West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Counting down now till the summer’s biggest West Seattle event, Summer Fest in The Junction (WSB sponsor) July 10-11-12, and we just got word its brand-new website is up, with even more details on the music, art, vendors, family fun, food, and other features we’ve been telling you about. Here’s the home page; vendors (with maps to their individual locations) here; music here; other entertainment here – and even more to explore.
We heard most of this play out on the scanner early this morning but didn’t get quite enough information to write about it till verifying with police – which now we’ve done: 
On Beach Drive around 4:30 this morning, police arrested two men who were caught with a stolen Zodiac watercraft. Neighbors noticed police had guns drawn as they made the stop – which we heard on the scanner, too – and Seattle Police media unit Officer Renee Witt explains that’s standard procedure for a “felony stop” (and theft of a large item qualifies). The theft had happened in the 3500 block of Beach Drive (map); the alleged thieves were stopped in the 6700 block, where the Zodiac was recovered. Officer Witt says the two suspects were booked into jail. (Thanks also to Denise and Leonard for e-mailing to ask about this.) One note about police activity in the middle of the night – often if we’re monitoring something but there’s not enough information yet for a report here on WSB, we publish a short note on Twitter (like this one regarding this incident), so check there too if you see/hear something going on – you don’t have to have an account to see our updates – twitter.com/westseattleblog.
As the Hiawatha Playfield renovation work intensifies, with dirt-moving having begun late last week, Dave e-mailed this morning to say the century-old elm tree by the field has just been cut down (same tree shown in the city photo at left). This has been in the plans for a long time, according to the story we published after a public meeting in December 2007, at which time the Parks Department said 14 trees in all – including that elm – would be coming down. Some things have since changed, though – like the timetable for the project, which was then expected to be built last year, but is just getting started now, and the price tag for the project, with bids that came in so low, Parks was able to move half a million dollars out of the budget to cover about 2/3 of the Delridge Skatepark project. There’s also a new project manager, and we’re working to get an official update from him on the timetable and what’ll be happening over the summer, as well as the latest on the tree-cutting that will be involved. (Parks had said at that 2007 meeting that the elm tree had suffered serious damage in an ice storm several years ago – note the uneven sides in the photo.) When the project’s done late this year, Hiawatha will have new lighting and new turf for full-size baseball, soccer and football fields (details here). 1:17 PM UPDATE: Stopped by Hiawatha for photos of what’s happening, including what’s left of the elm tree:
We also got a quick status report from project manager Garrett Farrell:
The contractor has removed the existing batting cages, backstop, bleachers and field lighting. Stripping of the old field surface is underway. The new underground irrigation and electrical work will follow.
Farrell notes the tree removal is also explained on the Hiawatha project’s webpage – it’s still expected to total 14 trees including this one; the other 13 are smaller/younger. ADDED 5:10 PM: Thanks to Forest for pointing out that the city’s been vigilant about elm-tree disease for months now — here’s info about the Elm Protection Program.
Since July 4th is on Saturday this year, Friday is also a holiday for many – particularly government agencies. We’re still finalizing the 4th of July list of events and FYIs, but in the meantime, the FRIDAY changes include: Most government offices are closed; Metro buses will be on a Sunday schedule; the King County Water Taxi and shuttles are on a Saturday schedule; the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry will be on a holiday (Sat-Sun) schedule; most post offices will close at noon but there WILL be mail delivery service Friday (not on Saturday); note that trash/recycling/yard-waste service will be normal Friday AND Saturday. (And if you’re looking for July 3rd fireworks shows – none in West Seattle but there are a few in this statewide list of summer fireworks statewide.)
