West Seattle, Washington
13 Friday
(Recent aerial of Barton Pump Station and project area, by Long Bach Nguyen)
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division says things might be noisier than usual at Barton Pump Station next to the Fauntleroy ferry dock right now, because a power outage has required them to use a generator:
Power was unexpectedly lost at the Barton Pump Station around 3:45 pm today. No overflows were reported, and crews are currently investigating the cause. A generator will be running onsite until power can be restored to the station.
The Barton Pump Station Upgrade includes an onsite generator, which will be housed in an underground vault, for unexpected power loss such as today’s occurrence.
The pump station also had a power outage last June (WSB coverage here) – and that one DID lead to an overflow.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Sixteen people filled the board room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse last night for the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s monthly board meeting. One of the major items of business was something YOU can help with right now – if you live and/or work in the Fauntleroy area:
THE SURVEY: To find out more about how best to serve the community, among other things, FCA is conducting a survey right now. It was announced via their website and Facebook page, as well as via postal-mail postcard, and more than 180 responses have come in so far. As the group gets ready for its annual membership meeting (more on that shortly), they would love to get hundreds more – since it asks about a wide range of community issues and concerns. If you have ties to Fauntleroy, here’s where the survey begins.
Ahead – a new wildlife advocacy group debuted at the FCA meeting, and the group was briefed on two big King County Wastewater Treatment Division projects in the area:
Traffic has been decidedly difficult at times since the Barton Pump Station upgrade project started north of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, with closures including one toll booth and a dock lane at times. But north of the dock, the usual rules still apply, as Washington State Ferries reminded drivers with this advisory:
Customers lining up at Fauntleroy should note that the ferry queue continues along Fauntleroy Way at the gas station at the north end of Lincoln Park; it does not go down 47th Ave. SW toward the beach. Please also note that line cutting is against state law and subject to a fine of up to $124. We ask that customers be respectful of others waiting in the queue. You can report line-cutters by calling 877-764-HERO. All violators are logged and receive a warning letter. Multiple violations result in further action.
The Fauntleroy Community Association has set the date for inviting the community to come “Celebrate Lincoln Park” – April 23rd. That was announced at Tuesday night’s FCA business meeting at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. The plan is now to have a big community meeting with lots of information about Fauntleroy’s gem of a park – and follow it up a week or so later with an event at the park itself. FCA president Bruce Butterfield says they would welcome help planning Celebrate Lincoln Park; you can reach FCA through its website and Facebook page.
One ongoing issue at the park – off-leash dogs – was also on the Tuesday night agenda, with a guest appearance by a Seattle Animal Shelter enforcement officer. Read on for toplines from what he told the board:
(Fauntleroy Fall Festival 2012 photo of The Hall’s labyrinth, by Nick Adams for WSB)
Another unique New Year’s Eve event in West Seattle: The Hall at Fauntleroy‘s Labyrinth Walk (see the flyer here). It’s 6-8 pm Monday in The Hall’s space on the south side of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW). The suggested donation, $5/person ($20/family if 4 or more), is to benefit the “Raise the Roof” capital campaign for the schoolhouse (now a nonprofit-owned community facility that’s had $1 million-plus in repairs, such as roof work, to deal with). To find out more about the labyrinth itself, go here.
(The Labyrinth Walk is one of many New Year’s Eve/Day West Seattle/White Center events spotlighted in the WSB Holiday Guide (where you’ll also find the lists of restaurants/coffee shops/grocery stores open on NYE and/or NYD) – more to be added if you let us know what we’re missing!)
First of two notes from Tuesday night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting: The date’s set for a big FCA community meeting about Lincoln Park – April 23, 2013. When the board talked about it last month, they were focusing on something earlier in the year, but last night, president Bruce Butterfield pointed out that since they hope to follow up the meeting with a park tour a week or so later, April would be better than February. The board has formed a committee to plan the agenda, with presentations by Parks, animal control – given ongoing concerns about off-leash dogs, also discussed last month – and nature groups suggested, along with park history. (Update #2 later today will include the latest on the schoolhouse renovations.)
Another change for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth schedule this week – they had warned of a reduced-capacity third boat on the route; now, because three vessels need repairs, WSF says, there will be only an intermittent, tiny third boat:
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: This route will be on a two-boat schedule with the 124 car Issaquah and the 87-car Tillikum. This service will be supplemented with unscheduled sailings by the 34-car Hiyu.
