September 2011

UPDATE, SEPT. 11

A questionable article is circulating in many major Seattle media outlets, and beyond, picked up by European sources with the headline "Amanda Knox hopes to be home for Thanksgiving". The article claims Knox spoke to an Italian newspaper, which she did not, her parents told the West Seattle Herald. They pointed out that it is illegal in Italy for their daughter, who is convicted of murder, to speak to any media unless, and until, she is freed. She has not yet spoken to any press at any time.

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One of two prosecutors believes West Seattle raised Amanda Knox will be freed by early October.

That, according to Nick Pisa's story in today's Daily Mail here:

In celebration of Ballard's green spaces, Groundswell NW features and celebrates a "Park of the Month" and the community around it. In September the spotlight is on Kirke Park. Located 9th NW between NW 70th and NW 73rd, Kirke Park is Ballard's newest park.

From Groundswell NW:

Little West Seattleites and their parents showed up en masse for the official unveiling of the Admiral District’s Lafayette Elementary playground on Sept. 6 – just in time for school to start the next day.

As soon as construction tape strung around the play spot was officially cut, a legion of kids rushed the new toys, their imaginations running wild as they conquered the equipment.

Please click the photo above for a slideshow.

The playground is the result of a several month fundraiser organized by parents and teachers known as the Play It Forward Project that raised enough funds to match a city grant.

QFC provided a free barbeque and Play It Forward organizers thanked them along with Safeway, ING Direct, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and a sea of volunteers for helping to bring the new playground to fruition.

Caribbean-inspired musicians The Toucans provided live music and Seattle Sounders defender Zach Scott provided inspiration and autographs at the event.

Gus, (whose formal name is Augustus Angelo) is so named because he comes from Italy. His owner Shelley Sutton spent a number of years in the military and was stationed in Italy in the Air Force in 2000. She had an apartment in Aviano and one day was in the town and walked by Gus at a pet store there. "He was for sale on a cobblestone street." He was only eight weeks old at the time. "I asked how much and he was $10 (or 20,000 Lira) and he's been with me ever since, through all the moves."

Shelly describes something that Gus does that's unusual. "He does a little 'paw hook' when he's in the mood to, he kind of cups his little hand and drags them across your hand. He does it if he's cuddling up to you. He's definitely a sweetie."

She's not sure what breed he is exactly. "I always say he's a mystery mix. I've met someone who had a Daschund, King Charles Spaniel that looked similar so I think he might be a mix of everything, maybe a Corgi, Daschund, Spaniel."

Gus eats regular dry food and loves baby carrots for treats and gets a little popcorn now and again. "He loves his ball and a squeaky raccoon he's chewed the ears off."

Yodio Tours, a Seattle company has launched a new Android app featuring several digital tours of Alki. Created by West Seattleite, Jim Winquist, the self-paced tours combine the free #775 bus and the digital walking tour to experience the best of Alki. The company is owned by Clay Loges.

Even if you've lived in West Seattle for years it's likely you will enjoy the elements of this look at our part of the world.

“Many people visit Alki Beach, but few enjoy the true experience with the back stories about the buildings and open spaces,” said Winquist (using the stage name Jim West), a third generation West Seattle native and the author/guide for his Alki tour. “This digital tour is a new way to interact with smart-phone-carrying sightseers.”

The Android tour application uses GPS technology to locate nearby tours on a map, and all tours are free for tourists and sightseers alike. You can preview the free tours online at www.YodioTours.com or download the illustrated podcasts from iTunes for use on your iPod or iPhone.

By Chris Foster, Intern

After a long weekend of sun, experiencing new bands and making tough decisions, there is finally time to sum up my thoughts on this year’s Bumbershoot.

There seemed to be a shared feeling amongst many fans—including myself—about the lineup lacking the usual big-name acts that Bumberfans have come to expect. However, there was still good music to be heard.

If there is one thing in particular Bumbershoot is good at, it’s providing a chance for fans to experience a wide variety of genres. In particular, I always look forward to the hip-hop acts and the alternative blues-rock bands. Past favorites of mine include the Wu-Tang Clan from 2007, the Black Keys from 2008, and the Cold War Kids from 2009.

press release:

Today the Seattle City Council unanimously approved an Interlocal Agreement between Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine to use the King County Jail as the primary provider of bed space for the City's misdemeanor inmates over the next two decades.

“Just over a year ago, the City was considering spending $200 million on a new jail. Because we were able to work with King County Executive Dow Constantine to negotiate this agreement, we can focus our scarce public funds on priorities higher than incarceration – creating jobs, supporting our kids and maintaining the human services that people rely on more than ever during these tough economic times. Thank you to Councilmember Tim Burgess for his leadership on today’s vote. This is some great news to head into our next budget cycle with,” said Mayor Mike McGinn.

In May 2010, the City ended its process of siting a new regional municipal jail for misdemeanor offenders after receiving a commitment from the County to house a certain number of City inmates from 2017 to 2020. The new proposed contract would strengthen this commitment and extend its duration to 2030.

The Olympic National Forest fire was visible from the Ballard/Phinney area on Tuesday evening.

A close eye could detect where the smoke was coming from as a distinguishable smoke cloud moved upwards, covering the Peninsula in a fog-like cover.

The Olympic National Forest fire started on Thursday and smoke has been visible from West Seattle since Saturday.

Summer feels like it's over. No more music/movies/plays in parks. Nothing left to do but stay home and watch football on TV this Saturday?

Wrong!

Saturday, Sept. 10 is overflowing with fun fall activities around Highline:

Burien Arts-A-Glow Lantern Festival and Procession
One of the more unique annual events in Highline is moving to a new location this year. Burien Arts-a-Glow, a lantern festival and procession that has been held in Burien for the last five years will be held from 5- 10 p.m. at Dottie Harper Park, 421 S.W. 146th St., and move through a residential neighborhood for about 30 minutes.

The event has grown to attract over 1,000 community members who come to create beautiful lanterns and enjoy the magic of the community coming together for an evening stroll.

From 5-8 p.m., participants will make lanterns, get face painting, sample tea and treats, check out artist- created lantern installations, and listen to music by harpist Jini O'Flynn and Musical Strings.

Press release
Artists United announces its Annual Juried Show, September 2 - October 28, at the Burien Community Center.

Twenty-seven art works by twenty-seven artists will be displayed. An artist reception and awards presentation will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 4-6 pm.

Our juror, Barbara Benedetti Newton, is a Signature Member of the Northwest Pastel Society, juried member of Women Painters of Washington since 1998, and Charter Member, Signature Member and past President of the Colored Pencil Society of America.

Artists United is a club of visual artists, made up of amateur, professional, and retired artists. Originally started in 1949 by a group of watercolor painters living in the Burien area, the group has grown to include members from throughout South King County, working in a variety of media: drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and jewelry. Our aims are to encourage individual artistic development and to bring art into the community.

Artists United meets monthly at the Cove in Normandy Park, and offers demonstrations by local professional artists working in various art media.