West Seattle, Washington

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month : 10/2015 325 results

West Seattle Halloween scenes: Wolf eel to ‘Werewolf,’ and beyond
October 31, 2015 11:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Boo! That’s an undersea Halloween scene, courtesy of Jim Bodoia, who found the “grinning Wolf Eel out just past the Alki Statue of Liberty.” Here’s a sampling of what was happening on the surface:

Neither the rain nor the wind – both at a tolerable level when we stopped by – got in the way of Skeleton Theatre at 36th SW & SW Hanford. After years of brewing up an all-new, all-out show each Halloween, this year the crew offered what they dubbed “Plan B” – a retrospective with skeleton stars from past years.

Rock ‘n’ roll, big belting ballads, you’ll hear it all if you go for encore night tomorrow (Sunday), 6-9 pm, 10-minute shows continuously with a few minutes of resetting inbetween.

Indoors, we found a full house at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor):

Meeples invited folks in to play “Werewolf“ on Halloween night. Storyteller Hank had all in thrall when we walked in:

Meeples (upstairs at 3727 California SW) is a happening place – just browse their calendar for proof.

Earlier in the evening, one last round of business trick-or-treating happened at Westwood Village:

That photo is courtesy of the folks at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), whose namesake Wyatt – son of proprietors Kirk and Joni Keppler – was handing out the candy.

Last but by no means least: Every year, neighborhood decorations seem to get bolder and brighter. Doug B sent a photo of his spooky yard in Seaview:

Thanks to everyone who’s shared photos and event info over the extended Halloween season (editor@westseattleblog.com) – now we move on to winter holidays, with bazaars and art shows starting as soon as NEXT weekend!

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UPDATE: 1 hospitalized after 2-car crash at 35th SW and SW Brandon
October 31, 2015 8:39 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos)

8:39 PM: Thanks to Erin for the tip. Northbound 35th is blocked at Brandon because of a crash involving at least 2 vehicles. One is up on the sidewalk south of Brandon, another vehicle blocking Brandon.

Avoid the area. It’s just started raining heavily after an extended break.

8:50 PM: Now only the outside NB lane is blocked. Police tell us the woman driving the car that went up on the sidewalk was taken to the hospital; one tow truck is here already and they’re hoping the second will arrive soon.

9:18 PM: Photos added after we returned to HQ.

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FOLLOWUP: Police circulate surveillance photos in connection with this morning’s arsons, but don’t think they’re linked to recent string
October 31, 2015 4:59 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news


Following up on the two dumpster fires covered here early this morning – police have released the two surveillance images above and below:


They want to hear from anyone who recognizes the person in the images, which are clearly from the scene of the fire in a dumpster behind/underneath the Senior Center of West Seattle, along SW Oregon east of California SW.

(WSB reader photo, by Aaron)
The update says witnesses describe the suspect as “a 20-year-old male with a slight build, wearing a red and grey sweatshirt.” The other fire was reported in the same time frame – around 2:30 am – in a dumpster on the alley behind the California/Alaska building where businesses including Easy Street Records are located. As we reported in our early-morning coverage, both fires were put out relatively quickly, and police converged on both scenes.

Police also say they do NOT believe the fires are related to the recent High Point/Morgan arsons but they do want to hear from anyone who thinks they know the person in the photos – please call 911.

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First-ever Family Halloween on the Porch @ Log House Museum
October 31, 2015 2:11 pm
|    Comments Off on First-ever Family Halloween on the Porch @ Log House Museum
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

2:11 PM: Can’t wait until nightfall to trick or treat? One of the Halloween afternoon events happening right now is at the Log House Museum on Alki, where the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is hosting its first-ever “Family Halloween on the Porch.” We just stopped by the museum’s big covered porch, and if you can, you should too – for a little trick-or-treating, a few treats (cider and cookies), some storytelling, and what can be spookier than history? Go inside the museum and see what happened in West Seattle long ago. The museum’s at 61st and Stevens, and the party’s on until 3 pm.

