month : 08/2016 296 results

WEST SEATTLE CAR SHOW: What you can see and do Saturday, and when

You are invited to spend at least part of your Saturday (tomorrow, August 27th) on the north side of the South Seattle College campus, where this year’s West Seattle Car Show will offer much more than a chance to check out cool cars. Here’s the schedule for the day:

8 am-10 am: Cars load in. There WILL be same-day registration – info’s on the website, including the 20 trophy categories

10 am: Show opens to spectators. Admission free! BINGO cards available (you get stamped for visiting vendors, touring SSC programs, etc., while at the show), 50/50 raffle tickets on sale:

10 am: Northwest Wine Academy open and selling wine, beer, snacks

10 am: Registration table selling cold water, ice cream, T-shirts, more

10 am: Food trucks open (Nibbles and Kebab Brothers)

10 am: Kids’ activities begin

10 am: Music starts – DJ Larry Lomax and live band Disco Cowboys to be featured

10 am: Seattle Chinese Garden open

10 am: Tours of SSC Automotive Tech and Aviation Maintenance programs

Noon-2 pm: Judging

2:30 pm: 50/50 raffle drawing, followed by drawing for other prizes (NAPA Auto Parts racing bag with goodies, Rock Auto $25 gift certificate, 4 full meals at Zippy’s)

3 pm: Car awards announced and presented; BINGO cards must be turned in

After car trophies: BINGO drawing for drone (must be present to win)

4 pm: Show ends

Extra-good news: Weather in the 70s! SSC is at 6000 16th SW.

P.S. The West Seattle Car Show is coordinated/presented again this year by Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks. WSB is proud to be a co-sponsor again this year, along with these other fine businesses/organizations: Tom’s Automotive, O’Reilly Auto Parts, WebCami, Radwick & Lightle Insurance Agency, Courtesy Tire, Transmission Remanufacturing Co. (TRC), NAPA, O’Neill Plumbing, Convertibles Only, Hans VW Repair, Zippy’s Giant Burgers, LKQ Auto Parts, Elliott Bay Brewing Company, Advance Auto Parts, SSC Foundation, Hagerty Classic Car Insurance

(West Seattle Autoworks, Swedish Auto, South Seattle College, O’Neill Plumbing are all WSB sponsors)

YOU CAN HELP: Weekend fundraisers for 2 local youth sports leagues

August 26, 2016 1:16 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Weekend fundraisers for 2 local youth sports leagues
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Two local youth-sports leagues have fundraisers this weekend:

WEST SEATTLE WILDCATS CLOTHING DRIVE AND SCRIMMAGES: Tomorrow at Southwest Athletic Complex, you’re invited to donate to a clothing drive benefiting West Seattle Wildcats Junior Football and Cheer – and to watch scrimmages, too.

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Wildcats)

So far, the Wildcats have collected more than 100 bags of textiles, but need help to hit their goal of 500 bags. Dropoff on Saturday will be in the northeast corner of the SWAC parking lot at 2801 SW Thistle, 11 am-4 pm.

Clothes for the Cause will pay by the pound. Acceptable items include clean clothing of any kind; PAIRED shoes; bath or kitchen towels, linens, blankets, backpacks/purses, drapery, belts, synthetic/leather; tablecloths, and stuffed animals. (No glass, breakables, electronics, pet beds, bed pillows, carpeting, uniforms, or hotel/hospital linens). Place items in tied garbage bags.

In the stadium, all are welcome to drop in for Wildcats scrimmages, 11 am-7 pm, admission free:

Football players and cheerleaders 6-14 years old in the Northwest Junior Football League including teams from Ballard, Eastside, Lake City, Interbay and a visiting team from Canada will match up for scrimmages.

SOUTHWEST LITTLE LEAGUE YARD SALE: You might already have seen this in the WSB Forums’ Freebies/Deals/Sales section, where we offer free yard/garage-sale listings: Southwest Little League is raising money via a big yard sale in Arbor Heights this weekend. It’s set for 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday at 3522 SW 102nd. (They’re also accepting donations for the sale, as explained in the WSB Forums post.)

