West Seattle, Washington
15 Sunday
(UPDATED 2/14/10) Now that the Super Bowl’s under way, you’ve got just a week to look ahead to Valentine’s Day: There are decisions to be made, if you haven’t made them already. Here’s the updated version of our West Seattle Valentine’s Day dining guide – including Friday and Saturday. (Check out the heart-shaped pizza mentions!):
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacsâ€
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
JaK’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14â€) $7.99
(206) 932-8880
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Blue Willow Catering & Luncheonette
4310 SW Oregon
Valentine cookie decorating class for kids
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$22 per child
(425) 802-6189 (Emma’s Delights) to reserve
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacsâ€
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14â€)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fishâ€
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts†Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Angelina’s
2311 California SW
Special fresh sheet; all-day happy hour today (and every Sunday)
(206) 932-4550
Amante Pizza & Pasta
3239 California SW
15% off orders all day (delivery or dine-in)
(206) 933-7555 or
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
The following entrees include your choice
of a Bamboo House Salad or a Cup of
Clam Chowder, and a glass of Champagne*
FILET MIGNON
8 oz. Grilled to Preference Filet.
Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
and Fresh Asparagus.
$24.95 $46.95 for 2
GRILLED SALMON
Grilled and served with a Pineapple Butter
Rum Sauce and Topped with Toasted Macadamia
Nuts, with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
CHICKEN PICCATA
Served with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
DESSERT
ESPRESSO TORTE
Decadent chocolate cake served with
Espresso Chip Ice Cream
$5.95
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE
Topped with a Strawberry Melba sauce.
$4.95
CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE
$18.00 per Bottle
* Must be 21 years of age or older.
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Charlestown Street Café
3800 California SW
Valentine’s Day specials will include top sirloin, rib-eye, and fish (TBD)
(206) 937-3800
Buddha Ruksa
3520 SW Genesee
Dinner specials
(206) 937-7676
Circa
2605 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$50
Reservations required
(206) 923-1102 or circaspecialevents@gmail.com
Duke’s Alki Chowder House
2516 Alki SW
Special dinner menu
Call for reservations
(206) 937-6100
Easy Street Records & Café
4559 California SW
No special menu, but record store will be having a huge vinyl sale on Valentine’s Day
(206) 938-3279
Endolyne Joe’s
Taking a limited amount of reservations all day on Valentine’s Day.
For Dinner we will be featuring the following Specials:
From the Bar-Flaming Cupid and Prosecco by the glass
Appetizer Special will be a Panzanella salad with bacon, chicken, basil and kalamata olives.
Entrée Specials are Honey Glazes Sea Scallops with creamy risotto, purple kale and a sage puree.
Grilled NY strip loin with duck fat fried red potatoes, grilled brocolini, smoked tomato butter and a veal balsamic glaze.
Special dessert is a chocolate Mascarpone cheese cake with dueling sauces of cinnamon cream and orange cherry.
Dessert in a glass of Chocovine=a liqueur of Dutch chocolate and fine red wine.
(206) 937-JOES
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor)
6451 California SW
Regular Sunday ribs special, plus a ribeye and grilled shrimp special – “black cloths and tablecloths included.”
(206) 453-3259
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd Ave SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacsâ€
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Kokoras Greek Grill
5245 California Ave SW
No special menu, but will be open for dinner
(206) 913-0041
La Rustica
Dinner for parties of two to four
4100 Beach Dr SW
Call for reservations
(206) 932-3020
Mashiko
4725 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$60
Two-hour seatings (approx. 4:30-4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.)
Reservations required
(206) 935-4339
Mission
2325 California SW
Dinner specials
(206) 937-8220
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14â€)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Pegasus Pizza and Pasta
2770 Alki Ave SW
No special menu but will take reservations for parties of 8 or more
(206) 932-4849
Phoenecia
2716 Alki SW
Taking reservations for Valentine’s Day
3 seatings: 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30
Fixed menu of 5 courses including salad, artisan cheese and charcuterie plate, either soup or fiery prawns, choice of filet of lamb or Chilean sea bass, and a VERY special dessert
(206) 935-6550
Porterhouse
2329 California SW
Food, wine, and champagne specials
(206) 932-2575
Red Star Pizza
7514 35th Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizza on request at no extra charge (excluding 24â€)
(206) 923-0555
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fishâ€
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts†Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
Third annual Valentine’s evening
Dinner for two
$40
Starter salad
Spaghetti and meatballs family-style
Dessert from Shoofly Pie Company in West Seattle
Bottle of Cycles Gladiator Syrah
5-10 p.m. while supplies last
Live music: Indie folk band Lemolo, 8 p.m.
