silent is fuck West Seattle Blog… | 2012 | June

West Seattle, Washington

28 Saturday

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month : 06/2012 322 results

West Seattle summer: 1 week till Seafair Pirates Landing 2012
June 30, 2012 11:15 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Seafair Pirates Landing 2010)
Just in case you’re new … and thinking it’s a little quiet around here for summer … the big events are right around the corner. The Fourth of July, of course, goes without saying (our roundup on that is almost done – look for it tomorrow). Three days later – next Saturday (July 7th) – the Seafair Pirates land on Alki – always a spectacle, with a flotilla offshore, a landing craft sailing right up to the beach, the Pirates storming the shore, and all manner of mild mayhem after that, before they board their landcraft Moby Duck and sail, er, drive, away. You can arrive at the beach early and check out vendors and kids’ activities. One possible twist this year – remember our story earlier this month about people being sought for some kind of political demonstration? Still haven’t heard who that might be and what it might be about – organizers promised it would “be on the news” but haven’t revealed it to “the news” yet, so far as we know. The Pirates’ Landing itself always makes news anyway, and you can be part of it – their website says, as usual, they’ll land between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, but it could be earlier, could be later. Arrrrrrr!

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Pet-food drive starts tomorrow at Alki Mail and Dispatch
June 30, 2012 7:54 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

You’ve often heard about the importance of donating to local food banks – West Seattle FB and White Center FB. We don’t hear as often about the need for pet-food donations, but that need is great too – so Alki Mail and Dispatch plans to collect it throughout July, according to Bree, starting tomorrow:

We will be collecting dry and canned food (and treats too!) with cat food going to Kitty Harbor and dog food going to an organization called Dogs Deserve Better. They are a wonderful organization working to raise the awareness of the plight of chained and tethered dogs that are forced to live outdoors. We will be collecting here in the shop (we are at 4701 SW Admiral Way) for the whole month of July and we want to see everyone bring something in!

Question? You can reach Bree at staff@alkimail.com. Alki Mail’s hours are listed here.

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas back in West Seattle waters
June 30, 2012 5:58 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail that orcas are visible off Me-Kwa-Mooks, looking toward the Vashon ferry terminal. More as we get it!

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West Seattle restaurants: Café, with crepes, for The Junction
June 30, 2012 5:30 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

A long-empty space on the north end of The Junction is being readied for its new life as a café and creperie – though the name is still being worked out. Charell Estby started a Facebook page a week and a half ago for her future operation at 4160 California SW, the long-closed former Divina, under the name Firefly Café and Creperie, but when WSB contributor Keri DeTore talked with her earlier this week, she explained that might not turn out to be its official name. Nonetheless, you can track her progress at that page. Charell told Keri that she’s “over the moon about the possibilities” the space offers. She’s planning to offer soups, salads, and pastries along with sweet and savory crepes that will be served all day. She is aiming for a September/October opening.

POSTSCRIPT: Charell says she has the OK to use the Firefly name.

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Photos: Super Guppy, space-shuttle-trainer cabin at Museum of Flight
June 30, 2012 2:04 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB unless credited otherwise)
Every year during the Blue Angels‘ visit, the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field becomes a virtual honorary West Seattle annex. Today, it’s even more so, not just because NASA‘s distinctive Super Guppy brought the crew-cabin section of the space-shuttle trainer that’s being assembled at MoF for display, but because it was piloted by a West Seattle High School alum, from the clas of 1972, astronaut Greg Johnson (cool onboard feature here).

Our partner The Seattle Times has more on the exhibit-in-the-works; today, you still have time to get over to be part of the festivities surrounding the arrival (till about 5 pm), which was delayed a bit from the original schedule. WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli is there for WSB and just sent this view as they begin to open the plane:

ADDED 2:37 PM: Craig Young has this view from West Seattle of the Super Guppy’s flyover – just after it passed over the other eye-catching star of the weekend, the Seattle Great Wheel:


(Click photo for larger view)
And from JayDee – his view as it flew over the 4th Avenue Costco lot (a popular place for viewing Boeing Field-bound aircraft):

More later! We should also note that the Super Guppy is scheduled to stay at the MoF till Monday morning, so you can see it if you go there Sunday, too.

ADDED 11:20 PM: More views – and info – from Christopher Boffoli’s coverage at the MoF for WSB:

The Super Guppy is the only aircraft of its kind still flying, cruising at about 200 knots, with four Allison T-56 501-D22C engines like those that power C-130s such as the Blue Angels’ Fat Albert.