UPDATE: 1 to hospital after 2-car crash on 35th SW in Gatewood

IMG_5262 (1)
(WSB photos)

11:17 AM: Seattle Fire has sent an “automobile rescue” response to a crash scene reported at 35th and Southern [map] in Gatewood. Per scanner, southbound 35th SW will be closed at Elmgrove. More to come.

11:27 AM: Our crew just arrived. Two cars involved – a VW Bug and Ford Escort.

southern1

SFD had to cut into the latter to get to a patient. No word yet on injuries.

11:37 AM: Neither driver is seriously hurt, so this will not be a long-running investigation situation; the Escort’s driver will be taken to a hospital via private ambulance to be checked out.

southern4

11:50 AM: KM mentioned the southbound Route 21 reroute in comments – and now there’s an official alert from Metro:

12:!5 PM: Reroute’s over, meaning the road’s open again, per Metro alert. Also, we’ve added two more photos from the SFD response earlier.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Twice-stolen car; break-in attempt

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning – first, Robin‘s car has been stolen again:

Wanted to post this on the WSB because the last time this happened I found it because of the blog.

I looked out my window this morning around 5:30 and saw my car sitting where I had parked it on Monday in front of my building (south block of Alaska between 45th and 44th – Central Park Condominiums). I looked out again at 6:15 and there was a big empty space where it had been. The police have been notified.

It’s a black 1994 Honda Civic DX (2-door), license plate WA State AHH 9052. I had it “secured” with a yellow club. Hoping I can recover again like last time; it had been dumped in front of Holy Rosary on 42nd.

If you see it – as the @getyourcarback tweet says, call 911.

Second, Jenny reports someone tried to break into her car in Gatewood:

There was an attempted car prowl on my Subaru Outback parked on the street at SW Austin St. and 37th Ave SW. They were unable to get in, but the window trim was ripped up and pulled back and you could see two places where they slipped in a slim Jim. There was nothing of value in the car. It is upsetting that they damaged my vehicle. I hope that in writing this, others will keep an eye out and deter further prowls.

Thanks again for the Crime Watch reports – if urgent/breaking, text/call 206-293-6302 (but not until you’ve called 911)) – if not, editor@westseattleblog.com.

West Seattle Friday: Pet adoptions, Mount concert-series finale, more…

August 26, 2016 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Pet adoptions, Mount concert-series finale, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

20160826_075207

Thanks to James Bratsanos for the West Seattle view from 943-foot Columbia Center this morning – looking gorgeous even with the haze and a bit of window reflection. You can almost see the weekend heading this way, maybe gliding across the water … Until then, here are calendar highlights for today/tonight:

BRING HOME A NEW FRIEND: 3-6 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), the Seattle Humane MaxMobile will be on site with adoptable animals. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

‘THE KING’ AT THE MOUNT: Love Elvis? You’ll love Danny Vernon‘s Elvis tribute tonight at Providence Mount St. Vincent, in its summer-concert-series finale. Music (free!) at 6, dinner/drinks available for purchase (if you’re interested) at 5:30. Bring your own chair/blanket to the concert zone on the south side of The Mount’s campus. (4831 35th SW)

EMBY ALEXANDER: Indie/experimental band from Phoenix performs tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW, DAY 2: 8 pm at The Skylark, the mega-music showcase continues. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

UKULELE INVASION! The Castaways and Hobbit & Hare at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

UPDATE: West Seattle YMCA contractors hit gas line in The Triangle

IMG_5258

8:36 AM: Thanks for the tips. En route to check this out – a big Seattle Fire response to a report of a natural-gas leak in the 4500 block of 37th SW in The Triangle.

8:41 AM: The West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) tells us via e-mail, “Contractors working on the Y street improvements on SW Oregon hit a gas line about 8 am today. Gas company and fire department were contacted and we evacuated members from the building as a precaution.” Per scanner, 36th SW has been closed to traffic in the area, and according to the Y, SFD is “evacuating businesses on north side of Oregon (Tom’s, West Seattle Brake, City Dog).”

respons

8:51 AM: Per the Y, “the leak is secured and off – waiting to hear if we are letting members back in yet.”

8:56 AM: Alaska is blocked too but this should be winding down soon, our crew has learned at the scene. The Y says it’s been given clearance to reopen. SFD tells us an engine will remain in the area for a while.

