West Seattle, Washington

16 Saturday

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month : 02/2015 274 results

West Seattle Tuesday: SPD chief conversation; WWRHAH; WS Bike Connections; 2 Duwamish River discussions; more…
February 3, 2015 10:35 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(January 30th photo by Long Bach Nguyen)
Looking ahead to the rest of today/tonight, via highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COUNCIL COMMITTEE DISCUSSES ENCAMPMENTS & DUWAMISH CLEANUP: 2 pm at City Hall and live on Seattle Channel, the City Council’s Planning, Land Use & Sustainability Committee has a busy agenda including the encampment proposal noted here last week and the Duwamish River cleanup. (4th/5th/Cherry/James)

NEW ‘DRINKING LIBERALLY’ LAUNCHES: 6 pm at Pizzeria 22 in The Admiral District, a brand-new “Drinking Liberally” group launches – details in our calendar listing. (4213 SW College)

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 6:15-7:45 pm at Southwest Library – here’s the announced agenda:

6:15-6:20: Introductions & Community News; New Business:

6:20-6:30: Community Policing Update: with SPD’s CPT Officer Jon Flores

6:30-6:40: Committee & Neighborhood Council Updates

6:40 – 7:40: Westwood / Highland Park Urban Village & Annexation of White Center:

*Susan McLain, Deputy Director of Department of Planning and Development
*Chris Arkills, Transportation Policy Advisor to Dow Constantine
*Cindi Barker, City Neighborhood Council Land Use and Planning Committee Co-Chair, West Seattle Land Use Committee
*Sara Zora, Seattle Department of Transportation – Multi-Modal Corridor Plan for Delridge

(35th/Henderson)

CONVERSATION WITH THE CHIEF: 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, tonight’s the first-ever West Seattle/South Park “community conversation” with Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole. No presentation, just your Q/A. (Webster/Delridge)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: Tonight’s agenda includes the infamous 5-way intersection and strategies to work toward the proposed long-term “flyover” fix. HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 6:30 pm. (41st/Alaska)

PUBLIC HEALTH CAFE: 7 pm at Chaco Canyon Café in The Triangle, the Duwamish River cleanup “record of decision” is this month’s hot topic, with expert guests – details here. (38th/Alaska)

FREE SNOWSHOEING CLINIC: 7 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle – details in our listing. (3602 SW Alaska)

LIVE MUSIC – ‘BLUES TO DO’: 8 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), check out the weekly blues showcase, this time starring the Two Scoops Combo “with very special guests.” No cover. (6451 California SW)

WHAT ELSE? The answers are here.

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Here’s one way Seattle DID beat New England, thanks to you
February 3, 2015 9:09 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If you haven’t entirely cheered up postgame yet – here’s some consolation, from Betsy at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor):

Here’s the outcome from Tibbetts UMC in the United in Blue food drive challenge – Seattle versus New England. The Tibbetts grand total was 1215 food items (money donated counts as 1 food item per dollar). Deliveries were made Monday to the West Seattle and White Center food banks.

The counts from other churches in Seattle – and really all across Washington – are continuing to come in but total over 43,000 food items right now and we’re so far ahead of the New England counts that Seattle has been declared the winner this year.

Big thanks to the WS Blog for publishing info about the United in Blue food drive Challenge and to those who were able to donate in person or on line. We may not have won the game Sunday but we’ll be making a difference in the lives of the people of our communities. Way to go, United in Blue!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates, alerts
February 3, 2015 7:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Several of the traffic cams showing conditions through/from West Seattle are down this morning, but no trouble spots are reported right now anyway.

ORCA LIFT: Next month is when Metro fares go up and the new low-income fare kicks in. You can check eligibility now – this announcement from the county explains how.

8:05 AM NOTE: This morning SDOT has announced it’s planning a “hackathon” for community help with commute-tackling tools – details here.

TONIGHT: West Seattle Bike Connections meets, 6:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, with the notorious 5-way intersection on the agenda.

3:08 PM NOTE: Desiree sends word that Harbor Island is hard to get to/navigate because of truck backups that apparently are starting along East Marginal. We haven’t found any additional information about this yet.

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Lower rent limits for tax-break-qualifying microhousing units? City Council to consider rule change
February 2, 2015 10:27 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Another new rule regarding microhousing units is about to go before the City Council. With two micro buildings open here, two more under construction, and one in the pipeline, you might find it of interest.

