The “School’s Out Bash” is an annual tradition for High Point Community Center – but this year, they moved it to HP’s Commons Park, and what a perfect night: Hundreds came for free fun, including food, field games, and face painting:
That’s Laura Wilburn from High Point CC. Bounce houses drew a crowd too:
Wondering what else is up this summer, at HPCC and West Seattle’s other community centers? Here’s the summer brochure.
The headlines from Wednesday night’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting at Highland Park Improvement Club headquarters:
TAKING A STAND ON 4TH OF JULY: Announced by Laura Drake toward the end of the meeting, there’s a plan to try to prevent fireworks mayhem on the Highland Park Elementary Schoolgrounds on the 4th of July. Neighbors are going to stand at its closed gates from about 9 till 10 pm to try to get people to stay away – “Bring a camera and start taking pictures in case things get weird,” Drake advised. She also suggested brightly-colored shirts.
(Riley Bunch at Madison Middle School’s 8th-grade promotion event)
Before the end of the school year gets too far in the rear-view mirror, we have one more story to share: Madison Middle School‘s Jeanne Merritt shares a photo and the story of Madison’s 8th-grade promotion earlier this week:
Madison Middle School eighth graders were promoted Monday night in a well-attended ceremony at West Seattle High.
Four student speakers reminisced about their social and educational experiences at Madison.
The inspirational speaker was Jesse Hagopian, former Madison teacher. He spoke about his experience being in the Haiti earthquake. Also, when the graduating eighth grade students were in seventh grade, Mr. Hagopian became a father. At that time he assigned the students to write letters of advice to a father. At the promotion ceremony Mr. Hagopian then turned that good advice back to the students.
The story continues with more on the students who were honored – and some adults, too!Read More
Quick notes before we just pop these in the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – both notes are for Saturday, July 10, just two weeks away: Coastal on Alki has changed its 2nd monthly outdoor movie to “Goonies” because of a licensing problem with the previously scheduled “Pirates of the Caribbean” (here’s the new flyer). And at Delridge Library that morning, 11:15 am, it’s the first in a new summer series bringing back Vietnamese Story Time every Saturday morning. Librarian Shannon Schinagl says, “Children of all ages and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts in Vietnamese!”
(July 2009 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Exactly one month till one of the biggest events of the summer — the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade, coming up on July 24th. (A kickoff reminder once again this year, that’s the parade’s official name, not the “Hi-Yu Parade,” though the West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival float and royalty will be one of its highlights!) The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover will precede the parade again this year, according to Jim Edwards, if some urgent duty doesn’t preclude its appearance. The parade starts at 11 am from California/Lander and travels down California to Edmunds at the end of the main Junction business district – and while planning is well into the final stages, there’s one big need: Do you perhaps have a convertible for the American Legion Post 160 Commander to ride in? This year they’ve got all the convertibles covered, so to speak, except his. If you can provide a convertible for the parade, contact parade co-coordinator Dave Vague at vagued@comcast.net – just think, your car will be seen by thousands!
(Photo courtesy World Harmony Run)
The kids in that photo are holding the torch for the World Harmony Run. It’s the world’s longest relay run, and it’s coming to Providence Mount St. Vincent at 2 tomorrow afternoon. Part of the ceremony will include a WHR Torch-Bearer Award for Providence Senior and Community Services executive Charlene Boyd, presented by King County Executive Dow Constantine. Then there will be a chance for residents, children, staff, family and friends to hold the torch and make a wish for harmony – plus an intergenerational relay run around The Mount’s building. And after that, at 3:30, you’re invited to join the World Harmony Runners as they run with the torch from The Mount to the Alki Statue of Liberty, leaving from outside the café on the south side of the building. Find out more about the World Harmony Run here.
Proactive note tonight from Bradley at Life Church in Westwood:
FYI so there is no panic about strangers walking around the neighborhood, Life Church here on 35th and Cloverdale is initiating a food drive for the White Center Food Bank that will be taking place next Thursday, July 1. They are canvasing the neighborhood with flyers for the food drive tonight, June 24th. Please don’t mistake them as strangers–:-)
The weekly roundup of all the major traffic-affecting closures and changes around the area is out – and it’s worth a look tonight more than ever, since it includes this weekend’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and 1st Avenue South Bridge closures, next Wednesday’s South Park Bridge forever shutdown, as well as other things that might affect your mobility – here’s the link. (Traffic P.S. – We haven’t been by to see it yet, but SDOT tells us the Genesee Hill paving work is done.)
