month : 05/2016 330 results

Youth Voice, Youth Choice: How 11-to-25-year-olds can vote this week in city’s ‘participatory budgeting’

If you are – or know someone who is – between ages 11 and 25, this week brings your/their chance to help make a big decision – voting on how to spend almost three-quarters of a million dollars in the city budget.

It’s voting time in the city’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting process, dubbed “Youth Voice, Youth Choice.” While online voting has just gone live, a special feature of this is the chance to vote in person – and it’s happening in places where the participants are likely to be found.

North Delridge resident Nancy Folsom e-mailed to say she will have ballots with her on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting at 3:30 pm, at Delridge Skatepark (Delridge/Genesee).

Then, from the city, youth-engagement strategic adviser Jenny Frankl sent this message:

As you might recall, there were a series of Idea Assemblies held in February, where Youth Voice, Youth Choice collected 530+ ideas for projects. Since that time, a group of youth budget delegates have been culling that list and have now narrowed that list down to 19 project proposals. Youth ages 11 – 25 are being asked to select their top 7 projects out of this list of 19 during Vote Week (which is currently underway!). There are two ways to vote: Youth can vote online @ bit.ly/youthvoicevote or via a paper ballot. In West Seattle, some in-person polling stations have been set up in various locations:

· Chief Sealth IHS, through their Social Studies classes

· Southwest Youth & Family Services (contact Fernanda Hernandez, fhernandez@swyfs.org, for exact times)

· Delridge Skatepark [see above]

· High Point Youth Program

· High Point Youth Tutoring Program

· West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library

Anyone who needs a paper ballot or is interested in participation by youth with whom they work – contact Jenny at jenny.frankl@seattle.gov or 206-396-0200.

P.S. If you’re not eligible to vote but interested in what projects are on the ballot – go here and choose the “preview” (non-voting) option.

West Seattle’s ‘Hood-to-Hood’ victory party set for June 5

Just announced – the plan for this year’s celebration of West Seattle’s latest win in KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Challenge neighborhood-vs.-neighborhood fundraising competition. This time, it’s not a Junction street party like last year, though a Junction venue is part of it:

After winning KEXP’s annual Hood-to-Hood Challenge in 2015, West Seattle will host KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood Day on Sunday, June 5th. KEXP welcomes music lovers from all neighborhoods to join us at Youngstown from noon to 6:00 PM for a live broadcast of DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom, featuring live performances by Greys, Acapulco Lips, and special guests, plus a free street festival with bands, food trucks, and a beer garden in collaboration with Redhook.

This event is FREE, all ages, and open to the public!

After the live broadcast, Skylark Cafe will host a West Seattle Music Showcase and the music continues at Shadowland’s Hood to Hood After Party with DJ Troy Nelson.

KEXP Hood to Hood Live Broadcast
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center hosted by DJ Quilty and DJ Stevie Zoom
Noon to 6:00 PM
12:30 PM: Live set by Greys
3:30 PM: Live set by Acapulco Lips
5:00 PM: Live set by special guests

KEXP Hood to Hood Live Music Showcase
Skylark Cafe Hosted by Troy Nelson
3803 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
6:30pm- 9:00pm
21+, $5 door
Featuring:
Detective Agency
Dre’zy & Too Smoove
special guests

Hood to Hood After Party
Shadowland DJ set by Troy Nelson
4458 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
9:00pm
21+
Featuring: DJ Troy Nelson

West Seattle development: Hearing set for 18-house Madrona Glen; approvals for 14-house 3601 Fauntleroy

Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes two development proposals we’ve covered before, totaling 32 houses to be built:

MADRONA GLEN – 2768 SW HOLDEN: That’s the newest address of record for the 18-house Madrona Glen proposal for a 1 1/2-acre site between Holden and Webster, west of the Navos campus.

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Today’s notice announces a public hearing before the city Hearing Examiner at 9 am June 27th, in the examiner’s chambers at the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown, on whether to approve the actual subdivision of the land that’s involved – splitting three parcels into 18. The city Department of Construction and Inspection (formerly Planning and Development) is recommending approval, but this hearing is a required step before finalizing it. The project already has long since received other key approvals, including this one we reported in September 2014, with the address of record at that time 2646 SW Holden. The project first resurfaced in late 2013, after going dormant for more than a year. Meantime, as also previously noted here, the site’s been up for sale for a while – but this version of the listing says a sale is pending.

