West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
West Seattle journalist Kathy Mulady has reported on the Charlestown Street Café‘s ups and downs over the past five years, for the Seattle P-I and for WSB. Following up on our Sunday report of the café’s imminent closure, she went there today to cover the first day since the bad news hit.
(Café owner Ron Hanlon and longtime staffer Shavaun Bartlett)
Story and photos by Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Ron Hanlon is done, and so is the Charlestown Street Café he has owned for more than 30 years.
Customers strolling in for their regular breakfast or lunch today were stunned by the note on the door announcing that the restaurant that has been so much a part of their lives will be closing for good at 3 p.m. next Sunday, April 3 (as reported here yesterday morning).
Hanlon said he will stay open long enough to serve a final meal to the after-church crowd, but that’s it. There will be no last-minute rescue this time.
“It’s very sad. This has been a community gathering spot for a long time. The landlord wants to move on,” said Hanlon. “A long-term lease for us is out of the question.”
The last four years have been a roller coaster for Hanlon and his regulars.
The business survived threats of demolition, a kitchen fire that closed the restaurant for four months, and was finally done in by a sour economy that refuses to rebound.
“The bottom fell out of the economy and we never recovered,” said Hanlon, who turned 65 this year, but insists he isn’t ready to retire.
Just a few weeks ago he bought new chairs for the restaurant, thinking that he would keep going.
Three school updates tonight:
MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC UPDATE: From the WSB inbox:
The Madison Middle School band, under the direction of Clark Bathum, performed at the All-District Middle School Band Concert at Eckstein Middle School, Thursday, March 24. They played “Into the Storm” by Robert W. Smith and listened to 12 other band performances. Select Madison musicians performed “Trombone King” by Karl L. King with the All-District Honor Band. This was the largest number of middle-school bands performing at the All-District concert to-date. Go Bulldogs!
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY NOTE #1 – PLANT SALE! Thanks to Cori for sending word that the Arbor Heights Elementary School fundraising plant sale is under way. They’re taking orders through April 11; pickup will be April 30th. The plant list and order form can all be found at this link on the AH website. Another green tidbit:
Thanks to the AH parent volunteer who shared that photo of the school’s new Up-Cycling and Recycling Center. It’s the creation of second-grade teacher Angie Nall (shown with kindergartener Ella), described by our tipster as “the powerhouse behind the school’s composting and Up-Cycling programs,” several of which AH participates in. (There’s more about “up-cycling” here.)
With the West Seattle Water Taxi resuming service today after several days off for repairs, some have asked when the 7-day-a-week spring/summer schedule will begin. We got the answer from the office of West Seattle’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott: April 8th, one week from this Friday. The official schedule isn’t online yet but should be available soon. Councilmember McDermott, by the way, recently became chair of the King County Ferry District board, which oversees the Water Taxi.
(VIDEO ADDED: This afternoon’s council meeting, in its entirety, from Seattle Channel)
Three notes of local interest from this afternoon’s Seattle City Council meeting (besides the major citywide headline, the Families/Education Levy going to the ballot):
WHITE CENTER/NORTH HIGHLINE ANNEXATION: We have been tracking this on partner site White Center Now. It took yet another turn today. End result: While the council is on record as saying it will make a final decision by the end of next February on whether to seek an annexation vote, amendments today make it clear that if Burien wants to start the ball rolling on annexing White Center and the rest of North Highline in the meantime, they won’t object. More here.
ADMIRAL SAFEWAY VOTE DELAY: As reported previously, City Council approval is needed for the change in one part of the Admiral Safeway project – doubling the number of apartments in the building on the site’s southeast side to 79, because the original plan for flex-work units could not get financing. After committee approval last week, the full council was supposed to vote today, but Councilmember Tom Rasmussen asked and received a 1-week delay, saying he wanted to review the public record.
