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year : 2012 3917 results

SDOT reminder about tonight’s West Seattle Bridge closures
January 30, 2012 3:20 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

In case you missed it in our morning preview – the Fauntleroy Expressway and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct are both closed tonight (and other nights). SDOT has just sent media organizations another reminder (and published it on their blog-format On The Move site):Read More

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No more snow makeup days? District seeks waiver
January 30, 2012 12:34 pm
|      66 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Mid-January West Seattle snow; photo by JM)
No more makeup days for this month’s snow? Seattle Public Schools is hoping to get the state’s blessing:

Rather than add days to the end of the school year, Seattle Public Schools is asking the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for a waiver for the Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 snow days.

Gov. Chris Gregoire declared Washington in a State of Emergency for those days, prompting Seattle Public Schools to seek a waiver to not make up the Jan. 19 or Jan. 20 snow days. This is contingent on a decision allowing the Emergency Proclamation to apply to schools in King County.  OSPI officials said they will have more information next month on how to apply for waivers.

It would cost Seattle Public Schools roughly $500,000 to make up the two days in June.

Seattle schools made up one of the three snow days on Friday, Jan. 27. State law does not require students to make up a day for Tuesday, Jan. 17, when students had a late arrival and an early dismissal.

Making up the time during mid-winter break is not an option, as families and staff have arranged their schedules around the school calendar, which was approved by the School Board in May 2011. That calendar, which is available online at http://bit.ly/DistrictCalendar, listed Jan. 27 as a weather make-up day, and up to three additional days are to be made up at the end of the school year.

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Why there’s a construction fence at Colman Pool in Lincoln Park
January 30, 2012 12:02 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That construction fence around Colman Pool at Lincoln Park brought some questions our way over the weekend, so we walked into the park to check it out today, while also sending an inquiry to Seattle Parks. It’s for the second phase of a renovation project that began last year, and the work means that West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor pool won’t open this year until late June (that was announced before last season ended – we mentioned it here in September). The work that’s getting under way now will “replace portions of the pool deck, pool shell, and provide a new plaster lining to extend the life of the pool,” as explained on the project page. Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter adds that, “The demolition work on the deck and other elements will begin this week, so people will start to see trucks going in and out.” If the work goes as scheduled, Colman Pool will open on June 30th.

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West Seattle Tool Library: 2 workshops this week
January 30, 2012 10:41 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Free time this week? 2 workshops at the nonprofit West Seattle Tool Library both have room: “Power Tools 101: Lose Your Fear, Not Your Fingers” at 6 pm Tuesday – register online here – and “Introduction to Indoor Winter Gardening,” 7 pm Wednesday (promising a kickstart on your spring gardening too), with online registration here. The Tool Library is on the east side of >Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

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West Seattle Monday: Bridge closures; Cooking Club; story time…
January 30, 2012 8:38 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From “Planet LB” via the WSB Flickr group pool, that’s the new Spokane Street Viaduct section at left, the old one at right, looking east from 4th Avenue South. More bridge closures overnight tonight are part of what’s on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

OVERNIGHT BRIDGE CLOSURES: Scheduled tonight – Fauntleroy Expressway (info here) and eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct (SDOT announcement here), both 9 pm-5 am.

PROTEST IN THE JUNCTION: Per a news release, “a local resident wearing a Statue of Liberty costume will appear outside Wells Fargo bank” in The Junction 11:30-1:30 to protest the amount of federal income tax WF pays, and as a preview to a rally downtown tomorrow.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Meeting info at westseattlecookingclub.org; 2:30 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, theme “Braised/Slow-Cooked.”

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library – details here.

TAI CHI LIFESTYLE: 7 pm Mondays at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), Caylen Storm leads “Tao Jin: Foundations of a Tai Chi Lifestyle,” introducing, the announcement says, “basic concepts and movements of Tai Chi, as well as information on diet, mind-set, tools to facilitate a healthy lifestyle based on Tai Chi philosophy, energy regeneration, and the motivation in making positive life changes.” Free to High Point’s SHA and Elizabeth House residents and KCHA Greenbridge residents, otherwise $10 drop-in fee. Questions: caylen_storm@yahoo.com

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia with Brian Calvert at Christo’s on Alki, 7 pm … Karaoke with Kelli at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm … Talarico’s has karaoke @ 9:30 pm. … Around 10 pm, the “Flat Earth Society” weekly vinyl DJ’ing at West 5 features Randall Dunn (MMOB) & Chris Martin (Kinski, Ampbuzz), plus surprise guests (bartender Don’s birthday celebration)

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Madison Middle School students get a look into the future
January 30, 2012 4:32 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photos by Jessica Ruger)
It’s never too soon to learn what it might be like in the “real world” after high school. Last week, two career-centered events at Madison Middle School brought that point home. School staff shares photos and a recap:

More than 45 adults representing Madison parents, the Y, City Year and South Seattle Community College visited our students during two career events.

