West Seattle, Washington

16 Tuesday

79℉

month : 08/2014 293 results

Congratulations to newlyweds Barbara Lisko and Alex French!
August 9, 2014 10:07 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Wedding announcements | West Seattle news

Congratulations to Barbara Lisko and Alex French, newlyweds after their wedding tonight at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle. Both are graduates of nearby Seattle Lutheran High School. Thanks to the bride’s family for sharing a photo for this announcement, and best wishes to Barbara and Alex for a long and joyful life together.

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‘Bring Karen Back’ campaign launched by supporters of ousted West Seattle Senior Center director Karen Sisson
August 9, 2014 8:57 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

For almost four weeks, we’ve been covering the aftermath of citywide nonprofit Senior Services‘ decision to fire longtime Senior Center of West Seattle director Karen Sisson (WSB file photo at left). While the center has its own board of directors, they don’t have hiring/firing power over staff, but the board voiced their support for her leadership, days after learning of her firing.

Now community supporters are launching a campaign, telling WSB that tomorrow, a community petition drive will kick off to urge Sisson’s reinstatement. Volunteers are gathering at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market at 10:30 am Sunday to ‘share information and collect signatures and support for bringing back Karen Sisson as director of the Senior Center of West Seattle,” according to a note we received today from Cindy, who adds, “Any volunteers are welcome to join us. We are also setting up a Facebook page, ‘Bring Karen Back,’ for people to start their own petitions and upload information.” That page is here. Sisson led the Senior Center for a quarter-century, with her accomplishments and the center’s growth detailed and celebrated in the center’s newsletter earlier this year.

Meantime, the West Seattle center’s board president David Robertson told WSB this past week that they “continue to work on this issue.”

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Update: Southbound 99 collision kills motorcycle rider
August 9, 2014 4:42 pm
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:42 PM: Police are closing all lanes of southbound Highway 99 because of a crash reported to be parallel with Holgate, not far north of the West Seattle Bridge exit. No details yet; a witness texted to us that they believe a motorcycle rider was involved. Medics are headed northbound in the southbound lanes to reach the victim(s).

4:53 PM UPDATE: Tweeted by Seattle Fire: The patient is a 61-year-old man who was riding a motorcycle that collided with a car. He is being taken to the hospital with head trauma, and CPR is under way. Meantime, since the injuries are life-threatening, that means the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is likely to be summoned, and the road will be closed for some time. Police are working right now to get other vehicles off southbound 99, which they describe as “completely gridlock” – here’s the latest image from the south end of the elevated structure:

5:07 PM: Metro confirms via Twitter that it’s working on rerouting buses.

5:29 PM: SFD has confirmed the rider died. Police are continuing to clear traffic off southbound 99 but also advise it will be “difficult” in the area for some time.

6:08 PM: SPD also confirms southbound 99 will remain closed – from Battery St. Tunnel southward – until investigators have finished, likely a few more hours. No official report from police yet but the other vehicle involved is reported to be a RapidRide bus. A KING 5 journalist tweeted this photo:

8:11 PM: Southbound 99 has reopened.

9:09 PM: That was according to this SPD tweet – but commenters say it is NOT fully reopened, only to Atlantic. We are hoping SPD will clarify. As of right now, this traffic camera south of the crash scene does seem to verify the stretch from stadiums to West Seattle Bridge remains closed.

9:23 PM: That camera now shows traffic moving across the last southbound stretch, indicating SB 99 has now fully reopened.

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Happening now: Seattle Chinese Garden Kite Festival is aloft
August 9, 2014 4:00 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Seattle Chinese Garden Kite Festival is aloft
 |   Fun stuff to do | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Here’s a reason for you to come visit one of West Seattle’s semi-hidden treasures – the Seattle Chinese Garden Kite Festival continues until 6 pm.

We just left the garden; it’s breezy and beautiful. It’s just past the horticulture zone on the northernmost end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge.

Admission is free; bring your own kite or buy one at the garden – also, as noted on the SCG home page, you can enjoy “kite flying demonstrations, displays, and kite painting.”

