month : 02/2014 308 results

Postseason basketball: West Seattle boys over Lakeside

February 11, 2014 12:46 am
|    Comments Off on Postseason basketball: West Seattle boys over Lakeside
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

It’s postseason time for high-school basketball, and WSHS shares news of a win:

The West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team knocked out the favored Lakeside Lions Monday night in the first round of the Metro Tournament. The Wildcats lost to Lakeside earlier in the year, and this time the Cats went on the road to win with the final score of 65-58.

The Wildcats were powered by senior Deandre Love, who finished with team-high 29 points (13-14 FT). Also playing well for the Cats were seniors Ruslan Burduzha, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Malachi Cain, who added 12 points.

West Seattle travels to Bainbridge Island on Wednesday to play in the second round of the Metro Tournament. The game will start at 7 pm.

Depending on the outcome at Bainbridge, WSHS will play either Thursday or Friday night for final seeding into the SEA King district tournament.

No more Highway 99 tunneling any time soon: Repairs ‘will take months,’ state update says

(WSDOT graphic showing how much tunneling had been done before the machine stopped December 6th)
Tonight for the first time, the state says it’ll be “months” before Highway 99 tunneling resumes. WSDOT published this update tonight:

This evening Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) informed WSDOT and responded to a media inquiry that it is still conferring with its experts to determine how to repair or replace the broken seals surrounding the main bearing of the SR 99 tunneling machine.

Replacing the seals is a complicated process and STP is working closely with Hitachi Zosen, the tunneling machine’s manufacturer, to determine the best path forward. They are looking at two ways to access the seal area: through the back of the machine or by drilling an access shaft from the surface in front of the machine. Either way, this process will take months. They expect to make a decision by the end of the week, and once they do, we will share that information with the public.

STP has not yet fully determined the cause of the seal problems and to date, they have not shown any evidence that suggests the state or taxpayers will be responsible for cost overruns associated with these repairs. We have requested and expect detailed plans on how the repairs will be made and how STP can recover lost time on the tunneling project.

Since the machine is stopped and repairs need to be made, STP has also informed the City of Seattle that they can proceed with seawall replacement construction near the machine’s current location.

This update follows one on Friday detailing what was believed to have brought the machine to a stop two months ago. The tunnel originally was supposed to open at the end of next year.

Gala season: Pathfinder K-8 ‘Starry Night’ less than a month away

February 10, 2014 7:25 pm
|    Comments Off on Gala season: Pathfinder K-8 ‘Starry Night’ less than a month away
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It’s fundraising gala season, and we have a few announcements to share tonight. First: Pathfinder K-8 is getting the word out about its 20th annual auction event just under four weeks away:

Calling all Pathfinder families and alumni! Pathfinder K-8 will be celebrating our 20th Annual Auction, “Starry Night in the Woods,” on Saturday, March 8 (5:00 pm) at the Jerry Brockey Center at SSCC.

All money raised will go directly to the unique programs at Pathfinder that support our expeditionary learning, like our Earth Project, tutoring, camping trips and environmental education. Pathfinder educates students to become passionate, lifelong learners, respecting themselves, others and the environment.

We have received several generous donations from West Seattle businesses and Pathfinder supporters. Our students and families are also creating original works of art and gift baskets for our auction. Donations are being accepted until February 21. It will definitely be an exciting evening of giving and community building.

Tickets are on sale here, which is also where you’ll find contact information for the auction co-chairs if you would like to donate something.

West Seattle Weather Watch: New alert – windier, rainier

Another Monday, another weather alert. One week ago, we reported the National Weather Service suggesting a chance of snow the following weekend – and look what happened. Tonight, a new Special Weather Statement looks ahead to tomorrow night and early Wednesday, anticipating wind gusts of at least 40 mph and up to an inch of rain. Stay tuned!

Biodiesel bust at Admiral Safeway, 7 years after pumped-up debut

Almost exactly seven years ago, the Admiral Safeway gas station added biodiesel with pomp, circumstance, and even participation by then-Mayor Greg Nickels. It was the company’s first location in the nation to offer the part-vegetable-oil fuel mix. Now, the alternative fuel has been dropped. We found out from WSB reader Jay F, a biodiesel user, and checked with regional Safeway spokesperson Sara Osborne, who confirmed it via e-mail late today, explaining: “Simply stated, there was no longer enough demand to justify the investment..” That leaves the Propel Fuels mini-station at 35th/Barton, which offers B20 and B50, and Hans VW at 35th/Graham, which offers B100. (WSB photo from February 2007 – check those prices!)

