West Seattle, Washington
07 Friday
Thanks to Cindy McComish for that photo from Colman Pool at Lincoln Park, where the Seattle Open swim meet continues through tomorrow (replacing the regular public swimming schedule). Cindy writes, “Congratulations to all the swimmers who work hard to qualify to be in this meet. Come watch youth from western Washington go fast!” (She’s parent to a West Seattle YMCA [WSB sponsor] Dolphin swimmer.)
Driving through White Center this afternoon, we noticed fireworks stands like that one set up in a few spots. In unincorporated King County and the few other places where personal fireworks are still legal, they go on sale at noon Sunday, but you’re only allowed to use them 9 am-midnight on July 4th (except for Normandy Park, where the use period is the same as the sales period). Here’s the full King County list of fireworks rules – note they are banned in Seattle and in Burien, which is relevant to part of White Center, since that means a change if the “North Highline South Annexation” proposal passes in the August 18th election. And if somehow you haven’t heard, reminder, NO Elliott Bay fireworks on the Fourth, since Ivar’s canceled them; if you’re still trying to decide where to go instead, here’s the full statewide list of fireworks shows.
It’s on our latest West Seattle Weekend Lineup – but we got extra details courtesy of Mike – good thing tonight’s Easy Street After Hours is “all ages” because the lineup includes 9- and 10-year-old musicians! The West Side Music Academy Girl Band is from a class that’s described on the WSMA website this way:
This class is designed for the experienced girl rocker who likes a challenge. This 5 day class includes playing several instruments, working with peers, rehearsing songs, and preparing for a real rock show at the end of the week. SO FUN!
So come cheer them on, during the 9 pm “Easy Street After Hours” show tonight (also with Exploding High Fives and Black Swedes, $5 cover). 5:29 PM P.S. – Mike adds that the WSMA band performing tonight is called Pop Rox and its members are 9-12 years old: “This is the culmination of the last five days of hard rocking by Danielle Howard, Annie Murphy, Olivia Norberg, Maryellen Fleming, Oly Mosely and Erica Schwartz.”
That’s one of four benches that are being installed this afternoon in front of the new loft-townhouse development at 1716 California SW (map). The benches, and the open-space easement they represent, will be at the heart of a celebration tomorrow morning, because of the neighborhood success story they represent, something we’ve told you a bit about before: In March of last year, we wrote about nearby residents’ concerns about whether the development would honor open-space easement requirements linked to a onetime Seattle City Light substation site on the property. Over the ensuing months, a plan was worked out, and we got final word recently from author/historian Clay Eals, who lives nearby; we didn’t shoot a closeup of the inscription on the benches, but he shared the text:
OPEN SPACE FOR ALL
Enjoy these benches for a brief respite. Thanks to the City of Seattle and to the owner of the project that replaced the City Light substation on this site, this 100-foot frontage strip is an easement for public use from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through May 2026.
This open space is privately owned and maintained. Please pick up any stray items when you leave. Palm Avenue neighbors thank you!
As our 3/08 report noted, City Councilmembers got involved too, and one of them – Councilmember Jean Godden (described by Eals as “our champion to insure that a public easement was included in the sale documents”) – is expected to speak at tomorrow morning’s official unveiling of the benches. You’re welcome too – 10 am, out front at 1716 California SW, across from Park West.
That’s one of our photos from last year’s “Field Day” with ham-radio operators set up in the field on the south side of the South Seattle Community College campus on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge. They’ve always been open to having you stop by and see what their exercise is all about each year – but this time around, they’re ENCOURAGING you to visit – Jeff Cacy explains why:
Ham Radio operators will be operating a radio station from the field just south of South Seattle Community College. The event runs from 11:00 am Saturday to 11:00 am Sunday. You can’t miss us – we are in the big tent in the field by the south parking lot.
We need your help to stop by and participate in our simulated emergency. This event is put on by the Auxiliary Communication Service of the City of Seattle and we will be operating our radios from solar panels, batteries and generators.
If you are in any way interested in emergency preparedness (and you should be here in earthquake and winter-storm country) or in radio communication, please stop by. We will be operating all night, so there is no reason to let your schedule or mistaken need for sleep stop you.
This special event is called Field Day. It happens each year in June and is in the form of a contest where we see how many stations we can talk to in 24 hours. Thousands of similar stations all around the country have moved radios and batteries out in the field and erected various forms of antennas for the event. We will have a digital station, voice and satellite communications, plus some others as more people bring out their radios. You might be talking through a satellite as we will have a mobile satellite station set up as well – it all depends on the passes of the low-earth orbiting satellites we use, but there are dozens to choose from.
