West Seattle, Washington
22 Sunday
Brighter nights ahead – but in the short run, some slower going, according to this SDOT traffic alert (which we’ll link to our Events calendar for reminders when the weekend arrives):
This weekend, April 4 and 5, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crews will assist Seattle City Light crews while they work on the overhead lighting of the Spokane Street Viaduct between I–5 and First Avenue South. The work will require lane closures. SDOT will close the right westbound lane from 12 midnight on Friday to 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 4. The next night, from 12 midnight on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, the right lane eastbound will be closed. Motorists should use extra caution through the work zones.
Just received this – according to the online signup form, they only have about a fifth of the 500-plus volunteers they need:
Seattle Homeless Needs Assessment
You still have time to sign up to participate in the first Homeless Needs Assessment in Seattle!With the University of Washington providing technical expertise, the Homeless Needs Assessment is a joint effort coordinated by the City of Seattle, United Way of King County and the Committee to End Homelessness in King County. On Monday, April 13, from 9 p.m. to midnight, teams of volunteers will be deployed all over Seattle to survey the unsheltered homeless people. All volunteers must attend a short training session prior to participating in the assessment. Please see the list of training options below.
The Homeless Needs Assessment will empower people who are homeless to have a direct voice in articulating what they need to end their homelessness. The information we gather will help improve the services we provide to people who are homeless.
Please visit www.seattle.gov/homelessneeds for more information and to sign up as a volunteer team member or team leader.
Questions? Contact Heather at homelessneeds@seattle.gov or 386-1084.
There are numerous options for training sessions to attend, starting as soon as tonight. The online signup form is here. Click ahead to see the training-session dates/times:Read More
The King County Water Taxi is aboard the good ship WSB Sponsorship as of this week, and we’re now just three days away from the start of its 2009 season. A news release just came in with a few more details about this Sunday’s noon-2 pm kickoff celebration, including giveaway and music details – read on!Read More
Back on Tuesday, we published video and photos from Gary … now, Cynthia sends two close-up looks at a high-flying Alki regular:
Cynthia took those photos near Cactus on Sunday. So — how many bald eagles are around here, you ask? Here’s one measure: The Seattle Audubon Christmas Bird Count tallied 54 within a 7.5-mile radius of Pioneer Square; see the results here.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Cynthia had one more photo to share:
(Skillet promotional clip from 8/2008 – find other clips on this YouTube channel)
The portable cuisine of Skillet may soon turn up on this side of the bay. Thanks to Clint for the tip – he saw it in the Skillet newsletter, and we found it repeated online:
additionally we are probably going to be moving away from our sunday fremont experiment and looking for a west seattle location… probably shooting for the 19th of the month
Clint adds, “If you’ve experienced Skillet’s cuisine, you’ll agree that having the trailer in our neighborhood would make for a superb take-home Sunday brunch. I’d be curious to see how many other WSB devotees feel the same way. Maybe we can convince Skillet that WS would make a good home.” We’ll see what more we can find out (meantime, you can explore their main info site here).
1 year, 2 buildings, 4 meetings, and it may all come down to tonight – or not. The most closely watched project in The Junction — Conner Homes‘ proposal for 2 buildings along the south side of Alaska from California to 42nd and one big garage beneath them both — returns to the Southwest Design Review Board tonight, almost a full year after its first turn before the board. Though Design Review is not the final stage of the process in which public comment is allowed, it IS the only stage in which you can stand up and offer your comments (relevant to design issues) in person. Here’s our coverage of the previous review March 12th; the one before that, May 2008; and the first one, April 2008. The city’s official project-status page is here. Tonight’s meeting is at West Seattle Christian Church, 6:30 pm.
Got the news via Twitter (thanks @rebekahdenn and @experiencewa) that Spring Hill Restaurant proprietor Mark Fuller is one of Food and Wine‘s 2009 Best New Chefs, one of 10 nationwide.