Mayor sets date for ‘Seattle Neighborhood Summit’: April 5th

Mayor Ed Murray promised he would hold a “Neighborhood Summit” within 100 days of taking office – and today he’s announced the place and date: 9 am-1 pm Saturday, April 5th, in the Pavilion Room at Seattle Center. From the announcement:

Summit planners say this is the first step in what they hope to be an ongoing relationship aimed at rebuilding the trust between the City and neighborhoods. In addition to holding this traditional forum, they plan to use social media and technology so more can participate whether or not they are able to attend.

That part of the effort starts now – with this new city website. It includes a survey to which you can respond right now; go here.

New police commander for West Seattle/South Park, Capt. Steve Wilske, moving in this week

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Job 1 for the Southwest Precinct‘s new commander, Captain Steve Wilske: Get to know our area and the people already serving it as part of SPD.

He’s moving into his new office at the precinct in West Seattle this week, two weeks after his appointment was announced, following former SWP commander Joe Kessler‘s promotion to Assistant Chief and interim commander Capt. Pierre Davis‘s move to the East Precinct on Capitol Hill.

This is Capt. Wilske’s first time in the role of precinct commander; he’s held numerous leadership positions in his 27 years with Seattle Police, and was promoted to captain last summer. We requested an interview as soon as his appointment here was announced, and sat down for a conversation in a local coffee shop last Thursday.

Read More

King County Executive Dow Constantine’s ‘State of the County’ speech focuses on ‘great generational challenges of our time’

February 10, 2014 1:25 pm
|    Comments Off on King County Executive Dow Constantine’s ‘State of the County’ speech focuses on ‘great generational challenges of our time’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(King County Executive’s Office photo, KCE Dow Constantine at podium, County Councilmember Larry Phillips at left)
Climate change and equity-building were the key themes of County Executive Dow Constantine‘s “State of the County” speech, presented this morning at White Center Heights Elementary School. Here’s the full text of his speech, which included, toward the beginning, after he spoke about the site of his speech and the children who learn there:

Decades from now, when these kids are grown and look back, what will they say of us? Of what we did, or failed to do, about the great generational challenges of our time?

About the grotesque inequality of means and opportunity in our society.

About the destruction of our planet.

Confronting climate change, and building equity in our community – addressing the physical world and the people who live in it – these are inescapable, global responsibilities.

Big ambitions for a county government, to be sure. But as an organization, we confront them from a position of strength, based on the foundation of all that we have accomplished these past four years.

For background and context on the two big issues, the county supplied “infographics” – climate change here, inequity here. Other topics included “saving Metro” – with the County Council, who convened at WCH Elementary for the speech, meeting back at its downtown headquarters shortly (1:30 pm) with two Metro-related measures on the ballot – the proposed measure to raise car-tab fees and sales tax to cover the funding the transit system is about to lose, and the first round of cuts that will be made if funding isn’t found either from the Legislature or the aforementioned vote (which is expected to be on April 22nd).

ADDED 3:15 PM: Video of the speech, from King County TV:

100th Day of School food-drive update: 3 schools now in

(WSB photo from 2/22/13 – some of the results from last year’s 100th Day of School food drives)
As noted here last week, Schmitz Park Elementary has challenged other West Seattle elementary schools to join it in another multi-school “100th Day of School Food Drive” – an event launched by Arbor Heights Elementary last year. Judi Yazzolino of the West Seattle Food Bank tells WSB that two more schools have answered the challenge for this year, Alki Elementary and STEM at Boren. That makes three schools participating so far. Anybody else? Still time, whether you do it in one classroom or an entire school.

Community invited to Madison PTSA presentation about gun safety

From the Madison Middle School PTSA, an invitation to a presentation tomorrow night:

Madison Middle School has invited Ralph Fascitelli, President of Washington Ceasefire, to present on February 11 at 7:15 pm at our General PTSA Meeting. Ralph will talk about the ASK-Washington Campaign, a public health and safety campaign dedicated to reducing accidental injury and death to children.

Asking Saves Kids (ASK) – Washington is a public safety education campaign aimed at encouraging inquiry by parents and neighbors about guns in homes where their children play. Our goal is to persuade parents that this conversation—to ensure that their kids play in a gun safe environment — is an essential parental responsibility.

