Five top King County Executive candidates confirmed for Burien forum tomorrow

June 10, 2009 11:05 am
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 |   Announcements

Update on the public-safety-focused forum tomorrow in Burien:
Dow Constantine
Ross Hunter
Susan Hutchison
Fred Jarrett
Larry Phillips

all have confirmed, according to organizers. Here’s the announcement again:

The King County Police Chief’s Association is hosting a County Executive Candidate’s Forum on Thursday, June 11th. The candidates running for King County Executive are invited to the forum, which is open to the public and press.

The Police Chief’s Association is comprised of the 34 King County police chiefs, the Sheriff, corrections professionals, as well as state and federal criminal justice partners.

The goal of the candidate’s forum is for each candidate to present their vision for public safety and the criminal justice system in King County. Questions from the chiefs will be asked of the candidates.

WHEN: Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

WHERE; Criminal Justice Training Center’
19010 – 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA

Congratulations! Graduation dates/sites for West Seattle schools

June 10, 2009 10:46 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

wshsgrads.jpg

(2008 WSHS ceremony @ Memorial Stadium, where WSHS and CSHS both graduate this year)
Just in case you were wondering:

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: 5 pm tomorrow, Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL: 7:30 pm tomorrow, SLHS gym.

CHIEF SEALTH HIGH SCHOOL: 1 pm Saturday, Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.

MIDDLE COLLEGE (NON-TRADITIONAL), SOUTH CAMPUS: 7 pm next Wednesday (6/17), Brockey Center at SSCC.

SOUTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: 7:30 pm next Thursday (6/18), Brockey Center at SSCC

And since of course many West Seattle teens attend other schools; here’s the full list of Seattle Public Schools graduation dates/times/places.

At the Court of Appeals: Satterlee House case arguments

Almost 20 years in Seattle news, and there’s always a first. Today: Our first time in the 1st Division, Washington Court of Appeals, 2nd-highest court in the state, which hears cases at One Union Square downtown. satterleelawn.jpgThe case to be argued within the next hour or so: Satterlee House owner William Conner‘s appeal of a King County Superior Court ruling last October (WSB coverage here) upholding the city decision in April 2008 (WSB coverage here) not to let him proceed with a specific proposal for three 2,000-ish-square-foot homes on the lawn of the Beach Drive house also known as “The Painted Lady” (photo left). We do not have permission to photograph here but can tell you by means of scene-setting: This is homier than the usual courtroom; the gallery where lawyers and spectators are sitting has padded bench seating and windows with natural light. Two cases are on the docket before Conner’s lawyer Richard Hill and city lawyer Judy Barbour – who have been on this case all along – get their turn before the panel of three judges, who are sitting in a raised area reminiscent of City Council chambers. (Both already are here – Hill with Conner – seated, waiting, on opposite sides of the courtroom.) Each side in each case gets 10 minutes for their oral arguments – and there’s no messing around – there’s a digital countdown clock, illuminated in red, in front of where the lawyers stand, and once a lawyer begins, it counts down from 10:00. (Of course, plenty of written casework has been submitted well in advance; this is a supplement to that, and a chance for the judges to ask questions, as we are seeing with the first case under way here this morning.) We’ll report later on what’s said here, and what happens next; the audio from the hearing also should be posted later here. 11 AM UPDATE: Arguments were over by 10:30; full story to come – no rulings today – will be checking on a likely timeframe.

Today/tonight: Landmark fight; tunnel talk; candidates; HPIC

Highlights from the WSB Events calendar:

LANDMARK COURT FIGHT: This morning in the Court of Appeals, 1st Division, both sides in the Satterlee House court fight get 10 minutes each for oral arguments in the two-year fight over proposed homebuilding on the landmark Beach Drive home’s lawn.

TUNNEL TALK: 6-8 pm tonight at Madison Middle School, it’s your next chance to comment on the future of the Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct corridor. Specifically, the city, state and federal governments want to hear what you think should be included in the “environmental” studies before the deep-bore tunnel can be built – but that doesn’t just mean ecological impacts. The open-house format meeting also will include displays of the latest information on the project and people who can answer whatever question you have about what’s on the drawing board and how it’ll affect the way you get around.

CANDIDATES’ FORUM: 7 pm tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, West Seattle’s biggest political group, the 34th District Democrats, will host candidates for every major job except County Executive (since they faced off last week across the street). It’s a prelude to their endorsement vote at next month’s meeting, but it’s your best chance this summer to get a look at the candidates in the crowded races that will be narrowed down to two in August.