Just got that photo from John Smersh at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in the Admiral District, who noticed on his way home that Dante’s shoe store (near Zatz A Better Bagel on California just north of Admiral) has shut down. The signs direct deliveries and customers to the other Dante’s store in Olympia; the West Seattle phone number is already disconnected and forwarding to the Olympia number (which is on the store’s webpage).
Didn’t want to wait till daylight for a photo, once Matthew e-mailed us to point out the subtle alteration that’s been made on the sign at what’s been dubbed Hole-In-The-Ground Foods. (Added Thursday afternoon: The daylight view)
On the way back to WSB HQ from there, we did a double-take (and a pull-over) once we saw the sign at right: The first “Shop Cat” profile is being plugged on the West Seattle Nursery sign! If you missed the story of Seth, who holds court at WSN (by the way, you can meet him during the nursery’s annual Spring Open House on April 11, see it here. And watch for the next West Seattle “Shop Cat” profile either tomorrow or Friday.
First, out of the WSB inbox, from Robin:
Chief Sealth High School students and members of the Nature Consortium are hosting another work party at the West Duwamish Greenbelt. It will be held this Saturday April 4th from 10am to 2pm. We will meet in the Cooper Elementary School parking lot. We need all the help we can get, so come join us!
Second – this Saturday is also the monthly work party for Friends of Lincoln Park, who will meet at 9 am in the parking lot across from SW Rose. (Every week, we list work parties in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, published on Friday mornings.)
(WSB photo from 3/4/09)
We photographed that scene just a month ago, as Seattle City Light continued a year-plus program of stepped-up tree trimming aimed at reducing weather-related outages, since many are caused by wind-spurred conflicts between tree limbs and power lines. But today, there’s word SCL will be cutting down on tree-cutting because of spending reductions; according to this news release, it’ll also mean longer times for street-light repairs (which already are running weeks behind, according to what we discovered in February) and longer wait times when you call the utility.
(WSB photo of city-owned grader doing snow-removal work 12/23/08)
As discussed during the post-Snowpocalypse ’08 debriefings, the city has promised to get more snow-removal backup lined up for future use. (Here’s our coverage of the January 6th hearing in which SDOT boss Grace Crunican revealed how little private help they actually summoned last December.) Toward that end, the city is now officially seeking proposals, due April 14, for private, on-call, on-retainer snow-removal help. So what are they looking for? Thinking it might make interesting reading on this snowflake-dotted day, we pulled a few excerpts – read on (or just go here to see the whole document):Read More
Just announced by Galena White, ringleader of the Delridge Produce Cooperative campaign: “This summer, Delridge Produce Cooperative wants to give away hundreds of reusable, compactible nylon tote bags to help get out the message, ‘I want a produce cooperative on Delridge!’ Reusable totes are environmentally sustainable, and are great for carrying home fresh produce. We are holding a contest for the best artistic design to put on the tote which expresses the theme, “I want a produce cooperative on Delridge!” The design should be less than a foot square and contain only the colors black and white. Full-size foldable designs can be dropped off at the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association office at 5411 Delridge Way SW. Put your submission in the envelope marked, “Delridge Produce Co-Op,” along with attached sheet with your full name, address, phone number and email address. Submissions are due by April 28th; 1st prize is $48, 2nd prize is $32, and 3rd prize is $16. Judges will be the board members of Delridge Produce Cooperative. All ages are welcome!”