BACKSTORY: Right now, if a microhousing building is eligible for the city’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption tax-break program, the maximum rent and income eligibility numbers are the same as for studio units in non-microhousing buildings. A proposed rule change going before a council committee this week would lower those numbers for microhousing – now formally known as SEDUs (small efficiency dwelling units) –

The MFTE program, explained in full here, currently involves more than 140 of all types around the city. Participating property owners must rent out at least 20 percent of their units at a city-set affordability level, and in exchange, they don’t have to pay property tax on the residential portions of their buildings for 12 years (they DO keep paying the tax on the land and on any non-residential parts of the structure, such as retail space).

The current list of participants of all types, citywide, includes both completed West Seattle microhousing buildings, Footprint Avalon I (3266 SW Avalon Way) and Footprint Delridge (4548 Delridge Way SW). (The exemption is only available in certain areas.)

WHAT WOULD CHANGE: It’s explained in a memo to the council – here’s an excerpt:

What prompted the need for this legislation?

* In 2014, the Council passed an ordinance establishing SEDUs as a new unit type, distinct from other unit types. Because existing Code does not set affordability requirements specifically for SEDUs in MFTE, the MFTE program would regard a SEDU as a studio, restricted at 65% of AMI. This translates to a maximum monthly housing cost of $1,004 and a maximum annual income for a one-person household of $40,170. However, typical SEDU market-rate rents are anticipated to be less than not only market-rate rents but also the restricted, affordable-rate rents for studios.

What would be the result of the lower affordability threshold in terms of affordable rent and annual income limits?

* The proposed legislation would reduce the maximum rent threshold for income-restricted SEDUs in MFTE projects to a level affordable to individuals earning 40% of AMI [area median income], resulting in a maximum monthly housing cost of $772 and a maximum annual income for a one-person household of $30,900.

Again, this wouldn’t cover ALL units in a microhousing building participating in the tax-break program – just the 20 percent required for eligibility. In some areas, this might not mean much of a change – doing a spot check online, for example, we note Footprint Avalon I is advertising rents $800-$899 right now.

Two more microhousing/SEDU buildings are under construction in West Seattle right now, 3268 SW Avalon and 5949 California SW, with another one planned at 3050 SW Avalon. Both of the latter have been approved for participation in the MFTE program, according to this report to the City Council last spring (which also includes data such as how much tax was *not* collected because of the exemption – scroll all the way down the document). The proposed changes will be discussed when the council’s Committee on Housing Affordability, Human Services, and Economic Resiliency, chaired by Councilmember Sally Clark, meets at 9:30 am this Thursday (February 5th) at City Hall.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Roxbury Safeway robber sought
February 2, 2015 8:09 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)
8:09 PM: If you’re in the Westwood/White Center areas, you might be seeing a big police presence, and here’s why: Seattle Police are joining King County Sheriff’s Deputies right now in the search for a man wanted for robbing the Roxbury Safeway, according to a dispatch monitored via scanner. We don’t know details of the robbery but the description broadcast to officers was: Black man, 25-30, black hair, 5’6″, blue scarf, dark jacket, blue jeans. We’ll add anything more we find out.

9:04 PM: No word of an arrest yet; store employees said they couldn’t comment on what happened. But we talked at the scene with King County Sheriff’s Deputy BJ Myers, who said the robber held up a checker inside the store and is believed to have acted alone; the search continues.

9:54 AM TUESDAY: Just checked with KCSO’s Sgt. DB Gates. No arrests so far; she also confirms that no weapons were involved, and no one was hurt. No injuries, no arrests, and no weapons. Early reports confirm what a commenter mentioned, that “it appears the suspect grabbed cash from the till when the drawer was opened.” And she says “some evidence was found” during the ensuing search, which included a K-9 team.

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Be a hero! Run/walk in the White Center 5K to help 3 nonprofits
February 2, 2015 5:49 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(2014 WC5K photo by Patrick Sand)
Run or walk five kilometers to help three local nonprofits! Signups are under way for this year’s White Center 5K. From the official announcement:

The White Center Community Development Association (CDA) is partnering with the YES Foundation of White Center and the White Center Food Bank to host the third annual White Center 5K Walk & Run. This community event will take place on March 28, 2014, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at White Center Heights Park. Like the previous year, this will be another Superhero Run and all participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.

