WINTER 2000                                                                                     Editor  Judy Pickens

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S NOTEPAD
MEET PRESIDENT BRUCE BUTTERFIELD
    Fauntleroy has been my home for most of my life.  My grandparents, George and Maude Butterfield, had a beach home on the cove that, in my grade school years, was the “summer place” for our whole family.  I would move here from Queen Anne with my parents, Bob and Helen, sister Elaine, and brother George, the day school let out each year.
    Until the day school resumed, the house on Fauntleroy Cove was like an all-summer, summer camp.  When I was 14, my family took up permanent residence in Fauntleroy.
    After graduation from Denny and Sealth, I moved away for several years, first to WSU in Pullman, then to work for small- and medium-sized radio stations as a disc jockey and program director.  I missed Puget Sound, though, and inched my way back over the mountains to a Seattle station.  Once in West Seattle again, I could hardly wait to move back to the cove.
    In 1983, I got radio out of my system and joined my brother, George, in real estate.  Brokering the sale of homes and other properties has helped me learn about the “bones” of West Seattle.  Serving on the FCA Board has helped me appreciate the energy, enthusiasm, and fellowship that give this neighborhood its “heart” and make it home.
    Watching our community change is easy.  What's hard is taking the initiative to make it change in the direction we want.  Fortunately, we have many neighbors who serve as FCA Board members and volunteer in other ways.  They have worked to keep Fauntleroy ahead of the game on ferry system growth and zoning issues and have planned and implemented projects that maintain the vitality of our neighborhood and enhance our quality of life here.
    Thanks in large part to Gary Dawson’s leadership for eight-plus years, we are also fortunate to have the respect of many public officials and agencies that have been or will be key partners with us in shaping change.
    At the 20-year mark of what began as a neighborhood “fight the ferry” group, we can look back on a record of achievements.  We have addressed concerns and initiated projects but, more importantly, we have continued to build a sense of community as well as the confidence to affect positive change.
     I begin my term as your president on the firm footing of this record and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that will surely arise on my watch.        - Bruce Butterfield
 

FCA SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR COORDINATOR POSITION
    After more than 20 years as an all-volunteer organization, FCA is in the market for a paid administrative coordinator.
The Board's decision was an outgrowth of long-range planning discussions prior to the election of officers on Oct. 28.  Outgoing president Gary Dawson strongly advised that the position he held for eight years had grown to be too much to expect one person to do.
    Tapping West Seattle Neighborhood Service Center Coordinator Carla Cole as a resource, Board members devised a plan aimed at sharing the load more equitably among officers and directors and getting paid assistance with certain administrative tasks.
    The Board sought additional professional feedback as it drafted the job description (see box at right) and talked through details of filling and administering the position.
    "While we're looking forward to making volunteer participation in FCA more manageable, we are well aware that this is a big step for the organization," said President Bruce Butterfield.
    "We hope the job description and flexible hours will match our needs as well as those of someone wanting non-profit experience," he said.  "The emphasis on building membership should enable us to sustain the position financially and at the same time give FCA a stronger voice in our community and city."
    Direct questions or concerns about this decision to any Board member or officer.

COORDINATOR POSITION
FCA is a non-profit membership organization working to preserve and strengthen the quality of life in the Fauntleroy community.  It is involved in such issues and concerns as transportation, the environment, and public safety, as well as development of amenities and opportunities that support the neighborhood.
FCA seeks a part-time coordinator to carry out the day-to-day operations and record keeping of the organization and to help build membership.  Major responsibilities include administration, membership development, and public relations.
Qualifications:  Must be a resourceful, proactive, team player comfortable working with all ages and speaking to individuals and small groups.  Must have good listening skills, a non-judgmental, problem solving attitude, and strong writing, telephone, and computer skills; Web page development a plus.  Should have experience working with volunteers.  Know-ledge of Fauntleroy and West Seattle is highly desirable.  Call 932-2400 with questions or to request a copy of the full job description.
Hours:  Flexible; approx. 5-10 hours/week.
Salary:  Depends on experience.
To apply:  Send a cover letter, résumé, and references to Fauntleroy Community Association, P.O. Box 47087, Seattle 98146-7087.

