West Seattle outdoor entertainment ahead: Massy Ferguson; 85th St. Big Band; ‘Bill and Ted’
Separate from our ongoing festival previews for this weekend, here’s what’s ahead for the weekly free summer entertainment events this week:
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Massy Ferguson (seen above in our clip from the Hiawatha series two years ago) performs tomorrow (Thursday) night, 6:30 pm, in the fourth of this year’s Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented concerts (with co-sponsors including WSB) on the east lawn at Hiawatha (along Walnut Ave. south of Lander).
CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: The 85th Street Big Band takes the stage on the south side of the Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 6 pm Friday. On the menu for (optional) dinner at 5:30 pm – steak, potato, and coconut-cream pie!
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Second-to-last screening of this summer’s series (with co-sponsors including WSB), so if you haven’t been yet … the classic “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (trailer above) is this week’s feature, Saturday at dusk (just after 8:30 pm; gates open at 6:30) on the big screen next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor). Bring $ for concessions and raffle, both of which support local nonprofits.
West Seattle Crime Watch: Photo plea; electric-bike theft…
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch – two about thefts, with a request that you be on the lookout for the stolen items; third, what might have been a car-theft attempt.
First, from Becca:
We just had a bunch of stuff stolen from our house … and the most important things were a camera (Samsung) and two Apple Computers that had a lot of baby pictures from our child’s first year. I don’t care how they come back, but I would love to get the pics. I don’t even need the computers, but the pictures are really important to me.
If anyone buys a computer or camera from Craigslist or a pawn shop or anything like that, no questions asked, send it anonymously or however, but please consider giving me back my pics of my kid.
From Danielle:
My husband just recently bought a brand new Prodeco Genesis electric bike as a means of transportation to/from work (he is in the military). He locked it up Thursday night after work in the bike room of our secured access garage at our apartment complex. He didn’t need it for the rest of the weekend until (Monday) night when we went to the bike room to grab the bike (we had just gotten a new rack for our car) and noticed it was gone. He had secured and chained the bike in the bike room Thursday night and it was stolen at some point this past weekend. We are not sure if this was an act of someone in the apartment building or someone sneaking through the garage gate from the outside street while it was open letting a car in/out. Again, the bike is a brand new Prodeco Genesis electric bike (silver in color with black fenders). It may be easy to spot because of the large battery pack on the pack of the bike. He also had 2 stickers on the bike, one was from a band called “Being as an ocean” and the other from a band called “Heart to Heart.” The bike was stolen from the Residences at 3295 (intersection of Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW in West Seattle).
And from a Subaru Forester owner who didn’t want to be identified – they discovered a theft (or break-in) attempt that happened at 47th/Admiral early Saturday evening:
At 8:30 pm I went out to my car and saw that the driver’s-side lock had been what looked to me like drilled or hammered. There was a small scratch on the body. Must have been scared off by people, it was still light and kids playing at the house next door.
If you have information on any of the above – or any other crime – contact police.
West Seattle Wednesday: Songs, schools, skygazing, more…
(Thanks to Diana for sharing her owl photo from Lincoln Park, taken earlier this week)
We’ve made it to Wednesday, and another summer weekend is in sight – but first, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, highlights of what’s up today/tonight:
AFRICAN SONG/DANCE: Interactive performance in which all ages are welcome to participation, 2 pm at Delridge Branch Library – details in the calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way)
HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Fresh summer produce, grown steps away, on sale 4-7 pm at the garden (more info here).
REMEMBERING LARRY KELLER: As noted here last week, friends will gather at Yen Wor Village in the Admiral District tonight at 6 for a party in honor of Larry Keller, killed in a collision last month. (California/College)
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCERNS? With big district decisions ahead including “growth boundaries” and the future of West Seattle’s first STEM school (whose community-generated proposals are updated here), tonight you can talk with West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren, 6-7:45 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library. (2306 42nd SW)
SKYGAZING: From this month’s edition of Skies Over West Seattle by Alice Enevoldsen for WSB – tonight’s the first-quarter moon, and if the sky’s clear, it should be a beautiful sight in the early evening sky.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political group meets at 7 tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy; chair Marcee Stone-Vekich says the agenda highlight is a discussion: “Republican War on Women – could Washington State become the next Texas?” with a panel including State House Rep. Eileen Cody, Janet Chung of Legal Voice, and Rachel Berkson of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. See the rest of the agenda here. (9131 California SW)
Lots more on the calendar, here!
TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates
(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
7:46 AM: Nothing out of the ordinary to report so far, as we head toward the peak of the morning commute.
11:03 AM: Thanks to Jonathan and Jan for tips that the Admiral Way exit from the westbound bridge was closed – supposed to have reopened by now, but we’re making note in case you’re wondering what it was about: SPD says they were assisting SDOT with some kind of brief cleanup that required closure of the exit.
ArtsWest announces new logo, closure until late September
More changes for ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, which is undergoing a leadership transition. For one – see the new logo at left, explained by interim managing director Laura Lee: “”Our new logo tells the ArtsWest story. The square of our old logo is still visible, as we are not rebuilding a completely new ArtsWest, but instead heading into the next stage of our growth with more confidence and maturity. The square is now a three-sided box, representing the three facets of ArtsWest – our theater, gallery and education programs – and is also the physical shape of our thrust stage. The open fourth side invites us to consider the fourth wall as our audience, our community and possibilities yet to be defined. Our lettering is purposefully moving us outside of the box. The word ‘Arts’ is highlighted in orange – a bright, in your face color – just as we too fall into that realm, and the word ‘West’ is to the literal west, reminding us all of our location and roots in West Seattle.” Meantime, ArtsWest is updating its gallery/theater spaces at 4711 California SW, Lee says, and will be closed until September 26th, when she promises that “a more contemporary, cleaner and fresher ArtsWest will greet the public.” (Tickets for upcoming productions are still on sale online and by phone during the closure.)
West Seattle’s Husky Deli makes final 8 in TV contest for ‘Best Ice Cream’
11:07 PM: Just heard from Jack Miller @ Husky Deli – whose famous ice cream has made it to the final 8 in a TV contest for “Best Ice Cream” in Western Washington. If you see this before midmorning tomorrow, they’re asking for your vote – it’s apparently a fast-moving contest and votes between now and 9 am (Wednesday) will determine the Final Four. Here’s the direct link; please note it’s a “Facebook app” contest (if anybody knows another way to vote, let us know!).
12:58 AM: Thanks to JanS for finding (as she notes in comments) the Facebookless way to vote! You still have to “create an account” but it’s simple (we tested it). Go here – before 9 am!
West Seattle scene: C-17’s Alki flyby at sunset
Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst from Alki Beach Daily Sunsets for allowing us to use her photo of the military plane whose low Alki flyby drew some attention tonight. Several people messaged us to ask about it; we also obtained some information via Twitter, because what was apparently the same plane also caught some eyes/ears in Whatcom County. It’s reported to have been a C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
‘Joys and challenges of parenting’: PEPS groups now registering
Thanks to Dana Guy with PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) for not only sharing news of registration and upcoming groups – but also sharing that photo, from a group of moms and babies who started meeting in June: “Getting 11 young babies to pose for a photo is no easy task!” Dana says. Now, the news from PEPS:
There are lots of PEPS activities going on in West Seattle in the next month! Registration is open now for several site based programs for parents of older babies that will take place weekly starting in September, plus we have a PEPS “While You’re Waiting” Drop In-session coming up on August 27.
In a PEPS group, parents meet (with their babies), share, and learn in sessions facilitated by a trained volunteer. Each meeting includes time for sharing parenting highs and lows, followed by a discussion of a topic related to the joys and challenges of parenting; plus break time for informal socializing and connecting with other parents.
Baby Peppers is open to all families with babies 5-12 months old when the group starts. Groups meet once a week for 11 weeks every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting September 25 at the Fauntleroy YMCA.