Down-tempo electroacoustic band The Deepsleep Narcotics Company, 9 p.m.
Call for reservations for eight or more
(206) 935-2111
Spring Hill Restaurant & Bar
4437 California SW
Special menu
Appetizer, entrée, dessert
Reservations required; seating already very limited
(206) 935-1075
Table 35
Selection of four-course meals at pre-set prices of $30, $40, $50 and $60 per person
Includings complimentary glass of wine or champagne
(206) 407-3474
The Thaitan Restaurant
5258 California Ave SW
10% off dine-in orders
(206) 932-1945‎
West 5
4539 California Ave SW
Champagne brunch all day
(206) WE5-1966
Thanks to Mary for the mega-research! Got something to add/change? Let us know, any time!
(Photo added 3:19 pm – police/fire presence behind the store)
On our way to a “fire in building” callout at 2622 California SW, which is the Admiral Safeway. 3 PM UPDATE: We’re still en route but via Twitter, @mamamilkers says it’s a deli fire, and that as of a few minutes ago, the store had not been evacuated. Here’s a photo she tweeted. 3:07 PM UPDATE: We’re just arriving – still lots of fire and police. Another update from @mamamilkers on Twitter – she says, “We left when there were flames and smoke billowing out of the stove in the deli.” 3:12 PM: We’re at the store. The deli’s closed and fire crews are inside but there’s no exterior sign of fire and the store remains open – people are still shopping. The incident commander tells us it involved “a problem in one of the fryers.” No injuries reported, and the fire’s out; crews are packing up to leave.
The friendly folks at the Hiawatha Community Center benefit pancake breakfast this morning said we’d JUST missed the mega-rush, when we dropped in for photos around 11 am. Glad to hear it was a success. We got to say hi to the person who often shares advance notice of major Hiawatha events, Lakema Bell (right):
And right outside, a built-in constituency for breakfast – crowds of young athletes and their families, enjoying the newly renovated Hiawatha field:
Many local teams have been celebrating its completion, including the West Seattle Soccer Club (for whom registration is under way right now).
News for West Seattle (and vicinity) bike riders, from Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board: Starting this spring, be ready to roll with Spokespeople West Seattle – monthly rides every 1st Sunday, 10 am, starting April 4th, from Stu’s shop in the Admiral District. He explains:
Spokespeople rides are for every skill and every age group with an emphasis on socializing and skill building. Skill building activities include route selection and familiarization, safe handling skill in traffic, efficient use of gearing and in traffic cooperation and safety skills. Professional bicycle mechanics may perform spot checkovers and helmet fit and adjustment may be required. Helmets are required on all rides. Food stops and area enjoyment stops may be included. Kidicalmass is another concept of all kids and family rides that may be scheduled in addition to the Spokespeople rides.
Ride will vary in length between 5 and 15 miles. All riders will ride together with regrouping stops as needed. Maps will be provided for each ride. Ride speed will be 5-15 miles per hour depending on skill focus. Ride time will be approximately 2 hours. Heavy rain and snow will automatically cancel the ride.
All rides will be publicized through the Cascade Bicycle Club, Sustainable West Seattle, West Seattle Blog [events calendar] and by e-mail. Ride description and skill-building focus will be included in the announcement. Ride leaders will be Cascade Bicycle Club-Certified. The primary ride leader will be Stu Hennessey, who has more than 30 years experience as a bicycle-ride leader, tour guide and bicyclist as primary transportation. Contact info: 206 938 3322 – e-mail alkistu@hotmail.com
Alki Bike and Board is at 2606 California SW (map) – and also happens to be one of seven Admiral District merchants sponsoring WSB again this month. Stu’s big special right now: 20% of the shop’s labor income through March 1st goes to Haiti earthquake relief – Doctors Without Borders and the American Red Cross. Bicycle tuneups start at $89.99. (See the full list of Admiral District sponsors here – including a coupon from Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama!)
