Congratulations to The Storm, the basketball team from Hiawatha Community Center that won the 13-year-old Girls Competitive Division Championship on Sunday! Mike Jensen shares the photo, reporting, “They played another team from Hiawatha in the championship game (Sunday) afternoon and won a close one, 22-17 … to cap off an undefeated season.” Left to right in the photo are Cami, Ruby, Hannah, Jackie, Madi, Nina, Jaeley, Maddie, Mikayla.

West Seattle Crime Watch update: 2 vehicles stolen from 1 house in 3 days, found in same place

March 22, 2015 9:18 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news

9:18 PM: Auto thieves have hit one family in Gatewood twice in the past three days. The vehicles taken from their driveway/carport are a taupe 2006 Volvo XC70, license plate AMR4548, stolen Friday morning, and a silver 2006 Nissan Frontier 4-door pickup, license plate B31289L, gone since early today. The vehicles’ owners say there was nothing about the first theft that facilitated the second – no key left in either car, for example. If you see either vehicle, please call 911.

9 AM MONDAY: The vehicles’ owner says they both were found in an apartment-building parking lot in the 6500 block of 35th SW, less than a mile away from where they were stolen: “Someone in the apartments called to report the Volvo as a suspicious vehicle. When we arrived, we saw the truck parked in another stall. The Volvo was driven more than 150 miles and contained a lot of drug and DNA evidence. Unfortunately, there were no clean prints. The truck had more of the same drug evidence, it wasn’t driven more than 20+ miles.”

Myrtle Reservoir retrofitting going out to bid, likely to start in fall

March 22, 2015 8:23 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | Utilities | West Seattle news

(West side of Myrtle Reservoir site, where work is likely to be staged)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Nine months after Seattle Public Utilities discussed the earthquake-resistance retrofit needed for West Seattle Reservoir in Highland Park, we know what’s in store for our area’s other underground water facility, Myrtle Reservoir.

Myrtle was covered in 2008, West Seattle in 2010. Then in 2012, their designer, MWH, told the city about “possible seismic deficiencies” in their work – not potentially catastrophic, but not something that could be ignored, either. Analysis and testing ensued, and in June of last year, we reported on the retrofit/strengthening plan for WS Reservoir, interviewing reps from SPU and its consultants.

At the time, they didn’t know exactly what would need to be done to Myrtle Reservoir, a relatively small reservoir (5 million gallons) at the city’s highest point on the east side of the Gatewood neighborhood. Now they do.

March 22, 2015 5:44 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | High Point | West Seattle news

For everyone who’s asked if any free shredding events are coming up in West Seattle – we FINALLY have word of one: 1-4 pm Sunday, April 19th, at High Point Branch Library (35th/ Raymond) – details here. Then, to recycle what you can’t put at curbside, it’s Fauntleroy Church‘s spring Recycle Roundup – 9 am-3 pm Sunday, April 26th; yes/no list here.

PHOTOS: Biggest-ever West Seattle High School Diversity Dinner

March 22, 2015 4:59 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Thanks to West Seattle High School teacher Rebecka McKinney for sharing photos and info on a big event this past week – the biggest-ever Diversity Dinner organized by the WSHS Diversity Club, with more than 200 people attending, the largest turnout ever, and performances including members of the wider community as well as students:

The night started at 6 p.m. with a wide variety of cultural food that people brought to share. There were many cultures represented with a variety of dishes that included pad Thai, injera, lasagna, pupusas, pan dulce, rice and beans, lumpia and many more.

“It was a great turnout, even more than I expected,” said senior Diversity Club co-president Emily Fiso. “It was a great atmosphere, seeing different cultures interact with each other.”

After everyone got food, the entertainment began with the WSHS Latino Club.

They performed the punta dance. This group included WSHS seniors Shaneen Walter-Edwards, Brian Silva and Maaza Tsegai.

“It meant a lot to me to be able to perform because there’s not very many Hondurans in Seattle,” said Walter-Edwards. “I was happy to share my culture.”

Next was an Eritrean dance group that performed a Tigrinya dance.

This group included three WSHS students as well.

After the Eritrean dance, the WSHS Chinese class performed a traditional Lion Dance.

Chinese teacher, Su-Chun King, put this performance together.

Mahelet Wondie from Chief Sealth High School followed this with a spoken word piece on Africans and Americanization.

