month : 10/2016 308 results

ROAD-WORK ALERT: Closures, detours this weekend for Spokane St. project

It’s the third month of work on the lower Spokane Street Paving Project, and this weekend will bring closures and detours that SDOT and project managers want to warn you about early:

Westbound SW Spokane St at E Marginal Way and the off- ramps to Harbor Island from westbound West Seattle Freeway and from southbound SR99 will be closed this coming weekend beginning Friday evening, October 14, at 7 p.m. The roadway and off- ramps will be reopened Monday morning, October 17, by 5 a.m. The closures are needed in order to remove an abandoned RR track crossing and to perform full-depth pavement repairs on SW Spokane St.

• Motorists who are not in large trucks/commercial vehicles can detour by taking the high level West Seattle Bridge, using the Delridge Way exit, then taking the right onto Chelan Ave SW, another right onto SW Spokane St, and eastbound across the Duwamish (River) and back onto Harbor Island.

• Large trucks and commercial vehicles can take the “official signed” detour route because it is primarily intended for large trucks that are unable to use the detour described above. The signed detour will direct motorists to go south on East Marginal Way S, across the First Ave S Bridge. They will be directed to take the first exit after the bridge, looping them back onto northbound 2nd Ave S, and onto W Marginal Way SW. After passing underneath the West Seattle Bridge, they will be directed to take a left turn onto SW Spokane St, which will take them eastbound back across the Duwamish West Waterway and onto Harbor Island.

• Eastbound through traffic on SW Spokane St is advised to use alternate routes into Seattle. Eastbound SW Spokane St will be closed at 11th Ave, where motorists will be detoured up onto Harbor Island in order to turn around and continue eastbound via SW Klickitat Way and SW Manning St.

The pavement repairs are part of the SDOT project currently repaving SW Spokane St from SW Klickitat Way to East Marginal Way S.

Seen at sea: USNS Wally Schirra; Hanjin Marine, and one on the way

October 11, 2016 1:55 pm
|    Comments Off on Seen at sea: USNS Wally Schirra; Hanjin Marine, and one on the way
 |   Port of Seattle | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Two vessel-traffic notes:

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USNS WALLY SCHIRRA: Thanks to Greg for sending that photo, right after we spotted the USNS Wally Schirra passing West Seattle, as shown on MarineTraffic.com. It appeared to be headed for the Manchester Fuel Depot. The ship, named for the astronaut, is a cargo ship that’s part of the Military Sealift Command. The seven-year-old, 689-foot ship is homeported in San Diego.

We noticed that ship while researching part of this:

HANJIN UPDATE: A month and a half after the Hanjin bankruptcy filing, one Hanjin ship is anchored off Manchester, while another one is en route to pick up empty containers. The Hanjin Marine is visible from West Seattle if you look west of here, north of Blake Island. Meantime, this Thursday (October 13th), the Hanjin Seattle is scheduled to dock at Terminal 46 downtown, and, according to the Northwest Seaport Alliance, tentatively scheduled to load 1,000 empty containers. The Wall Street Journal reported today that T-46 is one of two West Coast docks – along with a pier in Long Beach, California – that is accepting empty Hanjin containers.

Wrong non-turn on Alki

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The traffic-island landscaping at 63rd and Alki is going to need some repairs after a driver got his car stuck atop it. A street sign got knocked down, too. Michael tipped us to the crash by sending the top photo; we went over just in time to see the car towed off the island:

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A Seattle Public Utilities “spill response” worker was there, as the car had lost some fluids that needed to be cleaned up. He didn’t know if police had investigated; the driver apparently was not hurt, as we learned belatedly that he had been there observing the tow. The landscaping was done in 2012 with Alki Community Council involvement.