HEARING SET FOR ‘ALLEY VACATION’ ON JUNCTION PROJECT: It’s been two years since the last notable public meetings related to Conner Homes‘ proposal for two buildings along SW Alaska between 42nd and California; the “underground alley vacation” that is part of the plan, facilitating the 2 buildings to share 1 parking garage, is just now reaching the council, which today agreed to set April 26th for the official public hearing on that part of the plan. (Council approval is needed since alleys, even just the underground sections of them – the aboveground section of this one would remain an alley – are considered public right-of-way.) SDOT’s street/alley-vacation specialist Beverly Barnett explained why this is coming up now (after the jump):Read More
Just in from West 5‘s Dave Montoure, organizer of Sunday’s communitywide West Seattle for Japan benefit:
Initial deposits are in: 7 of 28 participating businesses have collected $3665.11. This is an exciting number to report this early in the collection, and remember all these funds will be matched.
There are two remaining West Seattle for Japan posters at West 5 that can be had for a donation (in any amount), just ask the bartender on duty. We will be printing an additional dozen posters that will be available at the West 5 this week.
This Thursday, an informal “tweetup” will be held at West 5, with participants raffling items and donating proceeds to West Seattle for Japan.
Many thanks to Viking Bank West Seattle for providing the ³West Seattle for Japan² account and agreeing to waive account fees. They will even allow donors to this account use their coin counting machine at no charge (dig in the sofa!). This account will remain open for several weeks, and anyone can swing in to make a donation.
Thanks West Seattle!
Dave Montoure
The architects who are working on the plan to renovate the Alki Homestead, closed since an electrical fire in January 2009, will return to the city Landmark Preservation Board‘s Architectural Review Committee this Friday morning. It’ll be the third time they appear before the committee, which doesn’t vote, but rather advises applicants on their project before they get to a vote of the full board – whose approval is required for an official city landmark to proceed with renovations/modifications. The meeting is open to the public and is scheduled for 9:30 am this Friday at the Municipal Tower downtown; here’s our report on the first review in January, and the second review last month. The proposal seeks to renovate the historic Fir Lodge as a restaurant, with banquet facilities, and an added structure to its rear (west side) that would house the kitchen among other things.
Just out of the WSB inbox:
King County Metro is hosting two transportation focus groups for West Seattle residents in April 2011:
King County Metro is bringing a new program to West Seattle in the Admiral, Alaska, and Morgan Junctions. The focus groups are designed to help shape a new program to increase the number of people walking, biking, taking the bus, and carpooling in and out of West Seattle.
Two focus groups will be hosted on the following days/times:
Tuesday April 5th at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Avenue SW, from 6pm to 7:30pm
Wednesday April 6th at Gatewood Elementary, 4320 SW Myrtle Street from 6pm to 7:30pmParticipants will receive a 2011 Chinook Book a guide to living well and having fun in the Puget Sound good for savings of up to $3,000 at local businesses. Food and beverages will be provided.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot at www.westseattletalks.org or by calling Derrick Van Kirk 206-652-2310 or emailing derrick@feetfirst.org
It was a big weekend for restaurant news in West Seattle – Charlestown Café announcing its imminent closure, A Terrible Beauty adding a Junction location, the Chaco Canyon Café open house, and the opening date set for the new Beachside Café inside what was until November the Alki Bakery‘s flagship retail location. After the latter announcement, we asked the Beachside’s owners – Sharon and John Bang of the across-the-street Alki Café – for a sneak peek inside. It’s undergone some freshening, but not a dramatic overhaul:
When Beachside Café opens at 7 am next Monday, April 4th, you’ll be able to get hand-pulled espresso (see the machine in the top photo) – the owners say their staff just received training from coffee provider Caffe Vita. (Other vendors are listed in their Friday announcement.) There’s lots of brand-new preparation equipment, including the soft-serve frozen-yogurt machine:
And the waffle machine:
Even the cash-register equipment is new; much of the equipment from the Alki Bakery was more than a decade old. A new menu board is on the way, hand-chalked by a local artist. And they’ve done some repainting, though they kept the burgundy color on the south side of the interior, while using a “khaki” tone for much of the rest. The tables and chairs have gotten a facelift too, and in addition to fountain drinks, you will also see a few coolers with bottled drinks. Meantime, back across the street at Alki Café, they’re launching some menu changes, too – more burgers and salads. (Next Monday’s opening of Beachside comes just two months after they finalized the lease.)