WSHS senior Kate Longabaugh followed that with a traditional Irish dance piece:

Next up was a local mariachi band that was made up of students and adults, some of who attend Chief Sealth:

The Mt. Rainier and Kennedy High School Pacific Islander Club followed this up with two Samoan dances and one Hawaiian dance.

“It was nice to be able to see my own culture represented,” said Fiso, a Samoan student who invited the club to perform. “I like how they brought a different energy to the crowd and everyone was involved.”

The final group of the night was the Northwest Tap Connection African class performing the kuku. This group included performers from age 5-17, led by Ms. Lakema Bell.

“I thought it was really nice that the African dance class could incorporate that type of dancing with people of all ages,” said senior attendee Shaheeda Kariko.

The night ended with a cultural fashion show that represented many of the cultures of WSHS.

This included Irish, Filipino, Somalian, Ethiopian, Yakima Nation, Samoan, Nigerian, Namibian, Eritrean, Moroccan, and Mexican.

“I was really happy to help bring different communities together,” said junior Diversity Club co-president Meron Mulu. “This was the first year we reached out to connections our students had outside of West Seattle. It’s not only important to celebrate culture, but it’s fun.”

See a list of WSHS’s many cultural, service, and interest groups/clubs on the school website.

West Seattle weekend scene: Newest local Little Free Library

March 22, 2015 3:21 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle books | West Seattle news

As previewed in today’s calendar highlights – West Seattle’s newest Little Free Library is officially open for book stocking and borrowing. Thanks to Gunner for the photo of this LFL’s builder/host Robbie at this afternoon’s reception in the 7700 block of 12th SW, also featured on this neighborhood FB group page. The official LFL site says more than 20,000 LFLs are open for book-sharing, in 70+ countries.

West Seattle Crime Watch: 1 injured in early-morning Alki shooting

March 22, 2015 1:19 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

1:19 PM SUNDAY: Finally just confirmed some information about a shooting on Alki early today. Usually, a shooting leads to an “assault with weapons” Seattle Fire callout and that’s our first hint; this one didn’t, and no texts had come in (206-293-6302 any time!), so we’ve been trying to reach police for info, after a couple of e-mail questions came in later in the morning. It happened around 1:30 am in the Alki SW/Marine vicinity. People heard gunfire, multiple shots, including uphill in Admiral. No victim was found at the scene – but hours later, we just confirmed with Seattle Police, they were notified by Everett Police that a victim had shown up at an Everett hospital with a leg wound. No other details of circumstances, so far.

11 AM MONDAY: SPD Blotter has just published an item about this. We have received video of the incident from a witness and will be publishing that shortly in a separate followup.

Memorial service Friday for Jeffrey A. Hays, 1949-2015

March 22, 2015 11:25 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Long-time West Seattle resident Jeff Hays will be remembered and celebrated at a service this Friday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing today:

Beloved husband, friend, and partner of 45 years, Jeffrey Allen Hays passed away suddenly on March 20, 2015. You know the answer to the Great Secret now, My Love. Go in Peace, taking my heart with you.

Born October 20, 1949, in Albuquerque, Jeff is survived by his wife, Janet, a West Seattle native; his brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan and Jenny Hays of Henderson, Nevada; five nieces, two nephews, two grandnieces, two grandnephews, and friends too numerous to count – we all love and miss you, Jeff.

Memorial Service takes place on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery and Funeral Home, 6701 30th Avenue SW. All are welcome who knew and appreciated this wry, suave, romantic gentleman. He could dance, too!

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

West Seattle Sunday: Seeds, sale, soccer, and an LFL party

March 22, 2015 8:50 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Northern Flicker males are “starting up their laughter-like calling and persistent drumming,” says Mark Wangerin, who took the photo)

Good morning and happy Sunday. Here’s what’s on the highlights list for today (from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, which you can browse any time to look ahead):

FERRY SCHEDULE CHANGE: The spring schedule is now in effect for Washington State Ferries. That includes the return of the three-boat weekend schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: If you saw our recent report that it’s moving into the street – keep in mind that’s not until mid-June. Today, and every Sunday through June 7th, it’s 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska.