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As-it-happened coverage: Delridge Day 2014 – meeting (and having fun with) your neighbors!
August 9, 2014 11:20 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Festival music/activities schedule here)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:20 AM: As of the top of the hour, Delridge Day is on – with cool people ready to meet you, and to entertain you, on the north side of the park by Delridge Community Center (Genesee/Delridge). Not just people – check out Olive the goat:

And a Seattle Police robot, converted for the moment into a Tootsie Pop dispenser:

“Picnic at the Precinct” is instead happening here in the park concurrent with Delridge Day again this year. We’re told new SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole is expected here around noon, so if you’d like to meet her, be here. But first, come meet all your neighbors, here with various organizations and activities. And tell them what you want to see in your community – there’s a big blackboard ready for your thoughts, as part of the North Delridge Action Plan kickoff.

Also here: Seattle Public Library:

Commenters asked earlier if any food trucks are here. Yes, Outside the Box is here again this year, up near the Delridge CC entrance.

Where, we’re also told a Seattle Fire engine is expected around noon.

(Photo added: From left, Pete Spalding, Dorsol Plants, Michael Taylor-Judd)
12:19 PM: Shoutout to the festival organizers – a small group of local community advocates put it together this year, including Dorsol Plants, Pete Spalding, Michael Taylor-Judd, Ron Angeles, and music by Chas Redmond, who is tune guru for more than a few local events:

12:38 PM: In addition to community groups/nonprofits – North Delridge Neighborhood Council, which is screenprinting its (Heart) Delridge logo onto T-shirts you bring, or bags they have…

….Also: West Seattle Food Bank (whose board member Rev. Ron Marshall pointed out they have a fundraising raffle going on):

Also: Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council, West Seattle Transportation Coalition, 34th District Democrats, Seattle Neighborhood Group, Nature Consortium …

… and more – local businesses are here too, including Skylark Café and Club and Mode Music Studios, neighbors in the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW:

12:49 PM: SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole is here, as promised. We photographed her with Karen Berge and Deb Greer from the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network:

SFD Engine 36 was here for a while but had to rush off on an aid call a few minutes ago. (added) SPD Mounted Patrol horses were the center of attention:

If you missed the horses today – the Mounted Patrol Unit’s next open house at its Westcrest Park-adjacent headquarters will be 11 am-5 pm on Saturday, September 20th.

2:30 PM: Half an hour left until Delridge Day wraps up – such a beautiful afternoon. Hard to think about rain in the midst of the sun, but RainWise is here, to help you envision a raingarden at your home:

In some areas of West Seattle, you can get a rebate to install raingarden and/or cistern-type “green stormwater infrastructure” to cut down on how much of your stormwater runoff goes into the sewer system – find out more here.

2:54 PM: Moments to go and booths are folding up. SPD Chief O’Toole was here for a couple hours but departed a short time ago. We’ll be adding a bit more to this coverage in the hours ahead, but also wanted to mention an event for which we just got a flyer – mark your calendar for the North Delridge Tree Walk, starting near the boulders at Greg Davis Park 10:30 am Saturday, September 13th, five weeks from today. As for the rest of today – there’s more going on around West Seattle, and here in the park, the wading pool is open for almost four more hours!

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West Seattle Saturday: Delridge Day festival; ‘Blues Brothers’ at WSOM; soccer-shoe sale; low-low tide; much more
August 9, 2014 9:31 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moonrise over Brace Point, by Laura James; sun/moon times are always on the WSB Weather page)
If you haven’t already browsed the full Saturday lineup on our calendar – here’s a quick list of highlights:

HPIC RUMMAGE SALE: It’s big, it’s quirky, it’s happening now through 3 pm (and again 9-2 Sunday if you can’t get there today), it’s the Highland Park Improvement Club rummage sale. Also go admire how the HPIC parking lot has evolved into a courtyard/raingarden since last time. (12th/Holden)

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: Now through 3 pm, unique creations are on sale at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – go browse and meet the artists! Like Machel Spence, who sent the photo of her shell-box display:

(5612 California SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE: 10:16 am, tide’s out to -2.2 feet, and that’s excellent for exploring. Do it with expert advice from volunteer beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, now until 12:30 pm, details here.