9:08 AM: Here’s the spot where the crew hit the line:

IMG_5260

The nearby businesses are all open again too. No injuries.

finishing

10:35 AM: Added two more photos above. And just received this one from one of the briefly evacuated businesses nearby, Dog City:

IMG_5178

They report that they “felt super safe during (the situation) with our local fire department! Needless to say the firefighter had a grin from ear to ear with all the attention. This is why we also donate to our local fire department because these guys rock!”

And Joleen Post, ace tipster from the Y, sent this photo of “Tish‘s dance class” temporarily switching locations during the evacuation:

20160826_080930

Again, everything is OK in the area now, and SFD has long since cleared out.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Last Friday in August; weekend reminders

(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)

6:43 AM: Good morning. We start with a transit cancellation – Metro just announced Route 57 leaving The Junction at 7:06 am is off:

It’s one of three cancellations Metro has texted/tweeted this morning so far, first one in West Seattle.

6:51 AM: Reminders for today and the weekend:

Road-work projects continuing – Fauntleroy/Endolyne Triangle and lower Spokane Street east of the low bridge.

Weekend road closure in West Seattle – Alki/Harbor closes for the Alki Beach 5K, which starts at 9 am Sunday.

Weekend lane closures for Aurora Bridge inspections:

Saturday, Aug. 27 – Two northbound lanes across the Aurora Bridge will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. One northbound lane will remain open to traffic. All southbound lanes will be open.

Sunday, Aug. 28 – Two southbound lanes across the Aurora Bridge will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. One southbound lane will remain open to traffic. All northbound lanes will be open.

Also: Two weekend paving projects in Tacoma will reduce lanes – on I-5, and on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge – which could also have an effect on the Fauntleroy-Southworth ferry runs, WSDOT warns. Here’s the full alert.

6:57 AM: Another cancellation just texted/tweeted:

Metro says it’s a hiring issue – as explained in our traffic/transit coverage yesterday.

7:10 AM: And now, a text/tweet announcement that the previously mentioned cancellation has been canceled – so the run is back ON:

7:28 AM: Ten minutes warning for this one:

8:59 AM: We’ve been covering the Triangle gas leak separately; the response should be winding down now.

West Seattle Crime Watch, car-prowl edition, plus the case of the abandoned pants

Tonight in West Seattle Crime Watch, four reader reports – three car prowls, plus the case of the abandoned pants:

CAR PROWL #1: From RC:

I woke up this morning to see my car door open. When I went out and looked, it was obvious someone had gone through the glovebox and center console. A few dollars and a Leatherman multi-tool were the only items missing. Just sucks that someone went through our car. We live on 37th between Alaska and Edmunds. Thought we should share in case others had a similar experience last night.

CAR PROWL #2: From Meghan:

Just wanted to contact you guys to let you know our car was broken into (window shattered and appears that a crow bar was used to pry at the window) and they went through our glove compartment. Stole a phone charger and car adaptor. We believe it happened yesterday or early this morning on SW Edmunds/ California Ave.

CAR PROWL #3: From Judah:

This morning at 8am I discovered that my car had been broken into. The driver side door was wide open and the contents tossed about. The fusebox cover was also opened up so they may have been trying to steal it or disable the alarm. I filed an online report with SPD. The only thing of value taken was a small coin purse with less than $3 in it. I think that the incident must have taken place between midnight and 6 am, based on when we are active in the house. Our house is on 32nd Avenue SW, between Andover and Genesee. The car was parked in the driveway off the alley that runs between 32nd Avenue SW and Avalon Way.

CASE OF THE ABANDONED PANTS: FB sent the report and photo:

Found a pair of worn pants, guys flip flops, a spoon and the top of a medicine wrapper in my front yard this morning — doesn’t look like they fell out of a bag. On Alaska St between 45th and 46th.

Very creepy — so some guy (probably thin, judging by the size of the pants) was walking around with no pants and shoes in the neighborhood sometime this morning.

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch information – editor@westseattleblog.com if not urgent, 206-293-6302 if it is (after you’ve called 911, of course).

