By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

We’ve learned that the city has scrapped proposed changes to the Neighborhood Matching Fund process – changes strongly opposed by West Seattle’s two District Councils.

This came to light after the Department of Neighborhoods sent out a news release today containing deadlines and other information about this year’s process and timelines for seeking the NMF grants. Noting that the announcement made no mention of the proposed changes, we asked DoN spokesperson Lois Maag to verify that they indeed were not being implemented; Maag confirmed that it’s “status quo” for this year, and said that council chairs had recently been sent word of that.

The proposals primarily involved who could apply for the grants and who from the neighborhoods would vet applications. They were presented (and criticized) at the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council‘s October meeting (WSB coverage here) and the Southwest District Council‘s November meeting (WSB coverage here). The potential removal of District Councils from the application-vetting process was a particular sticking point.

We confirmed tonight with DNDC chair Mat McBride that DoN indeed had sent word the changes weren’t going forward. In her memo, department director Bernie Matsuno said in part:

… Over the past year, an NMF Advisory Committee deliberated and developed several proposals for the program. Due to the feedback received regarding these recommendations, we are not moving forward at this time. … We will continue engaging the community and having a more robust conversation about any possible improvements to the NMF program.

Meantime – if you are interested in finding out about this year’s grant opportunities, all the information is in the full news release made public today. One West Seattle-specific date – those interested in applying for a grant from the Large Project Fund (deadline May 4th) must attend a workshop, and the only one in West Seattle is set for Tuesday, March 10, 6 pm, High Point Community Center (6420 34th SW).

Haircut fundraisers start tomorrow at Delridge Community Center

January 2, 2015 5:32 pm

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| Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

Just announced by Delridge Community Center – happening every Saturday this month:

Airstream Pop-Up Haircut Salon

Look good and feel good about doing it. (Suggested haircut payment/donation will go toward Delridge Community Center )

Delridge Community Center has been serving the surrounding community for over 20 years. And we want to continue doing more! We offer from Ballet and Zumba, to one of only 3 centers who offer showers to the homeless for $3.00. We have a RECTECH computer lab to help you apply for jobs or finish a school or work project. A fun and safe place for your teens, and licensed school-age child care, and a preschool Program.

During the Month of January, in partnership with Rudy’s Barbershop, we will be offering free haircuts to the community. Come and get a haircut by one of Rudy’s Barbershop’s professional hair stylists. Look good and feel good; proceeds will go toward the Delridge Community Center’s Teen programs and scholarships for before- and after-school programs, and much more. Airstream Pop Up parked behind Delridge Community Center, close to soccer fields.

Dates for the Airstream pop-up:
* January 3 (8:30 to 3:30)
* January 10 (8:30 to 3:30)
* January 17th (8:30 to 3:30)
* January 24th (8:30 to 3:30)
* January 31 (8:30 to 3:30)

DCC is at 4501 Delridge Way SW, south of SW Genesee. (Rudy’s, by the way, is likely to open its non-pop-up West Seattle Triangle location this year, as reported here last summer.)

Update: 2nd SW call = not weapons-related after all

January 2, 2015 2:50 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WS breaking news

2:50 PM: Police and fire are responding to an “assault with weapons” call in the 9200 block of 2nd SW. Details as we get them.

3:03 PM: False alarm of sorts, according to police on scene and in media relations. Man who fell and hit his head first claimed he’d been shot – but hadn’t. He was injured badly enough to be taken to the hospital, though.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Short-lived snow sightings

January 2, 2015 12:20 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:20 PM: Thanks for the reports – we’re hearing of snow flurries, at least in north West Seattle. The National Weather Service says it’s getting reports from around Western Washington but is *not* expecting accumulation.

1:47 PM: No further flurry reports. Looks like even the chance of rain is diminishing – until sometime late tomorrow.

So, it’s January, and you have to recycle your food waste. Are you ready (if you weren’t doing it already)?