SOCCER SHOE SALE: Big event with small prices – new soccer shoes/cleats for as little as $10/pair – and all for a good cause – the West Seattle Soccer Club wants you to know about this sale 10 am-4 pm at Grace Church – full details are on the WSSC home page – just scroll down a bit. (10323 28th SW)

INCOMING GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTENER? Come to today’s playdate with your child’s future classmates (and your fellow future Gatewood families), 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The playground’s on the north side of campus.

DELRIDGE DAY: 11 am-3 pm in Delridge Community Center Park, with live music, activities, community info/vendor booths, plus SPD’s “Picnic at the Precinct” activities – see last night’s preview for the schedule. (Delridge/Genesee)

BENEFIT BARBECUE: 11 am-4 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), today’s benefit barbecue is part of the Dog Days of Summer – details in our calendar listing. (California/Morgan/Fauntleroy)

KITE FESTIVAL: 2-6 pm, the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north edge of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus welcomes you to come celebrate these wind-powered wonders. Details in our preview. (6000 16th SW)

‘BLUES BROTHERS’ AT WS OUTDOOR MOVIES: Gates open at 6:30 pm, movie at dusk, with the 1980 classic “The Blues Brothers” as tonight’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies feature presentation on the big screen in the courtyard at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor). Free; preshow entertainment, too. Details in our preview. (4410 California SW)

NIGHT 2 FOR ‘HELLO, DOLLY!’: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Hello, Dolly!” again tonight at West Seattle High School Theater, 7:30 pm. In addition, they’re having a diaper/clothing drive for WestSide Baby – get $3 off the price of an adult ticket if you bring a diaper/kids-clothing donation. (3000 California SW)

MORE NIGHTLIFE! Music all over town – see individual venue/event listings for tonight (and beyond) by going directly to our calendar!

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Delridge Day + ‘Picnic @ Precinct’ = Saturday in the park
August 8, 2014 9:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Hours to go until summer’s next West Seattle festival – Delridge Day is happening Saturday in the park adjacent to the community center at Delridge Way/SW Genesee, 11 am-3 pm. Here again is the activity schedule and music schedule:

Other reasons to come to Delridge Day:

*Again this year, the Seattle Police Foundation-presented “Picnic at the Precinct” also is happening concurrently, at the park instead of the precinct. We’re told new Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole is expected to visit, though we don’t have a time on that yet – that would be her first official public visit to West Seattle.

*Want to talk/ask about the SW Roxbury Safety Project, including a potential “road diet” for Roxbury from 17th SW westward? SDOT will be at Delridge Day, ready to chat.

*Want to find out about the North Delridge Action Plan? City reps are ready to talk about that too.

*Live and/or work (etc.) in North Delridge? Meet your community council – the North Delridge Neighborhood Council – which is offering freebies including a chance to screenprint the (Heart) Delridge emblem on a shirt (you bring it) or tote bag (free blank bags available). Two screenprinting stations! And, adds NDNC’s Amanda Leonard, “We will even have a drying rack so you can enjoy the rest of the festival without dealing with wet paint.”

*Check out the close-to-finished Youngstown Cultural Arts Center mural right across the street from the festival zone, along the east side of the 4400 block of Delridge Way.

*Safety and preparedness: The West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network and West Seattle Be Prepared will be there.

… and so will we. 11 am-3 pm, Delridge CC Park, come have fun!

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Last voyage of decommissioned USS Constellation, past West Seattle
August 8, 2014 3:55 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo added 9:45 pm, by Gary Jones at Alki Point)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:55 PM: It’s been about an hour since the scrapyard-bound USS Constellation was towed from Bremerton.

(US Navy Public Affairs photo)
The aircraft carrier is passing the mouth of Dyes Inlet and in another hour or so should be visible from West Seattle, as it emerges from Rich Passage between Bainbridge and Blake Islands. We’ll be updating as it gets closer; you can track the tow via MarineTraffic.com – a group of tugs is escorting it now, and the oceangoing Corbin Foss is en route to rendezvous with them, preparing for its solo 16,000-mile tow around South America and up to Brownsville, Texas.

