West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
This Friday is your last chance to nominate someone for the Jeff Fairhall Local Food Hero Award, which will be presented again this year at the annual Eat Local Now! dinner celebration. Once again this fall, the dinner is happening at SODO Park, the acclaimed venue operated by West Seattle-founded Herban Feast (also parent to Fresh Bistro in The Junction). It’s set for October 24 – details here – with tickets now on sale (buy them online here), and while the event’s not in West Seattle, Sustainable West Seattle is a major sponsor/organizer, along with other area groups. Our area is full of advocates who work to promote growing and eating local food – who’s YOUR hero? (Previous winners included Aviva Furman from Community Harvest of SW Seattle and the Community Orchard of West Seattle, and City Council president Richard Conlin.) Get your nomination in by Friday (September 23) – the form is here.
Heads-up in the north Beach Drive area Wednesday and Thursday. From King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division:
On Sept. 21, crews with King County’s clean-water utility will begin a two-day project to replace corroded equipment inside a sewer structure on Southwest Spokane Street between Beach Drive Southwest and 62nd Avenue Southwest [map].
For safety reasons, the work is scheduled between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when system flows are lowest. Though most work will take place below ground, neighbors might experience noise and glare associated with construction vehicles and generators. During work hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane of local access on Southwest Spokane Street. Flaggers will be on site to assist drivers.
It’s possible some work may need to occur during daytime hours on Sept. 26. People with questions can contact Heidi Sowell, King County Wastewater Treatment Division community services planner at Heidi.Sowell@kingcounty.gov or 206-684-1207 or 711 TTY.
(Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
Sarah Lenssen of Seaview is mom to three kids, two of whom are from Ethiopia. This week – to help save the lives of starving children in their homeland and other food-crisis-ravaged nations in the Horn of Africa – her #Ask5for5 campaign is being spotlighted on dozens of websites. Sarah explains that #Ask5for5 is “simple: anyone who wants to participate gives $5 and then asks 5 friends to give $5 and they each ask 5 more friends to give $5. So far 754 people have donated over $23,000 for victims of the drought and famine. 100% of the funds multiplied up to 5 times by government grants and are being administered by local organization World Vision in the Horn for relief efforts.” She started it about a month ago, and then sought other online writers to feature it during Social Media Week, which kicked off today. If you have a website and are willing to feature Sarah’s ready-to-publish “guest post” about #Ask5for5 – you can see it here, including contact information. And/or, if you would like to donate, you can do that here.
It wasn’t just celebration at Saturday’s Delridge Day festival, presented by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council – it was also about information, including one of the hottest current topics in the neighborhood, 
Downtown Emergency Service Center‘s proposal for 75 apartments in the 5400 block of Delridge Way SW to house homeless people living with mental illness (and in some cases, sustance abuse). One week earlier, we reported on Delridge neighborhood advocates’ tour of two DESC facilities in Columbia City and Cascade, and mentioned their plan for a town-hall-style forum. The date has now been announced: Tuesday, October 11th (evening, time TBA), at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. NDNC distributed flyers on Saturday in multiple languages. They also have launched a website with info about the forum; see it here.
(Photo by Justin Atwell from Saturday’s Delridge Skatepark grand opening; WSB coverage here)
Summer’s making a comeback this week, we hear (forecast and lots more on the new experimental WSB Weather page), right before fall arrives. Meantime, here’s what’s up tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page:
LIBRARY EVENTS RESUME: This is the first full week of Seattle Public Library branches’ regular weekly events, after a small break that followed the weeklong furlough. Today: 2 pm, Southwest Library‘s Afternoon Book Group (reading Evelyn Waugh‘s “Brideshead Revisited”; 7 pm, High Point Library, family story time.
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: This club for people who enjoy cooking meets 2:30 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. Bring your creation with the ingredient of the week: Seasonal fruit.
ADMIRAL BUSINESSES’ MEETING: Business owner/merchant in the Admiral District? Reminder that today’s the meeting with Admiral Neighborhood Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 4 pm refreshments and 4:30 pm meeting, Porterhouse.
SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE TALKS ECONOMICS: Think outside the economic box; come be part of Sustainable West Seattle‘s community forum on alternatives to growth economics, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm – full details here.
WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATION: Meets 8-9:30 p.m at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor). Topic: Nutrition, with Carol Cartnell from the city of Seattle. From the invitation: “You might like to come with an idea that you have on ways to get kids to try new foods, incorporating cooking into the classroom, or balanced-meal/portion-size strategies. Come and share an evening with other preschool educators; we hope to see you there!”
