West Seattle, Washington
14 Friday
(Scroll down for Saturday update – the seal pup didn’t survive)
Alki’s David Hutchinson shares that photo, along with this report:
A Harbor Seal pup “hauled out” before noon today at Alki Beach just east of the Bathhouse. Seal Sitters were on site along with Dan Campau of Seattle Parks & Recreation and set up a safety perimeter. Quite a number of people stopped by to observe and take photos. Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters said she thought it probably was a late season pup from last September judging by its size. The pup is still on the beach as of 2:55 PM.
4:53 PM: Added a video clip courtesy of Eilene Hutchinson:
Thanks to the Hutchinsons for sharing that sweet sight; you can find out all about seal pups on West Seattle beaches (and what to do if you happen onto one) at sealsitters.org.
2:56 PM: Sad news in comments – David Hutchinson reports the seal pup died early this afternoon. He says more details will be forthcoming on the Seal Sitters’ site at blubberblog.org.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed 6 am-6 pm both days this weekend. No problem – no need to leave West Seattle! Plant trees with the Rotary Club of West Seattle, local Scouts, the city and others tomorrow … then, even though it’s a private event, you should be able to enjoy fireworks on Elliott Bay tomorrow night – right about the same time Earth Hour begins … help clean up Westwood on Sunday … join in efforts to fight hunger and raise $ for other causes … From tonight through Sunday, more than SEVENTY! events/activities on our list, sponsored by Skylark Cafe and Club, where you’ll find FREE live music and rockin’ food:Read More
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Seattle Parks Finance Director Carol Everson would have rather been almost anywhere else than in front of the Parks Board last night downtown, presenting a grim look ahead.
“I wish I weren’t here talking about this,” she grimaced from the podium at one point.
But talking is essential – not just to plan ahead for possible midyear cuts this year and all-but-certain cuts for the next two years, but to make sure you understand what Parks is facing, and what might eventually be requested to minimize the misery – maybe even the formation of a Metropolitan Park District (explained here) taxing authority.
Before the board meeting, we met briefly with the West Seattleites who are chair and vice chair of the board, Jackie Ramels and Neal Adams, and Superintendent Tim Gallagher.
Their message: If you care about city park services, please listen up and pay attention, because whatever is done to bridge the budget gap, it will affect the services delivered to you. And that was hammered home again during Everson’s briefing.
Part of the problem is good news with an underside of bad news.
As it looks two decades into the future regarding how to keep customers supplied with power, Seattle City Light has just announced a series of public meetings. One’s in West Seattle, 7 pm April 15th at Southwest Community Center. (Free compact-fluorescent bulb and low-flow showerhead for the first 100 to show up!) The full list, and details on the related process/topic, can be found here.
Today we welcome Tibbetts United Methodist Church as our newest WSB sponsor, and here’s what they’d like you to know: Tibbetts United Methodist Church – so well known for its twice-yearly rummage sales, known to others for the Preschool Co-op and other neighborhood services provided in the building. The Celtic Christmas Eve service entices new visitors each year, and the congregation’s environmental stewardship at Lincoln Park makes it stand out. 
Tibbetts is a small, but strong, congregation that is eager to get to know you by name. Pastor Joanne Brown, who has been leading the congregation since 2007, says, “We all need a place to be along our spiritual journey where we can sense the presence of God, know and be known by others, and to worship with and belong to a caring community. At Tibbetts we are a blend of doubters, seekers, and believers.” The Tibbetts community deeply values the diversity of folks involved in the congregation. The worship and community life is faithful and vital. No one is told what to believe here, but encouraged to grow in their individual faith. There is something for everyone at Tibbetts: Movie nights with dinner themes every month; a vibrant music program that includes vocals, music ensembles, and hand bells; a Hispanic Ministry program; and ongoing support for homeless families through Family Promise. Also included in the offerings are Men’s and Women’s Groups, plus a variety of other Fellowship activities each month. Tibbetts is a Reconciling Congregation living the way of Jesus in West Seattle and welcomes you to worship as a visitor with the hope you will become a friend. Visit the Facebook fan page for some fun: facebook.com/TibbettsUMChurch and the church website for more information: www.TibbettsUMChurch.org
COMING UP: The musical “Godspell” comes to church. This is your invitation to experience this 1970s musical classic as interpreted by the Tibbetts congregation – on March 28th at 10 am (Palm Sunday). Other upcoming events you won’t want to miss are the Maundy Thursday service on April 1st at 7:30 pm, and the annual Youth Pancake Breakfast on April 4th, Easter Sunday, from 8 am-9:45 am, with an invitation to stay for celebration of Resurrection at 10 am.
