(Full house at a 2015 screening)

Earlier this week, we published the annual call for suggestions for this year’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies series.

Suggestions are still being accepted – but there’s also some news about the future of the series.

If you have been to West Seattle Outdoor Movies, you know the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), longtime presenter of the series, can get crowded, to say the least.

That’s led to calls for a larger space. And starting with the last movie this summer – there’ll be one.

Here’s how Hotwire proprietor and WSOM guru Lora Swift explains it:

As the coordinator and emcee of the West Seattle Outdoor Movies, I wanted to share a new vision for our yearly community event. Beginning in 2016, we are partnering with the YMCA to co-host the movies. Our first five movies (beginning July 16) will be shown in the Hotwire courtyard, as they have for the past 13 years. The big change is our final movie for 2016 (August 20) will be moved to the Triangle Festival Street, next to the YMCA. In 2017, and beyond, you’ll be able to watch the Outdoor movies at the Triangle Festival Street.

I’ve certainly been delighted to host the movies, it’s been a joy seeing our community together watching films, raising money for our local charities, and enjoying some entertainment. As with all popular community events, we’ve seen crowds grow as more people discover this free and fun gathering. To continue to give the community this fabulous event, we’ve decided to move to a larger space, which Josh Sutton and his staff are gladly accepting.

Join us for the first five films in the usual space, then make sure you put on the calendar “Triangle Festival Street” for that final movie on August 20th.

The “festival street” will be SW Snoqualmie between 36th and 37th. Here’s the view from Josh Sutton of the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor):

The West Seattle & Fauntleroy Y is excited to continue the great traditions of West Seattle Movies on the Wall at the new Triangle Festival Street. We’ll continue to work with other community partners like the West Seattle Junction Association, local sponsors, and other non-profits.

When the community came up with the idea of a Festival Street in the Triangle seven years ago, outdoor movies were an early programming suggestion. The Y will begin to reach out for other community partners and volunteers to help guide programming and use of the Triangle Festival Street. We’ll use this first summer to try out 4-5 different program activities on the Festival Street, including hosting the last movie of Summer 2016 series. Our hope is to have a full slate of 10-15 events and activities in 2017.

So again, this is just early warning: The first 5 West Seattle Outdoor Movies in the Hotwire courtyard, then off to the new “Festival Street” space on 36th SW outside the Y. The movie slate will be announced soon, but first it’s last call for suggestions – either below, or in the comment section on our Monday story.

P.S. Here’s an invitation for local nonprofits to be part of the fundraising at each West Seattle Outdoor Movies night – this summer, the tradition of a raffle to help a WS nonprofit will continue; if yours is interested, e-mail lora@hotwirecoffee.com – thanks!

Share This

SATURDAY: Two neighborhood cleanups tomorrow

May 20, 2016 3:57 pm

| Comments Off on SATURDAY: Two neighborhood cleanups tomorrow

| How to help | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Two community cleanups tomorrow! Start your weekend knowing you’ve done a good deed. First, from Jill:

Join us Saturday at 9:00 AM for a short litter cleanup in Gatewood. We are meeting at Myrtle and 35th near the water tower (park on Myrtle) at 9 AM and will do a cleanup along 35th to Henderson. Probably one to two hours max. Bring gloves and water, safety vests if you have them, and ORCA passes if you want to bus back to your car! I may have extra picker-uppers and vests, depending on how many extra folks come. Serious rain probably cancels.

We also have this announcement from Esperanza on Puget Ridge:

The Puget Ridge Neighborhood quarterly clean-up will be on Saturday.

Meet at 10:00 AM at 6559 18th Ave SW to pick up bags and form teams.

Share This

Police plans for beach patrol and more @ Alki Community Council

May 20, 2016 2:14 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| Crime | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A sunny Friday could bring another summer-size crowd to Alki Beach tonight. So you might be interested to know what Seattle Police told the Alki Community Council last night about what they’re up to.

The meeting started with a briefing, including crime stats, from Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith. He said assaults are up slightly from this time last year, with this year’s incidents including the shooting near Whale Tail Park back on April 30th. Residential burglaries are up – 11 in the area through this time last year, 15 this year. But property crimes in the Alki area are down 15 percent – with relatively few car prowls compared to some other areas of West Seattle and the rest of the city. And overall, he said, crime is down 11 percent.