FERRY SYSTEM BUDGET
FAUNTLEROY, WEST SEATTLE WOULD TAKE HIT IF STATE KNOCKS OUT PASSENGER ONLY SERVICE
    The State Transportation Commission and Governor Locke have approved the 2000-2001 budget proposed by Washington State Ferries and forwarded it to the Legislature, which must accept or amend it as part of the state's total plan for transportation spending.
    Passage of I-695 restricting motor vehicle license fees made a deep dent in ferry system revenues so, consequently, the proposed budget includes significant reductions.
    Most important for West Seattle is the proposed elimination of passenger only service between Vashon and downtown Seattle and calls a halt to constructing five additional passenger only vessels and adapting terminals at Southworth, Kingston, and downtown Seattle to accommodate them.
    The hundreds of commuters that now use this service from Vashon will be forced to use alternative transportation - most likely their own cars - adding to the already burdensome and dangerous traffic on Fauntleroy Way S.W. and the West Seattle high bridge during peak hours.
    Failure by the Legislature to fill this revenue gap would be a serious blow to FCA and other West Seattle neighborhood groups that have worked long and hard with the ferry system, city officials, and Vashon and Southworth citizens to reduce the number of ferry-related vehicles passing through West Seattle daily.  That's exactly what passenger- only service does so well and it gets ferry commuters where they want to go more directly.
    Ideas to compensate for the loss of passenger only service are emerging from Vashon and Kitsap County.  The most prominent are (1) turning the service over to private ownership, or (2) making it part of Metro Transit or Kitsap Transit.  Speculating on the feasibility of either option is premature, but discussions are in progress.
    In addition, an early conclusion of the ferry system's annual tariff study is that raising fares enough to restore passenger only  service would be counter-productive because of the loss of ridership that a high-priced ticket would cause.
    The FCA Board is in communication with city, county, and state elected officials to encourage them to be actively involved in finding a solution to this perplexing problem.  We are also bringing other West Seattle community groups up to date and asking them to join us in advocating for retention of passenger only service.
    I urge you to contact members of our legislative delegation (see below) as well with comments and ideas.
                                                                                                                                        - Gary Dawson
 

FERRY MEETING HERE
    If you'd like to know more about issues before the South Ferry Advisory Committee, as well as the interests and personalities involved, your chance is coming up on Tuesday, April 18, when Fauntleroy's representatives host the meeting.
    Ferry system managers, along with committee representatives from Vashon and Southworth, will be in attendance.  It will start at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church and, as with all advisory committee meetings, it will be open to the public.
 

THANK YOU, NEIGHBOR!
    Seattle's sixth annual Neighbor Appreciation Day will be Feb. 12 and copies of this colorful "Thank you, neighbor!" card are free for the asking at the West Seattle Neighborhood Service Center in the Alaska Junction.
     Make a point on the 12th (or thereabouts) of warmly welcoming new neighbors and thanking those long-timers who've been especially neighborly this past year.

STREET PROJECTS ADVANCE
    Two FCA-backed projects to slow traffic on residential streets are moving closer to construction, according to John Marek, acting supervisor for neighborhood traffic control at Seattle's Department of Transportation (SeaTran).
     The traffic "bulb" planned for Fauntleroy Way S.W. and S.W. Wildwood Place is part of a package of similar projects that he expects to be awarded by late spring and built over the summer.
    A city crew will build the traffic circle planned for 39th Ave. S.W. and S.W. Henderson by the end of the year, he said.
    SeaTran's Neighborhood Street Fund will pay the estimated $33,600 cost of both structures.

REVIEW SOUTHWORTH PROJECT
    On Feb. 10 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Fauntleroy School, State Ferries will host an open house to present plans for reconstructing the Southworth ferry dock (starting in September) and preview expected schedule disruptions.
    The room is just inside the main entrance to the former school.

REMODELING OF TERMINAL ENTRANCE NEARLY DONE
     Remodeling of the entrance to the ferry terminal to add a second toll booth, change signage, and make safety improvements has gone off without a hitch, reports Pat Gruenhagen with State Ferries.
     With that project nearly finished, attention has shifted to the dolphins that help guide vessels into the slip and keep them aligned there in rough seas.  Three aging wooden dolphins are being replaced with steel pilings and a fourth dolphin added.
     "The contractor recently completed installation of two temporary 'protective' dolphins," Pat said.  "They will be removed once the permanent dolphins are in place, which will likely be in early to mid March."  State Fish and Wildlife regulations require that such in-water work be completed by March 14.
     Direct questions or concerns about the project to Pat at 515-3713.

