West Seattle Blog…

Summer Concerts at Hiawatha this Thursday: Caspar Babypants

(WSB photo from 2011 Hiawatha show)
The most popular performer ever at Summer Concerts at Hiawatha returns to the Admiral Neighborhood Association-sponsored series this week – Caspar Babypants, the West Seattle-based kiddie-rock star, takes the stage at 6:30 pm Thursday (July 31st). Via his website, he’s promising “a 90-minute show full of every hit you can sing!” as well as a chance to buy advance copies of the new CB album “Rise and Shine!” The concert itself is free – come early, bring your own chair/blanket, picnic dinner if you feel like it, and get ready to have a great time.

Video: Blue Angels return, and more sights in the sky

If you’ve been reading WSB for more than a few years, you know we recommend the Museum of Flight, alongside Boeing Field, as your base for Blue Angels viewing during Seafair week. That’s where the Navy demonstration team takes off from, lands at, and parks during its Seafair visit. And that’s who recorded the video in our top clip, as the Blue Angels arrived today for the first visit since 2012 (military budget-belt-tightening canceled their season last year). Their major practicing doesn’t start until Thursday, but if you want to go see what they look like parked, the MoF is your place these next few days.

But as noted here over the weekend, they’re not the only sights in the sky, and Gary Jones caught another one (two-in-one) today:

Two Chinook U.S. Marine Corps helicopters buzzed Alki Point, as Marine Week continues, part of the Seafair events.

Marine Corps aircraft will be on display at the MoF starting Wednesday, continuing through the weekend.

West Seattle Crime Watch followup: ‘Flasher’ suspect due back in court Wednesday

A hearing is set Wednesday for the man arrested Friday night in connection with one of the recent “flasher” incidents. As reported here on Saturday, the 37-year-old man was jailed for investigation of indecent exposure and failure to register as a sex offender. We’ve learned a bit more about the case today, now that we’ve been able to check with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

This incident happened last Tuesday evening near Beach Drive and Orleans (map). The victim (whose comment here is the only reason we knew about the case) is quoted as telling police that she was walking north on Beach Drive when she saw a Nissan Pathfinder parked northeast of the intersection. A man inside yelled over to ask her if she knew where Hanford Street is; she walked closer and saw through its front windshield that he was exposing, and holding, himself. She walked away, making note of the license plate and other descriptive factors. Police responded and went to the Admiral-area home of the car’s owner, who told them his son had been driving the vehicle, a 1998 silver Pathfinder, parked there and still warm (though the suspect was not found). After further investigation, the suspect was arrested on Friday. The probable-cause document makes note of the two similar incidents in West Seattle over the past two weeks – one in Admiral on July 15th, in Gatewood on July 17th – but does not say if he is officially suspected; we’ll see what happens if and when charges were filed.

His status as a Level 2 sex offender is related to what’s described as convictions for arson and burglary with a sexual motivation in 2000; the court documents are not available online so we don’t have details of the case. He was reported to have moved out of state in 2007, apparently to Idaho, where he was found guilty of failure to register in 2008, and should have registered within three days of returning to this state, which might have been as long as two years ago. Since he was arrested Friday, a bail hearing was held Saturday, and bail was set at a total of $100,000; the suspect posted bond and was released from jail afterward, and is due back in court Wednesday afternoon, by which time we might know about charges in the case.

Bright as a star, named for an astronaut: What those bright lights across Puget Sound from West Seattle turned out to be

(USNS John Glenn last night, WSB photo at twilight, from a distance)
For the past few weeks, people with west-facing views from West Seattle have been noticing a new and VERY bright light from the Manchester vicinity (map). The WSB Forums even had a thread going for a while, and that led to the theory that the lights were coming from, or related to, a certain ship that’s been at the Manchester Naval Fuel Depot about that long, and finally confirmed it last night by taking a ride on the Seattle-Bremerton state ferry. The ship is the USNS John Glenn, a mobile landing platform that was just dedicated a few months ago. Here’s a US Navy file photo:

We observed the lights on the port (left) side of its superstructure, rising. Today, a spokesperson for Manchester told WSB earlier today that lighting is required when fuel/fluid operations are under way at night. What we’re still trying to find out is – if this is even available as public information – how long the USNS John Glenn, which apparently does not yet have a homeport, will be there. But since we’re still getting inquiries about this, we didn’t want to wait any longer to share the answer of WHAT the lights are.

