day : 05/09/2013 10 results

Two nights before their first game of the season, Seattle Lutheran High School‘s football players and cheerleaders were the winners at a benefit dinner tonight. From left in our top photo, head coach Jeff Scott, head of school Dave Meyer, and media personality/entrepreneur Jenni Hogan, who emceed the event. Hogan, a former star rower at the University of Washington, noted that while a student she appreciated athletes coming to speak to her and her teammates, and that’s what she appreciated about tonight’s event, which featured another former Husky athlete, football great Greg Lewis:

Speakers also included former Seahawks player Orlando Huff:

The event, which included fundraising raffles, was held in the Menashe Family Gym on campus:

The menu included this cake, edible all the way down to the football:

Season starts this Saturday night, with the Saints hosting Evergreen Lutheran at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm.

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The WSBeat: Scam alert; gun-pointing incident; mower-theft hunch…

September 5, 2013 6:41 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

This edition of the WSBeat contains summaries written from reports on cases handled in the past several weeks by Southwest Precinct officers – generally cases that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?”

*At least one West Seattle business has been struck by the “pay the overdue power bill” scam going around the city. Luckily, the employee became suspicious and called City Light, which confirmed that the company’s bills were up to date and that no payment was necessary (especially to a third party pretending to be a collector).

*On Monday the 2nd, 911 received a call about a man pointing a gun at someone in the 4500 block of Delridge Way. The suspect car was stopped and positively identified in the 6000 block. The driver claimed the incident was the result of road rage — that he had been cut off and “forced to stop” back at the West Seattle Bridge. He also admitted that there was a gun in the car. His passenger was ID’d as the one pointing the gun; his passenger was also his son … and a convicted felon. The 41-year-old Westwood-area resident was booked into King County Jail for investigation of firearms violations.

Five more summaries ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch update: Rain, thunder, lightning

September 5, 2013 4:27 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(If you can’t see the Instagram video above, click here to see it there)
4:27 PM: In case you’re wondering if that expected downpour is still on the way – YES, says the National Weather Service. Its latest alert is a “Hazardous Weather Outlook,” predicting heavy rainfall into tonight, possibly up to two inches. Read the alert here. The flood-watch alert remains effect through tomorrow; read the latest version here.

P.S. One weather-related cancellation so far – Schmitz Park Elementary’s Friday night outdoor-movie fundraiser has been canceled because there’s a 90 percent chance of rain; no new date yet.

6:18 PM UPDATE: The 15-second Instagram video is from just before 6 pm, south of Alki Point. And just minutes ago, the rain resumed here at HQ in Upper Fauntleroy. We hope this storm will pass trouble-free, but if it gets to the point of trees down, clogged street drains, or anything else people should know about, as with all breaking news, please let us know too, once you’ve alerted authorities – text or call 206-293-6302 any time.

10:59 PM UPDATE: As discussed in comments, the rain’s returned. Thunder and lightning too.

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West Seattle encampments: Ex-Nickelsville site fenced but not cleared; California Way cleanup

September 5, 2013 3:41 pm

| 46 COMMENTS

| Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news

On the fourth day after “Moving Day,” the former site of the “Nickelsville” encampment at 7116 West Marginal Way SW in West Seattle still isn’t clear; the photo above, taken this afternoon, shows the view southeast into the site from what was its parking-lot entrance. However, a chain-link fence went up today around its perimeter, as the city had promised – this view is from that same side, atop the steps:

And this view is on the north side, along Highland Park Way SW:

According to the Nickelsville Works Facebook page, the city will allow them access to the site through the end of tomorrow (Friday, September 6th) to clean up and pack up what’s left following the move to three other sites (all shown in our Sunday coverage). Mayoral spokesperson Aaron Pickus confirms that, and tells WSB that once that extension is over, “The City will clean up with the site with the appropriate equipment.”

