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month : 08/2013 315 results

Sentenced to ‘life,’ kidnapper/rapist in West Seattle/Kitsap County case is now out of prison
August 5, 2013 4:05 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Thanks to a WSB’er for the tip on this: Convicted kidnapper/rapist Donald Randolph Hooper is out of prison, after a ruling by the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board.

Longtime West Seattleites might recognize the name. In December 1982, at which time he happened to be working for Washington State Ferries on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, Hooper kidnapped a 14-year-old girl at gunpoint from a bus stop in West Seattle. She survived an ordeal that also included molestation and rape, at multiple locations in King and Kitsap Counties, before Hooper dumped her in the water of Hood Canal after binding her hands and partially binding her feet. She managed to struggle to shore after he left, and found someone who called police.

Hooper also was eventually convicted of a separate incident that had happened weeks earlier, involving raping a hitchhiker at gunpoint, though that conviction was reversed on appeal because of a technicality; ISRB documents say he admitted he committed the crime.

His sentence for the West Seattle kidnapping and Kitsap County rape was life in prison. But because Hooper’s conviction and sentencing predated our state’s mid-’80s fixed-sentence laws, Hooper was eligible for the equivalent of parole, which is granted by the aforementioned ISRB.

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Night Out tomorrow: No block party in your neighborhood? Check out the White Center Food Walk (etc.) party instead
August 5, 2013 1:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

If your neighborhood is NOT celebrating Night Out tomorrow (August 6th), consider spending the evening at White Center’s Business District Night Out from 6 to 9 pm. Highlights include a free Zumba class with Center Studio (WSB sponsor) outside at 6 pm, and a $2 food walk with more than 15 local restaurants (see map above). There will also be live music, a beer garden at Big Al Brewing, a raffle at Seattle Silkscreening Company, and free bike safety and emergency preparedness classes with the White Center Community Development Association. You can find more info (including photos of food walk offerings) at the White Center Chamber of Commerce‘s Facebook page.

P.S. If you’re in the Seattle city limits, not too late to sign up your block party for a street closure tomorrow night (non-arterial) – all the info’s here!

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Pump problems close Colman Pool for the day
August 5, 2013 11:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Just announced by Seattle Parks – no swimming today at West Seattle’s only city-run outdoor pool:

A pump failure at Colman Pool has resulted in closure today. A repair company is on site and working on correcting the problem.

The pump that takes water from the filters and returns it to the pool has stopped working. The repair requires replacement of key parts and detailed realignment of the unit. This is expected to take the whole day and the pool should reopen for programs on Tuesday.

The pool, which marked its 70th anniversary two years ago, had a bout of pump trouble earlier this summer, too.

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Man revived by SFD, in hospital after bike fall at Lincoln Park
August 5, 2013 9:36 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

In case you wondered about the Seattle Fire Department response at Lincoln Park early this morning: A 75-year-old man is hospitalized in critical condition this morning after falling off his bicycle. Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore says witnesses saw the man fall on the path near Colman Pool around quarter past 6 and called 911, then: “When firefighters arrived, the man was unconscious, not breathing, and did not have a pulse. We immediately used a defibrillator and performed 1 hour of CPR on the man. We were able to get his heart beating again and have him breathing on his own.” Moore says the call was handled by Engines 32 and 37 as well as Medic 10, which took the man to a hospital downtown. No word on whether the fall was the result of a sudden health problem or something else.

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West Seattle Monday: Election Day Eve; K-5 STEM meeting; Walking Papers live @ Easy Street…
August 5, 2013 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Another view of the Duwamish River

(Spot of color on the Duwamish River shore, by Flickr member “old desolate,” shared via WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

JUNCTION TRUE VALUE’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY: The family-owned-and-operated store in The Junction is celebrating 60 years in business with festivities all week, leading up to a celebration on Saturday. See JTV’s WSB ad here and special discount coupon here. (4747 44th SW)

BALLOT DROP-OFF VAN: It’s Election Day Eve, and the King County Elections ballot-dropoff van is back today, 10 am-5 pm at West Seattle Stadium (10 am-8 pm tomorrow, too). There also are fixed, around-the-clock drop-off boxes – see the list here; the nearest ones are downtown and in Burien. You also can mail your ballot as long as it’s postmarked by tomorrow; don’t forget the stamp (NOT needed if you drop it off at a county van or box).