It was preceded by a T-38 Talon, the standard NASA chase plane you might remember from shuttle landings, and accompanied to Boeing Field by a Lear Jet chase plane, flying over the airport around 10 till noon.

Capt. Johnson (U.S. Navy, Retired) says they went up over the city, over the Ballard Locks and part of Lake Washington, then flew an approach to Paine Field in Snohomish County, before landing at Boeing Field, with a crowd there to watch:

The plane taxied in and then shut down just at the edge of the taxiway where a tug pulled it to an unloading area set up just off the back parking lot of the Museum of Flight. They loaded the plane with fuel and then opened the nose of the aircraft, which is hinged on its port side.

Then they brought in an Air Force “Tunner 60K loader.”

Its deck elevates from 3.25 feet to 18.5 feet and has a power conveyor built into the top. The Tunner is about 50 feet long, with a maximum payload of 60,000 pounds.

The cargo compartment is 25 feet tall and 111 feet long. The plane can carry a maximum payload of more than 26 tons. There is 39,000 cubic feet of usable volume within the aircraft.

As for the shuttle crew compartment that it carried, it is 28.75′ long and weighs about 28,000 pounds, almost half the 60,000 pound capacity of the SG.

It was cradled in a steel truss system adding weight to the cargo. The steel truss system will return to the Johnson Space Center in Houston inside the Superguppy when it departs on Monday morning. Once the crew cabin was out of the cargo bay, the Tunner lowered it down and then took it across East Marginal Way to the new Charles Simonyi Space Gallery.

Cranes lifted the crew compartment off the Tunner and rolled it into the gallery through an enormous door on the back wall.

The next part of the Shuttle Trainer to arrive will be the payload bay, in the second of three planned Super Guppy flights to bring the trainer components here. Museum officials said they hope to have the exhibit complete and open by this November.

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West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Scooter Insanity’ rally stop
June 30, 2012 1:39 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Scooter Insanity’ rally stop
 |   Delridge | Seen around town | West Seattle news

Notice the line of scooters outside Skylark Café and Club in North Delridge this morning? Paul from neighboring PB&J Textiles (WSB sponsor) did, and shared the photo. It was a brunch stop for the 25th annual Scooter Insanity, the Northwest’s longest-running annual rally of its kind (per its Facebook page). The schedule posted online by the local Westenders club shows the group was to head out on a Poker Run afterward, ending up on Capitol Hill this evening, and finishing the rally in Georgetown tomorrow.

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Happening now: Dog adopt-a-thon at Umpqua Bank in Admiral
June 30, 2012 12:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

You have another hour to get over to Admiral’s Umpqua Bank (WSB sponsor) branch to see if Arnold (above) and Brinkley (below) have found forever homes yet.

They are two of the dogs Saving Great Animals brought to today’s adopt-a-thon, continuing at Umpqua till about 1:30 pm. The branch is on California SW immediately north of Admiral Safeway.

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Happening now: Truckload of TVs & more @ recycle/shred-a-thon
June 30, 2012 11:55 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Once they were shiny, new, cause for excitement in somebody’s home … right now, TVs, computer monitors, and other no-longer-wanted/needed/operable electronics are filling a truck at the West Seattle Junction Association-presented recycling/shredding event happening right now. It’s free, as is the shredding service also being offered:

You have about an hour to get to the lot in the 4500 block of 42nd SW (between Oregon and Alaska).

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West Seattle Saturday: SB Viaduct closed; Colman Pool open; free e-cycling and shredding; live music; more…
June 30, 2012 6:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

A day or so after we showed you the plastering operation that was the final stage of major renovation work at Colman Pool, local photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen shared that image of the pool partly filled. It’s since been completed – fully filled, too! – and reopens today, which is just one of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

REMEMBER – SOUTHBOUND VIADUCT/99 IS CLOSED … and scheduled to remain that way till 9 am Sunday.

EX-WEST SEATTLEITE ASTRONAUT PILOTS SUPER GUPPY TO MoF: Today is the day the not-far-from-West-Seattle Museum of Flight celebrates the arrival of the crew cabin from the space-shuttle trainer it’ll house in a permanent exhibit. As reported here 2 weeks ago, it’s arriving in a Super Guppy cargo plane piloted by astronaut Greg Johnson, a West Seattle High School alum. The whole day’s schedule, starting at 9:30 am, is on this page of the MoF website.

FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING & SHREDDING: The West Seattle Junction Association-presented event is happening 10 am-1 pm today in The Junction’s parking lot along 42nd SW between Alaska and Oregon. More details here.

PET ADOPTION EVENT: Room in your heart and home for a new friend? Go to Umpqua Bank (WSB sponsor) in Admiral (just north of Admiral Safeway) 10 am-1:30 pm today. Details here.

EXPLORE RIVERSIDE: Southwest Seattle Historical Society walking tour, with Judy Bentley and Frank Zuvela, 10 am-noon, learning about the fishing community founded near the mouth of the Duwamish River. Details here.

‘INVENTORY BLOWOUT’ PLANT SALE AT SSCC: 11 am-3 pm at Puget Ridge Garden Center on the north side of the campus (6000 16th SW), 30 percent off all plants.

COLMAN POOL REOPENS: Noon today is the first session of 2012 for the outdoor pool at Lincoln Park, which has undergone major renovations – new plaster, mostly new deck, new piping and electrical work and boiler and more – in recent months. Here’s its webpage, including a schedule link. (And here’s our most recent story about the renovations.)

K-5 STEM PLAYDATE: Families enrolled in or interested in West Seattle’s new public school are invited to a playdate at the south Lincoln Park playground, 2-3 pm today (details here).

WEST SIDE MUSIC ACADEMY BANDS @ SKYLARK: Thanks to the tipster who let us know that West Side Music Academy‘s rock bands – Rhythm Jam, Beginning Rock Band and Beginning Girl Band – will be performing at 4 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW). Free, all ages.

DUWAMISH TRIBAL SERVICES’ GALA DINNER/AUCTION: Tonight at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), 4:30-8 pm, it’s the benefit gala – details here.

GRAND OPENING PARTY: Cycle U (3418 Harbor SW) is throwing a grand-opening party at 6 pm in honor of its recent move.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: The Twitch plays “unplugged rock” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm … Acoustic blues at Kenyon Hall, Orville Johnson with Grant Dermody and John Miller, 7:30 pm … Disco Cowboys, John Hammock and the Rooster Run Band at Skylark, 9 pm … West Side Sally at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm … The Badlands, Local Dudes at The Benbow Room, 9 pm.

Way outside West Seattle, but of local note:

EMERALD DOWNS CELEBRATES ‘WEST SEATTLE BOY’: The 21-race-winning 13-year-old named West Seattle Boy is retiring at the South King County track, and special events galore are planned today – detailed here.

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West Seattle breaking news, 1917 style: More floor finds
June 29, 2012 11:17 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Laurie in Admiral is still remodeling, and still turning up pages from copies of The West Seattle Press, circa 1917, the year her house was built. This time it’s from a December edition. Above, a crime; below, a crash:

And a hero:

Plus, of course, ads:

The blacksmith’s address compares to the north side of Talarico’s; the shoe-repair shop, right around Admiral Safeway; Ida the real-estate lady, the north side of the Rite-Aid lot. Thanks, Laurie! (We have a few more clippings in reserve for sometime during the holiday week ahead.)

P.S. If you missed previous stories with some of her finds – see them here and here.

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Electronics to get rid of? Free recycling (& shredding) tomorrow
June 29, 2012 7:33 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

There’s still time to get down to the basement – or wherever – tonight, and round up your no-longer-needed electronics for tomorrow’s free recycling event in The Junction. Free shredding, too. 10 am-1 pm in the parking lot behind the east side of the 4500 block of California SW – access via 42nd SW between Oregon and Alaska. (The event flyer’s here.)

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West Seattle wildlife: Otter trio on Alki Beach
June 29, 2012 5:36 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Proof all those otter sightings aren’t the same one! Kim O’Donnel shared that shot from west Alki this afternoon. Thanks to her and others who have shared photos/video, we’ve seen Alki’s river otters – previously, one at a time – in a variety of utterly photogenic activities, such as rolling on the sand (May 14), catching a bite of lunch (June 17), the sidewalk otter (June 17), and the condo otter just yesterday. And now – a trio. Please be careful when driving along Alki and other near-the-water roads (Beach Drive, even Fauntleroy in the Lincoln Park/ferry terminal area) – there just might be one crossing ahead of you.