(WSB photo from December 2009 by Christopher Boffoli)
Every Sunday, Restoration Worship Center meets at High Point Community Center. The photo above shows its leader, Bishop Deborah Dinkins, from the day we met her during a pre-Christmas toy drive which almost didn’t happen – till many bighearted people reached out (here’s our story). Starting today, Bishop Dinkins has a new effort, and hopes you will help:
I have this heartfelt mission to do a canned/ non perishable food drive event to help Haiti and our local community in need. The Launch date for this event is starting Sunday February 7, 2010 until we reach our goal of 17,000 canned goods and 17,000 dry goods/nonperishable food items.
We need monetary donations to cover the cost of storage containers and transportation cost of shipping to those less fortunate as a result of this catastrophe. The local community will also be helped because we need to support our neighbors as well for food help or essential needs based on what we receive.
The location to drop off the food and monetary donations will be High Point Community Center
between 11:30 am and 3:00 PM on Sundays. The address location is 6920 34th Avenue SW [map].The Church is nonprofit 501c3; any donations are tax deductible. Any questions and information, contact Bishop Deborah Dinkins for more information at 360-440-4428. or Susan McKinney at 206-618-3657.
PANCAKES: You need fuel to get ready for your Super Bowl party. Or whatever else you’re up to. Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) wants to see YOU, yes, YOU, this morning, between 8 am and noon, for its 22nd Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser: $5 for ages 13 & up, $4 for 5-12 and 65+, free for 4 and under. Menu: “ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES!! … with warm syrup and melted butter, coffee, and juice. Ham, sausage, bagels, and fruit also available in limited portions. All proceeds are applied towards our youth basketball programs, which includes scholarships, equipment, uniforms and more!”
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The updated Ripe ‘n’ Ready list is online at the WSFM website – this week’s new items include first-of-the-season radishes. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska, as always.
FREE SUNDAY YOGA: 11 am, SoundYoga (WSB sponsor), 5639 California SW (map).
WATCHING THE SUPER BOWL IN WEST SEATTLE: Big day’s here. Whether you watch it for the commercials or the football or both – or you don’t watch it at all – the Super Bowl dominates today anyway. Here’s the list we put together of where to watch, what kind of TVs they have, and what food/drink specials they’re offering. May the best commercials, er, team, win.
That’s just part of what’s up today – the rest is in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup!
On your to-do list for today, if you haven’t done IT already: VOTE. Tuesday is Election Day, and there are two measures on West Seattle voters’ ballots: Seattle Public Schools‘ levies Prop 1 (capital) and Prop 2 (operations). If you’re recovering in-person voters like us, keep in mind the drop boxes in Delridge and White Center are BOTH gone, so you can’t engage in almost-old-school voter behavior like dropping off the ballot at the last moment, unless you go to one of the two remaining boxes (downtown and Tukwila) – get your ballot in the postal mail, with a stamp, ASAP. Meantime, to find out more about the levies – go here. And Laurie Rasmussen from Alki Elementary PTA has forwarded their endorsement for your consideration – read ahead to see it:Read More
Some people refuse to read comments on online news stories, for myriad reasons: No time; no interest; the suspicion that all comment sections are like the ones on “anything goes” sites, toxic pits of profanity and insults. While some comments might seem like time-wasters, an amazing amount of WSB’ers use comments to add helpful information, both during breaking/developing stories, and sometimes on stories that are days old, like this one from last Monday about neighbors hit by burglars. Since even regular comment-readers don’t tend to go back and check older stories, we wanted to highlight the followup that just appeared in that story’s comment section:
Thank you everyone for the helpful information. Even though we’ve been burglarized, we still love West Seattle, and it is unlikely that these burglaries are isolated to West Seattle. Wherever there are items that can be pawned or hawked on Craigslist, there’s some thief that wants them.
Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned since the burglary (along with a few opinions of our own).
As a neighborhood, we need to coordinate our efforts. We will plan to contribute.
We have heard lots of stories about how Craigslist seems to be fueling this problem. Let’s start getting the word out that until Craigslist puts in some security measures to deter thieves from selling our stuff, it is little more than an online black market and pawn shop.
