day : 06/02/2011 10 results

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center celebrates the new year

February 6, 2011 11:07 pm

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| Delridge | Health | West Seattle news

The weather truncated outdoor events for today’s scheduled Vietnamese New Year (Tết) celebration at the Vietnamese Cultural Center in mid-Delridge, next to the Tug Inn. But there were still festivities to celebrate the Year of the Cat – which replaces the rabbit on Vietnamese calendars. While stopping by, we asked about the new feature under construction on the center’s grounds:

With sponsors’ help, the center (originally profiled here in 2008) is building this structure to complement the large statue that pays tribute to General Tran Hung Dao, a 13th-century hero, so that more history can be shared. It’s expected to be open in July.

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Update: West Seattle Soccer Club’s Jets win statewide tournament

February 6, 2011 9:09 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Tim McMonigle)
The Super Bowl was not the only sports event of note this afternoon! As reported here last night, two West Seattle Soccer Club teams made it into the finals of the prestigious Founder’s Cup statewide tournament. We just got official word of the results. Both games went into overtime, according to WSSC’s Tim McMonigle, who says the BU-13 West Seattle Jets won 1-0, while the BU-16 West Seattle Moctezuma lost 3-2: “Two very exciting games!”

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‘We can all win’: RapidRide-affected business owner’s counterproposal

February 6, 2011 8:55 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Luna Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

EDITOR’S NOTE: As mentioned in our just-published overview of where RapidRide-related parking/traffic changes stand after a series of recent meetings, the plan to ban morning parking on SW Avalon across from the heart of the Luna Park business district is not sitting well with business owners, particularly those whose businesses depend heavily on morning sales – Luna Park Café and Java Bean Coffee. As our story notes, they feel insult is being added to injury by the fact not only does the current plan take away parking across from their businesses, but also, RapidRide will not stop in the business district. Java Bean’s owner wrote a letter to various government addressees after the most recent Luna Park Merchants’ meeting, suggesting moving the station is a must. He asked WSB to “share it with the community”:

Subject: Rapid Ride along Avalon Way West Seattle (Java Bean) A little less Potter, a bit more George Bailey!
Joe, Michelle, Brian and Bill,

As you are aware, quite a bit of discussion concerning the Rapid Ride parking issue in the Luna Park Business District of West Seattle has taken place over the past year. Many different options have surfaced, that would both accommodate the goals of Metro, the livelihood of the businesses and the retention of jobs in the Luna Park neighborhood. As the owner of Java Bean I am greatly concerned that the choices being proposed regarding the rapid ride program will put me out of business and cause 5 full time jobs to be lost in West Seattle. Given what’s in the balance I would guess most West Seattle residents would side with us – the business owners, our teammates and our fans if given the choice of either saving their neighborhood amenities or getting to work a bit quicker. Why can’t we do both?

During (last Wednesday’s) meeting I brought up a question concerning how the location of the bus stops were chosen for the C-line. One of the key factors: an average of 150 people board the bus on a daily basis up the street from our business district (the proposed Rapid Ride stop) vs. the 120 people who board the bus on a daily basis directly across the street from my Coffee Shop (Java Bean) and other businesses in our business district. Based on this as a factor, I was told, at least at this point, the plan is to remove surface street parking between the hours of 6-10 am M-F for the Rapid Ride bus line that will NOT stop in our business district. This will put me out of business, eliminate 5 full time jobs, and decrease the quality of life of the residents of West Seattle who frequent my business. Not to mention the adverse affects it will have on my associate business owners.

In fact, with the goal to get people out of their cars and on the bus, not only will my customers (who continue to drive) be unable to park from 6-10am, but my customers who do decide to use Rapid Ride will not be afforded the opportunity to jump off the bus to grab a cup of coffee since the bus won’t be stopping in our business district.

It’s a serious double whammy to the Java Bean. You take away the parking, put people on the bus and then those on the bus can’t get off.

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West Seattle RapidRide parking/traffic changes continue taking shape for Luna Park, Triangle, Junction

February 6, 2011 8:05 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

(Click to view fullsize PDF of West Seattle RapidRide route map)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Few would dispute the observation that we are in a time of transportation transition – eventually toward more transit, fewer one-occupant cars.

The question of how to keep that transition balanced – without abruptly reducing the parking supply or constricting the traffic flow before transit services reach a true “we can get you there from here” status – is at the crux of a tug-of-war over how things will change along the route of the Metro RapidRide “C” Line in West Seattle. It’s not due to start rolling till fall 2012, but many details that must be finalized now, before stops, stations and other facilities are built – some as soon as this fall.

What does that mean to you, whether you’re a bus rider or not? We have a somewhat-clearer picture, after recent meetings in The Triangle and Luna Park, of how RapidRide will affect area business parking and overall traffic flow, particularly along a major east-west route to and through The Junction. The recent local discussion about RapidRide has concentrated on those elements, rather than on the service itself (which, according to a new study released last week by Metro, is earning high marks on its debut south-end route).

But at least two business owners aren’t happy with the results, and are vowing to keep fighting.

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Relay for Life of West Seattle: Kickoff party on February 17th

February 6, 2011 7:06 pm

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| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Tabling in The Junction at noontime today were Jilyan Perry and Tamara Judy on behalf of Relay for Life of West Seattle, the all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser that draws hundreds to West Seattle Stadium every June. The relay isn’t until June 10-11, but the kickoff celebration is just a week and a half away, 6-8 pm Thursday, February 17th, at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar. Relay for Life of West Seattle, and events like it around the country, benefit the cancer-fighting work of the American Cancer Society; you’re invited to come to the Feb. 17th event to see how you can help – by planning, organizing, sponsoring, organizing, any or all of the above. (This year the WS Relay for Life also is on Facebook and on Twitter.)

