day : 09/04/2013 15 results

Delridge Day 2013 is on: Vendors, sponsors, musicians welcome!

April 9, 2013 10:50 pm
|    Comments Off on Delridge Day 2013 is on: Vendors, sponsors, musicians welcome!
 |   Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Delridge Day 2012 photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
After a day dominated by headlines about what’s NOT happening this summer – it’s time for a reminder about what IS. West Seattle’s summer festivals and events are all in full planning swing, as we’ve mentioned in neighborhood coverage throughout the fall and winter, and now that spring is really here, everything is starting to gel. Tonight, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is getting out the word that Delridge Day is already recruiting vendors, sponsors, and musicians, while working on the overall plan:

The 2013 Delridge Day Festival is planned for Saturday, August 17th, from 11 am-4 pm at Delridge Community Center and Park. This year’s festival will feature a large vendor area, highlighting some of the best local businesses in the area, local savory and sweet food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat, kids and family style picnic games, bouncy house, face painting, and much more! Again this year, we’ll have our music stage with plenty of local live music and entertainment. Interested music groups and talent can e-mail Chas Redmond at credmond@mac.com and provide links to their music.

The planning committee is working on securing sponsors and vendors to make this year’s event happen. We encourage local businesses to submit an application to be a part of our local event! The sponsorship and vendor fees not only support the festival but all give back to the community, as 15 percent of all fees are donated to the ARC (Associated Recreation Council), which provides scholarships for Community Center classes at Delridge Community Center. Over the last two years, Delridge Day has donated nearly $2,000 to the ARC!

Vendor and Sponsor packets are available online at:
ndnc.org/delridgeday or by e-mailing the planning committee at delridgeday@ndnc.org

To keep updated on the festival plans, visit the festival web page: www.ndnc.org/delridgeday or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/delridgeday.

Here’s our full coverage from last year, if you want to get a closer look at how it all unfolded.

Remembering David Franks, 1951-2013

Family and friends are remembering David Franks, gone too soon at just 61. Here’s the tribute sent to us to share with you:

David A. Franks died unexpectedly March 29 of natural causes, one month short of his 62nd birthday. Though he lived in north Burien, he had lifelong ties to West Seattle. He grew up in the community, first in a house near the steel mill, then in the home his parents owned for more than 40 years on 42nd SW just south of Jefferson Square. Dave was in West Seattle every week, helping support the needs of his parents, and maintaining contact with friends and the families of two nieces who live here.

He was born April 30, 1951, in Seattle, graduated from West Seattle High School, and attended the University of Puget Sound. He had a career with the US Postal Service, where he rose from part-time mail handler to supervisor of the mail processing center at SeaTac Airport.

Dave was close to his large family, and had an extensive circle of friends, many dating to college days. A lifelong bachelor, Dave was a much-loved uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews, with whom he always was generous with time and gifts.

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West Seattle scene: Shimmering sunset; breezier weather ahead

Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst for sharing tonight’s shimmering sunset view from Alki. The weather’s had a little of everything, but the forecast says it’ll get stormy before we see the sun again – breezy, up to 25 mph, later tonight and tomorrow. P.S. You can always check the forecast, current trends, sun/moon phases, tides, and extended outlook by going to the WSB Weather page; we’ve had a few requests to add pollen counts, but so far we’re not finding any suitable web widgets along those lines – sorry!

Design Review set for 4535 44th SW ‘microapartments’

(Looking west toward the project site, from the alley on the east side of 44th)
Followup to the “microapartments” project in The Junction that we told you about last month – its first Southwest Design Review Board meeting is now tentatively scheduled for May 9th (6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle). According to the project page on the city website, the 4-story building is now proposed for 34 “residential units” and 1 live-work unit; the page also has the notation, “No parking proposed.” A pre-Design Review draft document on the city’s website says that’s because of the site’s transit accessibility; that document also now refers to the project as “studios” rather than the term “micros” used on an earlier document in the online file.

Another Seafair update: No U.S. Navy Fleet this year, either

(WSB photo from aboard USS Bunker Hill during 2012 Seafair Parade of Ships)
5:04 PM: In discussion of this morning’s Blue Angels cancellation announcement, one WSB’er asked if Seafair‘s Navy Fleet visits were still on – it’s had special West Seattle significance because of the Parade of Ships (here’s our 2012 coverage). We asked, and at the time, the Seafair spokesperson replied yes, as far as they knew. But now that’s changed, and they’ve just announced:

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that they are unable to provide ship visits for our fleet week due to federal budget cuts. Seafair Fleet Week will continue to emphasize military appreciation and include some component of visiting ships and Navy participation. Seafair will produce the Boeing Maritime Celebration again this summer to honor our men and woman in uniform as part of our fleet week activities. More information will be released in the coming weeks.