(February Alki Community Council meeting photo by Karen Berge for WSB)
Just in from the City Council: They’re shelving proposed sign-code changes that could have allowed large illuminated signs on downtown buildings. The changes had drawn concern from the Alki Community Council, which heard from President Richard Conlin about the proposal just a month ago (here’s our coverage) – and here’s a statement he just sent out:
“The Executive’s legislation of proposed revisions to the sign code is on hold for the rest of the year. When the Regional Development and Sustainability (RDS) committee first discussed the issue last December, many Councilmembers and stakeholders raised questions and concerns.
“Those questions were forwarded to Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in early January and they responded to our questions in late February. In light of the DPD’s detailed response and the need for ongoing public discussion about this type of signage, several possible amendments to the legislation must be considered by Councilmembers and various stakeholders.
“The proposed legislation combined with all possible amendment options would require a significant time commitment from the Council. As several major initiatives are already before Council this year, the proposed sign code changes will likely not come back to the RDS committee until late 2011 or early 2012.”
More to come.
ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: Here are more details in coverage from our partners at the Seattle Times.
(Sunday night photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
WEST SEATTLE FOR JAPAN: Well into last night, WS4J organizer Dave Montoure and others were still making origami (folding-paper) cranes at West 5 – aiming for 1,000, a symbol of good luck and a wish come true. Since many are eager to know what their participation resulted in, for donations to Peace Winds and KnK, we just checked with Dave, who says he’s “getting the word out to all businesses right now, we should have an early tally later this afternoon, but anticipate a full tally at a date later in the week (some folks are still raising money!)”
And separate of the almost-30-businesses West Seattle for Japan unified effort, here are three more:
MACHEL SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDRAISER: You’ve enjoyed some of her photos here on WSB, as well as in local shows and elsewhere online (including her own site). Machel tells us she is listing two photos to raise money for Japan:
There will be a limited edition of only 20 listings and I am donating every penny raised from either of these listings to Japan (minus shipping cost) … I will have these photographs up for exactly two weeks. These photographs are very special to me, the hands represent the idea that all people are equal and we are all part of the same big world and the lantern is a symbol of hope in Japanese. You will get a 20X20 professional archival print and it will be directly shipped to you. I have both in my house and stare at them all the time I just love them so much. All funds will go directly to UNICEF when the sales are over in two weeks and I will post on Flickr and Etsy how much was raised …
Here’s the link. One per person, Machel says, so please specify which one you want.
LA RUSTICA TONIGHT: As previously mentioned, La Rustica Italian Restaurant (4100 Beach Drive) is opening tonight – it’s usually closed Mondays – especially to raise money for Japan relief. 5-9:30 pm, no reservations, first-come, first-served.
GARAGE SALE THIS WEEKEND: Another reminder of the benefit sale planned by Admiral resident Shelley Lebert this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-4 pm both days at 3014 45th SW – with anyone and everyone welcome to contribute items to be sold to raise money for quake/tsunami relief. Here’s our original report with all the details.
(Also one more reminder of the Japan candlelight vigil at Admiral Congregational Church, California/Hill, 7:33 tonight.)
New information about the next big Parks project to be built in West Seattle, Delridge Skatepark: Project manager Kelly Davidson says West Seattle-headquartered Grindline has been officially 
awarded the contract (in the second round of bidding, they were the “apparent low bidder,” at $483,000, but nothing was final till a process, detailed in our previous report, was complete). Davidson says construction will get the green light once the Notice to Proceed is official, and the tentative date for that is April 11th. So far, no formal groundbreaking ceremony is planned – once they’re ready to start, they’ll start If that timeline holds, and summer weather is normal, she says the skatepark at Delridge/Genesee (map) should be ready to open in early September.
(Alki Lighthouse photo from Friday, by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
WATER TAXI BACK: As announced by King County over the weekend, repairs on Rachel Marie are complete, and it’s back on its regular West Seattle-Downtown Seattle schedule for the first time since Saturday morning.