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Plastic-bag ban/paper-bag fee countdown: 2 days away
June 29, 2012 3:42 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

While it’s shortened in most headlines to “plastic-bag ban,” remember that the other half of the city law taking effect Sunday is “paper-bag fee” – stores that offer paper shopping bags are required to charge at least a nickel for each one. That is not a “tax” – it’s a fee that is kept by the store (which of course pays to buy the bags in the first place) – but it will generate some tax revenue, since it’s counted as a taxable sale. Here is the city’s official informational page about the changes, if you’re still not clear on what’s happening. And here are a few interesting points as Sunday approaches:

*Canvas totes and cloth bags are not your only “reusable” options.

At Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), for example, you can also buy what MM calls a “wave bag” – 20 cents each – made of thicker plastic that is not subject to the city ban.

*A different type of reusable shopping bag was brought to our attention earlier this month when we published a “two weeks away” story. West Seattle-based Luke Decker Consulting says they helped design the “Mercado,” which could help you reduce the usage of smaller plastic bags too:

The ultimate farmer’s market bag, with pockets to protect delicate fruits and veggies, loops to hold bottles in place, and compartments to keep everything organized. A wide adjustable strap lets you choose the right length for carrying, so that you’re as comfortable as your produce!

You can see it and buy it, online only.

*Seattle Safeway stores will give away 2,000 reusable bags at each store on Sunday (or until supplies run out – but not before Sunday). The city donated 1,000; the company is supposed to be providing at least another thousand per store. Note that, in our area, that affects only the Admiral and Jefferson Square Safeway stores; Roxbury Safeway is outside the city limits, so not affected by the plastic-bag ban/paper-bag fee.

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West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman: New WSB sponsor
June 29, 2012 2:53 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman: New WSB sponsor
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor today – and here’s what he’d like you to know:

Tim Cashman, Highly Qualified Instructor, giving lessons in West Seattle since 1986.

My Service
I offer private or small-group guitar lessons, from beginning to advanced level, all ages. Styles include Classical, Rock/Pop, Jazz, Blues, and Flamenco. Students learn the songs they wish to play. Electric bass and Drum lessons also available.

Instruction is tailored to the individual and may include: technique, repertoire, chord vocabulary, scales/improvising, music theory, note reading, and composing or song writing. Students may also play with a band in our big rehearsal room. Students have the opportunity to perform in public; performances have included a benefit and student performance at Youngstown, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, the Holy Rosary Talent Show, and the West Seattle Art Walk at Windermere of West Seattle.

Other important information
*Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. References are available on request.
*I also have low cost rental instruments available.
*Feel free to call and discuss lessons and rates. Tim: 206-225-0212, or e-mail timpcashman@gmail.com.

We thank West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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West Seattle businesses: AAA moving to Jefferson Square (plus, nearby-business updates)
June 29, 2012 11:52 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Yet another business losing its current location because of the upcoming Equity Residential two-building development in The Junction (California/Alaska/42nd) has announced what it’s doing next: AAA is moving to a new location in Jefferson Square. Spokesperson Jennifer Cook tells WSB they’ve just signed a lease for the former AT&T storefront in the eastern row of businesses facing the inner parking lot. No exact date yet, but probably sometime in August. “We are working diligently so that there is no overlap between when we vacate the current location and open in Jefferson Square, but it’s difficult to determine if this will be accomplished.” Cook also says this is a “permanent move” – they’ve signed a long-term lease.

To recap and update, here’s what other businesses have done/will do, west to east on the development site (most of the links go to previous WSB coverage of the moves/closures):

*Classic Barber Shop moved a few blocks south in January, to the former Alki Style and Barber Shop

*Sound Advice moved in February – one block north on California SW to a storefront on the ground floor of the Senior Center building

*Super Supplements is moving from California/Alaska to the former Blockbuster site (6451 Fauntleroy Way SW) in Morgan Junction, as first reported here in January; SS says it will open at the new location on July 14th (after closing in The Junction on 7/7)

*Rocksport is closing, with its last day on the last day of West Seattle Summer Fest, July 15 (here’s our story from last month)

*The city’s Neighborhood Service Center closed one year ago and was not replaced (West Seattle now has one, which recently moved from Delridge/Brandon to the former Southwest Community Center at 2801 SW Thistle)

*The Beer Junction moved three months ago to 4511 California SW, adding new features including a sitdown bar

*Limber Yoga and SIMA Martial Arts, which had been co-housed on the 42nd SW side (where Young at Art is now), have separate new locations – Limber at 6019 California SW and SIMA at 4159 Fauntleroy.