MEETING AT K-5 STEM: As Seattle Public Schools prepares to finalize decisions in the fall about boundaries as well as the future of campuses including reopening-next-year Fairmount Park Elementary and vacating-in-2016 Schmitz Park Elementary, West Seattle’s newest public school finds its own future in the eye of the storm, and has announced proposals to solve much of the puzzle, as reported and discussed here last week. Tonight, a special PTA/community meeting is planned to discuss those proposals and strategize advocacy for them. 6:30 pm at the Boren gym. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store performance by Walking Papers (featuring Duff McKagan) – free, all ages! 7 pm. (California/Alaska)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates and notes
August 5, 2013 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Here’s what’s ahead for this week:

TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Road work 7 am-7 pm each of those two days on the westbound side of SW Roxbury. On Tuesday, one westbound lane will be closed between 15th and 16th SW; on Thursday, one westbound lane will be closed between 23rd and 24th SW.

OVERNIGHT TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY: 10 pm-5 am Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, the southbound Battery St. Tunnel will be closed on Highway 99. There will also be a northbound closure but it won’t start until about midnight, or “two hours after the Mariners’ game ends.”

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Skies Over West Seattle, August 2013: Meteor shower on the way
August 4, 2013 9:47 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever wish for advance alert of an upcoming meteor shower/eclipse/etc. – and/or wonder “What’s that bright ‘star’ up there?” Here you go! It’s our monthly feature by West Seattle’s own Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, famous for her solstice/equinox sunset watches among other things.

By Alice Enevoldsen
Special to West Seattle Blog

August might be your peak month for stargazing, depending on the time you have available. Whatever your reason for finding time to view the beautiful August skies, take advantage of it, and don’t miss the Perseid meteor shower next weekend. The only thing working against you is the late sunsets and early sunrises. First:

Hey! What’s That?

Venus – in the W just after sunset
Saturn – medium-low in the SW after sunset
Arcuturus – high in the W
Jupiter – low in the E before sunrise
Capella – low in the NE after midnight

Let’s talk about Aurorae (“Northern Lights”)

I’ve been tweeting very wishy-washy Aurora alerts over the last couple months. I wish I could be more specific for you, but the Aurora is one of those sky phenomena that is less predictable – just like comets.

The Aurora is so unpredictable is because it is caused by an interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind.

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Next weekend: Nature Consortium’s Arts in Nature Festival returns
August 4, 2013 6:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Next weekend: Nature Consortium’s Arts in Nature Festival returns
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Participants in 2011 Arts in Nature Festival ‘Species Parade’)
West Seattle’s next festival is six days away: As promised, Nature Consortium is bringing back the Arts in Nature Festival after a one-year hiatus. It’s next Saturday and Sunday (August 10-11) at Camp Long. The schedule is online – use the tabs on this page to see each individual day/venue. Saturday begins with Caspar Babypants at 11 am at the lodge; after that, he and Kate Endle will be in residence at Cabin 4 as part of the ongoing “Museum of Sound.” Headliners Cloud Cult will perform at the lodge at 7 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. The always-popular Species Parade is set for 1 pm Saturday and 11:30 am Sunday in the meadow. And those are just a few items from the long list of festival events. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first Arts in Nature Festival; admission is free, but a donation is suggested, $10 individual/$25 families.