West Seattle weather: Another smoky sunset

DSC00424

Thanks to JayDee (above) and James Bratsanos (below) for the views of tonight’s sunset with smoke from the wildfires on the Olympic Peninsula.

20160825194731_IMG_4761

Here’s the (updated) latest fire information. As for the weather here in West Seattle – the National Weather Service‘s “heat advisory” remains in effect until 8 pm Friday; tomorrow’s high is expected to be in the low 90s again – today’s high of 91 degrees at Sea-Tac broke the record for this date, which was 87 degrees in 1982.

PHOTOS: Caspar Babypants closes out Summer Concerts at Hiawatha 2016

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_17
(Photos by Leda Costa for WSB, unless otherwise credited)

6:59 PM:My Flea Has Dogs” was the opening song for kindie-rock superstar Caspar Babypants at tonight’s season finale of the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, and lots of critter songs have followed – spiders, crabs, butterflies, bears …

Adoring fans are hopping and dancing all over the east lawn at Hiawatha, where it’s nice and shady, cooler than the 90-ish warmth out in the sunshine.

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_02

Before the show, Caspar B (who grownups also know as Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America) signed autographs and posed for a few pix;

IMG_5249
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

If you’re here, you’ll have a chance to buy CD’s post-show, too (“Away We Go” is a brand-new album, and “Winter Party” is due out this November), as well as art from wife and creative partner Kate Endle:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_39

Since this is the last Hiawatha show of the year, some shoutouts. First, Katy Walum, who was president of the ANA when Summer Concerts launched in the summer of 2009 and has continued to coordinate it each year since:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_76

This year’s gold sponsor, Metropolitan Market (also a longtime WSB sponsor), has a tent here with free brownie bites:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_28

We’ve been proud to be media sponsor every year since the start back in 2009. And the Associated Recreation Council of Hiawatha is a partner for the ANA in making this happen – they’re raising money with a concession stand over by the southeast corner of the center. The show’s on until 8 pm, so you have time to get here – more coverage to come!

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_43

8:03 PM: Last song just ended – though Mr. Babypants took a break for some of his riotous commentary, in this case telling the wee ones to understand that when they grow up and have homes and jobs of their own, they’re not going to be able to just take a nap in the afternoon any old time, so they should be sure to do that every day right now – “napping is a privilege, not a right” – and the parents all cheered.

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_73

If you missed tonight’s show or want to see/hear Caspar Babypants again – this Saturday morning at 10:30 am, he has a nonprofit-fundraiser show here in West Seattle, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Centerdetails here.

And Katy Walum has just told the crowd this is her last show after coordinating the concerts every season since the start – free shows that have drawn thousands, gathering on summer Thursday nights.

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_71

Want to get involved? The Admiral NA’s next meeting will be September 13th, 7 pm, at The Sanctuary at Admiral (42nd/Lander).

EARLY FRIDAY: Photos added, as promised, above and below, including Caspar B with fans post-show:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_83

And a remembrance of the golden sunshine on the edge of the lawn as tonight’s show started:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_32

Some concertgoers brought pets:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_34

Most simply brought their energy, enthusiasm, and wonder:

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_07

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_14

WestSeattleBlog_CasparBabypants_29

Thanks to everyone who’s come to, performed at, helped out at, etc. the Hiawatha concerts these eight seasons!

West Seattle food and drink: Ounces readying taproom/beer garden in North Delridge

ounces1
(WSB photos)

Laurel Trujillo‘s dream is coming true. She and husband Andrew Trujillo are converting 3809 Delridge Way SW into a taproom / beer garden space to be called Ounces.

You might remember the successful crowdfunding campaign. Maybe you even participated. Since then, they’ve secured a location and are giving it a complete overhaul, inside and out:

ounces2

It was previously the medical-marijuana dispensary Safe Access, and before that, a marble-and-tile business, with its history before that even including time as a service station.

ounces3

The interior space is cozy, with an ordering bar and a seating bar – but the exterior space is sprawling; it includes some parking, and even more room for the actual beer garden, about 3,000 square feet, which will also have room for games such as Cornhole and Jenga.

