day : 17/05/2015 10 results

(Polar Pioneer at T-5, photographed from the West Seattle Water Taxi on Friday by JayDee)
Three full days after the arrival of the Polar Pioneer oil rig at Terminal 5, the next promised protest is Monday morning, so we’re publishing a reminder one more time that it might affect low-bridge travelers. The demonstration scheduled to start at 7 am Monday follows the Saturday “flotilla” protest; no citations or arrests were reported from that, but this could be different. As noted here on Thursday, groups opposed to Shell’s offshore-drilling plan for the Arctic say they will gather by the fishing bridge on Spokane St. just east of the low bridge. Today’s version of the media advisory says activists “will flood Terminal 5 and Harbor Island on Monday, stopping work on Shell’s Arctic drilling rig. Organizers with the sHell No! Action Council expect this to be the largest act of environmental civil disobedience Seattle has seen in recent years …” (Also mentioned in our Thursday report, the operators of Terminal 18, east of T-5, decided to be closed tomorrow just in case.)

No route is shown from the gathering point, but getting to T-5 from the fishing pier would require crossing the low bridge. We’ll have a crew on the scene starting early and will have updates here – traffic coverage is a WSB emphasis every weekday morning, whatever’s happening on the roads and paths.

P.S. The regional media says they’ll be on this too, so don’t be surprised to see/hear helicopter(s).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2nd Alki street robbery; Fairmount Park-area car prowl; possible stolen property

May 17, 2015 9:30 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

SECOND ALKI STREET ROBBERY: Someone was held up at gunpoint in the 2700 block of Alki SW after 4 am today, according to both this SPD auto-tweet and what we’ve since found out was heard on police radio at the time. We won’t be able to get the report until tomorrow, so we have no other details, but that would be the second street robbery of the weekend in the Alki area, after this one early Saturday.

CAR PROWL: Via the WSB Forums, Greg reports a car prowl early today near 42nd/Brandon, west of Fairmount Park, with a GPS and binoculars taken.

STOLEN? OR LOST? Amy found this case near 9th/Elmgrove in Highland Park:

She suspects it was stolen and dumped. Know anyone who’s missing something like this, whether by theft or some other means?

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Two weeks from today: ‘Flipper Fest’ at Alki Bathhouse

May 17, 2015 7:02 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just last night, a humpback whale surprised some lucky onlookers along the West Seattle shore. No photos, but we did get one when orcas made a similarly unexpected pass-by in the Wednesday mist. Just two reminders that marine mammals are all around us – and you can do a lot to help them survive their travels through these busy, also-much-used-by-humans waters. That’s the theme of a new event coming up two weeks from today, as announced by Seal Sitters, which is presenting it along with more than a dozen other organizations/groups:

Did you know that a record number of humpback and gray whales – at least 30 – were entangled in fishing gear, mostly for crabbing, in 2014?

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network will host “Flipper Fest,” a free educational outreach event, on Sunday, May 31st, at the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki Ave SW) from 1-5 pm. Make sure to stop by and learn from the experts about the marine mammals of Washington – from tiny harbor-seal pups to giant humpback whales.

The event will feature 15 organizations with interactive exhibits on pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), and invertebrates (sea stars, sea snails, etc). Meet the biologists, researchers, educators, and volunteers who protect marine life.

Importantly, there will be displays on the devastating effects of marine debris and pollution in our waters. Did you know that a record number of humpback and gray whales – at least 30 – were entangled in fishing gear, mostly for crabbing, in 2014? Already, in 2015, we are on a tragic record-setting pace. As of April, at least 25 entanglements had been reported off California alone. The line securing crab traps to buoys cuts deep through a whale’s blubber, causing serious injury or death.

At Flipper Fest, you’ll learn how to secure your crab pot to lessen drifting, derelict pots that endanger whales and often entrap and kill other sea life. It’s just one of the many ways we can keep our waters safer for those who call Puget Sound home. Visit the “Marine Debris and Pollution” exhibits at Flipper Fest to find out how you can help. At the “Cetacean Station” exhibits, you can talk to Cascadia Research about their first-hand, dangerous – and, often, lifesaving – whale disentanglements over the past years. For a photo, go to our blubberblog post.

You’ll find out why you need to be extra careful exploring the beach rocks at low tide, so you don’t destroy habitat for invertebrates like hermit crabs – or accidentally scrunch them or their young. Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalists will be at the event all afternoon to answer your questions about this fascinating miniature world. You’ll leave knowing why it’s never a good idea to pick up or relocate these extraordinary critters.

Local businesses have donated some fantastic raffle prizes – everything from food to kayaking to area attractions. Whale-sized thanks to these businesses for their generosity! Tickets are $1 and will benefit Seal Sitters’ educational outreach and marine mammal stranding work. Drawings will be held at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 (you need not be present to win). There will be a special free drawing for kids attending Flipper Fest, with a chance to win a “Share the Shore” t-shirt, seal boogie board or ocean backpack.