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‘Soul Jambalaya’ benefit concert at Denny on February 19th

February 6, 2011 4:08 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Accompanying this poster/flyer today, an invitation from Denny International Middle School‘s principal Jeff Clark:

I am pleased to invite the West Seattle community to an upcoming benefit concert on Saturday, February 19, at 6:45 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Mr. Pimpleton, our amazing band director, has put this together as a fundraising event for our students. He and I have a goal that every student can go on every music trip-without exception. This fantastic benefit concert is something he has organized to help send all of the Dolphin musicians to California this year. I hope that you, your family, and friends can join us for this event-I know it will be great.

If you can’t read the flyer above, here’s a fullsize version.

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Crime Watch: Apologetic Roxbury Shell robber caught on video

February 6, 2011 12:16 pm

| 41 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to Kim for pointing out this KING 5 story. The robbery at the Shell station at 2805 SW Roxbury happened Saturday morning in King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, not Seattle Police, so it wasn’t on our radar till now. The robber looked to be 60ish and apologized profusely to the storekeeper, as you’ll see in the video; if you recognize him, call 911.

SUNDAY EVENING NOTE: We checked this afternoon with KCSO; no word of an arrest so far.

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Call it a 2-minute warning: Breast-cancer-fighting filmmaker’s video

February 6, 2011 9:54 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

Nikki Mackey hopes you will take two minutes to watch that video she and her filmmaking partner have just created. We heard from her last October, when she got her hair cut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) to donate to Locks of Love – right before she started treatment for breast cancer. (Here’s that story.) At the time, Nikki explained, “I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am.” And the latest:

I am an aspiring filmmaker – part of a 2-girl filmmaking team. My “partner in crime” (Connie Finn) actually lives over in West Seattle still. She and I made a PSA that was filmed back in December between my 3rd and 4th A/C chemo treatments. We had 2 days to film – 2 days that I would feel well enough for us to get it done. We filmed this in my bathroom if you would believe it – totally indie-style! … That day also happened to be my 37th birthday – one that could have easily been my last. I hope you will consider posting the film on your site. Its run time is only 2 minutes but the message is important and clear. We aren’t seeking to make any money from this film – only to save lives. I am still in chemo – I have another 9 months to go. But I am fighting hard and I aim to win – and it is all about early detection.

As a viewer advisory, we should note there is a point in the video where some may decide to turn away. But the truth of its message is inescapable. (Here’s more information from the American Cancer Society.)

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West Seattle (and a bit beyond) Super Bowl-watching 2011

February 6, 2011 9:13 am

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Just a few possibilities here – *not* a list of every place you can watch the game, but instead, these are the places that we have found actively encouraging people to come watch the game, via e-mail or Web/Facebook posts about parties/specials. (If you have any place to add, please post a comment!)

SUPERBOWLBECUE AT PORTERHOUSE PUB: Join the Beer Church for this event benefitting the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor). Indoor-outdoor event as time permits – full details here. Starts at 1 pm. 2329 California SW.

BAMBOO GRILL (WSB sponsor): Specials for the Super Bowl party are listed here. 2806 Alki SW. (Pre-Super Bowl, it’s “kids eat free” breakfast.)

SKYLARK CAFE AND CLUB (WSB sponsor): Projecting the game onto the stage wall “like we do with cartoons during brunch,” as proprietor Jessie SK explains. Skylark’s famous brunch is on till 3 pm. Bands will start tonight at 7:30 pm, just in case the game runs late. 3803 Delridge Way.

WING DOME: The first Super Bowl since this TV-screen-laden eatery opened its West Seattle location. 4523 California SW.

ROCKSPORT: Well, of course they’re watching the Super Bowl at a sports bar. 4209 SW Alaska.

MISSION: Open early for Super Bowl, per their FB page (thanks to Bill for the tip in comments), 3 pm. 2325 California SW.

HEARTLAND CAFE: If you’re a Packers fan, this is the place to be. They’ve even got raffles planned. 4210 SW Admiral Way.

SHADOWLAND: Drink and food specials, and “the sound will be on” for the game, they promise via FB. 4458 California SW.

ANGELINA’S WEST SEATTLE: 2nd annual Super Bowl party, with details on this Facebook event page. 2311 California SW.

BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: Super Bowl potluck, starts at 3. 6413 California SW.

TRIANGLE PUB: Pre-game breakfast plus these specials shared via e-mail: Starting at 1 pm, $2.50 brats, PittsBurger (with Swiss cheese, cole slaw, tomato fries) and $1 slider appetizers, drink specials too. 9454 Delridge Way SW.

COMPANY: This new White Center bar is also promoting a party (here’s the Facebook event page) and collaborating on food with nearby Uncle Mike’s BBQ.

MORE PREGAME BREAKFAST: Free mimosa at Highstrike Grill on Sunday mornings with this WSB coupon. 4505 39th SW.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO WATCH THE GAME: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) promises a Non-Super-Bowl Party. See for yourself here. Also note that West 5 in The Junction is closed today for its annual “spring cleaning.” Jak’s Grill is closed too.

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Happening now: Hiawatha Community Center pancake breakfast

February 6, 2011 8:08 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

8:08 AM: It’s an annual event to help Hiawatha Community Center raise money to cover program fees for those who wouldn’t be able to participate otherwise – and it’s happening right now. The annual “all you care to eat” pancake breakfast is under way till noon – $6/adults, $5 for kids 4-12, free for 3 and under, breakfast meats and beverages included, 2700 California SW.