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Seal-pup season now under way – so please keep your distance
August 4, 2013 4:58 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

In the foreground, that’s “Sparkle” the seal pup, the first one spotted this season by Seal Sitters – and its appearance on an Alki-area platform these past few days unfortunately is cause for an urgent reminder instead of a happy announcement, because of boaters getting way too close. Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey estimates the pup to be just a few days old, which means if its mom is scared away, its life is at risk: “It is imperative that people STAY BACK from this platform (both in the water and on shore) to lessen the risk of abandonment and death for this pup, shown here with a larger yearling. There was a steady stream of boaters getting much closer than NOAA’s 100-yard recommendation, causing the adult seals to flee into the Sound.” Robin reiterates that “human interference truly is a matter of life and death for all seal pups their first year of life – and most certainly the first 4 weeks when they are nursing on mom’s rich milk, unable to forage on their own. We are documenting all violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and sending photos to NOAA’s Office for Law Enforcement and WDFW Enforcement for investigations – neither of which takes harassment of wildlife lightly. Boaters need to stay back from rafts, docks and buoys with resting seals and sea lions. For boater guidelines, go here.” Robin shows and tells even more of the story on Blubberblog.

P.S. If you see a seal pup – or a marine mammal of any kind, alive or dead – ashore in the West Seattle area, please call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325). Elsewhere – find info here.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Fauntleroy bridge entrance reopens after half-hour closure
August 4, 2013 3:46 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:46 PM: Police have closed the entrance to the eastbound bridge at Fauntleroy; crews are responding to an aid call further east of that point. We don’t know how long it’ll last, so for now, if you’re about to head east, use the Delridge entrance, which appears to be open (not sure about Admiral but we’re checking). Thank you to the person who texted first word of the shutdown! 206-293-6302 any time, day or night (but only when you can text or call safely and legally).

4:03 PM: Thanks to LT for confirming the Admiral entrance remains open as well as Delridge – so use either of those until Fauntleroy reopens (the image above is SDOT’s “live” camera).

4:09 PM: It’s open again.

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West Seattle’s ‘Archer Addy’ #1 in state, #4 in nation, 9 years old
August 4, 2013 2:50 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

A local student has taken aim at archery fame – and seems to be right on target, in a big way. Her family shares this report and the accompanying photos:

West Seattle 9-year-old and Schmitz Park Elementary student Addison “Archer Addy” Nachtrieb placed 4th in the Nation at the US National Field Archery Championships, just two weeks after taking 1st in the State Target Archery Championships while setting a new state scoring record that hasn’t been broken since 2001!

Addy rose at 6 am every morning during the National Championships to practice for 45 minutes, then competed for 27 hours over 5 days, and shot 682 arrows through miles of hills in 80-degree weather in the hills just outside of Darrington, Washington. More than 350 archers from around the country made the trek to the Washington Cascades to compete for the National Cup. After days of shooting in Addy’s first Field Nationals Competition, the finals pitted her against a group of 11 year olds, Serena from Iowa, ranked 9th in the world and 5th in the nation; Tara from Arizona, ranked 4th in the nation; and Brianne from Montana, a two-time indoor and outdoor National archery champion.

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Election 2013: Mayoral candidate Peter Steinbrueck in West Seattle
August 4, 2013 1:02 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Making the rounds at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market this morning, Peter Steinbrueck became the third mayoral candidate in five days to visit the peninsula. He brought along what seemed like an armada of supporters – they staked out the corners by the market, offering literature to passers-by (we were hit up twice in each direction) even as the former city councilmember mingled. No soapbox speeches, just handshakes and on-the-fly chats. His visit follows incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn‘s coffeehouse chat yesterday (WSB coverage here) and State Sen. Ed Murray‘s Wednesday night event at the Masonic Temple (WSB coverage here). Any of the other six candidates (here’s the online voters’ guide for all 9) headed this way before voting ends Tuesday night? Let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com. And if you haven’t voted yet – whoever you’re voting for – the West Seattle and White Center ballot-dropoff vans will be back tomorrow and Tuesday.

