West Seattle, Washington

24 Wednesday

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month : 09/2016 302 results

3 more home games until West Seattle-residing Sounders FC veteran Zach Scott retires
September 17, 2016 8:39 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

(WSB photo: Zach Scott signing autographs at 2011 Lafayette Elementary playground celebration)

After the Seattle Sounders FC‘s 1-0 win over Vancouver at CenturyLink Field today, fans have three more regular-season chances to cheer for the West Seattle-residing player who has announced this is his last season. 36-year-old Zach Scott plans to retire after what the team describes as “a distinguished 15-year professional career in Seattle at the USL and MLS levels, making 347 all-time appearances in a Sounders uniform, including the last eight seasons in MLS.” Scott “won seven trophies throughout his time in Seattle, including two USL league titles, four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups and the 2014 Supporters’ Shield.” In addition, the club notes that Scott “is one of three remaining original players from Sounders FC’s expansion season in 2009, and he ranks fifth in club history with 116 career regular-season appearances, starting 91.”

Scott grew up in Hawai’i and lives in West Seattle with his wife Alana and their three children. When not on the field, he’s given a lot of his time to community involvement – some of which is chronicled in WSB coverage archives, like his visits to the West Seattle Cup community soccer event in June 2014:

(June 2014 photo contributed by Steph – that’s her son Zach Arthur with Zach Scott at the West Seattle Cup)

The Sounders announcement of Scott’s upcoming retirement quotes him as saying, “The time has come for me to turn the page on my soccer career and start a new chapter of my life. When I signed with the USL Sounders in 2002, I never imagined that I would have a professional career that lasted 15 years, and it’s been a rare blessing to have played in the same city the entire time. That said, I have much more to offer in this life and I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next. … It’s unlike me to draw individual attention to myself, and my focus for the rest of the season remains on helping my teammates and this club get to the playoffs. However, my family and I owe so much to the overall Seattle community and the organization, so we wanted to share these final weeks with everyone. I wouldn’t have wanted my career to go any other way and I couldn’t have picked a better place for us to put down roots as a family.”

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(Sounders file photo of Zach Scott, by Corky Trewin, used with permission)

The Sounders’ schedule for the rest of the season is here; the three home games are two Wednesdays (7:30 pm), September 28th vs. Chicago and October 12th vs. Houston, and one Sunday (1 pm), October 23rd vs. Salt Lake.

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FOLLOWUP: Speed-bump preps on Beach Drive SW by Constellation Park
September 17, 2016 7:51 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

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If you missed it in our coverage of City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s update at this week’s 34th District Democrats meeting – three speed bumps are going in on Beach Drive along Constellation Park, in hopes of deterring late-night racing and other speeding. Herbold also wrote about it in her newest online update (which addresses other topics of interest, too). Then while out checking on the wind and waves just before tonight’s sunset, we noticed the three spots marked up on the street along the straightaway between the stormwater-treatment plant and the intersection with 63rd SW.

Neighbors have been working a long time for this – back in March, we reported on their visit to the Southwest District Council seeking support for a grant application to fund the speed bumps, which are already in place on another straightaway stretch of Beach Drive, south of Jacobsen.

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West Seattle weather: Wayward sailboat?
September 17, 2016 6:19 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

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6:19 PM: Though it’s been windier today than we’ve seen in a while, we haven’t had any reports of trees downed or other trouble on the peninsula – but someone just texted the photo above to report that a sailboat appears to be on its way to grounding on Lincoln Park’s north shore. Just in case it’s yours – or you know whose it is – we’re sharing the photo. They say the one in the background doesn’t seem to be dragging its anchor, just the one in the foreground.

9 PM UPDATE: The original texter says no one’s come for the boat yet and it’s headed for the rocks.

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Fall arrives Thursday: Celebrate with Alice Enevoldsen’s 30th sunset watch!
September 17, 2016 2:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Fall arrives Thursday: Celebrate with Alice Enevoldsen’s 30th sunset watch!
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from fall equinox sunset watch in 2014)

Doesn’t quite feel like it today but – it’s the last weekend of summer. Fall arrives at 7:21 am our time on Thursday and about 10 hours later, you’re invited to celebrate it with West Seattle’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen – her 30th seasonal (both solstices and both equinoxes, every year) sunset watch! She suggests you arrive at Solstice Park around 6:35 pm – the sun will be dropping behind the Olympic Mountains around 6:55, whether it’s visible or not, and as Alice says, “I’ll be there even if it is cloudy because sometimes the Sun peeks through just as it begins to set, but if it is driving rain or a thunderstorm I’m staying home with some tea!” All ages welcome – Alice and husband Jason Gift Enevoldsen have two young children, including a one-month-old baby, and her interactive solar-system lessons tend to hold the attention of all. (Here’s the full listing in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar; as for the forecast, doesn’t look like rain.)

