day : 30/10/2013 12 results

23 days after teardown work started at the two-building California/Alaska/42nd project site, crews are still clearing debris on the west side of the site, and tackling the underground level left after that building was demolished last week. Along the way, we’ve received a few requests for an aerial view, and local pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen has obliged, with two angles – top and bottom. For a comparison, here is the Seattle Municipal Archives 1957 aerial we’ve featured before – flipped and cropped – that’s SW Alaska at right, though the historic photo didn’t show California:

Back to the current view – here’s the aerial looking from north toward south – the tents on California are from Sunday’s Harvest Festival:

(Both views also show the crane and excavation for the 4730 California project.)

The California/Alaska/42nd demolition is the last major tearing down for at least a few months. The next one could be on the 4745 40th SW site, where a permit is pending and one tenant of the existing small office building has told us they were told to be out by the end of November.

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PACK YOUR BAG! Day 29: Take a look at what you have

October 30, 2013 8:20 pm

| Comments Off on PACK YOUR BAG! Day 29: Take a look at what you have

| Preparedness | West Seattle news

Next-to-last step in our Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month project to build your “Go Bag“/kit – see what you have. From West Seattle Be Prepared:

Spread your bag out, take a look at what you’ve got. This is your chance to decide if there’s something special and unique to you or your family that we’ve not covered. Or maybe the food just doesn’t seem like it will be enough (but don’t forget, you have to lift the bag). You can also take this time to repackage or regroup things in plastic bags or containers to make things fit more compactly; using ziplock bags or small containers can help make things fit more compactly.

This is the time to also decide if you might need a larger bag. Earlier in the month Margaret in Vashon decided she was going to use a suitcase with wheels, so she could move it without having to carry the whole time, so that’s one good idea. Maybe the water could fit into another tub or bag. There have been comments during the month about how bulky the water supply is. Remember, if you’ve stored all the water suggested, you will have enough for 2 weeks. The pre-made emergency backpacks sold by companies like the Red Cross do not have anywhere near that much water in their packs for sale; they usually just include a couple of cups per person. That’s so the bag is portable and has some water, but really only enough water for a day, it won’t get you through an extended disruption of the water supply. The point is, if you are going to have to evacuate the area, and are in a vehicle, you can take all the water you’ve stored. But if you are evacuating on foot, you will really only take what you can comfortably carry.

Want some recognition for what you have? We’d love to share a photo of your bag/kit/stuff – this might be the time to take one, before you repack everything, and send it to editor@westseattleblog.com. Remember that if you’ve missed some items along the way, or finally just made up your mind to get started, you can find everything archived (reverse-chronological order) at westseattleblog.com/category/preparedness.

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West Seattle Halloween 2013: Costumed visitors at Fire Station 32

October 30, 2013 5:18 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Holidays | Triangle | West Seattle news

The location of the Bright Horizons-West Seattle child-care center right across the street from Seattle Fire Department Station 32 in The Triangle presents some opportunities – including this one: A costume parade.

More photos ahead:

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West Seattle Halloween 2013: Skeleton Theatre update

October 30, 2013 3:42 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

The most elaborate Halloween production you’ll find in a West Seattle neighborhood this year is again Skeleton Theatre, the animatronic show at 36th and Hanford (map), with sound, lights, and usually a pretty good crowd. Team member Maia reminds us that it’s an updated reprise of last year’s “Ulna 13” skeletons-in-space production – here’s the trailer:

Showtimes are tomorrow (Halloween night) and Friday (November 1st), 6 pm until 9 pm, with the crew attempting to start the shows on the hour and half-hour – but it’s live, and free, so be kind if the times don’t exactly hit those marks. (Speaking of “free,” if you enjoy or have enjoyed the show, you’re invited to chip in a donation to cover the costs – the link is on the ST home page; behind-the-scenes photos, meantime, are on the ST Facebook page.)

Lots more Halloween events (including tomorrow’s Admiral District and Westwood Village trick-or-treating, and a long list of other fun happenings including some scheduled for Friday and Saturday) are all listed in our guide. And if you know of a great decoration display, let us know and/or send photos – we’ll be adding that list and pix by Hallo-morning.

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Opening night Friday for WSHS Drama Club’s ‘Diary of Anne Frank’

October 30, 2013 3:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Starting Friday night and continuing for five performances, you can support the West Seattle High School Drama Club by seeing its fall production, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” This is the famous story of a Jewish family hiding in Amsterdam to try to avoid the Nazis, as told by young Anne. Showtimes are 7:30 pm this Friday and Saturday and November 6, 7, 8. The lowest-priced tickets are $7 by e-mail reservation (reservations@westsidedrama.com); otherwise, you will pay $12 at the door at the WSHS Theater (3000 California SW). More information, including the cast list, on the Drama Club website.

