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Spotlight Stories


  • Festival

    SUMMER FEST COVERAGE: Scroll here!

  • Festival

    FESTIVAL WEEKEND: Summer Fest info here!

  • Charged

    SERIAL ROBBERIES: 24-year-old suspect charged

Is your nonprofit in GiveBIG next week? Please let us know
May 2, 2014 3:39 pm
|    Comments Off on Is your nonprofit in GiveBIG next week? Please let us know
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Again this year, we’re making a page of links to West Seattle/White Center/South Park nonprofits that are participating in the GiveBIG donate-a-thon, so that readers of West Seattle Blog, White Center Now, and The South Park News will have a handy cheat-sheet for where to donate. So if you are associated with a nonprofit in WS, WC, and/or SP, that’ll be part of GiveBIG next Tuesday, please send us the link to your GiveBIG donation page, ASAP. Best way to get us this info: editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks and good luck!

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Also ahead: West Seattle 5K – and even if you’re not running/walking…
May 2, 2014 2:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Also ahead: West Seattle 5K – and even if you’re not running/walking…
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo from 2012 WS5K by David Hutchinson)
Another of the many huge spring/summer events coming up is the 2014 edition of the West Seattle 5K run/walk, two weeks away on Sunday, May 18th, 9 am along Alki. If you’re planning to be part of the event (organized by the WSHS PTSA, with co-sponsors including WSB), hurry up and sign up! But you can help even if you’re not walking/running – here’s the request we were asked to share:

West Seattle High School is looking for adult volunteers for the WSHS 5K fun run & walk on Sunday, May 18th. If you are able to help Sunday morning between 7:30 am to 12:00, or anytime inbetween, it would be much appreciated. Please send an e-mail with your name and time you are available to ‘wshs5kvolunteers@gmail.com’ Any and all help will be much appreciated.

As usual, this year’s WS5K will be followed by SDOT‘s Seattle Summer Streets festival – more on that here (and more on the bicycle parade here).

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West Seattle Outdoor Movies 2014: Ready for your suggestions!
May 2, 2014 12:03 pm
|      67 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

(WSB file photo of the courtyard on a West Seattle Outdoor Movies night)
The 2014 series of free West Seattle Outdoor Movies – in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) – is 2+ months away, but planning has already begun, and that’s where you come in: Suggestion time starts now, in the comment section below! The movies need to be relatively family-friendly, since it’s an all-ages crowd, but that does NOT necessarily mean kid-targeted. And the movies shown in the past few years are off-limits for reruns – here are the last three season lineups:

*2013′s movie lineup was Goldfinger, Devil Wears Prada, Muppets, Avengers, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, This Is Spinal Tap

*2012′s movie lineup was Pretty in Pink, Young Frankenstein, Lion King, Iron Man, Yellow Submarine, Top Gun

*2011′s movie lineup was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Airplane, Despicable Me, Jurassic Park (1), Toy Story 3

The six-movie season will start in late July – exact dates to come.

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Proposed North Delridge store draws top Seattle spot in marijuana-retailer license lottery
May 2, 2014 10:15 am
|      64 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Looks like West Seattle’s most-likely place for a recreational-marijuana store will be North Delridge – the 3800 block, to be specific. Here’s why:

The state has just gone public with its list of positions drawn in its lottery among prospective marijuana retailers – necessary because far more applications were received than licenses will be allotted. The entire city of Seattle will have 21 licensed stores, for example. At the top of the Seattle lottery list, #1 was drawn by a West Seattle applicant, Trichome & Calyx Corp., with the address 3809 Delridge Way SW, Suite B (map; currently the site of a medical-marijuana dispensary); the corporation’s owner is listed in state records as Magnolia entrepreneur Mehran Rafizadeh. The next-highest West Seattle location drawn, #37, was for the same applicant, same street address, Suite A. Next, #40, went to The Edge, applying for 3805 Delridge Way SW. Another 3809 Delridge Way applicant, Paradigm, drew #42. Following that, at #52, is an existing medical-marijuana provider, the Northwest Patient Resource Center on the east side of 35th/Roxbury. Seven of the other West Seattle locations with higher numbers in the lottery also applied using the 3809 Delridge Way SW address; there were also applicants from Harbor Avenue, West Marginal Way, and the west side of 35th/Roxbury.