(Lauren Hadley from the Georgetown Apprenticeship/Education Center, Vanessa Reed Calonzo from SSCC, Colleen McDevitt and Sean Goode from the Y)
On Tuesday the YMCA, with support from the City Year team at West Seattle High School, put our 8th grade students through an exercise called “A Real Life Fair”. Each student was given an envelope with a high school degree, Associate Degree or a Bachelors Degree paper, a job title and some play money that would be associated with that job. Students were told to manage their money by going around to each table to make payments for child care, food, transportation and housing.

(Math teacher Mr. Meltzer collects payments for transportation
Some of our students ran out of money quickly, while others decided to pursue higher education to increase their wages.

(Ms. Yoshitomi talking to a class about entrepreneurialism)
Career Day on Thursday allowed each student to hear from 3 adults talking about their careers and what education is required for their job. The students showed a lot of interest in learning about their future and the adults were excited to share insights about how to succeed in life.

P.S. Madison’s annual auction date is set – March 10; full details on the school’s webpage.

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West Seattle Bridge closures: Next one overnight; SDOT leader promises ‘improved … plan’
January 29, 2012 11:17 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

In case you missed the gridlock and frustration earlier this weekend: The eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct – that’s the official name for the West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5 – has another construction closure overnight, 12:01 am-5 am Monday. That’s a remnant of what was supposed to be a weekend-long closure that caused weekday-style gridlock for most of the day Saturday, until SDOT suddenly announced it was ending early after “completing required work early.” Though the closure had been mentioned in SDOT updates dating back more than two weeks (here’s the first one we published, on January 12th), they all included it in lists starting with much-less-impactful overnight closures; the biggest complaint Saturday was an offline situation: No signage on bridge approaches warning of the closure, neither electronic nor analog. In addition, as some pointed out, while the 1st Avenue South offramp was open, it was narrowed to one lane.

Along with a 97-comment discussion here on WSB, some concerned West Seattleites contacted SDOT directly. Among them was one who shared with us a response he received from the man who runs SDOT, director Peter Hahn:

I share the concerns you describe below. The SDOT people who have worked on the outreach plan for the projects(all) impacting W. Seattle will be meeting with me Monday and devising an improved responsive plan of coordination and outreach. We will share that with the community.

We also had e-mailed SDOT media contacts during the closure jam as well as West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who chairs the council’s Transportation Committee, who replied that the city “must do better.” Ironically, the Saturday backup coincided with a four-hour Open House at City Hall to which all Seattleites were invited to come meet city reps and get “information from city departments,” SDOT included.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen truck to watch for
January 29, 2012 9:44 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just in case it’s still in the area – keep watch for this stolen truck reported tonight by Ann-Marie:

Sometime today, Sunday January 29, 2011, between 3:45 pm and 6:30 pm, my father’s red 1987 Toyota pickup truck was stolen from out in front of his home on 34th Ave SW and SW Raymond St. The license plate number is A71496U. It has a manual transmission and a black canopy over the bed of the truck. If it is seen, please call it in to the police and then contact my father at marshameaton@comcast.net or 206-938-0488. Thank you for your time!

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High-school basketball: Senior Night at Chief Sealth
January 29, 2012 8:36 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The Chief Sealth International High School Band, directed by Marcus Pimpleton, had a special occasion to play for last night – Senior Night for the basketball teams. Though both Sealth varsity teams were bested by visiting Bainbridge Island, it was still a festive night, including a celebration of the players who will graduate this year. We have photos of them all, right after the game recaps, ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car found; hit-run car sought
January 29, 2012 4:31 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon – we start with some good news: A stolen car reported here yesterday has been found. From Kris:

Just wanted to let you know that the 94 Honda Del Sol that I reported to you yesterday (stolen on Wednesday 1/25), was found by Tukwila police this morning. It was parked behind an Apt. complex off of International Blvd. S. The car is running fine and it appears that only a few CD’s are missing. Thanks to all!!