One of the parts of the contest is have people like you come by and try out our radios – we will coach you through and all you need is to put on some headphones and squeeze a microphone to talk to another station anywhere in the US or Canada. We need at least 20 people to stop by and participate to get some bonus points in the contest. We also need some public officials to stop by, so if you know of any in West Seattle, we sure hope to see them (I can think of several…).
Any ham radio operators who might not have been active in a while are also encouraged to stop by anytime in the 24 hour period.
Call Curt Black – 206 755-4541 for more information or more encouragement. You are allowed to feed the operators, so feel free to bring some life support, but please no alcohol since we are on South Seattle Community College property.
Hope to see everyone there!
Just spotted while driving through The Junction.
It’s a West Seattle summer tradition – the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s annual berry sale – and it starts today with strawberries. Even if you haven’t placed an advance order, you should be able to buy some on the spot (we’re told they “ordered extras”) – look for the truck in the south parking lot of Admiral Safeway, 2-6 pm today and 9 am-3 pm Saturday. (If you’ve placed an advance order, be sure to pick it up no later than 2 pm Saturday.) You can also order raspberries and blueberries (July pickup dates) through the Rotary Club’s website right now.
Daunted by that list of road closures elsewhere in the city (including The Viaduct on Saturday)? No worries – no need to leave West Seattle this weekend, with a slate of activities including the Westwood Village Street Fair on Saturday (come see us at the WSB table!) and the West Seattle Farmers’ Market 10th anniversary celebration on Sunday (including WSB sponsor Square 1 Books‘ tent sale at The Market and free berry sundaes!), lots of indoor and outdoor live music (including an all-ages Easy Street After Hours tonight) … more than 40 events ahead in the full West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
It’s home to so much West Seattle history – cared for with the help of volunteers and donations – all in a historic-by-itself log house on Alki. Now the Log House Museum has announced it’s been awarded some vital assistance in caring for its collection – read on for the news release:Read More
Though our big street-closing festival is still two weeks away (West Seattle Summer Fest, July 10-11-12), much of the rest of the city has so much going on this weekend, we’re sharing the official SDOT advisory. Top of the list of what might affect you will be the Saturday Alaskan Way Viaduct closures for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon – this advisory amends the hours a bit – see what else is up; read on:Read More
Playing Talarico’s tonight, a West Seattle musician who’s battled his way back from a serious injury.
By Jonathan Stumpf
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Trevor Ras knows a little something about perseverance.
Three years ago, this West Seattle resident and musician went out surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif., and twenty-four hours later landed in the hospital with a fractured vertebrae. “When I got out of the hospital five days later,” Ras said, “everything had changed for me at that point. I was in pain everywhere. The next six months, that was the real test.”
His life up until that fateful day?
Just published at White Center Now, our roundup from Thursday night’s South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition meeting. The headlines: Crime’s not the same on both sides of the line; White Center’s getting a walking map; and the group bids one of its leaders goodbye. Story and photos here.
Just last night, we mentioned that West Seattle writer Georgie Bright Kunkel is planning another presentation involving her group of local “Rosie the Riveters.” Tonight – Georgie just sent something she wrote after the news of Michael Jackson‘s death (which hasn’t been WSB main-page fodder till now, but is being discussed in the WSB Forums and on the WSB Facebook page along with millions of other places on- and offline). Read on for Georgie’s unique remembrance (which explains the photo above):Read More
We’re at The Hall at Fauntleroy, where City Council President Richard Conlin is one of four councilmembers here (with Tim Burgess, Nick Licata and Sally Clark) for the “town hall” meeting tackling three topics: Youth violence, public schools, and tree protection. The latter is one of his signature issues, so our photo shows him facilitating one of the small-group discussions into which the meeting has split. Almost 100 people are here, and we’re in the second round of small groups – based on a show of attendee interest, each small-group round has had two groups talking about youth violence, one about schools, one about trees. The facilitators are asking participants for their ideas regarding those issues – and after this round of discussions is over, we’ll all hear brief reports on those ideas; we’ll add a summary here later, and “what happens next” – the gathering is scheduled to continue till 9. After sitting in on the tree conversation, we’re now in a youth-violence session; in both, participants have announced themselves as being from other areas of the city – this is the only council “town hall” south of the Ship Canal this time around, and we’ve heard from people so far who are here from Beacon Hill and Rainier Beach, among other areas (a few from the north end too – Capitol Hill and Magnolia). 8:58 PM UPDATE: The meeting has wrapped up. Will add the toplines soon. 11:35 PM UPDATE: Read on for our full report:Read More
First coyote report in a while – Robert writes:
I took this shot of a brave coyote in my driveway, abutting the south side of Schmitz Park, this afternoon about 12:30 PM. He sure seemed confident while making his way to my trash can, as if he was on his way to belly up to his buffet line. Owners of small dogs and cats might want to take notice.