The initiative is explained here. Madison is at 45th/Spokane.

West Seattle Monday: Ballot measure; bus cuts; book group; North Delridge Neighborhood Council; more

Mostly gone but not forgotten, our weekend snowfall yielded so many great photos. Thanks to Jeff Abel Photography for the Lincoln Park scene above. We’re compiling one more gallery; scroll through our West Seattle Weather archives for the ones already published as well as the as-it-happened weekend news coverage. Now, on to today! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STATE OF THE COUNTY: King County Executive Dow Constantine is about to deliver his State of the County address to the County Council in a special location, White Center Heights Elementary, as announced last week. You can follow along on Twitter starting at 10 am. (10015 6th SW)

VILLAGE COOP SCHOOL TOURS: 1:30 pm, prospective families and students are invited to tour this cooperative K-2 school at South Seattle Community College. RSVPs requested – info’s in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

BALLOT MEASURE FOR BUSES/ROADS? This afternoon, back in their downtown chambers at 1:30 pm, the County Council will consider voting to put the proposed car-tab fee/sales-tax increase measure for Metro and roads on the April ballot. The agenda also includes the June service cuts that will take effect unless that passes or some other funding is found. (King County Courthouse, 4th/James)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: “A Death in the Family” by James Agee is the featured book this month for the group open to everyone and meeting at 2 pm today at Southwest Branch Library. (35th/Henderson)

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 6:30 pm, NDNC meets at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. The agenda announcement: “We’ll be hearing from a High Point neighbor about efforts to improve pedestrian crossings near Boren school, hearing from a city representative about pedestrian improvements planned near Delridge and Brandon, and have a time to discuss public-safety concerns in the Brandon Node.” (4408 Delridge Way SW)

NIGHTLIFE: See the listings on our calendar page, and if there’s something we’re missing, e-mail the info so we can add it!

Higher minimum wage? West Seattle Chamber discussion Thursday, online survey now

Even if you’re not a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, you’re invited to its February lunch meeting this Thursday, focused on one of the city’s most hotly debated current topics – raising the minimum wage. A panel discussion will be part of the meeting 11:30 am-1 pm Thursday (February 13th) at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). The Chamber announcement says the panel will include “people studying potential impacts … and business owners that will be impacted.” You can register online here (discounted early registration through tomorrow). Whether or not you attend, you’re invited to take an online survey created by a group of business associations in the city; it’ll be open through February 14th, and the link is here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-snow Monday edition

(Live West Seattle Bridge view via SDOT; more traffic cams here)
Happy Monday! You might still have some slushy snow in the yard or around the sidewalk, but the streets should be OK this morning, with the temperature above freezing and expected to stay that way. If you weren’t around for the Saturday night snow and Sunday aftermath, just scroll on down the WSB home page for countless scenes … fun and not-so-fun. Now, on with the new week…

Video: WestSide Baby Tea tallies $255,000 despite snow no-shows

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Small things affect big things.”

Cited repeatedly by the guest speaker for Sunday’s WestSide Baby Tea, it underscored the group’s mission, supported by donations totaling, in the preliminary count, more than (updated) $255,000 – above last year’s tally despite 100 cancellations following a night-long snowfall.

“It’s kind of serious, why we are here – but it’s OK to have a party while we do it,” said emcee Ian Lindsay.

The guest speaker was Joanne Goldblum, executive director of the National Diaper Bank Network, of which WS Baby is a member, and its own executive director Nancy Woodland a founding board member.

Diapers are at the heart of WS Baby’s work – getting them to families who cannot afford them, which, as WS Baby board vice-chair Chip Hellar reminded the crowd, leaves babies hurting.

But it’s grown to encompass much more.

Read More

Think summer! West Seattle Garden Tour poster-art contest, guest lecturer announced

Summer’s really not that far away. Funny to say as snow remains on the ground, but it’s true, and that’s why the West Seattle Garden Tour has just made two announcements about the 20th-anniversary edition of the event this year – first, the art contest, with a $500 prize and a deadline just four weeks away:

Our milestone garden tour, showcasing nine spectacular NW residential gardens in West Seattle, will take place on Sunday, July 20th 2014 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We are also thrilled to announce our 2014 WSGT Poster contest. Over the last several years, the greater Seattle arts community has been encouraged to enter our annual poster contest highlighting Art in the Garden. This year’s contest entrants are encouraged to consider our 20th Anniversary when submitting their artwork. The deadline for entries is March 8th, 2014. (Submission guidelines and entry form here.)