West Seattle Tuesday: School boundaries, Admiral, & Fauntleroy meetings; more…

Four places where your presence could make a big difference tonight:

SCHOOL BOUNDARIES MEETING: 6:30 pm at Denny International Middle School, the final in a series of citywide meetings about Seattle Public Schools boundary changes. As explained in our recent preview, the only one proposed for our area is moving Sanislo Elementary back into the Denny/Sealth feeder zone, just a few years after it was moved into the Madison/WSHS zone. See the maps on page 18 of the meeting slide deck. (2601 SW Kenyon)

HOW TO GET FUNDED WITH SEATTLE PARK DISTRICT $: The voter-approved Seattle Park District levy has money for community-initiated projects/programs – tonight at 6:30 pm at Southwest Teen Life Center, learn how to apply for it. Details are in our calendar listing. (2801 SW Thistle)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, the FCA’s board meeting is open to the public. Note that this week’s hottest citywide topic is part of the heart of the agenda:

Fall Festival
Community Issues and Concerns – Officer Jon Flores
Fauntleroy Community Parking Subcommittee
City Council Proposal on Homeless Encampments
New Neighbor Bags
West Seattle Police Precinct Update – Lt Ron Smith
Ferry Update

(9131 California SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, ANA’s agenda highlights – detailed in our calendar listing – include Southwest Seattle Historical Society updates and the Westside Neighbors Network. (42nd SW/SW Lander)

ALSO ON THE WSB WEST SEATTLE EVENT CALENDAR: Three live-music venues, two karaoke venues, and a free family movie! Just browse the calendar here – open any listing by clicking the plus sign to see the preview, and then click “read more” to get the full listing, including a map.

Learn ‘Mental Health First Aid,’ free

While this is happening just outside West Seattle, it’s about a matter of life or death – mental health and suicide prevention – so we’re sharing the invitation. It’s from Zach Filer, a former West Seattle entrepreneur now with Northwest Strength and Performance in SODO. The next two weekends, you’re invited to get educated, via a free “Mental Health First Aid” course taught by Donna Dykstra:

This will be taking place October 15th and 23rd from 10 am-2 pm. The course is already up on Eventbrite and is capped at 25 participants. [Register here.] Donna is donating her time and the manuals for this course and the goal is to just get this information out to people who need it or may want be able to offer better peer support to others.

Here’s what Mental Health First Aid is all about:

Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First Aiders do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like, “What do I do?” and, “Where can someone find help?” Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors provide a list of community health-care providers and national resources, support groups and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support. All trainees receive a program manual to complement the course material.

Attendance is required on both days; bring your own lunch. It’s a step toward a monthly “LiveForward” support group they’re organizing, but it’s potentially life-saving information you can use in many situations. Questions? oldcountrystrong@gmail.com – NWSP is at 2920 1st Ave. S.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates & 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)

6:59 AM: No incidents in/from West Seattle so far.

7:39 AM: Still relatively quiet. Took a spin around the live video cameras – the eastbound low bridge looks a little more sluggish than usual.

8:17 AM: First problem of the morning. Thanks to Steve for the tip – a collision between a Microsoft Connector bus and a car. An SDOT camera shows them pulled over just past the 99 exit on the eastbound bridge. No SFD callout for this, so apparently no injuries.

8:55 AM: Not resolved yet – now the camera shows a second Connector bus pulled up alongside the one on the shoulder, and an SPD car at the scene:

8:58 AM: And both buses have left, leaving the car and an SPD motorcycle on the shoulder, for now.

3 WAYS TO HELP: The West Seattle Food Bank needs more than food

Three ways to help the West Seattle Food Bank – and the first one doesn’t even involve food!

NEEDED – BOOKS FOR LITTLE KIDS: WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino tells us that “the Bookcase Program is in dire need of Children’s Picture Books. We are all out! We accept donations Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm on the corner of 35th & Morgan. Last year, the Bookcase Program distributed 14,000 free children and adult books to encourage healthy reading habits from a young age.”

Now, two food drives involving nine local businesses:

SPRINGLINE APARTMENTS: Through the end of November, there’s a bin in the lobby of Springline Apartments (3220 California SW; WSB sponsor) where you can drop off food for WSFB, which is hoping for enough donations to fill 100 bags. Bring in your donation(s) during office hours, Mondays-Friday 9 am-7 pm and Saturdays-Sundays 9 am-6 pm.