Update: Albert, missing in West Seattle, found & safe

UPDATE 9:45 PM: As detailed in comments below this story, Albert has been found – thanks to everyone who helped!

****
ORIGINAL REPORT, 1:58 PM: Albert is missing – and his brother asked us to get the word out:

My 33 year old brother is mentally unstable and likely in the West Seattle area. He was staying at Transitional Resources (2970 SW Avalon Way), but ran out early this morning (the staff thinks between 5-8 am). He does not have a car, cell phone, or wallet, so he is probably wandering around on foot. He is likely in a disoriented state from insomnia. He is of Asian descent, has some facial hair, and wears glasses. If anyone sees him, please contact me by phone (650-387-0738) or email (piwaisfafa@aol.com).

Or, call police.

Update: Overheated power cord blamed for house fire in 6500 block of Delridge Way; no one hurt; cat rescued

(UPDATED with fire’s cause – scroll down)

(WSB photo: E-29 firefighter Todd Jensen carries cat rescued by E-11 firefighter Annie Olson)
11:23 AM: Big fire response en route to a house in the 6500 block of Delridge Way SW (map). It’s a basement fire, according to an early report from the scene, which also said everybody got out OK. More to come.

Fire off Delridge near Home Depot @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/PcqnLyAPe6

— Yovany Camacho (@CubanRefugee) July 28, 2014

11:30 AM UPDATE: Added a Twitter photo (thanks, @cubanrefugee) – our crew is almost there. Police are being asked to block Delridge both ways in the area, which is north of the busy intersection with Orchard/Dumar businesses. LOTS of smoke, which is an extra reason to stay away.

11:40 AM UPDATE: Our crew says wind is blowing the smoke further down Delridge – so you might be noticing it some distance away. SFD has sent more equipment to the scene. We’ve added a quick clip via Instagram – you can see the billowing smoke.

11:52 AM: Our crew on the scene and scanner traffic both indicate firefighters are making progress – they’ve declared the fire “tapped” but that still leaves more work to do; they’ve mentioned smoldering insulation, for example.

Also: At least one pet, a cat, has been rescued.

12:25 PM: SFD PIO Kyle Moore is on scene so we’ll have additional information soon. Also note – Metro Route 120 is rerouted because of the fire-related Delridge closure.

1:07 PM: Moore (briefing video added above) confirmed that no one was hurt; one cat rescued, another bolted, and another is being sought. Four people were working in the back yard when the fire started in the basement – no word on the cause yet. Delridge Way is now open again, and Route 120 is back to normal.

3:22 PM: SFD says an overheated power cord was to blame. Damage totaled $200,000. In addition to the three cats who survived along with the four residents, their half-dozen chickens are OK too.

4 notes for the rest of your West Seattle Monday: Blue Angels; blood drive; caregivers’ group; Pencil Me In For Kids

(Kimberly Pena photographed these fire dancers on Alki last night)
Four quick notes for the hours ahead:

BLUE ANGELS REMINDER: Two years after their last Seattle appearance, they’re back, and you’ll likely hear/see their arrival in the 12:30-1 pm vicinity. Here again is our preview published last night, with lots of information (including Wednesday’s parade of Navy/Coast Guard/Canadian ships – and OTHER planes).

BLOOD DRIVE IN GATEWOOD: If you can donate this afternoon/evening, Peace Lutheran Church would love to see you. The mobile blood drive is set for 1-7 pm, and you can just walk up. (39th/Thistle)

SUPPORT GROUP FOR ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS: If you are taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia, this free support group is for you. 1:30 pm at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)

PENCIL ME IN FOR KIDS DONATION DRIVE: PMIFK collects and buys school supplies to help kids in need, and they need your help NOW to make sure no scholars are supply-less in the next school year. Again from 3-6 pm today, you can donate supplies and/or cash to Rotary Club of West Seattle volunteers at QFC in The Junction; details in our calendar listing. (42nd/Alaska)

About that early-morning earthquake: Centered in South Sound

Some discussion in today’s traffic watch about an early-morning earthquake, 3.5 magnitude at 4:04 am; we were on duty at the time and didn’t notice a thing. Here’s the map showing its epicenter in the South Sound (outside Belfair); you’ll also notice the DYFI link over the map – click that and you can send in a report (helpful to scientists!) about whether you felt it.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; ferry change; last day for Sound Transit survey

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! As today’s traffic watch begins, we have several notes:

EXTENDED WATER TAXI SERVICE TONIGHT: Because of tonight’s Sounders game, the West Seattle Water Taxi will run on an extended schedule.