WEST SEATTLE FABRIC COMPANY LIQUIDATION SALE: As reported here a week ago, West Seattle Fabric Company is taking its retail business online and focusing its in-person business on services at a new location. At its current location, this weekend’s liquidation sale is ramping up to 50 percent discounts today, according to proprietor Monica. 10 am-4 pm. (2210 California SW)

GARDEN PLANNING/SEED STARTING: Noon-3 pm event as the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church gardens’ transformation continues with the help of Seattle Farm School, as explained here. (3050 California SW)

SOCCER-BALL-JUGGLING CHALLENGE: Noon-3:30 pm event at West Seattle Zaw, open to everyone under 18, as part of an ongoing regional partnership/promotion with Seattle Sounders FC 2 – judges will be on hand to see how many times they can juggle a soccer ball, with bag-tag prizes and free mini bake-at-home pizzas. (4151 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIGHLAND PARK LITTLE FREE LIBRARY EVENT: 1 pm, neighbors are invited to a “stock the library/reception” event for a new Little Free Library in Highland Park. Cookies and punch! Robbie, the builder and host of the LFL, says, “Come by, bring a book and take a book. Happy reading and looking forward to meeting my fellow readers and neighbors!!” (7700 block of 12th SW)

‘CHINGLISH’: Second-to-last weekend for the comedy now onstage at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – today’s show is a 3 pm matinee. (4711 California SW)

ADMIRAL BENBOW’S FINAL NIGHT: 3:30 pm-12:30 am, a long list of musical acts is set for the Admiral Benbow’s closing night – see that list via the Benbow’s Facebook page. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

KNITTING MEETUP: Bring what you’re working on! C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5:30 pm. (5612 California SW)

UPDATE: Sunday morning helicopter over south West Seattle

March 22, 2015 8:49 am

| 31 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

8:49 AM: Some are asking, so here’s all we know: Heard the helicopter long before we saw it, to the south of where we are (Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood). Sounded military. We stood outside waiting for a glimpse, finally got it as it passed, eastbound, to the south of us, over Arbor Heights. Hard to tell on a gray morning but it looked private, not military. (If you got a clearer look, let us know!)

9:50 PM: After much discussion in comments throughout the day/evening, we’ve learned that it was most likely the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit‘s second helicopter, Guardian Two, headed back in from the South Sound. It’s a UH-1H military surplus helicopter, which would explain the loudness.

West Seattle sports: New ‘practice squad’ forming for youth rugby

March 22, 2015 1:02 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Know a 7-to-11-year-old interested in rugby? A local coach just arranged to form a “West Seattle practice squad” for the Seattle Vikings Youth Rugby Club, and is hoping to add more participants. They’ve just started practicing, 4:30-6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in West Seattle. Coach Skylar Pond notes: “No experience necessary, low cost, (players will) learn safe ‘Seahawks’ tackling technique.” They’re planning “either tackle or two-hand-touch matches every weekend from the end of March through the end of May” – more info in this flyer. You can reach Coach Pond at skylarponddc@gmail.com or 206-552-5750.

Highway 99 tunnel machine’s road to repairs: 2nd piece lifted tonight

March 21, 2015 9:28 pm

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| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

From the archives of the camera that peers into the pit from which pieces of the Highway 99 tunneling machine are being lifted for repairs, the view above shows the second part to be brought up. It happened early this evening and was just announced by WSDOT:

Seattle Tunnel Partners has successfully hoisted the second piece of the SR 99 tunneling machine to the surface for repairs. This evening crews lifted one of the machine’s upper sections, which weighs less than 100 tons.

Two more pieces of the machine will be removed from the pit as part of STP’s repair plan, which this narrated video explains in detail. Up next, crews will lift the right side body section of the machine, which weighs approximately 90 tons. The final lift will bring to the surface Bertha’s massive cutterhead and main drive unit, which weigh a combined 2,000 tons.

Here’s the view after tonight’s lift was done:

If you haven’t seen the time-lapse video of the first lift on Thursday, check it out here.

By the way, this gives us another chance to remind you the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed for its twice-yearly inspection next weekend, 6 am-6 pm Saturday and 6 am-6 pm Sunday. A section of Highway 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel, meantime, will be closed throughout next weekend, late Friday through early Monday.

Congratulations! 10-year-old girls’ Hiawatha team makes it to city championship game

March 21, 2015 8:34 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Coach Rob Wright for sharing news of these girls’ awesome accomplishment:

I wanted to let you know about a great girls’ basketball team that just wrapped up their season.

