West Seattle, Washington
02 Wednesday
Update from the King County Council – looks like they’ve agreed to consider candidates who want the permanent job, as well as those who don’t. They’ve now fully laid out the process for appointing a successor to Dow Constantine in the County Council 8th District seat once he becomes King County Executive a week from tomorrow – read on to see the full process, who’s on the advisory committee that’ll recommend finalists, and how to apply:Read More
This afternoon we welcome a new WSB sponsor that’s about to celebrate a milestone: Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of Alki Mail and Dispatch, 
and they’re throwing a party tomorrow evening to celebrate. More on that shortly – first, here’s what Alki Mail and Dispatch wants you to know about their business: Proprietor Don Wahl (second from right) says it’s not just the convenience of all their services – get your mail, send a package, grab some coffee, use a computer – in one place, he also believes his business has thrived for 20 years because people want somewhere to connect with others – even in our world of so much screen time, you need face time too and that’s what happens at Alki Mail and Dispatch. Don says that’s what keeps people coming back – the fact that people know you, and know what you need. He describes Alki Mail and Dispatch as being like “Cheers” – where everybody knows your name, only with caffeine instead of alcohol. Recalling his business’s beginnings, Don says fax machines and computers and copiers cost a lot 20 years ago, so he saw a real opportunity, and his late partner Don Cavanaugh had owned a similar business, so they thought they could make a go of it. Indeed they did – on the beach for 15 years, and now for 5 years at a location Wahl owns. You’ll find Alki Mail and Dispatch at 4701 SW Admiral Way (map) – online at www.alkimail.com – and on Twitter, where customers can find out when the mail’s in, at @alkimail. Tomorrow night’s party, by the way, is 5-8 pm – stop in and say hi! We thank Alki Mail and Dispatch for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Just out of the WSB inbox, from Sean McGrath:
For over a hundred years the Fraternal Order of Eagles have been offering Thanksgiving meals across the country. The Eagles of Washington State will be holding free or low cost dinners at 24 of their 97 locations across the state. This is the first year the Eagles have put together what they are calling “A Thanksgiving To Remember”. Every year the Eagles offer these free meals, but have never put together a statewide effort to encourage as many locations as possible to participate and to get the word out. The hope is that it will be a time to remember what we have to be thankful for. A dinner to remember for those who attend, and a warm memory for those who volunteer to make it happen.
In West Seattle the Eagles offered a Thanksgiving dinner for many of the years since they opened here in 1948. The last time was about ten years ago. This year West Seattle Eagles will revive the tradition and offer a completely free meal on Thanksgiving Day from 2-5 at their hall. The hall will be open to anyone who would like to attend. There is no fee or any donation to being asked for. The Eagles motto is “People Helping People” and a portion of our mission statement is: “international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace”
The West Seattle Eagles hopes that anyone who wants to share a good meal and good company will join us in a traditional family friendly dinner. We hope that anyone who does not have family plans this thanksgiving will come down and share the holiday with us.
The menu will be turkey with all the trimmings and desert. We are planning on serving at least two hundred people. No reservations needed.
4426 California Avenue SW (next to the Post Office)
206-938-4426 or aerie2643@westseattleeagles.org
This is in addition to, and separate from, the traditional annual free Thanksgiving dinner noon-3 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, mentioned here just this morning.
In recent weeks, we’ve reported on a string of holdups at West Seattle/White Center-area convenience stores. Now, Seattle Police think they have the suspects in custody. The 4 juvenile male suspects actually were arrested after a robbery in the Rainier Valley (4400 S. Mead; map) last Thursday – written up on the SPDBlotter here without any mention of other incidents – then today, we confirmed with the SPD Media Unit that Southwest Precinct detectives believe those same suspects are linked to the robberies in this area. Det. Renee Witt in the Media Unit tells us three of the suspects are 16, and the fourth is 13. Prosecutors are working on charges against the four; we don’t know for sure yet which ones they’ll be charged in connection with, but some of the recent robberies (as linked from the WSB Crime Watch page) included two in one night in early November and a robbery shortly after a holdup attempt on the night of October 22nd.
Salty’s on Alki sent out a media invite about a fancy dinner to taste holiday fare and see the popular nutcrackers. We e-mailed back and said, never mind the dinner, can we just see the nutcrackers? And this morning, they obliged, as the fabled decorations arrived. (The music in the background of the video, by the way, wasn’t added by us – exterior speakers provided the soundtrack.) Inside, ballerinas Wisten Klein (in white) and Andi Bryzinda (in red) from Evergreen City Ballet greeted the first nutcracker:
They’ll both be in “The Nutcracker” next month at the Ikea Center for the Performing Arts and the Auburn Performing Arts Center. Oh, and we peeked inside the truck for a look at a few of the others:
In case you’re wondering – Salty’s tells us they still have a few reservations available for Thanksgiving at Alki and Redondo. They’re also offering “Thanksgiving to go” (explained here).