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Seafair Sunday: West Seattle side notes from the hydroplane pits
August 4, 2013 10:38 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(This photo & next, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
If you are going to – or are already at! – Lake Washington for Seafair‘s grand finale, the hydroplane races and air show, here are a few of the West Seattle side notes we’ve found so far. Above, it’s the Miss Beacon Plumbing, whose team again got a helping hand this year from South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) – actually more than one helping hand, as you’ll see in this story on the SSCC website. We visited the hydro pits in the early going this morning to get that photo while Miss BP was out on a testing run. The hydro didn’t come to the SSCC campus for work this year as it did last year, but SSCC students were out working on it elsewhere in the city earlier this week.

Meantime, also seen this morning in the Stan Sayres Pits – the Miss Fox Plumbing bears the logo of a West Seattle-based business, Sea-Way Marine:

And while we don’t know if he’s gotten a chance to drive today, we found out from our friends at My Edmonds News that West Seattle resident Jesse Robertson has been out on the course this weekend – see their story about him here.

P.S. Yet another reminder that the I-90 bridge closes 1:15-2:40 pm for the Patriots Team’s turn in the air show.

ADDED 2:30 PM: Another Fox Plumbing hydro bears the Sea-Way Marine logo – Jim Clark shares this Friday photo of the Formula 1 boat:

The Formula 1 finals are scheduled for 4:20 pm today, right before the H1 Unlimited finals – the full schedule is here.

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West Seattle Sunday: 7 highlights for today/tonight
August 4, 2013 8:44 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: U.S. Coast Guard crew just off the Alki promenade on Saturday)
Welcome to a sunny Seafair Sunday! (Added 1:05 pm: And happy 223rd birthday, U.S. Coast Guard – just a coincidence we ran that photo today, didn’t hear about the birthday till now!) Again today, we start with two FYIs, followed by highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT IF YOU’RE HEADED EAST: The I-90 bridge is scheduled to close one last time, 1:15-2:40 pm today, for the Patriots Jet Team’s performance during this year’s final Seafair airshow.

NO LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Again today, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will NOT be opening Alki Point Lighthouse for tours, because of a “heavy task load” for Seafair. Tours are set to resume next weekend (1-4 pm both days).

Now, highlights from the calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Summer produce is at its peak, and you can buy direct from growers at the market, 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)

PETER STEINBRUECK CAMPAIGN STOP: Another mayoral candidate is visiting West Seattle today; Peter Steinbrueck‘s campaign says he’ll be at the Farmers’ Market around 11 am. (44th/Alaska)

CAT ADOPTION: Friends of the Animals Foundation will have cats and kittens available for adoption, noon-3 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction. (4543 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Going to Alki to enjoy the sun? Take a side trip to the home of West Seattle history, open noon-4 pm on Sundays (and Thursdays-Saturdays). (61st/Stevens)

COFFEE AND MUSIC: Enjoy live music with Zombie Plowboy 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor); more in the calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s theme is Hawaiian – cook a Hawaiian-themed dish and bring it to the WSCC gathering at Beveridge Place Pub, 3 pm. (6413 California SW)

CLAUDIA NYGAARD AT KENYON HALL: The award-winning Nashville-based musician will be in West Seattle at 7:30 pm tonight at historic Kenyon Hall; details in the calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

Even more happening today – check the calendar!

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West Seattle weekend scene: Seal Sitters’ Alki cleanup
August 3, 2013 10:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
From left, Karina, Mike, and Nicholas were among the more than 50 all-ages participants in this morning’s Alki cleanup organized by Seal Sitters in honor of “The Year of the Seal.” The trash take wasn’t quite as big as it might have been if Friday hadn’t brought the first rain in more than a month, but Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey told us enthusiasm was running high – she shared this photo from the briefing that began the day, as Puget Soundkeeper’s Kathryn Davis spoke to volunteers “about the dangers of marine pollution and how we can help,” as Robin described it:

(Photo courtesy Seal Sitters)
Robin says Seal Sitters extend their thanks to the volunteers who came to help “from all over Seattle.” She’s published more about the cleanup on Blubberblog – including the startling number of discarded cigarette remnants they found!