4:45 PM: Still a ways to where they’ll be out of Rich Passage and visible from here. It’s somewhat hazy off to the west so it won’t be a really crystal-clear view as it would be if it were a cloudless summer morning – Alki Point and vicinity will likely be the clearest. But the tugs are showing on MarineTraffic.com as having picked up some speed – about 2 knots per hour now. We’ll update when they’re in view (at least via binoculars).

5:40 PM: Getting closer. The tugboats show on MarineTraffic.com as starting to round the point that is just north of Manchester.

6:09 PM: Now in view with binoculars from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, having just emerged from Rich Passage. At this moment, it’s still pointed south, and has to be pulled to face northbound before it will start sailing toward Alki Point and beyond.

6:49 PM: It’s still in the shadows near Manchester, looking across from here. The Foss blog-format website tracking the journey has a photo looking back this way as the Corbin Foss and “Connie” get acquainted at the start of their 16,000-mile journey. (Click here for a larger version of the photo in Foss’s update.)

7:37 PM: You can see the silhouette without binoculars now, and it appears to be slowly starting to make the turn. At this rate, it’ll likely be a lovely sunset scene somewhere in front of Bainbridge!

8:05 PM: After four hours on Beach Drive, we headed for higher ground. Looks like it will be a great view from west-facing North Admiral (we’re at the famous Seattle/Sunset street-sign mini-viewpoint waiting for it to get into better photographic range).

8:22 PM: Some spectators up here. This viewpoint likely will be good all the way until dusk, since you can see north to West Point from here. Meantime, the Foss website has linked to a photo gallery of the Bremerton departure.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
8:55 PM: Just as it gets dark, the Connie and Corbin Foss are heading out of range.

(Photo with vehicle carrier Auriga Leader passing, by Greg)
9:49 PM: Added three photos, from three photographers. (Thank you!) Corbin Foss and Constellation are expected to arrive at Long Beach for a refueling stop at mid-month; the trip around the tip of South America (as someone pointed out while talking with us during Connie Watch, it’ll be summer down there) and up to Texas is expected to take almost five months.

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Barton eviction fight: No immediate ruling at hearing; city offers help, cites ‘alarming conditions’
August 8, 2014 3:36 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:36 PM: Two developments this afternoon in the case of Jean and Byron Barton, whose Morgan Junction home was foreclosed on, then auctioned off. Three weeks after King County Sheriff’s Office deputies carried out an order to evict them – followed hours later by the Bartons re-occupying the house – the property’s new owners had a court hearing today. Triangle Property Development sought an order to require the city to enforce trespassing law and get the Bartons out of the house; you’ll recall that Mayor Murray had told Seattle Police to “stand by” while legal matters played out. King County Superior Court Judge Mariane Spearman listed to arguments but did not rule immediately. This motion, by the way, did not involve the Bartons’ separate case alleging that the foreclosure was illegal. We had a crew at the hearing, as well as in the hallway outside the courtroom, where Jean Barton joined the SAFE advocacy group in a pre-hearing news conference (added: video of her brief comments):

We will add more details from both parts of the event later.

Meantime, Mayor Ed Murray‘s office forwarded a letter from the city Office of Housing, detailing its efforts to offer the Bartons help with housing, mentioning they have not taken advantage of that help so far. The letter also, toward the end, mentions that city staff visiting the Bartons’ home “observed alarming conditions inside the residence that required them to submit mandatory reports to Adult Protective Services.” Here’s the letter as a PDF – or read it, embedded, below:

They did not elaborate on the “alarming conditions.”

