West Seattle, Washington
02 Wednesday
Some folks on the eastern edge of West Seattle are noticing helicopters relating to this, so if you haven’t heard, a boat partially sank at its berth on the Duwamish overnight, and authorities are handling what is described so far as a 100-gallon diesel spill that resulted. KING5‘s morning-newscast report is embedded above; the latest media update from the WA Department of Ecology says the US Coast Guard and Port of Seattle are working with the state on the incident. 2:12 PM UPDATE: The latest from the Dept. of Ecology, which says the boat will be removed from the water, among other updates – read on:Read More
The citywide Skatepark Advisory Committee got a closer look last night at those new Delridge Skatepark design renderings mentioned here yesterday. (The one above is oriented with the south side at the top of the art – the rectangle is part of the wading pool.) They incorporate comments from previous public meetings as well as a technical fix; the biggest change is the split into two bowls – the “egg-shaped” one you see various from 6 feet deep to 10 feet deep to allow for a drainage pipe that runs beneath. The revisions also fix a problem with the “drip line” around the park’s existing trees. Committee members offered their thoughts about the bowls’ vertical incline and also some concerns about stairs in the park and how they’ll affect skater traffic. Parks Department project manager Kelly Davidson is taking comments through November 20 (kelly.davidson@seattle.gov) and is hopeful the project will go to bid in March. She also says the $75,000 King County grant requested as part of the project funding has won a committee vote and has one more hurdle to clear.
(Thank you, Jillian, for the photo of Monday’s sunrise!)
MANY highlights from the WSB Events calendar for today and tonight:
H1N1 FLU VACCINE: Today’s the day both West Seattle Walgreens pharmacies are scheduled for walk-in clinics, 11 am-1 pm, for high-risk people 9+. Full details on this King County webpage (and note, it’s recommended you call before you go).
GOT A NEIGHBORHOOD SPEEDING PROBLEM? Find out how to get help. Tonight, SDOT workgroup Neighborhood Traffic Operations holds a meeting at 6:30 at Youngstown Arts Center (4408 Delridge), to help residents who are interested in working with NTO to tackle residential speeding. Find out about your options, eligibility, first steps.
GREENDRINKS: Also at Youngstown, the Nature Consortium, Sustainable West Seattle and CoolMom are hosting West Seattle/White Center’s monthly Greendrinks – a chance for sustainability/ecologically oriented networking and fun, 6-9 pm.
ADMIRAL, FAUNTLEROY, JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS: The Junction Neighborhood Organization starts the night, 6:30 pm at Ginomai (42nd/Genesee), agenda highlights including local architect Brandon Nicholson‘s presentation about envisioned Junction right-of-way improvements. Admiral Neighborhood Association, 7 pm at Admiral Church, will choose its new officers and talk about neighborhood planning. Fauntleroy Community Association’s board also meets tonight, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (are you following FCA on Facebook yet?).
CULTURE NIGHT: Pathfinder K-8 celebrates its first Culture Night at its new campus (1901 SW Genesee), 5:30-7:30 pm.
More on the Events page!
From the Alki Elementary PTA, a novel way to look at the school’s annual fund-raising dinner/auction: “Get a head start on your holiday shopping!” Fiesta is the theme, The Hall at Fauntleroy is the location, 5:30-10 pm Friday, November 20th is the time/date. Organizers note, “Proceeds support the Alki PTA, which funds numerous activities for students, families and faculty throughout the year. For example, this year’s ‘Fund-a-Need’ will support a writer’s workshop benefiting both teachers and students, and other reading and writing programs.” So far they’ve lined up more than 200 silent-auction donations, from gift cards to jewelry, and the live-auction items include a 7-day cruise. Updates at the official event website; the form to get your ticket(s) is here ($45/person) – e-mail it to alkiPTA@gmail.com – or if you have a question first, Kathy will be happy to answer, at thejoras@comcast.net.
This almost got lost in the flood of news that surged in Monday, with the vote count that settled the mayor’s race, among other things: After action taken by the King County Council sitting as the King County Ferry District Board of Supervisors, the district lives on, but with the reduced tax levy that was announced in July as a bus tradeoff – that means the West Seattle and Vashon routes continue, but there will be no “demonstration routes” elsewhere in the foreseeable future. Read on for the county’s official announcement:Read More
In a weekend roundup of West Seattle business notes (biznotes if we can’t fit both words in the headline!), we shared Diane‘s report of BECU sending a letter to say its Admiral Safeway branch is closing because of the upcoming store-reconstruction project; then in the first comment, “angelescrest” reported that Alki’s BECU ATM (Google Street View above) is gone. We followed up on both with Todd Pietzsch in BECU media relations, particularly to find out why the Admiral Safeway branch is closing now, though construction is not expected before the middle of next summer. Read on to see his reply:Read More
Quick followup on the political position that’s not settled yet, West Seattle/White Center/Vashon (etc.) District 8 County Councilmember (succeeding County Executive-elect Dow Constantine): Last Thursday, we reported that the council might take action today to set a process for appointing someone to serve till next year’s elections. But council spokesperson Frank Abe says that action’s been postponed a week “as a courtesy to councilmembers who requested time for further consideration.” (Who will seek the job, given the council may decide to only appoint someone not running for the permanent job? Maybe, just maybe, there’ll be a hint at this week’s monthly meeting of West Seattle’s largest political group, the 34th District Democrats, 7 pm Wednesday, The Hall at Fauntleroy.)