For Alki Beach concerns in general, according to Lt. Smith, they started an “emphasis” a couple weeks ago – 4 officers working extra hours walking or riding bicycles on Friday/Saturday nights.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Denny, Sealth principals send safety alert after Arbor Heights incident

May 20, 2016 1:10 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Arbor Heights | Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Yesterday we published an alert from an Arbor Heights mom who wanted to let families know that her daughter had been followed from a Denny International Middle School-dropoff stop at 100th/44th on Tuesday. This afternoon, Denny principal Jeff Clark has sent us the notice sent home today to families of students at his school and adjacent Chief Sealth International High School:

Dear Denny and Chief Sealth Scholars and Families,

Yesterday afternoon, one of our 6th grade female scholars reported to us that she was followed by a man in his car while she walked home from her bus stop in Arbor Heights near the intersection of SW 100th St. and 44th Ave SW. She reported that the man seemed to be in his 20s and had short black hair. His car was a black four-door sedan. Our scholar did a great job by running off and telling her mother, who contacted the Seattle Police Department.

As a precaution, we are reminding our scholars about safety tips for walking to and from school. We would appreciate your help by having a similar conversation at home. The walking safety advice includes:

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
· Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid “automatic pilot.”

· Walk with a purpose; project an assertive, business-like image.

· Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages and alleyways.

· Stick to well-lit areas.

· Develop a plan before you see trouble. Crossing a street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.

· If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach it. Instead, turn and quickly walk the opposite direction.

· Consider wearing clothing and shoes that you can move freely and quickly in, especially when walking or waiting for the bus.

· Carry minimal items; overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.

· Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid shortcuts. Walk confidently. Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.

· Avoid walking alone at night. As much as possible, walk or travel with a friend, even during the daytime.

As always, thank you for your help and partnership!

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Luna Park Café owner argues his sign-citation appeal

May 20, 2016 11:20 am

| 45 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It was the shortest hearing we’ve ever covered in the city Hearing Examiner‘s windowless chambers on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown: 25 minutes.

The owner of Luna Park Café and two SDOT public-space-management employees faced deputy Hearing Examiner Anne Watanabe there on Thursday afternoon. At issue – as first reported here last Sunday – was the $500 citation Bennett received for having an A-frame sign (since removed) at Avalon and Harbor, half a block from his restaurant. He appealed the citation, and a hearing was set.

Representing SDOT: Katie Kowalczyk and Jason Johnson.

Representing Bennett: Himself.

Johnson, an inspector for the public-space-management division, started with the backstory:

Share This

What’s up for your West Seattle Friday!

May 20, 2016 10:15 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Female Purple Martin, photographed along the Duwamish River by Mark Wangerin)

The weekend is within view! Today/tonight highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COUNCILMEMBER’S DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS: Noon-7 pm, it’s your next chance to talk “in the district” with your City Councilmember, Lisa Herbold. She’ll be at the Southwest Neighborhood Service Center, same building as SW Pool and SW Teen Life Center. (2801 SW Thistle)

TRACK: As previewed here this morning, the Sea-King District track meet continues at 4 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex – full schedule here. (2801 SW Thistle)

SOFTBALL: West Seattle High School plays for third place in the Sea-King District vs. Eastside Catholic at 5 pm, SW Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

DAVE HOLO TRIO: Live New Orleans jazz at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5-8 pm, no cover. (1936 Harbor SW)

BOWL FOR GIRLS ON THE RUN: Bowling fundraiser tonight at West Seattle Bowl, two sessions, first one at 5:30 pm – more info in our calendar listing. (39th SW/SW Oregon)

ART SHOW AT NEPENTHE: 6-9 pm, Haley Hills‘ art show and more at Nepenthe Massage and Boutique – details in our calendar listing. (9447 35th SW)

ALKI DAZE, NIGHT 1: Informal community-organized weekend celebration – bicycle riders, meet and greet 6-8 pm at Alki Bike and Board, then ride to Alki for a bonfire at 8 pm. (

‘THE LION KING’: All are welcome to come applaud the 3rd-through-5th-grade performers of Lafayette Elementary in “The Lion King,” 7 pm, second of three performances in the West Seattle High School Theater, directed by Lafayette parent Joel Oltyan. Free but bring $ for fundraising concessions! (3000 California SW)

YVONNE AND LYLE: Americana and alt-country at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS, PLUS SINGERS! 7:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School, the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Symphony Orchestra is joined by Wellspring Ensemble for a “family-friendly evening of soulful and exciting orchestral and vocal music.” Admission free, donations appreciated. (2600 SW Thistle)

OLD JAZZ FROM NEW HAWAII: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, this concert benefits Westside School (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing, including ticket info. (7904 35th SW)

MORE FOR TODAY, TONIGHT, THE WEEKEND, BEYOND … on our complete calendar!