FIRST WEEKDAY FOR STATE FERRIES’ SPRING SCHEDULE: Washington State Ferries’ spring schedule began Sunday, and among other changes, it means Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth is back on a three-boat schedule.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE/TSUNAMI VIGIL, BENEFIT DINNER: Two events announced last week are happening tonight: A candlelight vigil at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill), 7:33 pm, and dinner all night at La Rustica on Beach Drive with proceeds going to quake relief, 5-9:30 pm, no reservations required, first-come, first-served (the restaurant is usually closed on Mondays, but is open tonight especially for this).
TACKLING TEEN DRINKING: 4:30-6:30 pm today, West Seattle and White Center community members concerned about underage drinking and how to reduce its impact on the community are invited to a meeting at Greenbridge YWCA, 9720 8th SW.
WEST SEATTLE SEE DOGS: Got the love and time to share with a guide-dog puppy? Check out WS See Dogs’ meeting tonight, 6:30 pm, lobby of Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), 2326 California SW.
PEARL JAM CD RE-RELEASE PARTY: 8 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm
FOOD TRUCK DEBUT: Charlie’s Buns is scheduled to make its first appearance in West Seattle (4-7 pm at Jiffy Lube lot – more info here)
Though three months remain in the school year, if you are looking for summer camp, it’s practically “the last minute.” One new option is offered in West Seattle this summer – a yoga summer camp for girls. YogaGirlz is the brainchild of Shana Hageman, who says, 
“As a longtime West Seattle resident, mother of two daughters, and a yoga instructor, I realized the community needed a program that provided a tool box for girls to navigate their world. I combined the benefits and elements of yoga with a framework to build self esteem and give them the opportunity to find their own voice. YogaGirlz strives to create a more authentic world, one girl at a time.”
In addition to her yoga work, Shana also spent eight years as a mental-health therapist specializing in working with girls 6-18. Along with yoga, she says her camps will include nature walks, collage, cooking, arts/crafts, and more. She is planning four weeklong day-camp sessions, one per age group (12-15 the oldest; 3-5 the youngest) between July 18 and August 12 at Kenyon Hall; you can check on registration availability at summercamp@yoga-girlz.com or 206-715-3213.
Less than two weeks away, South Park is throwing a party for pets and their people, and there are West Seattle participants too, with room for more vendors. Here’s the announcement for the first-ever Bark for South Park Pet Fair:
Celebrate the love of man’s best friend with the pets and people that make up the neighborhood of South Park in Seattle. Dogs and their parents will gather on April 9, 2011 to celebrate the 1st Annual Bark for South Park pet fair. The event will be held from 11:00am to 4:00pm in the parking lot of Discount Foods located at the corner of Dallas Ave South and 14th Ave South – right across the street from the temporary dog park in South Park.
The event will feature a number of booths from area pet stores and retailers like A Dog’s Dream Natural Pet Supply (Georgetown), Seattle Canine Outfitters (South Park), Petco (West Seattle) and others. Information about their products and free samples of their favorite healthy products will be handed out.
Receive invaluable information from pet care and training providers, like Happy Tails Dog Walking Services (Georgetown) and Seattle’s Best Dog Walking, visit dogs in need of a home from local rescues like Dogs Deserve More, or let you dog sample new bake at home treats from local vendors. A limited number of booths are still available at no cost to the vendor.
The event will also feature a number of contests for dogs, and their owners, plus giveaways – and of course, it is dog friendly.
Sisters, Kathy and Sue Kershaw, planned the event on one of their daily visits to the dog park with Kathy’s beloved dog, Zeke. Their idea was two-fold; they wanted to bring dog lovers together to show support for a permanent dog area in the neighborhood — and also bring more people down to the retail core of South Park. Restaurant and retail establishments that are hit hard by to the bridge closure last year, losing regular customers who long traveled from neighboring Duwamish River neighborhoods.