From Camp Long, its July program announcement:
Yoga in Nature
Sarah teaches with enthusiasm for personal growth and expression. She has studied Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga styles and from these roots, creates a unique blend of her own. She lives for her time outdoors; whether climbing, skiing, cycling, practicing yoga, or just being; she feels communion with nature is essential to contentment. “It is a very special opportunity to teach in such a beautiful setting as Camp Long. It is like escaping from the city, and treating yourself with the gift of mindfulness.” Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 8 Wed 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Course #46363 Activity Fee $12July 15 Wed 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Course #46364 Activity Fee $12Water Calling: Mater Matrix Mother and Medium FREE
Artist Mandy Greer is creating a temporary artwork this summer at Camp Long in West Seattle. Titled Mater Matrix Mother and Medium celebrates the splendor of Seattle’s urban creeks and encourages stewardship of essential watersheds. This artwork commissioned with Seattle Public Utilities 1% for Art Funds administered by the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in partnership with Restoring our Waters.Meet the artist and witness the creation of the artwork. Greer will be installing her artwork near the Polliwog Pond.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, June 15-July 9 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Watch performance at Polliwog Pond July 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The project includes a performance produced by Greer in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Zoe Scofield.View the art by Polliwog Pond June 15 thru July 31
Camp Long is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information about ways to protect and improve Seattle’s urban waterway, visit the
Restore Our Waters webpage at http://www.seattle.gov/util/restorourwaters/Camp Long Owls
Ages 5 and older
Will the juvenile Barred Owls be begging for food by hissing? Or will they be missing? Join us for some Barred Owl nightlife! Bring a flashlight. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 18 Sat 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Course #43268 Activity Fee $7Family Butterfly and Bug Hunt
Ages 3 and older
Use butterfly nets to gently catch a variety of insects, then use magnifiers and bug boxes to look at them up close. Smaller students and scientists alike will learn from and enjoy this program. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 18 Sat 1 – 3 p.m.
Course #43276 Activity Fee $7Shakespeare in the Park
Camp Long hosts Shakespeare this summer. FREE
The Life and Death of King John. This historical piece dramatizes the reign of King John of England (ruled 1199-1216). He is the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the father of Henry III. The play opens with a plea from the French King Phillip for King John to abdicate in favor of his nephew and includes dizzying changes of alliances, a Papal excommunication and a subsequent reconciliation. In the end… well, I don’t want to ruin it for you.
Camp Long July 24 Fri 7 p.m.The Comedy of Errors. This is light, frothy entertainment, driven by coincidence and slapstick
humor all in a single day. The story centers around two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth. When Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, of Syracuse travel to Ephesus, they do not know about Antipholus and his servant Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusan twins encounter the friends and families of the Ephesus twins, there is a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities.
Camp Long July 25 Sat 7 p.m.Beavers
All ages
Baffled by beavers? Come and learn about the dynamic life of these master builders and the very important ecological role they play. Join us in exploring the life, lodges, behaviors and physical adaptations of these industrious, fascinating and busy mammals. Also learn how we can live together with beavers in our backyards! Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
Instructor: Sue Johnson
Location: Trailhead at 25th Ave SW and Brandon St.
July 25 Sat 1 – 3 p.m.
Course #43261 Activity Fee $7Herbal Salve Making
Ages 12 and older
Jayne Simmons, farmer and owner of Sister Sage Herbs and Good Food Gardens, will teach this introductory herb class. Learn to identify the healing plants that are growing near your doorstep. See them prepared into a healing salve for cuts and burns. We will discuss the entire process of making the salve, from choosing the right plants for your situation, harvesting, drying, storage, and infusing herbs in oil. You’ll leave with a small container of salve and recipes for lip balm and other salves. We may have time to walk about and find some of the plants we discuss. Register by calling 684-7434
July 25 Sat 10 a.m. – Noon
Course #43296 Activity Fee $18First Saturday Free Walks
Please register by calling 206-684-7434.Longfellow Creek Yancy Street FREE
Dragonfly Pavilion
This is by far the coolest art you will ever find on a trail, unless you’re trekking the Southwest where petro glyphs are as common as cacti. Explore the north reaches of Longfellow Creek and Puget Park, both natural areas in the Delridge neighborhood. Find out about this great wildlife corridor. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.Location: SW Dakota and 28th Ave. SW – just south of Allstar Fitness
July 11 Sat 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Course #43277Pritchard Beach FREE
This wonderful piece of property would never have undergone the most dramatic facelift had it not been for a small group of committed citizens who saw the potential of returning the property to its “natural” state. Bring you binoculars – there’s great birding at Pritchard! Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434
Location: Pritchard Beach – 8400 55th Ave S
July 11 Sat 2 – 5 p.m
Course #43285Mee-Kwa-Mooks Beach Safari FREE
Ages 3 and older
Rejuvenate at the end of your week and enjoy some of the best low tides of the year. Find amazing marine animals and intertidal plant life, and discover the fascinating interrelationships within the tidal zone! Dress for possible windy weather and wear shoes that can get wet and handle slippery surfaces. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
July 18 Sat 9 – 11 a.m.