Share This

West Seattle Summer Fest Community Tent: Be there!

May 20, 2016 9:13 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Summer Fest Community Tent: Be there!

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Our area’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest, is now just seven weeks away – July 8-10 – and today, we have a participation invitation!

The West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) is again offering the FREE Community Tent at West Seattle Summer Fest – July 8, 9, and 10. WSJA is now accepting applications from West Seattle nonprofits and community groups who are interested in being considered. Priority will be given to local groups who strive to benefit, strengthen, and educate the West Seattle neighborhood in a direct way.

The purpose of the Community Tent at Summer Fest is to allow West Seattle’s small neighborhood nonprofits and community groups easy access to the largest event of the year in West Seattle – free of charge! Each year over 20,000 people attend Summer Fest, making it a great place for local groups to reach out to the community and connect with like-minded people.

The Community Tent will be centrally located in the heart of the festival, near the intersection of SW Alaska Street and California Avenue SW. A tent, tables, and chairs will be provided. Participants are encouraged to set up their table and area with displays that reflect their mission and contributions to the West Seattle community. Participants are welcome to bring props, brochures, and other materials to promote their organization and encourage festival attendees to stop and chat. Please note that NO SALES will be permitted in the Community Tent area.

Interested neighborhood nonprofits and community groups can apply by emailing Jenelle Clark of WSJA by June 17th at jenelle@wsjunction.org. Applications should include details about the nonprofit or group applying and their direct impact in the West Seattle neighborhood.

Community-tent shifts at the festival will be four hours on Friday and Saturday, 10 am-2 pm or 2 pm-6 pm, and three hours on Sunday, 11 am-2 pm and 2 pm-5 pm.

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates and previews; more Viaduct filming; ‘Bike Everywhere’

May 20, 2016 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6 AM: Good morning! We start with alerts and reminders:

‘BIKE EVERYWHERE DAY’: From now until 9 am, what used to be “Bike to Work Day” will be celebrated on the bike trail beneath the bridge with a special station presented by West Seattle Bike Connections and Alki Bike and Board– snacks, simple repairs, more.

Speaking of the bridge:

NEXT FAUNTLEROY EXPRESSWAY CLOSURE ON SUNDAY NIGHT: The first week of overnight closures of the west end of the bridge is over. Last night, we caught this photo of the work in progress around 11:30 pm.

We and some readers noted over the course of the past few nights that there’ve been some changes from what SDOT announced – closures of the Avalon ramp to the eastbound bridge, for example. So we’re checking with SDOT today to see if more specific advance advisories might be available. Next closure, Sunday night.

Between now and then:

MORE FILMING ON THE VIADUCT: Another round of filming on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct is expected between 9 am and 3 pm today. As noted in our Thursday traffic watch, the “rolling slowdowns” definitely resulted in backups, so check camera #4 above before you head out during those hours.

SAFECO CONCERT TONIGHT: Billy Joel plays Safeco Field tonight.

WEST SEATTLE 5K SUNDAY: 8 am-11 am, Alki Avenue SW will be closed to Anchor/Luna Park for the annual West Seattle 5K. Also heed the “no parking” signs for race day! Transit reroutes, too.

ADDED 9 AM: We stopped by the “Bike Everywhere” station about an hour ago; by then, WSBC said, about 400 riders had already stopped.

Share This

Louisa Boren STEM K-8 students shine @ Science Extravaganza

May 20, 2016 3:33 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle’s first STEM-focused school showed off some of its specialties last night. It wasn’t just a “science fair” at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – it was a Science Extravaganza! And this one even featured a wind tunnel:

That’s the reason we heard about the big event in the first place – via a spokesperson for McKinstry, the Seattle-headquartered company whose engineers mentored students, helping build the wind tunnel and donating materials for it. STEM students built model tower cranes and used the wind tunnel to test how they would respond under pressure. It’s first on the list of projects that STEM teacher Craig Parsley shared:

Science:

1. Wind Tunnel Dynamics of Common Home Designs in Hurricane Regions
2. Hydrodynamic Fisheries Tank to study Fresh vs. Salt Water Migration
3. Construction Materials Flame Testing Study
4. Newtonian Properties of Objects on an Incline
5. Color Bias in Decision Making
6. Chemical Deterioration Rates of Concrete Structures (Dams and Buildings)
7. Long-term Evaluation of Surface Water Chemistry in West Seattle Creek
8. Rural vs. Urban Water Quality Study

