West Seattle, Washington

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month : 02/2015 274 results

Another new baby for Puget Sound’s endangered orcas: Welcome, J51!
February 12, 2015 7:35 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Another birth announcement for Puget Sound’s endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales – and, like the last one, this new baby has been spotted in J-Pod. Orca Network sent the news release and photo on behalf of the Center for Whale Research:

After spending the past two weeks near the west entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, J pod finally came back into the interior Salish Sea waters and showed off another brand new baby whale to the few observers that braved the mist and light rain and watched the whales swim by from land and from vessels at respectful distance.

Dave Ellifrit from the Center for Whale Research, and Jeanne Hyde who first heard the whales on Lime Kiln hydrophone this morning, embarked on the Center ‘s research vessel “Chimo” to Haro Strait while CWR Senior Scientist, Ken Balcomb, watched from shore and managed communications.

The late December calf, J50, with its J16 family were seen today as well; but, the big news is that J19 and J41 were swimming protectively on either side on another new baby that we estimate is about one week old. This newest addition to J pod is designated J51, and the presumed mother is thirty-six year old J19. Her ten-year old daughter, J41, was also in attendance. The newest baby appears healthy.

This brings us to twenty-six whales in J pod, the most viable pod in the Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population of the US and Canada Pacific Northwest. K pod has 19 individuals, and L pod has 34 individuals for a total population of 79 SRKW’s as of today. That number can change anytime with the birth or death of one of these charismatic whales.

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Gone but not forgotten: Parts of historic ferry Kalakala are now forever ashore at Salty’s on Alki
February 12, 2015 4:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The art outside and near Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) includes something new that’s also something old: Pieces of the recently scrapped, once-gleaming art-deco ferry Kalakala. Alki photographer David Hutchinson shared the photos and this link to SeattlePI.com, which reports that Salty’s proprietor Gerry Kingen bought “the wheelhouse, massive rudder and crank, a piston and rod, and a hatch” to display outside his West Seattle restaurant, where the grounds already sport sections of a demolished local bridge.

In addition to that unique view of the city, the new feature also provides a portrait view of Salty’s itself.

SeattlePI.com quotes Kingen as saying this is just the start of the display, which will also include interpretive features.

If you hadn’t been following the saga, the Kalakala, half a century out of service, finally met its end recently at a scrap yard in Tacoma. Meantime, in addition to the Kalakala pieces and bridge sections – explained by Kingen in this video featured at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society brunch gala last year (WSB coverage here). P.S. If you stroll the area, you can also see the Luna Girls on Alki steel sculpture by Lezlie Jane; it’s on city-owned land just west of Salty’s.

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Fire-station open house, free swim, pancakes for Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday
February 12, 2015 1:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Fire-station open house, free swim, pancakes for Neighbor Appreciation Day on Saturday
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Saturday is more than Valentine’s Day … it’s Neighbor Appreciation Day in Seattle. The free city-sponsored events in West Seattle include an open house at Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden) from 11 am-1 pm, and then you can head over to Southwest Pool for a free public swim, 1-2 pm (2801 SW Thistle). One more event of note – pancake breakfast 9 am-noon at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) – free for 2/under but otherwise, $6/person for 13-64, $10/couple, $4/3-12 and 65+. (WSB photo from Station 37 on 2012’s Neighbor Appreciation Day)

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Update: Police search after ‘lewd conduct’ reported near Chief Sealth IHS
February 12, 2015 11:16 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:16 AM: Thanks for the tips about the helicopters. A police search is under way in the Chief Sealth International High School vicinity after, per SPD, a man “reportedly exposed himself (near Sealth) … and ran off.” Police add that they are “evaluating conflicting witness statements.” Earlier this morning, a significant police presence was visible in the area, following the three incidents reported by students yesterday. No description available yet, so we don’t know if this incident matches any aspect of the “flasher” report a few blocks east of Sealth on January 26th.

11:47 AM UPDATE: Just as we were on the phone with police seeking more details, they tweeted this:

There is some partial description info, Det. Drew Fowler told us: White man, 20s, gray shirt, black boots.