Course #43301Tot Treks and Tyke Hikes
Tot Treks
Ages 2 – 3
Adults – share nature with your children! In a local park where the grass and ferns grow, beneath the tall, old trees, is a special place for you and a child to explore. Learn effective and fun outdoor activities and ideas for other times and places. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Up to two children can be registered with each adult. Sorry, no strollers.
Activity Fee: $7 per adult/child pair. $3.50 for each additional personFlower Fun!
Please register by July 4
July 7 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Course #43308Beach Fun!
Please register by July 18
Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
July 21 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Course #43309
Camp Long is at 5200 35th SW (map).
This Tuesday will mark 1 year since West Seattle’s Charlestown Cafe reopened after repairs from a fire that came on the heels of a long fight over its site’s future. Seemed like the time to check in to see how things are going – and we found out some surprises:
Story and photos by Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The one-year anniversary of the re-opening of Webster’s Charlestown Street Café is a bittersweet celebration 
for Ron Hanlon, owner of the West Seattle fixture.
A fire in the stove hood in February 2008 closed the Charlestown Café for months while Hanlon, the café property owner and the insurance company haggled over details. The restaurant with the something-for-everyone menu finally reopened June 30 last year. Just in time for what some have nicknamed the Great Recession.
Hanlon’s longtime business partner Larry Mellum moved on earlier this year, expanding Pike Place Chowder to Pacific Place downtown. But Hanlon is staying put at Charlestown, and in West Seattle, where he has owned restaurants for 30 years.
“I’m going to ride this to the end,” he said this week.
First, from Betsy in North Delridge:
If you are missing your gray Toyota Camry with license plates 817 xv-, it is sitting on 26th Ave SW just north of Graham SW, missing some parts.
Meantime, a separate note out of the WSB inbox included the following photo and report:
From the accompanying e-mail:
I just wanted to inform neighbors of West Seattle Alki of my car that was broken into on the night of Thursday June 25th. I was staying at my friend’s house who lives on Alki Beach drive across from Jacobson street … My car was securely locked and my alarm was on when a burglar had broken in. My passenger side window had been punched in and the my pink bag filled with clothes, an orange makeup bag and lotions were taken. Nobody in the house had been awaken by my car alarm we think it happened around the time frame of 2:00-4:00 AM. … I have heard of many other cases like this happening in the past couple weeks and I hope they find the thief soon. I have reported this case to the police and so far nobody has been caught.
Quick Flip clip of a few of the 11 kittens who were up for adoption when we stopped by All the Best Pet Care (next to Cactus) on Alki a little while ago. (We shot through a tent net – a few others are in a cage with quite the Puget Sound view.) The adopt-a-thon in connection with Feral Care continues till 5 pm. (Animal communicator Joy Turner is there too, as per the original announcement – her fees today are benefiting Feral Care.)