As for the big question – when will demolition/construction begin? – we have been trying to reach Equity for an update, but our calls and e-mails have not yet been answered. In January, a corporate spokesperson in Chicago told WSB they planned to start construction before year’s end. The project already had its land-use permit before they bought the site from Conner Homes earlier this year; this month, there’s been construction-permit activity in the city permit files. (Photo courtesy Desiree)

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Reminder: SB Viaduct/99 closed late tonight till early Sunday
June 29, 2012 11:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

One more reminder if you haven’t already seen it on our “This Week’s Closures” list: The southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 stretch between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge is scheduled to close at 11 pm tonight and remain closed ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT SATURDAY, reopening by 9 am Sunday. WSDOT is continuing to work on reinforcing the section of The Viaduct that’s right over where the tunnel will be bored.

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West Seattle Friday: Welcome to the pre-holiday weekend
June 29, 2012 10:24 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

West Seattle photographer Machel Spence shares the photo from Lincoln Park – a bird (ID, anyone?) that had just caught a flicker (which, Machel says, it’s standing on). Might be a good day to visit a park, as the calendar is quieting down with the holiday approaching. (Or walk through on your way to Colman Pool when it opens tomorrow!) A few highlights for today/tonight:

SID LAW AT C & P: The coffeehouse announces tonight’s musical guest: “One of our favorites … Sid Law from 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee. Covering a century of music from the 1920’s to the present, Sid Law has taken the art of the one man band off the streets and into a wide variety of venues. Equally at home in any style, Sid sparkles with beautiful original arrangements from the Great American Songbook, country, or rock and pop, as well as enchanting audiences with improvised soundscaping flourishes.” Check out this YouTube clip.

ROLLER SKATING AT ALKI COMMUNITY CENTER: The Friday night skates are back and you’re invited tonight, 6:45-8:45 pm, details here, including a map to the center if somehow you’ve never been!

LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK: Four acts on the calendar tonight – Friday Night Gumbo, Cassie Correlle, Quinn Deveaux, Dillon Warnek. 8 pm (3803 Delridge Way SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: Flat 5 is at The Feedback (WSB sponsor) tonight, described on the FL website: “If you missed ’em last time, this is your chance to catch THE FLAT 5 and their funked-up R&B grooves as they return to The Feedback Lounge by popular demand. We dare you not to shake that which needs shaking.” 9 pm (6451 California SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE BENBOW ROOM: Intisaar, Sweetlix, per the Heartland Café calendar, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Oh, and then there’s the downtown thing you’ve been hearing a lot about:

SEATTLE GREAT WHEEL: Thanks to West Seattle-based Craig Harrold Photography for sharing the photo. It opens today. Craig says West Seattle architect Robin Murphy worked on some of the adjacent structures, so check ’em out while you’re there. Official SGW website here. If you take a ride, let us know – and on the first sunny day, we’d love to see a photo of West Seattle from 175 feet up!

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4th of July next Wednesday: Anything special planned?
June 29, 2012 9:11 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

We’re putting together the annual West Seattle 4th of July page today so we can link it from the tab line atop WSB pages through the holiday – so we wanted to issue an open call: If your business/group/etc. has anything special (and open to the public) planned for the holiday … different hours, a sale, an event, going to be closed, whatever … please let us know so it can be part of the page. editor@wsb.blackfin.biz – thanks!

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One less fire truck based in West Seattle after Sunday
June 28, 2012 10:39 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photo of Ladder 13 and crew at scene of recent South Park fire)
The extra fire truck added to West Seattle in February of last year will be gone after this Sunday. So say multiple sources who called and e-mailed to tell us that Ladder 13, based at Highland Park’s Station 11, will be taken out of service as of Monday morning, leaving Engine 11 alone at the station.

Ladder 13’s primary purpose, as explained when it first arrived, was to make sure West Seattle would be adequately covered despite the fact Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project work complicated WS Bridge access for the emergency units that come from the other side of the bay when there’s a major incident. Now, the new 1st Avenue South onramp is available for emergency vehicles – per a newly installed sign on the westbound SSV. (However, last year it was also explained that Ladder 13 would help cover South Park, which won’t have fast access from crews east of the Duwamish till the new SP Bridge opens more than a year from now.)