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Be a life-saver: Help WestSide Baby get car seats to more kids who need them!
September 17, 2016 12:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Be a life-saver: Help WestSide Baby get car seats to more kids who need them!
 |   How to help | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: Stack of donated car seats from past WS Baby drive)

Tomorrow is the first day of Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week. Even if you don’t have a young child in your family – it’s important because of how you can help someone who does. Local nonprofit WestSide Baby, which helps families in need with essentials such as car seats and diapers, explains how:

To mark Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week (September 18-24), local nonprofit WestSide Baby is asking the public to help keep more kids safe by helping to purchase child car seats for families who cannot afford them.

The leading cause of death for children aged 0-13 is car accidents, and many car injuries and even death can be prevented with a correctly sized and fitted car seat for a child. Car seats, however, can cost upward of $100 and be yet another unmanageable amount for low-income families. Last year WestSide Baby was only able to fill 47% of requests for car seats received from families in need.

There are several actions that you can take in order to help raise funds or collect car seats which WestSide Baby will distribute via more than 120 social service partners and agencies to families who need them.

First, you can attend the WestSide Baby Cocktail Benefit: Fall Masquerade, on September 23rd (next Friday) at Emerald City Trapeze. This fundraiser is shaping up to be a fun filled night with cocktail from local bars The Bridge, The Point, and West 5, music from DJ Kevin Olsen, magic, entertainment, and philanthropic inspiration. Tickets are available online – $45 for an individual. The event is 21+.

If cocktails aren’t your thing, then how about hosting a “virtual car-seat drive”? WestSide Baby are providing template posts and graphics for anyone who would like to spend the week gathering their online networks to purchase car seats through WestSide Baby’s Amazon wishlist. More information is available here.

It is also possible to donate lightly used car seats directly. Seats must be less than 6 years old and not have been previously recalled. For more information and donation sites, please go here.

One more thing you can do – if you do have one or more kids under 12 in your family, make sure you’re following the safety recommendations.

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What’s up for your soggy Saturday in West Seattle & vicinity
September 17, 2016 7:29 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(California [Western] Scrub Jay – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Good morning and welcome to a (so far) rainy Saturday. Much (but not all) of what’s up today/tonight is happening indoors, so don’t let the rain keep you home! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: All-you-can-eat pancakes at the West Seattle Lions Club‘s annual benefit to help people with vision and hearing challenges. At the Senior Center of West Seattle, 8-11 am; more info in our calendar listing. (SW Oregon/California SW)

SECOND-TIME SALE: Big selection, big bargains at Fauntleroy Church‘s big annual sale, 9 am-4 pm. (9140 California SW)

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY: Put on your rain gear and help clean up West Seattle’s shoreline. The organized cleanup has three starting points at 9:30 am – even if you didn’t pre-register, just show up and help. (Seacrest Park, Alki Bathhouse, Constellation Park)

DEMYSTIFYING MENTAL ILLNESS: Two informational sessions at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center – you’re welcome to participate in one or both, 10 am and 12:30 pm. (34th SW/SW Myrtle)

PARK(ing) DAY CONTINUES: 10 am-6 pm, this year’s PARK(ing) Day around the city has a bonus day. West Seattle’s one and only temporary parklet is outside Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village. (Photo added 1:03 pm – Rocky and Wyatt’s co-proprietor Kirk enjoying the park despite the weather – go play some Ladderball!)

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(2800 SW Barton)

FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE AND FIESTA: South Park’s annual celebration includes an awesome parade that starts near 10th S. and S. Henderson, heads east on S. Henderson to 14th Ave. S., and on north along 14th S. to Cloverdale and to the SP Community Center, where the parade ends and the fiesta begins. More in our calendar listing.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE: Leslie Harris, who represents West Seattle and South Park on the Seattle School Board, has her next community-conversation meeting 3-4:30 pm at High Point Library – drop in when you can. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

LAMPLIGHTERS PIZZA PARTY: Music, food, art to raise money for organizations that help people experiencing homelessness. 4-11 pm at American Legion Post 160 Hall – see our calendar listing for music lineup and other info. All ages. (3618 SW Alaska)

RAT CITY RECON: Music festival in White Center, 6 pm-2 am, this year at Southgate Roller Rink. Lineup and other details in our calendar listing. 21+. (9646 17th SW)

SUNRISE HEIGHTS STREET DANCE: 6-10 pm on 29th SW – details in our calendar listing.