(photos added just after 2 pm)
Out in The Junction for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market‘s 10th anniversary bash – huge crowd – but a couple things you might want to know if you haven’t been yet: The free berry mini-sundaes just ran out, after – according to the servers – they gave out about 600 in the first two hours of the market. There are unannounced freebies here and there – be sure to stop by the West Seattle Junction Association booth at the southwest entrance, where you’ll find free kids’ T-shirts (adults’ T-shirts with The Junction logo are $10) — Linda from Clementine was on duty when we stopped by:
And you can get your first look at the cool poster for West Seattle Outdoor Summer Movies on the Wall (co-sponsored by WSB):
We also discovered a surprise to the south – Skillet IS here in West Seattle today after all, though their schedule and Twitter feed said they’d be at the Sounders game:
The folks at the trailer told us it’s a mix-up (as was finally tweeted – though we tweeted the discovery first) – they got here and then found out they were supposed to be at the game, but it’s too late to pack up and move, so they’re here for the usual duration (till about 2). Westside Dermatology (WSB sponsor) parking lot. Also at the Market, the 34th District Democrats are at the northeast entrance, registering voters (if you need to change your address, you can do that at their table too) – just a month till primary ballots go out (in the photo, added later, Jackie and Helen) –
And much more is happening, including the Square 1 Books (WSB sponsor) tent sale near the 34th DDs (alley entrance by KeyBank):
That’s proprietor Gretchen and son Jasper. Also sighted, the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) Piecemakers selling raffle tickets for this quilt:
The Piecemakers meet Wednesdays at 1 pm; raffle proceeds will benefit Y kids’ programs and Fauntleroy Church – and you’ve got plenty of time to get a ticket, since the raffle’s not till November.
24 hours of talking to the world – and it’s just wrapping up now on the south side of the South Seattle Community College campus atop West Seattle’s Puget Ridge. Amateur-radio operators (“hams”) all over the world join in Field Day, including the locals we checked in with this morning, who’d been at it since 11 am Saturday (here’s the preview we published Friday) – the picture above was taken inside the yurt they set up on SCCC’s open field. Joel Ware told WSB they’ve talked with folks as far away as Sweden and Japan. And they’re particularly proud of their off-the-grid power setup:
Note, that’s wind AND solar. The event, by the way, was sponsored by the Seattle Auxiliary Communication Service, which has other exercises throughout the year to make sure they’re ready to assist in case of catastrophe (we covered one — also at SSCC, but indoors — last October). In addition to that weblink on their name, you can also find Seattle ACS on Twitter (@SeattleACS).
This morning, we have a photo and update from David Hutchinson with the Seattle (Alki) Statue of Liberty Project, as “Phase 2” of brick installation winds up and they look ahead to installation of the new time capsule:
We stopped by the Log House Museum today and Andrea Mercado gave us a look at the lid that will seal the Time Capsule for the next 50 years. The bronze plaque that will be mounted in the landing at the top of the steps has also arrived at the Museum. Installation specs have be sent to Seattle Parks & Recreation and planning is moving ahead for the burial of the Capsule at the site.
All bricks have been installed and the few that had engraving errors are being completed by Kenadar and should arrive at the Parks Project Manager’s office on Monday, June 29th. They will then be placed in the Plaza. We have had a number of e-mails and calls from donors requesting help in finding their bricks. An index of the new bricks has been completed and will be posted on the Sealady website shortly – www.sealady.org . If you’re looking for your brick it’s helpful to know that over half of the 852 new bricks were installed in the landing at the top of the steps. Approximately 100 were installed in each of the two paths to the sides of the main Plaza and only about 200 were used in the floor of Plaza itself to fill out the original spiral design. Be sure to check the upper landing and paths and if you still can’t locate you brick, contact Eilene at sslpp@msn.com or 206-933-8352, and we will give you an approximate location.
KITTEN, ANYONE? Noon-5 pm, it’s an adopt-a-thon at All the Best Pet Care on Alki.
E-CYCLING AT THE WELLNESS FAIR: Happening again today, 11 am-6 pm, Metropolitan Market. Find out here what’s free and what’s not.
WHAT’S FRESH AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET? We previewed today’s 10th anniversary “Berry Spectacular” here. And of course, there’s the regular yummy goodness at the 10 am-2 pm market – here’s this week’s Ripe ‘n’ Ready rundown – and don’t forget the Square 1 Books (WSB sponsor) “no-tax” tent sale at the WSFM.