COHO FIND WAY HOME TO FAUNTLEROY CREEK
     Starting Oct. 27 and lasting just over four weeks, an estimated 100 Coho returned to spawn in Fauntleroy Creek.  This 1999 showing was half the prior year's return but, according to Steve Parsons, president of the local Puget Sound Anglers, it was surprisingly strong, given the seasonal scarcity of Coho in the central sound.
     Salmon watchers Mark and Tyler Yoshida were the first to spot returning fish.  They were among 32 volunteers who helped collect information for use locally and in a countywide program.  Seattle Public Utilities supported the project with a training session and supporting materials.
     Friends of Fauntleroy Creek coordinator Judy Pickens and her husband, Phil Sweetland, hosted 130 youngsters from schools and youth groups who came to see the fish up close and learn more about salmon and what they could do to help.
     Scores of people came to the viewpoint as well to observe the Coho progress through the fish ladder and the occasional cutthroat trout pestering for a salmon-egg lunch.
     "We've gathered many ideas for fine-tuning the experience next year for watchers and bystanders alike," Judy said.  "We also hope to involve the volunteers as well as students in collecting additional data of particular interest locally."
     A great thing about this fall's return, she said, was how neighbors took "ownership" of the creek:
     "Several people called or stopped by to ask if the fish could get past the huge logs at the mouth of the creek or through all the silt in the fish ladder.  We were getting expert advice on both but just knowing that residents were so concerned was wonderful!"
 

PARK ANNEX MASTER PLAN COMING INTO FOCUS
    The master plan for the Lincoln Park Annex across Fauntleroy Way S.W. from the Texaco station (where the tennis courts are) is beginning to take shape.
    The landscape architectural firm guiding the city-funded project, Allworth/Nussbaum, hosted two public meetings, one in November and the other in January, and will host a third and final session on Feb. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the basement Freedom Room at The Kenny.
    At the second meeting, project architects presented three design alternatives, each of which reflected suggestions collected during the first round of community input.
    On Feb. 23, interested residents will be asked to comment on a single design that incorporates what the community considered to be the most desirable features of the three preliminary alternatives.  Also on the agenda will be a discussion of construction priorities and a new name for the site.
    "'Lincoln Park Annex' doesn't appeal to anyone," said lead volunteer Bob Fernandes.  Several alternative names have been proposed and more are welcome for consideration on the 23rd (see coupon at right).
     Seattle Parks is reviewing elements as the master plan develops, he said, which should speed its approval of a final design.  Elements can then be implemented as funding and volunteer energy are available.  Improvements may include

•  new trails from 44th Ave. S.W. to Lincoln Park
•  a viewpoint at the top of the hill
•  a small P-Patch at the bottom of the hill
•  other gardens and improved landscaping to eliminate invasive and non-native plants.

FRIENDS OF FAUNTLEROY PARK
STEERING COMMITTEE READIES PARK MASTER PLAN, VALUES STATEMENT FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT
     After two meetings, the Friends of Fauntleroy Park steering committee is fast approaching the day when it will ask the community to comment on and approve a proposed master plan for the park.
     An Adopt-a-Park volunteer group of Seattle Parks, "Friends" is an outgrowth of an FCA-sponsored meeting last spring on neighborhood security.  Partici-pants in a second public meeting in the fall added many projects to a wish list, suggested priorities, and recognized a steering committee.
     In October, the committee members divvied up administrative duties and mapped strategy.  By early January, they had all the projects that had been suggested - from basic maintenance to enhancement of the 28-acre park - itemized on a lengthy "dynamic activities list."  Key words from this list were the genesis of a draft statement of guiding values.
     "As we studied the proposed projects, we tried to discern what underlying values the community has for the future of this park," said steering committee member Christy Tyson.
     "We hope to have the whole document ready for public review by the end of February and will use every means available to get a copy to anyone who's interested in reviewing and commenting on it."
     Look for an announcement in the West Seattle Herald, at park entrances, or at the fish ladder viewpoint about where to get a copy.  Committee member Maureen Hansen is helping Christy organize use of community gathering places (such as the bakery, church/YMCA, and library) as distribution points and make copies available by mail and e-mail.
     To reserve a copy now by e-mail, contact Christy at christytyson@earthlink.net.
 

COULD YOU GIVE A HAND?
     Work parties:  Friends of Fauntleroy Park has regular work parties on the first weekend of the month.  They are great opportunities to help with much needed maintenance and special projects, plus meet neighbors who share your interest in native plants, wildlife, or other features of this natural space.
     Upcoming work parties are Feb. 5 and 6, March 4 and 5, and April 1 and 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.  Call Karen Farnsworth (935-5313) or Luli Weatherwax (938-1567) for details about where to meet and what to bring.  Supervised children are very welcome!
     Nursery space:  If you have an empty flower bed or spare corner of your vegetable garden that could be a "foster home" for a plants not quite ready to be installed in the park, call Steve Bomkamp (935-5313).