One week ago today (WSB coverage here), that vacant North Delridge house in the 5400 block of 26th SW (map) was cleaned out by a city crew; it’s now slated to be auctioned off on April 17th foreclosure auction. The ongoing issue of Delridge-area problem properties – from vacant and squatter-besieged, to occupied but debris/deterioration-plagued – is one of the items on the agenda for tonight’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting, 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (map). NDNC co-chair Mike Dady, who has been working a long time to get the city to take notice of the issue, has finally succeeded, and we are now two days away from a tour he plans to lead of some of the problem spots (community members invited, meeting time/place is 2:30 pm Friday at Delridge Uptown Espresso). City Councilmember Sally Clark and Department of Planning and Development director Diane Sugimura have already RSVP’d, and since our original reports on this, the mayor’s public-safety liaison, Julien Loh, also has contacted Mike, who has invited the mayor to join the tour; a city attorney’s office rep is expected to be along too. (12:25 pm addition: We’re also told Councilmember Tim Burgess will be there, as will Department of Neighborhoods director Stella Chao.) One other development: The city’s Customer Service Bureau director has circulated a note reiterating city codes regarding properties like these — read on to see it (we’ve added inline links to the code sections she mentions):Read More
(video from WSB HQ added 9:45 am – mostly just to record the proof, for posterity)
Yes, that’s a bit of snow mixed in with the rain right now. Temperature’s currently a few degrees above freezing so not likely to get TOO serious, but the official forecast even mentions it. Last year, if you’ve forgotten, we saw snow as late as April 19th. 10:12 AM NOTE: According to comments also coming in via Twitter (@westseattleblog) – where even a religious leader is complaining about it – Facebook (WS Blog), and e-mail, this is happening all over the place – Tukwila, Kent, Everett, Bremerton, downtown, and myriad West Seattle neighborhoods.
ADDED 10:30 AM: Seems even the little ones have mixed feelings about our endless winter. This photo shared by Bronwyn in Belvidere seems to capture the ambivalence:
The Wednesday night speaker series at Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor), “Re-creating Community in Our Day,” concludes tonight with Michael Ramos from the Church Council of Greater Seattle discussing “The Promise and Pain of Diversity in Shaping Community.” 7 pm in the church fellowship hall, free, or come early for a simple supper (by donation) at 6 pm. (We had the privilege of being part of this series a few weeks ago; here’s our report from that night.)
From Peg Nielsen at SDOT:
No details except that there is a report of a water main break at 6th Ave S and S Spokane St. Seattle Police are on the scene directing traffic. Avoid the area to avoid delay.
Any later updates, we’ll add to this item.
3:20 PM UPDATE: Just in from SDOT and SPU:
A watermain break in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue South and South Spokane Street this morning prevented traffic that was exiting from I-5 from turning right at Sixth Avenue South. The emergency work will pause by 3 p.m. today and all traffic movements will be restored during the peak period. Crews from Seattle Public Utilities plan to resume work at 10 p.m. this evening and work through the night. They plan to keep all lanes open to traffic tonight, if possible.
We wanted to take a moment to let you know about one of the newest WSB sponsors: 
Cherry Blossom Aesthetics and Boutique. As is customary when a new sponsor comes on board, we offer them the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what Cherry Blossom‘s Aimee Bonomo says: I have been a licensed aesthetician for 10 years. I practiced in Las Vegas for 8 years before moving to West Seattle and opening the Cherry Blossom. I have had a variety of extended-education classes including body treatments, facial peels, HydraFacial, LED lights and MAC pro. I am always taking new classes to better serve my clients. I work with Virginia Rain, who is a wonderful permanent makeup artist and Pranic Healer. Virginia has been an aesthetician for 9 years and has lived in West Seattle for 15 years. We offer HydraFacial, which is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation. This serum-based resurfacing improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, congested pores, hyper-pigmentation and acne with no discomfort or down time. The Professional LED lights are amazing for hyper-pigmentation, collagen production, inflammation, and acne. Permanent makeup makes it possible to look better around the clock without spending so much time. It works great for sensitive skin, and active, outdoor lifestyles. Get $50 off your first HydraFacial and 50% off permanent makeup. Call for an appointment or come by. We look forward to hearing from you soon: (206) 933-2824.
Thanks to Cherry Blossom Aesthetics and Boutique for joining the WSB sponsor team, full list here with info on how to join!
As Rick R. put it, tonight’s sunset was simply golden — that’s the view from Fauntleroy. (Probably no encore tomorrow — the forecast looks wet and breezy.) A couple miles east, and a few hours earlier, it was Day 2 of Spring Break Camp at Denny Middle School in Westwood:
Denny principal Jeff Clark sent those photos with word that this camp is recordbreaking:
Yesterday and today, we have had 225 kids at school increasing their skills in reading, math, writing, science, and music. Our break camp programs are designed to create learning opportunities for our students beyond the regular school year calendar. The previous attendance record for a break camp at Denny was approximately 100 students, so this week’s daily total of 225 is amazing. I would like to congratulate our outstanding students for their efforts and thank our terrific staff for making this opportunity possible–go, Denny Dolphins!