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West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; STEM, Denny open houses; kindergarten-enrollment night; more!
February 12, 2015 10:21 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Thursday: Art Walk; STEM, Denny open houses; kindergarten-enrollment night; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s Goldeneyes in flight – photo by Mark Wangerin)
Thursday has taken off, and we’re headed into this list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Author/poet Lawrence (Larry) Matsuda is speaking this morning at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) to commemorate the Japanese American Day of Remembrance. All welcome; his first session, as previewed here earlier this week, is already under way, but he has another one coming up at 11 am in Olympic Hall on the south end of campus. (6000 16th SW)

TODDLER STORYTIME: 11:30 am at High Point Branch Library, stories, rhymes, and songs with the children’s librarian. (35th/Raymond)

KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NIGHT: If you are enrolling a kindergartener in Seattle Public Schools this fall, get it done as soon as you can! Tonight’s a great opportunity with special assistance available 5:30-7 pm at Roxhill Elementary (for families interested in any and all SPS elementaries, not just Roxhill) – details here. (30th/Roxbury)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s girls team plays Muckleshoot at Evergreen Lutheran in Tacoma this afternoon at 1:30. Then tonight, the West Seattle High School boys have it all on the line in a winner-to-districts, loser-out game vs. Bainbridge at Garfield HS, 5:45 pm.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 6-9 pm, go see who’s showing what! Here’s the venue list/map for the winter quarter:

Preview the venues and artists on the official Art Walk website.

WINE, ART, AND FOOD PARTY: Art Walk night always brings this event with wine tasting, appetizers, plus live music from Choro Tocando at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)

SECOND THURSDAY OUT: 6 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, the LGBTQ community, neighbors, and friends are invited for a soup supper and more during “Second Thursday OUT” – details in our calendar listing. (Oregon/California)

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ABOUT SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS? West Seattle’s school-board rep Marty McLaren hosts a community conversation, 6-7:45 pm (drop in when you can) at West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library. (2306 42nd SW)

STEM OPEN HOUSE: Making your school decision for next year? 6:30-7:30 pm, K-5 open house at STEM; 7-8 pm, middle school open house, as the school starts the process of transitioning from K-5 STEM to K-8 STEM. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

DENNY IMS OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES: 6:30-8 pm, families of prospective Denny International Middle School students are invited to an open house – details here. (2601 SW Kenyon)

NIGHTLIFE: Live music, karaoke, more, on our calendar.

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Dock-talks update: Terminal operators shutting down ship offloading today, 3 of next 4 days
February 12, 2015 9:16 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As the contract-talks stalemate continues at West Coast ports, the Pacific Maritime Association says terminal operators will do for four more days what it did last weekend – suspend offloading of ships. Those days are today, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – holiday/weekend days when longshore workers would be paid at a higher rate. The announcement from the PMA also takes issue with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union‘s claim earlier this month that the two sides are close. In response, the ILWU issued this statement alleging the PMA “grossly mischaracterize(d)” the union’s “current bargaining position” and saying the employers had canceled a negotiating session set for yesterday afternoon.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates, alerts, previews
February 12, 2015 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates, alerts, previews
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
The morning traffic/transit watch is on. And we have two notes:

REMINDER – METRO SERVICE CHANGE ON SATURDAY: It’s two phases this time – the actual “service change” for route tweaks on Saturday, the fare changes on March 1st. Details here, if you haven’t seen them yet.

EARLY WARNING – HIGHWAY 99 LANE CLOSURES NORTH OF DOWNTOWN: If you drive or ride on Highway 99 north of downtown, longterm lane closures (two to three months) in both directions will probably affect you. They won’t start before next month but WSDOT wants to make sure you hear about them now.

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PHOTOS: West Seattle High School girls’ victory sends them to Metro League championship game
February 12, 2015 4:37 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Steph Brusig for WSB)
The West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team moves on to the Metro League championship game after a hard-fought win Wednesday night, 53-39 over Holy Names. Lexi Ioane led the scoring with 20 points:

But this wasn’t just about the numbers:

Read More

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VIDEO: 34th District Democrats hear about housing, & hear from six District 1 candidates
February 12, 2015 2:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Video by Laura James for WSB)
Even if you’re not a member of the group – even if you’re not a member/supporter of the party – the central topic at Wednesday night’s 34th District Democrats meeting is one of intense interest: The housing-affordability crisis. The panelists were three guests with distinct viewpoints – Eliana Horn from the Tenants Union, Sharon Lee from the Low-Income Housing Institute, and Roger Valdez from Smart Growth Seattle. You can hear for yourself in our video of the meeting, starting as they are introduced at 21 minutes in.