Little Peppers is for families with 2 children under age three (at the time the group begins). Meetings are led by a professional facilitator with the help of an assistant to keep the toddlers busy. Babies and children remain in the room with their parents for the entire meeting – which makes for a busy and exciting morning! Groups meet once a week for 11 weeks every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. starting September 19 at the Fauntleroy YMCA.
For new and expectant parents who are interested in PEPS neighborhood-based Newborn Groups, the next West Seattle While You’re Waiting Drop-In Sessions will take place on August 27 and September 24 at Limber Yoga from 1:30-3 pm.
Find It, Fix It: New city app for graffiti, potholes, abandoned cars…
Just announced by the city: “Find It, Fix It,” an app for your iPhone or Android phone that can be used to report graffiti, potholes, abandoned vehicles, parking-enforcement issues, and more. The announcement explains that you can use the app to take a picture, add details, pinpoint the location, and send the report to the city. What happens from there?
Submissions are entered into the City’s Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, and departments responsible for providing that specific service will manage and track requests. The City of Seattle began using the CRM system in December 2011. There may be some initial delays in response time as City departments adjust to any increase in service requests. …
The City anticipates adding other request types in the future and welcomes feedback on the app and ideas for additional features. Users should choose the Find It, Fix It app’s “other inquiry” category – found under the “New Request” icon – to submit feedback.
Read more about it here – and/or, if you have an Android or iPhone, go to Google Play or the App Store (respectively) and check it out. The city says it’s looking forward to feedback from the first round of users to figure out how to improve it in the long run.
Early-morning traffic alert: Portables leaving Boren tomorrow
(WSB photo: Work being done on one of the Boren-stored portables today)
An early-morning traffic alert for the next two days, from Tom Redman at Seattle Public Schools: Three portables are about to leave the Boren campus at 5950 Delridge Way SW. Before 6 am tomorrow, one single portable will be taken from Boren, bound for Bagley Elementary in North Seattle. Before 6 am Thursday, two double portables will be taken from Boren to Schmitz Park Elementary in north West Seattle. SDOT will determine the exact routes before the moves.
You can help! Fight hunger by volunteering at White Center Food Bank
“We are in need of some new volunteers at the White Center Food Bank,” says spokesperson Leah Zoller. If you have some time to spare in these final weeks of summer – YOU can help! She adds, “Most needed days are Mondays and Wednesdays as well as every third Saturday. Contact audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org to volunteer.” The WC Food Bank, at 8th/108th in WC, is the official food bank for West Seattle south of Myrtle Street as well as for WC and other parts of the unincorporated area.
Bicycle safety from/to West Seattle: SDOT expects East Marginal improvements to be done by November
(May 2 photo by West Seattle bicyclist Eric Shalit: Rutted road near East Marginal crash scene)
With another bicycle collision on East Marginal way drawing attention last week – this time, a bicycle-vs.-bicycle crash, three months after the bike/truck collision that took a life – we checked with SDOT on the status of city-promised safety improvements, some of which were discussed hours after the May crash that killed Lance David. SDOT spokesperson Marybeth Turner says this is the list of what they expect will be done by November:
This fall SDOT plans the following improvements:
· A rapid flashing beacon at South Horton Street with a marked crosswalk to create a preferred crossing location.
· Asphalt spot repair along the travel lanes and bike lanes.
· Relocation of the trees from the tree pits, which will then be filled with asphalt to widen out the sidewalk area for bikes and pedestrians.
· Roadway restriping and some additional spot delineators for separation.
· Signal timing adjustments at East Marginal Way South and South Hanford Street.
· Some shim repair work on the sidewalk.
Then next year, according to Turner, “SDOT will study the possibility of installing a two-way cycle track or multi-use trail along East Marginal Way South from Spokane to Atlantic streets.”
P.S. In that same area, the big Bike/Truck Safety Fair with co-sponsors including the Port of Seattle and West Seattle Bike Connections is coming up the morning of September 6th – in case you missed the earlier announcement, here it is again.