ADDED 2:48 PM: It really *is* a family event – with enough room to pull up a corner of the porch and read:

Teen volunteers from the National Honor Society at West Seattle High School are helping too, including at the craft table:

Next up for SWSHS – the Champagne Gala Brunch one week from today – updates here.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Chipotle closed today in regional health concern over possible E. coli cases in WA, OR
October 31, 2015 10:58 am
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

10:58 AM: We’ve just confirmed that Chipotle Mexican Grill in The Junction is one of the chain’s restaurants that are closed TFN while Chipotle deals with a health concern in some areas of Washington and Oregon. First word of closures in King County and elsewhere came via this story from Portland reporting more than 20 suspected E. coli illnesses in Oregon and Washington. After reader questions, we drove by the location in The Junction and confirmed closure signs, which, when we drove by, were the “Experience Closure” message also photographed at Oregon stores; by the time we could park to get a photo, the restaurant changed to “FYI” signs citing a “supply chain issue.”

The closure also was confirmed by the corporate Twitter account for Chipotle, in response to our mention of the closure:

We asked how long the closure is expected to last:

1:03 PM: The most comprehensive information about the regional outbreak so far is still coming from the Oregon Health Authority – here’s its news release. The Washington State Department of Health also has issued a news release, saying four of the cases were reported in King County. No word on what might have been the source of the bacteria.

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STORM UPDATES: Tree trouble around West Seattle; wind advisory extended into Sunday
October 31, 2015 10:19 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(UPDATED SATURDAY EVENING with extension of wind advisory into Sunday)

10:19 AM: Rain plus wind often equals fallen trees, and that’s happened in several West Seattle spots so far this morning. One that’s potentially affecting traffic is reported to be down on the Admiral Way hill north of the West Seattle Bridge – southbound lanes close to the top, we’re told. More to come.

10:42 AM: The tree – reported by multiple texters/callers – was apparently dealt with quickly; all lanes are open, no downed tree in sight. On 44th SW over Lincoln Park, south of SW Southern, we confirmed one down on the greenbelt-bordered cut-through section east of Lincoln Park:

And in the park itself, Nate photographed this one:

The National Weather Service’s wind-advisory alert is now in effect until 3 pm. Thanks again for letting us know if you spot a storm problem (or any other kind of breaking news) – text or voice, 206-293-6302, any time, 24/7.

5:20 PM: Thanks to GB for updates in comments on a power outage that didn’t show on SCL’s map – caused by a tree over Fairmount Playfield, just resolved, GB reports, after 9+ hours.

5:53 PM: The wind advisory is now extended into tomorrow.

6:34 PM: Corrected the street on which the tree is down east of Lincoln Park to 44th, not 45th, after a note from Catherine, who mentions it’s still partly blocking the road – that stretch (also known as the switchbacks) is precarious even in the best of times so be extra careful if you’re traveling that way.

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West Seattle Saturday: Halloween and non-Halloween highlights
October 31, 2015 9:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Halloween and non-Halloween highlights
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(West Seattle’s “Great Pumpkin”: 400+ pounds and hungry, says Nick. Near 48th/Dawson)

Stormy Saturday, but lots going on because it’s Halloween. The FULL list of what’s up is in our West Seattle Halloween Guide – so please go there to see it all – we’re featuring some highlights here, followed by the non-Halloween highlights:

BUSINESS TRICK-OR-TREATING: Until 1 pm, a costume gets you candy at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) – no masks, for security reasons … White Center business trick-or-treating at noon, participant list here , and don’t miss Kimya Dawson in concert at Full Tilt Ice Cream, 1 pm! … West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) will have candy 1-5 pm and “adults in costume or those with a race bib from Run Scared 5K will enjoy 10% off all purchases.” (2743 California SW) … Westwood Village shopping center’s trick-or-treating is 5-7 pm. (2800 SW Barton)

FAMILY HALLOWEEN ON THE PORCH: 1-3 pm, for the first time, the Log House Museum welcomes you to Family Halloween on the Porch, with trick-or-treating, story time, cider & cookies, more. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT: Trick-or-treating with food allergies/sensitivities? Find alternative treats at some local homes. Read about it here, including the crowd-sourced map of where to go.