Our previously received coyote reports (some including photos/video) are all archived here, newest to oldest. Not sure what to do to coexist peacefully with them (as advocated by authorities)? Here’s a story we did last year.
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Kayle Shulenberger, MA-CCC-SLP, 
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Kayle has recently moved her office from the University District to West Seattle and she’s available to see children in their homes. If you have a child with speech production disorders and language delay, Kayle has a few openings for new clients right now.
Kayle has been in private practice for the majority of her career. She’s also had experience in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and as a clinical supervisor at Western Washington University. Her references are available upon request and she’s received positive reviews on Yelp. Also, Kayle bills Premera, Regence and Aetna insurance companies for covered speech pathology services. You’ll find her online – with contact information – at kaylespeech.com.
Thanks to Kayle Shulenberger, Licensed Speech Language Pathologist for supporting 24/7 community news/information/discussion by sponsoring WSB; our full sponsor lineup, and info on how to become part of it, is on our Advertise! page.
From Colin at 15th SW/Holden in Highland Park (map):
My roommate had his car’s wheels and rims stolen last night on 15th ave SW during some point of the evening. Woke up in the morning and found the car on blocks, looks like it’s very professionally done, no neighbors heard anything though we lived on a packed street. Keep your eyes open at night, looks like some serious tire/rim thieves are on the loose.
Reminder – the South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition (whose turf includes part of Highland Park) meets tonight, 6 pm, St. James Place, 9421 18th SW (map).
Just announced by ArtsWest in The Junction:
ArtsWest’s Online Auction
The Auction Ends: SUNDAY, JUNE 28 at 11:59pm
Where: http://www.artswest.org/?q=onlineauction
Or http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/kayleej206_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ
Seattle, WA: For supporters who missed ArtsWest’s fabulous TEN PARTY or were there but want the chance to do more, ArtsWest announces our first ever Online Auction!
40 Fantastic Items are available to bid on until Sunday, June 28 at 11:59pm.
SPOTLIGHT ITEMS include
~ Retro Electric Scooter by E-Moto ~
~ Guided Bike Tour with Picnic Lunch ~
~ Eight Hours with a Contractor ~
Visit Ebay to bid on these and other great items and experiences and support ArtsWest!
Gala Sponsor: Union Bank of California
Thank you to corporate table sponsors & community leaders:
Catherine Irby-Arnold & Schuyler Arnold, Harbor Properties, King & Oliason, Eugene Wong – Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson PLLC, Once Foundation, Phyllis & Jeffrey Nomura, Judy Pigott – Personal Safety Nets™, Carey & Steve Richardson, Debra Smiley , Dr. Catherine Sparks – Sparks Chiropractic Health Center, Judy Burbrink – Villa HeidelbergSpecial thanks to patron table sponsors:
Jim Guenther & Sandy Adams, Dawn Leverett & Reis Pearson, Kathleen & Slater Marshall, Tonya Strozier, Sheila Weaver & Gordon Wiehler, Tim & Nancy Woodland
Announced today by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle:
Sen. McDermott, Rep. Pedersen to Receive the Tikkun Olam Legislative Tribute from
the Jewish Federation of Greater SeattleSEATTLE – On June 25, Senator Joe McDermott and Representative Jamie Pedersen will
be receiving the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s 2009 Tikkun Olam Legislative
Tribute at our annual meeting.This award recognizes legislators who embody the concept of tikkun olam, “repairing
the world.” This year, we are recognizing these two legislators for their work to
expand civil rights in Washington State by shaping and passing two pieces of
legislation: comprehensive hate crimes legislation and expansion of legal
protections for gay and lesbian couples.“The Jewish community is proud to have Senator McDermott and Representative Pedersen
as partners in the important work of promoting equal rights for all,” commented Ron
Leibsohn, Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.Senator Joe McDermott entered the Washington House of Representatives in 2001.
Along with then Rep. Ed Murray, he has worked year after year to pass legislation
protecting gay and lesbian people from discrimination. The legislation passed both
chambers and was signed by Governor Gregoire in 2006. During his time in the House
and now as a Senator, McDermott has worked to expand voting rights, protect
Holocaust education and expand Washington’s malicious harassment, or hate crimes,
statute.Representative Jamie Pedersen came to the Washington State House of Representatives
in 2007 after winning a competitive 43rd district primary. In the legislature,
Pedersen has pushed for the rights of same sex couples and the civil rights of
everyone regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual
orientation.In 2007, because of Pedersen’s leadership, Washington passed a domestic partnership
statute which was expanded each session after that, and as of this session includes
hundreds of rights for same sex couples. Pedersen also helped pass legislation that
will allow a Jewish hospice to open in Washington State. This session, Pedersen also
helped guide a critical piece of legislation out of the Judiciary Committee
prohibiting people who have been involuntarily committed from buying a gun. Because
of the Jewish Federation’s experience with gun violence, we are very grateful for
his work on this issue.Past recipients of this award include Reps. Eric Pettigrew, Sharon Tomiko Santos and
Sherry Appleton, Secretary of State Sam Reed and Sen. Jeanne Kohl Welles.
