August 2010

Larry and Sherry Luke got Scooby Doo at the Animal Shelter on Elliott Avenue about four years ago. He's a Coon Hound. "He's a lap dog and likes to snuggle under the covers," said Sherry.

"They are tracking dogs," said Larry, " they were bred to hunt cougars and bears. A friend of ours told us that her dad had them and they can get up to about 110 pounds but this guy is only about 65 pounds."

"He crawls underneath our coffee table and gets behind the couch since he's been a puppy," said Larry though they are not sure why he does this but unlike many dogs Scooby is not bothered by sirens or fireworks in the least.

He seems to have quite a talent though for finding and killing rats (and will sometimes chase cats though only for fun). When he catches one he will sometimes grab the rat by the tail and flip him, often high enough to get over a fence.

Scooby loves people food but tends to avoid pickles. He's not a fan.

The name is of course after the famous cartoon canine because, "When he was a puppy he was all ears, paws and and big tummy and he just looked like Scooby Doo. Scooby's best friend is a German Shorthair named Rufus and they often get together to play.

Coming to 3247 California Avenue SW. in the former Eness Restaurant location is a new establishment called Blackboard Bistro.
Here's their press release:

Jacob Wiegner, a chef who trained at Le Cordon-Bleu London, worked in top kitchens in London and Florida, and has spent the past two years as sous-chef at Olivar on Capitol Hill, will open his own 40-seat restaurant, Blackboard Bistro, in West Seattle next month. The emphasis, Wiegner says, will be a nostalgic nod to the chef's past, prepared with Northwest ingredients.

Wiegner's philosophy is to focus on simplicity, technique and fresh ingredients. “I have worked in a variety of restaurants from French and English to Mediterranean, and I want to bring all this cuisine together,” he says. “This is where the idea of an American Bistro comes alive, a melting pot in all senses of the word.”

It's Fleet Week in Seattle and as part of Seafair that means that Navy ships are here for public tours on the Seattle waterfront.
Photojournalist Greg McCorkle was there to see the USS Port Royal enter Elliott Bay as the sailors stood at attention on deck and onlookers at Duwamish Head took in the view.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

From the Seafair.com website:

Fleet Week Parade of Ships Wednesday
Seafair is proud to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, welcoming them to the Seattle waterfront for Seafair Fleet Week presented by Boeing. 
The arrival of the ships and sailors for Seafair is a tradition rooted in the formative years of the festival over 60 years ago. Over 5,000 sailors will disembark a half-dozen U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian vessels for a short liberty pass and the opportunity to take part in the high-speed Seafair action on Lake Washington.

A 31-year-old woman shot and killed herself early Tuesday evening at the intersection of South 144th Street and Interurban Avenue in Tukwila in what appears to be a murder-suicide.

A man she was reportedly in a relationship with was found dead earlier Tuesday afternoon with multiple gunshot wounds on Seattle's Beacon Hill. One gunshot wound was to the back of his head, police said.

King 5 News reported witnesses seeing the woman kneeling over the body of the man before fleeing in a car.
The woman then apparently drove south to Tukwila. Police officers had already received reports of the man's shooting and were able to pursue her vehicle. The couple apparently had a previous reputation with the Seattle Police Department's gang unit.

"She shot herself in front of the officers," said King County paramedic Ben Jack, who treated the suspect. "They were chasing her. They did a pit maneuver to stop her vehicle and she pulled the trigger. She had to have put the gun right in her mouth."
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding the Beacon Hill shooting should contact the Seattle Police Department.

August 5
The Tin Theater is show French Connection Starring: Gene Hackman. Showtimes: 5:45P, 8:00P.

August 6 thru August 12
The Tin Theater presents Pulp Fiction- Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson. Showtimes: 5:45P, 8:00P

Contact Dan House at the Tin Room 206.242.8040

August 6
Book Signing--"Three Tree Point" by Pam and Guy Harper, 4-6 p.m. Grand re-opening Party, Burien Books, 824 S.W. 152nd St. For info 206-244-1422.

August 7
The Genesis Projects March for Hope: raising awareness and funds for the first 24 Hour Drop In Center in the Country for girls involved in Sex Trafficking in South King County and beyond. A fundraiser to raise awareness on the stark reality of sex trafficking of minors that is going on in the South King County area and beyond. 9am-2pm. at The Corridor in SeaTac WA 2819 S 208th St SeaTac. Contact: Executive Director and Co-Founder Christie Thomas 206-280-8212 or christie.genesisproject@gmail.com

August 11

Stage Struck was not able to sell quite the number of tickets needed to hold the Aug. 14, tenth anniversary party, an event we recently reported. Instead, after their last camp production, Mary Poppins, Friday, Aug. 20, 7pm-8pm, they will have an informal celebration with desserts and beverages. Mark Anders will be at the piano, and they will leave microphones on for singing and celebration. There will also be scholarship donations solicited for next summer.

The location is Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church, 3050 California Ave SW, 98116.

A number of residences in the Ballard area have fallen victim to afternoon burglaries.

12:30 p.m. – 6:21 p.m. July 30, 1400 Block of N.W. Woodbine Way

Complainant stated that she left the property secured at 12:30 p.m. When she arrived at the house around 6 p.m., she noticed the front door was wide open and the basement door had been kicked in.

The house is currently being renovated, and most items had already been removed. But, some computer equipment was missing.

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. July 30, 5200 Block of Phinney Ave. N.

Suspects entered the unlocked rear door of a residence. The went through the house into the upstairs bedroom and took several items.

Complainant was tipped off that "something wasn't right" when he noticed change missing from his bedroom. He was unsure about what else had been taken.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 30, 9000 Block of 14th Ave. N.W.

Suspects entered a detached garage and took several items.

8:30 a.m. – 8:29 p.m. July 30, 5100 Block of First Ave. N.W.

Here's an update from SDOT on the work being done to the Spokane Street Viaduct and connecting roadways:

The contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completed the final concrete pour to close the gap between the new eastbound Fourth Ave S off-ramp and the Spokane St Viaduct. The concrete will take approximately two weeks to cure then crews will place an epoxy coat on the roadway and stripe it.

Please note, during concrete curing the area must be left clear to properly solidify, so crews will not be out on site.

For information about construction closures for this project and other projects, please visit Construction Closures in Downtown Seattle and SODO at: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/sodo_latest.htm .

On Aug. 2 the Seattle City Council approved $1.24 million in awards to support neighborhood projects.

Included in the 2010 budget were the Community Orchard of West Seattle who are building a new orchard to eventually support 30 new fruit trees and 36 berry bushes. In addition, volunteers will assist with art projects to develop a gate, patio, signage, tables, and benches, that will create an inviting community green space. Also part of the 2010 budget was the "Play It Forward" project whose goal is to replace the current play structure and update the play area to make an updated, safe, and fun play area/public space for Lafayette students and local neighborhood residents.

Seventeen community organizations will receive funds from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Matching Fund Program for projects as diverse as the renovation of historic cottages, playground improvements and youth arts education.

The White Center Community Development Association is inviting the public to have a say in the future of White Center at an event they are calling their "Member Mixer" even though it's open to the public on Saturday Aug. 7 from 1pm to 3 pm.

The event is taking place at the YWCA Learning Center 9720 8th Ave SW in the Greenbridge community.

Free food and childcare will be provided.
They will discuss ideas for action around the issues that effect White Center and its residents. Some of the topics planned for discussion will include
Housing
Education
Jobs
Business
And much more
For more info, email sean@wccda.org or call (206) 694-1082 x165

WCCDA is located at 1615 SW Cambridge Street Seattle, WA 98106 206.694.1082