“When the South Park Bridge closed last June, the county installed a temporary dog park at one of the sites next to the closed bridge. Since construction will start on the new bridge in May, the dog park will close after just being open 10 months. We have many dogs in this neighborhood already, and people from Georgetown, White Center and Boulevard Park are bringing their dogs here to play.”
“We need to secure a place now for our dogs especially since so many people here cannot drive to dog parks in other parts of Seattle. Not having the same access to the neighboring communities is a huge issue for this area,” says Kathy Kershaw, organizer of the event. “My sister and I hope to bring other dog lovers from the community out to support the idea of a dog park and that support this area as a dog-friendly community. If anything, we need to understand each other and our pets more to make this a nicer place to live for our four-legged family members.”
The event promises to be a treat for all dog lovers and their pets alike. The hope is to continue this event annually – in a new dog park in a restored area along the Duwamish River.
Volunteers and vendors are still needed for the event. Please contact Kathy Kershaw at 206-696-0521 / 206-767-5695.
The choir’s voices filled the sanctuary at West Side Presbyterian Church, just before this morning’s 9:30 am celebration service in honor of WSPC’s centennial. The church’s history is thoroughly retold online (see the links on the lower right); the centennial-celebration page also includes information about a Centennial Courtyard for which WSPC needs to raise about $66,000.
While we’re talking fundraising … one of the big hits at last night’s Jazz Dinner on behalf of the Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School music programs was the dessert dash, with creations like this:
The dessert dash alone raised more than $3,000, it was announced during the event, which drew hundreds to the CSIHS Galleria for a barbecue-chicken dinner and music, including Sealth’s Jazz Band II, directed by Marcus Pimpleton (as are the Denny musicians who played earlier):
Another West Seattle school had a big event this weekend:
Hope Lutheran School invited the community to an open house this afternoon, with first-year principal Kristen Okabayashi on hand:
Hope is expanding its preschool program next school year.
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here to see it or scroll down the WSB home page. Our morning coverage is here; our afternoon coverage is here.)
If you haven’t already been out to join in the nearly-30-business fundraiser West Seattle for Japan – or even if you have! – there are places to go and things to do tonight. Above, the WS4Japan poster outside Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW: WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Jeff Gilbert designed it – they’re donating the profits from food and beverages sold today/tonight. Inside, Leslie and Amy were behind the bar as of about an hour ago:
We dropped by The Bridge (35th SW just south of Avalon) at mid-afternoon, while LT was behind the bar:
According to The Bridge’s Facebook page, she’s made way for successors tonight – but they’re continuing on as The Triangle’s anchor for the fundraiser. In The Junction, Mashiko is offering a $25 bento tonight, half the proceeds to be donated, with its ingredients highlighting Northeastern Japan traditions. (Photo added – Mashiko’s owner Chef Hajime Sato hard at work tonight:)
Other places open tonight from the official list on the West Seattle for Japan Facebook page’s info tab – West 5‘s spinning with DJ Deanzig tonight – here’s the story proprietor Dave Montoure did with KING 5 earlier today:
Also part of West Seattle for Japan tonight, Shadowland, Mission, Porterhouse, Beveridge Place Pub, Skylark Café and Club (with the Spike reunion), Fresh Bistro, JaK’s Grill, Wing Dome, and Taqueria Guaymas.
Last month, for West Seattle Blog/White Center Now, Deanie Schwarz broke the story of White Center’s historic rollerskating rink – turned “event center” – getting new management and a new life with its old identity, as Southgate Roller Rink. Tonight, she has an update from rink managers, just published on WCN – they’ve set the opening date, April 7th.
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here or scroll down WSB home page. Our morning coverage is here. And remember, this continues on into the evening, be part of it tonight!)