(Chas Redmond photo from McGinn HQ on Election Night last Tuesday)
Just out from King County – in the still-unsettled Seattle Mayor’s race:
Mike McGinn 96514 50.88%
Joe Mallahan 91575 48.28%
See for yourself here. Citywide media sources say Mallahan plans to talk with reporters at 5. 4:42 PM UPDATE: City Council President Richard Conlin has already congratulated Mayor-Elect McGinn:
On behalf of the Council, I want to congratulate our new Mayor-elect, Michael McGinn. Michael has a great track record of working for the people of Seattle. I’m very optimistic about the partnership we have the opportunity to create between the Council and the incoming Mayor. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition as he takes on his new role.
I also want to commend Joe Mallahan and his supporters for their commitment and passion for public service. It was a hard fought race that raised many important issues that our city will face in the coming years.
We have many challenges ahead, including the economic recovery of our region, managing our budget in a difficult time, strengthening regional connections, and building a new green economy.
I remember when I began my career as a Councilmember in 1998 and what it was like to have partners willing to work with me, sharing the same vision and goals. I, and my colleagues on the Council, offer the same support and partnership to our incoming mayor.
We look forward to working together to make Seattle the best city it can be.
5:05 PM UPDATE: Mallahan has conceded. ADDED 7:33 PM: Video of McGinn speaking tonight, uploaded to YouTube by The Stranger:
Yet another Parks Department project is in the works for West Seattle with Parks and Green Spaces Levy money – improvements at the Fairmount Playfield playground – and now the dates have been announced for two meetings to discuss the design: December 2nd and January 6th, both at 6:30 pm, both at High Point Library. (The project objective is described briefly here, and also on the official flyer.)
(SDOT salt-solution-capable tanker truck, photographed in October)
Starting in less than an hour, SDOT will have tanker trucks like that one out around the city – then snowplows tomorrow morning — practicing the new snow plan, even though there’s not a flake in sight (though the weekend sleet/hail certainly caused a few flutters). Read on for the announcement:Read More
This news release just arrived from King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Urquhart:
A “missing” SeaTac man has been found alive and well, living in another state.
The man, Nicholas Francisco, was last seen leaving his work on February 13, 2008. He was supposedly heading home to bake cookies with his children.
Francisco’s car was found a few days later abandoned in Federal Way.
The Sheriff’s Office did an extensive investigation to learn if he had been a victim of foul play. Nothing turned up.
Last week detectives developed information that he was in fact alive. He had changed his name and was living outside of Washington.
We have closed our investigation.
This was a WSB story for a while for two reasons: Francisco had attended Mars Hill-West Seattle, and West Seattle friends of Francisco posted flyers all over the area; one of our updates during the search remains the most-commented WSB story of all time – more than 300. We’ll be checking to see if the Sheriff’s Office has any more details. 1:41 PM: Sgt. Urquhart says nope, there’s nothing more they can say, since no crime was committed.
Story and photos by Christopher Boffoli
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
On the surface of the amphitheater in the park adjacent to the new High Point Neighborhood Center, a representation of a phoenix is carved prominently into the concrete. This ancient symbol of renewal is perhaps appropriate for the continuing reinvention of the High Point neighborhood and its new crowning jewel that is scheduled to open this Saturday.
(A sneak peek inside the center – a closer look at its groundbreaking design – and some High Point history – ahead)Read More
From Jessica in Gatewood. While it pales compared to the huge crimes rocking the city at large – an officer murdered, a serial arsonist on the loose – still, a reminder it seems we can’t hear often enough:
I just wanted to report that we had a car broken into (Friday) morning. We live on Monroe Street [near 37th; map]. The car was parked in our driveway in front of the house. We know it happened sometime between 5:30 and 7:00 am. The thief broke the passenger side window and took a few items. Just wanted to get the news out and remind everyone not to leave anything valuable in their cars, because there is someone looking.
