West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
At West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) today, barbecuer extraordinaire Michele cooked up barbecue lunches to raise money for WestSide Baby, whose board member Amy Daly-Donovan was there, sporting the traditional yellow T-shirt in honor of WS Baby’s big “Stuff the Bus” diaper drive, now just two weeks away – Sunday, July 22nd (10 am-2 pm, AmericanWest Bank parking lot at 40th/Alaska in The Junction).
Even if you missed the barbecue, there are other ways to help WS Baby assist local families in need. For one – you can have a diaper drive to collect diapers that’ll count toward the “Stuff the Bus” goal. Here’s how. Or, you can participate in someone else’s diaper drive – for example, Center Studio in downtown White Center is offering a diaper-drive yoga class at 8 am on Saturday, July 21: “Bring a package of diapers and enjoy 90 minutes of pure yoga bliss,” says proprietor Lonjina Verdugo. Her studio also is collecting diapers through the 21st, if you just want to drop some off sooner.
Thriftway is having another WestSide Baby-benefiting barbeque on the 21st, too, by the way – 11 am-2 pm. It all goes toward a goal of 50,000 diapers – which will be matched two-for-one by the National Diaper Bank Network. (You can also buy diapers for WS Baby online via its Amazon Wish List.)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:23 PM SATURDAY: Heading homeward across The Viaduct tonight, we noticed that unusual sight – a cruise ship anchored off West Seattle – and detoured to Seacrest shortly thereafter for a photo. It’s “The World,” basically a floating condo building – its units are privately owned residences. This Seattle cruise-ship schedule says it’ll be docking at Pier 66 downtown Monday-Tuesday, so it’ll be anchored through tomorrow till it can move to that pier, after another ship spends the day there tomorrow while ending one 1-week cruise and starting another.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Russ Walker sent word that The World had sounded its horn and signaled it was heading in to dock as of about an hour ago … and in comments, Kevin confirms it’s now at Pier 66.
Four updates on businesses losing their Junction locations because of the impending start of Equity Residential construction (Alaska/California/42nd):
MIND BODY SPIRIT’S NEW LOCATION: Walking in The Junction the other day, we noticed Mind Body Spirit appeared to have cleared out of its storefront on the southwest edge of the future Equity Residential development site – but there was no sign. Now, there is (thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems for the photo!) – it says MBS has moved north to 3258 California SW, “above the West Seattle Natural Medicine clinic.”
SUPER SUPPLEMENTS’ LAST JUNCTION DAY: It’s been six months since first word that Super Supplements is moving to the old Blockbuster location at 6451 Fauntleroy Way SW (just east of California SW), Today is their last day in The Junction; they will be closed till their scheduled reopening on Friday (July 13th), with a “grand opening” event planned for July 21st.
ROCKSPORT AUCTION: As first reported here in May, Rocksport Bar and Grill is closing after the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest, Sunday, July 15th – no new location, they’re just going out of business. The Rocksport website now has information on the auction they’d mentioned would be held – it’s set for 10 am July 24th (after an 8 am preview) with James G. Murphy Co., the same famous auctioneers who handled the auctions for other local longtime venues including the Charlestown Café last year and the Corner Inn in 2008.
RUBATO RECORDS: No new location yet, according to their Facebook page, which says they’re also closing after July 15th.
OTHER BUSINESSES: We published this recap/update eight days ago, after AAA confirmed its Jefferson Square move. As for when construction of the two-building Equity Residential project will begin – our inquiries still haven’t been answered. Online city records do show they’ve applied for a demolition permit.
(Photo by Gary Jones)
With a chorus of cannon blasts offshore, onboard a vessel bearing the name of West Seattle’s own Global Diving and Salvage, the Seafair Pirates landed on Alki minutes ago. Some waded ashore – others hopped a ride on other vessels (including a tribal canoe). One of the first pirates ashore walked along the beach suggesting the crowd cheer on his fellow scalawags with “Row Row Row Your Boat”:
As the Pirates’ “ship” approached shore, it passed the fleet of sailboats – with occasional cannon blasts:
The celebration continues with bouncy toys, vendors, live music, and more, for a few more hours.
ADDED 2:34 PM: A closer look as the Pirates storm ashore – next four images are from WSB contributor Nick Adams:
Ah, the thrill of conquering the beach! Once, of course, you’ve reached it:
As usual, authorities had to make sure the Pirates had a clear path ashore:
And they made a splash:
ADDED 4:14 PM: Though the Pirates were the stars of the show, it had quite a supporting cast. Including West Seattle Hi-Yu and Seafair royalty. It was a most cordial meeting:
(That photo and next two, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
We also spotted Hi-Yu Senior Court Queen Kayli chatting with some of the Pirate-watchers:
The pirate hats, by the way, were courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle – who handed out so many, they ran out around noon. They had a concession stand, too:
Pole vaulters showed their stuff (the competition continues till after 5 pm):
(That photo and the others below by Gary Jones – except for one credited otherwise)
What Pirate scene is complete without a parrot .. or some kind of bright and beautiful bird?
And furry mini-pirates:
(Photo courtesy Paul P)
Back on the water, we’re afraid the entire fleet off Alki was seriously outclassed to the west:
The Seafair Pirates are due back in West Seattle at least once more this summer – for the WS American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade on Saturday, July 21st, just two weeks away!