January 2, 2015 11:34 am

| 79 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

We’ve had three months’ warning (actually longer, but until September, it was just a line somewhere in a long-range plan), and now, it’s time. In case you missed the Christmastime publicity blitz in citywide media … as the holiday season ends, we’re pointing to the new recycling rules – food waste goes in the yard-waste bin (if you haven’t been putting it there already). And that doesn’t just mean fruit/vegetable scraps. From the city’s “what do I do with THIS?” flyer:

As noted last fall, while the new rules are in effect as of yesterday, this is the start of a six-month ramp-up period, to give everyone a chance to get used to it and figure out how to do it. And even when enforcement starts in July, this isn’t set up as a moneymaker for the city – the residential fine is a buck, for example. The point is that the city is hoping to get to its goal of recycling 60 percent of the waste stream. You’ll be considered to be in compliance if you have less than “10% recyclables or food waste” in your trash can. To get them from kitchen to bin, you can use paper or compostable bags, or get a covered compost pail to keep in the kitchen.

SIDE NOTE – SO WHAT ABOUT THE IN-SINK DISPOSER? In previous discussions, some have declared they’ll just keep using this rather than diverting food waste to the yard-waste bin. We’ve looked around for info on that; general consensus (in reports such as this) seems to be, while it’s greener than just throwing food waste in the trash, it’s not as green as composting. And best thing of all is to just figure out how to waste less food, period.

Happening tonight: ‘Words, Writers, West Seattle’ features Christine Brant, author of ‘Red and Grey’

January 2, 2015 9:54 am

| Comments Off on Happening tonight: ‘Words, Writers, West Seattle’ features Christine Brant, author of ‘Red and Grey’

| West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Words, Writers & West Seattle presents … from Avenue Collection on Vimeo.

West Seattle’s literary scene continued to deepen in 2014 – and on this second day of 2015, it’s already time for the year’s first installment of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented monthly celebration of local writing, Words, Writers, West Seattle. Tonight, 5-7 pm, come to Westwood Village’s Barnes & Noble bookstore to meet and hear from writer Christine Brant, who’s featured in the SWSHS-provided, Avenue Productions-produced video invitation above. It’s free; if you’re interested, you’ll be able to buy her book “Red and Grey” during the event. P.S. The next four editions of the first-Fridays WWW series are previewed here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First Friday of 2015

January 2, 2015 6:16 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
We’re watching traffic just in case you’re working today – and we have a few reminders/notes:

METRO: One final day of “reduced weekday” service – back to regular weekday on Monday (January 5th).

WATER TAXI: Back in service after the New Year’s Day holiday. And the Spirit of Kingston is done with its annual maintenance, so you’ll see it today on the West Seattle run, while the Melissa Ann – seen in TW‘s photo below – will be back on the Vashon run:

(Did you catch the sneak peek at the new, almost-ready Water Taxi?)

FERRY DOCK TONIGHT: As previewed here last week, cleaning work tonight and most if not all nights for the next two weeks will affect the Fauntleroy ferry dock and vicinity.

West Seattle weather: What happened last year; what’s up now

January 1, 2015 8:55 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Click image for larger view)
There’s your view over West Seattle on the first day of 2015, southward toward Mount Rainier, courtesy of Long Bach Nguyen. If the forecast bears out, it’s our last chance at that view for a while. If you’re in the mood for one more look back, here’s the National Weather Service‘s 2014 Western Washington Year In Review (with one update, the recent cold weather has dropped the year’s average high to 55.1, according to an NWS tweet earlier today). If you’re looking for what’s happening now and in the hours/days ahead, check out the WSB West Seattle Weather page – available any time, with more than just weather information; it includes sunrise/set, moonrise/set, tides, even the UV index (by request).

ADDED 10:53 PM: Bonus photo just in from David Hutchinson:

That was the view from Seacrest (and from nearby Don Armeni, where we were, about that same time) during the first sunset of 2015.

VIDEO: West Seattle New Year’s Day 2015 Polar Bear Swim!

January 1, 2015 3:15 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB video/photos, unless otherwise credited)
Though the New Year had arrived 10 hours earlier, for hundreds, it wasn’t 2015 until the annual Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach. This year, the water was warmer than the air – ~50 degrees and 32 degrees respectively. Whatever the temperature or weather conditions, some wouldn’t miss it, like Kayleen Dunson and her fellow softball umpires (join them on the field this year!), with the morning’s most-patriotic photo op:

Water-testing was called for, too.