Another meeting highlight: Informal appearances by 6 of the 7 candidates now in the running for the new West Seattle/South Park District 1 City Council seat. If you haven’t checked out our Wednesday coverage yet, the field of 4 who were in the race as of the “First Look” forum we sponsored last Thursday (video here) grew by 3 in the 12 hours before the 34th DDs’ meeting. Starting at 1:51 into our video (or, click here), the people speaking during the meeting-ending “good of the order” open-microphone section included (in this order, interspersed with a few other speakers) candidates Amanda Kay Helmick, Lisa Herbold, Phillip Tavel, Shannon Braddock, Brianna Thomas, and Chas Redmond.

The 34th District Democrats meet on second Wednesdays, 7 pm, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and are online at 34dems.org.

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Basketball playoffs, update #1: West Seattle High School girls win; boys lose but still in it
February 11, 2015 9:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Quick updates on tonight’s West Seattle High School basketball playoff games:

GIRLS WIN: The Wildcat women beat Holy Names 53-39 at Nathan Hale, per the update just in from Seattle Times (WSB partner) sports reporter Sandy Ringer. The game was close until the fourth quarter, when, she reports, Holy Names failed to score. Photographer Steph Brusig was at the game for WSB and we’ll have another report later with photos. (Update: Here’s that link.)

BOYS LOSE BUT STILL IN IT: Earlier, the WSHS boys lost to Lakeside, 68-50, but they are still in it, with a game at 5:45 pm tomorrow vs. Bainbridge, loser out, winner to districts. That game will be played at Garfield HS.

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Followup: Port has signed Terminal 5 lease with Foss Maritime; Shell vessels expected as soon as April
February 11, 2015 7:19 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(January 2015 photo of Terminal 5 by Long Bach Nguyen)
The lease is signed and Shell’s drilling fleet is expected to start arriving at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 as soon as April. That’s according to a spokesperson for Foss Maritime, who shared the letter in which the Port of Seattle announced its decision to sign the lease for 50 of T-5’s 156 acres, despite concerns voiced by a coalition of environmental advocates. The letter signed by Port CEO Ted Fick mentions the lease is for $550,000 a month for two years, with two one-year extension options. Here’s the letter (if you can’t read it embedded below, try the PDF version):

The coalition addressed in that letter sent a letter of its own after an event at Jack Block Park two weeks ago (WSB coverage here) that suggested possible legal action if the Port went ahead with the lease. In addition to environmental concerns, both for Puget Sound and the Arctic, other issues included the then-potential lease came to light only days before the Port Commission was briefed on it – as reported here January 13, that briefing included direction from three of the five commissioners for staff to continue negotiating the lease. Terminal 5 has been empty since the Port closed it six months ago in preparation for a modernization program (though its details have not yet been finalized). More to come…

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2015 Election: Lisa Herbold now officially in District 1 City Council race
February 11, 2015 4:59 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Before this morning, four candidates were in the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council race (and appeared in our forum last Thursday). Now, there are seven.

Third to announce today, Lisa Herbold, who was on record with the city about a week ago as exploring the possibility, but did not officially declare until this afternoon; she tells us she had to take the time to find out if she could raise the money for a serious run. She called us to make the announcement, so along with a news release, we have a bit of an interview. Herbold is a 15-year resident of Highland Park – which is almost as long as she’s worked for City Councilmember Nick Licata, who is not running again. Asked about the potential criticism that she’s an insider, after working at City Hall all those years, she said, “Anybody who knows Nick Licata knows he’s not an establishment politician … working for Nick for 16 years doesn’t make me a City Hall insider – we work on issues that are not insider issues, the hard issues like housing, paid sick leave, all very against the political grain.” She says the city’s move to district elections (for 7 of the council’s 9 positions) is the reason she wants to run – “I’m a community organizer by training – that’s my vision of governance; something that’s close to people.” Asked how she’ll start the campaign, she says she’ll be doorbelling her neighbors in Highland Park to let them know she’s running.

IN THE DISTRICT 1 RACE NOW: Lisa Herbold (declared 2/11/15), Shannon Braddock (declared 2/11/15), Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election is August 4th. Along with voting on the D-1 position, West Seattle/South Park also will vote on the two “at-large” spots, Positions 8 and 9.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 3 incidents reported today targeting Sealth, Denny students; what police are doing
February 11, 2015 2:34 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

FIRST REPORT, 2:34 PM: Police are investigating three incidents reported in this letter going home to families of students at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School:

We want to share with you information right away regarding three independent incidents that were reported to have happened to our scholars today as they were coming to school.