BUCKETS OF BERRIES FOR SALE: Also noted last night – 11 am-1 pm, the Rotary Club of West Seattle has about two dozen buckets of strawberries left to sell, south parking lot of Admiral Safeway.
Here’s the official announcement from Twilight in The Junction:
WHAT: We proudly present “The Good, The Bad, and THE UGLY”, a three-gallery group show.
-OPENING PARTY: July 9th, 6 – 9 PM during the West Seattle Art Walk.
-CLOSES: August 7th, 2009
-WHERE: Twilight Artist Collective, in the Junction: 4306 SW Alaska St.ABOUT “THE UGLY”:
FEATURING the artworks of Bird, Clare Bowers, CASH, Brian White, Robroy Chalmers, Larry Cyr, Pamela Davis, Billy Dyson, Jon & Tracy Haaland, Brad Strain, Michelle Smith-Lewis, Rick Simpson, Joey McChan, Mark Walker, and Vern White!THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY is a collaboration between 3 Seattle art galleries, showing over 35 artists in a combined show during the month of July. Go to all three shows for a chance to WIN A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART in a raffle! The winner will be announced at the end of the show(s). There will be raffle cards at each location – you need to get a stamp from all 3 to qualify for the drawing. GET OUT AND SEE LOCAL ART!!
“THE UGLY” portion of this show will be featured at Twilight Artist Collective. “THE GOOD” can be viewed at Halogen (2316 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121), and “THE BAD” at Bherd Studios (8537 Greenwood Ave. N, Suite 1, Studio D, Seattle, WA 98103).
Like the artwork featured on the flyer? Visit all three galleries to be eligible to win these works in a raffle!
Sometimes “shots fired” calls to police turn out to be fireworks. Not this time. Right now police are out at Delridge/Thistle (map) investigating one of those calls, and, per the scanner, an officer reported finding several shell casings “just east of Delridge/Thistle.” No word so far of anyone having been hit; they are circulating a possible vehicle description — full-size white SUV, chrome rims, no description of who’s in it.
Beautiful, well-cared-for antique cars got the spotlight this afternoon at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor):
During the 2-hour car show, hot dogs and soda were available for donations that benefited the Senior Center of West Seattle.
Another food-for-a-good-cause event, West Seattle Thriftway‘s barbecue-ribs lunch offering – for the second consecutive week, proceeds went to Pencil Me In For Kids:
More fundraising barbecues are ahead – with different beneficiaries – WestSide Baby just announced that the Thriftway crew is barbecuing on its behalf July 11th and 18th.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET, 10TH ANNIVERSARY: This is tomorrow’s marquee event on the peninsula — “Berry Spectacular” is the theme for the celebration during the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm at 44th/SW Alaska, marking its first decade in operation. Free berry mini-sundaes (including Husky Deli ice cream) are promised, along with other special additions including a “no-tax” tent sale (at the market site) by Square 1 Books (WSB sponsor), live music with Mozo, and free recipe booklets.
BONUS ROUND FOR ROTARY CLUB STRAWBERRY SALE: One more place to shop for berries tomorrow — Rotary Club of West Seattle past president Gary Potter sent this news of an added third day of strawberry sales:
The Rotary strawberries are usually all gone by 5:00 pm Saturday, but we have about 25 buckets left and are going to be open for business Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm in the Admiral Safeway back parking lot. There are approx. a dozen each of 7.5 lb buckets for $25.00 and 15 lb buckets for $38.00.
They’re also taking orders for the next two rounds of berry sales – blueberries and raspberries – more info here.
(photo added 6:12 pm)
We are still at Westwood Village as the street fair enters its final hour – and a huge fire/police response has just raced by for a “heavy rescue” call at 2600 Barton, which is one of Westwood Village’s addresses – we’re heading up the block to see what’s happening. UPDATE – A car has crashed into a wall by Target – actually the wall on the west side of Target. Rescuers are working to extricate the driver. It doesn’t appear anyone else was hit. 6:20 PM UPDATE: No serious damage to the Target building – the car took out a relatively small tree; no word yet on how badly anyone in the car was hurt. 6:30 PM UPDATE: The fire response is closed, so this was handled fairly quickly. 7:25 PM UPDATE: Saw the spot after the car was moved away (less than an hour after the first response), no damage to the wall, Target employees were cleaning up.