We thank Tibbetts United Methodist Church for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Just in from the Port of Seattle – it’s offering a tour of two of its West Seattle parks, two facilities that some don’t realize are port-owned/managed. Read on for the announcement and how to sign up:Read More
22 ROUTE CHANGE?: Brian Zenk‘s music/video/collage is meant as a reminder that today’s the last day to weigh in on proposed changes to Metro Route 22 through Gatewood (online survey and info here)
OPENING DAY AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE LIQUOR STORE: The new store in what was part of the former Famous Footwear space opens to the public today, 11 am.
WEST SEATTLE STUDENTS AT ROBOTICS COMPETITION: The FIRST Robotics competition at KeyArena includes a team from Seattle Lutheran High School, among other West Seattle student participants. Admission’s free if you drop by – they’re competing till 5:30 today, then again tomorrow. (Streaming webcam promised here!)
SPEAKING OF SCHOOL: Today’s the last day of classes before a week of spring break for Seattle Public Schools (among others).
TAKE A HIKE: Nature Consortium‘s free monthly guided hike (not difficult) in the West Duwamish Greenbelt is today. Meet at 14th and Holly, 1 pm, RSVP to lisa@naturec.org
FREE CONCERT: It’s West Seattle Jazz Night, 7 pm at Madison Middle School, with performances by the jazz bands from Denny, Madison, Chief Sealth and special guests, the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra.
WSB SPONSORS’ EVENTS: Three in the spotlight –
WESTSIDE YOGA AND DOGA: Westside Yoga and Doga (WSB sponsor) invites you to its social benefit tonight for Dog of the Week, benefiting Dogs Deserve Better, 6-9 pm, full details on this flyer
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS: Today kicks off a three-day sidewalk sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska), including barbecues, late-night shopping tonight (business open till 9:30), raffles, and more – details online here
PHARMACA INTEGRATIVE PHARMACY: Dr. Catherine Orsi, ND, LMP, discusses Spring Immune Support at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy in The Junction, 5-6 pm tonight.
Even more events/activities to be found on the WSB Events calendar page!
HIgh-school baseball season is starting to intensify. This morning we have a West Seattle High School report courtesy of assistant baseball coach Scott Meaker – looking ahead to games today and tomorrow, recapping wins on Wednesday, and also noting the big fundraising dinner/auction Saturday to raise money for fastpitch softball as well as baseball – read on:Read More
Lists courtesy of Square One Books
Once again this week, courtesy of Gretchen Montgomery @ Square One Books (WSB sponsor), we bring you her store’s five best-sellers in each of four key categories:
Hardcover:
1. Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rececca Skloot
3. Angelology: A Novel by Danielle Trussoni
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
5. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-SmithPaperback:
1. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
2. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
3. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
4. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
5. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCannChildren/Young Adult:
1. Warriors: The Omen #2 by Erin Hunter
2. The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary by Jeff Kinney
3. The Lightning Thief Series by Rick Riordan
4. The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
5. Bone Handbook by Jeff SmithTeen:
1. The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti
2. The Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson
3. Graceling by Kristen Cashore
4. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Square One is in Jefferson Square.
Just got this announcement for another big event Saturday to raise money for student sports at West Seattle High School:
Community event!!
Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction to support West Seattle High School Baseball and Fastpitch (Sponsored by the WSHS Booster Club)
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
Festivities begin with a Social/No Host Bar 5:00pm-6:30pm (at the church next to the high school parking lot)
Auction Doors Open at the High School Commons (3000 California Avenue SW) at 5:30 pm.
Dinner served from 6:00 pm-7:30 pmEnd of silent auction/Dessert Dash/Live Auction and raffle will follow dinner
Tickets, which include a delicious spaghetti dinner and an auction bid number will be available at the door and are only $12 per person (children under 5 are welcome and are free)
Plenty of great items will be raffled and auctioned
* Vintage WSHS Indian softball/baseball wear
* Seahawks Jerseys
* New Letterman’s Jacket (donated by National Achiever)
* Embassy Suites Hotel Package
* Sports Memorabilia
* Photography Packages
* Bathtub remodel/refinishing
* Sounders Tickets
* Mariner’s Tickets (including Box seats)
* Restaurant gift certificates (Salty’s, Cactus, etc)
* Dinner for 10 w/ Coach Burr (WSHS Fastpitch Coach)
* Menashe and Son Jewelry Gift CertificatesAnd much MORE MORE MORE!!!!
WSHS Baseball and Fastpitch welcomes community members, our neighbors, fans, friends and families.
This is always a fun community event! Hope to see you all there!