We’re in The Junction as the all-day-all-night West Seattle for Japan benefit continues. Above, Dave Montoure of West 5, who hatched the idea, and Pat Schmitt of Peace Winds America, one of the beneficiaries. We talked with them a little while ago to find out exactly what your money is going for – Peace Winds is based in Seattle, with an affiliate in Japan, and people on the ground in four of the hardest-hit cities in northeastern Japan. For just one example – Schmitt says they just delivered more than 500 kerosene stoves, and thousands of gallons of fuel, to areas where quake/tsunami survivors are having a hard time staying warm. The operation is moving soon from relief to recovery – they will need to help rebuild. Peace Winds is one of the largest NGOs (non-government organizations) helping in Japan, Schmitt explains. Montoure used to live in the quake zone and says he has spoken with a friend who told him the situation at shelters is hard to imagine. So your money’s going to a great cause – like the donations being collected in this box at West 5:
And the donation jar near the turntables at Red Cup Espresso about a block north (it’s always Turntable Sunday at Red Cup):
Up California SW a bit further, you’ll find these special bags at Cherry Consignment, bonuses for those buying at least $20:
Then back into the heart of The Junction, Easy Street Records is among those donating part of their proceeds today – here’s our overview of the shopping crowd:
And at Many Moons Trading Company, in the midblock breezeway off the west side of California SW between Oregon and Alaska, sidewalk chalk invites you inside:
On Alaska just east of California, there’s City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor):
Also, CAPERS, where WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen photographed Mary Summers:
The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is participating too, and we’re off to see what’s going on there – less than half an hour to go, but lots of time to get to the *other* venues (Team WSB is stopping by others too) – the list is on the info tab of the West Seattle for Japan FB page; also, if you missed the link atop this story, we have the 27 participants with storefronts all mapped here. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a community-wide effort to help … we even spotted King County Executive Dow Constantine (getting an origami-crane-making lesson right after we arrived at West 5 just before noon).
ADDED 4:40 PM: Remember, Morgan Junction is in on this too, with Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and Beveridge Place Pub, which has this cool sign on the sidewalk:
More to come – there’s dinner and entertainment still part of the deal.
(ADDED 12:41 PM: The note on the Charlestown Café door)
Thanks to the WSB’ers who called and e-mailed with this news, which we have just confirmed: The Charlestown Café is closing its doors. A sign on its front door says that it’ll be shutting down as of 3 pm next Sunday (April 3rd) and blames economic conditions. It’s endured a lot in recent years – first a development threat that rallied community support for the restaurant; then, shortly after word that the development plan was dropped, a 2008 fire closed the café for months. One year after its reopening, we followed up with owner Ron Hanlon, who candidly discussed the economic challenges (including the fact he had a month-by-month lease).
(WSB photo from 2009)
ADDED 3:51 PM: Rooting around now to see if there’s any hint at the site’s future. City files show some activity last June on a proposal for a “mixed-use multifamily building with commercial on the ground floor,” but no dated activity since then – we’ll be checking tomorrow to see if this is an active proposal. There’s no indication in online records of any change in ownership. The proposal that surfaced in 2006 ultimately emerged as a single-story building that was to be a new home for Petco; the plan was dropped in early 2008, and as reported here a month ago, Petco is moving to Capco Plaza at 41st/Alaska.
(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here or scroll down WSB home page – meantime, for this report, we are putting our latest stops FIRST, below!)
THIRD REPORT, 11:23 AM: WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen stopped by Coffee to a Tea with Sugar and found their contribution to West Seattle for Japan – cherry-blossom cupcakes, with ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the proceeds donated! They’re in The Junction at 4541 California SW. (Earlier coverage continues below:)
SECOND REPORT, 11 AM: We’ve just visited the southernmost stop on the West Seattle for Japan map at 10223 26th SW, Village Green Perennial Nursery. Proprietor Vera and team are out back with the plants and open till 4:30 pm today. She is donating a percentage of proceeds. Also, before we get to The Junction, we asked WSB contributor Ellen to send a quick camphone pic of origami-crane-making at West 5 – here’s WS4Japan mastermind Dave and friends working on cranes:
Earlier coverage below:
FIRST REPORT, 10:19 AM: We are on the road covering West Seattle for Japan – one of our first stops, Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW; WSB sponsor), where the menu shown in our iPhone photo lists their brunch cocktails, with $1 from each one going to the Japan relief fund. Tonight at Skylark, something special too – Rod Moody (who you may know as webguy for Easy Street Records and Café, also participating today) sends word that he and Spike (for which he is singer/guitarist) are playing for the first time in more than a decade! 9 pm at Skylark. Much more to come as we stop by other WS4J venues (you can share your photos too – editor@westseattleblog.com).