(photo added 12:28 pm)
On our way to check – it’s a ‘fire in single-family residence’ call in the 8600 block of 22nd SW. 11:41 AM UPDATE: Small fire in the house’s breaker box, out now, no one hurt.
If you were with us last winter, you know we often mention the National Weather Service “forecast discussions” as a source of behind-the-scenes details elaborating on the forecasts themselves. The newest one says the worst of the next round of wind, late tonight, is most likely to hit north of the city. Be ready anyway, of course. 12:24 PM UPDATE: Cliff Mass has updated his site; he’s expecting 30-40 mph in the city, not much more than we saw overnight.
(WSB photo of a table set for last year’s free Fauntleroy feast)
From e-mail to Facebook, we’ve had several inquiries about whether there’s any place to help serve others this Thanksgiving (a week from Thursday!). We don’t have the definitive answer to that question so far, but we did confirm with Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes that the traditional free holiday dinner is on again this year and they do need a bit of help:
The free community Thanksgiving meal is on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM at The Hall at Fauntleroy. All are invited to this traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings prepared with love by our executive chef, Mike Chase. For anyone who has attended before it is a wonderful mix of folks from the neighborhood and the surrounding area.
This is the 11th year that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering owners David and Meg Haggerty and David Meckstroth have opened up their hearts and the Hall at Fauntleroy for this fantastic meal and event. It really seems to usher the season in with warm beginnings.
We have enough volunteers this year; however we do accept pies, whipped cream and cookies for desserts. People can bring them to the Hall at Fauntleroy the day before Thanksgiving or that morning after 10 AM. For information or directions please call our office at 206-932-1059 or go to our website www.tuxedosandtennisshoes.com
Before (and after) Thanksgiving, of course, our two local food banks – West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank (which is tracking turkey prices!) – welcome your donations, too. Any other Thanksgiving-related service opportunities? Comment here and/or e-mail us so we can help get the word out too.
(WSB photo from last year’s Money-Free Shopping Spree)
SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S “MONEY-FREE SHOPPING SPREE”: Once again this year, SWS invites you to come swap sustainable gift items – services as well as goods (see last year’s list here) – this year, the event’s at what is truly a brand-new venue, High Point Neighborhood Center (just dedicated on Saturday! WSB coverage here), starting with potluck dinner at 6:30 pm.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Sold Home Decor Furniture Consignment (WSB sponsor) is offering “a host of planet-, family- and budget-friendly ways to enjoy the holidays at home,” 7 pm. RSVP to be sure there’s still space – maria@soldhomedecor.com
LINCOLN PARK COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: This co-op preschool based at Seaview Methodist Church (4620 SW Graham) has room in some of its classes and invites you to stop by 3-5 pm today to find out more about the school.
More of what’s happening today – and beyond! – on the WSB Events calendar page.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Nineteen days ago, police cars and fire/medical units filled southbound Delridge Way, for a short time, outside Southwest Youth and Family Services.
SWYFS is this area’s lead agency for the city’s new Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, so there was uncomfortable irony in the fact those emergency units were there because one of its classrooms had become the scene of an act of youth violence: One boy stabbed another, both 17, after an argument.
The victim was rushed off to Harborview Medical Center; the alleged attacker was led off by police. The incident drew citywide media attention – but since it was quickly determined that victim and attacker knew each other, and that the victim would survive, the attention ebbed after a day.
Since then, though, what happened has been a daily reality for the students in the blended-grade high-school classes at Southwest Education Center – getting updates on their wounded classmate.
Until Thursday, when he returned to school, and told his story as part of an unusual group interview offered to WSB, unsolicited, by SWYFS.
Heads up from the National Weather Service: A wind advisory is in effect till 6 pm Monday, upgrading to a high wind watch Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, possibly with gusts as high as 60 mph. Famous forecaster Cliff Mass says a “major event” is possible – but adds that some forecasting models disagree. Not sure you’re ready? There’s good advice at Take Winter By Storm. 9:36 PM UPDATE: The wind advisory’s been revised a bit – it’s in effect till noon tomorrow, then a break before the high wind watch takes effect in the evening.