(added 10:56 am) HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: HPIC meets tonight at its HQ, with potluck/social hour at 6:30 pm, meeting including installation of new officers at 7 pm.

Admiral Neighborhood Assoc., report #2: Pedestrian Plan; park

June 10, 2009 3:35 am
|    Comments Off on Admiral Neighborhood Assoc., report #2: Pedestrian Plan; park
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

admiralogo.jpgOur first report on Tuesday night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting focused on a progress report regarding the upcoming summer concert series. Now, more from the meeting, much of which focused on a presentation about the draft Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan, an agenda item on many of the community meetings we’ve covered lately – and important because you have until next Monday (June 15) to comment on it. On behalf of the city, consultant Peg Staeheli summarized the plan’s key points; as noted before, the PMP is an online document, and as Staeheli put it, it’s worth taking some time to “wander” through the plan. It’s not only about the walkability of local neighborhoods, however – “maintenance is a huge issue,” she observed, which in turn means education of home and business owners regarding their liability for making sure the sidewalks around their properties are usable. (Did you know that whatever’s growing over your sidewalk needs to be cleared for 8 feet of headroom?) The city’s ideal street is a “complete street,” Staeheli added, saying that Morgan/Sylvan through High Point is an example — with landscaping, pedestrian features, and other components. The pedestrian-planning process was more than document creation, she added, saying that city programs/divisions are working together more than ever, looking for opportunities such as the current Fauntleroy road work, which has been preceded by curb cut/ramp creation along much of the stretch that will be repaved. Also from the meeting, Ann Limbaugh from Friends and Neighbors of North Admiral had a quick update on California Place Park, reminding attendees that a celebration of the just-concluded design process is set for one week from this Saturday. The design report from architect Karen Kiest will be made public then, she said.

Click! Design That Fits gets fresh during West Seattle Art Walk

June 10, 2009 3:21 am
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 |   Announcements

From WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits in the Admiral District – a sale, and a theme, kicking off tomorrow night for the Art Walk:

West Seattle Artwalk opening Thursday Jun 11th, 6 – 9pm
featuring the authors of Seattle based Mixed Greens blog
www.mixedgreensblog.com

Click! Design That Fits welcomes authors/photographers Sally Shintaffer and Poppy Barach. Their “locavore” blog is an ongoing tour of the many opportunities to keep a small footprint by truly living locally in the Pacific Northwest. The walls of Click! will be adorned with portraits of edibles featured in Mixed Greens blog posts. Both Sally and Poppy have a gentle photographic style that unveils the beauty of the summer harvest.

The evening will also include in-store give aways, a sampling of recipes featured on their blog including a tasty seasonal cocktail and their photography which will be available for purchase during the entire month of June.

June Sale At Click! beginning during the West Seattle Artwalk
Fresh & Local Design

– share the beauty — all Mixed Greens fresh photo cards — 20% off
– shlep your fresh veggies with out a motor — market trolleys — 20% off
– ideas for your newly fresh kitchen — farm fresh Chronicle book — 20% off
– designed in South Park and poured in Georgetown — urbancase “transistor” and “polaroid” beeswax candles to illuminate your local meal — 20% off
– and just because – sustainably harvested cork jewelry designed and made at Click! — 20% off
– no more bulky grocery bags — envirosax — $9.50 each, 4 for $32
– posh plates to showcase your new found freshness — working class studio veggie plates — $9 each, 4 for $32

Genesee Hill closing ceremony this Saturday (June 13)

June 10, 2009 3:17 am
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 |   Announcements

Thanks to Lashanna for making sure we had this – the closing ceremony for the school building that’s been home to Pathfinder K-8 for more than a decade:

Genesee Hill Closing Ceremony
Saturday June 13 – 10am-2pm

The Pathfinder K-8 program will permanently move to the Cooper Elementary Building in September 2009. Join Pathfinder alumni, staff past & present, and friends to say good-bye to Pathfinder’s home of 14 years, the Genesee Hill Building. Food, activities, and a Closing Ceremony will be part of this special day.

CSI: Seattle — improv at ArtsWest this Thursday and Friday

June 10, 2009 2:51 am
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 |   Announcements

Here’s the announcement from ArtsWest:

What: CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv

When: Thursday & Friday, June 11 & 12, 8:00pm

Price: $10

Where: ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery
4711 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116
www.artswest.org

Box Office: Tickets at the door only

KRAM Improv presents CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv, a fast-paced improvised crime comedy about a team of investigators who use both bleeding-edge science and old-fashioned police know-how to solve crimes.