BILL DAVIE: Alternative-folk musician at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

THREE BANDS IN ADMIRAL: At Parliament Tavern, 9 pm, Jim Marcotte & The Breakthrough, Wynne C Blue, Clay Snyder. $5 cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THREE BANDS IN NORTH DELRIDGE: At The Skylark, 9 pm, Chris Mess, Dogstrum, Los Morries. $7 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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High-school football: West Seattle’s first loss
September 17, 2016 1:02 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: West Seattle’s first loss
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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(WSB photos. Above, West Seattle’s #8 Rico Saeturn and #18 Gabe Gagnon)

The Friday night lights shone a little brighter at Southwest Athletic Complex this time around – besides a media swarm for the anthem protest, the game had been voted KING5’s Big Game of the Week – but West Seattle High School would have preferred a different outcome: The Wildcats were defeated for the first time this year, as the visiting Garfield Bulldogs went home with a 52-9 win.

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Nate Pryor scored West Seattle’s only touchdown, on a pass from Gabe Gagnon, with a little over three minutes left in the first half. With it, the Wildcats went into halftime behind 24-9, and didn’t score in the second half.

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As the crowd departed post-game, rain started to fall. Next Friday at 7:45, West Seattle, now 2-1, is at Memorial Stadium downtown, against Ballard.

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High-school football: Seattle Lutheran’s first home game
September 16, 2016 11:49 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Seattle Lutheran’s first home game
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Neah Bay visited Seattle Lutheran tonight at West Seattle Stadium, the Saints’ first home game of the season. Neah Bay headed back north with the win, 70-32, and that has the Saints at 0-2. Next week SeaLu heads to Clallam Bay for a 6 pm game on Friday, September 23rd.

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High-school football: Overtime heartbreaker for Chief Sealth
September 16, 2016 11:38 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Overtime heartbreaker for Chief Sealth
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

In high-school football tonight: Chief Sealth International High School was on the road at Sammamish. As tweeted via @sealthathletics, the Seahawks led much of the way, ahead 20-14 at halftime. Regulation ended with the score tied at 34, but Sammamish managed to get the win in overtime, 40-34. Next Friday night at 7, Sealth – now 0-3 – is back home at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), facing Garfield (which beat WSHS there tonight, 52-9, story/photos to come).

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FOLLOWUP: Pigeon Point hate-crime victim says ‘positive response has been so much greater than negative’
September 16, 2016 8:27 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Bad things can happen to good people.

It’s true in the case of Stephanie Endres, a Pigeon Point resident and victim of a hate crime first reported here hours after it happened – a racist, threatening note left outside her home on July 26.

With one week to go until the September 24th Hate Free Delridge event – organized as a community response to the hate crime – we sought out Endres to find out how she is doing and what she has heard about whether the crime will be solved.

Endres, 30, is a homeless-outreach case manager with the Low Income Housing Institute, in addition to running her own nonprofit organization, Stephanie’s Lifeline, which also helps people experiencing homelessness. Add to that, she just obtained her master’s degree in nonprofit management, adding to her bachelor’s degree in social work. She’s a positive force to be reckoned with, who gives and gives and gives and gives. Not to mention, the mother of two mixed-race children, and the first person in her family to reach this level of higher education.

A Seattle native, Endres and her children, Terrina, 5, and Jameson, 4, live with her father in the house she grew up in. The day she came home from work and found the note, she said it was just lying on the porch. She thought it was trash. Read More

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High-school football: Garfield team, some West Seattle players protest during anthem before game @ SWAC
September 16, 2016 7:15 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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As mentioned in our daily event preview, Garfield High School football players told the South Seattle Emerald that they planned to kneel during the national anthem before tonight’s game with West Seattle High School, to protest racial oppression. The anthem has just been sung (by WSHS’s Kelsey Lenzie) here at Southwest Athletic Complex, and not only did Garfield’s players kneel, as shown in the top photo, so did several WSHS players, while the Garfield cheer squad sat (photo below).

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The game is now underway and we will report on it separately later.

ADDED: Garfield coaches, from our photographer on the field.