Of course, Seahawks fans were in view …

… after on-the-beach decorating:

Not as many costumed swimmers this year, but festive hats were in evidence:

(That photo and next by Russ Walker, whose Flickr gallery is here)

Big smiles too – this one’s from Frank Gross of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor):

Finally it was time for the countdown – here’s organizer Mark Ufkes with the megaphone:

And … they’re off!

(Photo by Craig Young)
Post-plunge, organizer Ufkes was of course among those emerging triumphantly:

Spectators caught it all:

Awaiting the newly soaked Polar Bears, chowder from Duke’s across the street, and info about the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s upcoming Totem Cruise:

(Photo courtesy SWSHS/Clay Eals)
That’s SWSHS volunteer Liz Day in the foreground; in the background, Duke’s GM Greg Green and server Autumn Kline with the chowder. Whether you swam, stayed on shore, or stayed home, a Happy 2015 to all!

Past years’ WSB coverage:
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010

West Seattle traffic-alert updates: Eastbound bridge crash cleared; pedestrian hit on Harbor

January 1, 2015 1:41 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:41 PM: You wouldn’t expect to encounter a backup on the West Seattle Bridge on a holiday – but there’s one on the eastbound side now because of a crash that we’re told is between Nucor and the crest. Seattle Fire‘s response cleared quickly, suggesting no major injuries, but with the backup, wait a while to head that way if you have to. (A couple of key SDOT cameras aren’t working today, so we don’t have a view of the scene; thanks for the tips.)

2:02 PM: Update from SDOT via Twitter:

West Seattle Bridge in the EB direction is reduced to 1 lane due to an earlier collision. Expect delays. Tow truck on-scene.

— seattledot (@seattledot) January 1, 2015

Thanks also to Jean-Paul for this view:

@westseattleblog @SeattleFire bridge is down to one lane EB. pic.twitter.com/ruiBOwqHgD

— Jean-Paul Willynck (@jwillynck) January 1, 2015

2:20 PM: Thanks to Tim for the update in the comment section – scene’s clear, backup should clear soon.

2:41 PM: If you’re seeing the emergency response on Harbor Avenue at the bottom of California Way, by Seacrest, a vehicle is reported to have hit a pedestrian. Injuries weren’t serious, if any; the pedestrian was reported to be the person who made the 911 call and was reported to have been declining medical assistance.

‘Stagnant weather’ brings Stage 1 burn ban for King County

January 1, 2015 1:01 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

Our area and the rest of King County is now under a Stage 1 burn ban, announced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency because of “stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution,” expected to continue at least until tomorrow. Here’s what a Stage 1 burn ban means:

* No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.

* The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency

* No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

* Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

* It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

We’ll publish an update whenever the burn ban is lifted.

Update: Fire response at Admiral McDonald’s, but no fire

January 1, 2015 9:13 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
9:13 AM: Big Seattle Fire response at the McDonald’s in Admiral (3003 California SW), but our crew on the scene says it’s not a major problem – the smoke that led to fire concern was apparently sparked by mechanical trouble, possibly with the HVAC system. Some of the crews have been dismissed already. More to come.

9:20 AM: Just heard over the scanner – “this is smoke from a properly operating cooking exhaust system.” All but one engine will be leaving. (added) Our crew says SFD is allowing everyone back in, and the restaurant’s open for business.

West Seattle New Year’s Day 2015: What’s up as the year begins

January 1, 2015 6:30 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

Happy 2015! Thanks to Gary Jones for the bald-eagle photos from Alki Point. Here’s what you need to know about today:

TRANSIT: Sunday schedule for Metro; no Water Taxi; Sound Transit‘s Route 560 is on a Sunday schedule; Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a regular weekday schedule.

RESTAURANTS: Here’s our list of who told us, when we did research before Christmas, they’d be open New Year’s Day. Might be some missing if they didn’t answer our inquiries; might be someone who’s changed their plan since last we checked in; so please let us know of discrepancies – text or call 206-293-6302.

