West Seattle, Washington

24 Wednesday

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month : 03/2013 351 results

West Seattle Crime Watch: ‘Yard intruder’ reported
March 27, 2013 10:04 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Quiet day in West Seattle Crime Watch – only one reader report today, and checking the police-response map, we note the incident markers are relatively sparse. Today’s lone reader report involves a suspected casing/prowling incident this morning in what we might describe as Upper Alki – read on:
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Photos: West Seattleites at marriage-equality rally
March 27, 2013 9:37 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photos courtesy Steph Brusig)
On the day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, hundreds of people rallied in downtown Seattle at noontime today to show support for marriage equality. West Seattleites participating included lead organizer Marley Blonsky, seen below during a TV interview, and wife Whitney Young, shown at her left.

West Seattleite Sarah Toce, editor-in-chief of The Seattle Lesbian, was among the speakers:

You can listen to audio of today’s Supreme Court session by going here.

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Tomorrow’s the night! Alki Elementary centennial celebration
March 27, 2013 7:09 pm
|    Comments Off on Tomorrow’s the night! Alki Elementary centennial celebration
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you’ve ever been a student or staffer at Alki Elementary – one more reminder that tomorrow (Thursday, March 28) is the big night – its centennial celebration, presented by the Alki PTA and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. First big reminder is to be there no later than 5 pm so you can be part of the group photo outside the school’s main entrance; you’ll be able to sign up to get a copy of the photo via e-mail. And speaking of photos, bring any photos of yourself/the school from your days there; be ready to share stories if you wish (including in a video booth that will be set up!). Of course, you don’t have to have ties to Alki Elementary to attend – neighbors, community members, anyone and everyone interested is welcome too. After the 5 pm gathering for the photo, indoor activities are planned 6-8 pm. The SWSHS website has more info; if you want a reminder via Facebook, “join” the official event page here.

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West Seattle Fight & Fitness: Welcome, new WSB sponsor
March 27, 2013 5:14 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We’re welcoming new sponsor West Seattle Fight & Fitness, which has a special offer for you and is planning an open house this Saturday. Here’s what they would like you to know:

At West Seattle Fight and Fitness, we not only teach martial arts, we teach movement. We strive to connect the sense of effort and enjoyment, providing an environment that is physically demanding yet playful in nature. We operate out of a 4900-square-foot warehouse converted into a martial-arts and fitness facility, conveniently located on Delridge, with more than 1700 square feet of mat space. Needless to say, there is plenty of room to climb, jump, lift, roll, kick, punch, and most importantly, MOVE.

West Seattle Fight and Fitness offers classes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), also known as the “gentle art,” daily. It is a beautiful martial art that advocates self-defense and self-awareness. It uses leverage and efficiency of movement (minimal effort, maximum benefit) as the primary way of applying techniques, allowing every man, woman, and child the opportunity to excel. We also offer Tae Kwon Do (TKD), a relaxing martial art whose beauty is displayed through forms and powerful kicks. In our youth program, we immerse the children in 3 different skills: striking, takedowns, and the “ground” game. We believe that children need a variety of experiences that will lead to a solid development of fundamental motor skills and set the cornerstone for creating a future black belt. We create strong and hard-working kids who enjoy every second of our classes and also have the confidence to stand up for themselves and others.

All of our programs are great ways to stay in shape and push your body to new heights. We believe in community and teamwork, which is why we are proud members of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association. Not sure if the martial arts are for you? Let us show you! We offer a 30-day free trial to give you the time you need to see the various benefits of what we do. Come see how West Seattle Fight & Fitness can change your life today!

Find West Seattle Fight and Fitness at 5050 Delridge Way, online at westseattleff.com, and on Facebook here. They’re having an open house this Saturday (March 30th), 11 am-3 pm.

