West Seattle, Washington

10 Friday

62℉

month : 11/2014 290 results

Traffic-alert update: Northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct open again after closure for cleanup
November 18, 2014 9:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:31 PM: This might not last too long but in case you got stuck in the backup or have seen it – a crash on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct is requiring a debris cleanup, and traffic is temporarily stopped because of it (live cam here). That includes police blocking the ramp to northbound 99 from the West Seattle Bridge. So if you have to head toward downtown – take note.

9:41 PM: Just got info from Seattle Police via Twitter:

We’re adding the live camera as an image atop this report, so you can see firsthand when it clears.

10 PM: Per scanner, police were trying to figure out how to get cars off 99. In the meantime, they also say a street sweeper will arrive in 10 minutes or so.

10:45 PM: Now open again.

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Update: ‘Attempted child luring’ reported in school alert – what we’ve since found out
November 18, 2014 6:10 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

6:10 PM: Thanks to the Arbor Heights Elementary and K-5 STEM parents who forwarded this, which they said they’ve received from school staff via e-mail and robo-call this past hour or so:

There has been a report of an attempted child luring in the vicinity of our school. The vehicle is a black F-150 Ford pickup, driven by a heavy-set, older black male. The license of the truck is B060—. The police were notified, and the subject is a registered sex offender. The suspect has not been apprehended. Please be aware and talk with your children about keeping safe. More information to follow tomorrow.

That’s the entirety of the notice, at least in the version forwarded to us. STEM and AH are currently sharing the Boren Building at 5950 Delridge Way SW. We are checking with police, who will be at tonight’s Crime Prevention Council meeting (7 pm at the precinct, Delridge/Webster) if we don’t reach them sooner.

7:06 PM UPDATE: Precinct commander Capt. Steve Wilske has been looking into this for us. He finally found the incident report and says it happened yesterday – it was originally called in as a different type of incident, and while investigating that, they say, a child told them of being approached by the person described in the alert, so they are now looking for that person. (We only had a quick comment to speak with him before the WSCPC meeting – if we’re able to get any more info afterward, we’ll add.)

8:49 PM UPDATE: So far what we’ve found out, from covering the Crime Prevention Council meeting, is that this was reported yesterday afternoon and the report is categorized missing child/suspicious vehicle (again, the child is safe, and was not abducted or otherwise harmed, we’re told). The registered sex offender who is believed to be the suspect does not live in the West Seattle area. The report carries the address 26xx SW Kenyon, which is the Denny IMS vicinity, but short bits of info on police reports can carry the address from which an incident is reported instead of where it happened, so we’re still awaiting confirmation of where exactly the child was approached. (Added: 6900 block Delridge, per police)

WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE: We’re continuing to follow up with police and Seattle Public Schools. In comments, two STEM parents have shared this text of a followup message from their principal:

I received several inquiries about a school messenger sent out by Arbor Heights yesterday concerning an alleged child luring incident. The information contained in the message was shared by a parent, and we were not able to confirm several details after conferring with SPS security or the police, and so we were advised not to send an alert. Because of the questions, I am sending out an update of information we were able to confirm.
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On Monday, November 17 the driver of a black Ford 150 truck with a roof rack was acting suspiciously while talking with a 7th grade Denny Scholar on his walk to school. The driver was reported as being a heavy set older African American male. The incident was reported to the police.
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As always, communicate with your children regarding good safety practices.

9:09 AM: We’ve been talking with SPS spokesperson Stacy Howard over the past hour. She confirms that a local parent saw the suspicious vehicle, reported it to police, and then directly contacted schools. Howard says there is supposed to be a protocol for what steps are gone through to send a school-wide alert, and they are sending a reminder to school administrators about that today.

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Emerald Water Anglers: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
November 18, 2014 3:33 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Emerald Water Anglers is about a lot more than fishing. The new West Seattle Junction shop has just joined the WSB sponsor team, which means EWA gets a chance to tell you what it’s about:

(L-R, Reid, Jon, Dave in the Emerald Water Anglers shop)
Proprietor Dave McCoy‘s company has been in business a long time – and now it’s taken the next step, a retail storefront. His emphasis is on having a high-quality sporting-goods store in and for West Seattle, there to help you experience the outdoors in any way you choose. Along with fishing gear, you’ll find hiking gear, ski wear, and lots of merchandise from Patagonia.

