West Seattle, Washington

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day : 27/03/2015 13 results

West Seattle schools: Community performance planned for ‘Wizard of Oz’ featuring Gatewood first-graders
March 27, 2015 11:47 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

The book is 115 years old. The movie, 76 years old. But “The Wizard of Oz” as a story is ageless and timeless .. as evidenced by the Gatewood Elementary first-graders’ production. It was staged the past two mornings, but if you didn’t happen to be in the audience, there’s good news – a performance has been added, in the evening on April 7th, with the community invited to see it! More on that shortly. First, parent Jena Inghram shared photos and information about the production:

Their amazing veteran teacher, Mrs. Donna Schwendeman, has spent the last month helping her first-graders prepare for their own musical production of “The Wizard of Oz”. This has been a huge labor of love for our kids and she has put in many many hours of her own time.

A little bit about what they learned along the way…

In preparation for this play, Donna read aloud The Wizard of Oz while the students drew mental images of the story to share out each day. They viewed the movie and discussed the characters in depth. Each student received a full script that was read aloud in class. Students were asked to list 3 characters that they were interested in playing and were cast accordingly. Donna arranged for a field trip experience to see a production of Cinderella…they discussed and critiqued it. A professional actor was invited to Room 2 to discuss his experiences and to teach theater technique (voice projection, etc.). Students and families came together and assisted in set and costume design.

Parent comment: These first graders are amazing- all of them! They sing a capella solos…And read, memorize, and follow along with a huge script. They remember props and cues better than the adults and remind us when we mess up! And especially to the kids who aren’t in as many scenes, they have had to wait patiently during the many hours of rehearsals supporting their peers who had more speaking parts. These kids proposed creative ideas about the set and the costumes and they helped manifest them. What an amazing experience, Mrs. Donna Schwendeman​​ has given this lucky class of first graders. We are all so grateful for the creativity and the exposure to the arts that she brings to Gatewood.

Now, about the community performance, added, Jena says, after so much great feedback about the play: 6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday, April 7th, in the cafeteria at Gatewood (4320 SW Myrtle), with $5 admission at the door, a donation to start an arts fund at the school.

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Taste of West Seattle celebrates its 10th anniversary this year!
March 27, 2015 9:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

It’s a celebration of West Seattle food and drink, a vital lifeline for the West Seattle Helpline, and something people line up for, as our 2013 photo above shows. This year, the Taste of West Seattle celebrates its 10th anniversary, and your ticket gets you a delicious evening that’ll leave you with the afterglow of having done a good deed.

Once again this year, the Taste of West Seattle opens in two stages – a VIP head start at 6 pm, and then doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. It’s happening on Thursday, May 21st at The Hall at Fauntleroy, on the south end of historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse.

Not sure what West Seattle Helpline is, or does? It’s a low-overhead nonprofit – one staff person! – that helps West Seattleites facing one-time financial emergencies. Help from Helpine can help someone keep their gas, electricity, water from being cut off, can help keep a roof over their head, a way for them to get around, can literally keep a shirt on their back.

The first two Taste of West Seattle events were hosted by Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), which closed its doors so this could be a private function. Metropolitan Market remained a supporter, but in 2007, the Taste moved its location to The Hall at Fauntleroy so there would be room for more to attend.

The number of attendees (above, part of last year’s crowd) has multiplied in a big way – from 50 to 600; the number of vendors has grown to 40+, from fewer than 10. And all this has equaled a bigger haul for the Helpline, to help cover the costs of its programs – from $1,000 at the start, to $28,500 last year. Its success comes from the generosity of community business sponsors as well as that of the participating food/beverage purveyors and of course, that of the ticket buyers.

Never been? Here’s what you should know: You have to be at least 21 to attend. To add to the fun, you get to vote on your favorite tastes, giving participating food/beverage establishments bragging rights when the votes are all tallied. It’s sold out in past years, so buying early is a wise strategy. You can get your ticket(s) right here, right now.

The food/beverage-provider lineup isn’t finalized yet, but you know it’ll be good – see for yourself in our stories from each of the last five Taste of West Seattle events:

2014
2013
2012
2011
2010

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TOMORROW: Help clean up Fairmount Ravine; enjoy free treats
March 27, 2015 6:38 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: Help clean up Fairmount Ravine; enjoy free treats
 |   Environment | How to help | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(Photo from 2012 Fairmount Ravine cleanup)
One more reminder before tomorrow morning arrives: The more the merrier at the annual Fairmount Ravine Cleanup, starting at 8:30 am Saturday – meet at Fairmount/Forest (map). John Lang says, “Met Market, Starbucks, and Zatz have all graciously agreed to participate in supporting the nourishment portion of the project.” Wear boots and gloves; if you’re interested in helping remove ivy from trees – which is part of the cleanup – please bring a pruning saw and/or large loppers. Whatever time you can spare, the folks of Fairmount will appreciate it. (And if you have a question first, call John @ 206-932-5151.)

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FOUND: Teenager no longer missing
March 27, 2015 5:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

SATURDAY UPDATE: Elvis was found at a friend’s home. Thanks for being on the lookout.