Which beers will Ounces offer? They’ll be focusing on Washington state beer, wine, and cider, Laurel says, no lineup yet – though they promise 30+ taps – but they’re doing lots of research. Other beverages will include nitro cold-brew coffee and kombucha on tap. Possibly even juice boxes, since this is going to be an all-ages, families-welcome space.

They’ll also be serving some food – deli-type sandwiches, charcuterie plates, snacks. And, she says, they won’t mind if you bring your own, or pick some up at nearby venues like Skylark.

The hours aren’t set yet, but they’re expecting to be open five days a week, with their grand opening likely in the first week of October, as they’re estimating about five more weeks of work.

AT LINCOLN PARK: North Play Area construction update; Saturday ‘tree walk’

Two Lincoln Park notes today:

IMG_6082

NORTH PLAY AREA UPDATE: We have an update today on construction of the North Play Area renovations. Seattle Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter tells WSB that the contractor is a week ahead of schedule and has finished demolition, poured the concrete curbs for the new play area, almost finished the grading work, and is rerouting an electrical line. By this weekend, she adds, “The new picnic seating area will be open and ready for use by this coming weekend.” Next week, you won’t see work at the site, because they’ll be waiting for the new play equipment, with delivery expected in early September. After receiving the aforementioned updates, we asked about one other part of the project:

IMG_6087

That’s the framework for the new “cable ride” northwest of the play area. It is a kid-sized “zipline,” no trees involved. P.S. You can find more project info here, including notes from the planning meetings last fall and winter.

SATURDAY TREE WALK: In case you haven’t already seen the listing for this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – the city’s reLeaf program is reminding you that this Saturday, you’re invited to go along for a free guided walk to learn about the park’s trees. Meet by 10 am at the information kiosk along the north parking lot (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

Reunion season continues: West Seattle High School Class of 1981

August 25, 2016 1:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Reunion season continues: West Seattle High School Class of 1981
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Summer’s not over and reunion season isn’t, either. Just out of the WSB inbox, from Alison:

West Seattle High School, Class of 1981, is having an informal reunion on Saturday, August 27th, starting at 7 pm.

We will be gathering at “The Point,” 435 SW 152nd St in Burien. Come share your memories and reconnect with old friends. See you there!

ADMIRAL BIZNOTES: ‘Mommy Matinees’; Kosara; White Crane Wellness

IMG_5994

BRINGING BABY TO THE MOVIE! While it’s billed as being for “mommies,” the new Friday morning events at the historic Admiral Theater are really for anyone with a very young baby in tow. The Admiral recently launched 10 am Friday showings described as “first-run matinees for parents, nannies, grandparents and caregivers. The sound will be turned down and you’re welcome to bring a stroller, feed your baby, let your baby fuss, cry or coo, and no one will mind! Please note these movies are our regularly featured movies. Children age five and under are free. Adult tickets are matinee-priced.” The movies are first-run films already on the theater’s schedule, so this week’s movies – tomorrow (August 26th) at 10 am – are Florence Foster Jenkins” and “War Dogs.”

KOSARA ON THE WAY TO ADMIRAL: Across the street from the theater, you might have noticed the liquor-license posting for Kosara at the former Zatz Bagels, which closed in June 2015 at 2348 California SW – we’ve received more than a few questions about it. We noticed it too and have been trying to get more information; the license application includes a familiar name, Plamen Stoyanov, already a West Seattle restaurateur (Amante, Huddle), but when reached for comment, he told WSB he’s not yet ready to go public with the plan. So all we know is that the license being sought is for a restaurant with beer and wine.

WHITE CRANE WELLNESS MERGES WITH WEST SEATTLE WELLNESS: In South Admiral, White Crane Wellness (3435 California SW) has been acquired by West Seattle Wellness, and remains open for what its new ownership describes as “alternative health care services such as, but not limited to, acupuncture, massage, energy work, physical therapy, counseling, organic skin care, and more.” You’re invited to an open house at White Crane on Saturday, October 1st, 1-4 pm.

West Seattle Thursday: Caspar Babypants @ Hiawatha; swap meet @ Youngstown; more!