We thank West Seattle Fight & Fitness for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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West Seattle restaurants: Chopstix sets opening date; Bada Bistro happy hour; La Romanza joins Restaurant Week
March 27, 2013 4:26 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three West Seattle restaurant notes this afternoon:

CHOPSTIX SETS THE DATE: Though the “OPEN” sign was on this afternoon at the new Chinese restaurant Chopstix (in the former Ho-Win/Pan Africa Grill site at California/Juneau), it’s not open just yet, but owner Mark Lam just e-mailed us this news:

I am pleased to announce that Chopstix at 5905 California Ave SW will be taking orders on April 2nd at 11 am. First 20 dine-in customers will recieve a free appetizer of their choice. And first takeout or delivery order will be rewarded with one fried rice of their choice.

Our March 7th report on Chopstix is here.

BADA BISTRO ADDS HAPPY HOUR: One week after opening, the new Bada Bistro in the former Beachside Café/Alki Bakery space at 61st/Alki SW added happy hour as of today, 2-6 pm daily, per co-owner Sharon Bang. Lunch and brunch? Not yet, she says, but soon.

LA ROMANZA TO BE PART OF SEATTLE RESTAURANT WEEK: Proprietor Aimee Pellegrini of La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) in The Junction sends word that La Romanza is participating in Seattle Restaurant Week, which actually will be happening over the course of two weeks, April 7-11 and 14-18. Speaking of courses, they’ll offer a three-course meal for $28 – see the menu here.

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Firefighter training set at vacant Lowman Beach buildings
March 27, 2013 2:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Before the county-purchased former residences across from Lowman Beach Park are demolished for a new sewage-storage tank, they’ll be a training site for Seattle firefighters – starting tomorrow. Here’s the announcement just in from the county:

Vacant properties scheduled for deconstruction in West Seattle will be used to provide Seattle Fire Department personnel with training opportunities on March 28 and 29.

King County acquired the properties in 2012 to site new facilities that will be built as part of the Murray Avenue Combined Sewer Overflow Control project.

Beginning Thursday, March 28, firefighters will conduct training drills in four buildings in the 7000 block of Beach Drive Southwest in Seattle between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Drills could include cutting into roofs and tearing down drywall inside the buildings. Doors and site fencing removed during these activities will be replaced at the conclusion of activities around 5 p.m. The site and training activities will be monitored by fire department leadership.

During the training exercises, neighbors can expect increased activity, the presence of emergency vehicles on Beach Drive Southwest, and a temporary reduction in parking near Lowman Beach Park. Traffic control measures and site security will be in place during training hours, and Seattle Fire Department personnel will clean up and secure the property after training is complete.

Additional information about the project is available at kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd/Construction/Seattle/MurrayCSOStorage.aspx.

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West Seattle biznote: Yes, that’ll be a Sherwin-Williams store
March 27, 2013 2:51 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s come up multiple times in the past few days – from the WSB Forums to a question via text message just now – so we’re mentioning this in case you wondered too: There’s finally somewhat-official confirmation that the building going up behind the Delridge Arco station will be a Sherwin-Williams Paint store. When we published a quick item about the construction work two months ago, a few readers said that’s what they had heard, but the company’s PR people didn’t answer our query, and at the time, there was no evidence online. Now (in the form of a sign permit), there is.

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Ex-Allstar Fitness, now West Seattle Athletic Club: Update from new ownership, including memberships’ status
March 27, 2013 12:29 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS Health Club/ex-Athletic Club/ex-Allstar Fitness

For the first time since the Friday hearing at which a federal bankruptcy judge approved the sale of the former Allstar Fitness, we’ve heard from its new ownership. Sam Adams‘ company Oregon Athletic Clubs is renaming the club West Seattle Athletic Club, as we had reported after speaking with him March 10th, and we now know that company’s president is a former West Seattleite named Don Pak. He has just sent us this notice – which he says will be e-mailed to members as well as posted at the club – with information including the latest on what they are doing about prepaid memberships:

It is with great pleasure that we announce the following:

West Seattle Athletic Club has acquired Allstar Fitness and we are honored to serve the West Seattle community. West Seattle Athletic club (formerly All-Star Fitness) is the newest addition to the Oregon Athletic Club Family, the fastest growing chain of premier destination health clubs in the Pacific Northwest.