The 5K has an official start time of 9:00 am, with registration beginning at 8:00 am. Following the completion of the race there will be an award ceremony to recognize the fastest runners in each age group. The cost of participation is $25 for people aged 11 through 18, $30 for people between the ages of 11 and 54, $25 for those aged 55 and up, and free for children 10 years of age and younger. All proceeds from the event will benefit the White Center CDA, the YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Food Bank.

Sign up now – just go here.

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Arbor Heights appeal hearing #3 ranges from trees to transportation
February 2, 2015 2:53 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Mid-January photo of Arbor Heights site, courtesy Mike R.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The hearing’s over, and now a written decision is awaited in the third appeal filed against the Arbor Heights Elementary rebuild project.

Testimony heard this afternoon before city Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown included one new wrinkle: A question about traffic effects to potentially be compounded by the charter school proposed at 35th/Roxbury, a plan that just surfaced a month ago, which is why it was not a factor at the time of the two appeals decided last year (May 2014 WSB coverage here; August 2014 WSB coverage here).

APPELLANTS’ CASE: District watchdog Chris Jackins presented the appeal case, though he is not the lone appellant; several nearby residents are listed too.

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Tomorrow night: Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole in West Seattle
February 2, 2015 2:42 pm
|    Comments Off on Tomorrow night: Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

We’ve included reminders in almost every West Seattle Crime Watch report since the original announcement two weeks ago, but in case you’ve missed them – Tomorrow’s the night that Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole comes to West Seattle for her first community conversation. It’s co-sponsored by the Southwest Precinct Advisory Committee, and the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network, which published this reminder earlier today. 6:30 pm Tuesday in the precinct meeting room (off its public parking lot along Webster, just west of Delridge). No presentation – just your questions and her answers, promise organizers.

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West Seattle development notes, from Admiral Way to Seola Beach
February 2, 2015 11:20 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | West Seattle news

From our latest check of the city Department of Planning and Development files:

THREE HOUSES ON ADMIRAL WAY HILL: An undeveloped 12,350-square-foot parcel between the east side of Admiral Way and the west side of 31st SW, north of the bridge, is proposed for three 3-story houses. The proposal is on file with the address 3116 SW Admiral Way.

SW HOLDEN SUBDIVISION: While the 18-house subdivision between Holden and Webster has already received key approvals, three parcels still have to be split into 18 for the individual houses that are planned, and the comment period has opened for that application – here’s the official notice from today’s Land Use Information Bulletin.

CHANGE OF USE: Also from today’s LUIB, comments are open on a proposal to change the use of a house at 9248 25th SW to a “community center.” The notice doesn’t specify what that means, but in a document in the online files, the applicants list religious uses as their plans for the building. The notice includes information on how to comment.

DEMOLITION PLANS: A 61-year-old house at 11825 Seola Beach Drive would be demolished as part of a new-construction approval that also was announced in today’s LUIB; also, at 8443 12th SW, a house is proposed to be demolished, with at least one new one to be built (there’s also a lot-split proposal at the address).

LOT-SPLIT: Early-stage application to split one parcel at 3617 SW Holden into two.

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West Seattle Monday: See what’s up for today/tonight
February 2, 2015 9:40 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Salmonberry blossom at Lincoln Park – photo by Mark Ahlness, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SANISLO ELEMENTARY TOURS TODAY & TONIGHT: You’re welcome to tour the school 10-11 am or tonight at 6:30 pm, reservations not required. (1812 SW Myrtle)

FREE TAX HELP: Trained volunteers will be on hand to help you with your taxes – first-come, first-served – 3-7 pm at Delridge Branch Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm, bring child(ren) of all ages to High Point Branch Library for stories and rhymes. Free; no registration required. (35th/Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU: As previewed here on Sunday, Hi-Yu members will review and vote on community proposals for this year’s button design – the theme is “Sound Respect.” All are welcome, 7 pm in the lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church. (California/Hill)

SEE INTO THE FUTURE! Just browse our calendar – tomorrow and beyond. (Use the handy drop-down at upper right to just choose the categories of events that interest you.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: February’s first Monday
February 2, 2015 6:07 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! No alerts for today, but one transit-related note – if you use the streetcar downtown, fare changes are in the works, with a public meeting tonight and other ways to comment – all the info’s here.