FERRY REPLACEMENT: WSF says the Evergreen State will replace Sealth on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run starting today and while its capacity is comparable, the ES doesn’t have galley service or vending machines because it was recently mothballed and is being reactivated for this guest appearance, expected to last less than a week.

BLUE ANGELS: One flew in Sunday, the other six are due in around 12:30-1 pm today. I-90 bridge closures are Thursday-Sunday – here’s the schedule.

LIGHT RAIL FOR WEST SEATTLE SOMEDAY? SURVEY DEADLINE! Today is the deadline for feedback on the latest phase of Sound Transit‘s in-progress Long-Range Plan Update. Easiest way: This survey. (For more background, check out our earlier coverage.)

5:53 PM: Not sure yet about the westbound bridge slowdown – we’ve had two reports of police activity.

Changes ahead at 4480 Fauntleroy Way: Diva Espresso, Maestro Motors, Ace 1 Computers out; Rudy’s Barbershop apparently in

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The other shoe has dropped following the sale of 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle – the three businesses in the building have been given notice to leave.

And a document filed online with the city suggests they’ll be making way for a business that’s been promising a West Seattle location for almost two years.

At least two of the existing businesses – Diva Espresso and Maestro Motors – are looking for new West Seattle spots.

Here’s what we have discovered so far, following research that started with e-mail tips this morning (thank you!):

Click to read the rest of Changes ahead at 4480 Fauntleroy Way: Diva Espresso, Maestro Motors, Ace 1 Computers out; Rudy’s Barbershop apparently in…

More Seafair air-and-sea details: Blue Angels in Seattle tomorrow, Parade of Ships (and aircraft) Wednesday

Welcome to seattle #7! pic.twitter.com/Gt4m2vEeJD

— Seafair Festival (@SeafairFestival) July 28, 2014

Earlier today, we mentioned military aircraft sightings linked to Marine Week, which is part of Seafair this year. But the big show is yet to come – the return of the Blue Angels. Love them or hate them, you might want to know when they’re coming in, in addition to when they’re practicing and performing. So we’ve just confirmed that six Blue Angels arrive at Boeing Field tomorrow (Monday) by 1 pm. (One arrived unannounced today – see Twitter photo above.) A downtown flyby is expected around 12:30 pm. Wednesday, #7 goes up for demonstration flights with one “influencer” and one media person. Then Thursday (9:45-noon and 1:15-2:40 I-90 bridge closures) and Friday are practices, Saturday-Sunday are the official shows (12:15 pm-2:40 pm I-90 closures the latter 3 days). More as the week goes on. Also:

PARADE OF SHIPS/FLIGHT: We’ve already mentioned this feature returns this year too, and the ships will be visible from West Seattle shores on Wednesday afternoon – you might glimpse the aircraft from here too, though in the past we’ve noticed the flybys were closer to downtown. Here’s the list of participating vessels and aircraft expected along the downtown waterfront around 1:45 (so, obviously, passing West Seattle earlier):

Parade of Ships
USS Essex
USS Chancellorsville
USS Howard
CGC Mellon
HMCS Edmonton
HMCS Brandon

Parade of Flight
MV-22B
AH-1Z
UH-1Y
CH-53E
CH-46E
Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration – MH-54D

Your chance to explore the Duwamish River: Kayak tour series set

(WSB file photo)
The Duwamish River, along West Seattle’s eastern border (and beyond), is in the spotlight more than ever this year. Some cleanup is under way and plans for more are in the works. A high-profile awareness campaign by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition has even brought a high-profile supporter, Seattle-based hip-hop superstar Macklemore (who wrote about it here).

But you don’t have to be a star to help the river. You can do something as simple as taking a tour. And DRCC has just announced this year’s series – every other Thursday night, 6-8:30 pm, starting this week (July 31st), through the end of September. Three tours leave from T-107 Park on the West Seattle side of the river – July 31st, August 14th, September 11th – while the other two leave from Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park – August 28th and September 25th. And they’re all in partnership with West Seattle-headquartered Alki Kayak Tours (with whom you need to RSVP – tours@kayakalki.com – $45/person unless you’re bringing your own kayak, in which case, it’s by donation). Here’s the flyer with full details (PDF).

