West Seattle, Washington

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month : 02/2011 317 results

Skylark Café: Bigscreen Super Bowl; burlesque Valentine dinner
February 4, 2011 8:35 am
|    Comments Off on Skylark Café: Bigscreen Super Bowl; burlesque Valentine dinner
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two notes this morning from Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor): First, they’re planning to show Sunday’s Super Bowl game on the big projection screen in the club (and will move the first band of the night back to 7:30 pm so there’s no conflict if the game runs long) – so go for brunch, stay for the game! Second, it’s not too late to get tickets for their “Mambo Italiano” three-course Valentine dinner and burlesque show, 7:30 pm Monday, Feb. 14th. (Get tickets online here.) P.S. Burlesque is now back at Skylark, last Thursday of each month.

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WSBeat: ‘Their word against mine’; ‘Watch this!’; ‘Want a war?’
February 3, 2011 11:56 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

Twelve summaries this week – click ahead:Read More

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Zippy’s Giant Burgers moving from Highland Park to White Center
February 3, 2011 6:45 pm
|      127 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
Earlier this week, Zippy’s Giant Burgers said it would likely have news of a new location by the end of the week, since the foreclosure mess at its original Highland Park location didn’t seem likely to result in a continued lease, or purchase, of the building – and tonight, West Seattle Blog/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz has just confirmed with Zippy’s ownership that the new location is final: A long-empty restaurant spot on the northern edge of White Center. 9614 14th Avenue SW (map), right behind the Roxbury Bartell Drugs, about a block and a half north of Big Al Brewing.

Blaine Cook from Zippy’s explains that among other things, staying at the current location would have meant triple the current rent. As for other possibilities around West Seattle and White Center, it would have cost too much for the “buildout” at other locations they explored. Staying in this area was important, since of their 11 employees, all but two live in West Seattle or White Center. The new location – with previous names including the Cookbook Café – is now inked for a three-year lease with two options for five-year extensions, he says. It’s a lot bigger than the current location – 1,600 square feet, with room for up to 60 people to sit down. That means they might eventually expand their menu – breakfast is a possibility.

This also means:

–They can accept credit cards
–They’ll cut their own fries
–They’ll seek a license to offer beer

They’re hoping to open in late April or early May, with minimal downtime for a moveout from Highland Park before their lease expires on April 19th. The White Center site is truly turnkey, Cook says – some floor work and “kitchen tweaks” are needed, plus permits. But overall, he says, “We are stoked!” They’re looking forward to being part of White Center’s ongoing renaissance. And remember the term SoRo – South of Roxbury – if it catches on, he’s the one who made it up!

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Happy Lunar New Year! Lafayette first-graders’ parade
February 3, 2011 6:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Luckie for sharing photos from a Lafayette Elementary tradition – the first graders’ Lunar New Year parade. She reports, “Children from the other grades lined the halls to watch, cheer, and sound their noisemakers. Included in the parade was a dragon, musicians playing drums, and lots of rabbits, as the Year of the Rabbit has just begun. The first graders also enjoyed Chinese noodles, oranges, and sweets.”

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Update: Lumpia World announces West Seattle location
February 3, 2011 6:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Followup to our mention earlier this week that the Lumpia World food truck will start coming to West Seattle on Saturdays: They just announced the location, via Facebook: Rite Aid south of The Junction, 5217 California SW. 11 am-2 pm Saturdays, starting this weekend.

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‘The Hole’ court fight: $ value; a push to ‘develop & stabilize’
February 3, 2011 4:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photo of The Hole, taken last month)
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that a court challenge has been filed to stop the scheduled foreclosure sale of the stalled West Seattle development site known widely as “The Hole” – but the documents contain a few interesting points.

The sale was ordered in December (as first reported here) by Judge Susan Craighead, and scheduled for February 25th, after her November ruling in the first trial spawned by the legal fight over the site. The goal was to pay off the entities that she ruled had lien priority – including construction companies Aero and Ledcor.

Her ruling has been challenged in the state Court of Appeals, so the entity that has been trying to get control of the site, 3922 SW Alaska LLC, is asking the judge to put the foreclosure sale on hold until that appeal is settled. They say they have an appraisal putting The Hole’s value at $5.16 million, and since the primary liens (and interest) total an estimated $7.7 million, The Hole itself could be “security” in the matter, they argue, with a $2.6 million bond thrown in.