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SATURDAY: Second-Time Sale in Fauntleroy
September 16, 2016 6:03 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: Second-Time Sale in Fauntleroy
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

One of this weekend’s big events is for people who love to shop. The photo and reminder are from Judy Pickens:

Above, Janie Menaul wrestles a floor lamp into shape to check that it’s complete and working. She and a host of other volunteers are preparing for the 22nd annual 2nd Time Sale this weekend at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), and it promises to be one of the biggest ever. Saturday 9 am – 4 pm with a bake sale and free delivery of large items; Sunday 11:30 am – 2 pm. Cash or check only for thousands of clean, culled, and organized bargains.

Judy adds that the church is currently “hiring a building and grounds custodian to handle routine maintenance and support such special events” – details are here.

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FOLLOWUP: Southbound 35th/Avalon RapidRide stop returns
September 16, 2016 4:50 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

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For those who have been asking when the RapidRide stop on southbound 35th just south of Avalon would move back to its permanent site … it’s back. Don’t know if it’s been back for hours or days, but Eddie tipped us this afternoon, so we drove by for a photo. We had most recently checked with Metro in July, and – as we wrote here – they expected it to return in August, so it was a little behind schedule, but it’s there now. During the construction of mixed-use Aura, the stop had moved about a block south.

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SATURDAY: West Seattle events to demystify mental illness
September 16, 2016 3:25 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: West Seattle events to demystify mental illness
 |   Health | West Seattle news

If you haven’t already seen this announcement in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, we’re spotlighting it now since tomorrow’s daily preview will likely be too late:

MENTAL HEALTH 101 AND COMPANIONSHIP: DEMYSTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH AND REMOVING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Life, Justice, and Peace Commission invites you to one or both of these great events on Saturday, September 17 in the Walmesley Center (7000 35th Ave SW).

Mental Health 101 (10-11:30 am) will focus on fostering a deeper understanding of common mental illnesses, what they look like, how they develop and tips for relating to the people who live with them. We will discuss strategies for families and other caregivers to support the mental health of themselves and others.

Companionship Training (12:30 pm-3 pm) will introduce the five practices of Companionship: hospitality, neighboring, sharing the journey side-by-side, listening and accompaniment. Once completed, you will have tools to listen consciously, with openness and awareness, to enable at least a momentary reprieve, and to encourage a strengthening for the journey ahead.

$10 suggested fee per class or $15 for the whole day.

Information: Jennifer Ibach at jibach@olgseattle.org or 206-935-0358 x.120. Please be sure to bring a lunch if you’re staying for the day.

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UPDATE: Helicopter helps police search after burglary report near Fauntleroy Park
September 16, 2016 2:02 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

2:02 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re hearing Guardian One too. The helicopter showed up concurrent with a report of a possible burglary near Fauntleroy Park – we’re checking to find out more.

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2:09 PM: Police are in the 4000 block of SW Barton, for what we still believe, so far, is a possible burglary investigation. That abuts the Fauntleroy Park greenbelt, on which they are focusing as well.

2:24 PM: Police are now searching the house that was the subject of the burglary report – our photographer reports that the residents came home and let them in. Fauntleroy has had an uptick in burglaries recently, as mentioned in our coverage of the Fauntleroy Community Association meeting this past Tuesday; we reported on a break-in near Lincoln Park just yesterday.

2:35 PM: No word of an arrest yet. But a sighting that *might* (or might not) have been related – someone who told us about hearing the burglary alarm said they saw several people jump into a “black Acura” near Fauntleroy Church – we know police have that tip as well, as it’s been mentioned over the air.

2:37 PM: Our photographer is back with this image of police when they were outside the house with guns drawn about 20 minutes ago, before determining whether anyone was still inside:

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West Seattle development: Site clearing starts at 14-house 3601 Fauntleroy Avenue project
September 16, 2016 1:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

We’ve received a couple questions about this site-clearing work underway in southeast Admiral.