What does this all mean to you as a former All Star member?

There will not be any interruptions with your current monthly membership or changes to your monthly rates! This means you can carry on using this great facility as you have always done while also taking advantage of the new upgrades to equipment and services that we have planned.

What do we have planned for your club?

In the near future we will be replacing equipment, increasing services, and refreshing/updating the building. As a part of our new Group exercise (GX) programs, we will be adding classes from the world renowned Les Mills programs! We’re not just focusing on the adults either. At the new OAC, we want to continue and expand our youth programs to provide more options for the entire family! We will be adding amenities to the kids club such as well. The new OAC will be implementing the kidcheck software program to help ensure a safe and easy check in process. Take a look… http://www.kidcheck.com. Our goal is to provide an outstanding member experience to all of our members.

What about pre-paid memberships?

Great News, as promised, The West Seattle Athletic Club will be honoring all prepaid membership that expires on or before December 31st 2014.

If you have a membership that expires after December 31st 2014, please contact us at memberservicesWSAC@oaclubs.com. If we do not hear from you, a representative will be in contact with you to discuss your membership on an individual basis.

What happens next?

To use your new West Seattle Athletic Club membership just come into the club, update your billing and contact information, and enjoy your local neighborhood club. You will be issued a new membership card and hopefully meet some of the new staff members that will be here to help you reach your fitness goals.

We are thrilled to personally welcome you to the new West Seattle Athletic Club and are excited to provide you with a world-class experience. If you have any questions regarding the transition, please contact your club general manager Ramon Vasquez. He is at the club or can be reached at ramon@oaclubs.com. We would like to thank you for being a member.

Yours in Health,
The Oregon Athletic Club team!

This is the latest chapter in what began when the former owners’ company West Seattle Fitness filed Chapter 10 bankruptcy, quietly, last August. After tips from members, we first reported on the situation in November. The club was put up for sale in February, and the sale was approved by U.S. District Court Judge Karen Overstreet last Friday (see the signed court document here). WSB ongoing coverage dating back to November is archived here (reverse chronological order).

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Harbor Avenue to become temporary home to Fire Station 36
March 27, 2013 11:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

When community groups were originally briefed two years ago on upgrades for West Seattle’s Fire Station 36 – on the north end of Delridge, alongside the bridge – they were told the station’s operations would remain on the site while the work was done. (Here’s our February 2011 report from the briefing at the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.) With the work now months away, we’ve learned that plan has changed, and Station 36 will now be moving into temporary quarters near Harbor Avenue and SW Florida (map), on Port of Seattle property across from the Harbor Ave. 7-11, as described by city spokesperson Julie Moore, who explains that those 2011 briefings preceded design work on the upgrades:

Early in the design process, it became apparent that it was not optimal to have the firefighters and the contractor on site at the same time. We decided that locating the temporary station away from the current site during construction would have the least impact on Seattle Fire Department operations, which of course, is the priority. Having the firefighters off site during construction also reduces construction time. … We will build a temporary station that includes two trailers and a tent, similar to what we have done for other temporary stations around the city.

The $3.6 million Station 36 upgrade includes earthquake-safety features and additional building space. According to the city’s latest schedule update for Fire Levy projects including this one, it’s expected to go out to bid in about two weeks, and construction is likely to start in late summer, lasting a little more than a year.

West Seattle has three other fire-station projects in the works – upgrades for Highland Park’s Station 11 (scheduled to start construction in November) and Admiral’s Station 29 (no date yet since it’s in pre-design), and a 2015 rebuild for Station 32 in The Triangle (here’s our recent report on that).

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Reunion time for West Seattle High School Class of 1963
March 27, 2013 10:20 am
|    Comments Off on Reunion time for West Seattle High School Class of 1963
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you or someone you know was part of the West Seattle High School Class of 1963, this short announcement just out of the WSB inbox is for you!