ADDED: In case you’re interested in the legal documents – here’s the Triangle petition:

And the city’s reply:

10 PM NOTE: Still more to add; check back in the early morning.

EARLY AM ADD: After the jump (if you are reading from the main page), co-publisher Patrick Sand‘s notes from the hearing:

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Up next at West Seattle Outdoor Movies: ‘Blues Brothers’
August 8, 2014 2:58 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

(Photo taken before last Saturday’s WSOM, shared by Hotwire’s Lora Swift)
Before Friday is too far gone – we wanted to make note of a few Saturday highlights – starting with the next edition of West Seattle Outdoor Movies. Tomorrow night (August 9th) on the courtyard screen next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor), it’s the original “Blues Brothers” movie from 1980. Preshow music by Those Guys with Wrecking Yard. Bring your own chair/blanket. Free as always, but come with a few bucks if you can for nonprofit-benefiting raffles and concessions – tomorrow night’s featured beneficiary is the West Seattle Helpline. Gates open at 6:30, movie at dusk – 9-ish, but don’t try to arrive at the last minute, since the courtyard fills up fast.

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Followup: How new SDOT director answered Councilmember Rasmussen’s questions; plus, another Sound Transit light-rail discussion
August 8, 2014 1:21 pm
|    Comments Off on Followup: How new SDOT director answered Councilmember Rasmussen’s questions; plus, another Sound Transit light-rail discussion
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Back on July 25th, we published the 17 questions City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen had sent to new SDOT director Scott Kubly, looking ahead to his confirmation hearing before the Transportation Committee, which Rasmussen chairs. That hearing is part of the committee’s agenda for next Tuesday (August 12th, 9:30 am, City Hall). From the agenda, here’s the full document with Kubly’s answers inline.

You’ll notice he also promises the requested analysis of June’s “4 miles, 5 hours” Highway 99 shutdown (most recent followup here) by September 30th.

Also on the agenda for that same meeting: Another discussion of Sound Transit‘s Long Range Plan Update. The comment period on its draft environmental-impact statement is now closed, but this is still another opportunity for questions/answers about whether the update will include a proposal for light rail serving West Seattle. Here’s the slide deck that will be shown during the Tuesday meeting – note that it also discusses the potential Ballard service, as well as “South King County,” which includes West Seattle. ST’s presenter will be Rachel Smith, whose recent West Seattle Chamber of Commerce appearance was covered here.

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West Seattle Window and Door: Welcome, new WSB sponsor
August 8, 2014 12:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today, we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor: West Seattle Window and Door, owned by Joseph Miller (right), a West Seattle resident. Joseph grew up in Seattle belonging to a family with a passion for remodeling, music and the arts. Joe’s father, Jerry Miller, lead guitar player for the legendary San Francisco rock band Moby Grape, shared his love for music and film with little Joe. This led to Joseph’s love for music; he later started his own band, Open Blue.

While finishing his degree at the University of Washington, Joseph wanted to carry on the tradition of making the neighborhoods in Seattle energy efficient and beautiful. With this passion he decided to start West Seattle Window & Door. He is delighted to have his mom, Michan Rhodes, on board showcasing almost 30 years’ experience in replacement window/remodel consulting & design. She has been on the Northwest window & door scene for the past 28 years and has built a stunning design oriented portfolio to show for it.

Michan Rhodes began rolling little Joe and his younger brother and sisters around the neighborhood in a red Radio Flyer wagon looking at gardens and houses, visiting with neighbors, and sharing her ideas on how to beautify and restore their homes while embracing the original charm. Giving them the facelift needed for their homes, while adding energy efficiency and value, is and has always been her mission.

West Seattle Window & Door is committed to providing Homeowners, Contractors, Builders, Architects, and Designers with a high level of expertise and technical knowledge on an array of custom quality product lines at competitive prices. We will listen to your needs, discuss and interpret your distinctive style and space, and help you come up with a personally tailored design plan.

West Seattle Window & Door is a full-service company that meets with each customer one-on-one while taking direct responsibility for each project. This process has led to a steady stream of referrals. We believe you can maximize your investment without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. Embrace what you already have without compromising your vision.

(Above: Before & after)
We offer Leaded Glass, Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum, Fiberglass, Wood Clad, Sound Reduction, Enlarged Openings, Bay Windows, Entry Doors, French Doors, and New Construction Window Packages at competitive prices. Free design consultations! All job estimates are free! We have a showroom located on Beach Drive (by appointment only). We are looking forward to moving our showroom up to one of the Junctions just as soon as the right spot presents itself. We are that West Seattle Business that supports the neighborhood & community.