(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB and White Center Now)
Tonight, a new, properly illuminated flag flies over a small, decades-old tribute to veterans, re-dedicated today in the Delridge Triangle, where White Center and West Seattle meet. It’s the result of efforts by the White Center Chamber of Commerce. A full report on this afternoon’s re-dedication ceremony is on our partner site White Center Now.
Got room in your heart and home for a puppy who will grow up to do great things – namely, serving as a Guide Dog? If so, you need to meet West Seattle See Dogs – one of the guide-puppy-raising group that was on hand at Petco in The Junction today in honor of National Guide Dog Month. From left, above, Ruth Oldham, McKenna Kormanik with Guiness the puppy, and Heather Gilbert. Here’s a closer look at Guiness:
You can catch up with West Seattle See Dogs on Facebook.
(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
At the top of the “hill,” that’s Mike LaFranchi from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, during today’s Zucchini 500, an annual tradition at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Kids got the chance to make their own “racers” and then try them out. More photos ahead:Read More
(Updated 9:27 pm with video of the awards ceremony)
3:07 PM: Haven’t been to the West Seattle Junction Car Show yet? Still time – if you hurry! Here are a few more examples of the lovingly preserved/restored automotive history on display – that’s a 1921 Buick above, and a 1954 MG below:
From the muscle-car ’60s, a 1967 Barracuda:
The wrap-up, and yet more photos, later! (And if you’re just looking for an update on when the streets will reopen – since the displays here are on wheels, breakdown takes less time than, oh, say Summer Fest, so it doesn’t usually take long after the official 4 pm end time.)
ADDED 9:27 PM: Video of the entire awards ceremony:
Best in show: Harold and his Buick, originally shown above – the car’s 90 years old, and so is he!
By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog
Back after a couple weeks’ hiatus: From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:
*Four women were suspected of casing homes in the 4100 block of SW Frontenac Wednesday afternoon. One door-knocker fled after discovering one home was occupied, but the homeowner there kept an eye on her and called 911 when she went into the backyard of a neighbor. One woman, a Kent resident, was booked into King County Jail for criminal trespass. The others were investigated and released.
*Early Monday, a 28-year-old Kent resident was booked into King County Jail after verbally and physically harassing a number of people at the corner of 61st and Alki.
*Around noon on Thursday the 8th, a driver became enraged when he couldn’t pass through a construction site in the 3200 block of 61st SW. He yelled obscenities and threatened to come back and slit the tires on the construction vehicles. He drove off, but not before causing $150 worth of damage to two lighted construction barricades. The car he drove was registered to an address in the 6100 block of SW Spokane and was later spotted in the driveway there. The woman at the residence refused to provide any information and was uncooperative with officers.
Seven more summaries, including two armed robberies on the street, ahead:Read More
It’s on! The fourth annual West Seattle Junction Car Show (with co-sponsors including WSB) is under way till 4 this afternoon:
California SW is lined with classics:
And look closely to see added touches:
No admission charge for the car show – but you can stop by the booths in the California/Alaska vicinity to buy a T-shirt or raffle tickets (benefiting charity). This is a judged car show, and toward day’s end, we’ll find out who gets the trophies!
ADDED 11:52 AM: Drier weather!
More to come.
(WS Autoworks’ Chris Christensen, Nathan Huie, Todd Ainsworth. Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
With cars in the West Seattle spotlight today, seems like an auspicious time to mention this: There’s something new at West Seattle Autoworks – a big new sign marking their spot along 35th SW at Webster. And it was installed just in time for the shop to celebrate a milestone: October will mark one year since their grand opening. They’re planning a first-anniversary party on Saturday, October 1st, an open-house event with refreshments including Red Star Pizza and coffee from Cafe Osita (both nearby businesses), raffle tickets, door prizes, and discount offers that’ll be good for the whole month. Drop in and wish West Seattle Autoworks “happy anniversary” 9 am-5 pm on the 1st.
We caught those Ford Falcons bright and early during setup for the West Seattle Junction Car Show, today’s biggest event, but not the only event! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION CAR SHOW: 8 am-4 pm, California SW is closed between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon for the annual car show. More info here. WSB is live on site, so check here for updates throughout the day. Show’s free, but bring some $ for the raffle, the T-shirt, and more. (Reminder, in case you missed the announcement a few days ago, the “Deadliest Catch” cast members canceled.)
BIG DAY AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska) celebrates squash today, as follows:
1. THE CONTEST: Bring your biggest, weirdest-looking squash from your own garden to the market info booth and enter to win a beautiful farmers market basket full of market goodies. Entries accepted and displayed until judging starts at 1:00 pm (The market opens at 10:– am so please do not bring entries before then). Squash will be judged by the experts: Our market farmers!