Keep in mind, this announcement just involves the U.S. Navy; Canadian military vessels have often participated.

6:58 PM: And to that point, Seafair says the Canadian Navy has reconfirmed its participation. Meantime, here’s what our regional U.S. Navy command says about all this.

Followup: Detour map for this weekend’s Delridge-Thistle closure

(Click image to get full-size PDF of map)
That’s the detour map just in from SDOT, one week after they announced that the Delridge-Thistle intersection will close this weekend – 7 pm April 12th till 6 am April 15th – as part of the second phase of the Delridge Way repaving project. As shown on the map, here’s the detour plan – note there’s also a nearby closure that starts earlier, first thing THURSDAY morning:

· Northbound traffic on Delridge Way SW – Take SW Trenton Street to 35th Avenue SW to SW Holden Street to Delridge Way SW

· Southbound traffic on Delridge Way SW – Take SW Holden Street to 35th Avenue SW to SW Trenton Street to Delridge Way SW

· Westbound traffic on SW Thistle Street – Take 16th Avenue SW to SW Henderson Street to Delridge Way SW

· Eastbound traffic on SW Thistle Street – Take 35th Avenue SW to SW Holden Street or SW Trenton Street to Delridge Way SW

Additionally, there will be a partial closure of the SW Cloverdale Street and Delridge Way SW intersection from 7 a.m. Thursday, April 11, to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13. This intersection will be closed to eastbound traffic on SW Cloverdale Street on these days. Through traffic will be directed to use a signed detour; local access will be maintained.

4th of July fireworks coming back to Elliott Bay? Might happen

susanfireworks.jpg

(July 4, 2008 photo by Susan Grossman of Singing Pixel Photography)
We’ve already talked about today’s one big announcement regarding this summer – the cancellation of the Blue Angels‘ season, including their Seattle shows. And now we have reason to talk about the other one: Not only are Seafair and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce saying they’re working together with Mayor McGinn on 4th of July fireworks – for which the longtime Family 4th producer couldn’t raise the money – but the show might move away from Lake Union. Maybe even Elliott Bay, reports Emily Heffter from The Seattle Times (WSB partner). Her story also mentions Seattle Center as a possible location, though, having produced TV coverage of the Bellevue Square-launched fireworks for a few years, we can tell you that a landlocked urban location like that would mean smaller shells and a less-spectacular show. There hasn’t been an Elliott Bay fireworks show since July 4, 2008; that show’s longtime sponsor Ivar’s announced its cancellation in April 2009.

Pile-driving next week at Barton Pump Station in Fauntleroy

April 9, 2013 2:26 pm
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 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Just got this via an alert from Washington State Ferries, whose Fauntleroy dock is next to King County’s Barton Pump Station work zone: Pile-driving is expected to start next Monday (April 15th), meaning “an increase in noise and vibration in the project area.” According to the project website, this work is expected to be done within four days (by April 18th). A construction notice with even more details can be seen here.

How active are gangs in West Seattle? Detective set for WS Crime Prevention Council next week

Incidents including drive-by gunfire and tagging have led to questions about how active gangs are in West Seattle right now. To get some answers, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council will hear from Seattle Police Gang Unit Detective Clayton Agate at its next meeting, one week from tonight. All are welcome – 7 pm Tuesday, April 16th, Southwest Precinct meeting room (Delridge/Webster).

Pro sports in West Seattle: Rainmakers to play Ultimate @ SWAC

(Photo by Tino Tran: Rainmaker Reid Koss catching, in preseason matchup vs. Portland)
This spring, you won’t have to go downtown to see professional sports: The Seattle Rainmakers just announced their home games will be at Southwest Athletic Complex in Westwood, starting a week from this Saturday. Here’s the announcement:

Major League Ultimate (MLU) is establishing one of its eight professional ultimate frisbee teams in the Seattle area. The Seattle Rainmakers join the MLU’s Western Conference, and kick off their season on April 20th against the Vancouver Nighthawks.

The Seattle Rainmakers are coached by the highly decorated Ben Wiggins, a participant in, and coach of, elite ultimate in the northwest for the better part of the last decade. Wiggins has won awards at the highest level of collegiate ultimate, taken three club championships with Seattle’s premier club team, Seattle Sockeye, and has two World Championship silver medals to his name.

