West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
Just shot that video in The Junction while checking on setup for today’s West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by local businesses including WSB), 8 am-4 pm along California SW between Genesee and Edmunds, which is closed (as is SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th) for the duration:
Not only did more than 100 cars pre-register in the past few months, but organizer Michael Hoffman from Liberty Bell Printing tells us this morning that so many showed up for day-of signups that traffic was backing up all the way to Fauntleroy Way! In addition to seeing classic cars, there’s entertainment along the way, and a square dance scheduled in Walk-All-Ways around 1 pm, plus the Oh Boy Oberto hydroplane is parked near Cupcake Royale/Super Supplements. Admission’s free but bring a few $ for raffles with great prizes. Also in The Junction, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is happening 10 am-2 pm as always – today’s special event, tomato-tasting (postponed from that stormy Sunday a couple weeks ago) – and here’s today’s fresh sheet. We’ll add a few more car-show-setup photos here shortly and will be reporting “live” from The Junction most of the day – see you there (and for the rest of today’s West Seattle events/activities, here’s the WS Weekend Lineup). ADDED 8:32 AM: Here are more of the cars, after they parked in place (diagonal along both sides of the show zone on California):
And here’s the aforementioned Oberto hydro:
Our next update will be in a separate report – we’re on our way back down to set up for the day at show info HQ at California/Alaska.
(Photo via Twitter and yfrog, by @driftcafe)
That photo and several other reports indicate a major crowd at Easy Street Records in The Junction (and overflow at West 5) for the new Pearl Jam “Backspacer” release at midnight – just one day before the first of two Pearl Jam shows at KeyArena downtown. Tonight’s party collected donations for West Seattle Food Bank; also via Twitter, @Java_Colleen reported a long line for that. How many “Backspacer” copies left after tonight? Check with Easy Street when you’re in The Junction for the Car Show 8 am-4 pm today.
Before tonight’s Seattle Lutheran High School–Northwest Christian game at West Seattle Stadium, Saints fans tailgated in the parking lot. An action-packed game followed: Despite losing starting quarterback Gabe Wadsworth to an injury in the first quarter, NW Christian managed to put together a ground game that beat Seattle Lutheran 28-22. Filling in for Wadsworth was wide receiver Zach Thomas, who managed to split the running game between the other backup quarterback, Ben Conner, and fullback Steven Dunn for a total of 399 yards. But SLHS scored the first touchdown of the game, on a Jake Lovely run:
Seattle Lutheran also made a strong comeback in the fourth quarter and scored to bring the game close. The drive was highlighted by Conner Mullen, who made a single catch for 37 yards. On the night. Lutheran managed 170 total yards of offense — 49 came from Mullen, along with 44 from Jake Lovely. Lutheran’s standout for the night was running back Fred Lisko who had 58 yards rushing, 12 yards passing, and two touchdowns.
Just before the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza time capsule was covered in one last layer of sand, it was topped with cement and a few inscriptions – Loren and Clara are the 11- and 8-year-old Alki Elementary students who helped fill and seal it hours earlier at the Log House Museum. The burial process involved two wheelbarrows full of broken glass – you’ll see that after the capsule is placed in the ground, along the sidewalk just above the plaza (sorry for the jostling, everybody started crowding in closely):
The actual time-capsule burial came during a break in the celebration ceremony under a tent next to the statue itself. Keynote speaker, former West Seattleite astronaut Capt. Gregory Johnson, who was introduced by deputy mayor (and West Seattleite) Tim Ceis, who had the best line of the afternoon right after finishing his proclamation:
With humor and charisma, Johnson — after a few West Seattle reminiscences, including his time at Schmitz Park Elementary — told the story of how he became an astronaut:
We’ve got lots more to add (and we’re still adding to our earlier report on the filling/sealing of the capsule), but those were the highlights. Those in attendance also included leaders and members of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, City Council president Richard Conlin and West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, as well as Alki Community Council president Jule Sugarman. The bricks atop the capsule are sand-set for drainage, Parks project manager Patrick Donohue explained; the capsule is scheduled to be removed and opened in 2059.
Just got word of this via Facebook – Kick It With Kenya, which brings health education to Kenyan youth through soccer, is presenting a fundraiser featuring Danny Godinez at Alki Tavern tonight. $10 suggested donation at the door; starts at 8 pm. Find out more about KIWK here.
More than 100 cars pre-registered, and more will be lined up when same-day registration begins early tomorrow: It’s the second annual West Seattle Junction Car Show, which will line California SW from Genesee to Edmunds with classic cars (take note, that means the street will be closed, including the central Junction section of SW Alaska, and the “no parking” signs are up already). Official showtime is 8 am-4 pm; as a co-sponsor of the show, we’ll be there with “live” updates throughout the day. Look for special touches like entertainment here and there – square dancing at 1 pm in the Walk-All-Ways intersection, plus Blue Willow Luncheonette on SW Oregon is planning to have a teenage violin virtuoso! – and bring a few $ for raffles (otherwise, admission’s free). Lots more info (including same-day registration details) at wsjunctioncarshow.com.