Please join us at West Seattle High School, Friday evening, June 7, at 5 pm to celebrate our 50th Reunion.

Also, register in advance for a fantastic buffet dinner at the Rainier Golf and Country Club, Saturday, June 8 at 6 pm.

For registration forms, contact jelmer63@comcast.net

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5 highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday
March 27, 2013 9:37 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Early-morning Lincoln Park fungi, photographed Monday by Machel Spence)
From the (frequently updated!) WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY DOWNTOWN: As noted here yesterday, West Seattleite Marley Blonsky is lead organizer for a rally at the federal courthouse at noon today, meant to show coast-to-coast support for same-sex marriage in light of the marriage-equality case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden). Agenda details in our calendar listing.

POEMS AND STORIES: The monthly readings/open-mike event at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) starts at 7 pm – details at poetrybridge.net.

3RD WEEK FOR ‘NEXT FALL’: Been to ArtsWest‘s latest production yet? Next chance is 7:30 tonight.

FULL MOON: Per this month’s edition of “Skies Over West Seattle.” Moonrise is 8:29 pm, per the WSB Weather page, where you can check moonrise/moonset, sunrise/sunset, tides, and of course forecasts, any time.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2013: Signups in 5 days
March 27, 2013 8:53 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2013: Signups in 5 days
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Saturday, May 11th is the ninth annual edition of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – one day, hundreds of sales around the peninsula, fun times meeting neighbors and new friends and engaging in the timeless practice of person-to-person recycling (for a modest price). In case you missed the earlier announcements, registration will open next Monday, April 1st – some people like to sign up early and commit themselves to that first big garage/yard sale of spring. Never too soon to start sorting your stuff for your sale if you’re planning one – then, watch our channels Monday for the announcement that we’re ready to start registration: the official WSCGSD website, the WSCGSD Facebook page, the WSB FB page, the WSB Twitter feed, and of course, here!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates, with downtown alerts
March 27, 2013 6:51 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:51 AM: Reminder of two downtown alerts first mentioned in yesterday’s roundup: A crowd at KeyArena 9 am-2:30 pm for “We Day,” morning, and a funeral procession for a Seattle firefighter from Fremont into downtown, 11:30-1 pm.

7:36 AM: No West Seattle Water Taxi effects that we know of, but if you’re among our Vashon-commuter readership, the VASHON WT run at 8:15 is canceled (along with the 7:40 am run from Seattle) – repairs needed.

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‘Nickelsville’ police patrols: What Southwest Precinct commander told the Block Watch Captains Network tonight
March 26, 2013 11:32 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“A lot of this is policy” – and not policy made by Seattle Police.

That was a caveat tonight from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler, when asked about the “Nickelsville” encampment’s status, following Mayor McGinn‘s new directive for more patrols (WSB Monday report), in the wake of the encampment declaring itself “overrun” with “meth dealers and violent, barred former campers” (WSB Sunday report).

Capt. Kessler was at the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting primarily for a get-acquainted event; the group was created in the time between his unprecedented two tours of duty at one precinct, something he says no SPD commander has done before. But in light of our coverage the past few days, WSBWCN co-founder Deb Greer asked him what he could tell the group.

First, he noted that the encampment was founded at the same 7116 West Marginal Way SW site during his first year as precinct commander.

As for now – he says behind-the-scenes city leadership strategizing is going on as well as police action. He said he “was in a meeting with the mayor’s senior staff and (Deputy) Chief (Nick) Metz” on Monday afternoon, and that his second-in-command Lt. Pierre Davis had met with the Southwest/South Precincts’ city-attorney liaison Melissa Chin, and that “we’re working through this process right now,” though the “process,” he said, “isn’t necessarily right now within (police’s) bailiwick.”

What is, Kessler said, “is to enforce the laws and (promote) safety.” He refuted allegations that police had not adequately responded to calls from the encampment: “Every call that’s been made, from everyone (there), has been responded to by the Southwest Precinct.”