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Six calendar highlights for your West Seattle Tuesday

(Photo by Laura Joyce, shared via the WSB Facebook page)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find many more listings for tonight/tomorrow and beyond):

COUNCIL COMMITTEE TALKS ‘GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE’: Just getting under way – as previewed here last week – the City Council’s Transportation Committee meeting includes a review of the “concept” for the bioswales (raingardens) planned in Westwood/Sunrise Heights to help control Barton Pump Station combined-sewer overflows. (Watch live via Seattle Channel, online or cable 21)

SEALTH VS. WSHS SOCCER: Friendly cross-town rivals face off at 4 pm today, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS NIGHT @ CONCORD: South Park’s Concord International School has big fun planned 5:30-8 pm – details here. (723 S. Concord)

RAISE A FUTURE GUIDE DOG! Check out the world of guide-puppy-raising with West Seattle See Dogs, whose regular semimonthly meeting is at 6:30 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way; WSB sponsor)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly meeting at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room, Admiral Congregational Church. Find the agenda here. (California/Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly board meeting at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Agenda includes update on “Celebrate Lincoln Park” events, previewed here last weekend. (9131 California SW)

‘Tax-Free Day’ sales return to The Junction on April 20th

April 9, 2013 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on ‘Tax-Free Day’ sales return to The Junction on April 20th
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(John Smersh from WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits with balloons on 2012 “Tax-Free Day”)
It’s become an annual post-tax-day tradition – one big day of “Tax-Free” sales in The Junction. The official announcement this morning notes that more than 40 businesses will participate in this year’s event on Saturday, April 20th, and as always, you’ll know which ones by looking for red balloons outside participating businesses. You can always plan ahead by checking the list here – note that some food/beverage establishments are offering specials, too. (Of course it’s not really “tax-free” – just means the merchants are covering the ~10 percent you would otherwise pay in sales taxes – but that’s a notable discount.)

Seafair says it’s official: No Blue Angels in Seattle this year

(August 2012 Blue Angels view from Alki, photographed by Les Crimmins)
This morning, Seafair says it’s official – no Blue Angels this year, because of federal budget cuts. Here’s the announcement the festival posted minutes ago on Facebook:

Today we were officially informed by the US Navy Blue Angels that their season has been cancelled, including the Seafair performance, due to Federal Budget Cuts resulting from sequestration. The Blue Angels have flown at Seafair for over 40 years and are an important part of our history. The team will be deeply missed by Seattleites, however Seafair will continue in its traditional fashion. The Patriots Jet Team, which we previously announced, will now assume the lead spot in our world-class air show. The six-ship aerobatic team electrifies spectators with fast-paced formation flying, choreographed four-ship diamond formation aerobatic maneuvers and are highlighted by a computerized red, white and blue smoke system. Many of the pilots include past experience with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7:19 AM: Via Twitter, SDOT reports a crash on northbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel. Updates as we get them.

7:30 AM: The crash has cleared. If you’re waiting for a state ferry at Fauntleroy, note that there’s a spot of trouble there – as WSF deals with a stalled vehicle aboard the Salish.

8:22 AM: Multiple-vehicle crash on Delridge between Delridge and Dakota.(Thanks to Sybil for pointing this out via Twitter.) *added* Blocking southbound lanes, according to a tweet from Lauren.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Arson suspect jailed; car theft try…

In this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup: First, we’ve already reported this on partner site White Center Now but wanted to make sure you knew too – Hung Pham is in jail; he’s the man charged with domestic-violence arson in the February house fire at 25th/Roxbury and with assault for attacking his girlfriend and another woman in South Delridge last month.

Next, reader reports. On Saturday afternoon, we tweeted a scanner call about an attempted auto theft. The next day, we heard from the car’s owner, Al:

Just wanted to let readers know that (Saturday) at 1430 hrs. in the 5900 block of Admiral Way, my car was broken into and they attempted to steal it. The 2 male suspects fled in a black 4-door car or crossover type vehicle with a bumper sticker northbound in the alley between 59th and 60th Ave SW (it was too far away to get a really good description as I ran into the alley). My car’s door was busted and the ignition/steering column lock was trashed. All of this, with a car alarm going off (ignition disabled). This was broad daylight on a Sat. The only thing they got away with was my radio faceplate, but damage is estimated at $800-1000. It has been reported to police, but in the meantime keep a lookout for suspicious activity. Summer’s coming, and with it is the increased activity of scum.

Be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity. And, above all, make sure you and your family are safe.

And a holdover from Friday – a package-theft report from Kay:

I live on 29th Ave SW between Kenyon and Elmgrove and a package was delivered to my front porch at 4:15 (per tracking info); shortly thereafter my next-door neighbor emailed me saying she found packaging in her yard and saw “an empty box on my porch.” So someone must have spotted the UPS truck and tore through the package after he left (I checked mail at 3:45 then ran errands and was home by 6:30.