PT CHALLENGE FOOD DRIVE: 8 local physical-therapy clinics are in the annual competition to see who can collect the most food and money for WSFB:

Sound Physical Therapy – 3823 Delridge Way SW
Life in Balance Physical Therapy & Pilates, LLC – 5410 California Ave. SW
Biojunction Sports Therapy – 3727 California Ave. SW
Southwest Hand Therapy – 4621 35th Ave. SW
Highline Physical Therapy – Jefferson Square
Kinetic Physical Therapy and West Seattle Pediatric Therapies – 4828 California Ave. SW
Therapeutic Associates West Seattle Physical Therapy – 4545 41st Ave. SW

Through the end of October, drop off donation(s) in the West Seattle Food Bank barrel at any of those clinics. Last year, the WSFB tells us, they collected 1,149 pounds of food and $163, and hope to beat that total this year!

P.S. The WS Food Bank’s “wish lists” can be found here.

Seattle Symphony returning to play ‘Side By Side’ with West Seattle Symphony Orchestra

October 10, 2016 8:03 pm
|    Comments Off on Seattle Symphony returning to play ‘Side By Side’ with West Seattle Symphony Orchestra
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

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(WSB photo: Musicians from West Seattle Symphony Orchestra @ last year’s joint concert with Seattle Symphony)

Yes, the Seattle Symphony is returning to West Seattle again this fall to perform with local musicians! The West Seattle Symphony Orchestra, part of the WS Community Orchestras organization, will perform “Side by Side” with the Seattle Symphony on October 20th, one week from Thursday, 7 pm in the auditorium at Chief Sealth International High School. According to the Seattle Symphony’s webpage for the concert, “Symphony Associate Conductor Pablo Rus Broseta will conduct both orchestras in Saint-Saëns’ lively Danse macabre.” Admission is free, no tickets required – just show up! (CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: New film chronicles the Duwamish Tribe’s recognition fight

On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Duwamish Tribe remains without federal recognition.

The tribe hasn’t given up the fight, and recently circulated a March 2016 document that is interpreted as giving them the right to appeal last year’s decision rejecting their longstanding bid for recognition (a challenge that Duwamish chair Cecile Hansen took directly to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell in West Seattle a few months later).

The Duwamish also are getting new attention via a documentary chronicling both their campaign for recognition and that of another Washington state tribe, the Chinook. It’s called “Promised Land,” and its second Seattle-area screening is coming up one week from tonight. The trailer is above; the screening is at 8 pm Monday, October 17th, as part of the Social Justice Film Festival, at the University of Washington – details here, including how to get tickets.

Closer to home, you can learn more about our area’s First People by visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W. Marginal Way SW) Mondays-Saturdays, 10 am-5 pm, free admission, donations accepted.

Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again. Here’s the message they’re sharing with you:

For more than 20 years, Again & Again has been known as “the kids’ thrift shop in The Junction” … but now we’re also “the kids’ shoe store.”

Kid Friendly Footwear is our shoe department, and it’s become the best children’s boot and shoe store this side of downtown.

We expertly outfit kids with fabulous, functional new footwear and gear for all seasons — and we’re still the place to go for baby carriers, resale, maternity, and great deals. Why cross the bridge? Shop local and step into brand new:

*Sandals, shoes, boots, & booties
*Footwear & gear for sun, rain & snow
*Quality brands like KEEN & BOGS
*Sizes from pre-walker to preteen
*Raincoats & rain pants by Hatley & more
*Swimwear & SPF gear year-round
*Earth-friendly leather-free choices and curated consignment help families live green from playpen to playground

Ready for a baby carrier? Come find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and comfort. Try on proven carriers, slings, and wraps from our collection of new and used, including preferred brands like Ergo, Lillebaby, and Beco.