Here’s the official announcement of what promises to be a fun time:
Come out and dance in West Seattle on Saturday, July 11th from 7:30 – 11:00 PM at Puget Ridge Cohousing, 7020 18th Ave, SW (Bus #125). Pre-dance lesson in Swing from 7:30- 8:15 with The Carey’s, Highland Park’s teaching team, and with mini-dance lessons throughout the evening in Waltz, Blues, and Foxtrot.
Please bring snacks and beverages to share (alcohol okay with responsible drinking).
There’s an official flyer, too; see it here.
Apologies if you find great value in phone books. We don’t; 
we use the Internet so much, we haven’t used a phone book in at least five years. (Adored them PRE-Web.) We don’t even have a Qwest phone line – and yet a big stack of their newest phone books just landed on the porch at WSB HQ. We have discussed this in past years and could SWEAR we already opted out. But here they are (1:12 pm, added photo at left – THREE of them in one bag!). So we are currently researching to find the true, proven way to opt out. If you’ve done it, and it worked, please share; meantime, we’ll share whatever we come up with (Qwest/Dex has a “Select Your Dex” online option that purportedly enables you to choose “zero” books for the future, but we’re not trusting it till we talk to someone who confirms that’s the way to go; the guy who answered the previously offered #, 800-422-8793, couldn’t tell us that for sure).
Jennifer Cobb from the High Point Neighborhood Association wanted to share this letter – anyone who lives in the High Point area is eligible:
Many new families and individuals have moved into the neighborhood during the past few years. However, many neighbors haven’t had the opportunity to get to know and support one another. The High Point Neighborhood Association, the Neighborhood House Family Center and the Seattle Housing Authority recognize this and are working together to support the creation of a community leader program at High Point.
The community leader program is aimed at increasing opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another, strengthen communication and to learn about the cultural diversity in the neighborhood. Community leaders throughout High Point would take the lead in hosting small gatherings so that neighbors can get to know one another. Community Leaders will receive support and assistance to host local gatherings in the neighborhood and will be invited to regular gatherings to receive resources and training on an ongoing basis.
… In order for the program to be successful and representative of the entire community we need your participation. We invite you to join us for dinner at the High Point Community Center on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm, to get to know your neighbors and begin planning activities. If you have any questions before then please feel free to contact Genevieve Aguilar, High Point Community Builder, at gaguilar@seattlehousing.org or 206.696.3148
Announced by West Seattle-based General Biodiesel:
SEATTLE, WA (June 24, 2009) –General Biodiesel Seattle, LLC announces today that it has completed the acquisition of the former Seattle Biodiesel facility, a Seattle-based commercial
biodiesel refinery, from Imperium Renewables, Inc. General Biodiesel is converting the facility
to produce biodiesel from waste oils such as recycled cooking oil and animal fat, which the
Company collects from restaurants and grocery stores around the region.Yale Wong, CEO and founder of General Biodiesel, commented that “the mission of General
Biodiesel is to produce high-quality biodiesel fuel from locally generated waste at a competitive
price. The acquisition of this plant enables General Biodiesel to deliver a locally produced
renewable fuel source that will measurably reduce total carbon emissions in the State of
Washington, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and build a stronger regional economy by
creating green jobs in the community.”John Plaza, who founded Seattle Biodiesel (now Imperium Renewables) and built the plant, said
“It’s great to see our site being put to continued good use as a biodiesel production facility. We
are happy to have General Biodiesel as the new owners of our original facility. They are a great
example of innovation and leadership in renewable and clean energy in our state.”Simultaneously with the plant acquisition, General Biodiesel closed on an equity financing
arranged by Swiftsure Securities, LLC, a Seattle-based merchant bank. “Swiftsure has looked at
the biofuels sector for several years now and General Biodiesel represents one of strongest
business models we’ve seen. General Biodiesel’s vertically integrated model of collecting local
waste, producing biodiesel locally and selling to local fleets is the future of the biofuels
industry. The fundamentals of the business are sound, and General Biodiesel is well-positioned
to be a leader in the category,” added Gordon Gardiner of Swiftsure, who will join General
Biodiesel Seattle’s Board of Directors.
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