There are changes to Seattle-Bremerton, too; read about those here.
4:56 PM: Fire crews are arriving in the 8400 block of 41st SW to check out a possible house fire.
5:02 PM UPDATE: No flames. Some smoke in the house. Firefighters aren’t even putting water on it. Most of the units originally dispatched have been canceled.
Michael Chase is one of the busiest cooks in West Seattle today. Actually, he’s not only a cook – he’s a chef – Executive Chef, to be precise, for Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering at The Hall at Fauntleroy. We watched him in action early this morning as he and volunteer helper Adam worked to get everything going for this afternoon’s free community Thanksgiving dinner (noon-3 pm).
The stacks and stacks of pans include stuffing made with 8 sheets of focaccia and 30 pounds of sausage. Then there’s six pans of Carrots Provencale, with olives and garlic cloves in the sauce (and a basil garnish when it’s all done).
Back in the walk-in cooler, 5 pans of homemade cranberry sauce – plus the groundwork for simple pasta with marinara sauce, for vegetarian guests:
Here’s the real secret: We thought we’d find ovens and ovens full of roasting turkeys. Actually, Chase – who’s been with T&TS for 15 years – roasts turkey breasts: 12 of them, split, so, 24 pieces in all:
Here’s where you come in: If you are coming to dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy, bring a dessert if you can. Not mandatory. Even if you’re not, you are welcome to donate – drop one off any time – the doors should be open now. And again, ALL are welcome for dinner – it’s not just for those in need – it’s a gift to the community that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes has offered for years now. Noon-3 pm, on the south side of the old Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – right next to a beautiful wooded ravine:
There’s parking behind the schoolhouse, accessible from its south/west side, by the way, and it’s right on the RapidRide bus line. (The Fauntleroy dinner details are part of the comprehensive Thanksgiving guide – and beyond! – on the WSB Holidays page.)
(Photo courtesy Dave McCoy)
At Fauntleroy Creek, Salmon Watch 2012 is over. Five late spawners showed up Saturday, then none on Sunday, reports Judy Pickens, with the overview of the record-setting season:
Eighteen salmon watchers documented 274 coho spawners in Fauntleroy Creek between Oct. 24 and Nov. 17. Our previous high was 167, in 2001. We had an estimated 290 visitors, including five school groups. Watchers were able to see that nearly all the fish were hatchery-released (not fish that started life here or came through Salmon in the Schools). All, however, are now providing valuable nutrients to the habitat and we’ll be checking for “home hatch” starting late February.
As noted in our close-up look at Salmon Watch two weeks ago, last year brought only 11 coho to the creek – but that was still better than the completely spawner-less year in 2010.
You have three chances to check out the Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Fair at Fauntleroy Church this weekend for early holiday shopping — and the first one is under way right now, till 8 pm. We stopped by just before things got under way this evening, and photographed three of the participating crafters/artists. Above, Fauntleroy’s own Ann Dawson is there with her handmade hats. Next, Holli from Holli with an I Photography:
You’ll find woodcarver James Grantham there too:
Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW and the show is on till 8 tonight, 10-4 tomorrow, 11-2 on Sunday.
Also in from SDOT late today:
SDOT paving crews will restore a gas line on SW Brace Point Drive at California Avenue SW on Friday, November 16, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, if needed, they will continue work on Monday, November 19. One shared lane of traffic will remain open with flaggers assisting drivers taking turns traveling through the area. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
SDOT crews will return to SW Brace Point on November 26, 28, and 30 to work again from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, to complete paving the street as part of SDOT’s annual paving program. There will be one lane of traffic each way during construction with periodic delays. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
(2010 WSB photo: Busy in the kitchen before the Fauntleroy Thanksgiving feast)
If you’ve been wondering – yes, The Hall at Fauntleroy is opening the doors again this year for its free Thanksgiving dinner. We just received the official announcement:
Join us for a free Community Thanksgiving meal at the Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22th from 12 noon to 3:00 PM. All are welcome for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering Executive Chef Michael Chase.
This is the 14th year that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes owners Meg and David Haggerty and David Meckstroth have hosted this wonderful dinner. They are joined by a wonderful group of volunteers who help greet our welcome guests and serve dinner.
We will gladly accept donations for desserts. They can be dropped off at the Hall the day before Thanksgiving between 10 and 4 or on Thanksgiving Day after 10 am.