Speed cams, school-zone beacons, ‘pedestrian zoning’ and more @ this quarter’s Morgan Community Association meeting

Transportation issues dominated this quarter’s Morgan Community Association meeting – with information of interest beyond Morgan’s borders.

SPEED CAMS: In addition to the two new ones that will be activated on Roxbury (by Roxhill Elementary and Holy Family School) this fall, dozens of other locations remain under evaluation around the city, according to SDOT‘s Brian Dougherty. Since the first one to be activated in West Seattle is on Fauntleroy Way near Gatewood Elementary, and since a flashing (cameraless) beacon recently went in on California SW near Gatewood, Dougherty was asked if the latter location would likely get a speed camera. He said he thought that 35th SW by Our Lady of Guadalupe – frequently staked out by the flexible-location “speed van” – would be a more-likely priority for another West Seattle speed cam. Once there’s a new list of proposals, they would require City Council approval, and you’ll recall that the money generated by the cams is all slated to go to school-safety projects. One such project is in the works for the aforementioned Fauntleroy crossing by Gatewood, at Myrtle – bulbs to shorten the crossing.

FLASHING BEACONS ON FAUNTLEROY: Dougherty also mentioned that new flashing school-zone beacons will go up on Fauntleroy Way before newly expanded Fairmount Park Elementary reopens this fall, so look for that work soon.

The meeting included even more transportation info – regarding the Fauntleroy/California intersection – click ahead: Click to read the rest of Speed cams, school-zone beacons, ‘pedestrian zoning’ and more @ this quarter’s Morgan Community Association meeting…

West Seattle Bridge anniversary: One more big event ahead

Next Saturday night, “Sleepless in Seattle” (the movie that inspired the cry, “You can’t get to Alki like THAT!”) will be onscreen as part of West Seattle Outdoor Movies, sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society as a wrapup of the summerlong celebration of the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the “high bridge.” As you know if you’ve been to a WSOM screening before, the screen is on a big wall in the courtyard outside Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), which has been partnering with SWSHS in the summerlong celebration.

Back on July 14th, 30 years to the day after the bridge’s dedication, the courtyard was the site of a panel discussion of the bridge’s history – not just how it got built, but also, the bizarre spinoff story that became a murder mystery. In case you missed that event, here’s our video:

Back to next Saturday’s WS Outdoor Movies presentation: According to the full preview on the SWSHS website, preshow entertainment includes live music and more of those historic bridge-related video clips previewed here earlier this month. And as with all WSOM shows, it’s free! But you can bring $ for not only nonprofit-benefiting concessions and raffles, but also to buy an anniversary T-shirt and commemorative coffee. Make a night of it – August 2nd, 4410 California SW.

Military aircraft over West Seattle? Probably for Marine Week. P.S. Blue Angels!

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:52 PM: Texter this morning asked about Ospreys seen over West Seattle – the kind with rotors, not feathers, most recently mentioned here three months ago during preparations for a Presidential visit. This time, we are fairly certain they’re part of Marine Week, a new addition to Seafair. Here’s the schedule. No specific aircraft mentions, but the Museum of Flight at nearby Boeing Field is expecting some for its part of Marine Week, with arrivals Tuesday night, according to its website. Add all this to the Blue Angels‘ impending return, and the sky’s going to be a lot busier than usual this week.

BLUE ANGELS UPDATE, ADDED 6:59 PM: It seems they’re keeping a different schedule this year. Seafair is showing one Blue Angel arrived today, and TV stations are reporting more coming in tomorrow, reportedly a 12:30 pm downtown flyby. We’re checking…

Six possibilities for the rest of your West Seattle Sunday

If you haven’t already checked the calendar:

(Added: WSB photo of Katherine Pryor at WSFM just as her hour was concluding)
AUTHORS AT WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: “Readers to Eaters” presents two local authors at the WSFM today – until 11 am, it’s West Seattleite Kim O’Donnel with her “Meat Lovers’ Meatless Cookbook“; 11:30-12:30, it’s Katherine Pryor (from Magnolia) with the kid-geared “Sylvia’s Spinach.” The market itself is on until 2 pm as always. (44th/Alaska)