Biznotes: West Seattle Cyclery grand opening; Second Gear dropoffs at Firefly Café; Heidi Fish/Twala changes
Three West Seattle business notes this afternoon:
WEST SEATTLE CYCLERY GRAND OPENING: Six weeks after we first told you about proprietor Brad Loetel‘s new bicycle shop at 4508 California SW, West Seattle Cyclery is about to have its official grand opening, this Friday-Saturday-Sunday (August 16-18). Brad says, “We have a great selection of 2013 bikes with discounts of 10-40 % off. This weekend we will have several opportunities to win free stuff or discounts on 2014 bikes. Check out our website for more information on the drawings. Our Service department has been up completing most repairs in one to two days.” Hours at WS Cyclery are 10 am-7 pm Tuesdays-Thursdays, noon-7 Fridays, 10-5 Saturdays, noon-5 Sundays.
FIREFLY CAFE HOSTING SECOND GEAR SPORTS DROPOFFS: One week ago, we noted the impending opening of Second Gear Sports in Morgan Junction. As Second Gear gets ready to open, Firefly Café and Creperie (WSB sponsor) in The Junction is hosting a dropoff event for anything you’d like to consign to Second Gear, this Saturday (August 17), 8 am-4 pm. Details are on the Firefly Facebook page, including a Firefly discount if you drop something off! The truck will be behind Firefly at California/Genesee.
HEIDI FISH/TWALA INTIMATES CHANGES: After sharing space in The Junction at 4519 California SW (second floor) for a while, changes are ahead for Heidi Fish Swimwear and Twala Intimates. Heidi Fish will take over the entire retail space in which the two have been co-located, while Twala Intimates will relocate to a non-retail space in SODO. Heidi Fish will continue carrying some Twala Intimates items, and “also plans to expand on her own offerings to include resort and lounge wear,” according to the announcement.
West Seattle schools: Shannon Stanton announced as Alki Elementary principal
For the second consecutive day, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda has announced a new principal for a local school – this time, Shannon Stanton as principal of Alki Elementary:
Ms. Stanton comes to Alki from Pine Tree Elementary in the Kent School District, where she has been principal since 2011. She is committed to the academic initiatives at Alki and we believe she will be a great fit for the Alki community.
Shannon Stanton previously held several positions in the Kent School District including professional development coordinator, curriculum specialist, literacy specialist and classroom teacher. She has provided instructional coaching and leadership as a consultant for international schools. In this role she trains groups of teacher leaders, administrators and curriculum directors working in the international school system.
Ms. Stanton earned a Master’s in Education, Teaching, Learning and Assessment from Lesley University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, Bothell. She received a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary child development from Western Washington University. She has trained in best practices for literary instruction with Columbia University’s Teachers College and with the Public Education and Business Coalition in Denver. Ms. Stanton holds principal and teacher certificates for Washington State.
The hiring process for Alki included input from staff and families. The selection team committee was particularly impressed with Shannon Stanton’s passion and knowledge of the Alki school and community and her experience in working with the current academic initiatives in place at Alki.
She succeeds Chanda Oatis, who, as announced last month, is the new principal at Van Asselt Elementary. The SPS school year starts on September 4th, three weeks from tomorrow. (Photo above: Kent SD website)
Countdown to Delridge Day 2013: 4 more reasons to go
Continuing our countdown to the Delridge Day festival, 11 am-4 pm next Saturday at Delridge Community Center/Park and the adjacent Delridge Skatepark … 4 more notes:
VENDORS/EXHIBITORS: More than 70, per the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, which produces Delridge Day!
FOOD TRUCKS: The newest update from organizers: “We have two great food trucks this year: Outside the Box – a Paleo-style food truck – the first in Seattle – and Jemil’s Big Easy, featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine.”
LIVE MUSIC: Perhaps you saw the schedule in our Sunday night preview. A few more details from organizers: “Get ready to start your day off right at 11 am with the Ellis Brothers, a three-piece band that performs jazz and improvisations. At noon, Listener Discretion will take the stage and show their skills in acoustic alternative. At 1 pm, Victrola the Band will perform some R&B and soul style tunes and at 2 pm Bill Wolford will play some good ol’ rock, funk, and blues. Finally, Quarter Past 8 will close out the festival with the last time slot at 3 pm.”