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Memorial on Sunday afternoon for James Ewing, 1992-2013

October 30, 2013 1:03 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The life of West Seattle High School graduate James Ewing, gone at just 21 years old, will be celebrated this Sunday. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

James Douglas Ewing, 21, passed away peacefully at home October 19, 2013 surrounded by the love of those close to him. He was born June 27, 1992 to Ted Ewing and Ellen Becker and grew up in West Seattle. He and his father were “Ted and James” since James was a toddler and remained close friends into adulthood. They shared many great adventures on dusty baseball fields, boating in Puget Sound, helping his dad at work, dirt biking and snowmobiling. James attended Schmitz Park Elementary, Madison Middle School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in June 2010, where he participated both in wrestling and baseball.

James continued his education at Highline Community College. Without warning he had a seizure and was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. This is an aggressive form of brain cancer and cannot be cured, but only fought and James made the decision to fight and live the rest of his life to the fullest. He spent many hours in medical care, but continued doing fun things with loved ones. During these years, there were many trips to the mountains and Puget Sound enjoying life while at the same time knowing that life would not be as long as it should be for someone so young.

He had spent the last years fighting valiantly, and early this fall was told that he may have only several months to live. He lived much, laughed much, and loved much. The world is left to mourn. He was much loved. His memory will live on in the sounds heard from a baseball field of a game in progress, the bright glint of sun off the water on a summer afternoon, and immeasurable other beautiful moments happening around us every day.

Please join us in a memorial celebration of our beloved James to be held Sunday. November 3rd at 1:00 pm at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S 220th, Des Moines, WA 98198. It is time to celebrate a life well lived and support each other in this time of loss.

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West Seattle scene: Sunfish seen outside Sunfish

October 30, 2013 12:39 pm

| 49 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

12:39 PM: The photo was shared by Amanda, who says:

This fish was sitting outside of Sunfish on Alki. Owner said it was caught right in Puget sound waters this morning. Amazing!! … Ironically, it’s actually a sunfish (the restaurant’s namesake). Normally this is a tropical fish, so the owner wasn’t sure why it was in the Sound. It’s not an edible fish, so it’s on display outside his restaurant.

That’s Amanda’s fiancé Kelby Schrock with the sunfish. A bit of online research suggests these fish do turn up in Puget Sound from time to time.

4:42 PM: Thanks to Owen for finding this Seattle Times (WSB partner) item with more information about the fish and how it got to Alki – in short, it was bycatch while a Muckleshoot tribal fishing boat was pulling up its salmon net.

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas in central Sound again today

October 30, 2013 12:13 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

12:13 PM: Can’t guarantee they’ll get this far south, but orcas are reported to be heading this way again today. Off Edmonds and southbound around 10 am, according to Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales, and commenters on the Orca Network Facebook page have seen them further south in the past hour. Let us know if you get a glimpse anywhere close to here!

3:10 PM: Just got a text that they are approaching the Alki area, still southbound at last report.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Delridge DESC advisory committee; Halloween Eve parties; more

October 30, 2013 10:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Will orcas head this way again today? You just never know. Thanks to Rod Hatfield for the photo, taken from Alki Point (during the orca visit noted here Tuesday). Here are highlights from what we DO know is on the schedule for today/tonight:

FABRICATING FLAIR: Button-making for teens, 12-16, 2 pm at Delridge Branch Library (early time because it’s early-release day for most schools) – details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

DESC DELRIDGE PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The DESC Delridge Supportive Housing building is close to opening; if you have questions or just want to hear about the latest details, you’re welcome at tonight’s advisory committee meeting at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 6:30 pm. Here’s the agenda. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FREE PARENTING SEMINAR: Toddler(s) in the house? SSCC Cooperative Preschools present a free seminar on guidance and discipline, 7-9 pm tonight at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing, including RSVP e-mail address. (3940 41st SW)

And from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide (which includes events through this weekend – send yours ASAP if you haven’t already!):

GIRL JAM HALLOWEEN PARTY: 6 pm-close, Feedback Lounge presents Girl Jam Halloween Party. Costumed staff with Gia pouring Halloween-themed cocktail and wine specials; classic public-domain horror movies on the big screen. (6451 California SW)

TUG INN HALLOWEEN PARTY: 9 pm tonight, the annual karaoke/costume party – including a $200 grand prize! Details on this Facebook event page. (2216 SW Orchard)

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West Seattle schools: Fundraiser updates, and how you can help

October 30, 2013 9:26 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(UPDATED 8:50 PM for a total of 8 school fundraisers, current and upcoming)

It’s fundraising season for local schools – and ~~four~~ ~~SIX~~ EIGHT local PTSA/PTA groups have shared updates on how you can help, as well as how the community has helped already:

LAFAYETTE WALK-A-THON: Lafayette Elementary‘s minute-long video recaps last Friday’s Walk-A-Thon; Kelly Johnston from the PTA tells us: “As a school, the students ran a combined total of 9,477 Laps. This is about 1,898 miles! The students collected $58,000, and local business donated over $15,000! We are so grateful to all of our business sponsors. A link featuring them can be found here.”