The eventual end of Ladder 13 – commissioned just for this task, not a pre-existing truck number moved from elsewhere – was mentioned here back in February, when it was a topic of conversation during our stop at Station 11 on Neighbor Appreciation Day. The fire station is supposed to get a seismic/safety upgrade soon – as explained here – and we were told in February that would happen after Ladder 13’s departure. The timetable is one of the things we’re asking SFD about for a followup, but in the meantime, if you see Ladder 13’s crew out and about in the next few days, you might consider taking the opportunity to say thanks for their West Seattle/South Park service.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: We had asked SFD some followup questions. Spokesperson Kyle Moore notes that West Seattle’s “permanent ladder truck,” Ladder 11, will continue to be based at Station 32 in The Triangle, staffed by a four-person crew. Regarding South Park, he says:

South Park is served by Fire Station 26 located at 800 South Cloverdale Street. The station is staffed 24 hours a day with four firefighters and a fire engine.

The loss off Ladder 13 will have a nominal impact on the response times to the South Park area. The Seattle Fire Department looked at response times with the bridge closure in order to ensure the residents of South Park received the same level of medical and fire care. Our analysis shows that response times were not significantly affected by the bridge closure.

He also notes that the Station 11 work isn’t likely to start before early 2014.

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Updated: Upcoming bridge (etc.) closures for the first week of July
June 28, 2012 7:40 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(EDITOR’S NOTE: No 99 closures this week, so this stands as the official “this week’s closures” list for July 1st and beyond ** UPDATED 7/2 to add 7/6 bridge-exit closure)

SDOT has announced next week’s plan for Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project-related closures – including a weekend-long westbound SSV closure scheduled for late night Friday, 7/6, till early morning Monday, 7/9. Full list ahead:Read More

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Treetop ziplining at Lincoln Park? City mulls commercial partnership
June 28, 2012 3:11 pm
|      256 COMMENTS
 |   Lincoln Park zipline proposal | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(UPDATED SUNDAY AFTERNOON with opponents launching Facebook page)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Ziplining from treetop to treetop is a hot ticket for vacationers in various spots around the U.S., and elsewhere in the world.

Now it might be coming to a forested public park near you.

WSB has learned that the Seattle Parks Department is talking with a private company called Go Ape about installing a “Treetop Adventure Course,” including ziplining and “Tarzan swings,” at West Seattle’s Lincoln Park.

According to a PowerPoint presentation circulated by the company and shown to us by a source, Go Ape would charge around $55 a person ($35 for youth, its website says) for a 2+-hour turn, with sessions launching up to 14 people every half-hour.

The proposal has yet to be announced publicly, but the Parks Department has been considering it since at least March, according to e-mail chains last summer, according to documents also forwarded to us, and the first open public presentation is planned for a community-group meeting next month.

Read More

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Lowman Beach sewer-overflow project: Permit-commenting time
June 28, 2012 1:17 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

King County has formally applied for the land-use permit needed to build a million-gallon underground tank across the street from Lowman Beach Park to reduce combined-sewer overflows from nearby Murray Pump Station.

Six homes and small apartment buildings, all of which have been vacated, will be demolished to make way for the project. The application was announced in today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, and it triggers a new public-comment period – according to the notice, if you’re interested in commenting, you have until July 11th – here’s how. The bulletin also includes a notice of a different permit application related to the project, a “Shoreline Substantial Development” application; its comment deadline isn’t until 7/27, and you can comment here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Auto theft; 2 car prowls
June 28, 2012 12:47 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

3 quick West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon: First, Jeff‘s black Highlander with gray leather interior was stolen Sunday in the 8600 block of 36th SW and hasn’t been found yet – so if you see one that appears out of place in your neighborhood, please call police. Next, two car-prowl reports on opposite ends of West Seattle, this one from Lauren:

Just thought that this might help others in the area. My car window was broken and my purse, which was shoved under my seat and covered, was stolen from Westcrest dog park at approximately 1 pm today. The officers that responded to my call stated that there was another similar car break-in at the park last week at the same time.

And another car-prowl report was posted in the WSB Forum – member “WS Born” reported that her daughter was parked along Harbor Avenue near the 7-11 around 6 am Wednesday, went for a run, and came back to find a window smashed and “items stolen” from her car.

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