Our 10-year-old-girls team based out of Hiawatha Community Center had a dominating season, going undefeated in the regular season and a top seed in the playoffs. The girls lost in the city championship today against a much-larger Rainier Beach team that played a great game. We’re very proud of their efforts this season, especially considering a number of the girls have never played basketball before. Quite an accomplishment to reach the city finals out of nineteen teams in our division across the city. Great job, girls! The future of girls’ basketball in West Seattle is really looking great!

From left to right:
Zoey Adams
Wynn Larsen
Hannah Bonsack
Brooke Swanson
Emily Larsen
Josaphine Contreras
Kaylei Campbell
Lauren Wright
Chloe Stephens
Angelina Smith (not pictured)
Coaches Rob Wright & Jeff Larsen

Update: 1 hurt in crash at West Marginal Way/Puget

March 21, 2015 5:35 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photo)
5:35 PM: Crash at West Marginal Way SW/Puget (map), and SFD has dispatched a sizable “automobile rescue” response. Avoid the area; we’re on our way to find out more.

6 PM UPDATE: Southbound W. Marginal is blocked off at the Duwamish Longhouse; NB has a lane open. Police tell us one person was taken to the hospital, in stable condition. SFD says the victim was a female passenger and had to be cut out of the car; two others didn’t need medical attention. NB lanes open now, SB not likely to be long.

6:49 PM UPDATE: Commenters say the road has reopened both ways. We’re back at HQ and adding photos.

ADDED: The photo above this line is by Amy, who adds, “I live off of West Marginal and Puget Way and have seen several accidents at this spot. For your sake, and ours, please slow down on West Marginal!”

SUNDAY UPDATE: We’ve confirmed with police that the driver was arrested for suspected DUI. He and the other two people in the car were all in their early 20s and speed is believed to have been a factor as well.

More West Seattle homes are getting RainWise, and you can too

March 21, 2015 5:33 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Environment | Gardening | West Seattle news

That’s Max, and he’s helping keep Puget Sound cleaner by building a raingarden at one of five homes just east of the Southwest Branch Library that are getting RainWise. That’s the Seattle/King County program offering incentives to eligible households to get off the storm-drain grid, so to speak, by installing raingardens and cisterns – at little to no cost, because of rebates.

This morning, RainWise team members invited neighbors and media to the 9000 block of 34th SW for a celebration as those five households ceremonially broke ground for their new stormwater-diverting setups. Fittingly, cloudbursts graced the gathering – but held off at photo-op time.

At left in that photo (with Lucy, Izzy, and Max) is John, whose company Home Grown Organics is one of many contractors working on the program. You can find out by going here whether you’re eligible for RainWise. Even if you’re not, the team would love to talk to you. You will find them at three upcoming public events:

APRIL 11: 11 am-2 pm, RainWise contractors’ open house at West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon)

APRIL 25-26: 10 am-4 pm, RainWise info table at the Seattle Chinese Garden‘s Peony/Bamboo Festival (6000 16th SW)

MAY 9: 10 am-noon, RainWise Fair at Highland Park Improvement Club – see HPIC’s cistern, pervious-paver patio, raingardens, and art (12th/Holden)

Disclosure: RainWise is advertising on WSB to help get out the word about the program.

Followup: Troop 282’s 2015 ‘Scouting For Food’ success! Pack 793, too

March 21, 2015 4:23 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

4:23 PM: Another successful “Scouting for Food” drive – on behalf of Troop 282, Regina Arceo-Schulz shares photos and a wrapup of what they delivered to the West Seattle Food Bank today after circling back around to neighborhoods where they had left doorhangers last weekend:

We collected close to 300 pounds in the area we covered from SW Genesee St and SW Charlestown St, 44th Ave SW and 55th Ave SW. Thank you, West Seattle!

Regardless of whether you donated to SFF, other opportunities to donate are coming up – a big day of donations at local supermarkets, for example, is set for April 11th. You can also support the WSFB by buying tickets to the Instruments of Change Dinner/Auction in May – here’s how.

ADDED 10:21 AM SUNDAY: And thanks to Brian Christenson for sharing the news and a photo from Pack 793:

Pack 793 Cub Scouts would like to thank the North Admiral residents for their extremely kind support of Scouting for Food. This small band of scouts braved the wind and rain Saturday morning to collect 496 pounds of food for the West Seattle Food Bank! The Pack would also like to thank the Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ for allowing us to use their space for a meeting place since the grassy triangle is occupied with the temporary Fire Station.