West Seattle Window and Door is licensed, bonded and insured in compliance with all Washington state laws. Find WSWD online at westseattlewindows.com.

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

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Busy week for auto theft; thrice-prowled car
August 8, 2014 11:09 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Those icons represent auto thefts in West Seattle in the past week – it’s our screengrab from a custom view of the SPD Police Reports map (you can follow that link and click individual icons on the “live” map there if you want specific locations/times). In addition to the 14 thefts on the map, we know of at least one more just today, because of this note from James:

My brother in law had his black 1999 Honda Civic, plate AND3427, stolen from the 9000 block of 34th Ave. If anyone sees it or reports an abandoned vehicle we would greatly appreciate if you would let us know.

Though the theft’s not on the map yet, it IS on the SPD @GetYourCarBack Twitter feed, which advises calling 911 if you spot a known stolen car. This area tends to average one a day, so this past week’s thefts are about twice the usual rate.

One more reader report today, from Shannon:

Just wanted to inform our neighbors that my car has been ransacked 3 times in the last month..I do leave my doors unlocked and nothing inside as we have had windows broken before. Everything was gone thru but nothing taken each time. CD’s, Stereo, change all left each time … 8100 block of 15th and Elmgrove.

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West Seattle Friday: Music; movie; USS Constellation; ‘Hello, Dolly!’ opening night; scooter rally; more…
August 8, 2014 10:12 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
Opening night for “Hello, Dolly!” is one of our featured highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – see details below, along with some of what else is going on, but be sure to follow that link to the calendar for the full list! We start in the early afternoon …

USS CONSTELLATION’S LAST VOYAGE: Foss estimates it will start towing the scrapyard-bound aircraft carrier USS Constellation out of Bremerton around 1 pm today. We’ll be watching for it to become visible from West Seattle; look for an update here and on our social-media channels (click linked Facebook/Twitter icons under “WSB Everywhere” atop the sidebar). Likely to be closer to the Bainbridge/Kitsap side, so you might want to bring binoculars. UPDATE: As of noon-ish, the Navy says departure is now expected around 3 pm – clearing Rich Passage 5-ish.

WEIRD SCIENCE: Hands-on at Southwest Branch Library, 2-3 pm. (35th/Henderson)

DELRIDGE GROCERY’S FRIDAY FARMSTAND: Delridge Grocery‘s fourth weekly farmstand is happening 4:30-7:30 pm today (here’s our coverage of the launch last month) – fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. (5435 Delridge Way SW)

SCOOTER RALLY: The Westenders start their annual Tour di Mari rally with a barbecue at Jack Block Park at 5:30 pm – details of the weekendlong rally are here. (2130 Harbor SW)

OUTDOOR CONCERT AT THE MOUNT: Second of four Friday night concerts at Providence Mount St. Vincent, outdoors and free, with dinner/drinks available for purchase starting at 5:30 pm, show at 6. Tonight, it’s Alma y Azucar on the east side of The Mount’s campus. (4831 35th SW)

OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘HELLO, DOLLY!’ – INCLUDING DIAPER DRIVE: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Hello, Dolly!” starting tonight at West Seattle High School Theater, 7:30 pm. In addition: “We are having a diaper/clothing drive for WestSide Baby and attendees who contribute to that drive receive $3 off the price of an adult ticket. A portion of our proceeds will also benefit WestSide Baby.” (3000 California SW)

DELRIDGE DAY EVE – FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: 9 pm in Delridge Community Center Park, night before the Delridge Day festival, it’s a free outdoor showing of “The Lego Movie” – here’s the trailer:

More details in our preview. (Delridge/Genesee)

FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER: 9 pm at the Celtic Swell, help CS employee Ron Ackerson‘s family recover from the fire that destroyed their home three weeks ago – details in our calendar listing. (Alki Ave. SW just east of 61st)

MORE NIGHTLIFE! Find individual venue/event listings for tonight (and beyond) by going directly to our calendar!