Fly fishing, though, is how Emerald Water Anglers gained its fame, and the shop offers fly-fishing classes, with a particularly popular class geared toward women. You can also check into one- or two-day immersion classes taught up in Snoqualmie, and you can even learn to fly-fish from a paddleboard. This winter, fly-tying classes will be offered (check in at the store and/or online for dates/times and availability).

Emerald Water Anglers offers a busy slate of other events, and next month will include two of special note – Patagonia ambassadors will be there on December 10th to talk about winter wear (watch the EWA website for how to RSVP) and Santa Claus will be there December 20th for DIY photos.

Dave says a shop in West Seattle makes perfect sense for a variety of reasons – most of his staff also lives here, and the neighborhood is full of water and green spaces, a perfect fit for everyone who loves the outdoors and wants to take care of it as well as enjoy it. Speaking of sustainability, Dave’s also proud of having one of the first all-LED-lit businesses in the city.

You can also find out about Emerald Water Anglers‘ guide services at the shop, which is on the southeast corner of 42nd and Oregon, on the ground floor of Oregon 42, and online at emeraldwateranglers.com – by phone, 206-708-7250.

We thank Emerald Water Anglers 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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A chance to give AND receive: Marination ma kai, tomorrow
November 18, 2014 2:21 pm
|    Comments Off on A chance to give AND receive: Marination ma kai, tomorrow
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

As mentioned earlier, it’s food-drive season, with Thanksgiving approaching. Another chance tomorrow for you to give – and to get something in return. From Shawn Findley, general manager of Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) at Seacrest:

Marination is currently holding a canned food drive for Food Lifeline. We are accepting donations through November 24th. In an effort to bolster donations, we will be giving out a free taco to anybody who brings in a donation to Marination ma kai tomorrow (Wednesday), November 19th.

Non-perishable, shelf stable food items that are high in protein; canned fruits or vegetables; infant formula and baby food are some of the items of greatest need.

Ma kai’s hours tomorrow are 9 am-8 pm.

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West Seattle development note: 4031 California lot-split, rowhouse plans
November 18, 2014 1:07 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The last house on the west side of California between Dakota and Andover is 96 years old but isn’t likely to reach the century mark. Now in the city files for that site at 4031 California SW – a lot-boundary adjustment proposal (involving two lot numbers, though county files say this is on the books as a 3-lot site) and an early-stage plan to replace the house with a 4-unit rowhouse building. Neither has appeared in the Land Use Information Bulletin yet, so the clock hasn’t started running on the comment period.

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Put the giving in Thanksgiving: Turkey donations tomorrow; Beer Church’s Turkey Bowl on Saturday
November 18, 2014 11:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Two more chances for you to put the giving in Thanksgiving:

WS FOOD BANK NEEDS 400 *MORE* TURKEYS: Tomorrow, 4-7 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), it’s the West Seattle Food Bank’s 2nd Turkey Drive of the season. Says WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino, “Thriftway has plenty of 10-12 lb. turkeys for you to purchase and donate. Too busy to shop? We’ll be set up outside the store for you to just drive through, hand us your turkey or $15 and we’ll buy the turkey for you! Our goal is to collect 500 turkeys to provide to our families for their holidays and we’ve collected the equivalent of 109 turkeys so far.” Any individual or business that would like to match what we collect at Thriftway tomorrow night, please call Judi, 206-932-9023.

BOWL WITH THE BEER CHURCH ON SATURDAY: It’s the 16th annual Beer Church Turkey Bowl, and founder Kendall Jones is amazed at that number. So are we. But you’ll be even more impressed by at least one of the numbers in the official reminder:

On Saturday, November 22 at 5:30 pm at West Seattle Bowl, Beer Church hosts the 16th annual Turkey Bowl. The event is a fundraiser and food drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. In the past, the event has raised as much as $6,000 and gathered over 3,000 pounds of food. Organizers hope to meet or exceed those totals this year.

There are still a limited number of lanes available for groups interested in bowling. To reserve a lane, email Kendall Jones (beerchurch@gmail.com). The cost is $180 per lane in the form of a donation to West Seattle Food Bank. Each lane can handle up to eight bowlers.

Whether you bowl or not, everyone is welcome to stop by the bowling alley and support the cause by dropping off food donations, participating in the raffle, and having a tasty beer.

“We take over West Seattle Bowl – all 32 lanes – for three hours of bowling fun,” says Kendall Jones, who has organized all 16 events. “Also, there is a target raffle, which is kind of like a silent auction without all the stress: you buy raffle tickets for $1 and decide which prizes you’re interested in winning.”