28369057544_5e992b4fdd_z
(Dahlia photographed by Yel0Rose – from the West Seattle Blog Flickr group)

Highlights for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday, from our Event Calendar:

SWAP MEET: 3-5 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Across The Bridge invites you to a swap meet. Kim Schwarzkopf explains:

Across the Bridge started as a youth mentoring program around the work opportunities in film, music and the creative industry. We were originally funded in 2014 by a Community Matching Grant through the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. Unfortunately, that grant disappeared and we couldn’t find any funding for this year’s program. We have formed such a solid and dedicated crew that we decided to go forward anyway and self-funded a space at Youngstown and organized 6 field trips across the bridge to arts-based organizations throughout Seattle.

We are a 100% grassroots community-based organization. We are committed to racial equity and non-violence. We believe that peace is possible and we can help #IncreasethePeace in our selves, our families and our communities.

Our Swap Meet for Peace party is a way to bring community members together to have fun, connect, and share some time and stories. We believe that sharing stories is a good way to increase empathy and understanding for each other. Bring an item or two of good value that you are ready to pass on and hopefully find something that you are excited about!

Free to join! We’ll gratefully accept any donations that will go towards mentoring young people in SouthWest and SouthEast Seattle.

(4408 Delridge Way SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY COOP FARMSTAND: 4-7 pm, fresh produce on sale! Support, and meet volunteers working on, the Delridge Grocery project. (Delridge Way/Puget Boulevard)

CASPAR BABYPANTS AT SUMMER CONCERTS @ HIAWATHA: 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center, this is it! Caspar Babypants performs at the season finale of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with community sponsors including WSB. Free – bring your own chair/blanket, bring your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers … and have a great time. (Walnut/Lander)

INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW DAY: This is actually a multi-day live-music event at The Skylark, and this is Day 1. 7 pm start, tickets $10/door. Details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MORE, MORE, MORE … on our complete calendar.

Will you ‘Be There’ for West Seattle Elementary’s first-day-of-school rally?

seattlepubschoolsphoto
(West Seattle Elementary School – photo via seattleschools.org)

Just announced by the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor):

The community is invited to attend the first annual Be There Rally at West Seattle Elementary on Wednesday, September 7, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. The school, in partnership with the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA, is rolling out the red carpet and asking community leaders, school supporters, family and friends to line up to cheer, clap and high-five students as they enter into the new school year.

The West Seattle Elementary Be There Rally draws inspiration from an event held in Hartford, Connecticut where over 100 Black men in suits got together to greet and encourage children on the first day of school. They did it because they wanted to show children of color positive images of Black people in their community instead of the negative and damaging images commonly portrayed in the media. That event sparked a couple of Seattle Public Schools to keep that momentum going. From the Seattle High Five held at Leschi Elementary last August, to the over 200 Black men at South Shore PK-8 in February, the goals at West Seattle Elementary are the same.

The Be There Rally will be following these blueprints but with a slight change. Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Leaders are calling for 100 men to support those who may not have a male role model by volunteering at the Be There Rally.

After careful consideration and speaking with the members of the High Point community, leaders decided to adjust to fit the needs of the neighborhood by also calling for 100 women. It is imperative that girls also have the opportunity to see successful women who they can identify with.

In an effort to dispel myths, breakdown stereotypes and change the narrative that surrounds West Seattle Elementary, please come dressed for success. The purpose of the dress attire is to allow students to see mirror images of themselves and combat any internalized biases damaging to themselves. This event will also serve as the official kick-off for a new initiative that will be followed by a clothing drive. The “Classic Men & Ladies of West Seattle Elementary” is an empowerment program to instill hope, purpose, self-pride and a love for themselves and our community. West Seattle Elementary will be collecting youth dress shirts, ties, pants, skirts and blouses to be worn once a week for our meetings.

The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA is sponsoring the rally in partnership with West Seattle Elementary. Although the event is aimed to represent the demographics of the school, all people regardless of ethnic identification are encouraged to come. West Seattle Elementary’s collaborative school motto for the 2016/2017 school year is “Whatever it takes for each and every kid!”

Your presence at the school on the first day will support efforts to build valuable partnerships with families and members of the community to support student learning and positive academic outcomes.

To confirm your attendance or for more information, please contact Jeremy Smith, Director of Leadership Development at (206) 331-1799 or via email at Jeremysmith@seattleymca.org.