But again, he said, major decisions on next steps won’t be made at the precinct level: “We’re in active discussions right now with the mayor’s office and city attorney’s office to figure out where they want to go … our role will be as part of the team, but we’re not the decisionmakers.”

Officers are “patrolling around” the encampment, Capt. Kessler confirmed, adding that “the mayor is accurate in saying we are making it one of our priority spots to make sure we are having a visible presence as much as we can – but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to patrol the (other) areas where we have emerging crime problems.”

To the Nickelsville Central Committee open letter last weekend accusing police of thwarting camp attempts at self-policing by not supporting “eviction” decisions, as reported in our Sunday story: “That is public property; it’s owned by the City of Seattle. There is no legal ability for anyone who is staying there – they are not landlords, so there is no legal ability for their (people) or for my officers to go there and actually evict somebody from public property, it’s not the same as if someone is at your house – so whatever rules are in place (at the encampment) are not legal rules. We still operate under the rule of law and we still have all the things that officers are well versed in their legal responsibilities and what they can and can’t do. … In all our discussions with the mayor and the city attorney’s office, everyone is on the same page.”

Another trouble spot came up at tonight’s meeting – 15th and Holden in Highland Park. That report is coming up later. Meantime, Nickelsville is scheduled to be discussed during Wednesday night’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting (7 pm, HP Improvement Club, 12th/Holden); HPAC has previously told the city that other communities should take turns hosting the encampment, and also has surveyed community members for their thoughts.

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Want to be part of Dining Out For Life? West Seattle restaurant ambassadors sought
March 26, 2013 8:14 pm
|    Comments Off on Want to be part of Dining Out For Life? West Seattle restaurant ambassadors sought
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Gina Baleto-Ferguson and Sage Marts at Talarico’s during past Dining Out For Life)
Want to help people have a good time for a good cause? Lifelong AIDS Alliance is recruiting restaurant ambassadors for the 20th year of Dining Out For Life on April 25th:

Dining Out For Life is an annual event in which more than 150 Seattle-area restaurants donate a portion of your bill to support Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the fight against illness and hunger in our community. Ambassadors welcome guests, answer questions about Dining Out For Life , and collect donations.

The top five reasons why you should volunteer are:

1. See your peeps. Packing the restaurant with friends, family, and co-workers is a great way to maximize your volunteer experience. Request that your shift is held at one of your favorite restaurants from the list of those participating (pending availability).

2. Be inspired. Often patrons will share touching stories as to why they chose to participate in Dining Out For Life. Learning about how HIV/AIDS has affected so many of us is powerful — and makes your volunteer experience that much more rewarding.

3. Giving back was never this easy (or fun). What other volunteer opportunity has you meeting new people, visiting with friends, and talking about a great cause all while hanging out in some of Seattle’s coolest restaurants and bars?

4. We could not do it without you. The ambassador’s role is vital to the success of this event. One-third of the total dollars raised at Dining Out For Life come from additional cash donations resulting from conversations between patrons and their ambassadors.

5. Be a part of something big. The funds raised on April 25th support Lifelong’s work empowering people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions to lead healthier lives. As an ambassador at Dining Out For Life, you are helping save lives!

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night shifts are available in restaurants all over Seattle/King County. An average shift takes anywhere from 3-6 hours. Visit DiningOutForLife.com/Seattle for the list of participating restaurants.

**Register online at wllaa.org/DOFLvolunteer to fill out the volunteer ambassador application**

Are you a restaurant interested in participating? We need you, too!
Participating in Dining Out is more than just good philanthropy; it’s good business. Lifelong is committed to hosting a successful event, helping fill your restaurant with loyal patrons, and creating a mutually beneficial partnership. Contact Eleazar Juarez-Diaz for more information or sign-up online here.