Save money while saving the earth when you join us as a consignor. Trade in your freshly cleaned, useful things and shop gently used children’s clothing, shoes and toys, plus choice gear and maternity wear. Join us in supporting WestSide Baby and other services that help make our community friendlier for all families.

Open every day, come rain or come shine. Visit for fitting expertise, better brands, discounts and a kid-friendly atmosphere. Come see what’s new at Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again, where fun meets function in The Junction. Hours are Mondays-Saturdays 9 am-7 pm, Sundays 10 am-5 pm, 4832 California Ave. SW.

We thank Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle scene: Why state ferry M/V Kaleetan was under tow

October 10, 2016 1:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Why state ferry M/V Kaleetan was under tow
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

kaleetan

No, it wasn’t another state-ferry breakdown – Washington State Ferries has had some trouble recently, but the M/V Kaleetan‘s tow was NOT part of it. WSF tells WSB that the 49-year-old Kaleetan was towed to Vigor on Harbor Island for maintenance work that’s scheduled to last about a month. (It’s been on the fleet schedule for a while, too.) Thanks to Gary Jones (whose photo is above) and Lynn Hall for sending pics – we’re always up for checking into unusual sightings at sea, editor@westseattleblog.com or (if on your phone) text 206-293-6302.

Why High Point Pond is more like a wetland right now

High Point Pond – the size of a small lake – is more like a wetland, temporarily, after its first draining in two years.

pondlong

A concerned reader tipped us via e-mail, worried about the fish in the pond, so we went over to check it out, and then sought out information via the High Point Open Spaces Association, which maintains the pond as part of an agreement with Seattle Public Utilities. Community Association Manager Janell Gonyea explained:

The OSA grounds crew drains the pond periodically to inspect all of the components in the pond to determine if any maintenance is necessary. We check the inlet and outlet lines to make sure they are clear and we check the pond liner to see if it is exposed or not. We also check to see if there are invasive plant species that could alter or damage the pond liner. We check the emergency risers to make sure they are operating correctly and we inspect for sediment build up in the pond. We also inspect the re-circulation pump and will conduct routine maintenance on that.

The last time we drained the pond was in 2014 and at that time, everything was in good condition. We do not anticipate any problems with the pond at this time because it has been performing normally, but we do want to be proactive about examining the pond and its components to make sure that there is no maintenance needed. The fish will not be affected because there will be enough water left in the pond for the fish. The pond will begin refilling naturally. The weather report is calling for rain later this week, so the pond will begin filling with that rainfall and storm water.

Thanks also to the OSA’s Deborah Vandermar for pointing us to this info. The pond is part of the Natural Drainage Systems built into the High Point redevelopment a decade ago.

P.S. For a wider look at the drained pond, here’s our Instagram clip from this morning:

P.S. If you’re not familiar with the pond’s location – here’s a map.

YOUR MONEY: City Council continues budget review – SPD, SDOT, OPCD today

11:28 AM: While much of the City Council-focused talk right now deals with the proposal regarding where unsheltered people can camp (WSB coverage here), that’s mostly outside the scope of the biggest task with which councilmembers are dealing right now: Reviewing, and potentially changing, the mayor’s proposed 2017-2018 budget.

Today, two of the departments we cover most often, Police and Transportation, are bringing their overviews before the council’s Budget Committee. As we publish this at 11:15 am, SPD is up (watch live here). Here’s the overview document SPD provided the council:

Besides adding 72 officers in the next two years, the overview document also points out that SPD proposing something that will make a difference in our area – a fulltime Crime Prevention Coordinator for each precinct; right now, Southwest CPC Mark Solomon also serves the South Precinct, and he is one of two doing double duty.

At 2:30 pm today, the review includes SDOT. Here’s their overview, including the proposal to expand the controversial bike-share program:

You should also be able to view the afternoon meeting live via seattlechannel.org.