P.S. If you can’t make it to the hearing downtown, the notice explains other ways to comment.

3601 FAUNTLEROY AVENUE SW: This 14-house project in East Admiral has received two key land-use approvals, according to the notice in today’s LUIB – a determination of environmental non-significance, along with approval of “administrative conditional use to allow clustered housing in a steep-slope critical area.”

The announcement of these approvals opens an appeal period that runs until June 6th unless an extension is requested; here’s how to file an appeal. We last reported on this project in late summer of 2015, noting that it had been in the works for 8 years by then.

Three possibilities for your West Seattle Monday

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Our featured photo today is a Spotted Sandpiper, yet another beautiful bird photographed by Mark Wangerin, who explained: “Yesterday morning I went in search of a Kingfisher burrow along the banks of the Duwamish. After a while a pair of Spotted Sandpipers flew by. I made a ‘nest’ for myself in the bushes and waited, all told, for about 2 hours. Pairs came in “waves,” and freely fed right in front of me. What fun!” Speaking of fun, here’s YOUR chance to get out on the shore, first of our three highlighted calendar listings for today/tonight:

LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Right now, it’s the first day of the year that Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out to help you learn about our shores during low tides. Today it’s out to -1.4 feet at 12:38 pm, so you’ll find the naturalists at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park (near Colman Pool) from now until 1:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.

TINKERLAB COMMONS 6-7:30 pm at Delridge Library, drop in to check out “a weekly all-ages program that introduces science, technology, engineering and math concepts through play, experimentation, and discovery.” Tonight, stop-motion animation is the focus. Free, of course. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

TWILIGHT ZONE-A-THON: Movie Monday” at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District tonight features episodes of “The Twilight Zone” plus the movie. No cover. 7-11 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MUCH MORE … for today/tonight/beyond, on our complete calendar.

Indoor tennis in Westwood? Next step: Community meeting

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(Bird’s-eye view “schematic” of proposed tennis center)

It’s been almost a year since we first reported on the community campaign to convert the Seattle Public Schools-owned tennis courts west of Southwest Pool into an indoor tennis center.

Next step, according to Lisa Corbin, who’s leading the project, is a community meeting – first of two – set for 6 pm Tuesday, June 7th, at Chief Sealth International High School. She says the meeting will include “early results from the feasibility study” funded by a city grant. Here’s the official flyer for the meeting. Still many steps remaining along the road to whether the tennis center could become a reality, but if you’re interested in the project, being at the meeting is the best way to find out what’s next.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch; overnight bridge closures continue

May 23, 2016 6:58 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch; overnight bridge closures continue
 |   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)

6:58 AM: No incidents so far this morning in/from West Seattle. We’re reminding you that week 2 of overnight partial bridge closures for the Fauntleroy Expressway earthquake-safety-cushion re-replacement project is under way; as our report mentioned last night, the detours include an additional ramp closure at least through tonight.

IN THE STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Mariners are back home, hosting Oakland at 7 pm.

7:50 AM: Some northbound I-5 slowing reported because of a broken-down vehicle in the right lane just north of the bridge.

1:11 PM: Update – we originally suggested the baseball game would mean a later closure of the west end of the bridge for the Fauntleroy Expressway work, but SDOT tells us the attendance is expected to be below the 20,000 threshold for that, so tonight’s closure starts at the usual time, 9 pm.

1:44 PM: Something to be aware of for tomorrow night, if you’ll be heading back this way from the Eastside. The announcement is from WSDOT:

Drivers heading across Lake Washington on westbound Interstate 90 to southbound I-5 should be plan ahead for a slightly longer trip Tuesday night, May 24.

From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit will close the ramp from westbound I-90 to southbound I-5. Drivers should follow the signed detour via northbound I-5 and James Street.

During the ramp closure crews will conduct work to preserve and strengthen existing concrete panels on both directions of I-90 between I-5 and Lake Washington. The work is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit’s I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project which preserves the three general purpose lanes while adding all-day carpool lanes to I-90 and direct access ramps for transit, carpools, and vanpools. In mid-2017, Sound Transit contractors will begin work on the I-90 express lanes to operate exclusively for light rail as part of the East Link light rail project. The 14-mile East Link project, set to open in 2023, includes 10 new stations connecting Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Overlake.