ARBOR HEIGHTS DIRECT DRIVE: Some PTAs have launched “Direct Donation Drives” – including Arbor Heights Elementary, which is running through November 6th, and is welcoming donations from the community as well as from those with kids at/ties to the school: “Funds go toward our Young Authors Day activities, Kindergarten Aides, stipends for teacher projects, and much more.” The school website features multiple alternatives for donating, including online.

CHIEF SEALTH ‘PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE’ AUCTION/DINNER: The biggest annual benefit for Chief Sealth International High School is set for 6 pm Friday, November 15th, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with a sit-down dinner, entertainment, and auction. You can buy tickets online by going here; you can browse auction items here.

WEST SEATTLE HS ‘REACHING FOR THE STARS’ AUCTION/DINNER: One week after that, it’s the biggest annual benefit for West Seattle High School – 5:30 pm Friday, November 22nd, in the Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). You can buy tickets online by going here; auction items are previewable here.

ADDED 2:16 PM: Since we first published this roundup, we’ve received word of two more fundraisers:

K-5 STEM DIRECT DONATION DRIVE: Our area’s newest public school has a direct-give drive under way; the K-5 STEM PTA points out that the district didn’t give them any money for library books, for example, so they have only what the PTA is raising money for, and that’s just part of what they need. Their plan, and the link for donating online, can be seen here.

NOVEMBER READ-A-THON MONTH AT DENNY: Also just received word of Denny International Middle School’s upcoming Read-A-Thon during December:

Students set reading goals with their literacy teachers (a number of pages or books) and then collect pledges from friends family or the community toward those goals. The first week in December we collect on the pledges and hope for a great double reward money for the school and learning by our students. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a student, please contact the Read-a-Thon chair Nicole Sipila at alipis@clearwire.net. We’ll finish our literacy fundraising with a book fair celebration at the Westwood Barnes and Noble on Dec. 12th. Purchases that night (actually all that week) can go toward Denny if you tell the clerk at checkout. We’ll be featuring some Denny student art, music, and writing that Tuesday evening.

ADDED 8:50 PM: Two more!

WEST SEATTLE ELEMENTARY CAMP FUNDRAISER: 4th and 5th graders from West Seattle Elementary School are going to Islandwood, with donors’ help – they’re crowdfunding, so you can donate (and find out more) here.

ALKI ELEMENTARY AUCTION: Got word tonight of the Alki Elementary PTA Gold Rush Auction & Dinner at 5:30 pm Saturday, November 16th, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. You can browse items for this auction online by going here; and you can buy your tickets online here.

Other major school fundraisers in progress/coming up? Let us know!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch; schools out early

October 30, 2013 7:30 am

| 41 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
No trouble on the routes through/out of West Seattle so far. One note for this afternoon – Seattle Public Schools are out two hours early, so you’ll see school buses, biking/walking kids, and other dismissal-time traffic sooner than usual.

Speaking of time – 2 am this Sunday, clocks “fall back” an hour.

7:48 AM: Thanks to Jana for first word of a crash on the bridge – multiple ensuing sources say it’s in the left lane, near the crest of the eastbound high-rise. And this is backing things up into the approaches, multiple commenters say. Here’s the camera showing Fauntleroy headed eastbound toward the bridge:

8:02 AM: If the Water Taxi is an option, here’s the view from the dock a short time ago, thanks to Lise Thivierge:

The camera that usually faces west to show the eastbound bridge WOULD show the crash if it were pointed that way, but every time we check it, it’s pointed somewhere else:

8:24 AM: Commenter CB has gone through the crash zone and reports from the other side that it appears cleaned up, and that once you’re actually on the bridge, things move fast.

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High-school sports: West Seattle HS golf players to state

October 30, 2013 1:26 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

For some fall sports, the playoffs are just beginning. Golf is ahead of the game; the Metro League golf tournament was last week, reports parent Kristin Gibson, who says two West Seattle High School boys-varsity players finished in the top 23, Bailey Fuentes and Zach Gibson (shown above in the photo she shared), and qualified for the state tournament May 28-29 of next year at Tri-Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield. She also reports that Tony Flores finished 37th and Joe Mitchell 45th. Congratulations to the WSHS golfers!

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