High-school baseball: West Seattle shuts out Rainier Beach. P.S. – Boosters still selling M’s tickets!

March 21, 2015 1:54 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The West Seattle High School baseball team won its first conference game of the season on Friday in a big shutout, 12-0 over Rainier Beach. Thanks to Caryn Johnson for the photo and report:

Jamie Maples #6 pitched the entire game. He struck out 12 and only gave up 1 hit. The West Seattle defense was able to keep Rainier Beach off the bases for the most part, only allowing one runner to reach as far as 2nd base. Lots of offense for the game by West Seattle. In the 2nd inning, they sent 11 batters to the plate.

Next game is Monday against O’Dea, at Hiawatha at 3:30.

Also coming up, the team’s game vs. Sedro Woolley at Safeco Field, one week from today, 12:30 pm on March 28th, admission free! To qualify for the High School Baseball Classic at Safeco again NEXT year, as well as to raise money for the Wildcats’ team, boosters are selling tickets for a Mariners game THIS season – 7:10 pm Monday, June 22nd, vs. Kansas City. You can buy one or more $12 tickets by e-mailing wshsmarinerstickets@gmail.com. (You’ll get a reply with info on what to do from there.)

Memorial on Monday for Roger Osman Loken, 1920-2015

March 21, 2015 11:34 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Memorial services are planned on Monday for Roger O. Loken, a U.S. Army veteran whose long and storied life also included careers in teaching and real estate. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

It is with deep sadness that we announce our dad, Roger Osman Loken, passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 94. He was born on November 26, 1920, in Seattle to Gilbert and Maud Loken. He grew up in Ballard, where he met his wife of 69 years at a dancing school. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1939 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army at the age of 18, serving as a First Lieutenant in WWII in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy.

In 1948 Roger graduated from the University of WA with a BS in Zoology and earned his degree in teaching. He was awarded a full scholarship to Oregon State University, earning a Masters Degree in Biology in 1962; he learned to write and speak German in order to research his thesis on tardigrades.

His teaching career began in 1949 at Kettle Falls High School, where he taught science and was Principal until 1954. For over 60 years, his beloved Kettle Falls students kept in touch with him through annual reunions and correspondence. After leaving Kettle Falls, he returned to his native Seattle, where he taught science at Denny Middle School from 1954-1957. He finished his teaching career at West Seattle High School from 1957-1967 where he taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

March 21, 2015 10:25 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Pole fixed, store open)

10:25 AM: Thanks for all the tips (and the photo!). Police and firefighters are at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) because, we’re told, a utility pole was hit by a truck and is in danger of toppling. The store is still open, we’re told, but Stevens is closed off at California on the south side of the store’s parking lot. We’re en route to find out more.

10:47 AM: Here’s what our crew found out: Until the pole problem (which is on the alley off the west side of the store and its lot) is fixed, much of the parking lot is blocked off, as is Stevens from the alley to 44th SW. Thanks to David Whiting from the Admiral Neighborhood Association for this photo:

The parking that remains open is on the east side (along California). The store itself is not affected otherwise. (Added: Here’s a photo from our crew, showing the entirety of the pole:)

We’ll check back again later.

1:20 PM UPDATE: The store confirmed, when we stopped by a short time ago, what commenter OVR said – they’ll have to close temporarily when the repairs are under way, because power will have to be cut. No ETA for that so far. More of the parking lot is open (about half), in the meantime.

6:23 PM: Went back to check. Store is temporarily closed while pole repair is under way.

6:59 PM: Back at HQ, added the photo of repairs under way. No ETA on reopening but we’re told the store does hope to reopen sometime this evening (midnight is the usual closing time), so we’ll update when there’s word.

8:23 PM: Now that the pole repairs are over, the store’s open, says Melissa via Twitter, but no hot bar/soup for the rest of the night.

West Seattle Saturday: Raingardens, marionette shows, food drives, Zumba-thon, bowling, music, more!

March 21, 2015 6:30 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tulip photographed last weekend by Flickr member Yel0Rose, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Saturday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SCOUTING FOR FOOD PICKUP: If you received a tag or scheduled a pickup as part of local Scouts’ door-to-door food drive, get your donation outside ASAP today.