From what we’ve heard and read, there is a fairly serious mail theft problem in West Seattle. Best thing to do is to lock your mailbox or get a P.O. box.
Serial numbers are helpful to the police, take an hour and go through your electronics and write down the serial numbers and store them somewhere online so they can be included with police reports.
An audible (external) alarm or a dog is a very good deterrent to burglary.
We’ve also heard that people sometimes don’t report the issue even when they see it or hear it. As a neighborhood, we should be reporting to police when we hear audible alarms and barking dogs or anything that sounds like it could be really bad.
After this experience, we’re absolutely convinced that suspicious soliciting (such as our Comcast visitor) or loitering activities (such as the type we’ve read about here on the other WSB burglary postings) should be reported immediately to the police (not hours later, immediately). We will be doing our part by calling the police on suspicious solicitors and ask them to come out and check their credentials.
We’ll keep checking in here, we really appreciate the helpful information, and we hope that sharing what we’ve learned since our burglary will help others to prevent it from happening to them.
(Note: CL has an official policy banning sales of stolen property.) We have long said, WSB doesn’t have “readers,” it has collaborators. Comments are a simple form of collaboration; sending information (here’s how), from event listings to photos to Crime Watch reports and much more, is another way. But even if you “only” read, you are still collaborating, by seeking and using information. Thank you.
Thanks to Fauntleroy’s Judy Pickens for sharing word of this big recycling event coming up in two weeks:
The Green Committee at Fauntleroy Church is partnering with 1 Green Planet for convenient recycling on Sunday, Feb. 21, 9 AM-2 PM in the church parking lot. Bring washers, dryers, & other appliances; TVs & other electronics; computer equipment of all kinds; batteries & scrap metal of all kinds. Free; details at www.fauntleroyucc.org
Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW: if you haven’t been there before, be sure to check the map, because it’s a stub of California SW that’s NOT connected to the multi-mile straightaway (so vividly visible in this photo).
WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland had reason to smile. WestSide Baby’s 9th annual Benefit Tea in Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge was sold out long before the doors opened – check out the crowd:
Volunteers young and old made it a success – including ambassadors Sonja and Kelsey (wearing, and handing out, tiaras):
WestSide Baby’s website counted the guest list at more than 450; we’ve got messages out to find out the final tallies. WestSide Baby helps thousands of families and has lots of other ways for you to make sure they can keep doing it. 10:59 PM UPDATE: Nancy Woodland says the final guest count was 470 – and they raised more than $100,000. “Unbelievable and amazing and we are so very thankful!” she adds. ADDED 12:36 AM: Courtesy of Donna Ryan Photography, Rinku Wheaton speaking at the event, including her thoughts on being part of WestSide Baby’s “Giving Circle” (read more about it here):
That’s one of the photos Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) tweeted – find them on Twitter at @illusionshaird and on Facebook too – during today’s “Have a Heart Day” fundraiser. Stylists donated their time and all proceeds from haircuts went to the West Seattle Food Bank. Illusions says they raised more than $900.
(P.S. The Food Bank has its own big fundraiser coming up in April – “Instruments of Change” – ticket info’s online now.)
At Southwest Community Center in Westwood, it was the perfect segue – right after 100-plus people wrapped up the West Seattle Reservoir Park planning meeting (full report still to come), they were invited to move upstairs to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day. Among the surprises: Live music. There were treats, too, plus a free swim at co-housed Southwest Pool, and a thank-you card:
(Thanks to Dina Johnson for the card photo!) West Seattle’s three other community centers – Alki, Hiawatha and High Point – hosted open-house-style Neighbor Appreciation Day parties too. P.S. Southwest CC will be host Thursday night to the Westwood Neighborhood Council‘s next meeting – 7 pm – agenda notes on the WNC website.
Lots of options for the Big Game tomorrow – we have added even more to the West Seattle Super Bowl Viewing Guide first published here Thursday night (now up to Version 1.2). As for the game of love — we’ve got a West Seattle Valentine Dining Guide in the works too; here’s version 1.0 – more to be added, let us know if you have full details on something that’s not listed.