2014 WSGT Guest Lecturer

The WSGT is pleased to present Susie Egan as our 2014 Guest Lecturer. Susie will speak to our garden enthusiasts at 12:00 pm July 20th at the Kenney Retirement Center in West Seattle. She is the owner of Cottage Lake Gardens, a private two-acre botanical garden and plant nursery located on Cottage Lake in Woodinville. In recent years Susie’s been focusing on the study and propagation of native and woodland shade plants particularly trilliums, an endangered wildflower. She is currently working toward establishing a National Trillium Collection at Cottage Lake Gardens whose purpose will be to conserve, grow, propagate, and make available the many species of trilliums.

As noted on its website, the WSGT raises money for local nonprofits. Tickets will go on sale in May.

West Seattle snow-aftermath update: Metro back on regular routes

February 9, 2014 5:30 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle snow-aftermath update: Metro back on regular routes
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

5:30 PM: Metro just announced it’s mostly returning to regular routes, with a few exceptions, which might change in the hours ahead, so we won’t list them here – check the list online. Doesn’t look like we’re in danger of the melting snow refreezing overnight, since the forecast calls for rain.

8:15 PM: And now, Metro says it’s returned to normal on all routes.

West Seattle snow aftermath: Afternoon notes

If you still haven’t been out since the record (for a February 8th) snowfall – by all accounts, including our own, major roads are clear, side streets slushy. Metro is still on snow routes. We’ll update if/when there’s something to report.

MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO: West Seattle Sunday snow scenes

(Second batch of photos added early evening; scroll down!)

1:30 PM: An aerial view begins this collection of snow scenes shared today from around West Seattle, in addition to what’s already been featured in our coverage:

West Seattle Snowy Day – February, 2014 from Jamie Kinney on Vimeo.

Thanks to Jamie Kinney for sharing the quad-copter production. On to the photo files – some are making snowpeople, some are making mega-snowballs, like Lola near Ercolini Park:

And this mega-snowball, texted to us from Riverview Playfield:

Also from Riverview, Kristin explains, “Here’s a close-up of our Snow Girl named Hur. She’s wearing the trimmings of our Saturday gardening efforts.”

Texted from Morgan Junction – after all the cars we’ve shown, finally a pic of a snow-capped bicycle:

Of course, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl spirit continues with a 12th Snowman – built by 7-year-old Reese Pedersen:

Husky spirit, too! From Al in Arbor Heights:

More photos from WSB readers – from Yma:

From “Smokeycretin9“:

And from Patricia – “Gus the Snow Zombie.” She says, “Our boys had fun and needed a little help lifting the body parts. :-) He is 7 feet tall in North Admiral.”

Quiet beauty along Harbor Avenue, from David Hutchinson:

We expect to add at least a few more to this gallery later this afternoon- thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! (Including the ones shared on the WSB Facebook page – go have a look, including the “posts by others” section – and in a comment, the other side of the “Snow Lombardi Trophy” shown in our earlier coverage here!)

ADDED 5:53 PM: More photos! From Laura at Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge:

From Leighellen, sledding with a view at Hamilton Viewpoint:

Doug B shows us sledding in Seaview – here’s Andy, with leftover Seahawks hair:

Jason spotted dogsledding happening in Gatewood …

while at Myrtle’s place, Ashfur the cat was NOT sledding:

Zack‘s snowpeople were hanging out on the deck with … a cold one. Or two:

Richard Snowman” is the creation of Gail’s son Alex, not only in honor of #25 but also, he’s celebrating his 25th birthday (and visiting from L.A.):

This next 12th Snowman (with friends) is courtesy of Brad:

And here we have Jon, Riley, Kelsey, and SuperSnowMan (photo shared by Katie):

We’re still going through the mailbox – will add more or create a different group, depending on how the night goes. Thanks again!

West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Soul Jambalaya’ played on

February 9, 2014 1:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Soul Jambalaya’ played on
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

The show must go on! And last night it did:

This year’s edition of “Soul Jambalaya” went on despite the weather last night, reports Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark, who shared the photos too:

Last night, Denny International Middle School hosted a fantastic event, “Soul Jambalaya,” a concert celebrating Black History Month and the rich heritage of gospel, blues, jazz, and funk music. Student and professional musicians gathered together in our auditorium to perform arrangements from all of these musical genres.

