day : 18/07/2012 12 results

This just might be the busiest week of the summer, for big annual events, so we thought we’d put out an early reminder – these and many OTHER events are all on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, which you can review (stretching weeks and months ahead) at any time, but for a quick look ahead to the biggest events of the next 4 days/nights:

LUNA PARK BLOCK PARTY: The 2nd annual Block Party is tomorrow (Thursday) night, hosted by Ola Salon and featuring other local businesses and organizations. 6-9 pm, along SW Avalon Way south of the West Seattle Bridge.

HIAWATHA FUN FEST AND WEST SEATTLE HI-YU JUNIOR COURT CORONATION: Noon-3 pm Friday in the Hiawatha Community Center park, Fun Fest brings bouncy rides and other activities for kids – and during all that, at 1 pm, the new Hi-Yu Junior Court will be coronated, in a fun program on an outdoor stage.

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: The series of six free outdoor movies in the courtyard between Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and the office of Dr. Heidi Horwitz, DDS (both WSB sponsors) officially starts with “Pretty in Pink” on Saturday night, with “50/50” as a special Friday night fundraiser for Thrive Through Cancer this week too (info here; the rest of the series is here).

MEDITERRANEAN FANTASY FESTIVAL: Saturday and Sunday in and around Hiawatha – which means extra people on parade day, since that’s where the parade begins! 11 am to 7 pm is the performance window on Saturday, 11 am-5 pm on Sunday, with vendors starting up a half-hour before that both days. More info here.

WEST SEATTLE FLOAT DODGER 5K: 9:45 am Saturday, before the parade, the first-ever running of this benefit 5K – if you haven’t registered yet, online signups are closed, but you can sign up in person; full details on the official website.

WEST SEATTLE AMERICAN LEGION POST 160 GRAND PARADE: On Saturday, the parade has close to 100 entries (watch for a more detailed preview ahead), from California/Lander to California/Edmunds, starting with the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team leaving the north end of the route at about 10:30, with the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums (and visiting counterparts from Boston) right behind, then the Vancouver B.C. Police motorcycles, and then the rest of the parade. Meantime, the Rotary Club of West Seattle Kiddie Parade leaves California/Genesee at 11 am. The official parade website’s here.

STUFF THE BUS: Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm, bring diapers to the big WestSide Baby bus in the parking lot of AmericanWest Bank in The Junction, 40th/Alaska – it’s their biggest drive of the year, helps qualify WS Baby for a big match, and helps thousands of local families!

This is by no means EVERYTHING happening this weekend – but these are the major annual events. Lots more listings are on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

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Another state win for West Seattle Little League’s Seniors team

July 18, 2012 6:37 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Just in from Mount Vernon, the West Seattle Little League Seniors Division team (15/16-year-olds) scored their second victory in three games, advancing them in the state tournament. They beat South Kitsap today, 5-1. They’ll play again tomorrow at 1 pm (here’s the bracket). They made it into the state tournament by winning the District 7 tournament earlier this month (as reported here).

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Different stripes: Triangle/Junction ‘rechannelization’ almost done

July 18, 2012 5:57 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

If you drive into West Seattle from the Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge, keep a close watch on the lanes and signs – more major restriping and symbol-painting today, as the “rechannelization” work gets close to completion. We spotted this crew in early afternoon near Trader Joe’s; the truck with their stencils was nearby:

The changes (summarized by SDOT here) are all related to the impending debut of the RapidRide bus line, now about two months away. And as if on cue, we spotted a red-and-yellow RR bus nearby, turning from Fauntleroy onto Alaska:

You’ll see a RapidRide bus in this Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade, by the way. (P.S. We’ll also have a RapidRide update later tonight, since there’s one scheduled at the Morgan Community Association meeting.)

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West Seattle traffic alerts: WSDOT resuming Viaduct closures

July 18, 2012 4:21 pm

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| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

After a brief break, WSDOT is resuming overnight southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 closures next Sunday through Thursday nights, to continue reinforcement work on the section of highway that the future tunnel will travel beneath. Read on for the official announcement, with more info on why the closures are necessary:Read More

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Rylee’s Pocket: West Seattleites create a shirt for diabetic kids – and need your help to donate dozens

July 18, 2012 3:53 pm

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| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Sarah Syvertsen of Arbor Heights e-mailed WSB to share the news about her brand-new business, Rylee’s Pocket. She and her aunt are “making tank tops for kids and adults with type 1 diabetes that have a special pocket to hold their insulin pumps. … We just … in the past week have started a partnership with the American Diabetes Association.”