Within the larger event, local breweries bring teams and compete in the Battle of the Brewers. Local pubs and bars bring teams and compete in the Beer Church Bar Brawl. There are trophies involved and the competition is fierce. Well, not really. It’s really just about creating a fun way for people to support the Food Bank.

Beer Church is the charitable arm of the Washington Beer Blog (washingtonbeerblog.com), which Kendall and Kim Jones operate out of their West Seattle home. The blog is a leading source for news and information related to the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene.

“A decade ago, I regularly volunteered at West Seattle Food Bank,” says Kendall Jones. “Back when they were in the old location, I helped unload the truck and stock the shelves on Tuesdays. Every week we would pack that building full of food, and then within a couple of days it would all be gone. That’s when I realized how important West Seattle Food Bank is to my community. Anything Beer Church does to support the Food Bank pales in comparison to the massive, ongoing efforts of the staff and volunteers.”

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West Seattle Tuesday: ‘Hack Night’; Junction Neighborhood Organization; Crime Prevention Council…
November 18, 2014 10:41 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Mark Wangerin (of benefit calendar fame!) for that photo of a surf scoter in local waters! Wading into our calendar highlights for tonight:

WEST SEATTLE HACK NIGHT: 6:30 pm at WS Office Junction (WSB sponsor), as previewed here on Monday. Register if you’re thinking of going – our calendar listing shows how – so they know who to expect! (6040 California SW)

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle. “Let’s ring in the season with a lively discussion of what JuNO has accomplished to date and what we can accomplish in the coming year. This would be a good meeting to invite a neighbor that has not yet been to a JuNO meeting,” suggests director René Commons, also asking attendees to bring a treat to share and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (Oregon/California)

HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm, all-school open house for Hope Lutheran, which serves preschool-8th grade. (42nd/Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: No special guests on the agenda tonight – bring your concerns and ideas, and hear about crime trends in Q/A with local police leadership. 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct. (Webster/Delridge)

ALAUDA BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: 7:30 pm, free, all ages, Skylark Café. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BLUES TO DO: Vicki Stevens and Sonny Hess headline the weekly blues showcase at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. (6451 California SW)

OR, IF YOU WANT TO DO THE SINGING … two venues with karaoke are on our nightlife slate for tonight; see them (and more) by going directly to our calendar!

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Eat, drink, and jam! Support student musicians @ West Seattle Community Orchestras’ gala
November 18, 2014 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on Eat, drink, and jam! Support student musicians @ West Seattle Community Orchestras’ gala
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Saturday night at Highland Park Improvement Club, you can enjoy food, beverages, and music while supporting student music programs via the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ fifth annual “Fall for Music” fundraiser. Tickets are on sale online, and WSCO has sent an update:

The weather may be getting colder, but our planning committee has designed a fun and family-friendly evening to bring out the warmth of the season. Doors open at 6 pm

Guests will walk in to a fall-themed scenery infusing the gathering, to celebrate and harvest the music education for our student musicians. The soiree will also include a silent and live auction, along with a 50/50 Raffle; new this year, our Wine Cellar Raffle.

Our attendees will enjoy a wide variety of scrumptious and flavorful fare such as Indian samosas with cilantro chutney, Thai chicken skewers, grilled veggie platter, pesto pasta salad, assorted local cheeses with grapes & crackers, olive oil poached shrimp cocktail platter, and much more. A dessert buffet with chocolate truffles, pies, cake, and cookies will also be offered.

Our bar will present delicious beverage concoctions like Veuve Clicquot champagne, and top liquor like Grey Goose Vodka, Makers Mark Bourbon, and local microbrew selection, just to name a few. Children are welcome to attend the event and we will supply non-alcoholic beverages.

Several WSCO musicians will showcase their love of music through small ensembles, featuring a flute ensemble and a performance led by student violinist playing fiddle tunes. After the auction, there will be an open jam session performing jazz standards. We invite all levels of musicians to bring their instruments and participate and have fun!

The West Seattle Community Orchestra continues to fill a much-needed role in the community for all ages. New this season WSCO has opened two music programs: Wind Symphony for musicians with experience of 6 years and a Student Beginning Strings Class. The goal is to provide more opportunities to explore their music abilities and become more familiar with classic repertoire.

Advance tickets are on sale now!! Adults $25/each; Students (K-12) $10/each; Seniors (65 & over) $10/each, 5 and under FREE. Purchase your ticket at www.WSCOrchestras.org. For more information about The West Seattle Community Orchestras, please email info@WSCOrchestras.org

HPIC is at 12th/Holden.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
November 18, 2014 7:07 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:07 AM: So far, nothing out of the ordinary on the routes through/from West Seattle as the sun rises on our Tuesday.