Just out of the inbox, a report from “Concerned Neighbors” – read on:Read More
Less than three months left in the school year – and that means West Seattle High School‘s Grad Night is getting closer! This Saturday night, a chance to help raise money to make the safe celebration happen – here’s the announcement:
West Seattle HS 2010 Grad Night is hosting a Ladies Night Out – Cookie Lee Jewelry Show AND manicures/pedicures !!! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 27th, from 7 pm – 10 pm at Seattle Style Salon, 7350 35th Avenue SW, West Seattle.
Grad Night 2010 in conjunction with Mary Toal is hosting a Cookie Lee jewelry show. WSHS parent and Cookie Lee Consultant, Mary Toal, will donate all proceeds to our Grad Night fund. PLUS her employer, BECU, will match whatever she donates! Seattle Style natural nail specialist will be available for mani/pedi services donating 1/3 of her sales!
Cookie Lee Jewelry is known for offering the latest in affordable, high-quality fashion accessories for women of all ages.
Manicures/pedicures bookings can be made through April 17th. Ask to speak to Denise or Lian (206) 938-2578 to schedule your time and confirm details.
Not able to attend on March 27th? Mary Toal is offering catalog sales, too! The Cookie Lee website (cookielee.com) is a small representation of the catalog. There’s so much more in the catalog!!! Please feel free to email Mary if you would like a catalog. Mary is generously donating all proceeds from catalog sales, too.
Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP to Carol Viger (West Seattle HS Grad Night Chair), cviger@comcast.net, 938-4204 or Mary Toal, mary.toal@becu.org, 938-2276.
What is Grad Night at West Seattle High School?
Grad Night is an all night, alcohol and drug free celebration on graduation night that is fun & safe for seniors. The locations, entertainment and activities are mysteries until the seniors arrive at their destinations. The celebration continues until early the next morning.Why support Grad Night?
Because everyone makes mistakes – even the smartest, most athletic kids. Accidents happen. West Seattle HS 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.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. Last year’s Grad Night had approximately 125 attendees. Your donation will help offset the cost of transportation, activities, entertainment, security personnel, food, beverages, prizes and scholarships.How can I support Grad Night?
Cash, of course is our greatest need. Donations can be sent to: WSHS PTSA – Grad Night, ATTN: David Broadstone, 3000 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116We are a 501(3)c. For more information, please contact Carol Viger, cviger@comcast.net, 938-4204
We promised a followup when we published a short item yesterday about the sign John S spotted at one of the former Huling/Gee lots on Fauntleroy Way. Tonight – the details!
Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Now we know what’s going on behind that banner, and Pike Place Produce co-owner Bruce McPherson laughingly offers an apologetic confirmation: “Sorry, West Seattle, it’s not a Trader Joe’s.”
Pike Place Produce Company — co-owned by West Seattle residents Mike Cairns and Bruce McPherson along with Bob Klein, owner of Corner Produce by Pike Place Market — has leased the former auto-sales lot (4755 Fauntleroy Way) to open a year-round farmers-market-type business – not just fruit and vegetables.
7:06 PM: Also at the Seattle Parks Board meeting downtown: This hasn’t been announced by the county yet, but Superintendent Tim Gallagher has just told the board that a celebration at/for the King County Water Taxi’s new dock at Seacrest is set for Sunday, April 11, noon-2 pm – that’s the first Sunday after the Water Taxi season starts on April 5. 9:49 PM UPDATE: This is now on the Water Taxi/King County Ferry District website too. Free rides!
(Junction Plaza Park design from last round of meetings in 2009)
We’re at the Seattle Parks Board meeting downtown – where the big news will be a briefing on the Parks budget situation, which we were just told in a pre-meeting conversation with board leaders, is a lot worse than you might think. One big problem: No money to maintain the new parks facilities funded by the Parks and Green Spaces Levy, and barely enough to maintain what the department has now. But that’s not the reason we’re writing this in-progress update: Speaking of new parks (though this was NOT in that levy), Superintendent Tim Gallagher has just told the Parks Board that a contract has been issued for construction of Junction Plaza Park, and work should start soon, with completion in time for “several summer events.” (The park is on the northwest corner of Alaska/42nd.) We’ll be tracking that; meantime, we’ll have the full Parks Board story later after the budget briefing.
CRIME WATCH REPORT #1: That window-repair work in the Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor) nursery wasn’t originally on the church schedule today … until burglar(s) broke in overnight. That’s not all they did; church staffer Jackie Gould says they used the custodian’s tools to break off part of a door latch, ransacked chapel drawers, and opened a fire extinguisher to spray retardant foam all over the hallway, even in a resource room where kids’ art/craft supplies (and other items) were stored:
The burglar(s) also stole small electronics including an iPod belonging to the church’s wedding coordinator. As you might be able to tell from that photo, some footprints were left in the foam in that room; most of the other damage was cleaned up by the time we dropped by at mid-afternoon.