RAINGARDENS’ GROUNDBREAKING: Five new raingardens are getting started today with a groundbreaking celebration as part of the RainWise program. 10 am-11 am, come join the party and find out how you might benefit from the same program – celebratory toasts and kids’ activities. (9009 34th SW)

SEAFAIR COMMODORES BOWL-A-THON: 9:30 am at West Seattle Bowl, get rolling with the Seattle Seafair Commodores, benefiting the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women. All the info’s here. (39th/Oregon)

TWO MARIONETTE SHOWS! 10 or 11 am at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), catch a performance by Puppets Please Marionettes, to benefit the scholarship fund of the West Seattle Cooperative Preschool program. More info here. (3940 41st SW)

CUB SCOUT PACK 282 FOOD DRIVE @ THRIFTWAY: Another way to donate food and help fight hunger today – 11 am-4 pm with Pack 282 at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – more info here.

PINE LAKE CELLARS: Noon-5 pm, visit the West Seattle tasting room of Pine Lake Cellars (WSB sponsor) and try what this family-owned winery has to offer. (3400 Harbor SW)

ZUMBA-THON FOR Y’S ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: Party from 4:30-6:30 pm in the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) gymnasium, to boost the Y’s Annual Campaign – details in our listing. (4515 36th SW)

‘STARRY NIGHT’ FOR PATHFINDER: The annual dinner/auction is tonight, 5 pm, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as previewed here. If you’re going – browse the auction catalog here. (9131 California SW)

SLHS SPRING BINGO: 6 pm at the Seattle Lutheran High School Gym – ticket info here. (41st/Genesee)

COFFEE AND MUSIC: Roo Forrest and Friends are live tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘CHINGLISH,’ 2ND-TO-LAST WEEKEND: If you haven’t been to see this comedy at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), consider that since its last performance is a week from tomorrow, why not check out the 7:30 pm show tonight? (4711 California SW)

MATT BAKER AT KENYON HALL, AFTERNOON & EVENING: “A high-energy, one-man variety show” is what you’ll see at Kenyon Hall at 3 pm today (family-oriented) or 7:30 tonight. (7904 35th SW)

BLACK VINYL ALL-STARS: 9 pm, live at Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. (6451 California SW)

LOOKING AHEAD 2 WEEKS … we’re putting together our customary Easter/Passover event page right now, so if you have anything special (brunch? egg hunt? services?) to share with the community, please e-mail us ASAP – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

West Seattle scenes: Mini Pow-Wow at Highland Park Elementary

March 21, 2015 1:46 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Dancing, drumming, and dinner were part of the festivities last night at Highland Park Elementary, as Native community members, family, and friends gathered for a Traditional Mini Pow Wow. We photographed Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen after the blessing she gave to open the event:

This was the second year of the event.

The group Niksokowaak – “all my children, all my relatives” – organized the Pow Wow.

Early alert: Aircraft carrier John C. Stennis to sail by on Monday

March 20, 2015 9:59 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

FRIDAY NIGHT, 9:59 PM: For West Seattle water watchers who appreciate advance notice of significant sail-bys – the U.S. Navy sent word today that the carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) will be heading back out from Bremerton on Monday (March 23rd), for at-sea training exercises. No specific time yet.

MONDAY MORNING, 9:19 AM: The Stennis may already have gone by – we checked MarineTraffic.com a few minutes ago and there is an unspecified “Navy unit” already north of Elliott Bay. (9:45 note – yes, it’s passed, and we’re publishing reader photos.)

Update: Semi-soggy spring equinox sunset watch with Alice

March 20, 2015 6:26 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

6:26 PM: If you were wondering – yes, the spring equinox sunset watch is on, says Alice – Solstice Park, starting around 6:45 pm.

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
8:32 PM: No sunset, but, as promised, Alice was there for a handful of skywatchers.

Those two were the youngest attendees – Alice’s daughter Vera (left), and Cameron.

If you’re new here, by the way, Alice (Enevoldsen) is a NASA Solar System Ambassador and, among other things promoting astronomy and sky-watching (such as writing Skies Over West Seattle for us, and publishing info at Alice’s Astro Info), has been hosting educational sunset viewings on equinox and solstice dates for going on six years! (Last year, the sun DID make a welcome-to-spring appearance.)