First Reported Incident: A Denny scholar reported that while walking to school a Caucasian male, who appeared to be in his late 40s or early 50s, attempted to grab the student at the corner of Thistle and 25th Ave. SW. The scholar responded appropriately, moved to the middle of the road and notified both family and school immediately. Both family and Denny Staff notified the Seattle Police Department, who are actively investigating.

Second Report: A Sealth scholar reported that while walking to school that a Caucasian male, who appeared to be approximately 30 years old, attempted to assault and rob her. The scholar reported to school staff and Sealth staff immediately notified the Seattle Police Department and the family. An investigation is ongoing.

Third Report: A Sealth scholar reported that, as she was catching a Metro bus by her home, a Caucasian man (appearing to be in his 20s or 30s) caught the bus with her and attempted to talk to her in a manner that raised concerns. When the scholar arrived at school, she reported the incident to school staff right away. Sealth staff immediately notified the Seattle Police Department, who took the man into custody for suspicious circumstances and then released him because he had not done anything illegal.

The suspects of all three incidents are different men. The safety of our scholars is our top priority. The district has contacted the SW Precinct Captain to discuss the incidents and their increased policing efforts. We will continue to collaborate with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security to help monitor the surrounding area.

You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Tips to discuss are:
• Walking in pairs or groups and being aware of their surroundings at all times
• If wearing ear buds, keep music down or one bud out
• Keep phones or any expensive items out of sight
• Immediately report anything suspicious to a trusted adult (school staff or family member)

More tips and information can be found on the Seattle Police Department website: seattle.gov/police/prevention/child/default.htm.

We will be following up with police to get more details.

4:07 PM: The location of the robbery attempt wasn’t mentioned in the schools’ note, but SPD tells us it was in the 2600 block of SW Trenton. So what are police doing? one community member asked us in e-mail. Southwest Precinct commander Captain Steve Wilske is sharing this message with community groups – note that police do NOT believe these incidents are related to the previous ones:

We have had 3 incidents involving middle school to high school age victims today; from the descriptions these are not related to the earlier robberies, the last of which occurred a week ago today. We are going to continue the early-morning emphasis patrol where we are bringing additional officers that are assigned to this problem, and CPT officers will be the lead on working on the stairwell at 26th and Trenton SW, where one of today’s incidents occurred.

I have already contacted the followup unit that will work on today’s incidents, and offered any assistance they may need from the precinct to identify the suspect(s) from 2 of the three incidents today; one has already been identified by patrol officers who contacted him near the scene.

I will update you as things progress, this is a different series with a different suspect or suspect(s). In this series young female students are the victims, so whenever possible please have them walk together with friends so that they are less vulnerable, and if they have a cell phone have them call 9-1-1 immediately if they feel they are being followed or see someone they are worried about.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search in South Delridge
February 11, 2015 1:11 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

1:11 PM: SPD is searching in the Delridge/Trenton area for a possible burglary suspect. That’s what the heavy police presence is about. More as we get it.

1:14 PM: You might soon see/hear Guardian One in the area to help with the search. No official description from police.

1:23 PM: Partial description of the suspect: Buzzcut, 20s, gray backpack with yellow trim. A neighbor says police also said the suspect was described as white or Asian.

3:18 PM: The search ended without word of an arrest. We now know the burglary was in the 8800 block of 22nd SW.

ADDED FEBRUARY 17TH: Aerial video from the search, available via this new YouTube channel:

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West Seattle restaurants: Chipotle Mexican Grill apparently Junction-bound
February 11, 2015 12:31 pm
|      84 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

New in the city-permits file: Looks like Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to West Seattle, in the almost-finished 4730 California development, midblock between Alaska and Edmunds. So says a permit application for “tenant improvements”:

Last time we checked with the 4730 California project team, they had no tenants to announce. We’ll be checking again with them now and with Chipotle, a chain of 1,700-plus restaurants whose website says, “We open a new restaurant every 2 days” – 192 last year, according to their latest earnings-report news release, with about that many expected this year. We will update this story with anything more we find out.

