West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
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.
(added 12:30 am, video of officers collecting evidence at the shooting scene)
ORIGINAL 11:30 PM REPORT: Police and fire are responding to an “assault with weapons” call in the Westwood Village vicinity. No details yet – monitoring the scanner. We did hear police arriving, saying they found “the victim.” The scanner indicates it was a shooting at the McDonald’s, and police are looking for a “silver Honda” with at least three people inside. We’re heading over to see what we can find out at the scene. 11:43 PM UPDATE: Scanner “be on the lookout” bulletin confirms – it’s a shooting at Westwood Village McDonald’s, “possible suspect vehicle” a silver Accord heading west, four people believed to be inside – described as “black male, Asian male, Hispanic male, Asian female.” No word yet on the victim. 11:54 PM UPDATE: From the scene – The medic unit just left with the shooting victim – IVs could be seen through the window but still no word on age, gender, severity of wounds. (photo by Christopher Boffoli, added later)
We believe we’ve spotted at least one Gang Unit officer at the scene (doesn’t mean it’s gangs for sure but means they’re looking into it – ironic, we were at the gang-violence forum downtown earlier tonight, have not yet written the story). TV crews are on site too. (photo of Gang Unit officer by Christopher Boffoli, added 1:02 am)
12:19 AM UPDATE: From Seattle Police spokesperson Officer Renee Witt: The victim is an adult male shot in the leg, taken to the hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries”; the suspect vehicle is now described as a “gray Honda” with four suspects, and she confirms the Gang Unit is among those on the scene investigating. Photos from the scene shortly.
1:04 AM UPDATE: Adding photos by WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli. This one shows the shell casing police found at the scene (Christopher says nearby residents reported hearing one shot):
4:35 AM NOTE: No word of any arrests so far; we will check again with police later in the morning.
(photo by Kurt Ricketts, added 12:15 am)
… it’s a publicity stunt for the new Microsoft search engine Bing. The Space Needle‘s supposedly lit up orange right now, along with the Pacific Science Center arches – but what you can see from almost anywhere, looking north (we just saw it while out on a walk here in Upper Fauntleroy), is a beam of light straight up into the sky alongside the Needle. Check out this webcam to see for yourself. 1:24 AM NOTE: Adding a second photo taken from West Seattle, this one courtesy of David Rosen from SlickPix Photography:
More than 170 teachers in West Seattle and the rest of the district have been told their jobs will be cut after this school year ends. Tomorrow night, community members concerned about the teacher layoffs plan to rally before the school board’s scheduled 6 pm meeting at district HQ in Sodo (agenda here). We received a West Seattle-specific note about it today – read on:Read More
RACE RESULTS: If you were among the 1,000-plus participants in Sunday’s first-ever West Seattle 5K (WSB coverage, with video of the entire start and the top finisher, here), you can now see the results (and photos) online.
HOOD VS. HOOD: Beth points out that West Seattle is so far “winning” the Hood-to-Hood challenge in the KEXP public-radio pledge drive: “The winning neighborhood will get them delivering some of their shows at a local neighborhood venue for the day as well as bringing in some bands to play at local neighbor hood music venues. Right now West Seattle is in the lead.” Yes, we are beating BALLARD, in fact, with Capitol Hill in third (!?). Check it out here.
GARDEN PARTY: Transitional Resources sends a reminder that its annual Garden Party is coming up this Saturday. It’s a chance to help out in our area’s smallest certified organic garden and also check out noted chef Christine Keff‘s cooking demo, among other fun aspects – full details here.
That’s how Roz refers to what she says has happened at her house – read on:Read More
The latest information from the SWAC Cougars:
One more pre-registration date for SWAC Football and Cheer – June 13, 11 am-2 pm, at Westwood Village Big 5. Registration fee for football is $150 and $100 for cheer. Practices start August 3rd, at Southwest Athletic Complex (east of Southwest Community Center). More info online:
swaccougars.org
Sustainable West Seattle‘s got a movie coming up – here’s the announcement:
Mad City Chickens
a documentary filmMonday, June 15
Doors open @ 6:30 pm (Q&A)
Movie starts @ 7:00 pmYoungstown Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SWCost: $3 donation requested
Mad City Chickens is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards.
From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad scientist and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom.
Highlights:
* Mother Earth News Editor-in-Chief, Cheryl Long
* Leading bird flu expert, Dr. Michael Greger
* Rare behind-the-scenes at Murray McMurray Hatchery
* Backyard Poultry editor, Elaine Belanger
* Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities, Christine Heinrichs
* Stunning results from nutritional study on pastured eggs
* Follow an urban family for an entire year as they take the poultry plunge
* A factory farm hen that refused to die even after being gassed and dumped at a landfillPLUS…coops, birds, eggs, art, images from Seattle Tilth, founding members of the Mad City Chickens group, a California musical hen, a Texas life-saving flock…and yes…even a mad professor and a giant chicken find their way into the mix.