They are being seen more frequently on West Seattle street corners – people standing for hours, selling fruit from boxes. (There’s been one at the busiest corner near WSB HQ, three days during the past week, standing there from morning till late in the day. A nearby resident who speaks a little Spanish tried talking to her, and learned only that the vendor was “from the mountains of Mexico.”) Some people have messaged us to ask about the law. One of the first results we found in an online search reminded us that this is not a new phenomenon – there was even a discussion last year in the WSB Forums. While a permit is required to sell on the street, it’s a moot point in many of these cases, because it’s outright prohibited in single-family zones (as is the case of the one near us). Is anyone enforcing the rule? So far, we haven’t heard from anyone who has officially complained. The method for doing so is on this SDOT web page. (SDOT is checking for us to see if they’ve been getting complaints, and how they’re handled.) We haven’t found much past coverage of the fruit sellers in this area, but it’s been a hot topic in the Bay Area, where this story suggested some of them may be more victim than violator.
ADDED: SDOT’s Marybeth Turner tells WSB they don’t get many street-vending complaints; when they do: “An SDOT Street Use Inspector responds to these complaints during normal work hours on a priority basis. If it is a matter of public safety, a Seattle Police Officer may also respond, also on a priority basis– this occurs mostly in the SODO stadium area or nightlife areas” such as Belltown.
Volunteering can be fun! Jackie from Matson Navigation Company on Harbor Island e-mailed to share news of her office’s environmental-volunteer project – last night, a group of co-workers went to Alki to help stencil storm drains – and in the photo above, they were joined by a young helper they nicknamed the “Storm Drain Trooper.” Here’s a bucketless photo of the group:
Jackie says, “We couldn’t have chosen a nicer evening to be at the beach. The Alki community members were so friendly and thankful as we worked in their neighborhood to help fulfill the city’s goal to stencil every storm drain in Seattle with the ‘Dump No Waste, Drains to Lake, Stream, or Bay’ message.”
(WSB photo from December 2009)
Two items from the Rotary Club of West Seattle: First – rededication of the Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole may happen as soon as August, now that the pole is being readied for restoration following the theft last November and recovery out of state (here’s our May story on the case’s resolution). The latest, from Josh Sutton:
Staff from Artech took the pole today from Parks and Rec storage to a local fumigation company. Next week it will be transported to their warehouse for restoration. In agreement with Parks & Recreation, the Rotary Club of West Seattle has hired Artech for the preservation, restoration and reinstallation of the Totem Pole stolen from Rotary Viewpoint Park last November. We look forward to setting a date in August for the community to celebrate the pole’s rededication.
Shortly after the totem pole was recovered, we did a story about Artech and some of the similar work they’ve done – you can see it here. Meantime, a big boost for the Rotary berry sale (WSB sponsor):
The Rotary Club of West Seattle wants to thank Charlie’s Produce for donating use of a midsized refrigerator truck during our Club’s Strawberry Sales & Pickup this weekend. With the pending construction, Admiral Safeway couldn’t sit a 40′ trailer there for six weeks, like past summers.
These buckets of Skagit Valley strawberries are freshly picked, hulled and packed in their own juices, so keeping them cool is essential to maintaining their quality. Even if you didn’t pre-order, we still have buckets for sale this weekend. Friday, 1-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm at Admiral Safeway, back lot.
We are taking Raspberries and Blueberries orders for mid July. West Seattle Rotary’s Berry Sale raises money for local scholarships and our Holiday Kids Shopping Spree. Thanks to our buyers, to Admiral Safeway, and Charlie’s Produce for your support!