7:39 AM: Even around the rest of the region (we monitor the regional traffic reports as well as local emergency-service logs, etc.), nothing much so far.

7:56 AM: If you missed the big bright sunrise about an hour ago, here’s Brian‘s view from High Point:

Sunrise, sunset, breaking news, traffic IF you’re not the driver … photos welcome at editor@westseattleblog.com.

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Update: 36th SW house fire blamed on electrical problem
November 18, 2014 12:25 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
12:25 AM: Seattle Fire is en route to a possible house fire in the 6300 block of 36th SW (map). The first units on scene say they’re seeing smoke from the attic.

12:31 AM: Our crew will be there shortly. Firefighters say they’re seeing flames from the attic. They also say a resident of the house told them everyone has gotten out OK.

12:35 AM: Firefighters report having searched both floors of the house to make extra-sure no one’s inside, and “all clear” so far.

12:41 AM: Just heard from our crew on scene. Small house, just north of the 35th/Morgan U-Haul’s west side. Lots of smoke. Bit of flame visible. Via scanner, we’ve heard firefighters declare it under control.

12:59 AM: They’re calling for the Red Cross to assist the home’s residents. Our crew says the fire marshal (investigator) is just arriving, so it’s too soon to say how this started. SFD confirms that no one was hurt and says they’re expecting to have a “fire watch” at the scene all night in case of flare-ups.

1:26 AM: Some of the SFD units have been dismissed from the scene. Meantime, our crew is back and we are adding several photos, as well as substituting one for the previously published cameraphone photo that had been atop this story.

10:35 AM UPDATE: SFD’s Lt. Harold Webb says the fire’s cause was determined to be “accidental/electrical.” (Radio discussion during the firefight had included a mention of knob-and-tubing wiring in the 96-year-old house.) No dollar estimate for the damage so far.

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Followup: Seattle Farm School’s first class, crocheting
November 17, 2014 7:57 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Just a month after Seattle Farm School founder Katie Stemp went public with a request for community members to teach classes in the “home arts,” it’s officially launched with its first class tonight. Katie sent photos and

I’m so excited to share these pictures with you of our very first class with Seattle Farm School that is taking place at C&P Coffee right now!!

In a little over 2 months we have gone from concept to live classes right here in West Seattle! We are thrilled to teach sustainable living skills to our community! This is a sold-out Beginning Crochet Class with Kelli Thomas.

Katie says two Beginning Sewing classes are ahead this week (“Comfy Lounge Pants” and “Pillowcases”) as well as a class in soapmaking. More info at seattlefarmschool.com.

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1 1/2 months until mandatory food-waste composting: City asks about your ‘most compostable’ holiday dish
November 17, 2014 6:02 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

On New Year’s Day, the new city rules about food-waste composting kick in. To keep that top-of-mind, Seattle Public Utilities just launched a mini-survey with an incentive – asking what food you’re most likely to compost this holiday season. 14 options (or write in your own) on one page, with a chance to win a kitchen compost bin if you choose to include your e-mail address. Friday’s the deadline.

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West Seattle holiday giving: ‘Soap for Hope’ drive
November 17, 2014 3:57 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

We’re continuing to collect holiday-giving opportunity information for both our ongoing calendar and the forthcoming WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – some drives are already under way, and hoping for your help, like “Soap for Hope” at AAA West Seattle (WSB sponsor):

Want to be a part of something BIG? AAA Washington is kicking off the 7th annual Soap for Hope toiletries-donation drive, and we need your help!

The annual campaign provides basic necessities and personal care items for those in need, reaching more than 27 local charities throughout Washington and northern Idaho. By partnering with our members, the community and local organizations, AAA Washington has collected nearly 500,000 toiletry items for local charities the past six years, and distributed more than 8,700 pounds of donations last year alone.

While donations are accepted at our store all year, we invite you to participate in our holiday campaign by donating through December 31 to help those in need this winter. All donations will remain in our local community, benefitting Sojourner Place in Seattle. We will be collecting sample, or regular-size items including deodorant, toothpaste, shaving cream, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other new and unopened toiletry items.

Items can be dropped off at our office in Jefferson Square at 4734 42nd Ave SW, or you may contact us to arrange a pickup of your donation. For more information about Soap for Hope, please visit our website at www.aaa.com/SoapforHope.

Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity and know that your contribution is more than just a bar of soap, it’s about providing an opportunity for those in need to have a fresh start to their day and maybe even a personal boost to their self-image.