That’s the magician who drew a crowd of kids here at the Westwood Village Street Fair with tricks including that bit of doll levitation earlier this afternoon – live entertainment is about to rev up in a big way with Theatre Sports comedy improv onstage at 4 (a taste of what they’re doing at the Admiral Theater tonight at 9) followed by three bands: Nekkid Frankie, Reckon Yard, Morris Can Fly. If you haven’t been here yet, the stage is right in front of Bed Bath Beyond – booths are in the same parking lot as well as down the Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor – and giving away a gold/diamond pendant at 6:15 pm if you enter the center-wide drawing) and 24 Hour Fitness breezeway, as well as over in front of QFC and the neighboring restaurants. The fair continues till 7 pm; more photos/video to come – and you can see our first report here.
4:17 PM UPDATE: Here’s that Clifford the Big Red Dog photo we promised earlier:
Nekkid Frankie – a teen-girl band – is on stage right now (video added 5:36 pm) – turns out they swapped spots with TheatreSports, which will do its improv comedy afterward, followed by more bands.
5:03 PM UPDATE: The bouncy houses are being deflated – so looks like the kids’ activities are done for the day. Music continues, with band #2 playing now.
5:46 PM UPDATE: More of the other booths are folding up. Just got a chance to talk to someone else who dropped by the WSB table (we’ll be here till at least 6:15) – guide dog-trainer Ruth, whose event last Tuesday was publicized here on WSB. She visited with puppy-in-training Amos, whose photo we will add later – he even has his own training card. They’re working to get the word out that Guide Dogs for the Blind are provided free of charge to the visually impaired, but they don’t have guaranteed funding forever, so they need support, as well as volunteers. ADDED 8:01 PM: A snippet of Morris Can Fly, the third and final band of the night:
ORIGINAL 3:46 PM REPORT: We’ve received two reports from neighbors in the 41st/42nd/Andover/Charlestown vicinity of overnight spray-paint vandalism on a home and vehicle. The vandalism is described as using sexually offensive terms; one of the neighbors, Scott, says tagging happened in the area about a month ago too. Scott adds, “I’d like to think no one was being targeted as (his neighbor) is straight and I’m gay. I’m fairly sure this was just random and their choices of words and pictures were just what teenagers think will offend people. At least I hope it’s random! All of our neighbors are on high alert now for suspicious activity in the neighborhood.” Both cases have been reported to police.
ADDED 4:13 PM: Not too far south of there, Gracie reports an SUV break-in:
Just wanted to let you know about a car break-in at our apartment building, which is on the corner of 41st Ave SW and Alaska St. My husband’s SUV was broken into between 10:30pm Friday and 2:00pm Saturday. It was parked in a “secure” garage under our apartment building. The only things that were stolen were his 5 year-old Sirius radio (which is a piece of junk and pretty much worthless) and a USPS box with my birthday gift from a friend (some tea and 2 Japanese tea cups). All of his CDs were left untouched.
I personally haven’t seen the damage (as my husband didn’t notice it until after he left for work) but he described it to me. He said it looked like the thief tried to use a screwdriver as a key in the passenger side lock but then ended up jamming it in and around the lock and door handle until it opened.
Also, there was another car break-in last month in our building (that time, our neighbor’s car was parked in one of the Highline Medical Center’s visitor spaces and the thief broke a window) and a car was stolen from the Bank of America parking lot a few weeks ago.
One of the neighbors from the vandalism report above also mentioned their area had been hit a month earlier (with a different round of tagging).