West Seattle development: 4801 Fauntleroy Way approval; 2222 SW Barton Design Review reminder

Two West Seattle items of interest in today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin, both on projects we’ve been covering here for months:

4801
(4801 Fauntleroy Way rendering by David Foster Architects)

4801 FAUNTLEROY WAY APPROVAL: Land Use Permit approval has been granted for this mixed-use building with 52 apartments, including finalization of the Design Review approval reported here last February. It will be built on the southwest corner of Fauntleroy/Edmunds (across from The Whittaker and kitty-corner from the proposal on the ex-pawn shop site). Here’s the full decision; if you are interested in appealing it, a two-week period is now open, and the bulletin notice includes a link explaining how to do that. (The site, it should be noted, remains listed for sale.)

2222 SW BARTON DESIGN REVIEW: We brought you first word back on August 3rd that this 80-unit apartment building near Westwood Village had a September 15th date set for its first Southwest Design Review Board meeting. And indeed, that is what is formally announced in today’s bulletin. The meeting three weeks from tonight is at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building in The Junction; it is the Early Design Guidance phase, and its scope is explained in today’s notice.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Last Thursday in August; weekend reminders, including 99 lane closures

(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)

6:41 AM: Just checked around, and it’s incident-free again in/from West Seattle, on this last Thursday in August.

ROAD-WORK REMINDERS: Fauntleroy/Endolyne Triangle, plus lower Spokane Street east of the low bridge.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Seahawks are home vs. Dallas, 7 pm.

WEEKEND AHEAD: Alki/Harbor road closure for Alki Beach 5K at 9 am Sunday; no road closures but the north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) will be busy for the West Seattle Car Show 10 am-3 pm Saturday (20+ trophy categories, and same-day signups starting at 8).

7:47 AM – TRANSIT CANCELLATION: Just announced, after-the-fact, via Twitter and text:

7:58 AM: And that was followed by this:

We did, by the way, get Metro’s response to our inquiry about last week’s cancellations. From spokesperson Scott Gutierrez:

Every effort is made to avoid having to cancel service — up until the moment a bus is scheduled to start its trip. We regret when any service is canceled, and we appreciate our customers’ patience.

Metro continues to ramp up hiring and training of new bus drivers. Right now we have a new class of trainees starting every two weeks, and each class is at or close to capacity (24 trainees). Through the fall, we hope to see significant reductions in cancellations as we continue toward our hiring goals.

While we have added service and are hiring more drivers to fulfill that service, we’ve also seen higher-than-expected attrition this year due to retirements. A strong local economy has made hiring very competitive. And the training process for new drivers takes about 5 weeks. To help meet service needs, we actively deploy standby operators when available and assign drivers who have completed trips.

Metro also is investing a great deal of effort into training our drivers to ensure they provide the best possible service. Anyone interested in applying to become a Metro bus driver can find information on our website – Or email josh.isgur@kingcounty.gov.

8:02 AM: And still on that topic, this was texted/tweeted a moment ago:

ADDED 9:13 AM: One more note – via e-mail, from WSDOT, in case you’re planning to drive 99 north of downtown this weekend:

Washington State Department of Transportation bridge maintenance crews will close two lanes of traffic to conduct a routine inspection of the (Aurora Bridge) on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Closure details

· Saturday, Aug. 27 – Two northbound lanes across the Aurora Bridge will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. One northbound lane will remain open to traffic. All southbound lanes will be open.

· Sunday, Aug. 28 – Two southbound lanes across the Aurora Bridge will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. One southbound lane will remain open to traffic. All northbound lanes will be open.

11 AM: Went down to check on the Fauntleroy/Endolyne work. The painted curb bulb – color chosen in community discussions – is now drying at Brace Point/Wildwood:

paintedcurbbulb

Work was expected to take about a week so should be done by early next week.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Car-prowl suspect Jared Barden released from jail

The car-prowl arrested at Lincoln Park after a helicopter-assisted police search on Tuesday just got out of jail tonight.