Meanwhile, the city also continues to post and clear small campsites found in other areas. A resident tipped us to some clearing work in a greenbelt area along California Way between North Admiral and east Alki; it had been posted in July, and the cleanup crew left a big stack of bags Wednesday afternoon:

The city’s approach to smaller campsites continues to follow what was outlined here three years ago, according to Pickus.

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West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival returns October 27th

September 5, 2013 1:49 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from first West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, October 2012)
Last year, the annual West Seattle Junction Association-presented trick-or-treating event expanded into something new – and wildly popular from the very start: The WS Junction Harvest Festival, closing the street in the heart of The Junction for fun, games, a temporarily relocated Farmers’ Market, *and* trick-or-treating. And WSJA executive director Susan Melrose has just announced they’ll do it again for a second year!

Sunday, October 27th – 10 am – 2 pm

The West Seattle Junction Association is pleased to announce our second annual Harvest Festival. Last year was awesome! This event brought together our community in so many ways. Our weekly farmers market took to the streets with color and flair, our local non-profits and business brought free kids activities and games, the West Seattle High School marching band led hundreds in a costume parade, and Junction brick-and-mortar businesses hosted their long standing Trick-or-Treat event. The costumes were incredible… kudos West Seattle! Let’s do it again!

If you’d like to help make it great:

1. Host a Booth: Have your non-profit, school, business or club host an activity booth.
2. Volunteer: The first shift helps close the streets at 6 am and second shifts helps direct booth hosts at 8 am.
3. Sponsor: While we’re running a low budget and free event with volunteer staff, closing the street is still expensive, and sponsors will help make this event possible.

Details on these ways to get involved are at wsjunction.org. See you there!

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Madison Middle School sign fight ends: Hearing Examiner approves zoning exception; neighbors ‘disheartened’

September 5, 2013 11:52 am

| 34 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

An illuminated messaging signboard is slated to go up on the front of the Madison Middle School gym, six years after the school PTA started pursuing money and approvals for one.

With the school surrounded by single-family homes, the signboard could not be installed without the city granting a zoning “departure” (exception). A group of neighbors’ fight to keep that from being granted has ended; the city Hearing Examiner ruled against their challenge and the neighbors tell WSB in a statement that they are “disheartened and frustrated” but that they will not take it to court. (You can read their full statement later in this story.)

Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner required conditions based on the neighbors’ concerns to be added to the official text of the zoning exception:

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West Seattle Thursday: SLHS football fundraiser; Rosh Hashanah; more

September 5, 2013 11:12 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: SLHS football fundraiser; Rosh Hashanah; more

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Don Brubeck)
Before we get too much further into Thursday – seven highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DISCOVERY SHOP: The American Cancer Society-benefiting thrift shop in The Junction starts its “Division Sale” today, with everything half-price. Open today until 4:30 pm. (4535 California SW)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH KOL HANESHAMAH: Events this morning/afternoon are listed on Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor)’s website.

SEATTLE LUTHERAN FOOTBALL/CHEER FUNDRAISER: NFL and college veteran players are the guest speakers at a 6 pm dinner tonight raising money for the Seattle Lutheran High School football/cheer programs. All welcome – ticket information and other details here. (SLHS gym; 41st/Genesee)

PARKS LEGACY PLAN MEETING: Interested in the process that’s leading up to the next Seattle Parks levy to go to voters? The citizens’ advisory committee meets 6 pm tonight at Parks HQ downtown, starting with a public-comment period as usual; details are on the city’s Parkways site. (100 Dexter Ave. N.)

ROSH HASHANAH WITH WEST SEATTLE TORAH LEARNING CENTER: 8:15 pm prayers followed by dinner, RSVP for location, contact info here.

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: Just outside West Seattle, but the topics planned for the 7 pm meeting at North Highline Fire District HQ might be of interest to the North Highline area’s northern neighbors – including upcoming health-care changes. See the agenda on the NHUAC website. (1243 SW 112th)

As always, there’s lots more on the calendar, including tonight’s live-music highlights!