HAUNTED HOUSES: 5-9:30 pm, “Visit Chris & Jessica Meed’s all ages Halloween Night Haunted House at their new location. Admission is free but they ask that you bring non-perishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank.” (5415 49th SW, at Brandon) … 7-9 pm, Haunted House presented by Clown Mania. (5007 Erskine Way)

(Photo courtesy Skeleton Theatre)
SKELETON THEATRE: 6-9 pm (directions and show info here). The crew says that this year it’s “a retrospective with skeletons from different casts singing songs from previous shows. The show is about 10 minutes long and will run continuously.” (36th SW & SW Hanford)

NIGHTMARE ON 44TH: Animatronics and more in a spooky West Seattle yard. 6-9 pm Halloween night only – check in via Twitter and Instagram to see what’s new this year. (44th SW between Charlestown and Andover)

KIDS’ KARNIVAL: 6-8 pm tonight at West Side Presbyterian Church, for kids through 5th grade. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (3601 California Ave SW)

TRUNK OR TREAT: 6-8 pm at Grace Community Church: “There will be a variety of trunks and various vehicles creatively transformed in family-friendly themes. Suitable for all ages. Each trunk will distribute treats for costumed visitors. Bring cans of food or dry goods to donate to the White Center Food Bank barrels located on the patio.” (10323 28th SW)

HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: Presented by the folks behind West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm or so, featuring a 4-foot Singing Pumpkin, a 6-foot dancing skeleton, and a full-size animated Wicked Witch of the West. (4120 38th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: The Skylark‘s famous “Come As You Aren’t” battle of the bands, 7:30 pm, $10 cover, 21+ (3803 Delridge Way SW) … At the Poggie Tavern, Hamnivore plays the music of Ween, no cover, 21+ (4717 California SW) … Halloween Spectacular at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

‘WEREWOLF’: Spend Halloween night at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) playing the “classic guessing and bluffing game WEREWOLF“! Starting at 8 pm. See the Meeples announcement for details. (3727 California SW)

And in non-Halloween events …

HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Metro League games from morning through night at Chief Sealth International High School, which is competing, too, with a loser-out game under way right now vs. West Seattle High School. (2600 SW Thistle)

DROP OFF YOUR BALLOT! Tuesday night is your deadline to vote – big decisions include your first-ever District 1 City Councilmember, the $930 million city transportation levy, and more. You can mail your ballot for the cost of a stamp OR drop it off for free at the ballot dropoff vans you’ll find today, 10 am-5 pm, at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) and outside Greenbridge Library (8th SW just south of SW Roxbury). They’ll be back Monday and Tuesday.

OSBORNE & VOSS: 7:30 pm, Jane Voss and Hoyle Osborne perform Jazz Age music live at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

TIME FOR A CHANGE: At 2 am tonight (technically early Sunday), Daylight Saving Time ends and clocks “fall back” an hour.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Highway 99 inspection closure over for Saturday, to continue Sunday
October 31, 2015 8:45 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:45 AM: Just a note to remind you that Highway 99 is closed between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel until 6 pm, and scheduled to be closed 6 am-6 pm again tomorrow, for its twice-a-year inspection, plus some maintenance work.

5:29 PM: David points out that 99 is open again, with vehicles (as you can see above) going both ways.

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UPDATE: Two dumpster fires, minutes apart, along alleys in West Seattle Junction
October 31, 2015 2:48 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(1st and 5th photos by WSB’s Katie Meyer)
2:48 AM: Firefighters are on the scene right now of two fires, both described as being in dumpsters, in The Junction, a block and minutes apart. More to come.

