
· No materials will be due and no fines will be accrued.
* The last day to check out Library items before the closure is Sunday, Aug. 30. Visit www.spl.org, or call 206-386-4636 for more information on which Library locations are open on Sunday and their hours of operation.
* No book drops will be open. Customers should keep books and materials at home until the Library system reopens. No fines will be charged during the closure week. Customers will be responsible for theft, loss or damage to Library materials left outside buildings.
* No access to the online catalog. You will not be able to search the catalog or databases, place holds on materials, or check your Library record.
* No access to the Web site (www.spl.org). No staff members will be working to maintain and troubleshoot problems. This means online computer sign-ups, the online reference service and other features will not be available.
* No Library computers will be available. You will not be able to reserve a computer for the week the Library system is closed.
* No programs or events in Library meeting rooms.
* No Telecirc, the Library’s automated telephone service.
* No Quick Information telephone service.
* No mail will be received during the closure. The Library will have the U.S. Post Office hold all mail until the Library reopens. There will not be staff available to accept deliveries.
· No book club books will be sent, received or returned during the one-week closure. Book club books will be sent to libraries as usual on the last Wednesday of the month, Aug. 26. Books not available then will be sent as soon as possible after Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Contact your library, or the Washington Center for the Book at bookgroups@spl.org or 206-615-1747 if you are part of a book group and have questions.
* No Mobile Services.
* No book donations will be collected at Library facilities during the closure. If you have book donations to make during the one-week closure, please contact the Friends Book Sale office at (206) 523-4053 or e-mail booksale@spl.org.
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* The underground, independently operated parking garage at the Central Library will remain open, as well Neighborhood Services Centers co-located with branch libraries with separate entrances. Service Centers located within branches will continue to provide assistance by appointment only.
Aug. 31 through Sept. 6 was the week was selected for the closure because general Library use at that time is not as high as other times during the year, school is not in session and there are fewer Library programs scheduled.
Other options, such as a rotating schedule of closures so that some Library service was available were examined, but did not produce the magnitude of savings necessary. Closing all branch libraries on Fridays for the second half of 2009 would have produced the same savings as a one-week closure, but service hours would have been reduced by 5,408, in comparison to the 1,437 hours lost by closing all operations for a one week. Also, a Friday closure of all branches would have resulted in an estimated 22 staff layoffs.
“While there were no good options, temporarily closing will have the least impact on public service for the long term,” said City Librarian Susan Hildreth.
The Library’s $50 million operating budget is mainly allocated for personnel who run the libraries and provide direct public service, books and materials, and fixed costs, such as telecommunication and Internet services and utilities.
You may have heard some of this before but it’s vital to hear again when we’re in a situation like today/tomorrow with near-record heat expected (here’s the latest forecast) – the Seattle Animal Shelter has sent out words of warning – not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s a crime if you DON’T protect your pet – read on (P.S. that’s WSB mascot Miles sunbathing at left):Read More
MargL noticed signs yesterday for a closure at Ambaum/120th (map) starting 6/15 and suggested we check it out, since it’s of potential interest to everyone who uses Ambaum between West Seattle/White Center and Burien (whether it’s for Trader Joe’s or something else). We now have details from King County, published on partner site White Center Now. (And while KCDOT suggests a detour, of course you can use Highway 509 to get to Burien too.)
Thanks to West Seattle High School assistant volleyball coach Jim Hardy for sharing this info:
Westside Volleyball Camp with Idaho Vandals Coach Steve Whitaker @ West Seattle HS
The West Seattle HS Volleyball team is sponsoring a Volleyball Camp for HS and Middle School age players. The camp will run Monday – Thursday July 6th-9th, 1:00-5:30 at West Seattle High School. The camp features Coach Whitaker and the WS Volleyball coaches in four days of skills instruction, games and fun! The fee for the Camp is $120. (Scholarships and waivers are available.) Contact Head Coach Gail Mowrer to register. Phone 206.935.3231 or 206.293.5063 Email: mowrerpowers@comcast.net A Registration form and Flyer are on the WSHS Volleyball Web Site:
http://www.wshsvb.greatserve.com/WestsideCamp.htm
Here’s the announcement we received:
School’s Out Family Skating Party: Alki Community Center
Celebrate the end of school year by skating with family and neighborhood friends. Enjoy all you can eat hot dogs, listen to gentle music, enjoy skating games and watch your children play on jump toys.
