West Seattle, Washington
29 Thursday
Just got details from the Southwest Precinct on three of the arrests reported late Friday: Three people were arrested in connection with a break-in Friday in the 5400 block of 31st SW – because less than an hour later, police say, they were in Seatac trying to cash a check stolen during the burglary. Detectives say there’s a good chance these suspects are linked to additional burglaries, for reasons including the fact the loot found in their vehicle included more than the items reported stolen in the break-in on 31st. Meantime, just after getting the call with those details, we got a reader report about an apparently unrelated burglary yesterday:Read More
(photo by Jerry from JetCityOrange)
4 months after Amazon’s home-grocery delivery service Amazon Fresh expanded to West Seattle, with zip codes 98116, 98126, 98136 (original WSB coverage here), Amazon’s Vincent Chu sent word tonight that it’s now added 98106. Sorry, no word yet on a timetable for 98146!
Above, “during” and “before” pix from the WSB Forum members’ smash-hit benefit this afternoon at Beveridge Place Pub — ringleader JoB has posted a wrapup in this forum thread, and we just got this note from Pete Spalding of the West Seattle Food Bank board:
WOW!!!! Where can I start?
First of all from all of our clients, the Board of Directors of the West Seattle Food Bank would like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to the organizers, everyone that participated and to Gary the owner of the Beveridge Place Pub for making a big difference on a Sunday afternoon.
I could not believe the number of folks that turned out for this quickly, but well-organized event. Lots of energy in the room for not only the West Seattle Food Bank but also for a great program, Dress For Success. Through everyone’s hard work and charitable mood it was a most successful event. The big event today raised a whopping $704.51 along with approximately 300 pounds of donated food.
Just a quick plug to say that our work at the West Seattle Food Bank goes on everyday of the year. The need in our community is on the increase right now and we certainly appreciate all of the very generous folks here in our West Seattle community that help us keep our doors open to our neighbors in need.
Here are a couple of other ways you can help us right now:
1. If you are a Bruce Springsteen fan you know that he is playing at KeyArena on March 29th. You can go to this link charityfolks.com/cfauctions/auction_verticalngo.asp?slrid=1048
and bid on a pair of tickets to the show as well as passes to the E Street Lounge before the concert begins. The proceeds from this bidding will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.2. On May 1st we will be celebrating our first anniversary in our new building by holding an event at the Hall at Fauntleroy. It is called Instruments of Change because everyone that comes that night is an instrument of change for our West Seattle Community. The event begins at 6 pm and tickets are $75. The ticket includes a sit-down meal along with some great entertainment. Phyllis Campbell, President/CEO of the Seattle Foundation, will be our guest speaker. You can go to our web site www.westseattlefoodbank.org to buy tickets or for more information.
Once again thanks for a great Sunday afternoon event. WSB readers ROCK!!!
Ditto that from us. Huge “way to go” for the folks who expanded their online friendship into the offline world and found a way to morph a meetup into a chance to do even more good in the community. You can join the ongoing discussion here.
This morning, we’re sending out the traditional welcome to a sponsor who joined WSB this week — real-estate investor Brent Fosso, a West Seattle resident, of IBuySeattleHomes.com. 
Here’s what Brent wants you to know about himself and his business: “Brent Fosso and family: West Seattle – Here I stay. Being native to Seattle, I grew up in the Ballard area. But in 1984 I purchased my first fixer upper home, and it was right here in West Seattle. I commuted over to West Seattle everyday to work on the place, and it did need a LOT of work. It’s funny thinking about the price nowadays. It was just a few blocks from what is now The Charlestown Cafe. I bought it for $26,000. That was a lot of money back then, but a reasonable price for a fixer. I spent the summer remodeling the home with a new kitchen and bath. I was only 24 years old in 1984 (you can do the math), and I didn’t have any money. So I convinced my landlord to go in partners with me. We used his money and my labor. We sold it on a hot August day to a nice couple. So I decided to move to the part of town I grew to love, and have been here ever since. I kept purchasing fixer-uppers and have watched the Seattle housing market take off, wishing a bit that I had held on to some of those homes I bought for now what seems like so little. But the times keep moving forward. Technology has changed real estate investing quite a bit. My website IBuySeattleHomes.com has been a place for many years now where people can learn more about what kinds of real estate I purchase and how to get in touch with me. Now my wife, two daughters and I have deep roots here. I love West Seattle.” In addition to reaching Brent through his website, you can call him at 206/935-5000. (Want to join Brent and the 20 other West Seattle businesses currently sponsoring WSB? Start here!)