This Wednesday, the Seattle School Board is scheduled to vote on the newest versions of the attendance-boundary maps for its Student Assignment Plan. West Seattle resident 
and parent Susan McLain has started an online petition to ask the board to push back that vote so that WS parents can have more time for feedback on the revised maps (find them here). The first maps were followed by 9 community meetings (2 in West Seattle), which led to revisions, but the second version — with major changes for West Seattle — was followed by 2 community meetings and one public hearing (none in WS). No changes will be made now unless they’re amendments proposed by a board member and approved by a board majority before the final vote. The online petition is here; whatever your thoughts on the new maps, if you’re interested in speaking at Wednesday’s board meeting, signups start at 8 tomorrow morning, via boardagenda@seattleschools.org or (206) 252-0040.
Per the city website – Admiral Safeway‘s next date with the Southwest Design Review Board, which could be its last if the project design wins the board’s final approval, is tentatively set for December 17th, 8 pm, Youngstown Arts Center. (One of the additions since its October SWDRB review, another store entrance on California SW, was previewed at the Design Commission a week and a half ago.) ADDED 8:46 PM: Almost forgot to mention, there’s a 6:30 pm review same night/same place – 2988 SW Avalon, the 16-unit Transitional Resources building last reviewed in April.
The foggy, soggy weather isn’t keeping friends, neighbors and well-wishers away from the Highland Park Improvement Club 90th anniversary party, in full swing now till 5 pm, including tantalizing treats:
Live music too, with the Zadrozny Jazz Trio. Read the HPIC history here; go join the fun at 12th and Holden – all ages welcome.
From now till 4 pm, you’ll find adoptable pets at three places along a half-mile of California SW in Morgan Junction. The photo above shows Ted, who we found at The Wash Dog (6400 California); other pets looking for their forever home are at Pet Elements (6701 California) and Stella Ruffington (7003 California). ADDED 3:30 PM: A pic shared by the folks at Stella R’s – this is Butch Cassidy the cat:
Still time to go find a new friend!
Out of the WSB inbox, from MC:
We live at 41st and SW Holgate [map], and woke up last night to a noise (what I now think in retrospect was the sound of my car door slamming shut). My GF and I both heard a car out on the street and went to the bedroom window to take a look. There was a red extended cab Dodge pickup (that’s the ID from my girlfriend, since I didn’t have my glasses on) driving VERY slowly east down the hill on holgate. We heard some talking, and actually saw someone run up to the truck from further north on 41st (where it dead ends). We thought it was kind of suspicious, obvs, but the truck turned around on Holgate and went back south on 41st.
I wish we would have called the cops, because when I went out to my car in the driveway this morning, the contents of my center console were strewn about the car. Nothing was missing, because there was nothing of value to be had (except for my brand new stereo, which was left untouched). I called SPD this morning and made a report, and Officer Jorgensen (6122) came by within 30 minutes. He said there’s been a rash of car prowls, but primarily in the area south of WS High School. He gave me a case number, and said the info was useful for them for trending/tracking purposes. Anyway, just a reminder for neighbors to keep their eyes peeled, and don’t be shy about calling if something doesn’t seem right. (OFC Jorgensen’s words).
And you’ll also hear that if you come to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting this Tuesday, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room.
Reminder — The WSB Forums include a section where West Seattle/White Center-area businesses are welcome to post job listings for free. Here’s a brand-new listing.
Hutch sent the photo, wondering if the bird is a peregrine falcon. We couldn’t say for sure from consulting various online sources, so thanks in advance to any of the many expert birdwatchers of West Seattle who might offer an opinion. ADDED 11:18 PM: Rob sent this next photo he took near Schmitz Park a week ago, thinking it’s the same bird and hoping the photo might help with ID:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Second-to-last Farmers’ Market till Thanksgiving – and you’re likely to see that display again this week, with a reminder about the chance to enter your market-sourced Thanksgiving dinner in a contest. As always, the market’s 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Here’s the Ripe ‘n’ Ready fresh sheet.
CURIOUS KIDSTUFF SALE: While you’re in The Junction for the Farmers’ Market, check this out – West Seattle’s only toy store, Curious Kidstuff, rejoined the WSB sponsor ranks this week to get the word out about today’s big sale – massive chance for early holiday shopping – 25 percent off, 11 am-5 pm, today only. (No gift wrap.) 4740 California SW.
WEST SEATTLE FASHION BRUNCH: And yet ANOTHER Junction event today – 11 am-2 pm, have brunch at Shadow Land while Sweetie, Carmilia’s and Forsythe Studio show off the latest fashion. More info here.
FREE YOGA: Perhaps before brunch and shopping, you’d like to work out – for free? SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) is offering Free Sunday Yoga today, 11 am-12:15 pm.