EARLIER:
Read More

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UPDATE: Amanda Knox’s conviction overturned by Italian court
March 27, 2015 2:47 pm
|      49 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

2:47 PM: The Associated Press reports that the much-awaited verdict is finally in from Italy, and that the murder conviction of Amanda Knox, who grew up in West Seattle, has been overturned. We’re told paparazzi have been staked out in Arbor Heights, where much of her family lives, so you may see unusual media-type activity in the hours ahead. (Photo added – some of the photo/video turnout we saw there around 3:30 pm)

More to come.

3:04 PM: The British newspaper The Guardian is live-chronicling the verdict’s aftermath on both sides of the Atlantic and says Knox supporters are celebrating at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), where, their reporter writes, “When news of the verdict broke, the sound of fireworks briefly echoed triumphantly over the water.” Knox has remained stateside during this legal proceeding; The Guardian says her lawyer told her about the decision, and she told him she was “very happy.” The decision also exonerated her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito in the 2007 Perugia, Italy, killing of Knox’s then-roommate Meredith Kercher.

4:46 PM: The Guardian’s ongoing live chronicle includes a statement from Knox, including: “I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy. The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal. And throughout this ordeal, I have received invaluable support from family, friends, and strangers. To them, I say: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness has sustained me. I only wish that I could thank each and every one of you in person.” In a separate statement, her family says they are “thrilled” and “grateful” and “want to express our profound gratitude to all of those who have supported Amanda and our family.”

8:37 PM: Just before 8 pm, Knox made a short statement to the crews who had been staked out outside the Arbor Heights house. KING5.com has the video up.

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Woman hit by driver at Westwood Village, taken to hospital
March 27, 2015 2:32 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood | WS breaking news

(WSB photo)
Thanks for the tips – we just checked out an incident that drew fire, police, and a private ambulance to Westwood Village, outside Marshall’s. SFD spokesperson Lt. Sue Stangl tells us the initial report was that two people were hit by a driver. We were told at the scene that one was being taken to the hospital by AMR, a woman who apparently had just been shopping at the store; her injuries were not major – she was talking with emergency personnel as they took care of her.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Suspect in SE shooting arrested here; Guardian One visit; recognize this gutted truck?
March 27, 2015 1:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Today’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup starts with two incidents from last night:

SOUTHEAST SEATTLE SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND IN WEST SEATTLE: Last night at 23rd SW/SW Brandon, police made a “felony stop” – guns drawn, as is SOP when someone in a pulled-over vehicle is suspected of a felony. We thought we heard, via scanner, the word “shooting,” but couldn’t find evidence of any West Seattle gunfire incidents last night, and couldn’t reach police for information.

After we contacted the Media Relations unit this morning, Det. Drew Fowler looked into this for us and discovered it was related to an incident in Southeast Seattle that was already on SPD Blotter; they’ve as a result just updated it to include the West Seattle angle: The original incident involved gunfire from three cars in the Rainier Beach area around 7:45 last night; nobody was hit. The car then pulled over at 23rd/Brandon matched the description of one vehicle seen speeding from the scene. Gang detectives arrested its 21-year-old driver, a Federal Way resident and convicted felon who police say they saw “ditching a gun at the original shooting scene,” for felony weapons possession, and booked him into jail. (The car was impounded.)

IF YOU HEARD GUARDIAN ONE OVER THE JUNCTION LAST NIGHT: It was NOT related to the incident above, so far as we know. They were in the area and helping SPD check out a report of “a large fight” in The Junction. The King County Air Support crew subsequently reported via Twitter that nothing was found.

ABANDONED, GUTTED TRUCK: Scott shared the photo, in case you recognize it:

An abandoned Chevy stepside pick up truck was discovered on SW 104th at 38th this morning next to AHES construction site. No plates, no engine, and the interior is gutted. City of Seattle notified through their Find it, Fix it app.

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Five highlights for your West Seattle Friday night
March 27, 2015 12:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the Steller’s Jay photo. If you’ve seen/heard these feisty birds, you know they don’t really sing … but tonight in West Seattle, music is on the menu at several spots, as well as other forms of fun, as you’ll see in these calendar highlights:

DENNY/SEALTH MUSIC NIGHT OUT: 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as detailed in our calendar listing. Ticket sales have ended but just in case you wonder who’s making that great music … now you know. And you can still support Denny/Sealth’s music by going here. (9131 California SW)

DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB MOVIE FUNDRAISER: Doors at 6:30 pm, movie at 7:30 pm, tonight at the Duwamish Longhouse – it’s the Duwamish Rowing Club‘s annual movie fundraiser, screening “The Seal Who Came Home.” More info in our calendar listing – tickets available at the door. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

GARY BENSON: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)

FINAL FRIDAY NIGHT FOR ‘CHINGLISH’: 7:30 pm curtain tonight at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor) – third-to-last chance to see the comedy! (4711 California SW)

WEST COAST BUMP BAND: Classic dance grooves at Feedback Lounge tonight, 9 pm, no cover. (6451 California SW)

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Pine Lake Cellars: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
March 27, 2015 11:22 am
|    Comments Off on Pine Lake Cellars: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