ORIGINAL 12:22 PM REPORT: A crash at California/Monroe (map) in Gatewood has California SW closed for a few blocks in both directions. As you see in our photo, it involves a car and a pole, and utility lines are down. No serious injuries reported. 12:59 PM UPDATE: Street’s still closed. Seattle City Light apparently needs two crews to deal with the pole/line problem caused by the crash, and is still awaiting the second one. 1:19 PM: Brian Zenk shares this photo from another angle:
1:51 PM: California SW is now open again. But you can’t turn onto Monroe – it’s blocked off – the pole is still at an angle.
11:19 PM: That’s one photo we didn’t use earlier – showing that part of the pole was knocked all the way across California to the west side of the street. As of just minutes ago, crews are still out working on the pole and the lines, and the California end of Monroe remains blocked off.
Longtime West Seattle resident Victoria Shaw has a request for West Seattle’s art community (and anyone else who sees this):
I am the director of an international children’s art and cultural exchange program called “The Mural Project” (themuralproject.net).
We are working with the organization Art For Haitian Children to help them rebuild an art school in Jacmel, Haiti and to gather art supplies to take to them this Spring.
I know that there are many artists in the West Seattle area, if any of you might have extra acrylic paints, rolls of canvas and/or paintbrushes or would like to donate new items, these children would love to receive them.
If you have any questions please contact Victoria Shaw at (206) 937-9747 or
_amural98@aol.com
BIG crowd at Southwest Community Center right now for the second meeting to help figure out what the future park atop West Seattle Reservoir (adjacent to Westcrest Park in Highland Park) will look like. At least 100 people here; meeting leaders asked for a show of hands to help classify who’s here and why – dozens raised their hands when asked who’s here to advocate for Frisbee golf at the future park, 
which is being created because the reservoir’s being covered. At least a third of the people here also raised their hands when asked who lives in walking distance of the park; we see Highland Park community advocates here as well as leaders from other eastern West Seattle neighborhoods including Westwood and Pigeon Point. The meeting continues till noon; participants are currently discussing, at tables with maps and Sharpies, what they’d sketch out for the park. Project manager Susanne Friedman from the Parks Department says the final two design meetings are likely to be scheduled for late April and late June. 12:31 PM: Meeting has wrapped up. Crowd voted for the next meeting to be on a Saturday morning again – Parks says the date will be the last or second-to-last Saturday in April. As for all the ideas offered – separate story to come later.
Already got your Super Bowl plans locked up – perhaps with the help of the WSB West Seattle Super Bowl Viewing guide (food/drink specials and TV sizes)? Now it’s time to make sure you’re all set for Valentine’s Day, one week from tomorrow. We’re working on the West Seattle Valentine’s Weekend list of West Seattle dining highlights – additions to come (and if you see something missing, feel free to let us know ASAP) – here’s Version 1.0! (Note – this has been replaced by updated list as of Sunday – go here)
BASKETBALL: From Denny principal Jeff Clark:
I am very pleased to share that both the Denny International Middle School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams are playing in the Seattle Public Schools championship games (today). Our girls will be playing Whitman Middle School at noon at Franklin High School. Our boys’ team is playing Eckstein at 2:00, also at Franklin. Everyone is invited to come and cheer on the Denny Dolphins!
Franklin High School is at 3013 South Mount Baker Blvd.; here’s a map.
RESERVOIR: As per yesterday’s reminder, this morning you can help plot the course of the extra parkland being created atop West Seattle Reservoir in Westcrest Park. 10 am-noon, Southwest Community Center (map).
ADOPT-A-STREET: Hit the street with the North Delridge Neighborhood Council. Join them outside Delridge Community Center (map) at 9:45.
NEIGHBOR APPRECIATION DAY: Events include tours at every city fire station, including the five in West Seattle (list here – ours are 11, 29, 32, 36, 37), 11 am-3 pm; fun events at all four community centers in West Seattle (Alki 11 am-2 pm, the other three noon-2 pm), and the “Raise the Beds” work party at the taking-shape garden (first covered here in October) behind C & P Coffee, 10 am-noon.
CUTS FOR A CAUSE: “Have a Heart” haircut day at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor), 10 am-3 pm, all proceeds to West Seattle Food Bank (call to see if they have any appointments left, 938-3675)
FOOD DRIVE: It’s “Care To Shop” food-drive day (explained here) at West Seattle PCC (WSB sponsor) for Chicken Soup Brigade/Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 10 am-3 pm
And that barely scratches the surface of what’s up today/tonight in and around West Seattle – including the WestSide Baby fundraising tea (sold out!) and the Chief Sealth HS music program dinner-dance; the longer list is in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.