Ongoing holiday donation/collection drive that could use community help? Send us info as soon as you can – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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Sea-star deaths: New research points to not-new virus
November 17, 2014 2:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(File photo courtesy Laura James)
Thanks to “Diver Laura” James, who long has worked on the sea-star die-off mystery as a “citizen scientist,” for the tip on this: New scientific research says a virus is the likely culprit in the deaths of so many of what are commonly known as starfish. The Seattle Times (WSB partner) published a report this afternoon, pointing to the research paper itself (read it here), which concludes, “Based on our observations, the densovirus, SSaDV, is the most likely virus involved in this disease.” However, the researchers note, this isn’t a new virus, so they still don’t have the big picture of what’s happening and what it might lead to.

P.S. It’s been a year since Diver Laura first pointed out die-off evidence on West Seattle shores/in West Seattle waters, and she’s continuing to follow up on what’s happening now.

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West Seattle schools: ‘Kindergarten technologists’ work with newly donated Snap Circuits at Lafayette
November 17, 2014 12:16 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With public funding of schools falling short, community and corporate goodwill is more vital than ever to help students keep up. The latest example was shown off this morning in Landon Bell‘s kindergarten classroom at Lafayette Elementary in The Admiral District. The “kindergarten technologists” in our photos are using Snap Circuits (shown and explained here) to explore electrical engineering, creating working machines on circuit boards.

Lafayette got the Snap Circuits via a request on the crowdfunding site for teachers, DonorsChoose.org, one of 19 projects at 15 Seattle schools that were funded in a donation by AT&T, according to the announcement of this morning’s demonstration.

Many DonorsChoose projects are funded by individual community contributions, but as was the case here, the corporate community jumps in too – you might recall the Google announcement at Highland Park Elementary last month. Much other supplementary funding comes via events organized by schools’ PTAs (at Lafayette, last month’s Walk-A-Thon – with community sponsors including WSB – raised $60,000 in pledges).

P.S. If you’re interested in donating to classroom projects, DonorsChoose is searchable by zip code, and our quick check shows lots of current requests from local teachers.

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See what’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
November 17, 2014 11:01 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Looking south along 35th SW, by Long B. Nguyen – click image to see larger view)
As we wing into a new week … calendar (etc.) highlights:

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP AT SW LIBRARY: Love to read? Local libraries convene afternoon/evening book groups now and then. 2 pm today at Southwest Branch Library, this month’s afternoon group is reading “Rat Girl” by Kristin Hersh. (35th/Henderson)

THANKSGIVING COOKING CLASS AT SALTY’S ON ALKI: Check ASAP to see if there’s room left – in any of the three sessions, starting with tonight at 6 pm, featuring Salty’s (WSB sponsor) Chef Jeremy McLachlan – details in our calendar listing. (1936 Harbor SW)

SPEAKING OF COOKING … voted for Carmen yet? We told her story over the weekend – she’s a local fourth-grader and the only national finalist from the Northwest in a cooking contest for kids. Find the link to her recipe video and voting page here (you can do it daily, until just before Thanksgiving, and there are NO requirements – no signups, registration, social-media shares, etc.).

TRIVIA, TRIVIA, TRIVIA: Monday’s the night to show what you know – at multiple West Seattle venues, including Christo’s, OutWest, Shadowland, and Skylark. Go directly to our calendar

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‘West Seattle Hack Night’ tomorrow; sign up today
November 17, 2014 9:44 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Before we get to what’s up today/tonight, here’s an advance alert about an event tomorrow night – Ben shares the invitation for the first West Seattle Hack Night:

We’re inviting local professional and amateur programmers to come out to a West Seattle Hack Night. The purpose of the meetup is to connect technologists in West Seattle, share information, network, and collaborate to make something cool or useful. We’d also welcome any non-profits or local businesses are looking for tech help or just want to pitch an idea for people to work on.

It starts with meet-and-greet at 6:30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, November 18) at West Seattle Office Junction (6040 California SW; WSB sponsor) – if you’re interested, here’s where to sign up.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday on the move
November 17, 2014 6:57 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday on the move
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Aside from some early delays on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route, traffic and transit have been more-or-less normal so far in our area this morning.