Less than two weeks ago, we got a tour of the Spokane Street construction zone alongside the east edge of the West Seattle Bridge, and an update that work on the new 4th Avenue offramp (aka the future Costco route; rendering above) is ahead of schedule. Today, we have another update from SDOT, including the latest on the ramp and also word of a westbound surface shutdown of Spokane St. later this week – read on:Read More
They haven’t yet announced whether they are going to proceed with fundraising for any additions to California Place Park, but Friends and Neighbors of North Admiral have set the date for the community celebration marking the end of the design process for which they obtained a $15,000 grant: 3:30 pm Saturday, June 20. Musician/entertainer Eric Ode will perform. While the future of the main park site is still a question mark, money for a P-Patch community garden on the “southern triangle” across the street is proceeding through the Parks and Green Spaces Levy allocation process (as reported here last week). It’s been almost exactly a year since first word that a group of neighbors was proposing changes to the tiny park in North Admiral; our archived coverage, newest to oldest, is here.
That’s the trailer for “Princess Bride,” which has just been announced as the first movie in this year’s West Seattle Summer Outdoor Movies on the Wall series – it’ll be shown in the courtyard between Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) and Dr. Wolff on Saturday night, July 18th. Hundreds of suggestions came in and Hotwire’s Lora Lewis is announcing the first and last movies today – two more tomorrow – and the other two on Thursday, and since WSB is a proud co-sponsor of the Movies on the Wall series, we’re bringing the news to you here first. Now, today’s second announcement – the movie that will end the series:
“Cars” will be the final Movies on the Wall showing August 22nd. So which four movies will be shown inbetween? Check back here tomorrow and Thursday for the announcements, and mark your calendar for every Saturday night July 18-August 22; the movies start at dusk, so the time varies week to week. (Wondering what the events are like? Admission’s free – there are charity raffles with cool prizes – and fundraiser concessions. Here’s one of our stories, with photos, from last year.)
Fire units are just arriving now so we don’t have details but we do know some roads are being blocked — so avoid the area around the 9900 block of 33rd SW in Arbor Heights for now. Stand by for details. They’re also calling for a medic unit. 11:16 AM UPDATE: The incident commander at the scene tells us that a “gallon of suspicious liquid” has been found but they’re not sure what it is. The medic unit is standing by just as a precaution. But roads remain closed for a few blocks around. 11:35 AM UPDATE: The container of liquid is just sitting out on the sidewalk in front of a house while fire crews decide how to handle it. Adding a photo from about as close as media’s allowed:
11:43 AM UPDATE: Just got the word, it’s NOT a hazardous material, so this is all about to clear out. Dana Vander Houwen with Seattle Fire Department tells us the original call was from someone who called 911 because they found the gallon container and it was “making their eyes water” – so in order to take no chances, they sent out hazmat. The roads should be reopening momentarily too. Co-publisher Patrick was told at the scene, the liquid turned out to be windshield-washer fluid and motor oil. ADDED 12:33 PM: The pic’s somewhat fuzzy but that blue stuff you see one firefighter bending over is the container that caused the scare:
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The word heard at Monday night’s King County Executive candidates’ forum at Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor) more often than you would expect to hear at a meeting of rivals for a big, open job: Agree.
As in:
“I agree with Dow.”
“I agree with Fred.”
“I agree with Larry.”
“I agree with Ross.”
Of course, consider the fact that all four are Democrats, though they can’t run under that label since King County Executive is a nonpartisan job, made so by the voters last year; also, all four are current or former state legislators. The one major candidate who doesn’t fall under either of those umbrellas, former TV anchor Susan Hutchison, didn’t even respond to repeated invitations to participate tonight, according to organizers from InSPIRe (Seattle Progressives Inspiring Reform), which presented the forum.