FCA OFFERS WRITING / EDITING INTERNSHIP(S)
     In an effort to give Neighbors editor Judy Pickens a helping hand and at the same time provide one or more persons with a career building opportunity, FCA is offering a volunteer writing/editing internship.
     Judy has 30 years of experience in corporate and community communication and the newsletter is well respected throughout the city.  The intern (or interns) could work shoulder-to-shoulder with her for a couple of issues or take assignments over a longer period of time.
     If you or someone you know might be interested, call Judy Pickens at 938-4203.
 

MOREY'S BENCH
SLEDDING DREW NEIGHBORS TOGETHER
    When Morey Skaret was a young man, Old Man Winter twice dumped a lot of snow on the Puget Sound area.  Here he recounts how weather suitable for hibernation instead drew most of early Fauntleroy's residents out of their widely scattered homes.
     During two winters in the late 1930s, we had enough snow for serious sledding - 12 to 18 inches.  Very few people lived in the neighborhood then and we were quite scattered.  Southwest Henderson Street, where Marjorie and I were the first to build a home, had just three houses on it from the cove to the water tank up near 35th Avenue.
    The only street that had enough steepness to it for sledding was Henderson due west of 45th Avenue.  It was steeper then than it is now because W.P.A. reduced the grade a bit a few years later.  The street along the north side of Fauntleroy School would be steep enough now but, in those days, it was very twisting and not much more than a path.
    When a big snow came, people just showed up at the top of the hill.  Nearly everyone was there, even the dogs, and I enjoyed the getting together and sledding as much as anyone.  I can still smell the crisp air and hear the excited voices and barking, which were so distinct in the cold.
    To warm us, I drilled holes near the bottom of an open 50-gallon oil drum to get a good draft and put it in a wheelbarrow along with some wood.  We pushed it up to 45th and, once we got a fire going, the kids would scavenge more fuel from the woods across the street to keep a crackling blaze.
    Having the neighbors together was really very pleasant.  We'd visit and gossip and have sled races.  Both children and adults brought sleds and some of the mothers baked cookies.
    The children liked to double up, one on top of the other, because sledding was more fun that way and you could get up more speed.  One girl always insisted on riding with me because I had the fastest sled.  Well, all the sleds were about the same; they were all store-bought.  What she didn't realize was that the only reason my sled went faster than others did was that I was a grown man and was heavier!
    One fellow brought his homemade bobsled, which could carry up to six people.  Another guy had a toboggan that he steered with some kind of pole on the back, like a tiller.
    Despite the snow, the streetcar kept rattling by on the east side of 45th.  The west side was paved, which is where we staged our sledding, right at the top of the hill on Henderson.  As excited as we were, nobody ever got seriously hurt.  I put up a barricade on upper Fauntleroy Way to block the street from any possible traffic and let the sledders turn to lose momentum.
     Back then, schools didn't close for "snow days."  The younger children walked to Fauntleroy School and the older ones took the streetcar to West Seattle High, so they were expected to get to class.
     But whether a big snow came on a weekday or on a weekend, they would sled down Henderson and trudge back up for another run until, finally, their mothers called them home for supper.
 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 FORUM:  On Wednesday, Feb. 16, Mike Yarrow will lead a free community forum on "Globalization and Militarism:  Who Gains?  Who Loses?" starting at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church.  Mike is with the Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation.  He will engage the audience in an exploration of the connection among polarized incomes, globalized corporations, and post-Cold War increases in U.S. military spending.

 CONCERT:  On Sunday, March 12, the Sylvan String Quartet will perform a "light concert in the round" starting at 2 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church.  Children are especially invited to enjoy this program of Borodine, Mozart, and Gershwin.  A freewill donation at the door will benefit the church's music fund.

 MARRIAGE TUNE-UP:  Married couples in the neighborhood are invited too take advantage of a winter "tune-up" on the topic of conflict.  Led by counselor Bob Weeks, the workshop on Sunday, March 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fauntleroy Church will cover positive ways to work with conflict, techniques for resolving conflict, and strategies for keeping communication open when conflict cannot  be resolved.  Call the church office at 932-5600 for details (including cost) and to request childcare.

TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS:  The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce transportation committee meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Charleston Street Café at California Ave. S.W. and S.W. Charleston in the Admiral District.  For a preview of what's on the monthly agenda, call the Chamber at 932-5685.

CENSUS BUREAU SEEKING NEIGHBORHOOD WORKERS
Dave Rogers, a recruiting assistant with the U.S. Census Bureau, is seeking "grassroots" workers for the upcoming national census.
Hiring will start in mid March, with training in early April; assignments will range from four to six weeks thereafter.  Workers will be paid $13.75 per hour, plus mileage if a car is needed and can expect to be knocking on doors in their own general neighborhood.
For an application, call the local Census Bureau office at 206-433-0738.