So far, according to the DOFL website, four West Seattle/White Center restaurants are participating – Buddha Ruksa, Skylark Café, Proletariat Pizza, and Talarico’s, all planning to participate during the dinner hour that night.

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West Seattleite organizing marriage-equality rally tomorrow
March 26, 2013 5:39 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattleite Marley Blonsky sends word of a big rally downtown tomorrow for which she is lead organizer – a rally supporting nationwide marriage equality, on the day the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in two cases. It’s at noon tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) outside the federal courthouse at 700 Stewart Street (map) – here’s the Facebook event page with full details. (P.S. If Marley’s name sounds familiar – we published the announcement of her wedding last September, and then photographed her and wife Whitney Young in the marriage-license line at the King County Courthouse during that historic December night/morning.)

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Helicopter alert: Drill tonight at Joint Training Facility in SE West Seattle
March 26, 2013 3:11 pm
|    Comments Off on Helicopter alert: Drill tonight at Joint Training Facility in SE West Seattle
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

If you see/hear a helicopter in southeast West Seattle tonight – it’s probably just a drill. We have advance notice just in from Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Kyle Moore:

Tonight the Seattle Fire Department along with the King County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a Night Time Hoist Helicopter Training Drill at the City of Seattle Joint Training Facility. The purpose of the exercise will be for firefighters to practice rescuing patients at night from a high rise building.

The drill is part of an All Hazards Regional Aviation Response Partnership which includes the King County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the Seattle Fire Department and other regional agencies.

Beginning at 6 p.m. neighbors of the City of Seattle Joint Training Facility located at 9401 Myers Way South [map] will notice an increase in activity and noise until 9 p.m. The drill will involve the takeoff and landing of the King County Sheriff’s Guardian 2 Helicopter.

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West Seattle Food Bank update #2: Northwest Insurance Group donates $1,000
March 26, 2013 2:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

And our second West Seattle Food Bank update this afternoon:

That’s John Moore of Morgan Junction-headquartered Northwest Insurance Group (longtime WSB sponsor) in our photo with Fran Yeatts, executive director of the West Seattle Food Bank. John went to the food bank Monday afternoon with a check for $1,000 – explained in his latest newsletter:

It’s time to give back. I want to thank our wonderful clients and friends that have been so generous in their support of our business. Throughout the year, as we receive valuable referrals from our clients and friends, we will match the $10 referral-reward gift toward a contribution to a local charity. This year, the lucky gift of $1,000 goes to our own West Seattle Food Bank!

And in case you forgot – this month and next, gifts to local food banks are good for more than face value, because of the Feinstein Challenge – explained here by WS and White Center Food Bank – so if you can give, now’s a great time to do it.

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West Seattle Food Bank update #1: County exec’s $7/day visit
March 26, 2013 1:29 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Food Bank updates to share this afternoon. This story is the first one:

(Photos courtesy King County Executive’s Office)
County Executive Dow Constantine visited the WS Food Bank this morning as part of his participation in the United Way of King County‘s Hunger Action Week, calling attention to the fact that 1 in 7 people in King County deal with hunger – 1 in 6, nationwide. Via his Facebook page, he wrote:

The helpful volunteers and staff showed me the real challenges people face to get access to nutritious food. Working families, kids, and seniors rely on this valuable community asset, and I am thankful for their good work.

Today’s breakfast as part of the Food Stamp Challenge – three meals on just $7/day:

1/2 cup cereal: 20¢
2 oz soy milk: 22¢
Banana: 19¢
Coffee: 38¢
Total: 99¢

Here’s more information on the Food Stamp Challenge.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Missing a guitar? + 2 more reports
March 26, 2013 12:04 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

West Seattle Crime Watch (and related) reader reports to share:

STOLEN CAR: Pam reports her husband’s car was taken from outside their home in the 5600 block of 25th SW on Monday afternoon – green 1994 Nissan Altima, four-door, Washington plate AAJ8298. Just two weeks ago, she says, their cars were hit by prowling and siphoning. Speaking of car prowls …

CAR BREAK-INS: From a 31st SW resident:

Just wanted to let you know that on 31st Ave SW between Thistle and Elmgrove, we experienced 3 car prowls (Sunday) night. Two of the cars were locked and armed- those folks are thinking that somehow the thieves have keys to their cars. My car, stupidly, was unlocked. Thankfully nothing of HUGE value was taken, but I wanted to get this out there to remind people to take their valuables inside at night.