We’ve received two tales of encounters with purported magazine-selling solicitors in north West Seattle over the past few hours – read on:Read More
Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Gray, chilly, rainy – perfect weather for a barbecue, isn’t it? Well, it is if you’re a member of the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association, which is holding the Evergreen State Barbecue Championship at Alki Beach this weekend. Thirty teams were setting up tents and smokers in the morning drizzle and cold, and all of them will remain, camping and cooking overnight, until the final awards for pork butt, brisket, pork ribs and chicken are given out at 4 p.m. Sunday.
The competition is serious but friendly – Steve Sanders and Sherwin Chin were working together, setting up Steve’s tents in the rain, yet the two are actually on competing teams. Sanders, with Smoke a Fat One Barbecue, has a catering service in Snohomish, but calls his barbecue competing “just a hobby that went bad.” Or good – Sanders actually qualified for October’s Jack Daniels Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the holy grail of barbecue competitions. Chin is from Bellevue and competing with Rainbow Catering. Both men say their ribs are their best entry.
ORIGINAL 12:43 PM NOTE: This just in from Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: Its community-barbecue celebration LINKS has been moved indoors – still at Delridge Community Center, but it’ll be inside, still 2-6 pm with live music, entertainment, food and other fun. 1:19 PM UPDATE: It’s actually indoors at YOUNGSTOWN ARTS CENTER across the street (4408 Delridge). See you there. 3:45 PM UPDATE: Here’s a photo from about an hour ago – tables are set up inside the theater, lots of food, entertainment should be in full swing by now:
Rain or no rain, the time capsule burial ceremony at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza is on for 2 this afternoon. The time capsule itself was filled and sealed this morning at the Log House Museum – that’s director Andrea Mercado in the photo with the completed capsule (at right, Clara Peterson, who with brother Loren assisted in the hour-long job, and peeking into the top of the frame is Patrick Donohue, city Parks Department manager for the plaza project); you’ll recall she put out a call for people to save memories, souvenirs and daily-life “ephemera” last November 13th – anniversary of the Denny Party’s Alki landing – to put in the capsule, and all that is what went in today. We’ve got video of much of the event and will add some later; the capsule contents were catalogued by Eilene Hutchinson as they went in:
We’ll be at the 2 pm ceremony today too – the capsule is supposed to be available for public viewing around 1:30. And remember that Alki also is headquarters to the Evergreen State Barbecue Championships all weekend (separate story to come) so it’s a busy day at the beach! 6:52 PM: Adding more video from this morning’s filling/sealing gathering. First, Andrea explains to Clara and Loren how the capsule-filling will proceed:
We asked Andrea afterward if she had ever done a time capsule before – nope, this was her first one. And she said they’re meticulously documenting everything they did regarding storage and placement, because what’s considered time-capsule state of the art now is nonetheless unproven – since you don’t really know what’ll happen till you get to the capsule opening decades (or longing later). Some of what’s in the capsule is simple, some personal:
9:13 PM: Thanks to Paul Carr for sending us the program from today’s ceremony (video is in a separate story here), which includes the full list of what’s in the time capsule. See it (and the rest of the program) here.
First word of new drinking/eating establishments, or changes in existing ones, often comes from the state’s database of liquor-license applications, and this morning there are two applications of note: At 5632 Delridge (map), which would be across the street and a bit south from Olympia Pizza and Pasta, there’s an application to open “La Luna,” seeking a spirits/beer/wine/restaurant/lounge-type license. We’ll see what else we can find out. Meantime, it looks like Garlic Jim’s in The Junction, on the market for more than 9 months, has found a buyer; there’s an application for a new beer/wine license there, with different applicants, but the restaurant’s name is staying the same, according to the online info. (The liquor-license application database can be found here.)
Many of today’s events are all or partly indoors, but even if you were looking forward to what’s supposed to be happening outdoors – the forecast says the rain WILL lift. Not predicting sunbreaks, but “rain” is supposed to make way for “cloudy with chance of showers.” 
We have NOT received word of any rainouts; we’ll add word of anything we do hear, but in the meantime, the show must go on. Two of this afternoon’s highlights: The Alki Statue of Liberty Time Capsule ceremony (with West Seattle High School alum astronaut Greg Johnson starting a round of local appearances) at 2 pm, 
which is also the start time for the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association‘s LINKS barbecue at Delridge Community Center (2-6). A highlight tonight: Easy Street Records in The Junction celebrates Pearl Jam‘s new “Backspacer” with a 9 pm party preceding the midnight sale — bring a donation for West Seattle Food Bank – giveaways, raffles, music (they’ll be playing cuts from “Backspacer” starting at 11), and if Easy Street’s full when you get there, the party’s officially spilling over into West 5. More here. For today’s full list of events, click here.