6:51 AM: Just got a call reporting a stalled vehicle on the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct, left lane. Meantime, fairly heavy rain.

7:04 AM: No further updates; traffic appears to be moving fairly normally, on the high-rise too.

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New month, new phase for Murray CSO Control tank project
February 2, 2015 12:57 am
|    Comments Off on New month, new phase for Murray CSO Control tank project
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

February brings a new phase of work at the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project across from Lowman Beach Park. The county’s announcement:

King County contractors recently finished the base of the underground storage tank, completing the last large concrete pour for the project. Crews are now preparing for smaller concrete pours to construct the outer wall of the tank.

Concrete pours for the outer wall are weather dependent and will occur on Thursdays in February and March. In order to keep the project on schedule, the contractor will be working on some Saturdays. Work hours on Saturdays are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Up to 20 trucks a day will deliver concrete to the site on pour days— about as many trucks as were previously on site each hour for the tank-base pours. Pours will occur between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Work will continue past 6 p.m. if necessary to complete the pour. One concrete pump truck on the east side of the 7000 block of Beach Dr. SW will pump concrete into the hole. Local and emergency access to Beach Drive SW and Lincoln Park Way SW will be maintained at all times. Expect traffic delays and congestion on pour days.

The county will have flaggers assisting with traffic. Questions/concerns? The project’s 24-hour hotline is 206-205-9186.

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@ Highland Park Action Committee: About the roundabout…
February 1, 2015 7:21 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Roundabout (above) or signal, to ease the traffic woes at Highland Park Way and Holden? Not that the city has money for either, yet, but the concepts have been roughed out and we were there as SDOT’s neighborhood-traffic guru Jim Curtin talked about them at this week’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting:

Read More

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More West Seattle Super Bowl Sunday scenes: Blue Thunder in the ‘hood; young 12s; snackadium…
February 1, 2015 3:18 pm
|    Comments Off on More West Seattle Super Bowl Sunday scenes: Blue Thunder in the ‘hood; young 12s; snackadium…
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

More local fans! Starting with the ultimate pre-game rally, in Upper Alki:

Thanks to Barb for inviting us to her neighborhood, where members of the Seahawks’ drumline Blue Thunder played for a pregame rally a short time ago!

Yes, part of the group did go to Arizona. But others who stayed home had a few gigs like this one.

As for the neighbors – it’s not every Super Bowl Sunday you get to make some great memories BEFORE the game.

Elsewhere in West Seattle:

From the inbox, two more sets of young fans – from Manuela:

From Deborah:

Now, a case of fan creativity: Ian sent “a photo of West Seattle’s own Michelle Heck‘s snackadium. Note the iPhone jumbotron!”

And we just found this on Instagram – @Webcami’s photo from Alki:

A photo posted by Cami MacNamara (@webcami) on

Go, Hawks!

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More pre-Super Bowl scenes: On the shore and from the sky
February 1, 2015 1:44 pm
|    Comments Off on More pre-Super Bowl scenes: On the shore and from the sky
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Oh so close to game time! Two more scenes of spirit – above, Lynn Hall spotted Seattle Fire crews in a photo-op moment at Don Armeni late this morning; below, another stunning view-above-the-clouds from Gatewood photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen:

editor@westseattleblog.com if you have something to share!

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West Seattle Bridge traffic alert: Southbound I-5 trouble
February 1, 2015 1:18 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Bridge traffic alert: Southbound I-5 trouble
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:18 PM: Thanks to Janna for the heads-up: A crash on southbound I-5 just past the West Seattle Bridge is slowing down not only I-5 itself, but also the ramp from the bridge. If you are heading south, consider alternatives. P.S. If you want to check the status before leaving, the city’s Travelers’ Information Map has live video – go here, click “live traffic video” from the lower right, choose “Greater Duwamish” on the dropdown, and then choose the 4th/Spokane view.

1:41 PM UPDATE: The live-video feed shows the offramp and freeway moving at what looks like normal pace now.