CONGRATULATIONS! Holy Rosary 8th graders take track championships

More congratulations for local student athletes! Thanks to Kristen Joy for sharing this report and photo:

Saturday at Renton Stadium, the Holy Rosary 8th Grade Girls and the 8th Grade Boys each won their respective team championship at the 2016 CYO Team Championship competing against 15 Catholic schools from the Seattle area. This is the first 8th-grade championships for Coach Shelley Neal and the mighty Gators!

2016_HolyRosary_8thGrade_Team_Champions

In the photo are Holy Rosary 8th Grade Track Team Champs: Emma V., Natalie M., Soleil P., Cassidy W., Alena S., Elena K., Ethan G., Leighton J., James M., Sal C., Audrey P., Aidan M., Joseph D., Jonathan G., (not present, Anna P.)

Another West Seattle spring cleanup: Dakota Place Park

May 23, 2016 4:32 am
|    Comments Off on Another West Seattle spring cleanup: Dakota Place Park
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

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Thanks to KB for sharing photos and words of gratitude for those who helped out on Sunday at Dakota Place Park north of The Junction:

Many hands make light work, as demonstrated by the folks who turned out today in record numbers for the Dakota Place Park Spring Cleanup.

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A HUGE THANK-YOU to all of you who volunteered! Your effort and positivity made the cleanup highly productive and fun.

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Special thanks to all the Tilden students who volunteered today and who volunteer during school hours — you’re never too young to positively impact your community!

TRAFFIC ALERT: Bridge closures, week 2; different detour

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(Photo from last week, by Laura James)

The second week of overnight West Seattle Bridge closures is under way for the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-safety-cushion re-replacement project, and if you’ll be heading eastbound before 5 am, you should be aware of a change in the detour plan, in case you missed our reminder this morning. The best way to get to the bridge tonight, and likely Monday night too, is via Delridge, because the onramp from Avalon is closed, with traffic being detoured to the next onramp, by Fire Station 36. That’s made for slow going on eastbound Spokane under the bridge again tonight, and some backup on bridge-bound Avalon. We asked SDOT’s Paul Elliott at week’s end about the change, since previously, only the 35th/Fauntleroy onramp was announced for closure, and he explained that the contractor decided to accelerate work to re-replace the earthquake-safety cushions under the ramp as well as the main section of the bridge. So tonight and tomorrow overnight:

-35th/Fauntleroy, Avalon-to-Spokane ramps closed – Delridge is best bet to get on EB bridge
-If headed westbound, you’ll have to exit at Delridge

Closures will continue TFN Sunday through Thursday nights, 9 pm-5 am unless there’s a major stadium event, in which case (as happened last Wednesday when Beyoncé was at CenturyLink Field) the closure won’t start until after 11 pm.

West Seattle-based Killer Whale Tales to lead field trip to orca-watching park, by satellite

jeffhoganphoto
(Photo by Jeff Hogan – J-Pod traveling north near Lime Kiln Point State Park)

Over the next three days, thousands of students in the Northwest will learn about our region’s endangered orcas via a field trip of sorts – an educational program taking them by satellite to a prime orca-watching spot in the San Juans. Leading the way, West Seattleite Jeff Hogan‘s Killer Whale Tales program. Here’s the announcement:

Nearly 3,000 students in grades 2-7 will join Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) and Killer Whale Tales at Lime Kiln Point State Park on May 23-25 for Journey to the Parks: Songs of the Salish Sea, where the stars of the show will be the endangered Southern Resident killer whales which return this time of year to regularly swim by the park. Lime Kiln Point is known as one of the best places anywhere to see orca from land, and programs will include a tour by Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS).

These three days of live whale educational programming in classrooms will be connected via satellite with student in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, Idaho, Wisconsin and Montana and a special “whale chat” RSS feed will enable written questions and feedback between the students and presenters. This amazing technology and coordination is provided by Inspired Classroom, Polycom, GCI Education, Vision Net and Alter Enterprise. The program will allow students to learn about orca and to identify different Puget Sound orca pods based on recordings. Students will also learn the tools and methods of a whale biologist, and find answers to their questions about whales using science-based thinking. Nothing like this educational event has ever been attempted in Washington state parks before.