2. THE ZUCCHINI 500: Kids of all ages can make, then race, their very own vegetable vehicle. Car bodies and parts supplied by the farmers market. Races held continuously from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
3. MASTER CHEF COOKING DEMOS: Featuring great ideas with squash for both summer and fall. Plus, information from farmers, free recipes and ideas for making the most of local farm harvests!
Another Junction event:
MEET GUIDE DOGS AND GUIDE PUPPIES: West Seattle See Dogs and their guide-puppy-raising counterparts from Vashon Island will be inside and outside at Petco, 10 am-3 pm, in honor of National Guide Dog Month. Come meet working dogs, and help raise money for guide-dog programs.
GET FIT AND HELP BIRDS: Work out with trainer Dawn Brent and benefit bird rescue: 10 am, meet at south parking lot of Lincoln Park, full details here.
AFTERNOON TUNES: Jamtime plays bluegrass and more, 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.
CALLING ALL VETERANS: The entire West Seattle/White Center community is invited to the re-dedication of White Center Veterans’ Memorial Park at the south end of Delridge Way SW, but particularly veterans – wear part of your uniform if possible. 4 pm, more details here.
Yet another big event that happened in West Seattle on Saturday – the annual Sundodger Invitational cross-country meet in Lincoln Park. Thanks to Mark Ahlness for sharing the photo from the high-school boys’ 5K. He says, “Those guys were coming FAST, and the sound was incredible as they went by.” (By the way – the results are here.)
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
After previewing WestSide Baby‘s kickoff for “Re-Ride,” their expanded car-seat-recycling campaign, we checked back toward the end of the four-hour Saturday event to see the results: Above, some of the 40 or so seats WS Baby told us they received. About one in five could be reused; the rest will be disassembled for recycling. Volunteer Caxambu showed up on Saturday to pitch in with that:
Keep an eye on westsidebaby.org – and here, of course – for updates on upcoming opportunities to donate *any* used car seat you have on hand.
One local high-school football team in action tonight: In its home opener at West Seattle Stadium, Seattle Lutheran won big, 47-0 over Northwest Christian.
ADDED: Game summary and video, after the jump:Read More
The cameraphone photo’s from Bill Reid, who says he spotted the coyote this afternoon just north of The Triangle:
I just shot a pic of this coyote on the corner of 37th SW & Genesee! It had someone’s pet chicken in its mouth but I almost hit it with my car and it dropped the bird! Needless to say, the bird ran away and the coyote just jogged off in the direction of the West Seattle golf course. Broad daylight and it wasn’t the least bit concerned about cars and people! Amazing!!!!
Remember – do your best to make sure they’ll be concerned about people, for the good of them and us (the advice is here).
Meantime, another wildlife sighting – photographed on the Harbor Avenue shoreline by Christoph Erhard:
We have expert advice on what to do when you encounter a seal pup – for one, stay WAY far back – they might get scared into the water, and their moms, who usually leave pups on the beach so they can go seek food, might not be able to find them. Plus, notify Seal Sitters; their online journal of seal-sitting is here. (Very busy time of year for them – and thanks to everyone who’s shared seal photos, including the ones we haven’t even gotten to publish yet – we’re assured they’ve been taken from a distance.)
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Houston Wong was the first one back to the start of the course for this morning’s Walk & Roll for Ataxia, an annual fundraiser on Alki. He told WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen that he was there on behalf of a friend who has ataxia, a nervous-system disorder (explained here). Ellen also caught up with Tony Lewendon, an ataxia patient who “rolled” on the course with his recumbent bicycle:
Two more photos after the jump:Read More
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Continuing our coverage of a very busy day around West Seattle: Dozens of volunteers hit the beach this morning at Alki for a cleanup sponsored by JACK-FM radio. Here’s the Kazen family, doing their part:
This was one of many cleanups today around the region/state/world – in honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
(Updated 8:10 pm with video clips from the skatepark dedication ceremony)
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
At the Delridge Day/Delridge Skatepark grand-opening celebration dual festivities till 3 pm, fun is in the bag (sack) – or, in the bowl!
The official dedication is coming up at 1 pm, followed by pro skaters’ demonstrations, but skating’s been under way since this morning, including lessons provided by Skate Like A Girl. Delridge Day vendors include Delridge Produce Cooperative:
And of course there’s the big fundraising bake sale we’ve been mentioning, too. The festival was organized for the first time by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.
More photos later!