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Congratulations! Tomboy X founders’ surprise football wedding
February 1, 2015 11:56 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Heather for tweeting the photo and the news of two West Seattle entrepreneurs tying the knot – in the Super Bowl teams’ jerseys, no less: Naomi Gonzalez and Fran Dunaway, the West Seattleites who founded clothing company Tomboy Exchange in 2013, are newlyweds. Their Saturday wedding, according to a note on the Tomboy X website, was a surprise: “Everyone thought they were coming to play flag football but at halftime they sprung a surprise ceremony amongst their friends and family in Seattle.” Heather adds via Twitter that the game resumed after the wedding, and ended in a 27-27 tie.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another flag theft; items found; car almost stolen
February 1, 2015 11:48 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Even the reader reports include a Super Bowl “theme” …

ANOTHER FLAG THEFT: We had one in the Saturday roundup, one in a comment, and then this came in today via text, with the photo above:

A warning for neighbors – someone just stole my husband’s 12th-man flag out of our front yard :-( We were home and heard the dog barking, but didn’t check because she also barks at cats a lot. To get the flag, this person had to climb up our porch and take it off the roof in a highly visible yard. Took it all, including the rusty flagpole we use for our Seafair pirate flag. Particularly sad after we spent most of yesterday afternoon trying to find one in a store. Anyway, just a reminder to others that nothing is sacred, even on Super Bowl Sunday. Watch your stuff.

FOUND ITEMS: Melanie didn’t mention where these turned up, but if you have had any of the following stolen recently, check with police:

Some items were left on the parking strip between my house and my neighbor’s house. A report has been made to the police, and the police will come by and pick up the items: … Shoes, bowling bag (no ball), trophy (broken), black shirt, baseball-type cap (with golf logo).

If any more Crime Watch reports come in today, we’ll add them to this roundup, so check back later!

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Almost missed this one from Brenda, sent Saturday night:

At 8 this morning went out and my CRV wasn’t in its usual parking place. Instead,
it was a little ways down the street, parked at an angle with the engine running. The front windshield was cracked by my club which they tried to remove. Car completely gone through with stuff everywhere. I don’t keep any valuables in the car and it appears as if nothing was stolen. They also opened my mailbox but nothing in it for them to take. Police notified and report taken. This was on the 9900 block of 33rd Ave., SW.

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‘Sound Respect’: Button-design vote next for West Seattle Hi-Yu’s 2015 theme honoring Puget Sound & what’s in/around it
February 1, 2015 11:06 am
|    Comments Off on ‘Sound Respect’: Button-design vote next for West Seattle Hi-Yu’s 2015 theme honoring Puget Sound & what’s in/around it
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Inspired by those two proposed float designs (backstory here), West Seattle Hi-Yu‘s 2015 theme is “Sound Respect” – as in, respecting and caring for Puget Sound – and the next step is choosing a button design. Like the float, it’ll be chosen from community-generated designs brought to tomorrow night’s Hi-Yu meeting:

The button design does not have to include any or all of the elements. Use your imagination. Draw several ideas, with color, in a circle that is the size of a Hi-Yu button (2″ across the center of a round button) … After the button design is selected, a graphic designer will make the necessary adjustments to refine it for the button to be printed and the buttons will then be made for the 2015 Hi-Yu Festival.

Hi-Yu buttons are sold at events throughout the summer as a fundraiser for the all-volunteer nonprofit. Tomorrow night’s meeting is at 7 pm in the lower-level meeting room of Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill).

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Another way to keep busy until game time: Food drives’ last day
February 1, 2015 9:15 am
|    Comments Off on Another way to keep busy until game time: Food drives’ last day
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Big snack spread planned for The Big Game? In honor of that abundance, here’s something more you can do in the next few hours: Score a touchdown against hunger by contributing to one or both of two local churches’ Super Bowl-linked food drives. Before 1 pm or so, take a nonperishable item or two or three or … to Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor; backstory here) and/or Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle; backstory here).

P.S. The food drives are part of our West Seattle Super Bowl Spirit list – see it in full here.

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Happening now: WSFA 25K/50K, round trip from Lincoln Park
February 1, 2015 8:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

They’re on the run again for a Super Bowl Sunday tradition – the West Seattle Fat Ass 25K/50K, billed as “a no-fee, no-shirt, no-aid, no-whining type event,” the most hard-core fun run of the year. It’s also “no roads closed,” so you’ll see the ~200 runners – including the group who sent the photo – along sidewalks and paths in the next few hours, one round-trip to/from Lincoln Park for the 25K, two for the 50K, scheduled to have started around 8 am.

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