(This photo & next two by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
3:04 AM: One is on the alley west of Easy Street Records (photo above this paragraph), the other (top and next photo) in the carport under the Senior Center. Too soon to say if they are related to the recent arsons in High Point and Morgan, but indications are that these were set.

3:33 AM: SFD’s investigator (Marshal 5) is taking a look at the fires first; police are continuing to search the area.

Both fires were reported around 2:30 am.

No building damage reported so far but both of these dumpsters were in positions where that could have happened. This area is about two miles from the most recent arson in the series that police have been investigating – early Wednesday, October 21st, in a recycling bin at 40th and Morgan.

4:35 PM: SPD says they don’t think these arsons are related to the recent string, but they do have a surveillance image. We’re writing a separate update but in the meantime – see the new information/imagery here.

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High-school football: Chief Sealth, West Seattle’s postseason games
October 31, 2015 2:25 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Chief Sealth, West Seattle’s postseason games
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

After two consecutive weeks of playing each other – first on the schedule, second in the postseason – Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School went their separate ways Friday night.

After beating the Wildcats last week, the Seahawks were back at Memorial Stadium, but this time they went home with the loss, 45-6, as opponent Seattle Prep advanced in the postseason. Sealth was on the board first, 6-0, but from there, it was all Prep.

Meantime, at Southwest Athletic Complex on Friday night, WSHS hosted Garfield. The Bulldogs got the win, 49-17.

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Seen off West Seattle: NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown visiting after Arctic Ocean research
October 30, 2015 10:37 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Gary Jones for sharing his photo from Alki Point. The newest notable sighting at sea off West Seattle is NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown (R-104), the federal agency’s largest ship at 274 feet. It’s docked on the Duwamish River tonight, as shown on MarineTraffic.com; the latest fleet report from NOAA says the ship arrived from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, after studying “bioeffects of the Chukchi Sea,” described further:

Assess habitat conditions that influence biodiversity and distribution of benthic infaunal communities, contaminants, and chemical body burdens of resident organisms as measures of environmental health in the bays and lagoons in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the vicinity of proposed oil transport pipelines. Baseline data will be essential for monitoring pollution control effectiveness and National Resource Damage Assessment activities in the event of a spill.

The Chukchi Sea is where Shell had drilled before announcing earlier this fall that it would end its Arctic Ocean exploration TFN. The Ronald H. Brown is homeported in Charleston, South Carolina; no word how long it’ll be here.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Halloween (Eve) carnival @ Hiawatha Community Center
October 30, 2015 9:28 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Halloween (Eve) carnival @ Hiawatha Community Center
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Big night at Hiawatha Community Center, with two levels of activities and decorations for the annual Halloween Carnival! Down in the gym, games and activities were geared for kids over 5:

Upstairs, activities were at a smaller scale, still offering big fun:

Wherever the carnivalgoers went, it was another chance to show off their costumes:

So much fun this past week – and Halloween itself isn’t even here yet! Check our West Seattle Halloween Guide to see what’s happening tomorrow.

P.S. You can preview what’s ahead at Hiawatha and West Seattle’s other city-run community centers for the rest of this fall – including the winter holidays – by browsing the regional brochure.

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West Seattle weather: Another wind advisory tonight & Saturday morning
October 30, 2015 8:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

While the wind advisory for this morning’s stormy weather expired in mid-afternoon, another one is about to take effect. The National Weather Service has a wind advisory taking effect at 9 tonight and continuing until noon Saturday. Like this morning, the wind will be out of the south, 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Be sure everything’s charged, just in case! Heavy rain is still on the way, too; here’s the forecast. As always, we’ll continue coverage throughout the weekend, so if your neighborhood experiences storm trouble (power outage, trees/wires down, etc.) please let us know – text or call 206-293-6302 any time.