West Seattle High School just sent out an urgent request to anyone who can help: Mr. Jinan Jia arrives July 30th to be the WSHS Chinese teacher next year – enabling them to offer instruction up to Chinese III – but he needs a home while he’s here – and fast, to support his visa request. “This is an exciting opportunity for the host family to learn of the Chinese culture and Mandarin Chinese language,” notes WSHS principal Bruce Bivins. They prefer a home in West Seattle, since the teacher will use Metro to get to work. Here’s the application form; but first, please call (206) 252-8800 or e-mail brbivins@seattleschools.org if you are interested in being the host!
(Photo courtesy daPuffin, added Thursday night) Seattle City Light has explained the short outage last night that a few people have e-mailed to ask us about: According to Scott Thomsen, about 80 homes were without electricity for just under an hour because of a pole fire. The incident is on last night’s archived 911 log as “wires down” in the 3100 block of SW 105th (map). P.S. This is being discussed in the WSB Forums, with an added detail: “Fried bird.”
The mayor is making the announcement now (live at www.seattlechannel.org). Chief John Diaz has led the department as acting chief since last year (here’s his background on the SPD website). The mayor described the new chief as “a man of integrity and a hard worker.” Chief Diaz was one of two finalists for the job, along with the police chief of East Palo Alto, Calif. After recounting some of his history and the chiefs under whom he’s worked, the new chief said the choice sends a message to every SPD officer, “that you can someday lead this organization.” He also said, regarding recent controversies, “We take the scrutiny seriously. … But no one’s going to be harder on the Seattle Police Department than ourselves.” Also: “One of the advantages to picking an internal chief is, there’s no honeymoon period” – and no ramping-up time. He also thanked his wife, whom he noted is a 23-year SPD veteran herself. The first City Council reaction that’s in is from Councilmember Tim Burgess, a former police officer who leads the committee tasked with public safety; he promises a “thorough confirmation process” and says he’s “been impressed with Chief Diaz’s leadership over the past 15 months.” From City Attorney Pete Holmes, “Assuming his confirmation by City Council, Chief Diaz will finally be fully in command of an excellent police department that nonetheless needs his firm leadership to face the challenges ahead. Together we can demonstrate to all people in Seattle – and, indeed, the rest of the country – that public safety and social justice are not mutually exclusive, even in the midst of a deep, stubborn recession.” 11:47 AM UPDATE: We asked the Southwest Precinct Advisory Committee’s chair Pete Spalding for his reaction:
I think John is an excellent choice. I have had the opportunity to work with John over the last couple of years on several community issues. He also stopped by our City Night Out event last August in Pigeon Point. The way that John has handled himself and the department over the last 15 months has been extraordinary in my opinion. With everything that has taken place (no need to go into that here) over the last 15 months the leadership and character that John has displayed will continue to serve SPD well in the weeks and months to come. I hope that the City Council does not drag out the confirmation hearings. This search has been exhaustive with many meetings and public comment periods. I for one am excited for John’s selection by the Mayor as Seattle ’s next Chief of Police.
The robot’s back, courtesy of the artful folks at Riverbed Design, for the new season of West Seattle Outdoor Movies in The Junction (co-sponsored by WSB), starting July 17th. You helped choose the movies, and we unveiled the slate here last month, but now the full details are out, including the pre-show plans, and more – read on!Read More
From West Seattle Little League‘s Gina Coats, word that All-Star play is about to start, and you can watch some of the games without leaving the peninsula:
We are all very excited to have all 4 divisions putting out an All-Star team.
The 9-10 and 10-11 teams will be playing at Bar-S fields (6464 SW Admiral Way) We will be hosting games Saturday the June 26th and Sunday the 27th starting at 9:30, and 5:30 pm games on the 28th, 29th, 30th, July 1st and 2nd. The championship games will be played Saturday the 3rd starting at 9am. The winners of this tournament will go on to the State tournament in Shoreline at Shoreview Park (9-10) and Yakima (10-11).
The Majors and Juniors All-Star teams will be playing at Pac West Fields (14649 16th Ave South) starting on Saturday July 3rd and continuing July 4th with 5:30 games on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. The winners of this tournament will continue on to the state tournament in Elma (11-12 majors) and Medical Lake (Juniors).
We will be updating our website westseattlelittleleague.com with standings as often as possible. You can also check out the rosters for all four teams.
These tournaments are a lot of fun and we will have our Snack Shack churning out good old-fashioned baseball treats and snacks as well as the infamous Bar-S dogs! Come on down for some great, cheap baseball entertainment.
