Two weeks ago, we reported that QFC was the first to seek licenses to sell hard liquor in West Seattle, once Initiative 1183 takes effect, privatizing liquor retailing in our state. We’re continuing to watch the liquor-license applications, and there are a few more stores seeking spirits (hard liquor) retail-sales permits: All three Safeway stores in West Seattle have now applied (Jefferson Square, Admiral, Roxbury); so has West Seattle Thriftway. June 1st is the day that the state is supposed to be out of the booze-selling business.

Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk – and you can join in

February 9, 2012 6:46 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Till 9 pm, it’s this month’s edition of the West Seattle Art Walk, and Young At Art (next to The Beer Junction on 42nd south of Alaska) is one place where you can be an artist too – proprietor Theresa Anderson shared the photo, because Starheadboy is back this time around, “painting the wall with the kids tonight … adults are welcome to grab a brush as well…” We’re checking on some other venues and will add photos later. (If you’re heading out, the walking map/venue list is linked in our morning preview.)

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: A few photos from our Thursday night stops:

Harpist Johanna – daughter of Village Green Perennial Nursery proprietor Vera Johnson – played at Windermere in The Junction, where we also admired wildlife photos by Robin Lindsey (whose work makes the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site both highly informative and wonderful to review). Also in The Junction, Shawn Foote is one of the artists in the group show “Constructed Geographies” at ArtsWest:

At Twilight Artist Collective, co-proprietor Mary Enslow and daughter Margaux, now 3 months old, were on hand as the “Form and Fancy” show opened:

We also traveled up to the Admiral District to stop in Mind Unwind, a new gallery (among other things), so new it’s not on the official Art Walk map yet. Cathy Woo is showing her work there now:

Didn’t make it to Art Walk last night? Many venues show the work all month long, so take an extra look around next time you step into one of the participating businesses. And clear March 8 for the next WSAW!

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Followup: Message for West Seattle ‘mystery gift’ finder

February 9, 2012 3:55 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

One week ago, we published a story that captured hearts and imaginations around the region, as it was shared by many, and picked up by a few citywide news organizations. A West Seattle teenager named Gabriella wrote that she found a “mystery gift” on a waterfront bench – shown in the photo above; it included a letter from someone saying it was a tribute to the sister she lost. We just noticed that the story picked up a few more comments this week – one from “Lainey,” who says she left the gift. Since few would otherwise see a new comment on a days-old story, we’re publishing Lainey’s message here:

Dear Gabriella,

For the last 10 years, I’ve left a birthday gift and card to honor my sister Karen, who died in 2001. She delighted in giving and receiving presents. I’ve spent hours wondering who finds these gifts and what their reactions might be. For the first time, I now have some answers to those questions.

Gabriella–you are an absolutely amazing “finder of the gift”. Your life-affirming actions of opening & receiving the gift(s) honors my sister Karen–more than anything I could have hoped for or imagined. Thank you for being the source of such a beautiful gift coming back to me and others. Your youthful and wise spirit discerned the power represented in this memorial. Your words inspired and blessed. My story is now part of your story. Your story is part now part of mine.

Please keep looking for and opening the gifts that life presents to us.

With much gratitude,
Lainey

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search for robbers

February 9, 2012 2:24 pm

| 30 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

2:24 PM: Big police search under way right now for armed robbers: Southwest Precinct Lt. Pierre Davis confirms a “jewelry/pawn shop” in the 9400 block of 16th SW (map) was held up by four robbers wearing masks. He says officers are currently “conducting a search for evidence and suspects.” We also heard some potential description information on the scanner – a Crown Victoria car that “looks like an old green-over-red taxi” might be associated with the robbers. As always, call 911 if you think you see or hear something related.

2:37 PM UPDATE: There’s a sizable police presence off Roxbury that we are told is related to the search for the robbers and ‘evidence.’ And this is indeed why there was at least one TV helicopter over the area.

3:21 PM UPDATE: Police are still searching – right now we’re seeing some in Roxhill Park. We stopped by nearby Roxhill Elementary, too, after hearing it mentioned as part of scanner discussion; the staff told us the school “sheltered in place” for a short time.

4:15 PM UPDATE: Per scanner traffic, three vehicles, including a Crown Victoria, were being searched in connection with this investigation. But Lt. Davis says nobody’s been arrested yet.