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PHOTOS: Admiral District trick-or-treating on Halloween Eve 2015
October 30, 2015 3:55 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

3:55 PM: The radar was right! No rain as the businesses of The Admiral District host West Seattle kids for trick-or-treating. Just come on over to California and Admiral and the surrounding area – west to 44th, east to 41st, and north/south for a ways.

Get treats, and tell your friendly local businesspeople “thanks”! Or, in the case of those handing out treats at Brookdale, your friendly local residents:

It’s on until 6 pm.

4:18 PM: Above are the ladies of Admiral Bird, where we’re based while doing some as-it-happens updating. Below, the space shuttle landed in the pumpkin patch of the Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) costume contest, concurrent with trick or treating:

We’ve also seen a Blue Angel, 10 months early!

Continuing with the aviation theme:

And … Teletubbies?

More costumed proprietors … Parris and Kent Sadow at Atomic Boys:

Under the really big hat, that’s Dr. Keith McDonald at A Kids Place Too Dentistry for Children (WSB sponsor):

Eek! Alki Bike and Board is haunted!

4:46 PM: We found The Incredibles!

So – you think West Seattle traffic is bad on the streets? Check out the sidewalk near-miss:

Excellent Halloween soundtrack at The Bird, by the way. “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” “Thriller,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” more. And a bit further south on California, it wouldn’t be Halloween without the Wiseman’s Appliance freezer – portrayed by Molly:

More later.

P.S. Lots more Halloween Eve fun to follow – including the nearby Hiawatha Community Center Carnival, 6:30-8:30 pm – check out the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide.

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Homa Rugs: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor, with a clearance sale and free West Seattle delivery
October 30, 2015 3:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor this afternoon, Homa Rugs, whose proprietor, Ahmad Mohammadian, invites his fellow West Seattleites to come shop his store’s inventory-clearance sale before its move at the end of the year. He’s offering free delivery to anywhere in West Seattle.

(Ahmad Mohammadian and son Bijan, graduate of Seattle Lutheran HS)

Homa Rugs has been in business on 1st Avenue for three decades. What you’ll find includes all-wool rugs in a variety of patterns, from several countries, crafted with all-natural vegetable dyes, which he says will last 30 to 40 years with proper care. Some of them are antique rugs that are in good condition. Homa Rugs‘ inventory also includes Gabbeh rugs.

The store is moving because its site is being redeveloped. Right now during the clearance sale, 2×3 rugs start for as little as $50, 3×5 rugs beginning at $100, and 4×6 rugs for as little as $200. You’ll also find runners up to 10×14 in length and rugs as large as 17×23.

Homa Rugs is at 1208 1st Avenue downtown, 206-623-7663, online at homarugs.net.

We thank Homa Rugs 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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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen-and-found reader reports
October 30, 2015 1:55 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Starting this afternoon’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup – Byron was hit by Halloween-decorations theft:

We had a few strings of lights, a string of 8 legs, arms, feet and hands (good quality molded body parts), and a few skulls stolen from our yard on Hanford and 38th. Oh how sad.

STROLLER AND BIKE STOLEN: From Tim:

Someone took our toddler’s white and blue Strider bike and big orange stroller from our front porch last night. We’re in the 5200 block of 36th Ave SW. Don’t expect to see them again, but we did file an online report.

STROLLER FOUND: A stroller stolen earlier is one of the possibly stolen items found by another reader:

Thursday morning at around 6:15 AM while walking our dogs on 32nd Ave SW between Thistle and Elmgrove St. my friend and I found a discarded stroller and nice jacket. These items were thrown onto the sidewalk, leading us to believe they were possibly stolen and discarded? We would like to get them back to the owner (s). I am happy to arrange the return but would like for anyone claiming these items to please describe the jacket and the make of the stroller. I can be reached via this email address: turtle05071@aol.com

BIKE FOUND: Another item found – possibly stolen property – by Allison:

Last week I found a BMX bike on the side of my house. I live at 30th and Roxbury accross from Roxhill Elementary. I’m thinking the bike was stole and stashed on the side of house?