FRIDAY NOTE: Finally heard back from Chipotle. A spokesperson declined to comment, explaining that they don’t comment unless a lease is signed and/or construction is under way, and neither seems to be the case here (yet).

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West Seattle development: 1 demolition and four design reviews
February 11, 2015 12:19 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development: 1 demolition and four design reviews
 |   Development | West Seattle news

DEMOLITION OF THE DAY: The teardown work did indeed start this morning at 3210 California SW, the future 136-unit Admiral East Apartments. Thanks to contractor Exxel Pacific‘s superintendent Scott Weston for the photo.

2ND DESIGN REVIEW MEETING FOR 4515 41ST SW: Now on the Southwest Design Review Board calendar for 6:30 pm March 5th, the second review of the proposed 66-bed memory-care center in The Junction at 4515 41st SW. Here’s our report on its first review back in December.

1ST DESIGN REVIEW MEETING FOR 4528 44TH SW: Also new on the SWDRB calendar, the first review is set at 8 pm March 19th for 4528 44th SW, the 60-unit apartment proposal first reported here two months ago. It will replace an eight-unit building built in 1952.

LAST THURSDAY’S DESIGN REVIEW MEETING: We weren’t able to get a reporter to the doubleheader meeting last Thursday for 4505 42nd SW and 4106 Delridge Way SW, but we have the results courtesy of Deb Barker, a former SWDRB chair who attends most local project reviews: 4505 42nd SW got final board approval; 4106 Delridge, making its second appearance 6 years after its first, was sent back for revisions. Both are mixed-use projects.

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2015 Election: Shannon Braddock joins District 1 City Council race
February 11, 2015 10:51 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Second candidacy announcement of the day for the West Seattle/South Park City Council District 1 position: Shannon Braddock has joined the race. Braddock is a West Seattle resident (as are the five other declared-so-far candidates) who has been King County Councilmember Joe McDermott‘s chief of staff for the past four years.

In her official announcement, Braddock says, “After years of serving my neighbors as a PTA mom, volunteer and staff at the County, I am thrilled for this opportunity. We have unique challenges in our part of the city, starting with a need for improved transportation and transit access. We also have an affordable housing crisis for too many seniors, young families and our diverse, growing population. And we need to enhance the work being done to provide the safety and services every child needs to learn and grow.” She lists volunteer work including a current board position with WestSide Baby and previous positions on the West Seattle Food Bank board and the Legislative Committee of the Lafayette Elementary PTA.

IN THE DISTRICT 1 RACE NOW: Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), and Shannon Braddock (declared 2/11/15). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election is August 4th. West Seattle/South Park also will join the rest of the city in voting on the two “at-large” races, Positions 8 and 9.

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West Seattle Wednesday: 34th Dems talk housing; ‘Have a Heart’ bake sale; basketball; theater; more
February 11, 2015 10:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park forest in the fog – photo by Mark Erskine)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘HAVE A HEART’ BAKE SALE: During regular business hours today (until 8:30 pm) at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor), it’s the second and final day of the “Have a Heart” bake sale benefiting Pencil Me In For Kids. Details here; come in and see, whether you have a hair appointment or not! (5619 California SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Tonight’s meeting of our area’s largest political organization includes a panel described on the agenda as focusing “on housing crises including tenants’ rights, micro-housing and homelessness.” (9131 California SW)

‘4000 MILES,’ FINAL WEEK: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – you have just a few more chances to catch “4000 Miles,” which closes Sunday. (4711 California SW)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: We usually only list home games but stakes are high in the high-school postseason and if you can hit the road to root for a team, they’d appreciate the support. Tonight both WSHS varsity teams have games – the boys at Garfield (400 23rd Ave.) vs. Lakeside, **updated time** 5:45 pm; the girls at Nathan Hale (10750 30th SE) vs. Holy Names, 7:30 pm.

LOW-FI ALL-STARS AT THE BENBOW: “Intimate weekly concert series,” as described in our listing. 8 pm, no cover, at The Benbow Room. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

AS ALWAYS, THERE’S MORE … just check the full calendar!

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2015 Election: Brianna Thomas joins District 1 City Council race
February 11, 2015 8:50 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Six days after our District 1 City Council “First Look” candidates’ forum, a fifth candidate has officially declared herself in the race as of this morning: Brianna Thomas, who, like the other four to formally declare so far, lives in West Seattle.