If you’re going to the Seafair Pirates’ Landing on Alki today, keep an eye out for the distinctive red polo shirts of West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival royalty (like Queen Kayli and Junior Court Princesses Amanda and Elena at right) and volunteers – they’re among the community groups helping out at the big event. Hi-Yu has also just announced that their summer booklet is now available – free! – at local businesses; it’s full of information about the festival, its events, and other West Seattle summer fun. You can also download (or view) it as a PDF – linked from this update on the new Hi-Yu website. You’ll also find copies at West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Among the other Hi-Yu events coming up are the free Concert in the Park (east lawn of Hiawatha with the West Seattle Big Band, 7:30 pm July 17th) and, as noted here last week, the Junior Court Coronation during Hiawatha Fun Fest, 1 pm July 20th (there’s still time for girls to apply to become Hi-Yu royalty – details here).
(Photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen‘s view of Alki during low-low tide earlier this week – click for larger view)
Happy first weekend of real summer! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar – and a few neighboring events too – plus, a bridge-closure reminder:
WESTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSURE: Yet another reminder – all weekend long, you can’t get to the westbound West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Beacon Hill. You *can* get to it from 99.
LINCOLN PARK WORK PARTY: Warm weather means a growth boost for invasive plants as well as the ones that belong … so the Friends of Lincoln Park are out this morning starting at 9 am, and you’re welcome to join them.
SEAFAIR PIRATES’ LANDING: The pirates themselves aren’t expected to storm the shore till sometime between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, but you’ll find vendors and activities around the heart of Alki Beach Park (Bathhouse vicinity, in particular) starting around 9:30 am, and continuing afterward (a pirate-costume contest for kids is scheduled later in the afternoon). Full details on the Seafair website.
LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT: West Seattle Little League hosts a district tournament at Bar-S (64th/Admiral) this weekend and all are welcome to come watch – more details here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Open noon-4 pm – so while you’re on Alki, check out this collection of West Seattle history, 61st/Stevens.
JUBILEE DAYS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Want to support White Center Jubilee Days? Play golf at Glen Acres today – tournament at noon. Details here.
TOUR THE ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Something else you can do while at the beach, post-Pirates in this case – the historic lighthouse at Alki Avenue/Beach Drive is open for tours on summer weekends, 1-4 pm.
COLMAN POOL SCHEDULE CHANGE: Again today, Lincoln Park’s outdoor pool opens at 3 pm because of a swim meet. (Details on the Colman Pool website.)
LUCHA LIBRE! The popular Mexican sport of masked wrestling returns to South Park for a street-party style celebration that starts with activities at 3 pm, wrestling after 5. Details and map in our calendar listing.
‘ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’: First Saturday of every month, fans of this classic converge on the Admiral Theater, costumes, accessories (toast!) and all, for a midnight screening.
(From left, back row: Manager Vinnie Sposari, Coach John Coats, Buick MacNamara, Larry Jensen, Merle Rowan-Kennedy, John Roach, Cody Jones, Geoffrey Wukelic, Coach Fred Jensen. Front row: Alex Coats, Joey Werlech, Daniel “DJ” Kemp, Vinnie Sposari, Jack Larsen, Jayme Kelly. Photo by Lisa Roach)
A victory last night in Seatac means a state-tournament spot for the West Seattle Little League‘s most veteran players. This report is courtesy of Cami MacNamara:
West Seattle Little League’s Seniors Division Team (ages 15-16) has advanced to the Little League Seniors State Tournament in Mount Vernon on July 16th with a 3-2 win over South Highline Nationals.
The District 7 tournament was hosted at PacWest and West Seattle lost their first game on Sunday, July 1st to South Highline. This placed West Seattle in a must-win situation in double elimination play. They played again on Tuesday, July 3rd, winning 4-3 over Renton, and then handed South Highline their first loss on July 4th, winning 4-3 in extra innings, which forced a rematch last night.
West Seattle was home team, and pitcher Larry Jensen, supported by a strong defense, got the game started the top of the 1st with only 7 pitches. In the bottom of the 1st, lead-off batter Jack Larsen walked, stole second, and was brought in with an RBI single by pitcher Jensen. West Seattle led 1-0.
The game remained tied until the top of the 4th when South Highline pitcher Jimi Fay hit a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1. In the bottom of the 5th, left fielder Joey Werlech walked and three bats later, second baseman Vinnie Sposari hit an RBI single to bring in Werlech. West Seattle was now up 2-1.
In a final attempt to tie the game, South Highline second baseman Jorge Esqueda hit a single. Larry Jensen then struck out a batter and that was followed by an out at first. With 2 outs, South Highline’s first baseman Ryan Macri then hit an RBI single to bring in Esqueda across the plate for a 2-2 tie. Joey Werlech was brought in to relief pitch and the final out was made by shortstop Alex Coats, throwing South Highline’s batter out at first.
With one last shot before extra innings, West Seattle first baseman Geoffrey Wukelic hit a solid double. Pitch runner DJ Kemp came in for Wukelic. The next two batters flied out to center field, and lead-off batter Jack Larsen ended the game with an RBI single. DJ Kemp slid head first into home plate for the photo finish, beating the throw home and securing the 3-2 victory in the bottom of the 7th.
West Seattle will now play on July 16th at Sherman Anderson Field in Mount Vernon at 1 pm. Follow all tournament results on website, Facebook, and/or Twitter.
Congratulations and good luck!
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