We are located at 9131 California Ave SW in the Fauntleroy Community Schoolhouse, across the street from the Fauntleroy YMCA. Call us at 206-932-1059 if you have any questions.
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Never mind counting votes. That whiteboard holds the count that mattered the most in West Seattle this weekend – at Fauntleroy Creek. One week after the salmon-welcoming ceremony that included the then-sad news that only seven spawners had approached, and none had made it past a hungry otter – the turnabout is huge.
This is already the biggest season since spawners returned to the creek after a “fishway” replaced a culvert a decade-plus ago:
As of Sunday evening, reported creek steward/volunteer Judy Pickens (above, with visitors Mira Ellis, 3, and Peggy Rubens-Ellis), at least 238 spawners had been counted – exponentially more than the past few years, and by far beating the 2001 record of 167. Here’s what it’s all about:
Those are salmon eggs – the hope for the next generation. More of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ images from the creek this weekend, as the update continues ahead:
The coho spawners returning to Fauntleroy Creek might make this “the biggest year since the fish ladder opened in 1998,” creek steward Judy Pickens tells WSB – as she reports that volunteer creek watchers have “documented 98 coho spawners in the creek. 98!!!” Her exuberance is understandable, given that just last Sunday, as three dozen people gathered for the drum-to-call-the-salmon-home ceremony, the tally was 7 spawners, all intercepted by otter(s). Then came news 10 had made it. And now suddenly, 10 times that. Judy adds, “We don’t have a good fix yet on the percentage of hatchery-release fish vs. wild, but whatever the source, all have sensed good habitat in Fauntleroy Creek.” Every spring she works with local schoolchildren who raise salmon fry in their classrooms (or hallways!) and then come to the creek to release them. (Photo courtesy “Jim of Fauntleroy“)
“Drumming works!” So exhorted Fauntleroy Creek steward Judy Pickens late today, one day after leading the annual “drumming to welcome the salmon home” event at the creek overlook. As noted in our coverage of the event (photos and video here), Judy told the gathering that so far, seven spawners had tried to make it up the creek, but all turned into otter chow. However, today was a different story – in the early evening, Judy sent photos by volunteer Dennis Hinton and this report:
It’s dark now but Dennis and a new watcher, a Boy Scout after a merit badge, are still down there, which suggests the fish have continued to come from a late-afternoon high tide.
As of 5:30 PM, we had seen 10 spawners through and above the fish ladder, where they’ll have a chance to spawn and their offspring will have a chance to survive late-winter rains. The fish are a good 18″, robust, and beautiful. I’ve put out the call for watchers to get on the schedule and help document these beautiful fish.
Want to help watch? This story from last week explains how to sign up.
“The circle of life” took on multiple meanings at this afternoon’s Fauntleroy Creek “drumming to call the salmon home” event. First – the circle of those who came to celebrate the annual return, about three dozen participants by our count. Second, the phrase was part of a “call-and-response” inviting participants to share a significant event in their lives since last year’s gathering. And third – organizer and creek/watershed steward Judy Pickens noted that while seven spawners had been counted so far, none had made it up the creek – otter(s) had eaten them. Nonetheless, the celebration was on – with drums of many sizes and types:
That provided a mentoring opportunity, too, as Irene Stewart demonstrated:
Singing accompanied the drumming – that’s organizer Judy at center, music leader Jamie Shilling at right:
(video added) The gathering had begun with Judy recalling the first returning salmon (nicknamed “Harry and Louise”) almost two decades ago, followed by Jamie leading a song:
Mary led young welcomers through a recounting of the story of baby salmon’s comings, goings, and growing:
As noted here last week, volunteer watchers will be keeping an eye out for the salmon in the weeks ahead.
(2011 photo from Fauntleroy Creek, courtesy Dennis Hinton)
This Sunday is the day set for the annual Fauntleroy Creek community drumming session to call the salmon home. (5 pm, creek overlook at Fauntleroy/Director, across and uphill from the ferry dock) But they don’t seem to be waiting for an invitation – they’re approaching, and we just got word that volunteer creek-watchers are needed:
With the spotting of two coho spawners in the tidepool at the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek, Salmon Watch 2012 is getting under way a few days ahead of schedule. If you’ve thought about being a salmon watcher, this could be the year to see a lot of action. Volunteers schedule themselves for half-hour shifts when spawners are most likely to be present at the fish ladder (SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW). Training on your first shift for adults and youth; children welcome with a parent. Sign up on the porch at 4539 SW Director Place; more information from Judy Pickens at 938-4203 or judy_pickens@msn.com.