“Each May we mark the return of the resident orcas to San Juan Island, but this May is even more special because it marks the expansion of WSPF educational programming to connect more kids and families with state parks across the state. Washington State Parks offer an embarrassment of riches for the outdoor lover and they are firmly embedded in our identity through northwest history, culture and personal experience. Interpretive opportunities like the orca program, shared with kids from under resourced communities in classrooms throughout the Pacific northwest, invite people in the region to visit and connect with parks on a deeper level,” explained John Floberg, Executive Director of WSPF.

Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, is an educator and a research associate with NOAA Fisheries and the Cascadia Research Collective and teaches thousands of kids each year as he visits classrooms along the west coast. This year Jeff is thrilled to be able to take his program to almost 3,000 kids in three days and to be able to interact with them live over satellite. “I am excited to work with students across the region to connect them with these fascinating and iconic animals, especially students located in cities and towns who have less opportunity for visiting the park,” said Hogan.

This three-day program is grant-funded. Look for updates here.

P.S. We asked Jeff for more information about the participating schools. His reply: “In Washington, there will be 15 elementary schools located in 11 cities that will participate. They include: Bellevue, Bothell, Federal Way, Montesano, Seattle, Silverdale, Spokane, Tacoma, Woodinville and Yakima. Public, private and parochial schools are involved. Another 15 schools in AK, OR, ID, MT, WI and NY will participate. These students live in places such as rural Alaskan communities in the Yukon and Kodiak Island as well as cities like Klamath Falls, Oregon, Couer d’Alene, Idaho and Missoula, Montana. Beyond the NW, children in New York City and a small village called Turtle Lake in Wisconsin will get to learn about and experience the wonders of orcas and specialness of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island.”

Motorcycle rider injured in Alki collision

Thanks to Mike for the tip about the fire/police response at 53rd and Alki: We’ve confirmed with police at the scene that a car and motorcycle collided, and the motorcycle rider was hurt – not major injuries, though, and the rider is going to the hospital via private ambulance.

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We don’t have details on circumstances – but Mike says witnesses were reporting that the driver made a U-turn in front of the rider, who couldn’t stop in time. Police were awaiting a tow before clearing the scene.

YOU CAN HELP! Seal Sitters training Monday; ‘Sentinels of the Sound’ cleanup June 4th

May 22, 2016 6:53 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Seal Sitters training Monday; ‘Sentinels of the Sound’ cleanup June 4th
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

seagull-with-trash-lindsey

(Photo by Robin Lindsey)

From Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, word of two ways you can help care for West Seattle shores and the creatures who share the beaches and waters with us – first, an announcement, second, a reminder:

Seal Sitters and the Alki Community Council will be co-sponsoring the “Sentinels of the Sound” beach cleanup at Alki Beach on Saturday, June 4th, 10 am-noon. There will be a very low tide that day, enabling access to a wide stretch of beach to remove dangerous debris. The adjacent sidewalks and street will also be scoured for trash – it is estimated that up to 80% of all trash discarded on land ends up as marine debris.

Trash poisons, maims, and kills wildlife. Lend a hand to help keep marine life safe and meet up at the Statue of Liberty Plaza. There will be a brief talk about the dangers of marine trash before dispersing to clean up the area. Last year, volunteers removed an estimated 9,000 toxic cigarette butts in approximately two hours.

Please visit our website for more details and the RSVP link. Volunteers do need to provide gloves and pickup sticks this year, but bags will be available at the sign-in table.

Now, the reminder – Seal Sitters training tomorrow!

Harbor-seal pupping season is on the horizon and Seal Sitters volunteers enable pups to rest safely on our urban beaches. We will be holding a training on Monday evening, May 23rd. There are just a few available spaces left to attend. Please visit the volunteer page of our website for info and to RSVP.

Seal Sitters welcomes volunteers of all ages.

VIDEO: Alki Daze Costumed Bike Parade bedazzles the beach

Alki resident Guy Olson says this is his way of extending the spirit of the city “car-free day” celebration that used to follow the West Seattle 5K – he organized a weekend of events dubbed “Alki Daze,” including the costumed bike parade that rolled eastbound down the beach this afternoon, open to all. You’ll see all the riders in our video, above; below, the pre-parade staging revealed bikes of all sizes, including some classics:

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Eventually it was time to hop on and ride off:

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Host Guy rode in a robe:

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P.S. As we’ve been reporting, the city DOES plan a “car-free” party on Alki this year – as part of what’s now called Seattle Summer Parkways – but not until September 25th.