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE: Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) is continuing its New Year’s giving campaign by offering a special drink today – the “2015” white chocolate and blackberry mocha – with $3 going to WestSide Baby. (4410 California SW)

NEW YEAR’S WALKS: 5- and 10-kilometer routes, noncompetitive, no fee, take off between 9 am and noon from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, which is sponsoring the walks along with Emerald City Wanderers. More info in our calendar listing. (3050 California SW)

POLAR BEAR SWIM: This is the big annual one. 10 am (get there early!) from the beach across from Duke’s. Details in our calendar listing. (58th/Alki)

HANGOVER BRUNCH AT MARINATION MA KAI: Open early – 10 am; see the Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) “epic hangover brunch” details here. (1660 Harbor SW)

‘KILL YOUR HANGOVER’ AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 6th annual edition at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – drink specials, big-screen football, more. Open at 11:30. (6451 California SW)

CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP: What better time, than the first night of the year? 6:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist. (7141 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … by browsing our calendar, any time!

West Seattle New Year 2015 scenes: Needle’s fab fireworks

January 1, 2015 2:07 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

The colorful show from the Space Needle at midnight, more visible from West Seattle than last year (remember the fog?). Our first photos are from David Hutchinson.

This was the 30th annual “New Year’s at the Needle” fireworks show, by the way. If you missed the show or want to see it again, here’s the link to KING 5’s video.

West Seattle New Year’s Eve scenes: 2014 making way for 2015

December 31, 2014 11:38 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

With less than half an hour to go in 2014, some scenes from tonight: Above, Long Bach Nguyen‘s aerial view of West Seattle after the last sunset of the year; below, Trileigh Tucker‘s sea-level view from Lowman Beach around the same time:

And one of the first New Year toasts in West Seattle tonight – at Peel and Press in Morgan Junction, proprietor Dan Austin offered a toast when 2015 arrived in the Eastern time zone at 9 pm, and shared the photo:

Any other New Year’s Eve scenes to share, now or later (impending Needle fireworks, for example)? editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you, and here’s to 2015!

High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys’ tournament win

December 31, 2014 11:02 pm

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

From West Seattle High School boys’ basketball head coach Keffrey Fazio:

The West Seattle HS Boys Basketball team traveled to the Mountlake Terrace Holiday Basketball Classic on Monday and Tuesday for a 4-team tournament.

The Wildcats went 2-0 and won their pool. WSHS beat host school Mountlake Terrace on Monday and then beat Bellingham on Tuesday for the bracket championship.

WSHS was led by sophomore point guard Nate Pryor, who was tournament player of the game, scoring 28 points in the first contest, then scoring 23 in the second. He had help from senior Andre Moore, and juniors Carter Golgart, Chaaka Trahan, and Melvin Arrington. Sophomore Akili Kasim played well off the bench for the Wildcats.

West Seattle resumes Metro League play Tuesday, January 6th, at home against O’Dea. JV 5:30 pm, Varsity 7:00 pm.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Morgan Junction business shot at

December 31, 2014 9:48 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Somebody fired two shots into the front window of a south Morgan Junction business less than an hour ago. Our photo shows one of the bullet holes in the glass at Stella Ruffington, a dog-care center in the 7000 block of California SW. No one at the business wanted to comment; police say no one was hurt, neither human nor canine. They were trying to sort out the circumstances.

Most-commented-on WSB stories of 2014: See who said what

December 31, 2014 4:32 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Again this year, we’ve rounded up the year’s most-commented-on WSB stories. These aren’t necessarily the most important stories (many stories are much-read but little-commented), but we always find it an interesting look back; hope you do too!

#11 – 4-mile, 5-hour closure after Highway 99 crash, June 10, 2014 – 121 comments
****Followup note – This much-scrutinized situation was reviewed at City Hall earlier this month; it’s led to changes including more hours of staffing at the city Traffic Management Center.

#10 – SDOT apologies for ‘scumbag hat’ tweet making fun of West Seattle Bridge drivers, May 5, 2014 – 122 comments

#9 – Barton family eviction/protest, July 18, 2014 – 131 comments
****Followup note – Their foreclosure lawsuit is still making its way through the court system at last check.

#8 – West Seattle Health Club officially open, November 4, 2014 – 137 comments

#7 – West Seattle Athletic Club closes; property owner opening WS Health Club, October 25, 2014 – 140 comments
****Followup note on the previous two – The gym’s popular swimming pool has yet to reopen; management says HVAC equipment is still on the way.