Inspired by the popular television series, CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv invites the audience to follow criminals, cops and other low-lifes through a different mystery each night. With the savoir-faire of Inspector Clouseau and the subtlety of David Caruso, the intrepid team solves the crimes (usually) and avenges the victims (even when they maybe don’t deserve it).

KRAM is made up of: Angela Bennett, Alex Dittmar, Rachel Jackson, Megan Nyce and Matt Williams.

What’s up with teens? Chris O’Shaughnessy speaks at West Side Presbyterian on June 19

June 10, 2009 2:45 am
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 |   Announcements

Here’s the official announcement:

Friday, June 19, 6:30 – 8, Speaker Event at West Side Presbyterian Church
3601 California Avenue SW
Dessert and coffee at 6:30
Presentation at 7:00

Have you wondered lately ‘how are teens handling this global society’? Teens will
always see things differently than adults but the “lenses” teens see through are
quite different today now due to globalization, affluence, and instant/faceless
communication. Chris O’Shaughnessy, an international speaker and comedian, is
coming to West Seattle to share what he has learned over the past decade from
working with teens and building stronger communities. He will share insight and
background into what he has learned about the current generation of teens’
worldview. Come to learn to understand where teens are coming from, to interact in
a more effective way and to translate what they want for teens into terms teens can
appreciate.

Fauntleroy Community Association: From ferries to feet

A few notes from Tuesday night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting: Gary Dawson briefed the board on Monday night’s Washington State Ferries community meeting in Port Orchard. His quick summary of what WSF boss David Moseley told those on hand: Good news, no foreseeable cuts in service in the near future; bad news, with continuing state money trouble, there are no foreseeable improvements in service either. Dawson also discussed the city’s draft Pedestrian Master Plan, which has been a topic at many recent community meetings, since citizen comments are being accepted now; FCA plans to take outreach action to make sure its members let the city know their opinion about where in Fauntleroy sidewalk improvements are and are not needed – deadline for comments on the plan is next Monday (here’s how to comment). Also at the meeting: FCA president Bruce Butterfield shared the letter the group had promised to write in support of Fauntleroy Community Services Agency‘s ongoing work to buy the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse from Seattle Public Schools; Lynn Olson noted that Night Out signup is under way online (as noted earlier in our report on Pigeon Point’s Monday night meeting); and it was mentioned that Arbor Heights Elementary‘s school carnival is this Saturday (3 pm). For more information on the Fauntleroy Community Association and what’s happening in the community, check out fauntleroy.net.

And another door-to-door alert: Fake cable guys?

Two door-to-door alerts in one night – this one’s from Chris in the Beach Drive area:Read More

Admiral Neighborhood Association: Concert series takes shape

June 9, 2009 9:38 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(video lost due to blip.tv shutdown)

From tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting: The ANA’s first-ever summer concert series (first reported here in April) is taking shape – with two bands lined up, four to go (and 20 possibilities from which to choose!), according to Katy Walum, who’s coordinating the series. The series of concerts on the lawn east of Hiawatha Community Center is set to start July 23rd, continuing every Thursday night through August 27th; the bands lined up so far are Tom Colwell and the Southbound Odyssey – who headlined the recent Pete Seeger 90th-birthday celebration at the Admiral Theater – and the West Seattle Big Band (shown above in a WSB clip from their performance at last year’s summer concert series at The Mount). ANA also is busy lining up sponsors to cover the costs of the free series, and is about three-fourths of the way to its goal (if you’re interested in being a sponsor, you can e-mail katy.walum@gmail.com). The working name for the concert series: Admiral Neighborhood Association’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, and you’ll hear a lot more about it as the summer progresses. (More later on other topics the Admiral group discussed tonight.)