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You can help! West Seattle Girl Scouts collecting school supplies to help other kids
August 8, 2014 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Less than four weeks until the new school year, and kindhearted West Seattleites are working to make sure that no kid goes without the school supplies s/he needs for success. Among those collecting donations: West Seattle Girl Scout Troop 45077, working with Pencil Me In For Kids, taking donations earmarked for scholars at Highland Park Elementary. We received word of their drive, and the photo, from troop leader Kari:

All of the girls have boxes at their homes and are collecting from friends, family, and neighbors. They also have a donation box at Mind Unwind, located at 2206 California Ave SW. Their goal is to be able to donate 34 backpacks filled with school supplies to Highland Park Elementary and are collecting donations until August 17th. So, they don’t have much time to meet their goal and could use everyone’s help.

(Kari’s original note also included a request for publication from Sophia, who is a troop member as is Kari’s daughter Morgan.) The fine print on the sign toward the right side of the photo says they’re looking in particular for:

*Rulers
*Notebooks
*Children’s books
*Paper
*Pencils
*Pens
*Backpacks
*Highlighters
*Erasers
*Glue/glue sticks
*Binders

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend alerts
August 8, 2014 6:57 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! No issues on the main routes through/from West Seattle so far this morning. Other notes:

WEEKEND PREVIEW – Here’s the city roundup of what’s happening where, through Sunday, with potential traffic effects.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS: Thursday pm, we had a lot of it –
*RapidRide route change? SDOT confirmed what a tipster told us, that it’s studying the feasibility of moving the outbound SW Alaska RapidRide stop east of California, so the C Line could use California instead of Edmunds/44th/Alaska.
*Road work: Next week, SDOT crews are scheduled to pave part of Roxbury and improve traction on the Charlestown/Genesee hills.

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: How one man’s alleged multi-neighborhood rampage began here
August 7, 2014 11:55 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Maybe you saw it on the SPD Blotter – a bizarre rampage of sorts on Wednesday that started in West Seattle and moved into other parts of the city before the suspect was arrested. We followed up today in search of specifics which were missing in that overall summary but were contained in the partial report we obtained. The 37-year-old suspect, shown in public databases with a West Seattle address, was reported to have started by showing up outside Providence Mount St. Vincent, ranting and yelling first about the facility and then, “about North Korea,” in a manner described by one witness as “almost mad or crazy.”

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And more road work: SDOT to try traction improvements again on Charlestown, Genesee
August 7, 2014 9:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Transportation seems to be the theme tonight. One more round of road work announced by SDOT for next week – this is another try at the traction improvements that didn’t quite work out the first time around on two of West Seattle’s steepest hills, back in May (with a different method). Tonight’s announcement:

The Seattle Department of Transportation will conduct shot blasting to make traction improvements at two locations in West Seattle and one in Magnolia next week. Shot blasting will propel a high-speed stream of abrasive material at the street surface to roughen it and create a better grip for vehicles. Dates are subject to change. Flaggers will be on site at road closures to provide local access and guidance. This work will be completed in a single weekday at each location and will take place between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The following describes the scheduled roadway closures:

Aug. 12: SW Charlestown Street between 49th Avenue SW and California Avenue SW (local access only)
· Work zone is SW Charlestown Street between 47th Avenue SW and 45th Avenue SW

· Eastbound traffic detoured via 49th Avenue SW, SW Admiral Way, and California Avenue SW

· Westbound traffic detoured via California Avenue SW, SW Admiral Way, and 49th Avenue SW

Aug. 13: SW Genesee Street between SW Avalon Way and Delridge Way SW (local access only)
· Work zone is SW Genesee Street between SW Avalon Way and 30th Avenue SW

· Eastbound traffic detoured via SW Avalon Way, SW Yancy Street, 28th Avenue SW, SW Andover Street, and Delridge Way SW

· Westbound traffic detoured via Delridge Way SW, SW Andover Street, 28th Avenue SW, SW Yancy Street, and SW Avalon Way

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West Seattle road work: SW Roxbury paving next week
August 7, 2014 6:21 pm
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 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