On the flip side – from Kayla:

I was a victim of a serious hit and run around 11:30 (Saturday) morning. The car that hit me was blue and white with 20″ rims. Looked to be an old police car at one time, or a taxi, so I’m thinking it’s a Crown Victoria. Maybe even a caprice. The police said the car was reported as stolen yesterday, and was also reported to be linked with drug trafficking. If anyone sees this car it needs to be reported. Since it was a hit and run, and no one can identify the driver, I am now financially responsible with my own insurance.

Kayla says it happened around 26th and Brandon, and that the car reportedly has been seen before around Delridge and High Point. She wasn’t hurt but her car is totaled. Call 911 if you see a car resembling what she described.

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West Seattle wildlife: Bird’s-eye view of well-known goose
January 29, 2012 3:14 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

While volunteering for Seal Sitters in the Lincoln Park vicinity recently, Alki-based photographer David Hutchinson got a close-up look at the famous white geese who live in the area. (They’ve been discussed on WSB before, but never with such a striking photo – thanks!)

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West Seattle Hi-Yu double bill: Spring Tea and coronation!
January 29, 2012 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu double bill: Spring Tea and coronation!
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

(2012 West Seattle Hi-Yu royalty, photographed by WSB in December – Senior Court Queen Kayli, Junior Court Queen Thea and Princesses Elena and Amanda)
New West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival president James Kline has been visiting community groups around West Seattle to get out the word that Hi-Yu is hoping more people than ever will support their work this year, and beyond. Hi-Yu isn’t just a collection of summertime events – it’s also a traveling ambassadorship of sorts that lets the rest of the region know about West Seattle, the last community in the city to have its own traveling float appearing in parades around Western Washington. Here’s one way to support Hi-Yu this year: Buy tickets and/or serve as a table captain for this year’s West Seattle Hi-Yu Spring Tea – which also will include a coronation, since Hi-Yu has made some calendar changes. Here’s the official announcement

This year’s Spring Tea and Auction will be held on Sunday, March 18th, 2:00-4:30. A rare event this year, the Spring Tea will also feature the official coronation of the West Seattle Hi-Yu Senior Queen Kayli Schulz, accompanied by her junior court, Queen Thea Pulido, Princess Amanda Elder, and Princess Elena Kline. We are planning a great event at The Hall at Fauntleroy, catered by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes. Many wonderful auction items have already been procured that are sure to spark your interest. It will be the perfect opportunity for you and your friends and daughters to enjoy the spectacle of a royal event.

Tickets are now available for purchase. You can buy tickets individually or become a Table Captain and buy a table for 10 to share with your closest friends. For those who have filled tables in the past, thanks so much. Hopefully, you and your friends would love to come again. For those who are new to Hi-Yu, seriously consider becoming a Table Captain and purchasing a table to enjoy as a group. This is an event your friends/daughters will remember for years.

All purchases will be helping support the West Seattle community with family events to include Seattle’s last remaining community float and our scholarship program for women. This year’s theme is “Secret Garden.” You can read more about coming events at www.westseattlehiyu.com or view us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WSHiYu. You will also find a link to buy tickets for the Spring Tea which you can share with your friends.

You have two options for purchasing your Spring Tea tickets, by mail or online. To purchase by mail, send a check for $25 each to West Seattle Hi-Yu, PO Box 16130, Seattle, WA 98116-0130. To purchase online, simply click one of the links below and you will be forwarded to our PayPal account, where you may use a major credit card or your own PayPal account. Online ticket purchases are $26, which covers all credit card transaction fees.

Click here to Purchase Individual Tickets

If you have any questions: (206) 388-8778 or lynaiapulido@gmail.com

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West Seattle Sunday: School open houses; ukuleles; more
January 29, 2012 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great blue heron on the West Seattle shore, by ‘Old Desolate‘ in the WSB Flickr group pool)
Sunday highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRAFFIC REMINDER – *NO* SCHEDULED BRIDGE CLOSURE: Just in case you missed it – the work that was supposed to close the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct section of the high bridge us done early – except for one last section of work scheduled for 12:01 am-5 am Monday.