Thomas’s official announcement describes her as a housing advocate and community organizer “in and around Seattle for the last decade,” quoting her as saying, “West Seattle has been known as a community where people can get to their jobs quickly, find affordable housing and know their neighbors while enjoying the benefits of a big city. I’m running because I’m worried that’s changing.”

She currently works as field director for the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund and lists past work as campaign manager for the SeaTac $15 minimum wage measure as well as for No on Initiative 1185. She just joined the 34th District Democrats‘ board and is moderating (updated) coordinating a panel on housing at its meeting tonight. Thomas also volunteers at the Senior Center of West Seattle.

IN THE DISTRICT 1 RACE NOW: Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election to cut the field to two candidates is August 4th. In addition to voting on D-1, West Seattleites also will vote in the two “at-large” races, Positions 8 and 9.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates/alerts
February 11, 2015 7:09 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates/alerts
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:09 AM: So far, so good on the major roadways this morning.

7:38 AM: Travel-time check from the city map:

5th Ave SW @ SW Snoqualmie St to …
1st Ave offramp 8 min.
4th Ave offramp 10 min.
Ballard 32 min.
Crown Hill 37 min.
Green Lake via SR-99 32 min.
I-5 NB/SB 10 min.
Lower Queen Anne 27 min.
Shoreline via SR-99 40 min.
South Lake Union 25 min.
SR-99 Off Ramp 11 min.
Stadiums via 1st Ave 14 min.
Stadiums via 4th Ave 14 min.

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Basketball postseason: Tuesday night’s Sealth, WSHS results
February 11, 2015 12:23 am
|    Comments Off on Basketball postseason: Tuesday night’s Sealth, WSHS results
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Three local teams had postseason games on Tuesday night:

CHIEF SEALTH IHS BOYS: 70-46 loss to Lakeside.

CHIEF SEALTH IHS GIRLS: 69-39 loss to Seattle Prep.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS: 68-53 win over O’Dea.

TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY): The #2-in-the-state-ranked WSHS girls play Holy Names at Nathan Hale HS, 7:30 pm. WSHS boys will play Lakeside at Garfield HS, 5:45 pm.

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2 big reasons to celebrate at West Seattle/Fauntleroy Y gathering
February 10, 2015 10:24 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 big reasons to celebrate at West Seattle/Fauntleroy Y gathering
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA)
Tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) annual-campaign kickoff featured more than 150 volunteers and staff gathered with two reasons to celebrate, per the Y’s announcement:

First reason to celebrate was the start of the 2015 Annual Campaign — goal $400,000 with $75,000 raised to date. Every year for the Y’s Annual Campaign, scores of community volunteers reach out to their friends to get kids what they need at the YMCA. These funds help youth whose families cannot afford YMCA before and after school programs in 7 local schools, YMCA childcare at two locations, youth sports programs, swimming lessons or summer day camp.

The second reason to celebrate was reaching the $3 million mark toward a $5.5 million goal to expand the West Seattle YMCA. The total project cost is $11 million, half to be provided by the YMCA of Greater Seattle and half raised locally.

“This project is designed to meet the needs of our changing West Seattle community,” according to Josh Sutton, YMCA Regional Executive. “We have made sure that the people who will benefit from this expansion project have a voice in its evolution. “ Sutton added, “While we still have some fund-raising benchmarks to reach, we are on track to be awarded our building permit in late spring. This will help us start construction this summer. “

The Y will be open during construction, which will take about a year and be accomplished in phases. Capital Campaign Co-Chair, J. Dino Vasquez is pleased with the progress, “We are honored that so many people in our community see the need for a larger YMCA and want to help. Many donors are making the largest gifts of their lives, and stretching their pledges over five years.”

The Y’s expansion was officially announced five months ago. Meantime, you can help local youth through the Y’s current programs by contributing to the just-launched annual campaign here (you’ll need to designate the West Seattle/Fauntleroy Y as the beneficiary).

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Followup: Interim Fire Station 29’s first structures on site
February 10, 2015 9:58 pm
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 |   Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Katie Meyer)
The city-owned triangle of land between 44th, Ferry, and Hill now holds the first structures to arrive for interim Fire Station 29.

They arrived early this morning, as per the city plan announced on Monday. Still to come, the temporary structure for Engine 29 itself. The interim site is expected to be in use for up to a year, while permanent Station 29 undergoes renovations and earthquake-safety upgrades.

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