Suspect caught in Lincoln Park
(Tuesday photo via Steve Shelton Images)

He’s at left in the photo above, 31-year-old Jared M. Barden. We are identifying him because he is already charged; while felony cases take a few days to get to that point, Barden was charged in this case with misdemeanors, and has already been arraigned in Seattle Municipal Court. Online files show he pleaded not guilty to vehicle prowling and property destruction. We don’t yet have the details of exactly what happened before he is reported to have bolted from the 7000 block of California Avenue SW yesterday to north Lincoln Park, but we know a Municipal Court judge allowed him to go free on personal recognizance, despite his record and the fact he has a new felony case pending in a different incident.

The King County Jail Register shows this is the third time Barden has been in jail in the past four weeks – one day each time. He was charged less than two weeks ago in connection with a case in Burien in which he is accused of breaking into a house and trying to steal a car. The charging documents in that case note that while prosecutors requested Barden’s bail be set at $25,000, the judge let him go free on his own recognizance. Those documents also listed his “last known address” as a house near Lincoln Park. It’s several blocks away from the scene of the crime involved in his most recent felony conviction, an August 2014 burglary in the 8600 block of 46th SW. In June of last year, he was sentenced to 22 months in prison, with credit for time served. Charging documents in that case said he had had 30 arrest warrants since 2003, and convictions on charges including robbery, stolen property, and drug crimes. At the time of the 2014 arrest, his last known address was in Bremerton.

Back to the case from yesterday – Barden is due back in Municipal Court on October 3rd.

West Seattle weather: ‘Heat advisory’ for Thursday, Friday

14089422_1303544666352802_1590675270_n
(Smoke visible over the Olympics this afternoon – photo by Robyn Fritz)

7:46 PM: The weather these next few days isn’t going to make things any better for the fires on the Olympic Peninsula, and unless you love hot weather, it won’t be that pleasant down here either. The National Weather Service has a “heat advisory” in effect for noon Thursday through 8 pm Friday, and is expecting high temperatures the next two days might reach into the low 90s.

IMG_2109

8:29 PM: Thanks to John Dexter for the photo from North Admiral, showing what the smoke plume looked like at sunset.

West Seattle schools: Chief Sealth IHS seeking host(s) for visiting teacher

August 24, 2016 7:15 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Chief Sealth IHS seeking host(s) for visiting teacher
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two weeks until the first day of Seattle Public Schools classes. Tonight, a community request from Chief Sealth International High School:

Chief Sealth International High School has the opportunity to host a male guest teacher from China for the 2016-2017 academic year. The guest teacher will spend a full year working with students in Chinese classes. He will bring with him traditional, contemporary and innovative instructional strategies practiced in China as well as ideas to contribute to students and families. CSIHS is excited to welcome him to our school.

Host families will enjoy a unique cultural experience, fun and exciting for both kids and adults! Host families are only asked to provide room and board. Transportation costs, insurance and general expenses are paid for by SPS or the sister school in China. To allow our guest to have maximum exposure to life in America, host families can co-host with other families. Possible share times are:

· September- December
· January-March
· April-June
· Or all year!

Thanks for considering this opportunity to host a guest teacher by offering him a place in your home; this can be a great experience for practicing the language and learning about another culture. This is an excellent opportunity for both the guest teachers and families.

Please contact us at 206-252-8550, with any questions about the program or about being a host family.

ONE MONTH AWAY! Fauntleroy Church ‘Recycle Roundup’

August 24, 2016 4:30 pm
|    Comments Off on ONE MONTH AWAY! Fauntleroy Church ‘Recycle Roundup’
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

This is your early reminder: Start collecting your recyclables for the fall edition of the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup. It’s a month away – 9 am-3 pm Sunday, September 25th. Courtesy of Judy Pickens, we have the latest list of which items they will and won’t be able to accept. If you haven’t participated before, it’s a free drive-up/ride-up/walk-up event in the church parking lot at 9140 California SW.

Soon to sail past West Seattle: Tall ship Lady Washington

3:14 PM: For everyone who appreciates a heads-up on offshore sightings: Our friends at Argosy Cruises just pointed out that the tall ship Lady Washington is headed this way. MarineTraffic.com shows it off Normandy Park right now, headed north at about 6 knots. It’s on its way to Kirkland for tours this weekend after a stint in Tacoma.