You can download the full statewide list, which has a tab for each city including Seattle, from this page on the state Liquor Control Board website. Licenses are expected to be issued by early July, according to this state FAQ.

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West Seattle Friday: Authors; theater; music; karaoke; more!
May 2, 2014 9:19 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That’s West Seattle from the air at night, courtesy of Michael Brophy, who shared the photo via the WSB Facebook page last night. (Side note: We are thrilled that 14,600+ people “like” the FB page, but please note that it’s one of our side channels – the website here is the ONLY place to find all the news we report, plus the continuously updated Event Calendar, Forum discussions, lost/found pets, the restaurant guide, traffic, weather, etc.!) And from the aforementioned calendar:

ST. JOHN’S RUMMAGE SALE: 9 am-7 pm, first of two days at the church’s big sale. (3050 California SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: Get an early start on the weekend by stopping by Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village to meet authors Mike Hickey (“Counterclockwise”) and Arleen Williams (“Running Secrets: The Alki Trilogy”), both South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) instructors whose works are featured in this month’s edition of “Words, Writers, & West Seattle,” also presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, whose website features this preview. (2800 SW Barton)

HPIC CORNER BAR: The monthly pop-up-bar extravaganza at Highland Park Improvement Club opens its doors tonight at 6 pm, and then features jazzy live music by the Ellis Brothers starting at 6:30 pm. (12th/Holden)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS’ WORK ON DISPLAY: Tonight’s Student Art Show at the Seattle Art Museum downtown (where it’s also Teens’ Night Out) features the work of West Seattle High School students, as listed here – congratulations! You can see the show starting at 6 pm. (1300 1st Avenue)

MESSIAH SING-AND-PLAY-ALONG: Tonight’s the night for the “Messiah” singalong/play-along (it was really meant to be an Easter-season work!) at West Side Presbyterian Church, doors at 6, music at 7, all welcome, bring a vocal score if you have one. Details in our recent preview. (3601 California SW)

LAFAYETTE PLAY Tonight and tomorrow, cheer for young performers in Lafayette Elementary‘s annual production! Here’s the announcement and a photo we received:

Lafayette Elementary will present its school play, Aesop’s Fables, (continuing tonight and tomorrow) at 7 p.m. at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium.

It’s a modern adaptation of 12 of Aesop’s beloved stories, plus some added songs, performed by 80 third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders. Doors open at 6:30, and the public is welcome. No admission fee, but there will be a donation box at the door to help with the costs of the production.

(2600 SW Thistle)

WSCO KARAOKE FUNDRAISER: 7 pm, go sing at Kenyon Hall to benefit the West Seattle Community Orchestras, which provide opportunities to local musicians of all ages (and free-admission concerts for the community). Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates
May 2, 2014 7:29 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Nothing out of the ordinary so far this morning – our featured cameras are again the West Seattle Bridge above and, below, northbound 99 at the south end of the elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct:

The WSB Traffic page has other cameras and info.

WEEKEND ALERTS: No road work of note this weekend, but the city is out with its customary weekend preview, and it includes the West Seattle Bee Festival parade on Sunday, which will travel through several roads in High Point – details here.

ADDED 2:09 PM: Vashon Water Taxi canceled for tonight – no backup boat available. This can affect West Seattle-bound bus riders, as they catch routes including the C Line to get to the Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry.

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4 months later, Stephen Jeffries, Jr.’s killer is still free: Vigil held tonight in hopes that will change
May 1, 2014 11:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
How is a candlelight vigil for a murder victim supposed to play out? Denise Jeffries-Berg, the oldest child of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., killed in South Delridge four months ago, acknowledged she wasn’t sure – so the 50-plus people who showed up all helped make it happen.

There were signs with a photo of Mr. Jeffries, shot in the waning moments of New Year’s Eve at a party in the 9200 block of 16th SW, near where family and friends gathered tonight …

There were candles, long before it grew dark …

His family and friends hoped this would light the way toward a resolution of the case so there would be justice for Mr. Jeffries, a father, a friend, a longtime city employee.

They joined for a moment of silence.