Rylee, the shirt’s namesake, is Sarah’s 8-year-old cousin. She was diagnosed in March of 2011. Since then, Rylee’s mom writes:

Almost a year later to the date, Rylee started using the pump, which has been a suprisingly smooth transition for all of us. With all the things going on with her body, the most important thing to me was that she felt comfortable and confident. She has become so courageous and we can’t help but notice the amount of overwhelming support from family, friends, and most especially her two older sisters.

Obviously with having two older sisters, fashion has become a big deal to Rylee. At this crucial time in her life finding a way for her to fit in not only at school but also with her sisters was a semi big priority. We mulled over some ideas together and have come to find out that a tight fitting cami tank top with a button hole and a pocket with a zipper is the best idea. The zipper is the key piece missing with most “insulin pump wear” because it gives the option to still be active and not worry about the pump ever falling out when bending over (or jumping, skipping, cartwheeling, playing soccer, etc.). And making sure that the tank top was as fashion forward as possible was a bonus.

Seeing the confidence and pride that she has developed since starting on the pump and getting to wear these tank tops, we immediately realized that this was something worth sharing. Rylee is absolutely obsessed with her tank tops; her sisters even wear them to school on their own sometimes, and because of this we solidified our thought to share and have come to a place where we are now able to.

So that’s why they are trying to raise $1,000 to give a Rylee’s Pocket tank top to every one of the 60 kids with Type 1 diabetes who will be attending an ADA camp at Camp Sealth. Sarah says they have to raise the money by July 26th, and didn’t find out that deadline till last night; they may have a fundraising event in the meantime but the efforts are focused right now on getting donations via ChipIn – you can donate by going here. And if you want to buy a Rylee’s Pocket shirt for someone you know – check the links on their website.

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Followup: White Center bank robber photo – recognize him?

July 18, 2012 2:00 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

Last Friday afternoon, multiple tips led us to report on a helicopter and ground search in Highland Park related to a bank robbery in White Center. Today, the King County Sheriff’s Office has gone public with a photo of the robber – so we’re sharing it here as well as on our WC site:

The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who robbed a bank last Friday afternoon in the White Center area.

The incident occurred at the Key Bank in the 9600 block of SW 17th around 4pm on July 13th. The suspect entered the bank and produced a note demanding money. The suspect fled on foot northbound towards Roxbury.

The suspect is described as a white man, 24-27, 5’ 6”- 5’8” with a skinny build. He was last seen wearing glasses, a dark zippered hoodie, a dark t-shirt, and gray knit cap.

If you have information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and charges in this case. You can remain anonymous. Call 1-800-222-TIPS.

**You must call Crime Stoppers with the tip in order to be eligible for the reward!**

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Update: Shots fired in Delridge, no one hurt, 3 arrested

July 18, 2012 12:31 pm

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| Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

(Photo by Sage K)
12:31 PM: Still working to find out what’s going on but Delridge is blocked off at and around the Boren Building – avoid the area. More to come.

12:38 PM: The road has reopened. Lt. Pierre Davis tells us at the scene that it involved shots fired – no one hurt – two people in custody – shell casings found. It actually happened in the 5600 block of Delridge (we originally mentioned the Boren school building, but it turns out police were just staging there).

1:33 PM: Adding a photo from Sage K, taken during the half-hour road closure – the photo was taken looking northeast over the Delridge/Juneau intersection. Police also say that some kind of argument/fight preceded the firing of shots. When they first arrived, Lt. Davis tells WSB, they talked to witnesses who had seen that, and that’s what led them to the two suspects, who were in an apartment in the 5600 block.

2:43 PM UPDATE: Some new information has just been published via SPD Blotter. Police say the Gang Unit is investigating this, and that they arrested three people in all.

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Chief Sealth IHS, Seattle Seahawks partner for free football camp next week

July 18, 2012 11:37 am

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Just in from Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Sam Reed:

Chief Sealth International High School football players will be partnering with the Seattle Seahawks to host the Gatorade Junior Training Camp on July 25th at Alki Playfield. Participation in this 2-hour clinic is FREE to all youth ages 7-14, and with 200 participants the Seattle Seahawks will make a generous donation to the Chief Sealth football program. Details and registration found by following this link. For additional information, please contact Chief Sealth Head Football Coach Luther Carr at luther_carr@yahoo.com

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West Seattle Wednesday: Fireworks; veggies; ballots; meetings…

July 18, 2012 9:31 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Young bicyclist at California/Juneau; photo by Doug B, via Flickr – see more of his photos here)
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

FARM-FRESH VEGETABLES! The High Point Market Garden Farm Stand at 32nd and Juneau has its second weekly open-to-the-public session today, 4-7 pm.