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It’s the site of the 14-house 3601 Fauntleroy Avenue SW [map] development. As we reported in August of last year, development proposals have been in the works for this site for at least nine years – in 2007, it was proposed for 21 houses, and then the plan resurfaced last year with 14 houses. After it received key approvals this past May, neighbors filed an appeal, then withdrew it following a settlement with the developer last month. The arborist report filed with the city says that the only “exceptional trees” on the site are four madrones in the “east steep slope buffer” that are not expected to be affected by the construction project; the report says the rest of the ~100 trees “in general” are “structurally weak … diseased … smothered in invasive species.” If you’re following the permit on this project, you’ll see here that the 14 houses will have addresses on SW Spokane.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Couple attacked, robbed at California/Andover; car stolen from supermarket lot
September 16, 2016 11:43 am
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STREET ROBBERY NEAR CALIFORNIA/ANDOVER: We’ve just obtained the Seattle Police report on this incident that happened just before 11:30 last night. It says a woman who had just gotten off work in The Junction was walking home with her boyfriend, northbound in the 4000 block of California SW (near Andover), when four men “approached them from behind.” One man asked the woman what time it was; when she started to pull out her phone to look, the man showed a “small black handgun” and said “Give me all your stuff.” She said the men then pushed her to the ground “and punched her several times … she covered her face to keep her glasses from breaking.” Her purse, meantime, was on the ground, with its contents scattered, the report says, and the attackers/robbers went through the items, stealing $30, before running away southbound, possibly because two people had just pulled up in a car. Police arrived at the scene, where they found the female victim, who said her boyfriend also had been assaulted and then chased after the robbers/attackers. SFD was called to check out their injuries. The victims said that because it was dark, they didn’t get a good look at the attackers/robbers, but they and the two people who had pulled up in a car told police the four appeared to be black men in their 20s, “average build,” wearing dark sweatshirts “with the hoods pulled up.” Police brought a K-9 in to help search, but didn’t find anyone.

CAR STOLEN FROM SUPERMARKET LOT: A brazen car theft this morning – while Kelly stopped for coffee, bagel, and a work call at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, someone stole her car, a green Honda CR-V, plate AQK4300, taken around 9:20 am from the south side of the parking lot: “The car had very special fishing poles that mean a lot to our family.” They’re in the process of filing the police report now; call 911 if you see the car.

P.S. The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings next Tuesday (September 20th) at the Southwest Precinct, 7 pm, with crime-trend updates from police and a chance for you to bring up community crime/safety concerns.

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West Seattle Friday: WestFest, YMCA Kids Zone, high-school football, more…
September 16, 2016 10:55 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: WestFest, YMCA Kids Zone, high-school football, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Robert Spears)

Friday’s here, and so are the highlights for the next 12 hours or so:

PARKing DAY AT WYATT’S: It’s PARKing Day around the city, with dozens of businesses/groups setting up temporary parklets in parking spaces (here’s the map) today and tomorrow. In West Seattle, this year’s one and only participant is Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village, until 6 pm today and 10-6 tomorrow. (2800 SW Barton)

YMCA’S KIDS ZONE OPENS: 4-8 pm, you’re welcome to come to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), whether or not you’re a member, as the new Kids Zone opens. Details in our calendar listing; we published a Kids Zone sneak peek on Thursday. (36th SW/SW Snoqualmie)

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Doors open at Highland Park Improvement Club at 6 pm, with kids’ short at 6:15 pm and main feature at 7 pm – details in our calendar listing. Free, but bring $ for concessions! (12th SW/SW Holden)

WESTFEST: Holy Rosary School‘s annual fall festival starts tonight, 6-10 pm. Bouncy rides, food, bingo, more. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School is home against Garfield at 7 pm at SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), going for third win in a row. The South Seattle Emerald reports that Garfield players will kneel during the pregame national anthem to protest racial oppression … Seattle Lutheran High School is home at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) vs. Neah Bay at 6 pm … Chief Sealth International High School is on the road against Sammamish, also at 7 pm (100 140th SE).

‘A GRAND AFFAIR’: First-ever edition of this new cocktail-party benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank starts at 6 tonight at Westland Distillery in SODO. Contact WSFB ASAP to see if any tickets remain. (2931 1st Ave. S.)

LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT … see the listings on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

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Nelson Cruz hits home run in West Seattle launch of Boomstick23 Foundation, with gift for Chief Sealth IHS
September 16, 2016 8:50 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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One night after hitting a home run to help his team win its eighth straight, Mariners star Nelson Cruz was in West Seattle last night, going to bat for local students. An all-star list of attendees helped celebrate the launch of his Boomstick23 Foundation at The Sanctuary at Admiral. A big reason to launch it here – Cruz’s foundation is supporting Chief Sealth International High School, whose principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and athletic director Ernest Policarpio were at the launch.