West Seattle is a wonderful place for wine lovers. Adding to that reputation: A tasting room that is one of the newest WSB sponsors, Pine Lake Cellars, whose wines await you at 3400 Harbor SW on Saturday afternoons:

That’s Pine Lake Cellars owner/proprietor Rob McCall, who explains how they got started: “Our long-standing passion for wine and wine history got the best of us. Knowing the high quality of vineyards in our state and wine being produced here fueled our desire to see what we could do with it ourselves. We thought, ‘why not us’? So, what began as an idea to make a little bit of wine for ourselves quickly grew into a much bigger endeavor. Now we are driven by the desire to make wines that show unique expression of the vineyards from which we source fruit. Our goal each harvest is to produce both age-worthy and immediately approachable wines that are structurally balanced, concentrated, and aromatically complex. And given our shared love for Bordeaux, our varietal focus right now is on traditional grapes of the Bordeaux region.”

Once customers have tried Pine Lake Cellars‘ award-winning wines, what keeps them coming back? Rob says, “This industry relies heavily on word of mouth, not to mention making good wine. Not only are we crafting something we love, but we are in turn providing a product. When we get a customer coming in to the tasting room saying they heard great things about our wines, that’s the best feeling a winemaker can get. And it’s the repeat customers that helps legitimize this. Also, being a total wine nerd, I love geeking out about wine with my customers and I think the conversations and info about wine that they leave our tasting room with makes their visit even more enjoyable.”

You’re invited to visit the Pine Lake Cellars tasting room tomorrow and/or any other Saturday, noon-5 pm, at 3400 Harbor Ave. SW. Their wines are online, too, at pinelakecellars.com. P.S. Pine Lake Cellars is one of the 20+ wineries comprising the Seattle Urban Wineries group.

We thank Pine Lake Cellars for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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In case you wondered: State ferries still on test runs off West Seattle
March 27, 2015 10:51 am
|    Comments Off on In case you wondered: State ferries still on test runs off West Seattle
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

10:51 AM: Two notes about ferries that appeared to be “dead in the water off Alki” this morning remind us that we should mention this again: Washington State Ferries has two vessels in testing/sea trials in and around Elliott Bay right now, and if you see something unusual, it’s probably one (or both!) of them. The Tacoma is still on sea trials after months of repairs, before returning to the Bainbridge Island run; the Samish, newly built at Vigor on Harbor Island, is testing before officially joining the fleet.

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: Turns out M/V Tacoma is officially going back into service tomorrow (Saturday, March 28), according to this announcement from WSF.

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Good luck to all in the State Geographic Bee today, including one more West Seattle competitor, Devin Graves
March 27, 2015 10:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The Washington State Geographic Bee is just getting under way at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. We’ve already featured three West Seattle competitors – and just learned about one more. At right, Devin Graves of Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) was crowned EWMS champion and then, as did the other competitors in Tacoma today, scored high enough on a written exam to make the state Bee. It’s the third consecutive year that EWMS has been represented in the statewide competition. Good luck to Devin, and also to Jack Crowley from Madison Middle School (featured here March 13) and Aiden Houlette from Schmitz Park Elementary and Jean-Pierre Dufour from Westside School (WSB sponsor), both featured here Tuesday. We hope to know by late afternoon who’s advancing to the national Bee in Washington, D.C., in May!

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West Seattle Veteran Center reopening in The Triangle
March 27, 2015 9:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Just announced by American Legion Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes:

The West Seattle Veteran Center, an outreach of American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Post 160, will reopen on Monday, March 30th.

The Center is located in the American Legion Hall at 3618 SW Alaska. Hours of operation will be:

Mondays 9 am-4 pm
Wednesdays/Thursdays 2 pm-8 pm
Fridays 9 am-4 pm
Closed Tuesdays/weekends

The West Seattle Veteran Center is an all-volunteer operation, and is here to serve all Veterans and their families, regardless of what branch of service or what time period they served.

If you are a Veteran living in the Southwest Corridor, you can help support the Center by joining American Legion Post 160. Membership is only $35 per year.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend 99/Viaduct closures; the last big lift for ‘Bertha’
March 27, 2015 6:30 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
We start today with one big reminder – the Highway 99 closures this weekend (and westbound I-90, too). From the Battery Street Tunnel north, it’s an all-weekend closure, late tonight until early Monday; from the Battery Street Tunnel south to the West Seattle Bridge, the twice-yearly inspection closure is scheduled for 6 am-6 pm each day, Saturday and Sunday. Those closures plus the westbound I-90 lane closures are all detailed here; for bus reroutes, check Metro’s site. We’re on duty 24/7 so if there’s any change in the plan (early reopening, etc.) you’ll find out about it here.

Speaking of Highway 99:

We noticed while checking the “live” camera that that the big red frame that’ll lift the tunnel machine’s cutterhead has moved into place right over the access pit – looks like it happened in the 5 pm hour yesterday (we went back through the stored images to find the one above). No word yet, though, when that mega-lift is expected to happen.

12:56 PM UPDATE: WSDOT has since published an update about the aforementioned impending Big Lift.

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