The candles burned on:

Nearby, police appeared to be keeping a vigil of their own:

It was announced that another benefit for the reward fund is in the works, June 21st at the White Center Eagles‘ aerie – details to come. If you have any information, the Seattle Police Homicide Tipline is the number to call – which you can even do anonymously – 206-233-5000.

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Fauntleroy Creek’s spring salmon season starts with Roxhill students
May 1, 2014 9:33 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

What looks to be a record-setting month of salmon-fry releases at Fauntleroy Creek has begun. On the warmest day so far this year, Roxhill Elementary students came to the creek after school today to release salmon they’d been raising:

Longtime volunteer Dennis Hinton was there to assist the students in carefully transferring the little salmon into the creek:

Creek steward Judy Pickens has drawn up the schedule for the next four weeks and tells WSB, “We expect to see at least 600 students this year in a record 20 releases.” Then in the fall, there’s another round of volunteer activity in the annual watch for returning salmon – last year was pretty much a bust, while the year before set a record.

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West Seattle scene: Loyalty Day at VFW Post 2713
May 1, 2014 9:31 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Loyalty Day at VFW Post 2713
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

We’ve heard plenty about today being May Day … but it is also Loyalty Day, started in the USA as a counter-observance in 1921, and explained on this page of the VFW website. At noontime today, at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle, Loyalty Day was commemorated with a gathering and ceremony presented by VFW Ladies Auxiliary District 2. Above, from left, are three West Seattleites who are among local leadership – past VFW Ladies Auxiliary District 2 Commander Linda Fairbank, Post 2713 Surgeon Bill Dwyer, and Post 2713 Adjutant Ray Fairbank – with District 2 president Barbara Heston-Moore, who sent word last night of today’s event, which also featured speakers and 27 flags:

By the way, you can follow Post 2713 on Twitter.

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Update: Design Review Board meeting moved to Bin 41; 3211 California SW sent back for second round of Early Design Guidance
May 1, 2014 6:58 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Design Review Board meeting moved to Bin 41; 3211 California SW sent back for second round of Early Design Guidance
 |   Development | West Seattle news

6:58 PM: If anyone feels like they need some wine after tonight’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting, they’ll be in the right place. The meeting had to relocate out of the Senior Center of West Seattle due to what was described as a “natural-gas issue,” and is now convening, about half an hour late, at Bin 41, the wine shop co-owned by board member T. Frick McNamara about a block south. Separate story later tonight about the meeting, but we thought we’d mention it in case you were planning on dropping in on the meeting – just one project tonight, the 67-residential-unit building proposed for 3211 California SW.

8:49 PM: The delayed, relocated meeting ends with a decision to send the project back for a second round of Early Design Guidance. Full story to be published separately later.

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Restaurant anniversaries: Zippy’s Giant Burgers turns 6, Luciano’s Pizza marks 10th
May 1, 2014 5:37 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two anniversaries to note:

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS: Six years ago today, Blaine Cook (center, photographed today with Nikki and Lyssie) and Rahel Cook opened Zippy’s Giant Burgers in Highland Park. (Here’s our opening-day story.) Though they moved to bigger digs in White Center three years later, we consider them an honorary “Wesseattle” business for life.

LUCIANO’S PIZZA: In case you didn’t already see the note in the WSB Forums – the little pizza joint next to the historic Admiral Theater has been open a decade, and is giving away pizza slices today to celebrate. Go see George and staff any time until 10 pm tonight.

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Update: Why police were searching in Lincoln Park area
May 1, 2014 3:56 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:56 PM: A man who abandoned that vehicle near in the Fauntleroy ferry dock waiting lane and ran into Lincoln Park is still being sought. Now Guardian One has just made a pass over the area. Ferry-bound traffic is tied up, meantime, while police deal with the abandoned vehicle. More to come.

4:20 PM: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams explains, “A parking enforcement officer on-viewed a person asleep or passed out in a stopped vehicle. Police officers were en route when the guy woke up and ran off. No known crime involved but officers tried to locate him to see what the issue was (medical? – probably not, but we needed to try to check with him).”

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Speedpro Imaging: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
May 1, 2014 3:15 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Speedpro Imaging. New local sponsors are invited to share information about their businesses, and here’s what Speedpro would like you to know:

Speedpro Imaging is a superior-quality large-format imaging studio that produces trade-show displays, vehicle wraps, retail branding, and promotional graphics. We collaborate with businesses, organizations, and events to create eye-catching, larger-than-life graphics that grab the attention of their customers.