EXPLORE THE BEACH: The tide is low enough for exploring today (-0.6 at 11:53 am), so volunteer beach naturalists are back at Constellation Park and Lincoln Park, 11 am-1:30 pm.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Perfect weather to tour Alki Point Lighthouse – note that there are no tours next weekend because of Seafair, so after the 1-4 pm tour window today, only half a dozen chances remain, later in August. (Alki SW/Beach Dr. SW)

(Thanks to Karen for the photo from Saturday night’s GreenStage production at Lincoln Park)
FREE OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE: GreenStage presents “Othello,” 3 pm at Lincoln Park; details in our calendar listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE GREEN SPACES COALITION: The group continuing to work on the future of the “surplus substations” in this area meets at 3 pm, Southwest Branch Library; details in our calendar listing. (35th/Henderson)

PIANO-MANIA AT KENYON HALL: That’s how the historic concert venue bills Radoslav Lorkovic‘s performance at 7:30 tonight:

Radoslav first came to our attention as the coy keyboardist for Ronny Cox. A few months ago he wowed the audience at Kenyon with his remarkable talent as composer and singer, and we invited him to come back whenever he can. Luckily for us, he’s on the west coast again this month, and has agreed to return to the hall.

E-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net for your reservation. (7904 35th SW)

West Seattle Hi-Yu float wins Seafair Torchlight Parade award

(Torchlight Parade photo courtesy West Seattle Hi-Yu)
Congratulations to West Seattle Hi-Yu for its award-winning appearance in Saturday night’s Seafair Torchlight Parade. The craftsmanship and creativity that went into the 80th anniversary Hi-Yu float – which features a steam-emitting teapot – won the Seafair Workmanship Award. Hi-Yu’s Denise Davis told us via Facebook, “Duane (Davis), the driver/builder, said the judges were beaming when they saw the teapot steaming and the cake spinning and the court members dancing to ‘Welcome to my Tea Party’.”

UPDATED P.S. Thanks to Hi-Yu for sharing the parade photos – look closely at the one above this line to see driver/designer Duane!

West Seattle weekend scene: First WSHS Alumni Basketball Game

High-school basketball season is still four months away – here’s the schedule, taking shape – but the West Seattle High School court was busy on Saturday afternoon.

The first annual West Seattle High School Alumni Game was organized as a benefit for the current program. The schedule included a shoot-around and 3-pointer competition; for the main game, players were split between the school’s past and present mascots, Indians (gray T-shirts) and Wildcats (white T-shirts), with 2004 as the dividing line. Missed the game? Look for the second-annual edition next year. And you can support WSHS athletics any time via the WS Booster Club.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; found car part

Two more quick West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight – From LS:

I just discovered my car was stolen from my driveway in Highland Park (police report was just completed) either last night or this AM. It’s a teal 1993 Honda Civic EX coupe. Please post to the WSB so that if someone sees it they can contact the police.

And from Gretchen:

I found the face of a Mercedes radio/navigation system on the corner of 18th and Thistle. I contacted police and they came to pick it up. Incident number 14-244731.

P.S. Is your block signed up for a street-closing Night Out party? If not, go here. The big night – Tuesday, August 5th – is only a week and a half away.

There yet? Pizza, photo booth, fashion @ West Seattle Outdoor Movies tonight

Gates are open for tonight’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies event in the courtyard by Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) and a lot is going on, long before “Spice World” hits the screen at dusk.

(WSB photo, substituted for Instagram snap originally posted here Saturday night)
Free slices from Pagliacci (a WSOM sponsor, as are we), free photobooth [above], and after 8 pm, a fashion show. All free. You just bring a chair/blanket and if you can, a few bucks for nonprofit-benefiting raffle items and concessions. 4410 California SW, right next to The Junction’s Post Office.

Built, or building, a Little Free Library? Consider entering ‘Libraries on the Loose’

We’ve showcased some of West Seattle’s wonderful, and sometimes whimsical, Little Free Libraries in recent years, and we know many more are out there. If you’ve built one or are getting ready to build one, you might be interested in a competition that the local chapter of Architects Without Borders is having – with the entry deadline less than a week away! Find out about “Libraries on the Loose” here. (Yes, you CAN enter an already-built library – we asked John Putre, who pinged us about the contest, and he said, “Submissions can be both existing and new Little Free Libraries, as long as they meet the requirements, which are pretty lenient – located in Seattle, hold at least 20 books, protected from weather.”) Entry fees benefit AWB’s work.