Tomorrow night: Speak out – and find out – about The Tunnel

6-8 pm tomorrow at Madison Middle School, it’s your next major chance to find out — and speak out — about the plan to replace the Central Waterfront section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep-bored tunnel. Reps from the state Transportation Department (which is advertising the meeting on WSB to help get the word out) and other involved agencies/departments will be on hand both to answer your questions and to take your comments, to help shape the environmental-studies process required before tunnel-building can begin. It’s open-house format, so drop by any time between 6 and 8. And remember it’s not just about the tunnel itself – these meetings also offer information about component projects (such as the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project taking shape alongside the east section of the West Seattle Bridge). In the meantime, three working groups continue meeting to discuss specifics regarding how the tunnel and other components of the “transportation corridor” will work — read on for the latest on what they’re up to:Read More

Door-to-door alert from just south of The Junction

Misty wanted to share word of an apparent solicitor in her area within the past hour – read on to see what she wrote:Read More

Admiral Theater “Twisted Flicks” start this Saturday

June 9, 2009 5:22 pm
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 |   Announcements

From the Admiral Theater:

“Ouch your Brains Are Killing Me”

Twisted Films Brings “B Movie to the Admiral For Laughs

Jet City Improv’s Twisted Flicks is a movie experience like no other.
Director, Mike Christensen calls it “fun old movies with a funny new twist.”
The troupe takes a classic, cheesy “B” movie shown without its original
soundtrack. All dialog, sound effects and music are improvised live by their
team of players, based on suggestions from that night’s audience. Each
night, the picture may be the same, but the movie is completely different.
The show is fast-paced, funny and suitable for all ages. To purchase
tickets through Brown Paper Tickets go to:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/finalizeevent.html?e_id=69664

“I remember loving Mystery Science Theater 3000 where one man and his two
robot pals would make fun of a cheesy movie. I am excited to be able to
bring that kind of comedy to the Admiral Theater. It’s unique, spontaneous
and totally fun”. The dates for Twisted Flicks are June 13th; July 24th and
August 21st.

Tickets for the comedy shows are $12.00 and can be purchased through Brown
Paper Tickets or at the door that evening. The Admiral is teaming up with a
few exclusive restaurants who will be offering “Dinner & a Show” discounts.
If you bring your receipt from your meal that evening, you will be given a
coupon which is good for $2.00 off one ticket at the door. These
discounts are only good for those tickets purchased at the theater, not
through Brown Paper Tickets.

Currently, the restaurants participating in the dinner & a show promotion is
Café Revo, Endolyne Joe’s Feedback Lounge and the Mission Bar.

Pigeon Point Council: Crime-fighting reminders, Night Out, more

June 9, 2009 5:18 pm
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 |   Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

High atop the heights of northeastern West Seattle, signs like that help get the word out about the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Councils meetings – like the one we covered last night at Cooper School. The impending transition at that school was one of the topics – as was something a little further into the future, Night Out block parties (not that far away – August 4th is the date – and registration just opened) – and more immediate concerns about crime-fighting – plus the saga of the buried bunker! – read on for the highlights:Read More

Myrtle Reservoir update: 4 months of pre-park work ahead


View Larger Map

Back in March, when we checked on the status of work at Myrtle Reservoir, which has now been “covered” — with a park coming to the new open space that was created – park project manager Virginia Hassinger told us she was hopeful the site would be turned over “this fall.” Today we’ve received an update from the city, saying the rest of the work on the reservoir site will start later this month – so nearby residents should watch for a return of construction activity – to be complete “by the end of October.” Hassinger has said that once the site is turned over to Parks for construction, the park should take about three months to “build.” (Here’s the approved design.)

Full City Council coming to West Seattle to hear from you

June 9, 2009 3:15 pm
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 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

June 25, the Seattle City Council‘s coming to The Hall at Fauntleroy for a Town Hall meeting – focused on youth violence, public schools and tree protection. Thanks to Ron Angeles for sharing the announcement (which also includes word of similar meetings elsewhere in the city) – read on for details:Read More

Showdown ahead? “Trespass notice” posted at “Nickelsville” site

Is another showdown ahead at the “Nickelsville” homeless-camp site on the eastern edge of West Seattle (2nd SW and Highland Park Way, as reported here Saturday morning)? We happened to get a photo of the “trespass notice” earlier today (above) and had been checking into its implications – now we’ve received an update from Nickelsville spokesperson Revel Nt:

TODAY Washington State Department of Transportation posted an undated trespass notice at the Nickelsville encampment.

Governor Gregoire’s Senior Adviser Ron Judd visited Nickelsville and talked with campers.

Wa State Attorney General Rob McKenna said state law does not allow temporary agreements regarding state land.

At this time, Governor Gregoire hasn’t decided what is possible or not yet regarding their stay on that site.

Ron Judd is coordinating a meeting between the Mayor’s Office, Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis and Nickelsville. We don’t know whether Mayor Nickels will meet with them directly.

Nickelsville asks that everyone please contact Governor Gregoire at (360)902-4111 or e-mail: govcommoffice@gov.wa.gov, and ask the Governor for negotiations for their stay.