The next meeting of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, by the way, is a week from tomorrow, Nov. 17, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct; you can contact the precinct’s crime-prevention coordinator Benjamin Kinlow regarding Block Watch and other information at any time – here’s how.
West Seattle skating advocate/writer Matthew Lee Johnston at SeattleSkateparks.org has a big scoop – a look at the latest versions of Delridge Skatepark design. See all seven images here; he also notes that it’ll be reviewed at the citywide Skatepark Advisory Committee meeting tonight, 7 pm at Parks HQ downtown. (Hat tip to North Delridge’s Nancy Folsom for writing about this at Delridge Grassroots Leadership.) EDITOR’S NOTE: The original version of this item a few hours ago mentioned a Nov. 23 Parks meeting – that’s about the nearby Delridge Playfield improvements, NOT the skatepark – sorry about that, and thanks to Nancy for the catch!
JUNCTION PARKING FEEDBACK DEADLINE: If you have something to say to the city about its proposal for parking changes in The Junction – no pay stations, no RPZs, some areas changing to 2-hour limits – today’s the deadline for getting your comments in; contact methods are listed here, along with details on the proposals. (Thanks to Forest for the reminder.)
SCHOOL BOUNDARY MAPS PUBLIC HEARING: Tonight at 6 at district HQ downtown, the Seattle School Board listens to public comment on the proposed attendance-area maps. (Here’s our story about the map discussion at board member Steve Sundquist‘s Saturday meeting in High Point.) You have to sign up in advance; as of early this morning, the list on the district’s website indicates there may still be slots left – here’s how to sign up.
PARK FUND DRAFT CRITERIA PUBLIC HEARING: Another public hearing downtown tonight with West Seattle ramifications: The Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee will listen to comments about the draft criteria for proposals to get a share of the levy’s Opportunity Fund. 7 pm at Parks HQ downtown, no advance signup needed. (See the draft criteria here.)
LOOKING AHEAD TO LATER THIS WEEK: Check out the WSB Events calendar for the full list. But two things to call to your attention for starters – Wednesday is Veterans Day, which means schools, banks and community centers are closed (normal trash pickup, the city says); Thursday night is the monthly West Seattle Art Walk – here’s the fall-quarter walking map/list of participants.
The impending start of construction for Link, Harbor Properties‘ residential/commercial building in The Triangle (most recent WSB report here), is the main peg for a story published by the Seattle Times (WSB partner) this morning. The story also takes a wider look at the area as West Seattle’s gateway, noting the city planning work that’s getting under way (as noted here). You can see the Times’ story by going here. ADDED 8:51 AM: Side note for those interested in the future of the adjacent Junction – a reminder that the Junction Neighborhood Organization meets tomorrow night, 6:30 pm, Ginomai (42nd/Genesee), with a presentation on right-of-way improvements proposed for The Junction – benches, street trees, sidewalks, etc.
Listening to the scanner on Saturday night, we heard a call for firefighters to check out smoke at the Rainier Yacht Club, and thought, “Isn’t that where the Westenders are having ‘Operation Chano’?” Didn’t hear the followup and forgot about it – till Nicky Ducommun e-mailed tonight to share the event wrapup, with Fuzz Hill‘s photos:
The Westenders Scooter Club’s “Operation Chano” was a great success! Our friend and fellow scooterist, Sean “Chano” Goff, co-owner with wife Sofia of West Seattle’s Cafe Revo, passed away unexpectedly September 17. Operation Chano was launched to raise money to help his family in a time of great need.
For the event Saturday night, our chefs, Corey & Gus were truly the lords of the kitchen, and put out a feast that had attendees going through the buffet line for seconds — and even thirds!! We had so many prizes in the raffle that even with the Westenders Prize Patrol ‘bundling’ prizes into prize packs, it took almost as long to give away the prizes as it did to watch our scooter-themed movie, “Mondo Scooterama”!
One event that caused particular mirth was the unscheduled appearance of the Seattle Fire Department. We had so many pots of water boiling in the kitchen for pasta, that an alert neighbor mistook the fogged up windows and steam escaping from the galley of the Rainier Yacht Club for smoke. The Seattle Fire Department was called and we were all reminded of why firefighter calendars are so popular. The extremely handsome, strapping men who arrived in two fire engines were wonderful, even giving all the children in attendance a tour of their trucks.
We had 50+ guests, and were pleased that about half were non-Westenders. Several clubs were well represented, particularly the Flying Monkeys SC and the F*** Yeah SC from Tacoma.
And this was a generous lot as well! On Sunday, a group of us rode out to Cafe Revo to present them with the proceeds!
Thanks again to everyone who gave so much of their time and resources to make this event a success!