BUBBLEMAN! The bubble-waving, bubble-blowing, bubbly entertainer performs at 2 pm.
See the full festival schedule here – and stay tuned as the countdown continues.
West Seattle schools: Connie Aleman announced as new principal of Gatewood Elementary
Thanks to the Gatewood Elementary parent who shared the announcement from Superintendent José Banda, e-mailed today:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Connie Aleman as your new principal, effective August 12, 2013.
Ms. Aleman comes to Gatewood from Wedgwood Elementary, where she was assistant principal last year. She is committed to a collaborative approach and we believe she will be a great fit for the Gatewood Elementary community.
Prior to joining the team at Wedgwood, Connie Aleman served as a STAR Mentor for Seattle Public Schools. In this role she worked with first- and second-year teachers to provide one-to-one mentoring and coaching. She previously worked as a principal intern at Alki Elementary and as site coordinator for summer school at Bagley Elementary. Ms. Aleman has taught elementary and middle school grades in Seattle Public Schools and also was the primary teacher for the autism program at Families for Effective Autism Treatment.
Ms. Aleman earned a Master’s in human development at Pacific Oakes College and a bachelor of arts in drama from the University of Washington. She holds Washington State principal and teacher certifications, and has participated in ongoing professional education and training.
Connie Aleman was selected after a hiring process that included input from staff and families. The selection team committee was particularly impressed with her coaching experience and experience with initiatives used at Gatewood such as the inclusion model.
The superintendent’s note concluded with a reminder that Gatewood’s principal of eight years, Rhonda Claytor, is moving on to lead Leschi Elementary, as announced July 3rd.
6th annual West Seattle Car Show ready to rumble September 15th
(WSB photo from our September 2012 car-show coverage)
The big event that has wrapped up summer in West Seattle the past five years is indeed coming back for a sixth. We talked today with Michael Hoffman of Liberty Bell Print and Design, producer of what’s now officially the West Seattle Car Show. As you’ll see on the official website at WScarshow.com, the show is set for 8 am-4 pm Sunday, September 15th, in the heart of The Junction. Registration is open now for pre-1980 cars, trucks, and motorcycles – download the form here.
Sponsors from all around West Seattle and beyond are lining up, headed up by West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) and Don Swanson Insurance returning as “best in show” sponsors; other co-sponsors include WSB again this year. Hoffman says he’s already heard from car clubs too, especially because of a recent feature about the show in the Northwest car enthusiasts’ magazine CruZin‘. Admission will again be free, and they’ll sell raffle tickets benefiting Pencil Me In For Kids, which provides school supplies to kids in need; raffle prizes include a grill donated by Junction True Value (WSB sponsor). TJ Entertainment, which has provided music the past few years, is lined up for this year again too. And helping you keep The Junction clean while attending will be Waste Management, which donates and handles the totes for recycling and trash.
P.S. First 100 cars to register get a goodie bag, and Hoffman says more than a few are already spoken for, so sign up quick. Categories are listed on the website, and there’ll be a “best West Seattle car” category again too. Stand by for more updates as the West Seattle Car Show (just under five weeks away) gets closer!
PM commute notes: West Seattle Water Taxi service canceled for tonight, back tomorrow; downtown buses, roads back to normal
(UPDATED 8:48 PM with Water Taxi returning Tuesday)
Two PM commute notes:
WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: King County has just sent word that the West Seattle Water Taxi is canceled for tonight because of mechanical trouble. (Backup boat Rachel Marie had already been pressed into service on the Vashon run.) **Update – The West Seattle run WILL be back tomorrow, the county says (8:48 pm), using Melissa Ann.**
BUSES, ROADS BACK TO NORMAL DOWNTOWN: In case you missed the updates in our separate coverage of the shooting aftermath downtown – bus service is back to normal and all roads have reopened, according to Metro, SPD, and SDOT.
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