We also received an update on one of the teams that’ll be in All-Star play – the ages 13-14 Yankees – managed by Vinnie Sposari and coached by John Coats – finished their season Monday night with a 20-2 record, runner-up to the Highline Nationals in the Tournament of Champions at Rainier Playfield.
It’s not the Olympics without an opening ceremony, athletes parading onto the field – so that’s what everyone got to do last night at West Seattle Stadium as “Olympic Day” events got under way, sponsored by your local Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Centers. Also part of the parade – a few groups that know a thing or two about parading:
Such a beautiful night, even the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team members couldn’t help smiling – which you won’t usually see during their precise, intense routine! Another renowned local drill team took the field – the Electronettes:
And then, let the games begin – this group tried out some martial-arts moves:
Healthy treats were provided by Roxanne and Andrea in theKid Picks truck from PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor):
You’ll see Kid Picks again this year at the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha starting June 29th, co-sponsored by PCC and WSB among others. Olympic Day commemorated the 116th anniversary of the revived Olympic Games – which hadn’t been held for a millennium and a half till June 23, 1894!
Some clouds have been moving in after an almost-truly-summery afternoon and evening – the temperature FINALLY broke 75, by far the latest date ever! – but the clouds enhanced the beautiful moon view above, by Christopher Boffoli, taken from The Junction. Just a bit earlier, over at Alki, Chas Redmond caught this scene:
Diane Skwiercz of Street Treats says her “entire family” lives in West Seattle – so it’ll be a homecoming when she brings her dessert truck to Alki tomorrow night. She says she just recently launched Street Treats, baking cookies, brownies and bars every morning, and carrying “homemade ice cream and handheld pies from two local businesses.” She’s not sure where they’ll park but they’re hoping to be at the beach for a few hours starting around 6 pm tomorrow (Thursday). We asked for a photo, so you’d know what to look for; you can also check Twitter to see if she tweets where they wind up – @StreetTreatsWa.
Just before the school year ended, Madison Middle School reading teacher Stacia Bell e-mailed to say she was so proud of the 6th-grade reading students who had been writing and performing monologues for novels they’ve been reading as “a challenge project” for her class, she had been videotaping them and wanted to share – with families’ permission, of course. So she put together the video with a sampling of some of the monologues – a slice of life from a special project at a local school. We look forward to sharing more stories about what’s happening in West Seattle’s schools when they are back in session this fall – here’s how to reach us.
(2008 Alki Car Show photo by David Hutchinson)
We’ve gotten some questions about whether the Alki Car Show is on as usual this year – and tonight, we know the answer is yes. Just got word from Marcie, who wanted to share the announcement:
19th Annual West Seattle Classic & Hot Rod Car Show on Alki
Saturday July 17th, 2010
Alki Beach Promenade, 63rd & Alki
8:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM – Awards at 3:00 PM
Great Prizes, Awesome Music & a FUN Day in the Sun!!
Entry Fee $20.00 in advance $25.00 day of show
All proceeds from The Classic and Hot Rod Show on Alki benefit The Donald W. Hammer Scholarship at South Seattle Community College
Please e-mail thealkicarshow@yahoo.com or call Dawn Hammer at 206-767-4929 with any questions or to get involved!!
And two months after that, it’s the West Seattle Junction Car Show on September 19th, in case this announcement sparks THAT question. We’ve put all the key event dates on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page (but if you see something missing, please let us know!).
In addition to the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure on Saturday because of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – 4 am to 4 pm northbound, 4 am to 1 pm southbound, Saturday only, according to WSDOT – the First Avenue South Bridge has closures this weekend too: It’ll be closed northbound from 5 am to 11 am both Saturday and Sunday for maintenance work.
They are being seen more frequently on West Seattle street corners – people standing for hours, selling fruit from boxes. (There’s been one at the busiest corner near WSB HQ, three days during the past week, standing there from morning till late in the day. A nearby resident who speaks a little Spanish tried talking to her, and learned only that the vendor was “from the mountains of Mexico.”) Some people 
The mayor is making the announcement now (live at 
Diane Skwiercz of 
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