Westenders Scooter Club
This was the second of two fundraisers for the Goff family; the first one was “Big Night” last month at The Sanctuary at Admiral (WSB coverage here). Chef Goff died in late September at age 43; Cafe Revo (a WSB sponsor), however, carries on, with his wife Sofia and its ace staff at the helm, serving the cuisine of Northern Italy in the Luna Park business district.
With interest in edible gardening growing like mad, Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle, sponsors of the West Seattle Edible Garden Fair and Edible Garden Tour (among other things), is looking tonight for your opinion: 
They’re exploring partnering with Seattle Tilth to offer some classes in West Seattle next year. Aviva from Community Harvest says, “The location would be at the St. James Annex, close to Westwood Village (map). The Community and Food Bank Garden which is forming at this location would provide the space for hands-on learning. In addition to Tilth classes, there is a possibility for classes in food preservation, cooking, and fruit-tree care.” Take a quick survey to let them know if you’d be interested: Go here.
(Video added 5:15 pm)
Exactly two weeks after more than 60 people gathered at Fauntleroy Creek to drum and sing in the annual ceremony calling the coho home, creek steward Judy Pickens says the first one’s shown up: “The first pair were sighted at about 1:00 this afternoon and we thought we heard another one coming.” Volunteers are watching the creek in the hours after high tide daily, and were scheduled to do so till late November. Whenever coho are known to be in the creek, the “salmon sock” shown in the photo below will be up on its pole at the creek overlook across Fauntleroy Way (and up the embankment) from the ferry dock.
(WSB photo from Fauntleroy Creek overlook, 10/25/09)
ADDED 9:58 PM: The official account from Dennis Hinton:
The first coho spawners to return to Fauntleroy Creek were spotted at 1 pm Sunday by Steve Zarnick and family.
Between 3 and 4 pm Judy, Phil, Patrick and I counted six coho in the creek. All fish were estimated between two and five pounds. The largest was a bright red-sided hooked-nosed male, about five pounds.
Usual window for the coho return over the past 10 years has been between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Recent rains and high tides have probably given the fish the push they need to get up the creek.
That clip from our West Seattle Grand Parade video this past July includes the Denny (now International) Middle School Marching Band – and this weekend we have word that Denny’s band will march with Chief Sealth High School‘s band (also directed by Marcus Pimpleton) in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown the day after Thanksgiving. They’re among more than two dozen marching bands and community drill teams in the parade, according to a news release. The parade starts at 8:45 am on Friday, Nov. 27, at 7th/Pine and travels a zigzag route through the center of downtown; it’ll also be the final parade for West Seattleite Greg Nickels as Mayor. (If you know of West Seattleites participating in the many other groups in the parade, let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com – so we can mention them here as well as watching for them for photo/video ops while covering the parade; thanks!)
Holy Family Parish School middle-school teacher M. Barrett Miller e-mailed to share this photo, explaining: “One of our outreach programs is taking our Middle School students to the West Seattle Salvation Army to socialize and serve the elderly. I rotate the grades every couple of weeks to give all our Middle School students the opportunity to interact with the elderly at the center. Every day the Salvation Army serves lunch and offers an atmosphere of warmth and friendship to those who partake. Over the last year, our students have built a strong relationship with some of the attendees. I think the attached photo shows the joy of the program.” (The West Seattle/White Center Salvation Army location is here.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“You’re taking something that’s actually working and breaking it.”
That critique of the latest proposed Seattle Public Schools attendance-area maps came from one of the two dozen-plus people who attended School Board rep Steve Sundquist‘s community meeting Saturday afternoon at High Point Library.
Sundquist has this type of meeting monthly, as do other members, with no agenda except Q/A with whomever shows up, but he’s made them more frequent as the board approaches a scheduled vote on the attendance maps (and in fact his next one is just hours before that vote).
Several in the room Saturday afternoon wanted to discuss the concern reported here Friday night – the observation that the newest revision to the West Seattle attendance-areas map seems to draw a sharp line largely following West Seattle’s north-south economic divide, with the feeder-school list for Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth High School dominated by those with more students from lower-income families, while the feeder-school list for Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School is dominated by those with more students from higher-income families.
And another major concern emerged:
Sunday, 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska, as always, growers, ranchers, farmers, food-makers from around Western Washington gather to offer you their best at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. When you go today, check out the info table to find out more about a contest that market managers have cooked up: They’re looking for the best Thanksgiving feast made with as many Farmers’ Market (WS, U-District or Broadway) ingredients as possible – with you sending your photos and recipes after you’ve prepared and enjoyed the holiday meal on Nov. 26. The contest rules are explained here. Grand prize: Brasa’s Chef Tamara Murphy comes to your place to cook for you and guests; 2nd place includes a $100 Farmers’ Market shopping spree.
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