Happening now: Buy lemonade in Gatewood, help fire victims

2:55 PM: Thanks to Alex for the photo – she says this lemonade and cookie sale at California/Portland in Gatewood (map) is raising money to help the Red Cross help fire victims in our state. (We’re waiting to hear back about how long they’ll be there.)

ADDED: If you didn’t already see the comment – congrats to the lemonade-and-cookie sellers for raising almost $200, which will be multipled by matching donations. If you missed the stand but would like to help, here’s what the Red Cross is doing in the fire zone, and how to donate.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Arrest in Beach Drive indecent-exposure case; Puget Ridge burglary, Gatewood car-prowl reports

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today.

First, police have arrested a suspect in connection with one recent West Seattle indecent-exposure incident. We’d been trying for several days to find out more about this case – the third in less than two weeks – since a reader mentioned it in this comment last Tuesday night. The commenter wrote of giving police license plate/description information after the incident that night on Beach Drive, and that officers said they had matched the information to a sex offender. Finally, after multiple inquiries, we got confirmation of an arrest today; Southwest Precinct commander Captain Steve Wilske confirmed a suspect in that case is in custody. He’s 37 years old and being held for investigation of indecent exposure and failure to register. No charges filed yet – but we’ll be checking first thing Monday, along with trying to find out more about whether he’s suspected in any of the other cases.

(SUNDAY NOTE: According to the jail register, the suspect has posted bond on $50,000 bail and got out of jail Saturday night, after a little more than one day behind bars.)

(back to original Saturday report) Second, Margaret reports her home in the 5200 block of 18th SW (map) on Puget Ridge was broken into during the day on Friday, with two specific stolen items she’s asking you to watch for:

… Sometime between 9:30 am and 7 pm. They smashed the back bedroom window, ransacked the house, and took a Sentry-brand putty-colored fire proof plastic lock box full of irreplaceable family papers, an array of electronics, and a wooden earring box with a leather inset of Raven stealing the sun, about the size of a business envelope and an inch high. It was full of cheap, craft-fair costume jewelry of great sentimental value. They did not get the key to the lockbox and I’m hoping they may not be able to get inside and may dump it. If the lock box or wooden box turn up anywhere, I’d be anxious to hear.

Third, TJ reports from Gatewood, “Two suspicious males were attempting to open car-door handles for the second night down Holden Street. Police were called at 1:30 am.”

Crime Watch info to report? If it’s breaking news, text or call 206-293-6302; otherwise, editor@westseattleblog.com – but not until after you’ve reported it to police! Thanks!

Happening now: Volunteer cleanup at Walking on Logs

Thanks to Sharonn Meeks for sharing that scene from the Walking on Logs area along the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. Shown are members of the Chief Sealth International High School Key Club, part of today’s volunteer cleanup crew at the sculpture site, including Sharonn and Nancy Driver from the Fairmount Community Association just east of the nearby Triangle area. (P.S. In case this makes you wonder – to date, no word on the fourth sculpture’s fate.)

West Seattle Totems updates: 10 team members compete in National Air Rifle Championships; Alec Patajo wins, heads to Legion competition this week

West Seattle Totems team member Alec Patajo, 14, goes to Colorado this week to compete for the 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship – weeks after winning another national championship, in his first national final. That’s part of this Totems update from coach Joe Matter (who also provided the photo above):

The West Seattle Totems recently returned from their trip to the National Air Rifle Championships. Ten members of the team travelled to Camp Perry Ohio which is the home of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The CMP hosted two national championships: The Junior Olympic 3 Position Air Rifle Championships and the CMP National 3 Position Air Rifle Championships.

Each Championship consists of a 60 shot qualification process and a final. Team scores are computed using the qualification score. Those individuals who finish in the top 8., compete in a 10 shot final. The scores from the final are added to the qualification score to determine the final placing.

The first competition was the Junior Olympic Championships. The Thunderbird squad of Alec Patajo, Corinne Blair, Sierra Avril, Casey iwamoto and Tanner Venturi finished in 8th place. The Chiefs squad of Katelynn Bacon, Katelynn Brown, Owen Yeasting, Nick Young and Vic Yeasting finished in 36th place. Alec finished in 5th place after the qualification round. Alec shot well in the final and finished in 4th place after the final was completed. This was Alec’s first national final.