Friday, June 12, 2009
6:45 – 8:45pm.Free Event
Call 684 – 7430 for more information
Received from West Seattle’s Potter Construction:
Potter Construction participates in the MBA’s 16th Annual Rampathon event Saturday, May 16, 2009.
The Master Builders Association’s 16th Annual Rampathon was held Saturday, May 16, 2008 throughout King and Snohomish Counties. Sponsored by the Master Builder’s Association (MBA) Care Foundation, this annual event provides free wheelchair access ramps for low-income disabled homeowners in King and Snohomish counties. This year, ramps were installed at homes in Federal Way, Burien, Snohomish, Enumclaw, Redmond, Kent, Mill Creek, Sea-Tac, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Issaquah, Seattle, Monroe, Brier and Kirkland.
This was the 8th year Potter Construction donated supplies and staff volunteered their time and expertise to design and construct a ramp for a homeowner in need. The Potter Construction team ~ comprised of John Nass, who coordinated the efforts, Roshele Allison who designed the ramp, and Karl Coy, Keith Haas, Harry Howell and Gavin Layton ~ built a platform and ramp for Gloria Southerland who is confined to a wheelchair.
“She loves it. It has given her a new lease on life. She can’t walk, so leaving the house had become treacherous and such effort she never wanted to go out. She now has that ability.” Kim Nelson, daughter of Gloria
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Police have released more details this morning on the shooting that injured a man outside the Westwood Village McDonald’s late last night (original WSB coverage here).
On 06/02/09, at 1126 p.m., the suspect and victim met in a parking lot, located at 2600 SW Barton St. The suspect was angry about a vehicle he had purchased from victim because the victim could not come up with the vehicle’s title. After a heated argument the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the leg. The suspect got into a Silver Honda Accord and drove away from the scene. The victim was treated at the scene by Seattle Fire Department and transported to HMC with serious (but not life-threatening injuries).
Police say the victim is 24, the suspect 23 (and still on the loose).
The newly updated forecast says we’re heading for “near-record heat” today and tomorrow, 90ish, so a “heat advisory” will be in effect starting at 2 pm. Last year on this date, the weather records remind us, the high was 58 degrees and we got half an inch of rain.
By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Tuesday night was the time to shine for students in the West Seattle High School Class of 2009 – before their graduation a week from tomorrow.
Recognition and awards were given to dozens of students who excelled in academics, athletics, arts or have contributed in many ways to the high school community.
The ceremony was held in the WSHS Theater. Here are just some of the many highlights of the evening:
The big winners of the night were Sumeet Chadha and Maggie Oliver, each collecting multiple awards throughout the night. Sumeet was honored for his community service, school spirit and academics. He was one of the winners of the Gates Millennium full-ride college scholarships. Kaileah Baldwin was the other Gates scholarship winner. Maggie Oliver was honored as the World Languages student. She shared the prestigious Willard Shield – bestowed by the class in recognition of the highest standards of excellence – with Sumeet.
The “Service Above Self” award, which was given for the first time in 10 years, went to Jake Miller and Ross Monroe for numerous class contributions, including design and development of the new West Seattle High School website.
Brittney Dawson, Alex Ormsby and Sumeet Chadha were all recipients of the “Coke Roberts” award for leadership.
Teachers and advisors gave often effusive speeches recognizing outstanding students in their departments, including math-whiz Michelle Nguyen, Jordan Sewell for musical accomplishment, Liam Reed, Chris Morson and Karen Dean for drama, Marcus Hamlin for physical education — not only for his athletic accomplishment, but also for motivating others.
Technology kudos went to Trevor Lloyd, and to Victoria Kelly for family and consumer sciences.
Brittany Dawson was honored for achievement in business and marketing. Brittany took the lead in reopening the school store, which had been closed for several years.
Fashion designer Ellen Jensen and ceramic artist Jensen Perdue were honored for excelling in fine arts.
“Jensen has done things in ceramics that I have never seen before, large, elegant and complex,” said fine arts teacher Mike Gervais.
Brenden Peterson and Zak Hale were among the students recognized for academic achievement and other contributions. Brenden and Peterson have been friends since first grade and started their school careers at Schmitz Park Elementary.
Also: Here’s the list of students receiving scholarships; here’s the list of National Honor Society seniors.
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Editor’s note: Kathy Mulady is not only a veteran Seattle journalist, she also is proud mom to “Service Above Self” award winner Jake Miller.
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