Our capabilities include:
• Banners
• Wall murals
• A-frames
• Vehicle wraps
• Trade show displays
• Window graphics
• Retractable banner stands
• Posters
• Stickers
• Custom Signs

One of the things our clients tell us they love about working with us is how quickly we respond to their needs and get jobs completed. We do everything we can to make sure our clients are completely satisfied- due dates, budget, and project needs are all met. We give Speedpro Imaging clients the special attention they deserve and treat everyone like a long-term business partner.

Clients say they trust us and have confidence in our signs and displays because of our extensive knowledge and high-quality materials. We are locally owned, but we are also a part of a nationwide network of Speedpro studios. For example, if you have a trade show in Chicago, we can plan for the Chicago Speedpro to print, install, and deliver your display right to your event – saving you shipping costs and the stress of carrying your display on the plane! They say this makes us different from other printers in the area and gives them assurance they are receiving the highest-quality service and signage.

To receive exclusive content, special offers, and sign news, click here – The Color Hue: Sign Tips & Advice from Speedpro.

We are excited to be a part of the West Seattle Blog and the awesome West Seattle community. If you have any questions about signage or need a quote for an upcoming project, call or email us anytime! 206.257.4717 **** infoseattle@speedpro.com

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

P.S. Get Speedpro’s coupon on the WSB West Seattle Coupons page!

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West Seattle development from a different perspective: Walk on Saturday
May 1, 2014 1:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

This Saturday, a Feet First-presented “Jane’s Walk” presents a look at development in and around The Junction and The Triangle – on foot, with veteran walking ambassadors and WS residents Timothy Lowry and Bryan Fiedorczyk. FF explains the Jane’s Walk concept here: “The walks get people to explore their cities, connect with neighbors, and learn new information about their communities.” Over the course of up to 3 miles – heading out from the Charlestown water tower (map) at 10 am – you’ll hear and talk about the past, present and future. RSVP here!

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$15 minimum wage? Mayor Murray makes his plan public
May 1, 2014 12:07 pm
|      64 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Mayor Ed Murray has just gone public with his minimum-wage-increase proposal. The City Council will start its review on Monday; meantime, the full details are in this news release from the mayor’s office. The toplines:

Small businesses (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) will reach a $15 per hour minimum wage in seven years. Also established is a temporary compensation responsibility of $15 per hour to be met within the first five years, which can be achieved by combining employer-paid health care contributions, consumer-paid tips, and employer-paid wages.

Large businesses (businesses with 500 or more employees, either in Seattle or nationally) will reach $15 per hour in three years. The wages of employees who receive health care benefits will reach $15 per hour in four years.

The proposal will be heard by the council’s Select Committee on Minimum Wage & Income Inequality on Monday (May 5th) at 2:30 pm. It’s already drawn opposition from the group 15 Now, which (as reported here two weeks ago) proposes a city charter amendment phasing in $15 over three years, less than half the phase-in time of the mayor’s plan.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu: Community breakfast Saturday, float crowdfunding NOW
May 1, 2014 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu: Community breakfast Saturday, float crowdfunding NOW
 |   How to help | West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Two things you can do to keep the West Seattle Hi-Yu tradition going strong: First, a crowdfunding campaign is under way to save the float – last community float in the entire city; as shown in WSB video above, the float is even featured in the Seafair Torchlight Parade every year. Does Ballard have a float? No. Capitol Hill? No. Wallingford? No. West Seattle? YES. But not without you! Here’s the donation page.

Second: This Saturday (May 3rd), start your day with a buffet at the Hi-Yu Community Breakfast, 8 am-11 am at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), $6 adults, $3 for kids under 12. If you’re there at 9:30 am, you’ll see the three Hi-Yu Senior Court candidates (including Hi-Yu’s first-ever male candidate!) present their judged talent performances.

P.S. This year’s Senior Court coronation isn’t far away, either – 2-5 pm Sunday, May 18th, at the Hi-Yu Spring Tea and Silent Auction. Ticket info’s on the Hi-Yu website.