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Fraser-Hammer accepted a check for $10,000 last night and “a promise to provide us with gear for our baseball team,” as she wrote in a message to the CSIHS community this morning, explaining:

… It has long been Nelson’s dream to start a foundation to support education. Both his parents were teachers and he often speaks of their strong commitment to education and to ensuring that all students graduate from high school. Nelson has always wanted to take up the charge to support education as a way to honor his parents and to give back to the community. In looking for a school to partner with, Nelson visited our school in the spring, where he met some of our students and learned a lot about our strengths and challenges. …

Others from the Mariners organization and extended family were there – including Edgar Martinez!

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The event at The Sanctuary also included a silent auction – with memorabilia like this:

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Donors/supporters on hand included Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village, showing the diamond “Boomstick” his business contributed:

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Others in attendance included King County Executive Dow Constantine and family:

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Mayor Ed Murray stopped by too. This isn’t the first philanthropic venture for Nelson Cruz – he is also involved with the community in his Dominican Republic hometown, Las Matas de Santa Cruz. Meantime, he and the M’s go for their ninth consecutive win tonight at Safeco Field, 7:10 pm vs. the Astros.

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On White Center Now: Shelter meeting video & as-it-happened coverage
September 16, 2016 8:40 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

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On our partner site White Center Now, we’re continuing our coverage of King County’s proposed 70-bed shelter in White Center, in the former Public Health building at 8th SW/SW 108th: We’ve added video this morning to last night’s as-it-happened report of a standing-room-only meeting led by county and Salvation Army officials. Many in the crowd screamed and shouted their opposition at multiple points in the meeting, vowing legal action to prevent the shelter from opening; it ran an hour longer than planned and ended with a promise of a second meeting. See comprehensive coverage on our partner site White Center Now.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates & alerts; 34th/Barton crash; weekend previews
September 16, 2016 6:52 am
|      4 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)

6:52 AM: As we start this morning’s traffic coverage, we’re getting word of a crash at 34th and Barton. A caller says a motorcycle rider is involved. We are heading over to check, but avoid that area.

6:56 AM: SDOT says Barton is blocked eastbound at the scene.

7:05 AM: Per scanner, police are also going to block Barton westbound, at 32nd SW. No word yet on injuries.

7:14 AM: And now police are reported to be reopening SW Barton.

7:30 AM: Our crew photographed the motorcycle, which has been uprighted.

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The rider had collided with the black car seen in the background of our photo and has been taken to Harborview Medical Center, but his injuries weren’t life-threatening, which is why the scene was reopened so quickly.

7:32 AM: On to what else is happening:

Today is PARKing Day, which expands to two days this year, in which businesses/organizations were invited to get permission to turn parking spaces into temporary mini-parks. The only one in West Seattle this year is at Westwood Village, alongside Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor). See the citywide map here.

CITYWIDE WEEKEND PREVIEW: Along with PARKing Day, the Mariners are at home starting tonight, the Sounders play at CenturyLink tomorrow, and in South Park, the Fiestas Patrias parade travels along 14th Avenue South starting at 11 am Saturday – here’s SDOT’s citywide weekend roundup.

8:33 AM: Via SDOT, a crash at 45th/Alaska – the SFD response, however, has already closed.

9:28 AM: Via scanner, report of a crash at 36th/Raymond, “car not drivable.”

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Pedestrian hurt near Avalon ramp to West Seattle Bridge
September 16, 2016 12:51 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanks for the tips – police and fire are in the Luna Park area investigating an incident that left a man unconscious and being rushed to the hospital. According to what we’re hearing via scanner, he’s about 50 years old and was on foot when hit by a car near the Avalon ramp to the bridge. If you’re heading out any time soon, avoid the area.

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2222 SW Barton apartments get green light for second Design Review phase
September 15, 2016 10:23 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news | Westwood

threeoptions
(The three ‘massing’ – size/shape – options proposed for 2222 SW Barton)

By Linda Ball
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

About 17 concerned citizens attended tonight’s Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the proposed apartment complex at 2222 SW Barton.

Architect Justin Kliewer, who is now with Cleave Architecture and Design, presented three different massing (size/shape) options for the complex, which will be situated on what Kliewer called a “tricky” triangular parcel of 15,500 square-feet, on a steep grade, currently home to a small apartment building. The area is a bit of a mix, with Westwood Village within a stone’s throw, and single-family houses to the east and south.

The idea of 70 to 80 units shoe-horned into the space was not warmly received by those present.

“I can hardly believe they can squeeze in 80 units, it’s absurd, massive, way too big for the site,” said a neighbor named Sebastian, who lives directly uphill from the site. He said it would be visible for eight to 10 blocks and become a “monolithic presence.”

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