December 31, 2014 3:26 pm

| Comments Off on More road repairs, more microsurfacing ahead for Arbor Heights

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT:

Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation are scheduled to make minor repairs such as filling potholes and depressions on numerous blocks in Arbor Heights starting Monday, Jan. 5, weather permitting. SDOT anticipates the work will be completed in less than a month.

The repair work will focus on non-arterial blocks in the western and southwestern sections of Arbor Heights. These repairs will improve the pavement condition to a level where a microsurfacing preventive maintenance treatment would be effective.

Microsurfacing is a protective seal coat which extends the life of pavement. It is a thin, tough layer of asphalt emulsion blended with finely crushed stone for traction.

SDOT’s contractor microsurfaced approximately 27 lane-miles of streets in Arbor Heights last summer. SDOT is now in the process of finalizing the list of blocks that will be included in a smaller microsurfacing project in Arbor Heights this summer. Streets being repaired at this time may or may not be included in this summer’s microsurfacing project.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Thief’s outfit caught on camera; car stolen; car found; prowler/peeper; store burglary…

December 31, 2014 1:37 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Barring breaking news, here’s our last West Seattle Crime Watch roundup of 2014. (You can always check the archives, by the way, via either the CW page – see the tab on our header – or here.) We are always sorry to hear about ANY of this happening, but we appreciate the reader reports, so that other West Seattleites can be better-informed – as we mention often, we don’t get as much information from police as you might assume. (We’re working on that, though.)

RECOGNIZE THIS CAMERA THIEF’S JACKET/BOOTS? From Grant in Morgan Junction:

My home’s two exterior security cameras were stolen on Monday, December 29 around 10:00 pm. I believe the thief crept along a narrow unlit path alongside my property, then across my backyard, and around to my front door to disable and remove my door camera from behind. Next he proceeded to my driveway camera where he again came up from behind it and disabled it before removing and leaving.

A rake was found by my door suggesting this was used tilt the camera. The door camera was thoroughly removed with a screwdriver, but the driveway camera had part of its mount left attached to the house. This suggests to me the thief was probably just wanting to get the cameras fast to sell them.

If nothing else, it shows someone had studied my house beforehand and planned how to come in through the backyard to take these at night. That person may have already been in the backyard before to make sure there was no backyard cam to catch him coming in that way. Lesson learned: mount valuables like security camera high up and with tamper-resistant screws, and make sure a thief can’t disable and remove them from behind.

HAVE YOU SEEN KATHY’S CAR? Stolen in Upper Fauntleroy:

My one and only family car….blue 1997 4-door Honda Civic was stolen last night on SW Sullivan Street near 39th Avenue SW. It has a child’s car seat in the back. License plate AJY 3038. The black chrome along the bottom of the driver’s side has also been removed (previous car prowl incident) . There are a couple of small bumper stickers on the back with Seattle Storm license plate frame.

Call 911 if you see it.

Click or scroll for (updated) three more reports – another stolen car, found; prowler/peeper at a local home; and (just confirmed and added, 2:07 pm) a store break-in:

December 31, 2014 11:41 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo by John Hinkey)
This is it – goodbye to 2014! Before the New Year’s Eve highlights, two more Olympics views:

(Panorama by Chris Frankovich)
Now, on with what’s up in this year’s final hours:

NEW YEAR’S EVE FOOD DRIVE: At Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), open until 5 tonight, a food drive. As proprietor Lora Swift explains, “We’ll be offering free 8 oz lattes to anyone who brings in a non-perishable food item. It’s a way for everyone to end 2014 on a good note!” (4410 California SW)

RESTAURANTS OPEN TODAY/TONIGHT AND/OR TOMORROW: Here again is our holiday restaurant list, including which local restaurants told us they would be open tonight and/or tomorrow. (Please note, as always, plans might have changed since our research, so if you have an update to report, text/call us ASAP – 206-293-6302 – thank you!)