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West Seattle Thursday: Design Review for 3211 California; Loyalty Day @ VFW; Style ’14; DIY Bikes; Day of Prayer; vigil; more…
May 1, 2014 9:58 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

May is Bike Month. Thanks to Don Brubeck for the above view from the path; scroll down, meantime, for a DIY Bikes event among tonight’s listings. Speaking of which, this first day of May is a hot one in calendar terms as well as impending high temperature in the 80s, with a variety of events on the way, including these:

LOYALTY DAY: Did you know the first day of May is not just May Day but also Loyalty Day? Find out more at noon today, when the VFW Auxiliary invites you to a ceremony at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)

SPRING TASTE: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) invites you to drop by and sample the tastes of spring, 4-7 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

DIY BIKES – THE TRUTH ABOUT WHEEL TRUING: From the announcement: “The truth is, you can do it once you have learned some of the tricks of the trade. This workshop is offered by DIY Bikes in cooperation with the West Seattle Tool Library, 5-8 pm. DIY will provide the tools and the knowhow. Bring your own wheels to work on or help others with their wheels.” The WSTL is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

CELEBRATE MAY DAY AT THE COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: From the announcement: “Get ready for a long and prosperous growing season. Start by building your soil. This week at COWS (Community Orchard of West Seattle) we will be showing the public how to build rich and lasting soil beds using the lasagna garden method. This May Day edition of our usual Thursday ‘Health and Harvest’ starts at 5 pm with the soil-building class between 5 and 6 pm. COWS is located at the north end of the South Seattle College campus.” (6000 16th SW)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:15 pm tonight in the school library. From the announcement:

-Meet Madison Middle School Principal, Dr. Robert Gary, and PTA President, Julie Howell, at a special presentation geared toward 5th grade families
-Insights from “Positive Discipline,” a parenting program led by Violet Borghesi
-Budget Committee will present the proposed 2014-2015 budget for review

(3010 59th SW)

‘STYLE ’14’ FASHION SHOW: West Seattleite-founded/-led Northwest Hope and Healing presents its annual fundraising fashion show “Style ’14,” tonight at Showbox SODO, with lots of West Seattle businesses and volunteers involved; tickets available at the door – 6:30 pm for VIP level, 7 pm general, more details in our most-recent preview. (1700 1st Ave. S.)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3211 CALIFORNIA: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, it’s the last Southwest Design Review Board meeting scheduled for a while. Just one project this time, Early Design Guidance for the proposed 63-apartment, 4-live-work-unit, 63-parking-space building at 3211 California SW, as shown on this map from the design “packet”:.

See renderings (remember, this is the “massing” phase, so it’s all about size/shape) and details by previewing the full “packet” here. As always, there will be a public-comment period. (California/Oregon, upstairs)

VILLAGE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The cooperative school for K-2 students invites prospective families to its open house 6:30-8:30 tonight on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus; details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Community prayer gathering at 7 pm at Shorewood Foursquare Church; details in our calendar listing. (10300 28th SW)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Four months after the murder of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., in South Delridge, no arrest yet, so family and friends are gathering for a candlelight vigil in the neighborhood where it happened – community invited. 7:30 pm; details here. (Across from 9215 16th SW)

‘HAIR’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week under way for the new, yet classic, production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) curtain time 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

Even with all that, you’ll still find MORE on the WSB calendar!

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Memorial this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, 1924-2014
May 1, 2014 9:04 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, whose family shares this remembrance:

Pearl Virginia (Niebanck) Phillips, 89, of Seattle passed away April 16. Daughter of Lillian Spamer and Frederick Niebanck, Pearl was born August 2, 1924, in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Pearl grew up in New York City, but at the age of 16, her family drove cross-country to California. The experience opened her eyes to the natural beauty of the country, and once home, she resolved to return someday. Five years later, Pearl fulfilled that dream and moved to California, living with relatives while she worked in a defense plant during WWII. There, she met her future husband, Don, at an officer’s dance. A native of Washington state, he romanced her with tales of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, promising to buy her a flannel shirt, blue jeans and hiking boots. Three months later, they were married and headed to Washington, where Pearl lived the rest of her life.