OLG OPEN HOUSE: Our Lady of Guadalupe School Open House, 9 am-1 pm:
3401 SW Myrtle Street, West Seattle
Phone: 206-935-0651
ALSO, view sustainable designed green home model displays at the middle school science fair!

HOLY ROSARY OPEN HOUSE: Holy Rosary School Open House, 10 am-1:00 pm, 4142 42nd Ave SW

AT THE MARKET: West Seattle Farmers’ Market in The Junction, 44th/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s what market managers say you’ll find new today:

+ Spot Prawns!!! (via fishing vessel Hat Trick)
+ Wine Sampling (with Rockridge Orchards)
+ River Farm returns w/ ORGANIC chicken
+++BOOTH CANYON’s pears!

HOLY ROSARY PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10:00 – 1:00, 42nd and Genesee Streets. 3/4 and Pre-K classes

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-2 pm, 9615 20th SW

TOSS IT!: West Seattle Ultimate Family Frisbee, Sunday mornings 11 am, Walt Hundley Playfield at High Point.

ANOTHER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: West Seattle Christian Preschool open house, 1-3 pm, 4425 41st Ave SW

UKULELES IN THE AFTERNOON: The Castaways play ukulele music at C & P Coffee at 3 pm! The group includes two West Seattle-ites, Mark Bader and Pam Mandel.

COOKING CLASS: At the new Mind Unwind in the Admiral District, Freshy’s Coffee proprietor Amber Bennett leads a soup-cooking class – find out about it here (and check to see if any room is left).

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: West Seattleites involved!
What: LISA KOCH BIRTHDAY BASH with ROXANNA WARD & JENNIE MCNULTY
Who: Lisa Koch, Roxanna Ward, Jennie McNulty and special guests
Where: The Triple Door / 216 Union Street / Seattle, WA 98101
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm for dinner)
Price: $18 advance / $20 door
Tickets: www.tripledoor.com / 206-838-4333

FOOD TRUCKS: Snout and Co. food truck at 35th/Graham … check Highland Park Improvement Club site to see if anyone’s there today.

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Remembering Riverside’s history: Plaza dedication
January 29, 2012 1:20 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

That Saturday gathering in northeastern West Seattle was on one level about a plaza –

… but it was really about the people. This corner of West Seattle, now towered over by the high bridge, is Riverside, for decades a home to fishing families, mostly Croatian immigrants, whose descendants have mostly moved on, but won’t let the history (as detailed in the plaque inscription) be forgotten:

They gathered Saturday for the dedication of Riverside Memorial Plaza; the word “memorial” took on an added poignancy, for one of the plaza’s tiles bears the name of Jennie Plenkovich:

That’s the maiden name of Jennie Jaramillo, laid to rest earlier this week at age 75. As noted in her published obituary, she was a founding member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which overflowed with mourners for her memorial Mass just yesterday. Her uncle Frank Zuvela was a driving force behind the Riverside plaza project, and he was keynote speaker Saturday:

You can visit the Riverside Memorial Plaza at 17th SW/W. Marginal Place (map). Read more about it, and Riverside history, here, here, and see photos from Riverside days gone by, here.

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West Seattle businesses: Mind Unwind debuts with soup class
January 28, 2012 9:28 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle businesses: Mind Unwind debuts with soup class
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

New Admiral District business Mind Unwind – “a playground for the creative imagination” – is hosting its first class tomorrow, and there’s room left, proprietor Krystal Kelley tells us tonight. The class is “The Art of Soup”; the teacher, one of West Seattle’s best-known soup purveyors, Amber Bennett of Freshy’s Coffee. Five spots are left for the 4-7 pm class; registration info is here.

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One week later, a memorial to Morgan Junction shooting victim
January 28, 2012 8:08 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One week after three shots were fired by Morgan Junction Park, taking the life of 35-year-old Travis Hood hours later, a small memorial is there in his honor. A few dozen people gathered as it was placed there late this afternoon; we received a few calls about the gathering and went over to see what was happening. The memorial includes the logo for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a nod to the hometown Travis left a few months ago in hopes, friends say, of a safer life here. The man charged with murdering him, Lovett Chambers, remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $5 million bail, awaiting arraignment on February 8th.