During this past week’s two meetings on the SW Roxbury Safety Project (WSB 7/31 coverage is here, 8/4 coverage here), SDOT’s Jim Curtin mentioned that paving was imminent for the stretch between 25th and 27th SW. And indeed, the announcement has just arrived:

Paving crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation will work on Southwest Roxbury Street on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12 and 13 of next week. They will pave the stretch of Roxbury between 25th Avenue Southwest and 27th Avenue Southwest, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. One travel lane in each direction will remain open. A Police Officer will be stationed at each intersection to assist traffic. All sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Crash on NB 35th at Henderson
August 7, 2014 5:33 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:33 PM: Thanks to the person who texted about a crash on northbound 35th SW at Henderson (by the library), blocking at least one lane. We’re off to check it out – update to come.

5:47 PM: Confirmed at the scene that one lane northbound is blocked, all others open. No injuries. One of the vehicles involved is on the other side of the fire truck in our photo, above; the scene will be clear when that vehicle is towed.

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Move RapidRide route to California SW in The Junction? SDOT is looking at it
August 7, 2014 3:48 pm
|      64 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Should the outbound RapidRide C Line run on California in the heart of The Junction instead of jogging onto Edmunds, 44th, and Alaska? Checking out a reader tip that this was under consideration, we asked Metro – which in turn pointed us to SDOT, whose Marybeth Turner confirms it:

We have been looking for projects to improve the speed and reliability for the RapidRide C Line. One of the projects that was identified is to move the stop on California and Alaska to the east so the RapidRide bus can use California Avenue. This would save about a minute of travel time.

We are currently conducting a feasibility analysis to see if there is enough room and the what costs are involved. No decision has been made on whether this project will go forward. … We plan to reach out to the community to discuss the options this fall.

Back in 2008, when RapidRide’s West Seattle route was still under development, there was some talk of having it turn onto Alaska from California, but concerns voiced at the time included how it would affect the walk-all-ways intersection.

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Barton eviction fight: Court hearing tomorrow afternoon
August 7, 2014 2:02 pm
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 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(July 18th WSB photo: Jean and Byron Barton, center, in the house’s basement, with police and supporters)
Tomorrow afternoon, a King County Superior Court judge will preside over a hearing related to Triangle Property Development‘s attempt to take physical possession of the Morgan Junction house where Byron and Jean Barton are still living, three weeks after deputies evicted them. We know this because the advocacy group that has been campaigning to keep the Bartons in the house has sent word of a protest outside the courtroom before the hearing. Triangle’s court filing – reported here on July 29th – is the latest development in the case; the Bartons also have legal action pending, contending that the house was illegally foreclosed on before being auctioned off last April, which is when Triangle bought it. The Bartons re-entered the house near 41st and Holly shortly after deputies removed them on July 18th, including carrying Byron Barton, who uses a wheelchair; that means Seattle Police could arrest them for trespassing, but a week and a half ago, Mayor Murray told them on July 21st to “stand by” while the case went through the courts.

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Followup: USS Constellation’s final voyage to start tomorrow; special Foss website will track the tow
August 7, 2014 12:35 pm
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 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(US Navy photo: USS Constellation in Elliott Bay during Seafair, 1996)
New information today about the last voyage of the USS Constellation, the aircraft carrier that’s about to be towed away from Bremerton after a decade, and that will pass West Seattle shortly after the start of its 18,000-mile tow to a Texas shipbreaking yard. Foss Maritime – whose ocean tug Corbin Foss is scheduled to tow the “Connie” – just let us know about a special website it’s set up to chronicle the journey; see it here. The trip is now set to start early tomorrow afternoon (Friday, August 8th), according to Foss, which says harbor tugs will bring it from Bremerton, and rendezvous with the Corbin Foss off Blake Island. You’ll be able to see it from West Seattle (primarily Beach Drive/Alki) once it’s out of Rich Passage and northward-bound into Puget Sound. The Constellation is one of the last few non-nuclear carriers to be scrapped; it’s been mothballed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard since it was decommissioned in 2003. It (and the Corbin Foss) will stop at Long Beach, California – last U.S. port – around the 16th.

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