CONGRATULATIONS! Denny IMS musicians’ festival victories

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Exciting weekend for Denny International Middle School orchestra and band musicians, as reported by principal Jeff Clark:

The Denny International Middle School Senior Band and Orchestra are returning from Idaho today after competing in the Music in the Parks Festival at Silverwood Theme Park. Not only did the Dolphins have a great time, they won first place for both Band and Orchestra in their divisions and overall amongst all schools! Congratulations to our Dolphin musicians and their terrific teachers, Mr. Morales and Mr. MacIntyre! We are proud of you — Go Dolphins!

West Seattle 5K, 2016 edition: Sunshine at the finish line!

(UPDATE: If this video won’t play for you, it’s because YouTube blocked it, saying the music the DJ played at the race’s start is copyright-protected. We disputed that on the grounds that news coverage is fair use. Stay tuned!)

FIRST REPORT, 10:21 AM: More than 900 runners and walkers were signed up as of the unofficial count before this morning’s West Seattle 5K on Alki; race director Jeff Mensing expected the final total would pass 1,000.

20160522 092335 Start of Alki 5k run - 8x5 - 1024x640
(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson)

And while it started under a layer of clouds, there was sunshine by the time most got to the finish line.

First to cross was #440, Nathan McLaughlin, 22, 15:51:

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(WSB photos from here, by Patrick Sand, unless otherwise credited)

The next 2 across, also male, as listed in the WS5K-provided printout:

Tyler Flannen, 21, 16:15:

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Paul Huynh, 24, 16:44

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First female across was Megan Hener, 34, 18:00:

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Next 2 female runners to finish:

Laura Mickelson, 39, 18:20:

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Abigail Sargent, 32, 18:30:

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The run/walk is close to the end as we publish this first update; more coverage to come. WSB has co-sponsored the WS5K every year since its start in 2009 – this is year #8!

ADDED 2:11 PM: First, if you haven’t seen your results yet – they’re all here. Now, more photos. WSHS principal Ruth Medsker joined in, of course:

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Lots of kids on the course:

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And it’s not a race without the proprietors of our area’s only running store, West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):

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Lori and Tim McConnell will be your hosts again this year as WS Runner presents the Float Dodger 5K on July 23rd, right before the West Seattle Grand Parade, this year starting on the track at Hiawatha – registration is open now!

TRACK & FIELD: 10 WSHS athletes to state

May 22, 2016 10:07 am
|    Comments Off on TRACK & FIELD: 10 WSHS athletes to state
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulations to the West Seattle High School track and field athletes who are heading to state after achievements – including new WSHS records – at this week’s district meet. From head coach Will Harrison:

West Seattle HS Track and Field continued a great season at the Sea-King District II Meet, held May 18th and May 20th at Southwest Athletic Complex. The Wildcats qualified ten athletes for the State Championships, and to make it even better, set new school record marks in six events! Here is a list of those qualifiers and new records, along with State rankings:

Maggie Cooper– Pole Vault (No. 12) *New School Record
Natalie Fuller– Long Jump, Triple Jump (No. 7)
Lexi Ioane– Shot Put (No. 6)
Lani Taylor– 100m (No. 2), 200m (No. 2), 400m (No. 1), *New School Records in all three events

Cass Elliott– 110m Hurdles (No. 16) , 300m Hurdles (No. 5)
Chaaka Trahan– 110m Hurdles (No. 2) *New School Record, 300m Hurdles (No. 3), Long Jump (No. 2)
Rylee Farrison, Miles Hairston, Chaaka Trahan, Cass Elliott– 4x400m (No.12), *New School Record
Adam Wayss, John Ursino– 4×400 alternates

The State Championships will be held Thursday, May 26th through Saturday, May 28th, at Mount Tahoma High School.