The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is always an indoor-outdoor celebration – but the overdue arrival of fall rain put a little more emphasis on the indoor for Sunday’s 10th-anniversary edition. We reported on the festival as it began (WSB coverage here) – and then WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams roamed to capture more of the memory-making scenes, such as, above, Marcus Wiatr, left, setting up his umbrella on the meditation labyrinth inside The Hall at Fauntleroy – and back outside, Audrey Maffeo, 3, seeking creative inspiration before painting a pumpkin:
Back inside, the annual Cake Walk delighted participants: Carolyn Tucker drew another number for a lucky winner:
Indoor and outdoor fun that the rain can’t stop – that’s what you’ll find till 6 pm at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival. Above – birdhouse-building (they need somewhere to get out of the rain too!) – next, two of the many incredibly decorated cakes up for grabs during the Cake Walk:
The coveted chef’s hats are up for grabs for the winners:
Back outdoors – the pumpkins waiting to be painted, just before the festival began (we’ll get an “after” shot later):
Indoors – people to meet! Like West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Junior Court princesses Winter and Olivia:
Fauntleroy community advocates and festival volunteers are everywhere – here are Vicki Schmitz-Block and Martha Callard with the Fauntleroy Community Association banner:
And yes, the ponies are here (behind the schoolhouse, to the west, next to the parking lot)
Lots more photos later. Performances to enjoy and a lot more – here’s the schedule (but check on site if you’re looking for something specific, in case the weather forced a location move). 9100 block of Fauntleroy, in and around the church, YMCA, and old schoolhouse (which now includes a multitude of community facilities and businesses – worth the visit all by itself).
Probably no point in saying rain or shine, but the word is that the Fauntleroy Fall Festival IS STILL ON for tomorrow, rain or no rain. The most recent version of the schedule still will have some location changes because of the weather, so just check around when you get there, for the updated plan. Also – one last call for CAKES!!! for the Cake Walk – great thing to make on this rainy afternoon. Kim Petram‘s reminder, “Any homemade cake will do – you don’t have to be an expert decorator, just do your best. Please bring all donated cakes to the festival on Sunday October 14th, dropoff starting at 11:00 a.m. at The Hall at Fauntleroy Emerald Room.” Kim adds, “This year the cake walk will have a slightly different prize category for best decorated cakes – beginners, intermediate and experienced … please have them to the festival preferable by 1:30 pm and no later than 2 pm. The festival begins at 2:00 p.m. – festivalgoers can vote on their favorite cakes in the three categories from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm with the prize winners announced at 3:30 p.m.. The cake walk will then commence. The most coveted and fabulous hand made chef hats are again the prizes.” The festival sites are Fauntleroy Church, YMCA (WSB sponsor), and Schoolhouse, 9140 and 9131 California SW, 2-6 pm tomorrow – see you there!
(WSB photo of decorated pumpkins at 2011 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Six days till the 10th annual Fauntleroy Fall Festival – 2-6 pm this Sunday at the Y, church, and schoolhouse in the 9100 block of California SW (map). Today, the schedule’s out!
Click the schedule image to see the full-size PDF. Thanks to Judy Pickens for sharing the info! See you there.
The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is a little more than two weeks away – and in addition to making plans to come enjoy it, there are a few ways you can help. From Kim Petram:
It’s back! The wildly popular cake walk is back. Handmade Fauntleroy Fall Festival chef hats will again be the prizes for best decorated cakes. The festival planning committee is asking for community members to donate cakes to the cake walk. Any homemade cake will do – you don’t have to be an expert decorator, just do your best.
Please bring all donated cakes to the festival on Sunday October 14th, dropoff starting at 11:00 a.m. at The Hall at Fauntleroy. This year’s festival runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the Fauntleroy triangle.
Also: Volunteers are still needed. Please contact the Fauntleroy Church, UCC office at 206-932-5600 if you can volunteer a few hours at the festival.
The “Fauntleroy triangle” where the festival is held includes the schoolhouse, church, and Y, 9131 California SW and 9140 California SW (with a crossing guard on duty for the duration).
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