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From the ‘we heard it too’ file: Fauntleroy-area boom
January 28, 2012 7:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

7:32 PM: We apparently aren’t the only ones who heard a loud boom a few minutes ago here in the Upper Fauntleroy area – at least two others have mentioned it on the WSB Facebook page. We’re monitoring the scanner and police and fire crews have been sent to “look around” and check out one caller’s report, same general area, of a “flash” seen about that time.

7:51 PM: No indication so far that they’ve found anything, and the engine’s been canceled.

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Video: Year of the Dragon welcomed at Vietnamese Cultural Center
January 28, 2012 7:05 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle welcomes visitors every Saturday afternoon (noon-3 pm), but this afternoon was special – a New Year celebration, with lion dance and firecrackers, as you can see (and hear!) in our video, welcoming the Year of the Dragon. Before their fiery performance, members of the Au Lac Vovinam Lion Dance Team – based in High Point, not far from the Vietnamese Cultural Center – gathered to prepare:

This was a busy day for the team; they also performed at a shop in White Center (as reported on our partner site White Center Now). Awaiting their appearance in West Seattle were spectators including veterans who fought for Vietnam’s freedom and are fixtures at the center’s events:

Two weeks ago, the Cultural Center dedicated a new monument to fallen heroes. And in the background of this photo taken during the dance, you can see both the statue of 13th-century hero General Tran Hung Dao, and the new structure built nearby to complement the statue.

It was under construction when we covered last year’s New Year celebration. You’re invited to visit the center next (or any) Saturday, noon-3 pm, 2236 SW Orchard.

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Followup: Missing Vashon man with Alzheimer’s found alive
January 28, 2012 3:42 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

Also just in via Twitter – King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says the Vashon man who’s been missing since Wednesday (reported widely on Thursday) has “been found alive.” The Vashon/Maury Island Beachcomber has details, reporting 83-year-old Jack Randles was found at a home in the Luana Beach area (map).

4:42 PM UPDATE: From the Voice of Vashon Facebook page, a few more details, ahead:Read More

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Followup: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge/Spokane St. Viaduct reopens
January 28, 2012 3:08 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:08 PM: After hours of weekday-magnitude backups (discussed here) on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge because of what was supposed to be a weekend-long closure of the EB Spokane Street Viaduct section – it’s done early, SDOT just announced. They say that section of the bridge is now reopening for full use. There will be one more closure before the weekend is out – 12:01 am to 5 am Monday morning.

3:58 PM: SDOT’s news release, e-mailed, confirming the reopening:

Completing required work early, a contractor for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has now reopened the eastbound lanes of the Spokane Street Viaduct.

The next eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct full closure will occur Monday, January 30, from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Motorists heading eastbound will be detoured off the viaduct at either the First Ave S or Fourth Ave S exits, and will be able to use the lower Spokane Street roadway to reach I-5.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen this stolen car?
January 28, 2012 2:16 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Out of the WSB inbox, from Kris:

My 94 Honda Del Sol, license plate # 848YQR (tabs expire 01/31/12) was stolen from our driveway on Wednesday January 25th, 2012, between 4 and 6:30 am. It was taken from the 10200 block of 1st Ave S. in Top Hat. It has been reported stolen to the police. It is a 2 door, Royal blue. cute little thing! It has a missing lens on the driver-side turn signal and is missing the Honda emblem on the rear trunk. It is NOT the one driving around West Seattle with red rims. If you see it please call it in or drop me an e-mail. Thank you very much for your time. kris.hopkins@live.com

Seattle Police still tweet plates/descriptions of stolen vehicles, but since this is just outside the city limits, you won’t find us there. We’re happy to publish stolen-vehicle reports in Crime Watch coverage; often the thieves dump them fairly close to where they were taken, and several published reports have led to “reunions.”

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West Seattle Saturday: Strings; skates; memories; music…
January 28, 2012 9:18 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday photo at Seacrest, by Paul Swortz, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
Happy weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, here are some of the special events happening today/tonight (and if you’re leaving WS, remember the bridge closure):

MIDDLE-SCHOOL MUSIC-MAKING: Super String Saturday event for middle-school-age instrumental musicians, happening at Chief Sealth International High School, 10 am-1 pm – details here.

EARTHCORPS AT ME-KWA-MOOKS: EarthCorps is hosting an environmental-restoration event at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, 10 am-2 pm, including invasive-species removal, restoration-site maintenance, and mulching.