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Policing plan reviewed with precinct commander @ North Delridge Neighborhood Council
November 16, 2014 11:03 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

You’ve probably heard about the neighborhood-by-neighborhood policing plans that are a priority for the city’s new Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole. At various neighborhood-council meetings since she came to Seattle, we’ve seen those plans take shape, and the most recent one was this past week’s monthly meeting of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council:

Read More

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Arbor Heights microsurfacing: Last call to tell SDOT what you think
November 16, 2014 7:29 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Transportation | West Seattle news

It’s been spotlighted on the SDOT website … it was brought up at this month’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting … and we’ve received a nudge from the city about it: If you have anything to say to the city about the microsurfacing work on Arbor Heights this past summer, please take a few minutes and answer this online survey – which also gets into the broader topic of microsurfacing vs. chip seal vs. full road replacement (and even sidewalks).

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The Westy’s opening date: New West Seattle sports bar to open the day before Thanksgiving
November 16, 2014 2:34 pm
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

With multiple football games on screens in the background, co-proprietors of The Westy shared the news they wish they could have shared many months ago: Their official opening date.

It’ll be Wednesday, November 26th, JP Vidican and Paul Ritums (L-R above) told WSB today. That’s when The Westy will finally open its doors at 7908 35th SW, a new establishment that looks nothing like what you’d imagine – in either space or decor – from passing by on the street, where you’d mistake it for a relatively tiny storefront (recent former identities included an electronics-repair shop and medical-marijuana dispensary).

November was the hoped-for opening month when we first talked with them in summer 2013 – November **2013**. Permit and utility challenges stretched out the buildout, like the final minutes of a sports match with seemingly endless timeouts.

Now they’re ready for kickoff, and hoping you’ll decide The Westy was worth the wait. We took a look inside this afternoon, noting details from the handcrafted wooden tables to small-but-vital touches like purse hooks and power outlets under the bar with USB slots where you can charge your phone:

Of course we talked sports, food, and beverages too:

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Happening now: Local gift ideas @ West Seattle Sip & Shop
November 16, 2014 2:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Your next chance to shop multiple vendors in one spot, as holiday-gift season approaches, is happening right now, until 5 pm, at West Seattle Sip and Shop. You’ll find the bazaar at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford), as previewed in our daily calendar-highlights list. Thanks to Emily for sharing the photo (she mentions you’ll find nearly 30 vendors there, plus wine and cookies)!

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2 followups in gym saga: Ex-owner’s bankruptcy; new-club info
November 16, 2014 1:21 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS Health Club/ex-Athletic Club/ex-Allstar Fitness

1:21 PM: First, to be clear if you haven’t been following this closely, former NFL player Sam Adams is no longer the owner of the gym at 2629 SW Andover – as part of his bankruptcy proceedings, he gave up the lease three weeks ago, after announcing the then-West Seattle Club would be closed for two days; it reopened a week and a half later under a “new” owner – the landlord – and a new name, West Seattle Health Club. Here are two updates, one relating to the ex-ownership, one relating to the new:

ADAMS BANKRUPTCY NOW CHAPTER 7: Originally, Adams and his wife filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in late June, days before an eviction hearing related to the fitness center, which he had purchased for $75,000 as part of its previous owner’s business-bankruptcy case in early 2013. As reported here October 28th, the federal trustee proposed either dismissing the case or converting it to Chapter 7 for reasons including the Adamses’ failure to file mandatory financial reports since the filing. They have since filed reports, but at a hearing this past Friday, according to bankruptcy-court documents, they also voluntarily agreed to have the case converted to Chapter 7. (As explained here, the difference between 7 and 11 can be described as “liquidation” vs. “rehabilitation.”)

NEW CLUB UPDATE: The long comment thread following our previous report, from the West Seattle Health Club’s opening date on November 4th, continues to include questions from customers past and present. A club employee e-mailed to say he has started an unofficial Facebook page in the club’s name, where he’s posting information, since the club’s “placeholder” website has yet to be updated. Find it here.

COVERAGE ARCHIVE … all our coverage of what’s transpired relating to the 2629 SW Andover club, under four names over the past 2 years, is archived here, newest to oldest.

ADDED 7:51 PM: While writing this, we e-mailed WSHC VP Dan Lehr with a few questions, to which he has replied. Most importantly, he says, he expects to update its website this week, now that they have “firm ship dates” for equipment that’s on order, as well as firming up other operational details. Our other question was about the pool; Lehr says, “The cold weather has slowed our painting in the pool area. I won’t be able to give a firm date on the pool completion until I receive our quotes to fix the pool equipment. Hopefully I’ll have that by Wednesday. … Unfortunately the HVAC over the pool was in such a state of disrepair we had to order an entirely new system. I’ll have an ETA on that later this week as well and will update the site.”

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