We’re here at Skylark for the Metroblogging Seattle party (till 8:30, with luminaries such as Monica Guzman from the P-I’s Big Blog, 
Mona from Kirida, Shawn from Slightly North, plus the Metblogs team, including Alki’s CeRo) … seems we won … thanks for the votes! Also thanks to Jessie at Skylark for mentioning WSB on the menu (somebody pointed this out to us; we haven’t been here in a while) — the Tater Tots (photo left, from the famous “Dishes to die for” discussion) are billed as “As seen on the West Seattle Blog.” 9:42 PM ADDENDUM: One more West Seattle blogging luminary was there too – didn’t see her till after we’d posted – Pam from Nerd’s Eye View. Re: the menus, Jessie told Patrick they are brand-new, so look for the Tater Tot nod next time you’re at Skylark. As for the question about what we won – this year, actual prizes! A night at Hotel Max downtown, a bag of CDs from Sub Pop, potential future tickets to events at Neumo’s and Northwest Film Forum. Plus a repurposed trophy that is from a 1971 event in Burien but we’ll cherish it always. Thanks again to the Metblogs team for putting on a fun bash!
HIGH POINT ON TV: Thanks to Marco for the tip – we now know when the PBS show featuring High Point will air – High Point will be featured during “Place Matters,” part of the third episode of the 4-part documentary series “Unnatural Causes,” 11 pm April 16 and 1 pm April 19 on KCTS (channel 9)
WSB ON TV: Your editor here had the privilege of appearing on the Comcast Local Edition “NewsMakers” mini-show for one of the interview segments that air on the Headline News channel. The interviewer is one of my former Q13 FOX co-workers (who you may know from other TV stations too), Tony Ventrella; we spent a grand total of 4 minutes talking about WSB and new media. When I was in TV, 4 minutes was forever for us behind-the-scenes types (sitting in the control room hollering for an anchor or reporter to just wrap up already), but I learned during the “NewsMakers” taping that 4 minutes for the guest feels like the blink of an eye. My 4 minutes will replay 17 times in the next 12 days, including 6:50 am tomorrow (Friday) and 1:50 am Saturday. If anyone really cares about the rest of the schedule, ask and I’ll post it in comments, but I won’t be hurt if you don’t :) Headline News is on Comcast channel 45, by the way.
LAST PITCH FOR VOTES: We mentioned it yesterday and now there are just hours to go in the Metroblogging Seattle “blog tournament,” with WSB in the final three. You can only vote once but if you haven’t already, please consider going here and clicking for WSB. The tournament party is 6:30-8:30 tomorrow (Friday) night at Skylark, and we’ll be there even if Seattle Daily Photo or Accidental Hedonist (who’s featured on our Other Blogs in WS page) comes out on top – join us if you’re out and about!
H4H IS DAYS AWAY: If you missed the announcement the other day, a group of energetic, creative, community-minded WSB Forum regulars have is organizing an awesome-sounding charity-benefiting event this Sunday afternoon at Beveridge Place Pub — you’re invited, and you might be able to help even if you can’t be there in person. Read all about “Handbags for Hunger” here, and join its organizers in the forums here.
VOTE FOR WSB: The group-blog site Metroblogging Seattle resumed its “blog tournament” just in time for a Final Three vote-off, and WSB is one of the final three (as is Accidental Hedonist, run by West Seattleite Kate, featured in our continuously updating Blogs section). Please consider taking a few seconds to hop over here and follow the link to vote for WSB. The “awards ceremony” will be here in West Seattle, no matter who wins – and we’re planning to show up, win or lose – 6:30-8:30 pm this Friday @ Skylark.
Every weekend, when we publish the “fresh sheet” for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, we note in passing that its more unconventional offerings include goat meat. Anybody buying it, you wonder? Unequivocally, yes – here’s here’s an anecdote from the relatively new blog for Earth Ministry, posted by its West Seattle-based executive director.
A group of WSB Forum members who’ve been getting together F2F have just hatched a great plot to do a good deed while having a good time — and this Sunday, they’re making it rapid reality. Here’s their official announcement, including a way you can help ahead of time:
Handbags for Hunger
Silent Auction
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2:30 pm to 4 pm ….Beveridge Place Pub
6451 California Ave. SW (Morgan Junction; map here)Members of the West Seattle Blog Forums got together to create a fundraising social for the West Seattle Food Bank… and another local charity, the Seattle Dress for Success program.