West Seattle weekend scenes: Highland Park Uncorked 2016

May 22, 2016 10:05 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scenes: Highland Park Uncorked 2016
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

winecrowd

The Highland Park Improvement Club‘s “Uncorked” wine-tasting fundraiser packed the house last night, for wine-tasting, appetizers, and an auction to raise money for the nonprofit community organization. One item was a subtle reminder of some travails that HPIC’s almost-century-old community-center building at 12th/Holden has encountered this spring:

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That art donated to the auction by R. Mac was painted on a piece of the overhang that came down, we’re told. The auction also included some more-conventional items, including these festive baskets:

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A major change for this year’s “Uncorked” – instead of it being a sort of wine-tasting potluck, with participants bringing wine to contribute, the wine was provided by local wineries, including the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Northwest Wine Academy:
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In our photo are Jessica and Phyllis from the academy; they brought a rosé. (NWA’s spring-release event is coming up June 9th-11th, by the way.)

P.S. This year’s “Uncorked” sponsors again included WSB.

West Seattle Sunday: WS 5K run/walk; Alki Daze bike parade; Hi-Yu Tea; more…

May 22, 2016 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: WS 5K run/walk; Alki Daze bike parade; Hi-Yu Tea; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Good morning! What you need to know for your West Seattle Sunday:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: We have two today:

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(WSB photo, added 8:50 am)

West Seattle 5K (more on the run/walk below) closes Alki Avenue SW to motor-vehicle traffic for about three hours, approximately 8 am-11 am. Parking restrictions, too.

Fauntleroy Expressway project resumes tonight, with another 9 pm-5 am closure of the west end of the West Seattle Bridge. We asked SDOT at the end of the week about a change in the announced detour pattern last week, and they confirm it will continue tonight: They are also re-replacing the seismic-cushion pads on an onramp, so the Avalon onramp to the eastbound bridge will be closed and they’ll be detouring traffic under the bridge to the onramp by Fire Station 36. Westbound, you’ll still have to exit by Delridge.

Now, on to what’s happening, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE 5K: Not registered? It’s not too late! Last-minute signups for this run/walk benefiting West Seattle High School, with co-sponsors including WSB, start at 8 am near the start/finish line at 61st SW/Alki SW. Course goes to Anchor/Luna Park and back, in the street, which as mentioned above is closed for the occasion but will reopen once the course is cleared.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. Last week, we noticed strawberries and lettuce had arrived. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

MEET ‘SEATTLE READS’ AUTHOR: Noon-1:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, “come meet Karen Joy Fowler and join in a discussion with the writer and other readers about Fowler’s novel, ‘We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves’.” Free, but come early to get a space; meeting room will open at 11:30 am. (2306 42nd SW)

MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA: 1-3 pm at Fauntleroy YMCA. (9140 California SW)

‘ALKI DAZE’ COSTUMED BIKE PARADE: Meet at 1:30 at 63rd/Alki, ride at 2, all welcome. Live music and bicycle parking in the 2600 block of Alki SW after the parade.

ELITE BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ‘GRAND (RE)OPENING’: 1-4 pm at what’s now Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (WSB sponsor), celebrate its grand reopening with free clinics, eats, specials, and more, as previewed here. (5050 Delridge Way SW)

’42’ SCREENING: 2 pm at High Point Library, come see “42” as “part of the Library’s African American Film Series celebrating black actors, directors and films depicting the African American experience.” Free. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU TEA: 2-4:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, join Hi-Yu royalty for an afternoon tea that “features sweet and savory treats, a silent auction, and, of course, tea.” It’s a major fundraiser for Hi-Yu, raising money for scholarships and for the city’s last neighborhood-powered traveling parade float. $25/person. (9131 California SW)

FOLKSY-BLUESY MUSIC: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Lauren Crosby performs. (5612 California SW)

INDIE/FOLK MUSIC: 6-9 pm, all-ages show at The Skylark – details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

WHAT ELSE IS UP? You’ll find even more listings on our complete calendar.

Driver to hospital after car hits pole on Admiral Way

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(WSB photo)

Thanks to the texter who tipped us about this: City Light is repairing a pole on eastbound Admiral Way near Belvidere right now after a driver hit it in the 5 am hour. Police told us at the scene just now that the driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries; two houses nearby are without power. The aftermath of the crash is blocking one eastbound lane.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Possible Delridge shooting

May 22, 2016 12:28 am
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 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

Separate from the High Point investigation reported earlier, police are looking into a report that someone was shot earlier tonight in North Delridge. The over-the-air report was that someone had shown up at Harborview with a gunshot wound (how serious, we don’t know, but the victim apparently was conscious) and claimed to have been shot somewhere near where they live, possibly in the Delridge/Alaska vicinity. No other details so far.