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Update: Police investigate stabbing in Morgan Junction; 1 in custody
August 3, 2013 9:19 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

9:19 PM: Police are searching for a suspect in a reported stabbing in the 6300 block of 42nd SW in Morgan Junction. According to scanner, traffic, the suspect is reported to have left northbound on 42nd in a red car. The dispatch is “assault with weapons/aid,” which suggests the injuries might not be major. More as we get it.

9:21 PM UPDATE: Police now report catching up with the/a suspect. Meantime, the 911 log has added more units and upgraded this to a “7 per” call, which suggests the injury could be worse than first reported. We have learned that the call originally was dispatched for a 21-year-old pregnant female victim possibly stabbed in the arm.

9:32 PM UPDATE: Our crew on the scene says police are describing this as a case of domestic violence, and is also being told there are NO major injuries involved. Investigators are still trying to sort out exactly what happened.

10:50 PM UPDATE: SPD confirms via Twitter that the victim was not seriously injured (“superficial wounds”) and that a suspect is in custody.

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Happening now: Preshow fun @ West Seattle Outdoor Movies
August 3, 2013 7:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

Showtime at West Seattle Outdoor Movies is still about an hour away – with “The Muppets” as the main event – but there’s already a courtyard-filling crowd; our photo was taken about half an hour ago – so if you’re planning to go, don’t wait any longer! Tonight’s early attractions included free grilled hot dogs and burgers provided by West Seattle Christian Church. Other businesses from the WSOM sponsor list who are featured tonight include Nurturing Expressions:

From left, Kay Gordon with kids Asher and Alia, and Nurturing Expressions owner Tracy Corey with daughter Kayleigh, and some of the raffle prizes they’re donating tonight to raise money for WestSide Baby. For moms with babies, they’re handing out reminders of the breastfeeding support group that meets weekly at NE (which is at 4746 44th SW, Suite 201, across from Junction True Value), 1 pm Tuesdays. Also meeting weekly at NE, noon-2 pm Wednesdays, is the Early Days support group for parents with babies up to a year old, led by Meg Gluckman, who’s at WSOM tonight too, sharing information about all kinds of resources for parents:

And if you’re there, you can also find out about Dream Dinners from Carol, who shared a smile with Paul from PB&J Textiles, which donates the concessions to raise money for nonprofits each week:

Paul and PB&J co-proprietor Dave run the old-fashioned popcorn machine, too, always stationed near the gate to the movie courtyard alongside Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW). If you don’t make it to the movies next week – see the full lineup at wsmovies.org; three more Saturday-night screenings after tonight, starting with “The Avengers” next time (August 10th)!

Our standard disclosure: WSB sponsors mentioned in this story are Nurturing Expressions, Junction True Value, Dream Dinners, PB&J Textiles, and Hotwire Coffee. WSB, meantime, is the media sponsor for West Seattle Outdoor Movies again this year.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Proof that safety can be fun!
August 3, 2013 7:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Thanks to a mini-festival hosted this morning by Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor), more local kids will be riding their bicycles more safely. Along with face-painting, food, and a bouncy house, RS&W was providing free bicycle helmets. And speaking of safety, that’s also a big theme for the Seattle Fire Department, represented at the event by Highland Park-headquartered Engine 11:

Some parts of the event were strictly for fun, like the music – and when the DJ hit “Gangnam Style,” a couple of young dancers stole the show:

P.S. Somebody who passed by the clinic today asked us about a sign they glimpsed from the corner of their eye – featuring a famous face – check it out.