After SDOT, it moves to the Office of Planning and Community Development, whose overview you can download here (PDF). Its focus is on planning, like the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan, and possible community-planning projects, including, the document mentions, a possible project for “Westwood-Highland Park and the North Highline potential annexation area.” The document also asks a question that is related to the city’s apparent initiative to reduce use of the term “neighborhood,” asking, “Is the Council comfortable with a shift away from ‘neighborhood planning’ toward ‘community planning’?”

If there is anything you want to tell the council about adding to or taking out of the budget, let them know ASAP – according to the budget timeline that our area’s Councilmember Lisa Herbold shared, tomorrow (Tuesday) is the deadline for councilmembers to propose changes “for the first round of budget deliberations.” Her contact info, and that of the other eight councilmembers, can be found here.

12:20 PM UPDATE: The SPD review is over and it’s public-comment time.

2:57 PM UPDATE: The council just finished a short business meeting and will resume Budget Committee business with SDOT and OPCD shortly.

3:34 PM UPDATE: SDOT is up now.

West Seattle Monday: Roxhill PTSA, Pigeon Point NC, WS Tool Library Volunteer Night, more…

October 10, 2016 9:09 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: Roxhill PTSA, Pigeon Point NC, WS Tool Library Volunteer Night, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

gbh1016-02
(Great blue heron, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what you need to know about what’s happening (and NOT happening) today/tonight in West Seattle:

HOLIDAY: The federal holiday Columbus Day is observed today – no postal mail; most if not all banks are closed. Local government facilities and schools are open.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Last day to register online in time for the November election – after this, you’ll have to sign up in person. So do it the easy way – go here!

ROXHILL PTSA TALKS (LIKELY) EC HUGHES MOVE: 6 pm at Roxhill Elementary, the PTSA meeting includes West Seattle’s school board rep Leslie Harris, to talk about the (not-yet-finalized) plan to move Roxhill to EC Hughes. Also note our report published last night on the work that’s planned for EC Hughes, in preparation for this. (30th SW/SW Roxbury)

HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN YOUR KITCHEN: Six-week workshop series at Delridge Library starts at 6 tonight – registration required, so check ASAP to see if there’s still room! (5423 Delridge Way SW)

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED: If you live/work in North Delridge and want to keep this community council from having to call it quits, get involved now! Here’s the announcement, in case you missed it.

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm in the library at Pathfinder K-8, with school, safety, and transportation issues on the agenda, as previewed here. (1901 SW Genesee)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY VOLUNTEER NIGHT & BARBECUE: 6:30-8 pm, West Seattle Tool Library volunteers past/present/future are invited – details here. WSTL is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:45 pm, all welcome at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. This month’s book is “The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins. (2306 42nd SW)

NIGHTLIFE: Two quiz venues and two music venues have events tonight – see them on the complete WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, frequently updated, and easily browsable 24/7.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates & alerts; 35th/Fauntleroy signal trouble fixed

October 10, 2016 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates & alerts; 35th/Fauntleroy signal trouble fixed
 |   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)

7:06 AM: Good morning. We have a report that the light at 35th/Fauntleroy is broken – on the way to look.

Also: If you take 4th Avenue into downtown, be aware of a crash at 4th/James. Otherwise, no incidents on the major outbound routes from here.

Road work alerts:

ADMIRAL WAY: The rechannelization of SW Admiral Way west of California continues into this week. Last week, crews finished removing the old striping, but hadn’t started with the new. This means parking restrictions continue, too.

SPOKANE STREET: The project east of the low bridge continues – this week’s plan is described here, including closures/detours next weekend.

7:09 AM: SDOT says 4th/James has cleared.

7:15 AM: The SDOT live-video webcam accessible here (via lower-right “West Seattle” menu) confirms that 35th/Fauntleroy is in flashing-red mode both ways. SDOT says via Twitter that a repair crew is on the way as is SPD to help direct traffic.

7:31 AM: Still flashing at 35th/Fauntleroy. Camera now shows – for those heading westbound, into West Seattle, from the Fauntleroy end of the bridge – that the turn lane onto southbound 35th is coned off.