TAKE A NEW YEAR’S EVE WALK: Hosted by the Emerald City Wanderers and St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, and sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association: Noncompetitive 5- and 10-kilometer walks starting from the church, no fee – “And there’ll be hot soup to chase away any chills.” Start any time between 4 and 7 pm. (California/Hanford)

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT CASSIS (WSB sponsor): See the special prix-fixe menu here. (2820 Alki SW)

CORNER BAR AND NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE: 6 pm start for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at and around Highland Park Improvement Club – first the Not So Silent Night Parade, then the Sage Comet, then the Corner Bar, as noted on the HPIC website. Be there! (12th/Holden)

BURNING BOWL CEREMONY: 7 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation: “Ceremonies that involve fire as a cleansing ritual go back to ancient times. The service will include music, readings, prayers, singing, and the burning bowl ceremony.” (7141 California SW)

SACRED HOOP: A “more-ceremonial way” to welcome the New Year. 8 pm-1 am at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. Details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

NYE AT SKYLARK CAFE/CLUB: 9 pm, New Year’s Eve with Hibou, 9 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

NYE AT YEN WOR VILLAGE: Guy will start karaoke at 9 pm, stop it down for about 10 minutes of countdowns to the New Year’s arrival at midnight, then continue karaoke until 2 pm. (California/College)

NYE AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: New Year’s Eve party with Off The Hook Band, 9:30 pm, no cover, champagne at midnight. (6451 California SW)

P.S. – WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS FINALE: Last night this year to visit the music-synched West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular. See the schedule here. Bring food to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. (3908 SW Charlestown)

AND SPEAKING OF LIGHTS … if you’re new to West Seattle, yes, you can see the Space Needle fireworks (midnight) from north-facing north West Seattle. But don’t rush out at quarter till midnight and expect to find a great spot at the last minute. Trust us. (And if you notice that the Needle’s pink, no, it’s not for breast-cancer awareness; it’s a commercial sponsor.)

IN THE HOLIDAY GUIDE: At westseattleblog.com/westseattleholidays – even more of what’s up tonight – and, what’s up for New Year’s Day tomorrow!

Almost-West Seattle scene: Last sign of the Sears sign

December 31, 2014 11:28 am

| 14 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

11:28 AM: Thanks to Bill Schrier for spotting and sharing this while visiting SODO – the sign for the shuttered, historic Sears store is coming down. “Kind of a nostalgic end of a historic brand in SODO for the last day of 2014,” he observes. We noted the store’s closure announcement last February, primarily because it meant the Rotary Club of West Seattle would have to find someplace new for its annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree. (Ultimately, it moved to the Sears store at Southcenter.) As for the fate of the sign and the question of whether anyone’s leased the space yet – we don’t know but are trying to find out. (This might suggest the answer to the latter, at least, is “no.”)

ADDED 12:44 PM: According to the company that owns the building, no new tenant yet, as the Sears lease runs another year.

New achievement for West Seattle’s top ump Kayleen Dunson, as she prepares to plunge (will you join her on the beach or field?)

December 31, 2014 10:10 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

If you’re going to tomorrow’s 10 am Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach – watch for the softball umpires who are doing it again this year. Leading the way will be West Seattle’s Kayleen Dunson, who shares the news of a big achievement in her storied career as an ump:

Kayleen Dunson, the Umpire in Chief for Seattle/Tacoma, and West Seattle resident, just earned ELITE Umpire Status from USA/ASA Softball.

Less than 1 percent of the 30,000 USA/ASA softball umpires in the country earn their Elite Umpire Status. It is the highest award for an American umpire. Kayleen joins just 14 other umpires in the Seattle area who have earned their Elite.

Only umpires who have earned their Elite Status are eligible to apply to become certified International Softball Federation (ISF) umpires – and only ISF umpires can work international championships – like the Olympics!

Kayleen will try for her ISF certification this July. And it’s looking like softball may make it’s way back into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Could she be selected to represent the United States there? It’s possible.

But Kayleen isn’t about the glory. “I do this because I’m having so much fun,” she said. She and about 15 other softball umpires will be “Polar Plunging” at Alki on New Year’s Day. “Umpiring is a family – like any family we have the ‘Steady Eddies’ and the ‘Crazies.’ On New Years Day a bunch of my like-minded ‘Crazies’ join me for a Plunge into Puget Sound – in full uniform. It’s a bond as strong as any family bond.”

Seattle needs about 50 new Softball Umpires this year. If you are interested, check out their website at www.smsua.org – or contact “Krazy Kayleen” at umpkayleen@outlook.com.

Kayleen adds an update about two people who signed up after past reports here: “West Seattle umpires Shani Neamen and Mike Katz both umpired their first National Championship Tournament this past summer. They did awesome!”