But they’re not proposing that the site stay idle if they get that sale put on hold: As part of its motion, 3922 SW Alaska (the street address of The Hole) is asking the judge for permission to do a foreclosure of its own, so it could “begin efforts to stabilize and develop the subject property,” saying that at the very least, that work would enhance the interests of the other lienholders, in case the lienholders win the appeal. You can read the motion in its entirety here; a hearing before Judge Craighead is scheduled for one week from tomorrow.

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Beach Drive dilemma: What to do with a beached cow?
February 3, 2011 1:55 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Pam lives on the water in the 5900 block of Beach Drive (map) and says, “It’s the wild kingdom out here – we get seals, whales, birds …” But never anything like this.

Late last night, she posted in the WSB Forums, “My husband was out walking our dog on the beach and found a dead cow hog-tied on our beach … We’ve contacted the police, who are on their way.”

Today, the cow’s still on the beach (as also noted by Beach Drive Blog), and Pam and her husband are trying to figure out how to get rid of it.

The police did check it out, confirms Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith: “A third watch supervisor responded and did indeed locate a carcass which appeared to be used for bait for crab pots. Complainant was advised to call animal control if the carcass was still there after 0900 hours.”

Pam says they did just that. Responding to a note from WSB this morning, she replied, “Animal Control can’t help. The cow is on private property, so they suggested we call a rendering company. I think my husband is going to try to send him out to sea when the tide comes in.”

We asked if we could come over for a photo – from a respectful distance – and she agreed. (If you want to see it, you’ll have to click here.) As we walked out onto the bulkhead, she noted that even if pushing it into the high tide temporarily solves their problem, she realizes that may just end with the cow washing up on somebody else’s beach later.

So, she, and we, are wondering: Any other (serious) suggestions for how to dispose of the carcass, or someone who might be interested in taking it away? First time we’ve heard of a cow on or near the beach since the famous one found afloat last March.

8:20 AM UPDATE: In comments, Pam reports: “UPDATE: Mother nature has taken care of it. High tide and strong current. Hopefully it won’t become one of (the) neighbors to the north’s problem.”

9:39 AM UPDATE: And in a newer comment, Lura reports: “UPDATE: Cow is on beach in 5400 block.”

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Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry: New WSB sponsor
February 3, 2011 12:51 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry. New WSB sponsors get the chance to tell you about their business, and here’s what they’d like you to know: “Dr. Krieger, Dr. Pavlovich, and our staff have an unwavering passion for meeting the needs of every individual in a unique and personalized way. Patients often remark that our office is the only office they have been to where the dentistry is taken so seriously, but the patients, doctors and staff all have fun during the process. Our mission is to treat every patient with the same compassion and kindness as we would a family member or friend. There is, however, one thing that sets Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry apart from every office in Seattle. We are one of the very few utilizing the process of ‘Digital Co-Diagnosis,’ in which the patient becomes a vital part of the diagnostic process using cutting edge digital technology. Our office actually was one of the pioneers in developing this technique which is now used all over the world. We would love to show any potential patient how this process works because it is revolutionary. Anyone who is interested should simply call our office and set up a new patient exam. Because of our commitment to care, many other dentists in the area recognize us as one of the the leading dental offices in the Greater Seattle area. When 3500 dentists were polled, our office was twice voted as a ‘Top Seattle Dental Office’.”

Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry is at 4150 California SW; call 206-935-1855. They’re online at kriegerdental.com. Through their WSB ad, they’re offering a special to new patients this month – contact them for an appointment.

We thank Krieger Aesthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas reported heading this way
February 3, 2011 12:06 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Second day in a row for orca sightings in this part of the Sound – they were seen off Maury Island earlier, headed south, but now we got a text from our whale-expert tipsters saying they’re headed back this way, just sighted off Point Robinson.

1:51 PM UPDATE: As Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail notes in comments, her fellow West Seattle-based whale expert Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales reports that the whales split into two groups, one headed north, one headed south. (Thanks also to Orca Network for its alerts via various channels.)

THURSDAY NIGHT P.S.: Right before dusk, the whales were seen in the Fauntleroy area, putting on quite a show. They had passed Maury/Vashon again on the way back north, and one viewer posted this incredible photo on Facebook.