Kids will enjoy lots of art activities, including the creation of marine-themed artwork from plastic bottle caps collected by our volunteers. There will be a face painter and, weather permitting, a life-size inflatable orca on site.

We hope to see you and your friends there! Not only is there a lot to learn, we predict you’ll have some fun doing so and leave “Flipper Fest” empowered with ways you, too, can help protect marine life.

For more information, including a complete listing of participants, raffle prizes and weekly features on the upcoming event, visit Seal Sitters’ blubberblog.

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VIDEO: Costumed Bicycle Parade rolls on, thanks to Alki Daze

May 17, 2015 4:31 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The show must go on. Well, in this case, the parade must go on. The video above shows the start of today’s Costumed Bicycle Parade. It’s happened the past two years during the Summer Streets – aka “Car-Free Day” – festival that the city’s organized after the West Seattle 5K. But this year, as we first reported last month – the city scrapped Summer Streets. Partly in its place – without closing the streets – local neighbors organized Alki Daze, including what became the third annual Costumed Bicycle Parade. Among the ringleaders – Guy Olson:

In addition to the parade, Alki Daze also included other events last night and this afternoon. But the parade, which we counted at 150 strong by the time it got a few blocks down Alki, was the big event:

Participants brought a wide range of bikes *and* a wide range of outfits:

Also there, Kathy from West Seattle Bike Connections, advocating for Bicycle Sundays on Alki, and Stu from Alki Bike and Board and DIY Bikes, helping with bike safety checks.

The city has said it’s reworking the Summer Streets concept – but no announcement was yet. Meantime, grass-roots events like this bike parade roll on.

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Congratulations! West Seattle HS track athletes District-bound

May 17, 2015 3:26 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

On a day that began with hundreds of people running to benefit West Seattle High School students … we have news about the students who run *for* WSHS. Thanks to Linda Rackner for the photo and report:

The following West Seattle High School track athletes are moving on to compete at the District level this week at Southwest Athletic Complex. They competed at Metros this last week.

GIRLS
Lani Taylor – 110 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters & 4×400 Relay
Lexi Ioane – Shot Put, Discus
Maggie Cooper – 300 M Hurdles, Pole Vault, 4x 400 Relay
Saoirse Cumming
Annie Means – 4×400 Relay
Gabrielle Rackner – 4×400 Relay
Riely McCullough – (alternate for 4 x 400 Relay)

BOYS
Chris Nunez – (4×100 & 4×400 Relay)
Cass Elliott – (300 m Hurdles, 4×100 & 4×400 Relay)
Noah Evans – (4 x 400 Relay)
Chaaka Trahan – (110 m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, Long Jump)
John Ursino – (4×100 Relay)
Nuradine Abdi – (alternate 4 x 400 Relay)
Miles Hairston – (alternate for 4×400 Relay)

Linda Rackner
Senior Director, Marketing & Sales

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Two more for today/tonight: Meeples Games turns 1; Fauntleroy Schoolhouse looks ahead to turning 100

May 17, 2015 12:17 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

In addition to the highlights lineup published early today, we have two additions, both related to anniversaries:

MEEPLES GAMES’ FIRST ANNIVERSARY: What a year it’s been for Meeples Games, on the second floor of Charlestown Center (California/Charlestown), including being honored as the best Emerging Business in the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westside Awards (WSB coverage here). If you were to pick the perfect time to stop by and help celebrate, Meeples’ proprietor Laura Schneider says they’re cutting the anniversary cake at 3 pm.

(1940 Fauntleroy School photo from Seattle Public Schools‘ thumbnail history)
FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE’S CENTENNIAL ART OPEN HOUSE: 4-7 pm today, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse:

We will be hosting a Centennial Art Open House to raise monies for (the schoolhouse’s) 100th Birthday in May 2017. We have art pieces from local West Seattle artist such as, Art Wolfe, Sue Madill, Warren Pope, Greg Bartol, Jimmy Gersen, Patty McPhee,Chris Bath, Linda McClamrock, Nancy Gilbert, Holly Margell,Kathy Johnson, Gail Ann Wodzin and jewelry by Abi Haggerty! Lite hors d’oeuvres by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering and Events. Come share your story, pictures and memorabilia with other alumni. See you there!

Of course, you don’t have to have been a schoolhouse alum to attend. It’s all happening at 9131 California SW.