Seattle Police taking applications now for Community Police Academy

We know several people who’ve done this and they say it’s an unforgettable experience – here’s the official announcement from Seattle Police:

Seattle Police now taking applications for the Community Police Academy

Want to learn about the role of police officers? What is CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)? How about having the opportunity to ride-along with a police officer while patrolling Seattle streets and neighborhoods?

The Seattle Police Department is now taking applications for the fall Community Police Academy to begin Thursday, September 17, 2009. Classes are held once a week for 10 weeks from 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The Community Police Academy is designed to provide Seattle residents an opportunity to learn first hand about how the Seattle Police Department works. Classes focus on patrol operations and procedures, the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA), the criminal justice process, crimes against persons/property, bias crimes, narcotics, SWAT, CSI, use of force, officer safety and defensive tactics, firearms/mock scenes, domestic violence, elder abuse, arson/bomb, traffic, K-9, and arrest procedures, along with criminal law. Opportunities include ride-alongs with patrol officers. Graduates benefit from the facts and best practices of policing, and receive a program certificate upon completion of the course.

Space is limited, so all are encouraged to apply early. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, July 10, 2009. To apply, go to:

seattle.gov/police/programs/policeacademy/default.htm or call 206-684-8672 for more information.

Need something shredded? Go to Beacon Hill this Saturday

June 9, 2009 2:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Need something shredded? Go to Beacon Hill this Saturday
 |   Announcements

Pete Spalding forwards word of an event that Verity Credit Union is putting on in two Puget Sound communities – Beacon Hill’s not that far away:

Every year we host a Shred-A-Thon, or two, to aid our branch communities in safe disposal practices of confidential and sensitive information. This year, Beacon Hill and Alderwood will be hosting a Shred-A-Thon at each of their branch locations on Saturday, June 13th from 10 am-2 pm. A shred truck will be provided at each location for the disposal of sensitive paper waste (anyone is welcome) which, as we all know, aids in the prevention of fraud and identity theft. In addition to this once a year benefit, BH and AW will be asking for minimum $5 donations or non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon Hill and Lynnwood food banks. Not only are we aiding in the prevention of fraud and identity theft, we are helping our local communities in need.

The Beacon Hill branch of Verity Credit Union, by the way, is at the VA hospital at 1660 S. Columbian Way; here’s a map.

Grand opening Thursday: Curious Art Kids and Curious Party Kids

This Thursday night, 6-8 pm – whether or not you’re already in The Junction for the monthly Art Walk — the owner of Curious Kidstuff (WSB sponsor), Ann Walker, invites you to drop in for the grand opening of Curious Art Kids (photo above) and Curious Party Kids (photo below). She explains:

The Little Artist Studio has closed after years of giving children a place to enjoy, learn and create. We say goodbye to Penny Bellemans Smith and wish her well; we will miss you. (We) have worked hard to remodel and get prepared to teach toddler, preschool, summer camps and art for older kids as well as birthday parties.

We have created a festive room to celebrate birthday parties that include an art class and quality birthday favors. We even have Nail Time, who will provide a group of tweens with fingernail painting and a class on fashion design. I feel very fortune to have Rachel Jensen, Christina McDonell and Maria Esztergalyos as teachers for these classes. They have worked diligently to pull all this together; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Please come Thursday, June 11th, from 6 pm to 8 pm to celebrate the opening of the studio and party room. You can sign up for classes if you would like or just have a cupcake and chat. Art Walk will be going on that evening as well. We have programs available now for art classes and birthday parties at the bottom of the stairs in Curious Kidstuff. Call and register – pay by phone if you’d like. Classes will fill up fast, so don’t wait too long.

Curious Kidstuff is at 4740 California SW (map), 206-937-8788.

“Hands-On Henna!” at the High Point Library on June 15

June 9, 2009 12:31 pm
|    Comments Off on “Hands-On Henna!” at the High Point Library on June 15
 |   Announcements

Just received this announcement from teen-services librarian Dennis Carlisle:

Hands-On Henna!
Monday June 15, 3 p.m.
High Point Library
3411 SW Raymond St.

Create and wear great-looking art! Discover this beautiful form of body adornment
and learn about the fascinating history and traditions of henna with artist Krysteen
Lomonaco. This is a free Summer Reading Program event for teens only (12 – 18 yrs.
old). Not suitable for large groups such as summer camps. Registration is not
required but registration guarantees a seat. For more information, please call
206-684-7454