The warnings were issued but not everybody could stay home, and we’ve received reports that it’s been a nightmare, as feared, to travel off the peninsula today. And from within the past hour, here’s pictorial proof, from Creighton. (The Viaduct should be open again before too long, but remember, other events around the city are affecting traffic patterns. Here at the Westwood Village Street Fair, where we’re reporting “live” till 7 pm, only thing closed is the Bed Bath Beyond parking lot where many activities are centered.)
The bouncy toys are up and the Westwood Village Street Fair is officially under way, with giveaways, freebies, food, entertainment and more continuing till 7 pm tonight. We’re there too and will be adding more photos and video as the afternoon goes on – drop by to say hi! 12:01 PM UPDATE: We are here in the gorgeous sunshine right outside Dress Barn – and discovered another fun feature that’s taking kids on rides around the Westwood Village site – this train:
A workout demonstration is happening on the stage by Bed Bath and Beyond right now – video shortly. 12:17 PM: Here’s the clip:
Chico’s fashion show followed the fitness demo. By the way, there’s quite the variety of bouncy toys, including one with a Sesame Street theme over by Pier 1:
Great to meet the fine folks who’ve stopped by so far – some we’ve met before, some we haven’t. We’re about to check out what’s happening on the QFC side – food, and also pet adoptions by All the Best Pet Care – stand by for those pix! ADDED 1:12 PM: Just talked with Nancy Woodland from WestSide Baby and Audrey Zemke from White Center Food Bank – both are here – two major agencies helping local families – here’s a photo of Audrey at her table, which is over on the Pier 1 end of the parking lot:
At the QFC food booth, the sausage they’re dishing out as free samples, along with the salmon bake:
Near QFC, you can check out adoptable pets:
Then up in the breezeway across from 24 Hour Fitness, our newest WSB sponsor Wyatt’s Jewelers is joining in the fun too –
You can enter a drawing for a gold/diamond pendant that Wyatt’s is giving away – the drawing’s not till 6:15 so there’s plenty of time to get here – you can get a drawing ticket with any WV purchase (be sure to drop it by the stage by BBB). And next to Wyatt’s, John L. Scott offers the chance to plant sunflowers – appropriate for this spectacularly sunny day:
Just saw Clifford the Big Red Dog still circulating, much to kids’ delight – we’ll see if we can snag a pic. We also have video of the magic show that was onstage a short time ago. (3 pm) That’ll be in the next update – going to post a bit more news first – less than an hour away from comedy and music onstage here, and the free kids’ fun (bouncy toys) continues too.
That’s Admiral resident Clay Eals, City Councilmember Jean Godden, and neighborhood kids helping unveil one of four benches this morning outside a new loft-townhouse development in the 1700 block of California SW. (Also seen briefly toward the end of the clip, another neighborhood advocate who worked to make this happen, Dennis Ross.) As we reported yesterday, these benches are more than they may seem to passersby who don’t take a closer look: They represent the culmination of years of neighborhood advocacy to be sure an open-space easement would be part of the deal when the property, which includes a onetime Seattle City Light substation site, was sold. (added 8:50 pm) Here’s Eals explaining that:
And as Councilmember Godden added during the brief unveiling ceremony, the process also led to a change in city law:
That city law has figured into more than a few stories we have covered in the past few years too – like the public-notification process that helped bring the 34th/Barton site into view as a possible P-Patch community garden. (Added Sunday: Here’s the page where you can find out city property that’s currently “under review.”) Back to the ceremony: The bench unveiling was repeated three more times and then of course, it wasn’t official till somebody actually used the bench:
A reception followed, with guests including executives from Soleil Development, who also got kudos as the site’s most recent owners for finalizing the easement deal.
Christy and friend are part of the Furry Faces Foundation animal-advocacy crew you’ll find at a plant sale that just started at 11 am between the Beveridge Place Pub deck and neighboring Morgan Junction Park. It’s “Blooms for Bow-Wows” – and one highlight, we were told when we stopped by for a photo, is a table of $3 grape vines – table and wine varieties. The sale’s on till 3 pm today, with all plants at this fundraiser priced $1-$5.
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