That trio of volunteers staffed a cheery concession table full of candy inside the gym at Holy Rosary School as the 20th annual Westfest (WSB sponsor) got under way last night. It continues 10 am-10 pm today – lots of outdoor fun, of course, including bouncy rides for kids (and we saw a portable climbing wall too), plus bingo:
We also heard via Twitter from West Seattle-resident TV personality Jim Dever (@jimdever) that the “West Seattle Idol” talent show at Westfest at 4 pm today is not to be missed. Here’s the Westfest map and schedule; here’s a map to Holy Rosary.
Also continuing today, the big sale at Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood (Google Street View above; here’s a map) to help Baby Maarten, a 1-year-old who’s in the fight of his life (chronicled here), getting treatment for a brain tumor. By several accounts, including what organizer Claudia wrote here, Day 1 was terrific, and there’s still lots left for you to shop on Day 2. (Speaking of sales, if you’re going to be out and about, check out the listings for yard/garage sales today in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums.)
That’s entrepreneur Stuart Anderson demonstrating his trademark pitch for Senior Housing Assistance Group, at a Friday celebration marking the grand opening of its new Arrowhead Gardens (WSB sponsor) senior-living development in southern Highland Park (map). They’re throwing open the doors for an open house 11 am-5 pm today and noon-5 pm tomorrow, with refreshments and live music. Anderson, who founded his famous Black Angus restaurant chain in Seattle, just made a special visit Friday, recounting how he became the organization’s spokesperson:
Arrowhead Gardens’ name reflects not site history, but site shape, in case you were wondering; its website lists some of the features of the newly built complex, which will rent out more than 400 units (more details here).
More details to come, but first the scores, since both games are now over: 
Chief Sealth High School (1-2) blanked Cleveland for its first win, Sealth 30-Cleveland 0 at Southwest Athletic Complex … O’Dea beat West Seattle High School (2-1) 39-7 at West Seattle Stadium.
10:51 PM: Tonight’s win was actually Chief Sealth’s first since October 2007 – which was also against Cleveland. We’ve added a photo of tonight’s scoreboard at left. Sealth’s next two games are on the road (here’s the season schedule) – they’ll be at Ingraham at 7 pm next Friday.
ADDED 11:27 PM: More now from the WSHS game: West Seattle’s only touchdown came when quarterback Ellison Tran ran the ball in on the keep just a few minutes into the first quarter. The score came on West Seattle’s first possession of the game. The Wildcats moved the ball 75 yards on 11 plays.
ORIGINAL 8:27 PM REPORT: Getting messages about the chopper over The Junction and beyond. We’re still checking to be sure but chances are it’s a news chopper for the West Seattle High School-O’Dea game at West Seattle Stadium. Will update with whatever else we find out. Co-publisher Patrick is at the game (tweeting it at @wsblive – halftime was O’Dea 18, West Seattle 7) but it’s impossible to tell from there – choppers have such strong cameras these days, they can shoot from very high. There’s nothing on 911 in terms of fire/medics which bolsters the theory, but we’re also checking with police. 8:33 PM UPDATE: Confirmed from a friend who works at KING5, it’s their chopper, covering the game. As our friend notes, their chopper will be out somewhere every Friday night – so on Fridays, if you hear a chopper before 9 pm or so, it just might be for football, but thanks again to everyone who checked in via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter – you just never know. 9:15 PM SIDE NOTE: Longer story to come, but the game just ended – O’Dea 39, WSHS 7.
We’re off to get photos of both, but in the meantime, this quick note.
(photo added 10:59 pm – Proletariat Pizza proprietors Stefanie and Mike, and daughter)
As of a little more than an hour ago, it’s opening night for Proletariat Pizza on 16th SW in the main White Center business district, and cash only for starters, according to neighbor Full Tilt‘s post in the WSB Forums. Meantime, speaking of food:
(Friday night photo)
That’s the outdoor food court at Westfest (WSB sponsor) at Holy Rosary School (map here; event schedule here) and open tonight till 10, then 10 am-10 pm tomorrow. More to come!
Holy Rosary School‘s big fall festival Westfest (WSB sponsor) starts at 6 tonight … the 2nd annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by WSB) takes over Junction streets all day Sunday … WSHS Grad Night has a fundraising car wash tomorrow, which is also when you’ll find the first in a series of monthly Family Fun events at High Point Community Center … Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association invites you to the LINKS Community Barbecue tomorrow afternoon … the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) has announced fun events for America on the Move week – just part of the SEVENTY events/activities in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club – read on!Read More
Finally got official police details on what all those sirens were about last hour – thanks to the people who e-mailed us about it: According to Seattle Police media unit Det. Jeff Kappel, robbery detectives were looking for suspects “in cases they were working” around noon when one bolted and ran onto Schmitz Park Elementary (map) grounds. One eyewitness report we received by e-mail says the person jumped a fence to get onto school grounds:
Lunch time and the older kids were on the playground. Man jumped the fence and hid behind the backboard. Police cars arrived told kids to get down and they all responded immediately. All are safe and the man with the gun was handcuffed and taken away. … Staff and students responded extremely well.