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Election 2013: Mayor McGinn’s West Seattle coffee-shop stop
August 3, 2013 6:06 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Nine candidates are in the running for Seattle Mayor, going into Tuesday’s primary election, and another one made a final-days campaign stop in West Seattle this afternoon – the incumbent himself, Mike McGinn. His campaign sent word at 1 pm that he would be at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) around 3 for an informal coffee-hour chat. Several people asked the mayor questions about topics from transportation to development to the 4755 Fauntleroy Way development; he said he understands West Seattle’s undergoing growing pains and – as he had said in this interview we reported on two months ago – needs more transit, which he says he’s working for. We asked how he thinks the effort to clear the “Nickelsville” encampment by next month is going; he said that while he didn’t have specific numbers handy, it didn’t seem as if the City Council-approved efforts to help find housing for campers was making much of a dent in their numbers yet.

Elsewhere on the mayoral campaign front, State Sen. Ed Murray was in West Seattle this past Wednesday night, and we learned this afternoon that Peter Steinbrueck plans to campaign at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market around 11 tomorrow morning. Any other mayoral candidates campaigning here before voting ends Tuesday night? Let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com.

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Happening now: Ardbeg Rocket visiting Capco Beverages
August 3, 2013 5:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

One of the more unusual promotional tours crossing the nation right now is this one, on behalf of Ardbeg scotch whisky – a rocket on a semi-truck. Right now, the Ardbeg Rocket is in West Seattle, parked on SW Alaska at 41st SW in The Junction, outside Capco Beverages (WSB sponsor), where it’ll be until at least 7 pm. So what do rockets and spirits have to do with each other, you ask? Ardbeg actually sent some of its malt to the International Space Station for two years of experiments (here’s a BBC story about it).

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Happening now: 1st of 3 pre-primary days for West Seattle ballot-dropoff van
August 3, 2013 2:07 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Anthony is one of the friendly King County Elections reps you’ll find at the official ballot-dropoff van in West Seattle, open until 5 pm today, 10 am-5 pm Monday, and 10 am-8 pm Tuesday. As with previous visits, the van is parked along the driveway into the West Seattle Stadium parking lot (from the northbound side of 35th SW, just south of SW Avalon Way). This year, there’s a White Center dropoff van too, same hours, at 9720 8th SW by the Greenbridge Library. If you’re looking for a fixed-location 24-hour box (until 8 pm Tuesday), the nearest ones are downtown and in Burien – all listed here. No stamp needed if you drop off your ballot at a van or box BUT if you mail it – do be sure it’s stamped.

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Alki Arts’ beach location to close after 3 ‘temporary’ years
August 3, 2013 10:07 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Alki Arts co-proprietors Tom Wyrick and Diane Venti, photographed on AA’s 2nd anniversary last year)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

After three years of brightening up the beach with art and music, gallery/event venue Alki Arts has been notified that its “temporary lease” will end September 30th.

That’s according to proprietors Diane Venti and Tom Wyrick, who took over the space at 2820 Alki SW in July 2010, after a pet shop closed with time left on its lease.

In those ensuing three years, not only have they shown and sold a wide variety of art, they also have hosted a wide range of events – ones they planned themselves, such as musical performers on days/nights both quiet and not (Art Walk, Pirates Landing, Summer Streets) and privately booked events (even weddings).

Via e-mail, Diane tells WSB, “We have HIRED (I don’t believe in free music) 90+ musicians, sponsored at least 40 donated events for schools, and local nonprofits, and made friends in this community for the rest of our lives. We have shown art for over 100 local ‘working artists’ and sold over 1/2 a million dollars of original art during a recession! Who knew!!!”

She also reflected:

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West Seattle Saturday: Cleanups; canoes; ‘Muppets’ & diaper drive & free BBQ at WS Outdoor Movies; more…
August 3, 2013 7:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Cleanups; canoes; ‘Muppets’ & diaper drive & free BBQ at WS Outdoor Movies; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Rufous hummingbird photographed in July by Trileigh Tucker)
Happy weekend! Newest forecast suggests we might see some clearing as the day goes on. Our look ahead to today/tonight starts with two FYIs:

TRAFFIC ALERT: The I-90 bridge is scheduled to close again 1:15-2:40 pm today for the Patriots Jet Team’s performance during the Seafair airshow.