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Police nab alleged 55 mph driver on Admiral Way – and more
February 3, 2011 11:30 am
|      161 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just in from the Seattle Police Department‘s SPDBlotter:

On February 2nd, Seattle Police Department Aggressive Driving Response Team conducted an operation in the 3300 block of SW Admiral … Six officers in Dodge Chargers were deployed in the area. Although the daily ticket count will not be provided, the most productive hour yielded 44 tickets. Many cars were travelling at speeds exceeding 50 mph – the posted speed is 30 mph. The most egregious driver was travelling 55 MPH!

That block number checks out to the hill just north of The Bridge.

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Theater tonight: “Age Only Matters …” in Fauntleroy; WSHS play
February 3, 2011 11:23 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Video and photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Three more stage productions in our area this weekend (in addition to ArtsWest‘s ongoing “Emilie“) – and two of them open tonight. “Age Only Matters if You’re Cheese” – the romance/musical co-created by 90-year-old Yvonne Belshaw, featured here earlier this week – starts a three-show run at Fauntleroy Church, and the Saturday matinee is already sold out. We dropped in on last night’s dress rehearsal; that’s Shellie Moomey and Jenny Mandt in the video above – they star along with Kevin Finney:

As of last night, some tickets remained for the performances at 7:30 pm tonight and Saturday – call 932-5600 – any tickets that remain will be sold at the door, but there’s no guarantees. (1:44 PM UPDATE: Tonight’s show is now sold out, but call to ask about Saturday night.)

HIGH-SCHOOL PLAYS: Two schools have crime comedies on deck. Tonight West Seattle High School‘s Drama Club opens a three-night run of the student-directed “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody,” 7:30 pm, tickets $7 with reservations (call 206-252-8834) or $12 at the door … Tomorrow night the Chief Sealth International High School After-School Drama Club presents “The Real Inspector Hound,” 7 pm in the Little Theater, admission free.

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Registration is off and running for this year’s West Seattle 5K
February 3, 2011 9:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo from May 2010 West Seattle 5K)
One more sign of spring! The West Seattle High School PTSA has announced that online registration is open for this year’s West Seattle 5K – third year that runners of all ages will hit the road on Alki Avenue SW. This year’s date is Sunday, May 22nd. You can sign up, and find out more about the 5K, by going here. According to the WSHS January newsletter, this also will be an all-day “Seattle Summer Streets” event again, with Alki Avenue SW shut down to traffic for the afternoon after the race (we’re doublechecking this with SDOT).

8:37 PM NOTE: SDOT’s Rick Sheridan did confirm to WSB that this WILL be a Seattle Summer Streets today – so Alki Avenue SW will close to traffic for the whole day on May 22nd, continuing after the race is over, as it has previously.

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Happy anniversary! West Seattle businesses mark milestones
February 3, 2011 7:44 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Mission photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Happy anniversary to several West Seattle businesses who have just begun another year! First: In a business where many don’t survive the first year, Mission in the Admiral District just celebrated another milestone last night – its sixth anniversary. Owners Eric Cozens and Peter Morse joined their patrons in celebrating. They reminisced about how its distinctive decor came to be – including the brick wall they built themselves, and hanging lights imported from Mexico year before last.

Entertainment for last night’s Mission bash included the local band Spoils. Last weekend, a band known for a much-different genre headlined the Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) anniversary party:

That’s the West Seattle Big Band, there to help mark 10 years in operation for the retirement center that’s right across from the Admiral Theater. Other anniversaries:

AVALON GLASSWORKS: In the Luna Park business district, Avalon Glassworks turned 18 this past Tuesday.

FITNESS TOGETHER-WEST SEATTLE: The Junction-based fitness studio (a longtime WSB sponsor) celebrated 4 years in business recently.

PHOENECIA: As of last weekend, it’s been one full year since the reborn Alki restaurant reopened. (They’re offering a prix-fixe dinner for Valentine’s Day, by the way.)

WEST 5: As noted here last week, the iconic Junction restaurant/bar is planning its 8th-anniversary party next Tuesday.

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High-school basketball: West Seattle girls @ Chief Sealth
February 3, 2011 7:04 am
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: West Seattle girls @ Chief Sealth
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Last night was the final scheduled home game of the season for Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-varsity basketball team, so that meant special honors for the seniors on the team, which went on to defeat West Seattle High School, 65-50. Details and a video clip after the jump:Read More

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Meet the mentors, and the mentored, tonight @ The Admiral
February 3, 2011 12:54 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tonight (Thursday) at West Seattle’s historic Admiral Theater, you’ll get something extra if you’re going to the 6:40 pm showing of “Waiting for Superman” – a preview of the new documentary about Community for Youth, a mentoring organization that works at three Seattle Public Schools high schools, including Chief Sealth. Mentors and students will be there to talk about the program. You can find out more at communityforyouth.org.