What began as a few local members cleaning out their oversupply of quality handbags and donating them to charity as an excuse for a good party has attracted local attention and we are getting donations we didn’t expect; some of them top-end designer handbags.
All donated handbags will be up for sale at the auction… some of them will simply be for sale for $5… some of them will be up for bid with a $5 minimum and $25 maximum.
We will also be collecting non-perishable food items and cash/checks for the West Seattle Food Bank. Every donation will be matched through the current $1 million dollar Feinstein Foundation donation challenge (read more about it here). This will be a great opportunity to make your dollars count and help out one of our more important local resources.
What began as a problem; what to do with handbags that didn’t sell, has created another opportunity for donations. We will be donating any bags that don’t sell to the Seattle Dress for Success program and will also collect donations of quality used women’s business attire and cash/checks for their program. They especially need plus size clean and ready to wear clothing.
We expect participation from local representatives from both organizations and will have information on both organizations for those who would like to know more.
So if you are 21 or older (Beveridge Place is a pub), this is a great chance to drop by, have some fun, drink a little beer, drop off some of what you just cleaned out of the closet, do some good, find a great handbag at a really reasonable price and get to meet some of the more infamous West Seattle Blog Forum members. We will be wearing nametags with our sign-in names so you can identify us.
We are accepting donations of all types of quality bags; we hope to have something to offer those males who are brave enough to attend. If you would consider selling it at a consignment shop; we want it. You can show up at 2 pm when the pub opens to drop off donations, or contact JoB to arrange drop-off prior to the event. All unclaimed bags will be donated to Dress for Success.
You can e-mail JoB at joanne (at) brayden.org; you can also join the chat about this event, and a multitude of other topics, in the WSB Open Discussion Forum.
Sorry for the dearth of updates today, have just spent four and a half hours away from the keyboard (remote connectivity temporarily not available) at two events, including key testimony in the Satterlee House (Beach Drive “Painted Lady”) development appeal. Will file shortly; also checking out an Alki Crime Watch update and what one tipster describes as a “tree massacre” in Gatewood. Stand by and thanks.
First: Deb sent the link to this West Seattle post on Vintage Seattle, through which we learned that VS blogger Jess Cliffe is moving to WS this weekend; welcome! Now, some current-day pix (from before the rain swept in):
That’s from Marybeth, as is this surf-level bird’s-eye view:
Next – two photos courtesy of Chas Redmond, who was on the Lincoln Park shore at a moment today when the water was sapphire blue:
Chas reports the afternoon winds gave that kayaker quite a bit of trouble.
Last weekend we told you about the draft West Seattle Walking Trails map (if you haven’t checked it out yet, feedback is still welcome) – tonight, the new Discovery Map, which we heard about from the folks at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor). They’ve written about it on their bizblog (if you haven’t already seen the entry in the latest roundup on our Blogs page), and are offering free copies at their shop in the Admiral District. You can also preview the map online.
Before the next wave of news hits (we have some in the hopper, never fear), a few quick WSB notes:
NEW PAGE FINALLY READY FOR PRIME TIME: You may already have checked out the page titled MORE (in the navigation tab bar below the page header on all WSB pages) – We wanted to tweak it before officially announcing it but it seems announceable now: It’s where you can find the latest West Seattle headlines from citywide media sources (and a few regional/national ones that might mention WS from time to time). MORE is based on the same tech application that powers the BLOGS page, which displays the latest excerpts from 100-plus “Other Blogs in West Seattle” — so those are both pages you can check out any time to find fresh West Seattle stuff to read.
WSB MOVES FROM GOOGLE BLOGS TO GOOGLE NEWS: In recognition of the fact that we are as much a news site as a blog (if not more so), Google is now aggregating WSB content in Google News, rather than Google Blogsearch. You won’t see all WSB posts there; some are too short, but the meatiest stuff should turn up there (and is always quickly indexed in regular Google Search as well).
WSB FORUMS MILESTONE: More than 400 WSB readers are now signed up for the forums, a heartening percentage of the thousands who read them. Anyone can read ’em; registration is required to post or comment, and we’re glad to see participation hit that level after just 2 months. We set them up so you could “talk amongst yourselves,” particularly with WSB Reader Recommendations — and here’s one great example of how WSB’ers helped each other, the saga of the metal plates. Also, we recently added a West Seattle Rants and Raves forum, thanks to a reader suggestion.