7:37 AM: SDOT says the signal has been fixed. By the way, if you encounter a malfunctioning signal, 206-684-ROAD is the best way to report it.

7:59 AM: Some fog out there as you head east:

West Seattle Crime Watch: Parking-lot auto theft; mirror vandalism

11:14 PM: Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: That’s Will‘s 1995 green Nissan 200SX SE, stolen between 4 pm and 6 pm Sunday from the Westwood Village Staples parking lot. License plate AHM5994. Call 911 if you see it.

(8:13 AM UPDATE: A WSB reader reports spotting this car and reporting it to police, who have shown up at the scene. Awaiting word of a reunion. 11:05 AM UPDATE: Unfortunately, no reunion yet. Car was taken again from the site on Puget Ridge where it turned up. If you see it, call 911!)

(back to Sunday night report) MIRROR VANDALISM: Mark wonders if others found their car mirrors damaged over the weekend: “We found our car had the driver’s-side mirror smashed off … and I also see another car across the street had identical damage.” They’re on 45th SW in The Junction and have filed a police report.

West Seattle schools: What’s planned for EC Hughes as likely future home of Roxhill

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By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tomorrow night (Monday, October 10th), the Roxhill Elementary PTSA plans to talk with West Seattle’s school-board rep Leslie Harris about the state of the plan to move Roxhill to EC Hughes Elementary, one mile north.

It’s been one year since the district confirmed to WSB that the move was under consideration.

Since then, the district has proceeded with renovation plans for the 90-year-old, city-landmark EC Hughes, closed by the district in 1989, then used as a backup until independent Westside School (WSB sponsor) leased it for five years.

But there’s been little public discussion about the moving plan, and it hasn’t been finalized by the School Board, though various documents say it’s set to take effect in fall 2018.

So we asked the district for a chance to take a closer look at what’s in the works for EC Hughes, and were granted a tour with a district manager and an architect from the team working on the renovations.

First, the timeline for the renovation work:

Read More

Memorial service Wednesday for Guy Gallipeau, 1929-2016

October 9, 2016 5:21 pm
|    Comments Off on Memorial service Wednesday for Guy Gallipeau, 1929-2016
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Wednesday to remember Guy Gallipeau. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Guy H. Gallipeau
February 27, 1929 – September 16, 2016

Survived by longtime companion and fiancée Mabel Aide, as well as a brother, Joseph, his wife, and 2 nieces. World War II Veteran and auto mechanic.

Some passions were GOD, baseball, dancing, lighthouses, and local politics. He loved well and was well loved. He is greatly missed.

Service at Holy Rosary on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 10 am. Reception follows service. Internment, noon @ Forest Lawn.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Chili! Candy! Costumes! Countdown to West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival 2016

(WSB photo from last year’s Harvest Festival)

Now just three more weeks of waiting until this year’s West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival … four hours of big fall fun on Sunday, October 30th, 10 am-2 pm. The newest update: The lineup is set for the Chili Cookoff, nine local businesses donating chili to compete for the title, via your votes – you buy a flight of chili tastes starting at 11 am, you vote, the West Seattle Food Bank gets the proceeds to help fight hunger. Here’s who’s in:

Easy Street Café
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Husky Deli
The Westy
Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery
Shadowland
Freshy’s
Grilling Greek Catering Company
Brookdale Senior Living

Here’s the festival schedule:

10 am: Activity booths open
10 am: Farmers Market opens
11 am: Chili Cookoff begins
11:30 am: Costume parade (start gathering at Junction Plaza Park, 42nd/Alaska, 11:15 am)
Noon: Trick-or-treating starts

It all happens in the street, in the heart of The Junction. WSB is media sponsor again this year, and we’ll be reporting “live” on-site … see you there!