POSSIBLY DISCARDED LOOT: Received this note:

I found a guitar in the alley by my garage Sunday morning (March 24th) in the North Admiral area. I assume it was ditched by some car prowlers early that morning since the neighbors’ car was broken into. Call me to identify it. 206 935-4063

One more quick reminder of a crime-prevention, neighborhood-empowerment meeting TONIGHT – the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network, 6:30 pm, SW Precinct – you don’t have to be a captain, or even a Block Watch participant, to come be part of it.

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5 highlights for your West Seattle Tuesday afternoon/evening
March 26, 2013 10:40 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

This week, the daily preview seems to be taking an unplanned brief break from bird photos. These pals turned up in the WSB inbox, courtesy of Eric Shalit from Box Turtle Design – that’s his little Piggy with poodle friend Django, who belongs to Eric’s friend, West Seattle author Conrad Wesselhoeft. Now on to the calendar highlights:

SANISLO ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL SEARCH: As reported here Monday, a community meeting is planned after school today, 3:40-4:40 pm, so that parents and other interested parties can participate in the search for a principal to succeed Ernie Seevers (who is retiring after this year).

CAREGIVER FOR AGING FAMILY MEMBER? Come to Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) at 6 tonight for the next open forum on aging, caregiving, and family dynamics – get support and guidance, and share your story/advice if you choose to. 2326 California SW.

WEST SEATTLE BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS NETWORK: 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (Webster/Delridge), WSBWCN is scheduled to hear from precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler, from Community Police Team Officer Jon Kiehn with CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design, around your home) advice, and a victims’-advocacy program rep.

DESC ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The community advisory committee focused on issues relating to the DESC Supportive Housing project under construction in North Delridge meets tonight at 6:30 pm, room 106 at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Site/vicinity issues including the alley and drainage are on the agenda.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ CONCERT: Rescheduled from last week, WSCO’s second spring concert, “Songs of America,” 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle), free but donations appreciated.

Those are just a few highlights – find MANY more listings on our calendar!

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Video: Metropolitan Market’s Andrew Borracchini on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’
March 26, 2013 9:25 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

If you didn’t stay up to watch national grocery-bagging champ Andrew Borracchini‘s appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” around 12:20 am, the video is now available courtesy of the CBS website (thanks to WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli for spotting it first!). The appearance was rumored to be a possibility ever since Andrew, who has worked at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor) for more than three years, won the title at the National Grocers Association‘s Las Vegas convention last month (by the way, video from the championship is now online too).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Your Tuesday travels
March 26, 2013 5:58 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
No traffic alerts as we start today – but there’s early warning of a possible downtown tie-up TOMORROW morning, because of the “We Day” event at KeyArena 9 am-2:30 pm Wednesday.

ADDED 11:55 AM: Another advisory for tomorrow, just in from SDOT:

In addition to potential traffic congestion associated with the We Day Seattle event at the Key Arena from 8:30 – 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, March 27, there will also be a funeral procession for a fallen Seattle Firefighter which could impact traffic. The procession, honoring Firefighter Jess Hernandez, will begin at 12:20 p.m. at the Fourth Avenue and Bell Street Fire Station and move west on Bell to Second Avenue; then south on Second to the Christ Our Hope Catholic Church at Stewart Street. The 500 participants will be escorted by Seattle Police. There will be a rolling slowdown as the procession makes its way to the church where they are expected to arrive at about 12:45 p.m. There will be no street closures, except along the route as the procession moves by. Motorists should allow extra time driving through Belltown during the noon hour or take an alternate route.

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