Got news about your school, group, or ? — please let us know — the various ways to reach us are all listed here.
First, from Matt Schlede at the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor):
The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA are now registering for youth t-ball/baseball, ages 4-10 year olds. Registration ends April 9th. One practice during the week, and one game one Saturdays at EC Hughes Park. Season starts April 27th. Financial assistance available. Register online at westseattleymca.org or in person at either YMCA; questions to mschlede@seattleymca.org
Second:
This announcement’s from Darin Smith:
The Hiawatha Tae Kwon Do Club is looking for new members for its ongoing classes at the Hiawatha Community Center in West Seattle. Adults (18 and older) can sign up to learn Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art known for its fast sparring techniques, dynamic forms, and strong kicks. The classes involve an International Tae Kwon Do (ITF) based style with emphasis on proper technique, physical fitness, and mental discipline. The club is focused on self-improvement in a non-competitive atmosphere that promotes unity, respect, and indomitable spirit. Classes cost $30/month and meet Mondays & Thursdays 7-8:30pm and Saturdays 11:15am-1:15pm. Beginners are definitely welcome and preferred; new students can join at any time! Please call (206) 684-7441 for questions or registration information.
Twitter user “seakobi“ sent that via TwitPic, taken from Alki about half an hour ago – and we got notes from Barb and Robin wondering about the helicopter. Clearly a Coast Guard chopper, but we aren’t having any luck getting the CG on the phone; no rescue calls on 911, so perhaps training? May not be able to verify till tomorrow, but if you happen to know, please chime in. And thanks to “seakobi” for the photo. ADDED 8:34 PM: And this one too:
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: From comments, official confirmation (and yes, the IP address checks out):
The crews from Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., and Station Seattle were doing their weekly helicopter operations training March 31. Nice photos from your reader.
Paul Roszkowski, Chief Public Affairs Specialist, U. S. Coast Guard
This scene should be cleared soon but for the moment, it’s a little slow-going at 44th/Alaska, either westbound on Alaska or northbound on 44th, because a van went up on the sidewalk on the corner at Wells Fargo (background of photo above). It’s about to be towed away – not sure if the building is damaged till we see what happened when the van’s gone; no word of any injuries. (Thanks to everybody who called about this one – 206-293-6302 if news breaks and you’re away from your computer.) 6:16 PM UPDATE: An SDOT worker’s here now; the damage appears to include a knocked-down street sign and fire hydrant, as well as some lost shrubbery.
Earlier this month, Seattle Public Schools lawyers noted during a School Board meeting that a hearing was set April 1st on a court challenge to the district’s planned $1.8 million sale of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (and part of its surrounding property) to the Fauntleroy Community Services Agency. Checking with the district this afternoon, we learned there’s no hearing tomorrow after all, because there’s been a preliminary ruling in the case: The district was told it indeed has the authority to sell the property, according to SPS spokesperson David Tucker, but they expect the case to move on to the Court of Appeals, which means it may not be settled till next year. We checked next with FCSA’s Kevin Wooley, who tells WSB that the group is now trying to decide “how to go forth” — if they close on the deal as planned, they could wind up in the middle of potentially costly litigation; if they don’t close on the deal as planned, some of the money they’ve secured from the city, state, and other sources could be in jeopardy. For now, Wooley says, they are going ahead as planned, and he says there’s no particular date right now by which they need to make a decision, but he says the court situation is “kind of disappointing” and ultimately “could mess up the whole sale.” The group that’s been suing to challenge district sales of property like the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse has contended that the district should keep the property for future school use; Wooley’s contention is that “we’ve been leasing the building for more than 20 years and there’s no way it’s ever going to be used again as a public school.”
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