NO LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will NOT be opening Alki Point Lighthouse for tours today or Sunday, because everyone’s busy for Seafair. Tours will resume next weekend (1-4 pm both days).

Now, what’s happening:

OUTRIGGER CANOE RACES: The annual DaGrind outrigger-canoe races are scheduled to launch from Alki today, with registration at 8:30 am and the first race scheduled at 10 am. Details in our calendar listing.

CLEAN UP ALKI WITH SEAL SITTERS: It’s the Year of the Seal, and this morning, Seal Sitters invite you to join them for a big cleanup on Alki, 9 am-noon (details here).

BICYCLE HELMETS AND FAMILY FUN: Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor) invites families to stop by 10 am-12:30 pm for free bicycle helmets, a barbecue, kids’ games, face-painting, and bouncy toys. (2656 SW Roxbury)

CLEAN UP DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER WITH NDNC: Looking ahead to the Delridge Day festival in two weeks, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council invites you to join them 10-noon in a cleanup at and around the festival site, Delridge Community Center/Park – details here.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD REP: 10 am-noon today at Southwest Branch Library is the first of two informal meetings scheduled by West Seattle’s elected representative on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, Marty McLaren, to talk about the “Growth Boundaries” process that’s under way. (35th/Henderson)

DROP OFF YOUR BALLOT: Haven’t mailed your ballot yet? Tuesday night is the deadline. Today, Monday, and Tuesday are the days you can drop it off at the official county dropoff vans – one at West Seattle Stadium, one at Greenbridge in White Center. Both vans will be set up and accepting ballots 10 am-5 pm today; details here. (4432 35th SW & 9720 8th SW)

WEST SEATTLE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES PICNIC: Just received this message last night: “WSAF, West Seattle Adoptive Families, is having a Potluck Picnic from 11 am – 2 pm at the south end of Lincoln Park. We will be situated near the swing set by the beach. We encourage families who have adopted or foster children to attend this small and friendly get-together.”

BECOME A LOG HOUSE MUSEUM VOLUNTEER: 11 am-1 pm today, the Log House Museum, home of West Seattle history, welcomes you to its volunteer-information session. All the info is on the LHM website. (61st/Stevens)

(added) MAYOR’S COFFEE-HOUR CAMPAIGN STOP: If we find out about any candidate’s West Seattle campaign stop in these final days of the mayoral campaign, we’ll mention it – and we just found out that Mayor McGinn will be at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) at 3 pm to talk with anybody interested in stopping by. (5612 California SW)

(added) ARDBEG ROCKET AT CAPCO BEVERAGES: A one-of-a-kind promotional vehicle is due to stop outside Capco Beverages (WSB sponsor) in The Junction late this afternoon/early this evening (should be there by 5) – the Ardbeg (Scotch) Rocket! See video of another tour appearance here. (41st/Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES – WITH A DIAPER DRIVE: WestSide Baby is the nonprofit beneficiary for tonight’s edition of West Seattle Outdoor Movies, and while the movie – “The Muppets” (2011) tonight – is FREE as always, WS Baby is hoping you’ll bring diapers to the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard before the movie (“The Muppets“), whether you’re staying or not! Here’s why. The movie’s at dusk, which should be around 9 pm, and there’ll be concessions (also a fundraiser) too. BYO chair/blanket. ***One more reminder, FREE hot dog/hamburger barbecue courtesy of West Seattle Christian Church!*** The weather’s supposed to clear, but if it looks iffy by late afternoon, we’ll have updates here as well as on Facebook and via Twitter. (4410 California SW)

MUSIC WITHOUT A NET: Ragtime pianist David Parker and friends perform at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm – details in the calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

‘GUYS AND DOLLS’: 7:30 pm, Twelfth Night Productions presents its second performance of “Guys and Dolls” at the West Seattle High School Theater; details in the listing. (3000 California SW)

DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN: First Saturday night of the month means “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Admiral Theater, midnight tonight. (2343 California SW)

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