UPDATE: Police investigating gunfire in High Point

11:33 PM: Police are checking out reports of possible gunfire heard in High Point, possibly south of 31st SW and SW Graham. We’ve heard from one person who says 911 tells her – as we’ve also heard via scanner – that others reported it, too. No word of any victim(s) so far.

11:36 PM: Also via scanner, police report finding shell casings in the 6500 block of Sylvan Way, potentially related to a call in the area in which someone reported being threatened (by someone they knew). They’re looking for two women reportedly seen leaving the area. We haven’t heard a description.

12:19 PM: Police now are being called to another nearby address, on 32nd SW, where someone is reporting finding a bullet hole.

COUNTDOWN: West Seattle HS All-School Reunion, 2 weeks away

May 21, 2016 10:14 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: West Seattle HS All-School Reunion, 2 weeks away
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two weeks until this year’s West Seattle HS All-School Reunion, set for 2-5:30 pm Saturday, June 4th, this year. This announcement includes news of a raffle to raise money for scholarships – and you can buy tickets at tomorrow’s West Seattle 5K as well as at the All-School Reunion:

Please join West Seattle High Alumni for our yearly walk down memory lane at the annual All School Reunion (ASR), on Saturday, June 4, from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. All who attended (or still attend) as students or staff are invited to show up in celebration of our school and our shared roots.

The ever-popular car show kicks off the afternoon. Photography students roam the halls to shoot formal and candid shots; many other students help to crew the event. Keep your Class Rep company in your year’s assigned class room. Check out the new War Memorial display, and drop in to the formal program in the Auditorium, recognizing Hall of Fame and Scholarship recipients.

Join our fundraiser benefiting our Scholarship fund: buy raffle tickets for a custom garden bench with built-in planter boxes. Thanks to alumnus Spencer Weglin, a recent Scholarship recipient, for organizing the raffle, and for crafting the beautiful piece. Local delivery included! Tickets for sale at the West Seattle 5K on Sunday, May 22, as well as at the ASR.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Questions? Reunion contact is Jim Biava, jim@jimbiava.com – raffle contact, wshsaa.98116@gmail.com.

Dr. Paul R. Smith retiring after 35 years as West Side Presbyterian Church’s senior pastor

(Photos courtesy West Side Presbyterian Church)

West Side Presbyterian Church is announcing the retirement of its senior pastor – who will be preaching just a few more Sundays – and inviting the community to a celebration:

June 12th will mark the end of 45 years of service and vocational ministry for Dr. Paul R. Smith of West Seattle. He has been the senior pastor at West Side Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) since 1981, when he moved with his family from Pennsylvania to Seattle.

In the 35 years since arriving in the NW, he has served as the senior pastor of West Side Presbyterian Church. A recent tally showed he had officiated 180 wedding ceremonies, led 256 memorial services, and baptized more than 430 children and adults. He has also been active in renewal ministries with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served the church both locally and nationally in promoting and equipping churches for evangelism. 

Born November 25, 1945, Paul is the son of a banker and one of six children. He grew up in a small ranching town in Western South Dakota near Badlands National Park. He graduated with honors from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, before marrying his wife, Carreen Armerding and earning an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, MA,

For the first ten years of his ministry, Dr. Smith served as Assistant Pastor and then Senior Pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McKeesport, PA.

He completed his Doctorate of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School shortly after arriving in Seattle. And in the years since, he’s written four books: Jesus, Meet him again for the First Time; Close Encounters: Knowing the Savior; Enjoying God Forever; God’s Plan for our Good. He has also traveled extensively throughout Israel and Jordan and has co-led a half-dozen tours, in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece.

Paul and his wife, Carreen are the parents of four children: Lucian, Taleigh, Lindsay, and Miriam, and grandparents of seven.

Following retirement, and a long-awaited trip to Africa, the Smiths will return to Seattle, where Paul plans to continue his writing and looks forward to spending more time with his family and grandchildren.
 
A retirement celebration for Dr. Paul Smith will be held:

June 12, Open House 1:00-4:00
(Special program begins at 2:00)
West Side Presbyterian Church
3601 California Avenue SW


The public is welcome.

More information about the celebration is on the WSPC website.