ADDED 8:10 PM: First, the video! The Delridge Skatepark ribboncutting (followed by skaters launching themselves immediately afterward):
And the speakers:
And pro skater Sky Siljeg:
We also wanted to say thanks to Karen Berge and Deb Greer from the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network and West Seattle Be Prepared, who posed with Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen:
They loaned us tent space at Delridge Day when things got a bit soggy.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
A 5K run/walk was one of the activities kicking off today’s centennial celebration at Hiawatha, the city’s first community center. It continues till 5 pm – with opportunities to learn more about its history as an “Olmsted park”:
(Sue Nicol, VP of Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks, giving a presentation)
..and also to enjoy games and entertainment – here’s the schedule. (We’ll add more photos later!)
Today’s biggest rummage-saling opportunity in West Seattle: The 16th annual 2nd-Time Sale at Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW), continuing till 3 pm. Big turnout in the early going. Donated items include a pile of pillows we’re told are courtesy of a West Seattleite who does decor aboard yachts!
P.S. If you’re looking for more rummage/yard/garage sales, check the (free!) listings in the WSB Forums’ Freebies/Deals/Sales section.
(Photo added 10:57: Kathleen Steele & David Haggerty @ Fauntleroy breakfast)
FAUNTLEROY BREAKFAST, SALE: This day of big events starts with the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraising pancake breakfast, 9-11 am at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and the 2nd-Time Sale across the street at Fauntleroy Church, 9 am-3 pm.
WALK ‘N’ ROLL FOR ATAXIA: Join a unique walk/roll-a-thon on Alki today to help fight ataxia, 3 miles or smaller loops. Register at 9 am, get going at 10. Details here.
STORYTELLING: At Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor), 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am: The PJ Library welcomes Erik Lawson as our guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as our storyteller. We will be reading the book “A Holiday for Noah” as we practice the art of braiding challah.
WESTFEST, DAY TWO: Our photo is from the kickoff last night, but this is the big day for Holy Rosary’s WestFest festival, 10 am-10 pm . Local music, kids’ talent show, food, rides, games, beer garden, bingo, raffle prizes. Fun for all ages. The live-entertainment schedule is here.
WESTSIDE BABY NEEDS YOU AND/OR YOUR CAR SEAT(S): Car-seat recycling – for ALL car seats! at WestSide Baby, 10032 15th SW, 10 am-2 pm, kickoff of new expanded car-seat-recycling campaign, more details here. Even if you don’t have one to donate, they could use volunteer help today, same time/place.
HAPPY 5TH, CLEMENTINE! Fifth anniversary celebration at Clementine in The Junction, 10 am-6 pm, cake and mimosas and “mystery discounts.”
HELP CLEAN UP ALKI: Beach cleanup on Alki, 10 am-1 pm – info here.
HOW TO FIND MISSING PETS: Missing Pet Partnership Community Social, 10:00am – 11:30am. West Seattle Christian Social Hall, 4400 42nd Ave SW. Missing Pet Partnership, Furry Faces Foundation and West Seattle Christian Church are excited to bring our Greater West Seattle Animal Lovers a 90-minute Community Social and Discussion on how to find missing pets. Enjoy complimentary morning nibbles and beverages while hearing about success stories, talking with like-hearted people, and learning new skills.
REPTILE MAN! Reptile Man at High Point Community Center, 10:30 am (details here).
(Friday morning, the skatepark got some last-minute cleanup)
DELRIDGE DAY AND SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING: These are two big events adjacent to each other – the Delridge Day festival, with vendors (including Delridge Produce Cooperative selling fresh fruits/vegetables), activities, a mega-bake sale, Seattle Police Mounted Patrol horses, entertainment, more. 11 am-3 pm, at and around Delridge Community Center. Immediately north, those are the hours for festivities at the new skatepark, starting with skating lessons at 11, then the ribboncutting at 1 pm, followed by pro skaters’ demo and live music.
HIAWATHA CENTENNIAL: 11 am-5 pm, the historic Hiawatha Community Center/Park celebrates its 100th birthday, inviting you to the party. A 5K run-walk is one of the first events; see the event schedule here.
PARADE IN SOUTH PARK: It’s at 11 am, part of the Fiestas Patrias celebration – full details here.
POOCHES IN THE POOL ONE LAST TIME: Final Dog Days of Summer swimming fundraiser continue – dogs only, pool is closed for people until next year! – noon-2 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, fundraiser for water-polo team, details here.
AUTHENTIC OKTOBERFEST:: Take part in W. Wash. most authentic Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Austria Club of Washington. Wear your Dirndl or Lederhose as you dance to Happy Hans and watch Enzian Schuhplattler perform. Schnitzel with all trimmings, plus Kirschtorte, and Bavarian beer! Just like in Munich: Oans, zwoa, G’suffa!
Location: Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th Avenue SW. $25 includes dinner; beverages extra – check to see if there’s still room: 425-745-0645 or a.maine@comcast.net.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High-school football – Seattle Lutheran HS vs. Northwest Christian at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm.
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