Thanks again for sharing your reports – go to the police first, but once you’ve done that, please let us know so your neighbors ALL around West Seattle can stay in touch with what’s happening. And be safe this Hallo-weekend! We work 24/7, so you can get breaking news to us any time – text or call 206-293-6302 – thanks!

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West Seattle Friday: Admiral trick-or-treating, Hiawatha carnival, SW Pool swim, lots more Halloween (Eve) fun, and other events…
October 30, 2015 11:34 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Admiral trick-or-treating, Hiawatha carnival, SW Pool swim, lots more Halloween (Eve) fun, and other events…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

What’s up today/tonight? First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide (this isn’t everything on that list, so please check there, too!)

OCTOBER 30, ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Trick-or-Treating in The Admiral District, participating merchants – look for those displaying this sign:

3-6 pm. (California/Admiral and vicinity)

TRICK OR TREAT AT HOMESTREET: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction has trick or treat candy until 6 pm today and 9 am-1 pm tomorrow, for everyone dressed up in costumes. Please, NO masks permitted inside the bank for security reasons. (4022 SW Alaska)

COSTUME CONTEST: Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest, 3-6 pm at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor). (41st/42nd/Admiral Way)

HIAWATHA CARNIVAL: Halloween Carnival at Hiawatha Community Center, 6-8 pm. 25 cents a ticket. (2700 California SW)

SWTLC CARNIVAL: Creepy Carnival at Southwest Teen Life Center, 6-8 pm, free. (2801 SW Thistle)

PUMPKIN BASH: The Great Pumpkin Bash for kids through 5th grade, at Westwood Christian Community, 6:30 pm. (9252 16th SW)

FREE SWIM: Free Halloween Family Swim at Southwest Pool, 7-8 pm. Swim in a pool full of pumpkins! Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied in the water by an adult or guardian. (2801 SW Thistle)

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Monster Mash Bash live music at Easy Street Records, 7 pm, free, all ages. (California SW & SW Alaska)

HAUNTED HOUSE: Presented by Clown Mania, 7-9 pm each night. (5007 Erskine Way)

TREEHOUSE PARTY: 9 pm at The Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District: “This year, we’ll celebrate our 4th scare-iversary at The Treehouse with more spine-tingling spooks than ever before. Join us for our Halloween Party. Live music by Mike Sorensen and costumes are encouraged!” No cover. (2206 California SW)

And now the non-Halloween events, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FUNDRAISER FOR ATTACK VICTIM: You’ve heard about Ramon Aspeitia, the West Seattle restaurant worker paralyzed after an attack in White Center. From the proprietors of The Westy Sports and Spirits:

This is late notice but we wanted to help out Ramon. We just received our playoff tickets to the Sounders game this Sunday. We have two sounders tickets that we will raffle off on Saturday afternoon at 5 pm. We will also include a $50 gift certificate to the Westy for the winner. Raffle tickets will be sold all day Friday and Saturday until the winner is chosen at 5 pm. Each ticket will cost a dollar. All further donations are welcome. Anyone is welcome to stop by and make a purchase without any obligation to dine at the Westy. Thank you.

The Westy is at 7908 35th SW.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown, it’s a postseason game for Chief Sealth International High School, vs. Seattle Prep. (401 5th Ave N.)

LIVE MUSIC: Kyle Taylor @ C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

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Rezone ex-substation at 16th/Holden? Proposal emerges in city budget docs
October 30, 2015 9:33 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Aerial-photo graphic via Seattle City Light)

Again today, the City Council has a marathon meeting to go through potential additions/changes in next year’s budget, which will be finalized before Thanksgiving. Reviewing today’s long list – just made public, minutes before the meeting – we see one for potentially rezoning the former City Light substation at 16th and Holden and other nearby properties. This is something community advocates including the Highland Park Action Committee have pushed for, in hopes of expanding the mini-business district at that intersection, as the city continues determining the fate of eight ex-substations in all. Here’s the text of the document – remember, this is a proposal, and a final decision about including it in the budget won’t be made today:

Council requests that the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Planning Division, or the proposed new Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), develop and execute a scope of work to consider zoning and land use changes for the properties in and around the intersection of 16th Ave SW and SW Holden Street, including the former Seattle City Light Dumar Substation (“Dumar”) at 1605 SW Holden Street. DPD/OPCD should add this to the scope of work for either the Delridge Action Plan or to the work called for in Resolution 31612 to consider zoning and land use regulation changes in certain single-family areas (implementing recommendations from the Housing Affordability and Livability Action Agenda Committee’s proposal).

The Executive is requested to submit a report to the Council with a project scope, timeline and implementation plan for potential changes to zoning and land use regulations that could apply to this area by July 1, 2016. The project scope must include working with the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC), property owners of lots being considered for a rezone (to include 1605 SW Holden Street) and other community members to develop recommendations. The rezone analysis should consider the most appropriate zone(s) for the area, including considering the addition of a Pedestrian zone designation.

Seattle City Light (SCL) has submitted legislation (CB 118512) for Council consideration that would declare eight substation properties as surplus and authorize the sale of these properties. The Dumar site is one of the eight properties being considered for disposition.

The Dumar site is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of SW Holden Street and 16th Avenue SW in the Highland Park neighborhood; this property is in a Single Family zone. The other three corners of the intersection are zoned Neighborhood Commercial with a 30 foot height limit. The northwest corner is occupied by a 7-Eleven store, the northeast corner by the City’s Fire Station No.11 and the southeast corner by a two-unit strip mall. As requested in Resolution 31424, SCL conducted outreach to the community about the potential disposition. This included attending district council meetings, community council meetings, soliciting comments through letters and emails and two formal public hearings.

SCL heard from HPAC and from emails from community members, a strong interest in seeing the Dumar site rezoned to Neighborhood Commercial (or an alternative commercial zone) to implement their vision that this intersection will be built out as a small, pedestrian-friendly commercial center. SCL also heard from the abutting owners to the Dumar property who requested that the property not be made a park and, instead, be sold for development as a single family residence. Whether the City disposes of the Dumar property or retains it, this SLI directs DPD/OPCD to initiate an evaluation of the zoning and land use regulations that apply to this site and the surrounding area to determine if a rezone is appropriate and to implement any identified needed changes.

Sponsors are listed as Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Bruce Harrell, and Nick Licata. You can watch today’s budget meeting live on Seattle Channel, online or cable channel 21. The budget will be finalized before Thanksgiving; you can send comments about this or any other aspect of the budget via a feedback form you’ll find on this page.

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West Seattle weather: Wind advisory today, flood watch tonight
October 30, 2015 9:13 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

While the rain’s taking a break right now, the wind kicked up early this morning, out of the south, and that finally brought an official “wind advisory” from the National Weather Service, in effect until 3 this afternoon, with gusts as high as 45 mph. The photo above is from Constellation Park south of Alki Point, where sea spray blew over the seawall – and onto Beach Drive SW at times – when this morning’s 12-foot high tide collided with wind-fueled waves. The “flood watch” alert is still set to take effect about the time the rain returns this evening, with heavy rain expected at times through Sunday, so our “clear your storm drains” advice from yesterday continues. Also, if you live in a flood zone and need sandbags, you can get them at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend Highway 99 closures…
October 30, 2015 7:24 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:24 AM: No incidents so far. Stormy morning but an afternoon break is predicted before more rain tonight, so that could be good news for Admiral District business trick-or-treating, planned for 3-6 pm today. The other big reminder is the Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection/maintenance closures set for Saturday and Sunday, 6 am-6 pm each day. (As always, if the second closure ends early, or isn’t needed, as has happened sometimes in the past, we’ll update, since we cover news 24/7.)

7:44 AM: Per scanner, a crash is reported at Olson/Myers, at the east end of Roxbury, and is blocking some part of the road; haven’t heard which side yet, but if you’re heading that way, you’re now forewarned.