Eric Shalit of Box Turtle Design shared that rather grabby shot of a “slackliner” he encountered today at Alki. So, we asked, how high off the ground was he, and what was the “slackline” tied to? In reply, Eric sent another photo; to see it, click here.
Saturday, as part of Neighbor Appreciation Day, Seattle fire stations are all open for tours 11 am-3 pm. This’ll be the last Neighbor Appreciation Day for Station 37, since its replacement is under construction a short distance away. A student journalist accepted our challenge to tell its story before it’s too late.
(A video tour inside West Seattle’s Fire Station 37)
Story and video by Nicholas Trost
University of Washington News Lab
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
When Fire Station 37 (map) shuts down later this year, it will be sorely missed. Those firefighters lucky enough to have worked at the station appreciate its unique appeal and residential feel.
“The station feels and looks like home,†said firefighter Jorge Bernal, who currently works there. “When you’re away for 24 hours at a time, it’s a comforting place to be.â€
The station has the ambience of a residential home. Upstairs there’s a nook with a couch and television where firefighters can go and rest. The living room is also similar to one you would find in any home, with low lighting and comfortable-looking furniture.
“There are cool areas where you can go away and relax for a bit,†said Lt. Lori Bish, a firefighter also at the station. “Not all places have those areas.â€
Sadly, Station 37 is no longer able to adequately serve the Seattle Fire Department. At only 4,148 square feet, the station is too small to accommodate firefighters of the 21st century and their equipment.
“We have to move,†said Bish.
Scores now, video and details to be added to this story later: In high-school varsity basketball at Chief Sealth High School tonight, both Sealth teams beat West Seattle High School – girls CSHS 40, WSHS 31; boys (just completed) CSHS 50, WSHS 39.
(Added 12:36 am Saturday, the details) GIRLS’ VARSITY: Chief Sealth’s Lady Seahawks combined a near perfect night of free throw shooting and a big defensive outing to beat West Seattle 40-31. The game was largely decided in the third quarter when Sealth managed to keep the Wildcats from moving the ball upcourt. Between effective rebounding and sharp passes, the Lady Wildcats found themselves spending most of their evening under Sealth’s basket. At times, both teams tried to shoot the ball from the perimeter, but neither had any success.
Three updates tonight on West Seattle help for Haiti post-earthquake relief: First, we’ve got word that The Community School of West Seattle preschoolers’ Bake Sale for Haiti today brought in $422! The kids, ages 3-5, helped manage the money themselves – above, just a few of the preschoolers involved when we stopped by during the sale – pretend cash register, but real cash! Meantime, Kristina just e-mailed this update from Alki Elementary School about a fundraiser happening there right now:
Alki Parent Jill Rose has organized a movie showing of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in the school cafeteria to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. It looks like we are going to be at capacity! 100% of the proceeds are going to the Red Cross to benefit the people of Haiti, and the families of Alki Elementary are out in force. The school did a penny drive for Haiti, as well, and tonight we’ll be announcing to the students that their small change added up to over $1200!
And the third update: While working on a project for WSB, reporter Mary Sheely learned this afternoon that all Matador locations, including West Seattle, plan to donate 100 percent of profits on Fat Tuesday — which is one and a half weeks away, February 16th — to Haiti relief.
Yes, the Super Bowl on Sunday is the main event – and if you haven’t seen our as-complete-as-possible-so-far West Seattle Super Bowl Watching Guide, check it out here – but there’s MORE! Tonight, for example, the first High Point Neighborhood Night – And Saturday is Neighborhood Appreciation Day, with events at all your local community centers, tours of all your local fire stations, plus a work party in the garden behind C & P Coffee – and neighborliness continues Sunday with a fundraising pancake breakfast at Hiawatha Community Center (you can go straight from there to Free Sunday Yoga at SoundYoga [WSB sponsor]). From tonight through Sunday night, more than 50 events/activities, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club, where you’ll find FREE live music and rockin’ food – like the special Valentine brunch and dinner deals next weekend:Read More
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