‘A NIGHT IN SPAIN’: Food, music, and dance at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), 5 pm – details here, including the number you need to call NOW for reservations.

DISTRICT COUNCILS MEET TOGETHER: West Seattle’s two district councils, Southwest and Delridge, meet together once a year, and tonight’s the night, 7 pm, Southwest Teen Life Center, 2800 SW Thistle. The agenda includes updates from County Assessor Lloyd Hara and City Councilmember Tim Burgess.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Its quarterly meeting is also at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. Agenda here, including updates on RapidRide work and the Murray Pump Station CSO project at Lowman Beach.

JUBILEE DAYS FIREWORKS AND CARNIVAL: As noted here last night, White Center’s Jubilee Days festival launches its carnival this afternoon, with a professional fireworks show tonight, both at Steve Cox Memorial Park, close enough to West Seattle that many might hear them (or to go see them!)

DEADLINE TO COMMENT ON REZONING PROPOSAL: We reported almost two weeks ago on a rezoning proposal for six acres of land along Harbor Avenue’s waterfront, southeast of Salty’s. As noted in that story, today’s the city deadline for commenting on the proposal, if you’re interested.

BALLOTS IN THE MAIL: You’ll get yours within a few days, since King County says they’re going into the mail today.

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West Seattle wildlife: Lincoln Park’s baby eagle takes wing and flies

July 18, 2012 2:40 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Trileigh Tucker shares photos of Lincoln Park’s baby eagle as it “fledged” –

This means that he has successfully made it out of his nest tree and has an excellent prognosis. Half of baby eagles don’t make it on their first flight, and end up on the ground. If that happens, they still get fed by the parents until they’re able to fly, but obviously it’s a lot better if they can do it on their own.

Rob and I got to the nest (Tuesday) morning, and Rob was the one to confirm that the baby’s screeching was coming from the next tree over. (His musician’s ear made the difference.) Finally we found where the baby (whom we call “Ricky” after Little Ricky Ricardo, but others have other names for him) was sitting. Then I got to witness what I think was his second-ever flight, whee!

About an hour later, he flew for the third time, back to his nest tree, so we know that he’s able to set a goal and get to it – another really good indicator about his health. All of the good wishes that our wonderful Lincoln Park neighbor community has been sending him have paid off!

Trileigh has written about it – and the park’s recent controversy – on her “Natural Presence” website.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park 2012: A breeze!

July 18, 2012 1:51 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park 2012: A breeze!

| West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

That photo sums up the not-completely-summery conditions at Hiawatha on Tuesday night for the annual West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park: Note Hi-Yu president James Kline and Junior Court Princesses Amanda and Elena in long sleeves, while in the background, Hi-Yu past president Tim Winston tends to the festival banner, which had been tousled by the wind. Even Jim Edwards of the featured West Seattle Big Band joked that it felt more like a fall concert. And yet the kids danced on as WSBB performed songs such as “Bye, Bye Blackbird”:

Next up for Hi-Yu: The Junior Court Coronation, also at Hiawatha, at 1 pm this Friday (during the noon-3 pm Kids’ Fun Fest) – then their star turn in the West Seattle Grand Parade on Saturday, and the Community Breakfast on Sunday (details in our recent preview). P.S. Reminder that the official Hi-Yu website has a new address – westseattlehiyu.com.

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West Seattle scene: Rotary hears from ‘Diver Laura’ James

July 18, 2012 1:16 am

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| Environment | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

While she awaits the results of the Cox Conserves Heroes vote (announcement expected on July 25th, one week from today), diver/environmental advocate Laura James is keeping busy as always. On Tuesday, she was guest speaker for the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly meeting, showing some of her trademark underwater video, and talking about the fight against toxic runoff – “Tox-Ick,” as dubbed in the campaign by Sustainable West Seattle. (Here’s what you can do to NOT feed the Tox-Ick Monster.)

P.S. The Rotary is presenter of the West Seattle Kiddie Parade right before the WS Grand Parade on Saturday – with kids/families invited to walk a short route through The Junction starting at 11 am. You can sign up on their website. (They’re also a beneficiary of the pre-parade Float Dodger 5K – online signups end today!)

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