August 2011

By Christy Wolyniak, Intern

What began five years ago in Seattle as thick country sound has now grown into an out-of-control rock 'n' roll band sure to provide a good time and foot-stompin’ beats.

Five guys connected and created White Trash Whiplash in 2005, and after releasing their first CD in 2006 and disbanding for a few years, the band is now back in action with a new bass player and drummer.

“We all liked southern rock growing up and album rock from the 70s. It’s an exaggerated version of our authentic selves,” said rhythm guitar player, Ron Leonardi or ‘Ronnie Fingers.’ “I like to describe [our sound] as Johnny Cash, ACDC, and Frank the third put into a blender.”

Out of a determination to master an original sound not already breathing in hipster culture, White Trash Whiplash dug up some oldies, rock, and put it to lyrics that tell a story beyond their sound.

Christopher Kinsey has been named at the Interirm Principal at Chief Sealth International High School and a letter from Interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield has been sent:

Dear Chief Sealth International High School community,

I am very pleased to announce Christopher Kinsey as the interim Principal at Chief Sealth International High School.

Mr. Kinsey has spent the past three years as Assistant Principal at Cleveland High School where he helped coordinate and implement the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program and fostered a student-centered learning environment throughout the school. He understands the unique needs of the Chief Sealth community and he will continue the good work of former principal John Boyd. Please join me in welcoming him into the Chief Sealth community!

Mr. Kinsey will serve as the Interim Principal for the 2011-12 school year. As is our practice with an interim appointment, the Chief Sealth community will have an opportunity to provide feedback over the winter. Then, we will decide if a national search needs to be conducted for a permanent principal.

Stealing a snack
On July 28 a QFC shoplifter was apprehended by store security and arrested by police. At 9:30 p.m. the security guard witnessed a woman put a can of Cool Whip and a box of cookies in her purse. She was almost out the front doors when the guard approached her and identified himself. The suspect fled and the guard pursued. The woman ran into the cart return corral and attempted to crawl under the metal bars, slowing enough in the process for the guard to grab her purse. The woman turned back and bit his right hand, breaking the skin. Police arrived at that point and booked the suspect in jail for investigation of robbery and an outstanding warrant for assault. The Cool Whip and cookies were recovered from her purse.

A burglar’s trade

Delridge Rain Garden Project
5424 25th Ave. SW
(206) 292-9875
Saturday August 13, 2011 Volunteer planting event. 9 a.m.-Noon RSVP at sg@stewardshippartners.org

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave, S.W.
206 937 7169
50% OFF EVERYTHING in our Storewide Sale: Sunday, August 14 thru Saturday, August 20th. Until Sunday, August 14:  50% OFF yellow-tagged items. The American Cancer Society Shop is open Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other days 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Summer Science at High Point Neighborhood House
6400 Sylvan Way S.W.
This is a free summer science club for 4th-7th graders that will give students a chance to be creative and make friends while conducting their own experiments. There will be three two-week sessions. Students can participate in one, two, or all of the sessions.

Session 3: August 16 and 18, 10 a.m.-noon. Students will work with mentors on group and individual projects and will show off their creations at a science fair August 23. Information or to register contact Shuby at 206-588-4900 ext. 613.

AAA Driver Improvement Program
West Seattle Christian Church

By Lauren DiRe, Intern

On Friday, locals were asked at random to give their opinion about Referendum 1 and the tunnel that will replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Click on the image above to start the slideshow and see their one-line responses.

Not pictured:

“No to the tunnel. A tunnel in an earthquake zone right near the water is ridiculous.” –
Ann Maxell

“I’m in favor of the tunnel. I think it could move more people faster.” – Kate Sutherland

By Theresa Edwards, Intern.

What’s a Ballard party without seafood? On the evening of Sunday, August 7, the Kolstrand Building celebrated its one year anniversary Ballard-style with beer, music, and lots and lots of oysters.