PLEASE TAKE A SECOND TO VOTE FOR WSB: For the second year in a row, WSB is in the “final four” of the Metroblogging Seattle blog tournament. Their format is a quirky little thing that’s a takeoff on NCAA March Madness; voting takes only a second, and you don’t have to register for anything – just go here (we’ve got a link at the top of the right sidebar, too). Voting’s open till Wednesday, after which we will plead for your vote one more time if WSB reaches the finals. Thank you!
Another new sponsor joined WSB this week — West Seattle State Farm Insurance agent David Newman (shown at right below in the afternoon sun/shade outside their office at 3435 California Ave a few days ago, with, left to right, administrative assistant Maggie Johns, associates Corrie Greene and Chris Little, and wife Melissa Newman), who you can reach online or at 932-1878:
Here’s what David wants you to know about his business: “We are a friendly office located in the heart of West Seattle, and take pride in our effort to support our West Seattle neighbors the best we can. Between our longtime staff and agent, we have a combined professional experience of over 50 years. West Seattle families who understand the importance of properly insuring themselves are happy that we take the time and make the effort necessary to protect the things that they find important. This office has a long history of supporting local youth sports teams and schools with sponsorship and donations. Most of our new clients find their way to us by referral. We are making a concerted effort to market our service in an ecologically friendly way by doing all we can to avoid mass mailings and other ecologically damaging mediums. Thanks for your business – it means a lot to us.” That’s one thing you can say for online advertising – it’s green! And it’s a great way to get your name in front of thousands of people who live and/or work in West Seattle, 24/7/365; to find out about joining the roster of our much-appreciated WSB sponsors, please start here.
We just changed phone providers; our voice # is the same, but the address for text messages is different: 2062936302 – at – vtext.com — that’s the best way to reach us fast when you’ve got breaking news, just in case we’re away from the keyboard, so please consider programming it into the contacts list on your phone. (You can also find us on Facebook as WS Blog and on Twitter as westseattleblog, by the way.)
FOR TEENS: Think you can find anything online? Delridge Library invites you to test your skills – and win prizes! – at the Teen Internet Scavenger Hunt this Wednesday, 4 pm. Find out more here, including how to preregister.
FOR ADULTS: The Madison Middle School PTSA is extending an open invitation to anyone interested in attending its next meeting featuring two UW researchers who are looking into how teens use tech — specifically, instant messaging and blogging, and video games. After the presentations, Madison PTSA co-president Adrian Lee tells WSB, “the researchers will lead a discussion of youth and emergent digital technologies.” That meeting is 7 pm March 12 @ the Madison library; more info here.
If you lose track of either of these events, just keep an eye on the WSB Events page, where they’re listed along with dozens of other West Seattle events for the days, weeks, months ahead.
April 15 is exactly two months away, and if you’ve got a refund coming this year, you’re probably gathering your paperwork already. 
This morning we welcome a new WSB sponsor from the tax-preparation business — the local H&R Block offices on California, on Delridge, and in White Center, owned by Christopher Price, CFP. Christopher tells us the West Seattle office was the first H&R Block in the state of Washington, opened in 1963, and also one of the first in the country. Its founder, Harold Orr, lived over the office at 4828 California SW and according to Christopher, eventually opened more than 100 Block offices in the state. When he decided to sell off some of his offices, Christopher bought the ones in West Seattle and White Center in 1991. Before that, Christopher founded and operated the H&R Block in West Berlin. The hours and phone numbers of his three offices here are in the H&R Block ad on the right sidebar, and you’ll be able to find them there all the way through Tax Day in 2 months. Thanks to Christopher for supporting WSB, and thanks to our other sponsors, all listed on this page along with info on how you can find out about joining them.
This morning, we send out the traditional WSB sponsor welcome to Quid’•nunc (4522 California in The Junction), West Seattle’s best-known computer store. Here’s what the folks from Quid’•nunc want you to know: “Quid’•nunc has been serving West Seattle for 13 years with computer hardware, software, and accessories plus repair and networking services. Our goal is to provide you with quality products and service which will ensure reliable computer operations for you. We are always available to answer questions or offer advice. In the last year, we hired a great team of computer technicians. 