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Steve Bushaw murder case, 2 years later: Where it stands
February 2, 2011 11:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A note from Brendan reminded us that today marked 2 years since 26-year-old lifelong West Seattleite Steve Bushaw died, hours after being gunned down on California SW. If not for a last-minute twist, the trial of his accused killers would likely have been starting testimony about now – but, as reported here last month, two of the four suspects pleaded guilty just as the trial was about to begin, and gave statements that the other two suspects’ lawyers say completely changed the case, which has been described by prosecutors as a revenge plot related to a robbery for which the suspects blamed Bushaw, though police say they had no evidence he was involved. So now , as reported last week, the trial is delayed until June 1st. We just checked the case files; since the last official court proceedings last week, various motions have been filed by lawyers for one of the two remaining defendants, Bryce Huber, including one to grant him two public defenders, on the grounds that the case against him is so complicated he needs two. Nothing has changed in the case of the other defendant, Brandon Chaney. Meantime, the two defendants who struck plea bargains, Danny O’Neal and John Sylve, both are scheduled to be sentenced next month.

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2 chances coming up to talk with City Council, School Board reps
February 2, 2011 9:02 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 chances coming up to talk with City Council, School Board reps
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Lots of hot topics on the table, and 2 chances in the next week to bring them up directly with people elected to represent you: City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen will be at High Point Library (35th/Raymond) this Saturday (February 5), 11:30 am-1 pm, with “all topics on the table” for an informal conversation – here’s the full announcement. One week from today (Wednesday, February 9), School Board member Steve Sundquist will be at the Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way) for one of his periodic community conversations, 11 am-12:30 pm.

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SW District Council hears about Triangle, crime prevention, seawall
February 2, 2011 8:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | Triangle | West Seattle news

From tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting – the monthly gathering (usually at South Seattle Community College) of reps from major community groups and organizations around what the city calls the Southwest District (basically western West Seattle) – first three presentations summarized at 8:23 pm, the rest added at 9:13 pm:Read More

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‘1st piece of The Viaduct to be demolished’ soon to come down
February 2, 2011 6:37 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news


(Screengrab from clickable online simulation of south-end construction, step by step)
We’re at the Sound Transit board room on the south side of downtown, where the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group has just wrapped up its first meeting in 3 1/2 months. This is the group charged with keeping updated on what’s planned for, and happening in, the SODO-to-West Seattle area, as the various components of the project continue. West Seattle members of the working group (full roster here) who were at today’s meeting included Jerome Cohen and Vlad Oustimovitch.

Most WS-relevant part of today’s discussion: Updates on the progress of the “south-end replacement” project – aka Holgate to King Street – which is well under way, and not dependent on what happens with the ongoing tunnel controversy. The project is headed by WSDOT’s Matt Preedy (a West Seattleite), who briefed the working group. Key points ahead: A frontage road to take pressure off 1st Avenue South will be open “in about a week”; between Atlantic and Holgate, foundations are being built for the new southbound bridge – the replacement will be side-by-side elevated sections, not the current doubledecker style – that’s why you’re seeing several large cranes; Preedy says they’ll be there for months.

Biggest of all: Over the Presidents Day weekend, according to Preedy, the first actual piece of Alaskan Way Viaduct to be demolished – the northbound 1st Avenue onramp to 99 – will come down. All lanes of 1st Avenue South will be closed between Royal Brougham and King for that work. Then up to six weeks of work are ahead while a new northbound onramp is connected. Before that, WSDOT is also working to realign the southbound offramp from 99 to the stadium area; that will be done over Valentine’s Day weekend, and when it’s complete – by the morning of Monday, Feb. 14th – you’ll exit onto Royal Brougham instead of 1st Avenue South.

Preedy also asked the working group if they have advice on whether information about the project is getting out efficiently and promptly. He mentioned one key tool – the weekly construction update (see it here if you haven’t seen it before). One group member said it might be helpful for a billboard to be up along the route with key dates; the project team noted that 99 will soon have the Intelligent Transportation Systems messaging that you’ve been seeing elsewhere (the lighted boards). West Seattle rep Oustimovitch mentioned that he’s concerned GPS systems aren’t keeping up with all the detouring and rerouting that’s just begun – he mentioned an out-of-town visitor “going in circles” trying to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B. 99 project leader Ron Paananen said a “highway advisory” radio station might be helpful. Summarized Oustimovitch – “You almost need a sign that says, ‘Ignore your GPS’!”