8:33 PM UPDATE: From SPD Blotter, more details and descriptions:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car in Seaview; prowler patrol

February 9, 2012 1:55 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | Highland Park | Seaview | West Seattle news

Two reader reports to share this afternoon. First, from Kevin:

I’m writing to let you know that my 1996 Honda Accord was stolen off the street from in front of my house last night between midnight and 7 AM. I live in the 6000 block of 46th AVE SW between SW Graham and SW Raymond streets. It’s a four door Accord LX model. Maroon/Burgandy color. WA license plate 865 TZD. If you see it or have any information, please call the Seattle Police Dept.

(SPD suggests 911 if you see a stolen car.) Meantime, Jenni – who is a Block Watch captain in Highland Park – says they’re not taking car prowlers lightly in her neighborhood. This happened early Wednesday:

I went to check why my dog was barking& noted white male late 40s with graying facial hair trying to break into my neighbors SUV. I asked what he was doing and he fled via silver/gray 2 door sedan possibly ford no plate number obtained. I called 911 and some of our block watch went out on foot to patrol the surrounding streets. So, just another note about neighborhood block watch and calling police immediately.

She hasn’t heard whether an arrest was made, but notes that police arrived within five minutes of the 911 call. Meantime, Highland Park and other south West Seattle neighborhoods might be interested in this White Center event tonight: In case you missed the notice in our morning preview or on White Center Now, gang-activity trends, Metro Transit safety, and other topics are all on the agenda for the first in a series of Public Safety Forums presented by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, all welcome, 7 pm tonight at North Highline Fire District headquarters (1243 SW 112th – here’s a map).

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West Seattle’s former Fire Station 37 now officially on the market

February 9, 2012 12:20 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

12:20 PM: The “for sale” sign is now up at the former Fire Station 37 (35th/Othello). The city process of putting it on the market – since it’s been replaced by a bigger new station a few blocks south – has been under way for a long time (here’s the 47-page city analysis); last month, the city announced it had chosen Colliers to handle the listing. What the new owner can do with the ex-station and its 9440-square-foot lot will be limited, since – as the sign points out – it’s in a single-family zone, plus, the building is an official city landmark. We haven’t found the listing online yet, but have messages out to the brokers whose names are on the sign.

12:59 PM UPDATE: Arvin Vander Veen from Colliers replied to our question about the asking price among other things:

We are gathering all of the pertinent materials … now and will be ready in about one week to blast it out. There is no asking price, only a minimum bid of $250,000. We are going to have two open houses coming up, and then in April we will call for offers from all of the people that fill out the Confidentiality Agreement needed to receive all of the due diligence materials. All offers must be noncontingent, all cash with proof of funds attached, from which we will pick the buyer and close escrow immediately.

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas in the area again!

February 9, 2012 10:58 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:58 AM: Thanks to the Orca Network and The Whale Trail for the tip: Orcas have been reported off Vashon, headed toward West Seattle. (If you missed last Sunday’s sightings, here are our reports with photos and with video, both thanks to Rick Rasmussen.) Let us know if you see ’em – we’re off to look too.

11:38 AM UPDATE: We couldn’t see anything from Me-Kwa-Mooks or Constellation Park, but The Whale Trail’s Donna Sandstrom says if you have good binoculars – they’re still closer to north Vashon (ferry dock area), so watching from West Seattle’s west-facing beaches in the Lincoln/Lowman area is probably your best bet right now.

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West Seattle schools: ‘Seussical The Musical’ at Alki Elementary

February 9, 2012 9:44 am

| 12 COMMENTS

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

(Nikolai Siguenza as the Cat in the Hat, Ian Gesellchen as Horton, Jovanna Barron as Sour Kangaroo)
Thanks to Alki Elementary parents for sharing dress-rehearsal photos (both taken by John Hinkey) from the big show that students are about to present: “Seussical The Musical!” 7 pm tomorrow and 2 pm Saturday, at the West Seattle High School Theater – and we’re told there aren’t too many tickets left!

So if you want to cheer on all those local kids who’ve worked hard to put on a show (not to mention parents/volunteers/staff), find your ticket info on the official poster/flyer.

P.S. We know it’s play/musical season for many schools, so if yours isn’t on our Events calendar yet, please send the info! Thanks!

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: As noted in comments, both “Seussical” shows are now sold out.

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West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; school open houses; wine!

February 9, 2012 8:29 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Flowers on SW Barton – by “Old Desolate” from the WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BRIDGE CLOSURES AGAIN TONIGHT: 9 pm-5 am, closures of both the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct (for the SSV Widening Project), east of the 1st Avenue South exit, and the Fauntleroy Expressway (for its seismic-retrofit work), west of the Delridge Way exit. Details are here.

