West Seattle, Washington

15 Friday

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month : 04/2017 316 results

DELRIDGE RAPIDRIDE H LINE: Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council discussion Tuesday
April 2, 2017 11:57 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Arbor Heights | Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news | Westwood

While the transformation of Metro Route 120 into the RapidRide H Line is three years away, major decisions are being made now, and this is the time to bring up concerns to SDOT and Metro, both leading the project because city dollars are helping pay for it. Since the new planning phase revved up last month, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition (WSB coverage here) and Delridge Neighborhoods District Council (WSB coverage here) have hosted discussions/briefings. And this week, it’s the centerpiece of the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council agenda (6:15 pm Tuesday, Southwest Library). The WWRHAH agenda says the discussion with SDOT/Metro reps will include “mobility issues surrounding the Westwood Village ‘transit hub’ and the Westwood/Highland Park Urban Village.” All are welcome; the library’s on the southeast corner of 35th SW and SW Henderson.

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Youth-led Plant for the Planet launches West Seattle meetings
April 2, 2017 8:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news


Last weekend, we brought you West Seattle climate activist Aji Piper‘s keynote presentation at the Washington Global Issues Network conference at Chief Sealth International High School. As he told more than 100 student attendees, his activism was galvanized by involvement in Plant for the Planet. The group has now launched monthly meetings in West Seattle, and here’s an announcement of how local youth can get involved, from parent co-coordinator Marco Deppe:

With the growth of Plant for the Planet in Seattle and enough Climate Justice Ambassadors in the South, we have officially kicked off our monthly West Seattle meetings. Every 3rd Friday we’ll meet at 7 PM at the Puget Ridge Co-housing Common House.

So the next West Seattle Plant for the Planet meeting will be on Friday, April 21st at 7 PM. Children who would like to be active to get our planet back to a stable climate and their parents are always welcome to join. Please RSVP by email to pftp-west-seattle@googlegroups.com. Every child who wants to join officially can attend a one day, free academy: One is coming up on April 8th in Marysville [sign up here].

Here’s what the group did during its March meeting. Meantime, as for the April 21st meeting, it’s at 7020 18th SW.

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BERTHA BREAKTHROUGH: Now expected Tuesday
April 2, 2017 6:42 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news

(April 2, 2013, WSB photo by Nick Adams)

SUNDAY NIGHT: If you’re on Highway 99 tunnel watch – the tunneling machine is now down to a double-digit distance, 89 feet as of this morning. WSDOT still is not officially predicting what day will bring the “Bertha breakthrough,” but at this rate (it’s gone 38 feet since Friday), it’s likely to be this week. They’ve said that it will happen in two phases – the machine will reach the wall of the disassembly pit and stop, while WSDOT and Seattle Tunnel Partners explain what happens next. Then, likely on the following day, the machine will be set into motion for a several-hours-long breakthrough process. They continue to promise a live camera will be available, since the pit is in a construction zone and a public viewing area isn’t feasible.

P.S. Checking the archives, we note that today is the 4th anniversary of the tunneling machine’s arrival via ship from Japan.

MONDAY AFTERNOON: So much news today that we haven’t had time to publish an update yet, but WSDOT is expecting breakthrough sometime Tuesday – here’s the latest; full update a bit later.

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Help make history! Be part of the 25th annual Fairmount Ravine Spring Cleanup and Reforestation
April 2, 2017 2:17 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

fairmounttrash
(Part of the 2016 cleanup haul; photo courtesy John Lang)

The annual Fairmount Ravine community cleanup and forest-restoration event is the longest-running event of its kind that we’ve heard of, at least in our decade of publishing WSB. This year’s edition is coming up next Saturday, and it’s the first one organized by Matt Algieri, after John Lang‘s many years of coordination. If you run, ride, walk, or drive through the ravine – consider starting next Saturday by helping out, even if you can only spare an hour:

Fairmount Ravine Preservation Group will sponsor the 25th Annual Spring Cleanup and Reforestation of Fairmount Ravine, Saturday, April 8th at 8:30 am. Meet at top of the ravine (Forest St. and Fairmount Ave.). Wear long, rugged clothing, boots and gloves. Bring a pruning saw or large loppers if interested in removing ivy from trees. Delicious beverages and food from our local merchants will be provided.

We extend a special invitation to those who use the ravine to access the waterfront; please donate an hour or two of your time to keep this greenbelt healthy and pristine. Plus, we will have a lot of fun and meet our neighbors. More info – call Matt at 206 747-4167.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car stolen with boxed stroller; carport prowled again; daytime car break-in at grocery-store lot
April 2, 2017 12:11 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Warmer, drier weather brings out more people. Some, unfortunately, are criminals, which is why we have another West Seattle Crime Watch report so soon after the last one. If you see a possible crime in progress, call 911 and you might be able to help bust someone responsible for multiple incidents.