CRIME WATCH REPORT #2: The keeper of the “Ducky Reserve” at Lowman Beach, Ron Sterling, has surveillance video equipment trained on his whimsical display at all times. They’ve caught some unusual sights over the years. This time, they’ve caught an unmistakable case of vandalism destroying/stealing the St. Patrick’s Day display he hadn’t changed over yet. He’s posted about it in the WSB Forums, including a link to video of the incident.
We’ve mentioned this a few times and with Saturday just around the corner, it’s time for another reminder: The Rotary Club of West Seattle is helping lead the way in a big tree-planting project along Fauntleroy Way this Saturday, along with local Boy Scouts and the city – and hopefully, with you too! Just be at Fairmount Playground starting at 9 am Saturday. Meantime, here’s the latest news release – read on:Read More
Lots of WSB commenter excitement when we first told you last month about Tim and Lori McConnell‘s plans to open a specialty store for runners – since christened West Seattle Runner. They were hoping at the time to open in “early April” – now it’s looking closer to mid-April, with a hoped-for opening date tentatively set: April 10. And a sign’s gone up, as you can see in the photo at left; Tim also sent photos of the interior work they’ve been doing in the space on the 2nd floor of Charlestown Center at California/Charlestown.
To keep up with store doings and their involvement with the local running community, you can join the West Seattle Runner group on Facebook.
As we reported last night, Seattle Mayor McGinn said the city would be hard-pressed to chip in money to help build a new South Park Bridge. Today, City Councilmembers have issued a statement saying they will “support” the county’s efforts to find money, adding – as the mayor had said yesterday – they “remain open to the possibility of making a contribution to the project from the City.” Read on for their news release (AND, ADDED 4:04 PM, reaction from the King County Executive):Read More
We’ve mentioned next Tuesday’s event before; now, the flyer just went out on the Admiral Neighborhood Association mailing list – read on for the text:Read More
(Photos courtesy Tilden School)
“T” is for Tilden, as in Tilden School, which is celebrating a milestone today – a quarter-century in operation. That’s Whitney Tjerandsen, Tilden director, who signed the papers creating Tilden on this date in 1985. She joined students and staff in a party with not only the mini-cupcakes, but also a round of “Happy Birthday”; we’re told she explained to the students, “We’re celebrating with you, because you’re the reason we’re here!”
Tilden is a K-5 school at 4105 California SW, north of The Junction.
Earlier this week, we brought you this story looking ahead at the “staging” for how Alaskan Way Viaduct construction will affect SODO-to-West Seattle Bridge traffic over the next five-plus years. In that story, we linked somewhat-complicated maps shown to the South Portal Working Group on Tuesday. Today, for those interested in planning ahead, the Viaduct team just sent us a user-friendlier version of the same info, drawn up in time for the North Portal Working Group‘s meeting last night. The graphic above is the first page; see the whole thing here. (Also, the project website now links to the slides from a separate section of the presentation we covered on Tuesday.) Reminder, this is just the work related to what the state is doing about The Viaduct – NOT nearby projects such as the city-owned Spokane Street Viaduct. (P.S. Another reminder – the Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to close 6 am-6 pm both days this weekend for its semiannual checkup.)
ADDED 2:40 PM: One more Viaduct note – some work planned for next week – here’s the advisory from SDOT:
Seattle Department of Transportation crews plan to close the southbound, right and left lanes (one at a time) on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, south of the First Avenue off-ramp, next week for maintenance. They will start the work this weekend, taking advantage of the closure already scheduled for inspection of the viaduct, and continue from Monday (March 29) to Friday (April 5) between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. The crews will work on an overhead rail beam.
Crews will also close the northbound, left lane of the Alaskan Way Viaduct at Massachusetts Street to repair a damaged rail. They plan this closure for Monday (March 29) through Wednesday (March 31) from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(August 2009 photo of Evergreen Pool, just before it closed)
From partner site White Center Now and potentially of interest this side of the city-limits line: Seven months after Evergreen Pool in White Center closed because of county budget trouble, it’s on the brink of reopening – the swimming organization that’s been working all along to take it over has finally sealed the deal; here’s the latest.
SECOND WHITE CENTER NOTE: The entrepreneur who took over what was The Wall in the central WC business district and turned it into Hang Around Bar and Grill says they’re being forced out at the end of the week; here’s the story, with a followup in the works. (You can find WCN stories here on WSB anytime by clicking the White Center tab below the sunset header on all pages.)
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