WSHS TOUR THIS MORNING: Tour time at West Seattle High School, 8:30-10 am.

SSCC VALENTINE WINE RELEASE AND SALE: At the Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle Community College campus, 1-5 pm today and tomorrow, featuring the pouring and releasing of “a limited edition 2009 Syrah Clone 4 pack.” Also, chocolates made by the SSCC pastry department.

(added) ‘HAPPY HOUR’ FOR WEST SEATTLE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EXHIBITION: We’ve told you before about longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli‘s photography exhibition at Winston Wachter (203 Dexter Avenue North) – and tonight, you’re invited to a “happy hour” event at the gallery for which he’ll be in attendance, 5-7 pm.

CHIEF SEALTH OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT: Rescheduled open house at Chief Sealth International High School – 5:45 to 8 pm tonight, details here.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK NIGHT: West Seattle Art Walk, all over the peninsula – paintings, photos, music, more, all free to see and enjoy, 6-9 pm. One highlight, for wildlife fans: Robin Lindsey (of Seal Sitters fame) is displaying photos at Windermere in The Junction. Here’s the venue list/map for tonight.

BRAZILIAN CHORO MUSIC AT C & P: Art Walk night is also Wine Tasting night at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), and tonight Choro Tocando – a flute/guitar/percussion group – is performing.

‘ASK THE EXPERT’ AT WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: This is also a 2nd-Thursday fixture – get some hints on your projects, browse the tool library’s inventory, and enjoy a “DIY Social.” Details in this Facebook event listing.

ART AT MIND UNWIND: It’s a new business so it’s not on the WSAW map yet, but Mind Unwind in The Admiral District (2206A California SW) will also be open 6-9 tonight, featuring the paintings of Cathy Woo.

OPEN HOUSE AT THE CENTER SCHOOL: Not in West Seattle but it’s a Seattle Public Schools option high school popular with WS families, and it’s having an open house tonight too, 6-8 pm, upstairs in the Center House at Seattle Center.

(added) OPEN HOUSE AT NOVA: And we’ve heard from the West Seattle contingent at Seattle Public Schools’ other option high schol, Nova on Capitol Hill, which also has an open house/tour event, 6 pm.

KINDERGARTEN FILM FESTIVAL: Alki Elementary Kindergarten Film Festival at Admiral Theater, doors open 6, showtime 6:15 pm. From school website: “Featuring stories written independently by all Alki Kindergarten students, adapted for the big screen as short films. All families and friends are invited to join in this special celebration of our hard work in Writer’s Workshop. Theater capacity is 345! The bigger and more supportive the audience, the more we will motivate these young authors. Spread the word! The event is free. Admiral Theater will be offering a special deal – one small popcorn and one small drink for $4, cash only.”

(added) GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: And tours – 6:30 pm, more info here.

DENNY OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT: At Denny International Middle School, tonight’s the Evening Open House for prospective new families, 6:30 pm.

LAFAYETTE PTA MEETING: The school community’s invited to the Lafayette Elementary PTA meeting, 7 pm.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING: If you live in south West Seattle – or have a general interest in regional public-safety issues, particularly gangs – you might want to check out the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council‘s Public Safety Forum tonight, featuring a presentation on regional gang activity from a King County Sheriff’s Office expert, as well as updates from KCSO and Metro Transit Police leadership. 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th.

COMMUNICATING WITH COMPASSION: From the announcement: “Angry? Sad? Scared? Confused? Come learn Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication (NVC). We’ll listen with our heart, and practice compassion with our own and others’ feelings and needs.” The workshop will be 7-9 pm, by donation, 5646 42nd SW. Call Moreah Vestan (206) 938-8385 with any questions and to say you’re coming.

NIGHTLIFE: At The Bridge: Free Poker on Thursdays.

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Dance and yoga today/tonight! Check out their class and event listings (and food trucks some days of the week, too) on the right sidebar at hpic1919.org.

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Still room for you to ‘Have a Heart’ at Illusions Hair Design

February 9, 2012 6:58 am

| Comments Off on Still room for you to ‘Have a Heart’ at Illusions Hair Design

| How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2011 ‘Have a Heart Day’)
The annual “Have a Heart Day” benefit at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) has a few new twists this time around. It’s not just haircuts this year – you can book any hair service that day, and half the proceeds will go to Pencil Me In For Kids, providing school supplies to kids in need. They also are taking “Have a Heart Day’ appointments for a full day, noon-8 pm; we talked with Heather from Illusions at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch on Wednesday, and she said there are still some appointments available – call 206-938-3675 to snag yours.

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