Like many car-washing fundraisers before theirs, the Chief Sealth International High School Honor Choir and friends are out today no matter what the weather (and as we write this, we see a bit of sun) – you can support their Carnegie Hall trip fundraiser at Alki Auto’s lot till 4 pm.
Topping today’s marquee: WEST SEATTLE FOR JAPAN, with ***28*** (update!) participants listed by organizers. Here’s our unofficial Google Map locating them all (note that like any G-map, you can use the plus/minus to zoom in/out – as you zoom into The Junction, for example, the placemarks will start separating so you can click each one):
Plus some of the highlights of what merchants are doing/offering (as we find them on FB/web/Twitter, etc.) – here’s the latest list, plus watch for coverage during the day/night. Be sure to show your support, and check for more participant updates, by “liking” the official FB page – facebook.com/westseattleforjapan.
Also today:
NEED YOUR CAR WASHED? Car wash to raise money for Chief Sealth Honor Choir’s trip to Carnegie Hall
9:00 AM-4:00 PM Rain or Shine
Alki Auto Repair, 2504 Alki Ave SW
$10 donation suggested (more welcome and appreciated)
GEAR SWAP: Final day of the gear swap organized by Mountain to Sound Outfitters, skis, boards, boots, more, VFW Hall on SW Alaska, 10 am-6 pm, details here
HAPPY 100TH! West Side Presbyterian Church at 3601 California SW celebrates its centennial, 9:30 am (here’s the Facebook event invite) – photo above courtesy of WSPC, their “Little Brown Church” at original location, 44th and Lander.
SEE A SHOW!: Matinees today for both Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” presented by Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, schedule and tickets here, and “Distracted” at ArtsWest in The Junction – full details and ticket link here
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Today and every Sunday, 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska) – participating in West Seattle for Japan, too
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Hope Lutheran School open house, noon-1 pm (including info about its new preschool, opening this fall) – details here
OPERA! Lyric Opera Northwest (based in West Seattle) performs “La Boheme” at The Moore downtown, 4 pm (here’s our preview story with rehearsal video)
‘THRIVING IN MENOPAUSE’: Special event this afternoon at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, noon-4 pm (details here)
More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.
If you’re looking for a spring egg hunt, join Seattle Parks and Recreation all over the city for a variety of fun egg hunts. Some are for toddlers, some are for teens and involve flashlights! Sounds like a lot of fun, check it out with your kids.
If you’re traveling to another part of the city, you can see the entire schedule here so you can plan egg hunting fun!
Tuesday, April 19
High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW
Toddler Spring Eggstravaganza
Ages 2 – 5
10 a.m. to noon
Activity Fee: $5; please use #69489 in the SPARC registration system at
www.seattle.gov/parks.
Bring your little one for a morning of fun and activities, including a very special bunny visit
especially for toddlers. There will be games, crafts for the children, and an egg hunt (11
a.m. sharp) with age-appropriate prizes and candy.
Friday April 22nd
Teens Only! Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Way SW
Teen Night Egg Hunt
Ages 12-18
8:15 p.m.
Free
Join us for the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle! Please remember your
flashlight and goodie bag, and there will be prizes. We’ll serve a spaghetti dinner after the hunt.
Please call 206 684-7441 for more information.
Saturday April 23rd
Teens Only! Southwest Teen Life Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt
Ages 13-19
9 p.m.
Free
Bring a flashlight and your sense of adventure–we’ll be searching for eggs. Find the most and
win a prize!
Saturday April 23rd
Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW
High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW
South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S
Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.
Spring Egg Hunts
Ages 3 – 11
10 a.m.
Free
Girls and boys ages 3 to 11 will have a great time at the spring egg hunt at their closest West
Seattle community center, searching for chocolate eggs, candy, and prizes. Please come early
to find the hunting area for your age group, and remember to bring a bag or basket for the eggs
you find.
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