Here are 3 new reader reports:

NEW PARENTS’ CAR STOLEN, WITH STROLLER: From Chris:

On Sunday morning, April 2nd, a gold 2009 Subaru Forester with YTG-862 plates was stolen from the 4000 block of 41st Ave SW near Holy Rosary School. The car had 2 bike racks on top of it and a brand new [in the box] stroller for our 21-day-old baby. Please call 911 if you see the car.

SAME CARPORT, DIFFERENT PROWLERS ON CAMERA: Just a few days ago, we shared video from David of prowlers in his carport near 48th and Hudson. Today, at 6:45 am, “when there are likely lots of people up and about,” he got somebody different on camera:

Here’s a cropped framegrab with the best closeup:

Let police know if you have a tip on who that might be.

SUPERMARKET LOT SMASH-AND-GRAB: This happened Saturday afternoon in the parking lot at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor):

My car window was smashed in at the Met Market parking lot. On April 1st, 2017 around 4:15 p.m. It was a gray 2010 Prius. Canvas tote was stolen containg my dark brown leather day planner and headset and white mesh makeup bag among other miscellaneous items. Would love to have it returned if found or any info regarding the breakin.

The victim says the tote did NOT contain a wallet or anything else of value to anyone but her – given the calendar in the day planner. As police often warn, the criminals act so fast, they don’t stop to check whether it’s really worth their time – it’s grab first, look later. And they can go almost unnoticed, even in a busy supermarket parking lot in the middle of the afternoon. This too has been reported to police.

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THE VIEW FROM BELOW: 360-degree look at West Seattle’s I-Beams
April 2, 2017 10:49 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

While we work on some more news stories this Sunday, another unique look at West Seattle, offshore – this time, the newest 360-degree underwater video shared by “Diver Laura” James. She focuses on what are known as the I-Beams, off Seacrest.

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5 for your West Seattle Sunday
April 2, 2017 6:43 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Yellow-Rumped Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

April’s first Sunday includes these highlights:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, in the street, in The Junction. Now that it’s spring, you can expect the selection of produce to grow every week! (California SW, between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Perfect day to visit the home of West Seattle history. Noon-4 pm. (61st & Stevens)

CATSINO: 2-6 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, fun annual fundraiser with casino-style games, benefiting animal-advocacy groups. (6413 California SW)

STAR WARS DESTINY/SPIRIT OF REBELLION: Preview event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), 4 pm – details here; check to see if there’s still room! (3727 California SW)

CLAMOR! A MUSICAL INSURGENCY: As previewed here on Saturday, this multi-artist slate is a benefit for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: “Music is the medium — Resistance is the message!” Doors open at 5:30, music starts at 6:30. All ages. $10 suggested donation. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search in East Admiral
April 1, 2017 10:02 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips – we just found out what the police search in East Admiral is about. We caught up with the victim near 38th and Stevens and this is what he told us: He went out to his car to go pick up his child, and discovered a man in the car. He told the man he was calling police, and tried to hold onto him in the meantime, but the man pulled out a gun, and then ran. Police including K-9 have been searching all around the area, but no arrests yet. The intruder was described as white, male, 5-10, wearing a newsboy-style cap, armed with a small semi-automatic pistol.

P.S. We’ve been mentioning lately that tips are more important than ever because less information is emerging on the scanner, and this was exactly one such case. We heard that police were setting up “containment” for something – which generally means something fairly serious – but did not hear the locations and so until two people texted us with word of police sightings, we had no idea where to look. So, thank you – 206-293-6302, text or voice, any time.

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More water-transportation news: Washington State Ferries’ spring schedule starts Sunday
April 1, 2017 9:33 pm
|    Comments Off on More water-transportation news: Washington State Ferries’ spring schedule starts Sunday
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

One more water-transportation note tonight: Washington State Ferries just sent a reminder that its spring schedule starts Sunday. You can preview it by going here.

P.S. In case you missed it – here’s our report on the last meeting in the first phase of work by the Triangle Improvement Task Force, with a two-point plan aimed at reducing delays and traffic jams on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route this summer.

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UPDATE: King County Water Taxi unveiling ‘rebranding’
April 1, 2017 8:37 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

8:37 PM SATURDAY: If you’ve noticed the new look for the King County Water Taxi shuttle – we did too, and tried to find out more about it, and whether it’ll be on the boats too, but the KC Department of Transportation would only say that an announcement is likely on Monday (and that they’d posted a hint on Instagram). We looked into the county budget and it does include a $144,000 item for “rebranding” the Water Taxi, saying that the current branding goes back to when it was part of the King County Ferry District in 2009, before the county merged the Water Taxi back into its DOT as the Marine Division. The budget item mentions rebranding for boats, uniforms, “publicly visible materials.” Meantime, if you missed this news, the backup boat Spirit of Kingston is in the shop right now getting new engines. And as we’ve mentioned a few times, the seven-day-a-week Water Taxi schedule returns on April 10th – one week from Monday.