Nobody was hurt and police confirm the man was taken into custody. Det. Kappel says he’s not sure which case the suspects were associated with, but three people are in custody. We’re working to find out more and will add additional details as we get them. 1:46 PM UPDATE: Just talked to Rhonda in the Schmitz Park office. She reiterates that everybody’s OK and back in class now and “did an amazing job.” She also says principal Gerrit Kischner (who’s on the phone with police as we speak) will send an official e-mail to Schmitz Park parents to let them know about the incident. 2:55 PM UPDATE: As provided by Ezra in the comment section below (and also sent to us in e-mail by another parent), here is the note sent to parents by the principal:
Dear Schmitz Park Families:
I want to share with you information regarding an incident that has affected our school community. I am sending you this letter to update you on the facts and to assure you that we are doing everything we can to support our students.
At approximately noontime today, Seattle Police Department arrested an unarmed robbery suspect on our school property during recess for third, fourth and fifth graders, and the police are conducting an investigation. Your child may have witnessed or knows another student who witnessed this event.
Student followed policy directions very well and playground monitors moved quickly to move students to safety. Following the incident, police gave the all-clear to allow Kindergarten, first and second graders onto the playground to begin their recess. We have discussed the incident with our students with the information available to us at this time.
Providing your students with a safe learning environment remains a top priority at Schmitz Park Elementary School. It is important that we continue to work together towards this unified goal. We are committed to safety within our community.
Additionally, classroom teachers will continue to discuss personal safety and safe practices regarding getting to and from school and reporting unsafe situations. Our counselor, Alben Tufel, has been made available to talk with students as well. Depending on the age of your child, this is also a good time to discuss how rumors spread and how we can work together to keep each other safe. I hope you will take the time to have similar conversations at home with your child.
Our plans for emergency drills this year include plans to conduct a lock-down drill. Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is our number one priority. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
As you will note, the principal’s note says the suspect was not armed. We are still working to get more information from police regarding any additional details they can share with us on the case – particularly what the suspects were wanted for, separate from the brief escape. 5:36 PM UPDATE: A little bit of new info – according to Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James, the suspect arrested on school grounds was being sought in connection with the Westside Pharmacy post-shutdown holdup the other day (here’s our original story on that). 8:42 PM UPDATE: More details now on SPDBlotter. Two arrests in all but police originally had questioned three people. The one who jumped the fence at Schmitz was indeed the robbery suspect; the other one arrested was the alleged getaway driver. Both men are 23.
Just in from Seattle Parks – Southwest Pool won’t be reopening any earlier than October 5th. The federally mandated drain-upgrade work revealed a major problem in need of immediate repairs. More details shortly when Parks sends an official news release. 3:06 PM UPDATE: The news release is now published on Parkways.
RADIO DRILL TONIGHT: Just a note that the West Seattle Community Hubs (explained here – a GREAT website) are testing a radio system that neighborhood reps will use in case of catastrophe – in case for example you are a radio aficionado, or pass someone involved in the drill, and overhear something that sounds alarming, 5:30-7 pm tonight, don’t worry, it’s only a drill.
PLANT SALE TOMORROW: If you are thinking about fall veggie gardening, Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle wants to see you at St. James Place (9421 18th SW) noon-3 pm tomorrow for its fall veggie-start sale. And bring your extra produce for donation to food banks!!!
AMERICA ON THE MOVE WEEK: West Seattle /Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) has a week of special events planned – the main goal, consume 100 calories less and walk 2,000 steps more every day. Here’s the full list of special events – first ones are a family boot camp and fun walk tomorrow on Alki.
Big news in West Seattle with so many Parks Department properties here: Mayor Nickels is proposing a gun ban in parks facilities “intended for children and youth.” (The prospect of new city rules on guns in parks also came up at an Alki Community Council meeting this summer, during discussion of recent incidents involving firearms, like this one in June, although it does not appear the ban would include beach parks like Alki.) Here’s the full text of the city announcement, plus information on how to formally comment on it:Read More
Quick look at this weekend’s games: West Seattle High School (2-0) plays O’Dea – remember that big win last year? – at 7 tonight, West Seattle Stadium (map). Chief Sealth High School (0-2) plays Cleveland at 7 tonight, Southwest Athletic Complex (map). Tomorrow at 7 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School (1-1) faces Northwest Christian (Lacey) at WS Stadium.
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