The second day of competition was the CMP National Championships. The Thunderbirds improved their scores on the second day and finished in 7th place. the Chiefs finished in 35th place. Alec won the qualification round shooting a 595 out of 600 points. He went into the final with a 2 point lead over the previous days National Champion Sarah Osborne, who has won 6 national championships in the last 2 years.

Alec shot well, but Sarah started closing the distance. By shot number 7, Alec’s 2 point lead was down to 1/10 of a point. Alec 8th shot was critical and he shot a perfect 10.9 while Sarah shot a 10.6. The 9th shot, Alec widened his lead back to a full point and in the 10th and final shot he finished with a 1.7 point lead and won the CMP National Championship.

Alec will be competing in the American Legion National Championships at the end of July. The American Legion match will be held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The rest of the Totems will be back in competition this fall.

The American Legion events begin on Tuesday and offer college-scholarship money to the winners. (Read more about the Ohio competition in this story, which features a photo of Alec.)

West Seattle (& beyond) Saturday: WS Outdoor Movies get ‘Spice’y; Torchlight night; WSHS Alumni basketball game; more…

(Mid-July low-tide photo by Trileigh Tucker)
Last weekend, it was wall-to-wall events around West Seattle. This weekend, not so much, but Seafair’s big Torchlight Night has West Seattle ramifications too. So we’ll start there:

TORCHLIGHT TRAFFIC ALERT – VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT: We’ve been reminding you for a week; now it’s here – the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct closes 5:30-7:45 pm (times approximate, and we know the SDOT readerboards say until 8 pm) for the Torchlight Run. If you’re going downtown, remember 4th Avenue closes tonight for the parade itself – all the traffic effects are detailed in this citywide roundup.

TORCHLIGHT FANFEST: Starting at noon, you can go to Seattle Center and get an early look at the floats (participants include the award-winning West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival float, of course) starting at noon – details here.

TORCHLIGHT PARADE: Starts near Seattle Center at 7:30 pm and heads south on 4th Avenue (till almost the end) – the lineup and map are here. Scheduled West Seattle participants include the aforementioned Hi-Yu float (toward the end of the order) and County Executive Dow Constantine. (Are you in the parade too? Please let us know so we can watch for you – editor@westseattleblog.com)

Now, as for what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight:

BENEFIT CAR WASH: West Seattle High School‘s 2014-2015 Cheer Squad is washing cars again today at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) 10 am-3 pm to help pay for uniforms and camp. (35th/Webster)

LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Though the tide is not THAT low today, it’s still low enough for exploration – -0.8 at 11:19 – and you’ll find volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation Park and Lincoln Park beaches 10:30 am-1 pm.

CATS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU … at the Friends of the Animals Foundation cat/kitten adoption event, 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction. (4543 California SW)

WSHS ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME: The first-ever West Seattle High School alumni basketball game and showcase starts at noon and runs through 5 pm – details in our Friday preview. (3000 California SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Just a few more chances this summer to tour Alki Point Lighthouse – no tours next weekend because of Seafair, so it’s this weekend 1-4 pm both days, and then a scant few weekends in August. (Alki SW/Beach Dr. SW)

SALSA ON ALKI: 5:30 pm lesson, 6:30 pm dance, by Statue of Liberty Plaza; details in the calendar listing. (61st/Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES, WEEK 2: Spice up your Saturday night with “Spice World” – yes, the Spice Girls‘ mid-’90s movie is feature #2 in this year’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies series! Gates open at 6:30 pm at the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard; preshow fun long before the movie splashes onto the screen at dusk (still 9-ish). Free, but bring a few $ for charity-benefiting raffle and concession if you can. WSB is media sponsor for the series and we’ll see you there! (4410 California SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Tonight, Greenstage presents “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in Lincoln Park, 7 pm. Free! (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, look for the signs)

MORE! Just check the calendar directly.

Watch and/or play: first-ever WSHS Alumni Basketball Game/Showcase on Saturday

Big afternoon of basketball at West Seattle High School on Saturday – and players are welcome as well as spectators. All the info’s on the flyer above, shared by head coach Keffrey Fazio; basics are that the doors open at noon, shoot-around starts at 12:30 pm, 3-pointer-shooting contest at 1 pm, alumni game’s at 2 pm, food/social event at 3:45 pm. $20 fee for players, with proceeds benefiting the WSHS boys-basketball program.