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West Seattle Halloween 2015: Delridge Community Center’s glow-in-the-dark party, plus pumpkins
October 29, 2015 10:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Halloween 2015: Delridge Community Center’s glow-in-the-dark party, plus pumpkins
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)
Tonight at Delridge Community Center – a Halloween carnival that had everyone aglow. It was lights-out in the gym for the Glow-In-The-Dark Party, with crafts and games.

Best part – all this fun was for free:

So was the Delridge Grocery “pop-up pumpkin patch,” sporting little spotlights:

Partygoers had the chance to take pumpkins home – just in time to turn them into jack-o-lanterns!

P.S. This was one of the events listed in our WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide – still dozens more ahead for tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday – go here to see what’s yet to come.

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West Seattle scene: WS Chamber of Commerce visits Westside School ‘after-hours’
October 29, 2015 8:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Big smiles from West Seattle Chamber of Commerce CEO Lynn Dennis (above right) and Westside School (WSB sponsor) Head of School Kate Mulligan (above left) tonight, as Westside hosted the Chamber’s monthly “after-hours” meetup at its brand-new “permanent home” in Arbor Heights. Along with updates on Chamber events – 10 spots left in next week’s speed-networking lunch – members in attendance also got the chance to announce what their businesses/organizations are up to. Here’s a special collaboration/donation drive to mark on your calendar:

From left, above, are West Seattle Food Bank board member Pete Spalding and development director Judi Yazzolino with vice president/branch manager Melodie VanHouten from the West Seattle branch of HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), who announced a turkey-donation drive at the bank (4022 SW Alaska), for the food bank, 4-7 pm November 12th: Donate a frozen turkey or cash/check ($15 suggested), and if you’re there early, Seahawks mascot Blitz is expected for photo ops 4-5 pm.

Also announced:

-Event venue The Lounge by Duos in Luna Park is hosting a Movember event on November 11th – tickets and info are here
–Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree on December 5th (200 volunteers needed! Check the Rotary website starting this weekend to see how to sign up)
-Next February, the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (which runs and is based at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center) will have its first benefit in years – details to come
-Westside School’s next open houses are November 3rd (5th through 8th grades) and December 5th (PreK through 8th).

Alki restaurant Phoenecia (WSB sponsor) catered tonight’s meetup, at which new Chamber members were announced, too. (Interested in joining? Info’s here.)

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Looking into the future with Southwest Seattle Historical Society: Champagne Gala Brunch updates; Family Halloween on the Porch
October 29, 2015 5:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Looking into the future with Southwest Seattle Historical Society: Champagne Gala Brunch updates; Family Halloween on the Porch
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB photo taken during recent Admiral District business mixer @ Brookdale Admiral last week)
What Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals is holding in our photo is one of the “Slice of the Homestead” log sections that’ll serve as table centerpieces during the SWSHS’s Champagne Gala Brunch, now just nine days away (11 am Saturday, November 7th, at Salty’s on Alki [WSB sponsor]). The sections of original logs from the century-old landmark will also be auctioned off during the Homestead-themed gala (see the program here), which Eals reports is “at capacity,” earlier than ever, but you can get on the waitlist – go here. Everybody who’s there will enjoy the “Wait, Wait, West Seattle … Don’t Tell Me!” panel – whose celebrity participants were announced this week. And even if you are not going to the brunch, you can buy one of the 100 “Golden Tickets” on sale for a drawing that’ll happen during the gala: $100 gets you one of 100 chances to win a cruise, your choice of four destinations via Holland America Line. Here’s how to get yours, whether at the gala or at the Log House Museum starting one week from today.

Speaking of the museum (61st SW & SW Stevens, half a block from the Homestead), you’re invited to stop by for its first Family Halloween on the Porch, 1-3 pm Saturday – free treats, cider, cookies, arts and crafts, story time … find out more here.

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