Engineering:

1. Forward-Deployed Mars Lander Decelerator Proposal to NASA
2. Carbon Filtration Device for Lawn Mower Exhaust
3. Fertilizer Compound for Low Income Farmers
4. Earthquake Simulator for Testing Tower Crane Designs (built by a student)
5. Kevlar-lined Soccer Sock to Prevent Cleat Lacerations

Principal Ben Ostrom tweeted some project photos during the event:

6th grade–How does distance from headwaters affect Longfellow creek's water quality? pic.twitter.com/7YbNPYsaH7

— STEM K-8 (@PrinciPalOstrom) May 20, 2016

Do fish expend greater energy swimming in salt or fresh water? pic.twitter.com/4m19qz55Hg

— STEM K-8 (@PrinciPalOstrom) May 20, 2016

The design of a better Mars Lander. pic.twitter.com/GF3iYQy3bI

— STEM K-8 (@PrinciPalOstrom) May 20, 2016

Third grade again-what's the effect of wind speed on the size of a vortex? pic.twitter.com/T80WIO912f

— STEM K-8 (@PrinciPalOstrom) May 20, 2016

Check his Twitter feed for more.

P.S. This fall will mark the start of the fifth school year for Louisa Boren STEM, which opened in September 2012 as a K-5 school, but now is headed into the second year of its “roll-up” to a full K-8, adding 7th grade for 2016-2017.

Share This

TRACK & FIELD: WSHS update as district competition continues today

May 20, 2016 2:55 am

| Comments Off on TRACK & FIELD: WSHS update as district competition continues today

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

More post-season high-school sports tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex, as the district track and field meet continues. From the West Seattle High School coaching team, Doug Cooper updates us on the opening night Wednesday and looks ahead to tonight (Friday):

Head Track & Field Coach Will Harrison’s Wildcats did more damage to the school’s record books Wednesday evening at SWAC Track. In what may have been the most thrilling race of the day…the WSHS Boys 4×400 Relay team broke their own school record by running the second-fastest qualifying time of the day of 3:27.41…PR’s splits across the board for all relay team members (Rylee Farrison, Miles Hairston, Chaaka Trahan and Cass Elliott), sophomore anchor Cass Elliott ran a brilliant come-from-behind split of 49.3 seconds to secure first place in their qualifying heat. This 4×400 team is an exciting group of over-achievers who are looking to qualify for a shot to compete for a State Title in Tacoma next week.

WSHS Girls did some damage on the Field Events side as Natalie Fuller used a 5 inch PR jump of 16’5 feet in the LJ to qualify herself for next week’s State Championship meet in Tacoma. Fuller is also one of the top Triple Jumpers in the State and looks to qualify in that event Friday night at SWAC also. Meanwhile, Junior Maggie Cooper busted out a 6-inch PR of her own in the Pole Vault. Her 10’0 foot vault set a new school record for the event and propelled her right into next week’s State Championship Meet.

Other highlights included Cass Elliott edging out Nathan Hale’s Tremaine McAdams, the top-rated 300 hurdler in the State, for a first place in his 300 hurdles heat. Elliott’s time of 40.2, was the fastest preliminary qualifying time of all 300 Hurdlers. The 300 Hurdles race Friday evening at SWAC Track will feature three of the Top 5 300m hurdlers in the State…including Elliott and Senior Chaaka Trahan. Trahan is also the 3rd Ranked 110m Hurdler in the State.

Senior Lani Taylor [above], the State’s top-ranked 400m Sprinter, qualified for Friday’s district final meet in all three sprint events.

Junior Hurdler / Pole-Vaulter Maggie Cooper [above] also qualified for District Finals in the 100m Hurdles.

Throwers in action Friday night, include Lexi Ioane, who looks to advance herself to the State meet in the Girls Shot Put … Ioane is the Metro Champion and leads the District in this event. Outstanding Sophomore Sprinter/Thrower Saoirse Cumming, the new school record holder in the Girls Javelin, will also attempt to advance to State in the Javelin on Friday.

The West Seattle Track team features some outstanding individual performers spanning a wide range of events. Please come and watch the kids Friday between 4:00 and 6:30 at SWAC Track (near Chief Sealth IHS) as they compete to qualify for next week’s State Championship meet in Tacoma.