SHARE YOUR HOME! One day after the fun and games of Catsino (photo above), Furry Faces Foundation presents its now-traditional afterparty of sorts – the Morgan Junction Pet Stroll – 1-4 pm at Pet Elements, The Wash Dog and Stella Ruffington, new furry friends looking for their forever homes.
PARTY IN HIGHLAND PARK! If you haven’t seen last night’s preview yet – head here and find out why Highland Park Improvement Club is the place to party, 2-5 pm.
LOTS more in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup – including two plays and a concert this afternoon.
We received two notes suggesting we share the news that one of two lawyers honored at the state American Civil Liberties Union’s Bill of Rights Celebration Dinner last night is from West Seattle: Amanda Lee of Fauntleroy received the organization’s 2009 Civil Libertarian Award, as did colleague Jeffrey Robinson, for work the organization describes as “seeking to uphold American values in proceedings for detainees facing the death penalty at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp” (detailed here). Lee and Robinson are part of the John Adams Project.
One month after SDOT reported tweaking the Admiral/California signal timing, some drivers say it’s still not right. Acemotel brought this up in the WSB Forums today – not long after we got the following e-mail from Ted:
Whatever timing changes the city made a few months ago to the light at Admiral Ave SW and SW California, it is much worse than it used to be. Today I was again frustrated with long backups going east on SW Admiral toward California Ave. The backups on Admiral go beyond the yellow flashing light at Waite Street, which is already an extremely dangerous intersection. The backups make it hard to pull out on to Admiral from Waite St. and then there is a five, six, seven cycle wait to get through the first light at California. This causes people to make all kinds of dangerous moves. They bypass the queue on Admiral by driving for blocks up the left turn lane, etc. I find the problem to be bad in the afternoons on weekdays, but even much worse on weekends. Today I drove through the back up at 10:30 AM Saturday morning.
I imagine someone at the city thinks they improved things at the intersection. I think they need to get away from their desk and their computer and get out on the road and see what they have done. /with the changes, it is SLIGHTLY better going west on Admiral in the afternoons on weekdays and SLIGHTLY better going north on California and turning left onto Admiral. I make both moves regularly and used to have a two cycle wait during busy times. Now I SOMETIMES get a one cycle wait. Usually, it is still two cycles. But these minor improvements are not worth the big delays and safety problems that have been created. We do not need another serious accident at Admiral and Waite St. because of this!
Please go back to the way things were . . . .
The city suggests two ways to report traffic-signal problems – the overall hotline 206-684-ROAD and/or traffic.signals@seattle.gov; more background about the signal system on this page.
Tons of fun today – if you’re not out and about tonight, it’s time to think about tomorrow. One of the most spirited celebrations will be at 12th SW and SW Holden, as the Highland Park Improvement Club celebrates one decade short of a century. Here’s its official announcement:
Friends and neighbors are invited to attend a ninetieth anniversary party at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden, on Sunday, November 15, from 2 to 5 p.m., to celebrate the club’s past, present and future.
The non-profit was established in 1919 to bring improvements to the community while providing a social center. Since then, the club has worked on projects ranging from securing a streetcar line that came up Highland Park Way, to fostering a WPA sewing group, to sponsoring playgrounds and baseball teams, all the while hosting dance parties and other entertainments. More recently, the organization has persevered through uncertain times, as the membership had difficulty attracting new members, and considered dissolution. Despite their discouragement, the long-term members continued to reach out to the neighborhood, and today the Club has a steady and growing membership. New members have presented gala events for the Club and the community: the Day of the Dead dance last year, the Inauguration Day celebration in January, the popular Wine for Our Times event this spring, and the Second Annual Rummage Sale this summer.
(WSB note: That’s the one where we found this scene:)
The Highland Park Improvement Club hosts several neighborhood groups, including the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC), which is dedicated to community issues, and meets at the club monthly. The Club is also home to on-going dance and yoga classes.
This historic neighborhood hub, at the corner of 12th and Holden, is becoming vibrant again- just in time for its 90th birthday.
It’s a humble old building that just got some new trimmings – including curtains and paint – before the big bash. Here’s where to find HPIC; online, they’re at www.hpic1919.org.
Two girls’ soccer updates: First, Bil Hood from Seattle Lutheran High School reports that the Saints beat Mount Vernon Christian 5-0 today, advancing to the Class 2B/1B final four next weekend in Sumner. Also, Madison Middle School will play Eckstein at 3 pm Monday (Memorial Stadium downtown) for third place in the middle-school tournament.
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