People streamed into the back parking lot of the Kolstrand Building to join the all-ages party, which benefitted the Puget Soundkeepers Alliance, a local nonprofit that works to protect and preserve the waters of Puget Sound.

The gathering, open to the public, was held to celebrate the building's first year since its reopening.

Nestled on Ballard Avenue in the heart of the commercial district, the Kolstrand Building was originally built in the early 1900s and was occupied for eight decades by the Kolstrand Marine Supply Company. When it was put up for sale in 2009, Bryce Phillips, owner of evo Properties. spotted it and envisioned it as a space to bring together a variety of neighborhood businesses.

The character of the building revealed itself during the renovations, recounted Phillips. Beneath the layers of drywall appeared some of the original brick with painted advertisements dating to early 20th century Ballard.

Click on photo for SLIDESHOW

Although Alki resident Tracy Dart was the official recipient, the 200-plus attendees at the "We Heart Tracy Dart" fundraiser also benefited Sunday night at the Bridge Bar & Restaurant as a shared feeling of well-wishing seemed to fill the room.

A breast cancer advocate and survivor, Ms. Dart is known to be a tireless, almost iconic fundraiser in West Seattle for the cause, including the Susan G. Komen walks and Northwest Hope & Healing annual fashion shows. Other area survivors are quick to credit Dart with holding their hand through their own ordeal.

This time the tables were turned and supporters gave to her. Her friend, event organizer Lisa Dawson, also of Alki, told the West Seattle Herald that donations were closing in on the $6,000 mark with people still quietly handing her checks made out to Tracy Dart.

You can read our updated story leading up to the benefit here:

Thirty-five schools from across the country will start the school year with some extra cash as Big Lots announced the winners of the 2011 Lots2Give video contest. Locally West Seattle Elementary won $2000 and a ceremonial check presentation will take place Monday, August 15,  at.10:00 am at the Big Lots Store located at Burien Square East
125 Southwest 148TH Street. A total of 116 schools competed for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes in the fourth annual Lots2Give video contest, with the $20,000 grand prize going to Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan.

Big Lots asked participating schools to submit a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. From June 6 through July 4, America voted for their favorite video at www.biglots.com/lots2give. More than 230,000 votes were cast to determine the 35 winners, which include one $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 first-place prizes and 30 $2,000 second-place prizes.

press release:
The Seattle Chinese Garden’s Friendship Wall is not ancient or monumental in scale, but it is great because it recognizes the many good friends and community members who are contributing to the Garden. An October 15 ceremony will unveil the completed first side of the wall, displaying green granite bricks engraved to honor family, friends, and organizations.

Among them are bricks recognizing West Seattle residents and groups, including Puget Ridge Neighbors. Judy Cashman, a long-time homeowner in this close-knit community, secured donations from 40 families for the specially inscribed brick.

“The Chinese Garden is right in our backyard,” Cashman said, “and my neighbors describe it as a refuge and a jewel they enjoy visiting, so of course they wanted to support it. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful natural and cultural resource in West Seattle.”

Other West Seattle residents and organizations can help fill the first side of the wall by reserving bricks in this prime location. Only 100 spaces remain and are available first come first serve. Orders must be received by August 25 to ensure mounting on the wall in October.

press release:

Sustainable West Seattle has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The Russell Family Foundation to help community members restore Puget Sound.

The group will be building an in-depth community outreach program aimed at helping educate local citizens about the sources of toxic runoff in the West Seattle area. Toxic runoff from sealed surfaces such as paved streets, sidewalks and rooftops is the number one source of toxins entering Puget Sound each year. Pollutants include motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, grease, paint, heavy metals and dog poop. This toxic mix threatens human health, the economic vitality of the region, and the survivability of the Sound’s most emblematic species: salmon and orcas.

The grant from The Russell Family Foundation will enable Sustainable West Seattle’s volunteers to teach hundreds of our neighbors about simple actions they can take to reverse the damage to Puget Sound and restore it to health.