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Seattle Police horses plan field trip to Westwood this Saturday

September 5, 2013 9:47 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(January 2013 photo taken at Westwood Village by Tammy Wooley)
We’ve already previewed the upcoming open house at the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol‘s Highland Park headquarters on September 22nd – and now Sgt. Jim Scott tells us you’ll get a chance to see them even sooner: This Saturday (September 7th), they’ll be at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton, across from the south side of Westwood Village) 12:30-2:30 pm, and then at WV itself, in the east parking lot near Starbucks, 2:45-4:15 pm. (We’ve noted Westwood sightings in the past – like the one in the photo above – as the horses are taken out to be acclimatized to people and places, but never before with advance notice.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Back-to-school week continues

September 5, 2013 6:14 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Back-to-school week continues

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
6:14 AM: Today, most schools will be settled down to their routines. But the rain is back as of this writing – and we’re hearing thunder, too – so drive carefully! (The flood-watch alert kicks in at noon.) Two road-work notes: The eastbound SW Orchard closure between Sylvan and Delridge continues; see the detour map and details here. And the intersection of Morgan and 42nd is closed.

10:15 AM: Southbound Battery Street Tunnel is closed because of a crash.

1:30 PM: From SDOT:

This afternoon, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there’ll be a “Tell Scott Walker Not in Our State” protest in downtown Seattle. The protest is being held against the visiting Wisconsin Governor’s stance on labor relations and advocates for workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively. The organizers of the event expect an estimated 1,000 participants. Seattle Police will be on hand to monitor the activities.

The march will close Sixth Avenue between Union and Pike streets adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel. The approach to the nearby entrance for the northbound I-5 on-ramp at Sixth Avenue and University Street could be impacted, as well as adjoining streets including Fifth and Fourth avenues when traffic begins diverting off of Sixth. The Seattle Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan ahead to avoid this potential disruption to the afternoon commute.

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PHOTO GALLERY: West Seattle students start school!

September 5, 2013 1:28 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to everybody who answered our call to share Back To School photos from the past two days! First one, above, is from Leighellen: “I thought I’d share my 3 boys … one of which is less than thrilled with this ritual!! Luke (3rd grade) & Jacoby (5th grade) attend Hope Lutheran School. Zac (10th grade) goes to Seattle Lutheran High School.” Next, Pathfinder K-8 7th grader Pride, quoted as saying “It will be a year of skirts”:

“The Bear Boys,” an Arbor Heights Elementary 5th grader and Denny International Middle School 7th grader, struck a pose:

Kahina started third grade at Hope Lutheran this week:

Here’s Grayson:

Amy says, “West Seattle High School sophomores Shea and Irina have started school together every year since kindergarten!”

From Jen: “Here’s big brother Theo (3rd grade) and little brother Nate (kindergarten) heading off to Schmitz Park”:

At Holy Rosary on the first day of school Tuesday, here are Elena, Morgan, Veronica, Grace, and Lizzie:

Dylan started pre-K at Westside School (WSB sponsor):

Here’s Lexi starting third grade at Gatewood Elementary:

Atticus is now in 2nd grade at Lafayette Elementary:

At Schmitz Park Elementary, 4th graders Rhiannon and Cassidy:

It’s the second year at K-5 STEM for fifth-grader Max and second-grader Sam:

Chloe‘s a first-grader now!

Thanks to Alice for the next photo:

Sophie is new at K-5 STEM:

Karin‘s guys are both at Lafayette – a kindergartener and third-grader:

Susan explains, “Grace had her LAST first day of elementary school (Wednesday)”:

In the next photo, says Christine, is her “kindergarten kid Sarah with her school cone and the STEM school mascot Owl. Btw, the big cone is filled with candy and small toys (German tradition).”

In the classroom at Schmitz Park, a photo shared by Greg:

Thanks again to all 20 of our photo-sharers! We wish you a successful and pleasant school year … let us know when there’s news to share here with your West Seattle neighbors, from events to achievements and more – editor@westseattleblog.com, and 206-293-6302 (text or voice) when something is urgent.

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