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VIDEO: 7th annual West Seattle 5K to start the day on Alki

May 17, 2015 10:48 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

A video posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on May 17, 2015 at 9:24am PDT

Alki Avenue SW is reopening now that everyone’s finished the 7th annual West Seattle 5K, with more than 800 people of all ages (and a few dogs!) running and walking along the beach to raise money for the WSHS PTSA. Above, our Instagram clip of the start; we’ll add our traditional “everyone leaving the starting line” video once it’s uploaded. (Added – Here it is:)

Now, what happened as the participants started coming in:

FIRST FINISHERS

A video posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on May 17, 2015 at 9:39am PDT

Males –
Tyler Eidsmoe (above), 26, 16:31
Ben Sauvage, 45, 16:40
Kyle Smits, 36, 17:03

A video posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on May 17, 2015 at 9:42am PDT

Females –
Kelly McKean (above), 37, 18:56
Megan Newton, 28, 19:54
Kylen Fountain, 26, 20:02

1:57 PM: We’re adding photos now. But first – here are the results, the full list of names and times for all 692 timed finishers.

Though the WS5K isn’t the only race in the region on this particular date, it’s the only one that’s about this community. WSHS principal Ruth Medsker, for example, ran to support her students:

Race announcer Eric Radovich gave extra shoutouts to the local businesses that are longtime WS5K sponsors. That included us, and two that also happen to be WSB sponsors – first, West Seattle Runner, this area’s only store devoted to running, whose proprietors Lori McConnell and Tim McConnell were on the run too – here’s Lori:

WS Runner has marked its 5th anniversary and moved to a new location (2743 California SW) since last WS5K. Second longtime WS5K sponsor that’s on our team too, Metropolitan Market:

On the sidelines, we also caught up with race participants Stefan and Christine from WSB sponsor West Seattle Office Junction, this area’s only co-working center:

(At center in our photo, between Christine and Stefan, is Christine’s husband Marco.) The 5K takes a lot of volunteer power, and that includes WSHS students:

Back on the race course, some of the very youngest participants found it extremely relaxing:

We saw a lot of somewhat older kids, meantime, who gave it their all:

Some runners brought along their furry friends:

Still adding photos …

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Alki Avenue SW closed for West Seattle 5K

May 17, 2015 9:01 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Until about 11 am, Alki Avenue SW is closed for the annual West Seattle 5K. We’re here to cover the race, which is scheduled to start just after quarter past 9; organizers say 800 are signed up so far. If you’re parked anywhere on Alki SW in the race zone, move your car ASAP, as we’ve seen tow trucks as well as parking-enforcement officers. Race coverage to come in a separate story.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another bicycle theft – rack taken, too

May 17, 2015 8:38 am

| 15 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another bicycle stolen in the Admiral area, and this time the thieves took the rack, too:

My daughter’s bike was U-locked to the bike rack at 41st and Admiral (Friday) night. As of (Saturday) morning, rack and bike were gone: The bike is a silver-grey Cannondale CAAD 8 with blue tape on the handlebars. The theft has been reported to the police.

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SUNDAY: West Seattle 5K; Alki Daze; ‘The Painter’ author…

May 17, 2015 6:07 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Today starts with a big event that might affect you even if you’re not participating:

WEST SEATTLE 5K: Alki Avenue will be closed from 63rd eastward to Duwamish Head from about 8 am to 11 am for the annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser for student needs (with co-sponsors including WSB). Even if you’re not registered yet, just come down to the Alki Bathhouse and sign up pre-race, starting around 8. The runners/walkers take off shortly after 9 am. (61st/Alki)

As mentioned here previously, NO “Summer Streets” (Car-Free Day) festival afterward – the city scrapped it – but community members have organized fun stuff for:

ALKI DAZE: From the Facebook event page – 1 pm costumed bike parade – meet at 63rd/Alki; 2 pm patio party in the 2600 block of Alki SW (live music with Slow Dance, Darci Carlson, Project Wonder Bread); 3 pm, same area, “bicycle drag race.”

Also happening today:

TLC FOR LP: Friends of Lincoln Park would love to see you there – meet at 9 am at the Fauntleroy/Rose kiosk. Work-party details here.

WEST SEATTLE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: Interested in joining? The monthly breakfast meeting today, 9:30 am at Young’s Restaurant in South Delridge, is a great place to check out the WSARC. Details here – and did you read this story? (9413 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. 4th-to-last time you’ll find the market in its current location, since June 14th is when it moves into the street! (44th/Alaska)

DUWAMISH NATIVE FOODS, NOW AND THEN: Noon-4 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, including a cultural program 1-2 pm and shared meal 3-4 pm – details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

‘BETTER PLANNING FOR NONPROFITS’: Free class at Admiral Congregational Church, 12:30 pm – more info here. (California/Hill)

MEET ‘SEATTLE READS’ AUTHOR PETER HELLER: 4 pm at Southwest Branch Library, you can meet author Peter Heller, who wrote “The Painter,” this year’s Seattle Reads book – info here. (35th/Henderson)

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