We are now offering on-site services for you and your business. If you need a part-time computer pro, please give us a call. We can set up a unique service contract to ensure your network runs safely and efficiently. Bill Hibler, owner of Quid’•nunc, [photo left] is a West Seattle local. He has lived here for 19 years. He is a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Westside Professionals – a BNI networking organization, a past president of the West Seattle Junction Association, a member of the board of trustees of ArtsWest, and a member of the board of Trusteed Properties, which owns and manages the free parking lots in the Junction. Bill is dedicated to the health and growth of our community. He lives, works and plays in West Seattle. He is an avid reader, cyclist and gardener. He regularly sponsors the West Seattle Garden Tour and hopes to have his own yard on the tour someday. Quid’•nunc has consistently supported the fundraising activities of local schools and churches and is a regular sponsor of West Seattle Girls Softball. A few years ago, Quid’•nunc was looking for a simple slogan to help people remember the store. We felt so strongly about ‘Quid’•nunc–Where PC means Personal Care®’ that we registered it as a Washington State trademark.” (Check the ad in the right sidebar for a special offer.) Thanks to Quid’•nunc and our other sponsors for supporting WSB; if you want to find out how to join them, here’s the place to start.
Yes, we know there are many fine coffee establishments where you can get wi-fi absolutely free – but if you absolutely cannot avoid going online at Starbucks at some point for some reason, you will be interested to hear this.
Taking a quick moment on a busy day to welcome the latest WSB sponsor: Ventana Construction (5458 California SW, 932-3009). Here’s what the folks at Ventana want you to know about them: “Ventana Construction is a full-service remodeling contractor based in West Seattle. We are a family-owned business with a full staff of skilled craftsmen. 
We specialize in custom homes, whole-house remodels, and additions, with a focus on seamlessly blending the new areas with the existing home. We also do total facelifts on kitchens, baths and basements and build spectacular outdoor gathering places. We work closely with architects to build functional spaces with inspired design and stellar finishes. Creative solutions and unusual materials make our projects stand out. From custom-built Craftsman-style railings to modern steel and green materials, we build homes that exceed expectations. A successful project is equal parts quality construction and effective management. Our experienced project managers and office staff provide clear communication and the tools to track project costs and stay on schedule. We provide weekly reports on completion and a master calendar that includes deadlines for all material ordering. Those steps make for a calm, logical and predictable building process. We are Built Green members of the Master Builders Association and members of the National Association of Homebuilders. We are also members of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. Come visit us in our new offices at the corner of California and Findlay in West Seattle to find out more about our construction services. Or visit our website to learn more: www.ventanabuilds.com.” Thanks to Ventana for supporting WSB; to find out how to join the WSB sponsor team, check out our Advertise page.
We reported here on Jan. 20 that it appeared wi-fi service had finally begun – albeit without fanfare – on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run. Today, 2-plus weeks later, the vendor, Parsons, just issued this announcement confirming it had indeed launched in mid-January. (A Feb. 7 news release announcing that something started Jan. 17 still seems a little odd. Give it a few days to be sure it’s working before you announce it, but three weeks?)
Today, our traditional WSB sponsor welcome goes out to Jenaya Van Horn, MA, LMFT, CMHS, whose West Seattle practice offers individual, couple, and group therapy. As you will see on Jenaya’s ad in the right sidebar — the one that is headed SAY NO MORE! — what she offers includes EFT Coaching, and here’s what she would like you to know: “The challenges we face are part of being human. They present us with opportunities to learn more about ourselves and the possibilities that life can hold. Attending to these can give our lives greater depth and make life more meaningful. This is often described as ‘work’; however, I prefer to see it as a labor of love. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and Lifespan Integration, two approaches that I have seen to be helpful in resolving depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, difficulty making or acting upon decisions, addictive or self-harming behaviors, anger, grief, trauma and transitions; more gently and quickly than talk therapy alone. If you are ready to enjoy a healthy, happy life with purpose and want to explore what you can do to make your life better or different, then let’s begin.” Thanks to Jenaya for supporting WSB; if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, the first step is to check out our Advertise page. That page lists all our current sponsors; we hope that if/when you do business with any of them, you will consider thanking them for supporting WSB, as we get closer to sustainability. Thank you, and thanks to all of them!
Tonight we welcome the newest WSB sponsor: The West Seattle Rock Club, advertising here to let you know about their biggest event of the year — free to the public! — the West Seattle Rock and Gem Show, coming up February 16-17 at the Alki Masonic Temple in The Junction, featuring not only displays of rocks and gems, but also demonstrations and family activities. (Read more here.) The club’s been in West Seattle since 1965, and meets monthly, with other activities including rockhounding field trips. But you don’t have to be a hobbyist or any kind of expert to attend and enjoy the annual show; check out photos from last year’s Rock and Gem Show on this page of the WSRC’s website. We thank the WSRC for choosing to promote the Rock & Gem Show by advertising on WSB; if you’re interested in joining them and our other sponsors, please visit this page.
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