Featured artists included the Total Experience Gospel Choir [photo above this line], Westside Blues, Figgins and Halbert Jazz, and our very own Denny International Middle School Jazz Band [top photo]. The music was fantastic — those who made it, despite the snow, were rewarded by inspiring performances. Congratulations to the Denny Jazz Band musicians and to Mr. Pimpleton, our amazing band director! Thank you to all of the musicians who performed and all who joined us!

Also happening today: Green Space Coalition meeting; two fun(d)raisers; music…

As the big meltdown continues … here’s more of what’s happening later today (besides what’s already been mentioned in our morning post-snow coverage):

Those are some of the trees at the former Dakota Substation on Genesee Hill, decorated last weekend as a show of support for the West Seattle Green Space Coalition‘s campaign to get Seattle City Light to save the site greenery while figuring out the site’s future (along with eight other ex-substations, mostly in WS). The next WSGSC meeting is this afternoon, Mary Fleck reports:

Snow adorns ribbons on trees at the former substation at 50th & Dakota St. Neighbors put ribbons on the trees last weekend to save them from cutting by Seattle City Light. West Seattle Green Space Coalition is meeting today, Sun. Feb 9 at Delridge Library at 3:00. The public is invited to join in planning ways to find the best future uses for the old substations.

The library is at 5423 Delridge Way SW.

Also ahead today, with links to their listings in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

*FREE CLASSICAL CONCERT with the Ladies’ Musical Club, 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2306 42nd SW
*ROLLATHON FUNDRAISER for Arts Corps, 5 pm at Southgate Roller Rink on 17th just south of SW Roxbury
*BINGO BENEFIT for Free2Luv‘s anti-bullying efforts: Booze, Balls, & Bingo at 5:30 pm, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6451 California SW
*SUE QUIGLEY at Locol, no cover, 7-9 pm, 7902 35th SW

…and more on the calendar. Stay safe as the snow turns to slush!

WestSide Baby Tea 2014 update: It’s on!

February 9, 2014 11:18 am
|    Comments Off on WestSide Baby Tea 2014 update: It’s on!
 |   Announcements

From Nancy Woodland at WestSide Baby, late Sunday morning:

WestSide Baby’s Annual Benefit Tea is still happening this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! All of our staff and volunteers have made it here without incident as arterials are just fine and side streets are melting. A little snow should not keep us from helping local families in need and it will not likely be fun snow play time when the rain hits shortly as predicted.

Today 2-4:30 Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center 17620 International Blvd

We ARE opening up tickets for 30 extra seats for those who want to walk in! We’d love to have you and share a bit of WestSide Baby with you this afternoon. Just come and we’ll get you all signed up here. Tickets are $40.

We hope to see you this afternoon!!

WSB is a co-sponsor of this year’s tea and we also hope to see you there. Traffic cameras show major roads bare and wet around the area – here are some cameras in White Center, for example.

West Seattle snow: Sunday morning updates and photos

(SCROLL DOWN for updates including lists of what’s on/off, plus infolinks. Photos? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

(Live West Seattle Bridge view via SDOT)
Launching Sunday morning coverage. For starters –

INFOLINKS
*Metro buses remain on snow routes
*See where the city’s plowed/salted/de-iced recently on this map
*See West Seattle/vicinity traffic cams here
*See King County’s White Center traffic cams here
*See Saturday night coverage here; added photo gallery here

HAPPENING AS SCHEDULED/OPEN
*Hiawatha Pancake Breakfast, 8 am-noon – details here (see photo below!)
*West Seattle Ultimate Family Frisbee, per FB
*WestSide Baby Tea (2 pm at SeaTac Hilton; co-sponsored by WSB)
*West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm; Jason reports setup is under way as of 8:24 am)
*Little Pilgrim School open house (11 am-1:30 pm)
*Quadrato open 11-8, Pizzeria 22 open at 4, as usual, per note from proprietor Cary

CLOSED/CANCELED (we’ll update this list as we get reports)
*West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) group run
*Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) is closed for brunch but expects to be open by 4 pm happy hour, 4:30 dinner
*Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation service/morning events are canceled
*Peace Lutheran Church morning worship/education canceled
*Center for Movement & Healing has canceled 10 am Nia, 11:30 am Feldenkrais

We are checking on status of today’s events – PLEASE let us know, if you’re involved with one, whether it’s on OR off – editor@westseattleblog.com is the best way to reach us. More to come.