CITY HALL OPEN HOUSE: It’s a party for the whole city, 10 am-2 pm today at Seattle City Hall, 5th/Cherry downtown. You’ll find some West Seattleites participating/representing, including reps from local community groups. See the schedule here.

FREE YOGA: Free yoga at WSB sponsor SoundYoga, 10:30-11:45 am.

MENCHIE’S GRAND-OPENING CELEBRATION: Menchie’s Admiral (WSB sponsor; 2620 California SW) is throwing a party all weekend, and donating part of the proceeds to West Seattle Helpline and the West Seattle Food Bank. Freebies today include free T-shirts at 11 am, free frozen yogurt from 11 am–1 pm, free balloon artist 2-4 pm, free waffle bowls 6 pm-9 pm.

RIVERSIDE PLAZA CELEBRATION: Historic West Seattle fishing community celebrates the dedication of a memorial plaza at noon – see this story; all welcome, but you’re advised to carpool, since there’s limited parking.

YES, THAT’S A YACHT RACE: Part of Three Tree Point Yacht Club‘s annual Blake Island Race will be visible from West Seattle shores around midday.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Join the celebration at the Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle (on SW Orchard north of Home Depot), 1 pm, with lion dance and firecrackers. Public invited! (The center is open noon-3 pm every Saturday.)

CAMP FIRE CANDY SALES: The annual three-week fundraising sale is under way, and the regional council sends word that a Camp Fire middle-school group from Westside School (WSB sponsor) will be selling candy at QFC in Westwood Village 2 pm-8 pm today. (You can also order candy online through the Camp Fire USA website.)

DERBY BRATS AT SOUTHGATE: The Seattle Derby Brats competition-level team (Galaxy Girls) is bouting Kitsap’s Derby Brats 5-7 pm at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center, 5-7 pm. The league includes girls 8 to 17 years old, competing at various levels. The Galaxy Girls are named after their coach, Betty Ford Galaxy, who is a Rat City Rollergirl skater. In addition to a “nominal fee” for admission, per organizers, there’s also a bake sale so the girls can raise money to travel to California for competition.

SOUTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GALA: The annual “Gifts from the Earth” event is tonight at SSCC, emceed by veteran journalist and TV host Margaret Larson – more details here.

CD RELEASE PARTY: West Seattle musician Philip Mariconda celebrates the release of his double CD “Dream Chasers,” 7-9 PM, at the main social hall at WSUU, 7141 California SW. Free admission, and half the CD-sales proceeds will be donated to the White Center Food Bank. Samples of the music can be heard at www.philipmariconda.com.

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West Seattle Bridge traffic alert: Eastbound Spokane St. Viaduct closure all weekend
January 28, 2012 8:17 am
|      102 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Refresh for latest “live” view of the eastbound WS Bridge looking toward the closure zone)
8:17 AM: If you’re heading out of West Seattle this weekend – remember that the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct section of the West Seattle Bridge is closed all weekend, scheduled to reopen by 5 am Monday. While the recent overnight closures have left the 1st Avenue South offramp open, this one is different – the city alert says,”During the weekend closure, either the First Avenue S off-ramp or the Fourth Avenue Loop ramp will remain open, permitting motorists to use the eastbound S Spokane Street lower roadway to reach either the I-5 ramps or Columbian Way S.”

(Added – midday backup, photo courtesy Lauren via Twitter)
11:17 AM UPDATE: We contacted SDOT about the lack of signage for this – and did get a reply that they’re aware of the situation and working to see what can be done. (added) Barry sent us this sign photo just after noon:

2:28 PM UPDATE: We included City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen on the e-mail thread too, since he is the chair of the Transportation Committee (not to mention, a West Seattleite). He is looking into it too and agrees the city “must do a better job.” Alternatives to suggest: Bus riders say they have gotten across the bridge in reasonable time; we had to go downtown earlier this afternoon and took Highland Park Way to the 1st Avenue South Bridge (go across West Marginal and follow the signs) to get to 99 without taking the WS Bridge, and that route was moving well.

3:09 PM UPDATE: We’ve just published a separate story – SDOT now says the work is done early and the bridge is reopening “for full use.” That eastbound section will close again midnight-5 am Monday morning for a little more work.

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