Back to the construction timetable – you can see the latest version by going here.

The second half of the meeting featured a presentation by the company that has won the contract to continue designing – and then, if environmental reviews are passed, to build – the deep-bore tunnel that is the state’s “preferred alternative” for replacing the central waterfront section of The Viaduct. It was mostly a recap of what’s happened in the months since the working group last happened; during Q/A, the state team was asked, what if one or both of the two anti-tunnel initiatives makes it to the ballot? WSDOT’s Paananen said he’s been tasked with proceeding with the project, and noted that, even if there is a vote in November, assuming the tunnel passes environment review and becomes the official plan in August, “We’ll be under construction by then.”

The South End Working Group’s next meeting will be sometime this spring; you can watch this page in the next few days for materials from today’s meeting.

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Delridge Skatepark’s new ‘apparent low bidder’: Its designers
February 2, 2011 3:28 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Just in from Delridge Skatepark project manager Kelly Davidson – the 2nd round of bids have just been opened, and the “apparent low bidder” is the team associated with Grindline, the West Seattle firm that designed the park. That’s who local skatepark activists have been rooting for. They came in second in the first round of bidding, which was discarded – backstory in our report from last month’s Skatepark Advisory Committee meeting. More to come, and you can also watch Seattle Skateparks for details.

4:09 PM UPDATE: Grindline’s bid was $483,000, according to Davidson. And here’s what Seattle Skateparks’ Matthew Lee Johnston, a West Seattleite, who’s on the Skatepark Advisory Committee, has to say about it.

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West Seattle High School Spirit Dinner & Auction in 2 weeks
February 2, 2011 3:18 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School Spirit Dinner & Auction in 2 weeks
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School PTSA is sending reminders this afternoon that the second annual WSHS Spirit Dinner and Auction is just two weeks away – Thursday, Feb. 17, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm. Tickets are $35 WSHS staff, $45 individual, $75 patron, $360 table of 8. You can buy tickets by e-mailing rjlee@seattleschools.org or calling 206-252-0476.

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Think summer! West Seattle Summer Fest, Summer Concerts at Hiawatha both taking applications
February 2, 2011 2:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If it were just 30 degrees warmer, all that sunshine would feel just like summer. Something else that might put you in the mood: Looking ahead to summer outdoor fun. Two notes:

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST: Checking the WSSF website, you’ll see the West Seattle Junction Association is already taking applications for vendors and exhibitors at this year’s festival (July 8-9-10) – the applications are linked here. And applications for musicians and other performers are promised next Monday (February 7th). But another big summer event is taking musician applications already …

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: The Admiral Neighborhood Association has extended the deadline for musicians to apply to be part of this year’s series on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center – a free series that drew thousands last year. The dates run from late July through early September; ANA hopes to have the slate set by April. You can get full details on applying by going here.

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From Chief Sealth IHS: Sign today; World Water Week in March
February 2, 2011 1:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two notes from Chief Sealth International High School this afternoon: First, the school’s new sign along SW Thistle is finally complete. Its illuminated top section was activated some weeks back, but the section beneath it didn’t get the school name back until today – Steve Wiseman of American Marketing is in our photo, helping finish the job.

Second story: You might remember the saga of student Molly Freed and teacher Noah Zeichner, traveling to Aspen for the Ideas Festival last year – the photo at right is from the WSB story about their trip. Molly was required to follow up by creating her own Ideas Festival at CSIHS – and now it’s set. Her teacher has sent word of the first annual World Water Week at Sealth, March 21-25, which they are organizing in collaboration with 50 other CSIHS students and teachers: “World Water Week will promote understanding of the relationship between members of our local community with water here and around the world, with the emphasis on improving that relationship through conservation and local action addressing equal access for all global citizens.” Here’s the official website. Five days of speakers and workshops for students, teachers, and community members are planned, including a big public event on the first day, with keynote speaker Robert Glennon, author of “Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What to Do About It.” They’re also expecting participation from U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee and a blessing from the Duwamish Tribe. The week will culminate on Friday 3/25 with no regular classes – instead, students will participate in activities including a water-carrying walk; Zeichner explains, “We will be simulating what over a billion people do every day to gather fresh water for their families” – also tied to a monthlong fundraiser for Water 1st International.

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