7:51 AM: In Highland Park, SW Kenyon is blocked on the hill between 9th and 5th – we are hearing that on the scanner AND just received this photo:

8:05 AM: Hiawatha Pancake Breakfast is *on*, per comments. (added) So is the WestSide Baby Tea. Keep checking the lists atop this story for other notes on what is ON, or off – we’ll be continuing to update as we get info.

8:50 AM: Subtle signs of melting snow … clumps falling off branches; drips heard in storm drains and downspouts. Clear your nearest storm drain if you can. Forecast says we MIGHT see flurries, but otherwise the warming will continue and the temperature could get into the low 40s. Monitoring the scanner, we hear police dealing with the aftermath of last night – cars blocking side streets where they slid, etc. Some hills remain closed – like SW Thistle between 35th and 37th, reports Pastor Erik Kindem from Peace Lutheran Church at 39th/Thistle in his note announcing they’re canceling morning worship/education today.

9:24 AM: From Christopher Boffoli, checking out the Hiawatha Community Center pancake breakfast for WSB:

It’s on until noon – so you have plenty of time to go have good food and good times for a good cause. Christopher also has a road report: “Some arterials are clear to wet pavement. But long stretches of California are unplowed and slushy. Some side streets are either slush or packed snow. Very slick. Hills like Oregon from Cali to the Junction are open but untreated. People are driving too fast and not leaving enough room.” (Minutes later …) And if you have to go to the airport, @nancybooks tweeted this:

10:08 AM: Of course, it’s not all about roads. Take time to have fun, too. As is the main order of business for Joe‘s son JJ in Arbor Heights:

And this family in Admiral:

That’s one of several more photos just in from Christopher Boffoli, out and about for WSB – he noted this alternate mode of transportation:

Also from Christopher – the Farmers’ Market is indeed open for business at 44th/Alaska, until 2 pm:

And here’s his view of California SW in south Admiral:

10:46 AM: Seeing people walking along our street with sleds in tow – any safe sledding hills to recommend? Shari wonders on the WSB Facebook page. Meantime, Super Bowl memories live on in the snow at Alki – Erika sent this photo of the “Snow Lombardi Trophy”:

And an epic snowperson from T-Bone:

11:25 AM: The meltdown continues. Side streets are slushy, main roads bare and wet, clumps of wet snow keep falling off the trees/shrubs. Major event update – If you’re going to the WestSide Baby Tea (we are, and this year WSB is a co-sponsor), should be no problem getting there, says WS Baby’s Nancy Woodland:

WestSide Baby’s Annual Benefit Tea is still happening this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! All of our staff and volunteers have made it here without incident as arterials are just fine and side streets are melting. A little snow should not keep us from helping local families in need and it will not likely be fun snow play time when the rain hits shortly as predicted.

Today 2-4:30 Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center 17620 International Blvd. [map]

We ARE opening up tickets for 30 extra seats for those who want to walk in! We’d love to have you and share a bit of WestSide Baby with you this afternoon. Just come and we’ll get you all signed up here. Tickets are $40.

We hope to see you this afternoon!!

Next up – a few other stories, a new gallery, then a p.m. post-snow update at some point.

MORE PHOTOS: West Seattle’s snowiest February 8th ever

Our Saturday-night coverage of road conditions, crashes, stuck buses is all here – and we’ll get back to road updates, etc., pre-dawn – but first, more shared snow photos (THANK YOU!):

Lynda shared the photo above from the Madison Middle School field, dubbing it “Frosty” … while Jana shared the next one from North Admiral:

Texted from Alki – another snow creation:

Ever look at a snowflake REALLY close up? Trileigh Tucker did:

Back to the snow creations – Mike shared the photo of Alki Elementary kindergartener Chloe‘s work:

Lauren, Tyler, and Alyssa sent this montage from SW Southern:

From the Junction area, Mike‘s “Sno-Hawk”:

From Admiral, Patricia‘s pastoral scene:

And from the early going – Paul shared the photo of “Jack-da-dog” in Belvidere:

As we noted in earlier coverage – the National Weather Service says this was the snowiest February 8th on record, 2.9″ at Sea-Tac. Sunday updates to come!