Pearl was a city girl, Don a woodsman. Together they explored the forests of the Olympic Peninsula, often off-trail, Don hopping rocks across streams or walking logs over ravines while Pearl rode his shoulders.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT THURSDAY: Commute updates; May Day notes
May 1, 2014 7:12 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT THURSDAY: Commute updates; May Day notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Heading into the heart of the morning commute, there’s the West Seattle Bridge above and, below, northbound 99 at the south end of the elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct:

You’ll find more cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page.

‘MAY DAY’ INFO: The pm commute could be affected by demonstrations – here’s an alert from the city; Metro is planning some pm reroutes, as explained here. We’ll be monitoring the situation for updates starting at mid-afternoon.

Other transportation-related notes:

FERRY FARES INCREASE: Washington State Ferries‘ fare increase takes effect today; here’s the preview we published last weekend.

COLMAN DOCK PROJECT INFO: If you ride the Water Taxi and are interested in information about the Colman Dock terminal project, look for WSDOT reps at Pier 50 3:30-6 pm today.

4:34 PM NOTE: May Day downtown is quiet so far. Still closing some roads as the march passes, but no trouble.

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Question for you: Should the West Seattle Car Show continue?
April 30, 2014 9:21 pm
|      115 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last September’s West Seattle Car Show)
Though it was not by any means his only community project, the annual West Seattle Car Show was the creation, pride and joy of the late neighborhood advocate and entrepreneur Michael Hoffman, who died suddenly last month at age 47. Two West Seattle businesses are looking at whether to take it on – but first, they want to know your thoughts. If you can please take a moment to comment:

Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks would like to know from the community of West Seattle your thoughts on the annual West Seattle Car Show. Should the car show continue? Do you think that it brings and enhances a sense of community, and does it benefit our local businesses? Would it be missed if it did not continue? Your thoughts and feedback are very important to us – thanks!

The car show’s been held in The Junction in late summer each of the past six years; we’ve been a co-sponsor each year (and should note that both businesses mentioned above are WSB sponsors). Here’s our coverage from last year.

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West Seattle scene: Summer-ish spring sunset
April 30, 2014 9:01 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Summer-ish spring sunset
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB photos – this one, by Tracy Record; next two, by Patrick Sand)
Four hours after the thermometer hit 80, sunset color and clouds filled the sky over the Olympics, seen from Duwamish Head. Might have another photo or two to add shortly.

ADDED: Ferry on the Bremerton run:

And a crow hanging out at Don Armeni:

Should be another beautiful, warm evening on Thursday!

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Police-activity updates: Guardian One over High Point; SPD on Alki
April 30, 2014 7:03 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | High Point | West Seattle news

7:03 PM: Just in case you see the law-enforcement helicopter overhead: The King County Sheriff’s Office has been over High Point for a bit assisting with a search – but the person that was being sought has been found. So, according to the scanner, the helicopter might be Alki-bound, where, in an unrelated incident, we’ve heard about a guns-drawn stop in the 1700 block and are trying to get details on that. Thanks for all the tips and texts – 206-293-6302 any time!

7:08 PM UPDATE: The High Point search that’s now over was for a missing child, Guardian One has tweeted. Still trying to get info on the Alki situation. Thanks to Mike and Steve for photos and to @ohwellmaybenot for tweeting this one:

ADDED 12:38 AM: We finally have been able to get a bit of information about the nature of the Alki response, thanks to Southwest Precinct Lt. Paul Leung. He didn’t have access to the full report, handled by an earlier watch – we will see if we can track that down later this morning – but it was a “gun call” (no shots fired that we know of).

While the officers did stop the vehicle that was reported to them, they did not find the gun that had been the subject of the original complaint.

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Construction starts tomorrow at Westside School’s new home
April 30, 2014 4:28 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(First two photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Before construction starts tomorrow at the new Arbor Heights location of Westside School (WSB sponsor), its students have joined in a unique groundbreaking ceremony.

They traveled to the site at 10400 34th SW – formerly Hillcrest Presbyterian Church – on Tuesday afternoon to tour and celebrate.

It was a field trip, and yet it was also “heading home,” the theme for the year ahead, according to Westside’s head of school Kate Mulligan, who notes it was also the inscription on commemorative T-shirts:

(Photo courtesy Westside School)
The theme honors the fact that the ~330 students and ~60 staff members of Westside will finally have a permanent home.

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