HAPPENING NOW: Happy 3rd anniversary, Second Gear Sports!

gearanniversary

The Morgan Junction business district continues to blossom, and Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) is celebrating its third anniversary as a big part of it. That’s proprietor Mark Bremen in our top photo; his shop is in the second and final day of its anniversary celebration “Garage Sale.” SGS is a sports-consignment store and more – as you can see above, it’s also a place to get Seahawks fan gear (a fun thing to shop for, on this bye-week Sunday). And as mentioned in our calendar listing, if you bring an item for the West Seattle Food Bank Backpack Program, you’ll get a 10% discount beyond what they’re already offering during the anniversary sale:

gearbarrel

Second Gear Sports is open until 5 pm today – treats for shoppers, too! – at 6529 California SW.

ON PIGEON POINT? Invitation for Monday night

October 9, 2016 10:39 am
|    Comments Off on ON PIGEON POINT? Invitation for Monday night
 |   Neighborhoods | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

Just in case anyone on Pigeon Point hasn’t already heard … your neighborhood council meets tomorrow (Monday) night – 7 pm in the library at Pathfinder K-8 – and is hoping you’ll be there. Pete Spalding shared the agenda overview, featuring guests you’ll probably have questions for:

We will begin with the principal of Pathfinder giving us a beginning of the school year update and an opportunity for neighbors to ask questions.

Then we will be joined by Jim Curtin from SDOT. Jim will give us an update on local transportation projects that will impact us in the next few months. Neighbors will have a chance to ask Jim questions about neighborhood transportation issues.

And then we will have Pierre Davis and Jennifer Burbridge with SPD join us to give us an update on our neighborhood policing plan.

Pathfinder is at 1901 SW Genesee.

9 possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday

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(Thanks to Darlene for the photo of art someone created on the beach at Lincoln Park)

First, a reminder – THE VIADUCT IS OPEN – as reported here Saturday evening, the inspection ended early and today’s closure plan was canceled. Many reasons to stay in West Seattle anyway – here are some, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STITCHIN’ & SIPPIN’: 9 am-6 pm, quilt show and wine tasting at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction, presented by Grand Court of Washington Order of the Amaranth. $15 admission with tastings, $5 without. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Every Sunday, year-round, in the street in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

SECOND GEAR SPORTS’ THIRD ANNIVERSARY: 11 am-5 pm, deals and treats as the anniversary “Garage Sale” continues at Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank Backpack Program for an extra 10% discount. Details in our calendar listing. (6529 California SW)

LAURA BERMES: Original music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, by Laura Bermes, who will be joined by Danielle Eidenberg-Nopp. (5612 California SW)

LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: Free classical concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm, featuring 20th-century songs; program details are in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

WATCHING THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: So far we have three venues watching tonight’s 6 pm presidential debate – Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way) and Admiral Bird (California/Admiral) in The Admiral District, and Sound & Fog (4735 40th SW) in The Junction. (Any others? Please add a comment below or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com and we’ll add – thank you!)

BOOKTOBERFEST: At The Skylark, 7 pm, karaoke with librarians! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DEL REY: Tonight at Kenyon Hall, guitar/ukulele virtuoso Del Rey will be “joined by songwriter, storyteller, bottleneck virtuoso Steve James on guitar, slide guitar, and mandolin, and, in his first United States appearance, United Kingdom string master Adam Franklin on ukulele, guitar, and mandolin.” 7:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

JOHN LENNON BIRTHDAY BASH: 8-11 pm at Parliament Tavern, local luminaries play the music of the late great John Lennon on what would have been his 76th birthday. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

FIND MORE OPTIONS on our complete calendar!

West Seattle murals: ‘Re-creation’ at The Whittaker

(2014 photo contributed by Mark Cohan)

You might remember that faded mural, “Alki in the Twenties,” from the east-facing side of the former Huling Brothers building along Fauntleroy north of Edmunds. As shown in the review process for the project that’s being built on the site, The Whittaker, the mural couldn’t be saved but was to be “digitally re-created.” And indeed, it has been. Here’s a sneak peek at the partly visible re-creation:

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We took the photo today while checking on the removal of The Whittaker’s second tower crane, which stretched into a third day amid stormy weather. The re-created mural is on a west-facing wall of the building, and we expect to get a closer look soon.