The fact three of the candidates even showed up is proof nobody’s writing off West Seattle just because this area’s largest political group, the 34th District Democrats, has already taken a vote supporting hometown guy Constantine. But just because you’re speaking in West Seattle, doesn’t mean you’ll only be read about and heard about in WS, so off we go with coverage of what was and wasn’t said — read on:Read More
We’ve reported this repeatedly but wanted to share the city’s announcement as well:
PARKS TO HOST MORGAN JUNCTION PARK OFFICIAL OPENING AND COMMUNITY
FESTIVALSeattle Parks and Recreation, the Morgan Community Association (MOCA),
and neighbors invite the community to the official grand opening and
ribbon cutting of the new Morgan Junction Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
June 13, 2009.This park opening kicks-off the 4th Annual Morgan Junction Community
Festival (from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), which includes music, children’s
activities and,new this year:the “Bite of Morgan.” The new park is
located at 6401 California Ave. SW in West Seattle and is designed with
both plaza and green space elements, andfeatures an interactive sidewalk
chalk gallery with low profile gallery style frames stamped into the
concrete. A chalk art contest for all ages begins at 11:30 a.m.The creation of this park was a collaboration among Seattle Parks and
Recreation, Seattle Department of Transportation, the Mayor’s Office of
Arts & Cultural Affairs, MOCA, and the West Seattle neighborhood.“This beautiful new park, originally planned in the Morgan Junction
Neighborhood Plan, provides a gathering space for all ages, and is a
showpiece for the heart of our community,” said Steve Sindiong, former
president of MOCA.The Pro Parks Levy and a matching grant from the King County
Conservation Futures Tax provided $747,000 for acquisition of this
.2-acre property. Additionally, the Levy provided $480,000 for
planning, design and construction for the development of this new
neighborhood gathering space.Approved by Seattle voters in 2000, the $198.2 million Pro Parks Levy
funded more than 100 projects throughout the city over the past eight
years. Projects include improvements to athletic fields, playgrounds,
trails and community centers and parks. Funding also increased green
spaces, supported Zoo programs and enhanced park maintenance.For more information please visit:
www.cityofseattle.net/parks/proparks/projects/morgan.htm
We’re counting down to the Friday night party that WSB is co-promoting with the Admiral Theater to celebrate the Seattle International Film Festival‘s first-ever West Seattle run — 25 screenings, June 5-11. As you see on the marquee, the party starts at 5:30; it’s informal, open-house style, so just drop by before about 6:45, when filmgoers will start taking their seats for “The Admiral.” This morning, we have word of more party participants, from Admiral entertainment director Dinah Brein-McClellan, who invited local businesses to be part of the bash: Metropolitan Market is bringing appetizers; Sharon’s Westwood Florist is contributing flowers and balloons. Add that to a creation by Vertu Cakes (based in The Junction) and appearances by the Seafair Pirates and SIFF director Carl Spence. Come help celebrate yet another feather in West Seattle’s increasingly stylish cultural cap, this Friday.
(photo from Cathy Woo, added 6:59 am)
Big callout for “fire in single-family residence” at 59th/Charlestown (map). En route to see what’s happening. 6:46 AM UPDATE: Nothing on the scanner; we’re close to the area and not seeing smoke. Should know shortly what the call is/was about. 6:50 AM UPDATE: At the scene, we’ve learned it was a “small deck fire” — out now. When a fire’s reported at a residence, big or small, there’s always a big initial callout just in case, but almost all of it’s been called off here. Thanks to the many people who e-mailed/texted/called with word of/questions about all the sirens.
Tonight at City Hall downtown (Google Street View above), the city’s gang-related crime is in the spotlight at a free forum, with speakers to include Seattle Police Lt. Ron Wilson, who leads the department’s Gang Unit. It comes one month after what police and prosecutors have declared to be a gang-related shooting at Alki, with the 19-year-old victim described as a known gang member along with the 17-year-old suspect, Anthony Verzola, who is due back in court next Monday at 1 pm and remains jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail. Tonight’s forum is at the Bertha Landes Room on City Hall’s main level, starting at 7 pm; see the full list of speakers here.
Two of West Seattle’s green spaces are in better shape this week than they were last, thanks to work parties with extra volunteer help. First, the photo above from last Saturday was shared by Mike Arizona, volunteer steward for the Delridge Natural Area across from the Chief Sealth High School/Boren campus:
The event was attended by 13 volunteers, all from www.Onlineshoes.com. This was the second time in the past year the kind folks from Onlineshoes reached out to me and asked to set up an event with their employees. We cleared about 2300 square feet of the park of non-native plants (ivy, blackberry, holly), picked up trash and put down a layer of mulch on 1400 square feet. This area is now all ready to be planted with native trees and plants this fall.
The restoration of this site is part of the Green Seattle Partnership project (greenseattle.org) whose goal is to restore all 2500 acres of Seattle’s urban forest parkland. Another great website to get information is www.longfellowcreek.org. The next volunteer work party is June 27 from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information contact Mike Arizona at m_a1533@yahoo.com.
And last Friday, an even-bigger group of volunteers – workers from outdoor-industry businesses that belong to the Conservation Alliance — worked in Lincoln Park:
Krissy Moehl says almost 100 volunteers were there, with help from the Cascade Land Conservancy and Green Seattle, as a Backyard Collective project from the alliance’s ConservationNEXT. Look for a wrapup soon at conservationnext.com/blog.
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