8:40 PM SUNDAY: KCDOT spokesperson Brent Champaco tells us tonight that the announcement has been delayed – no new date yet.

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SUNDAY NIGHT: ‘Clamor! A Musical Insurgency’ at The Skylark
April 1, 2017 7:32 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY NIGHT: ‘Clamor! A Musical Insurgency’ at The Skylark
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Sunday nights are often relatively quiet in West Seattle – but not this weekend. Here’s what, and who, you’ll find at The Skylark in North Delridge tomorrow night – organizer Ann-Dee Levine tells us it’s the first of what they hope might become a monthly event citywide, each one benefiting “a local non-profit that is doing work in response to what is happening nationally and/or that is at risk of losing funding due to what is happening nationally”:

CLAMOR! – a Musical Insurgency

A benefit for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

clam·or
n. insistent public expression (as of support or protest).
v. to raise an outcry.

There is both solace and power to be found in art, and we need anthems to help us weather this storm and power up for the battles to come. Five amazing musical acts will fill that need on Sunday, April 2, in the first of what we hope will be many such events. Featuring:

6:30 p.m. – The Hinges

7:15 p.m. – Robert Stewart (photo above)

8:00 p.m. – Young Pioneers (photo above)

8:45 p.m. – Ready Steady Go (photo above)
9:30 p.m. – Jason Webley (top video)

Music is the medium — Resistance is the message! Come listen, laugh, dance, cry, scream and shout, and shake your fist at the sky!

Doors open at 5:30 pm (3803 Delridge Way SW), with music starting at 6:30 pm. All ages welcome. Suggested donation $10, and it all goes to NWIRP.

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Spring holiday/festival events and services – please tell us about yours!
April 1, 2017 5:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Spring holiday/festival events and services – please tell us about yours!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo from 2015 egg hunt at West Seattle Thriftway [WSB sponsor]; this year’s hunt is at 9 am April 15th)

With Passover starting the night of April 10th and Easter happening April 16th, it’s almost time for lots of special events around our area, so we are launching our annual spring holiday/festival events and services page this weekend – so here’s one more call for you to send us info on what your organization, congregation, venue, etc. is doing! No need for fancy news releases, posters, or flyers – just a few lines about what’s happening, when, and where, in the body of your e-mail, sent to editor@westseattleblog.com. Thanks to those who have already sent theirs, and thanks in advance for yours!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen car; found bicycle; repeat offender back in jail
April 1, 2017 3:33 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

STOLEN CAR: Maybe you will spot Sam‘s car:

Stolen early morning 4/1/17. Parked in the 3500 block of SW Webster, in the driveway of a residence. Vehicle description as follows:

White 1999 Honda Civic 2-door. Aftermarket work has been done on the car and it’s fairly obvious to spot.

Dark tinted windows
Aftermarket white spoiler
Aftermarket wheels, black in front, silver in back.
Colorado license plates, 789 SQA.

Call 911 if you see it.

FOUND BICYCLE: Recognize this? Jena sent the photo and report:

My boyfriend and I just recovered what seems to be a lost/ stolen bicycle, on 106th Street near the Shorewood Market today, Saturday, April 1st. We were hoping that the blog would be able to share this, in hopes of getting it back to the owner. It seems like someone loves this bike! Attached is a picture. The owner can call us to arrange a pickup at 206-383-6999.

JESSICA DETRICK BACK IN JAIL: We mentioned earlier this week that a new warrant was out for convicted burglar Jessica Detrick, often seen on security cameras with her dog in tow. We don’t know the circumstances of her arrest but King County Jail records show she was re-booked just before 6 o’clock last night; we’ll check with prosecutors on Monday.

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FREE LOLITA: Alki marchers demand freedom for captive orca
April 1, 2017 2:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

More than 100 people gathered on Alki this afternoon to spotlight the plight of a Puget Sound orca who has lived in captivity thousands of miles away for almost half a century.

The Miami Seaquarium calls her Lolita. Here, she is known as Tokitae. Advocates have long pushed for her to be set free so she can live out her life back in her home waters, where there’s a plan for a “sea pen” that would be her home before a potential transition to open waters.

This was a march in solidarity with a gathering in Miami dubbed the “Miracle March.” Organizers included Orca Network founder Howard Garrett, and the marchers heard from Duwamish Tribe council member Ken Workman, welcoming them to Duwamish land and waters, and Paul Chey’okten Wagner from Protectors of The Salish Sea, praying in the Salish language for Tokitae’s return.

This webpage tells her story, including that the orca believed to be her mother is still alive. She is the last surviving orca from among those captured in local waters in the 1970s. The Miami park owners, so far, show no interest in releasing her; this Miami news report includes their statement.

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‘BONNIE & CLYDE’: Special benefit tonight at West Seattle HS
April 1, 2017 12:39 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘BONNIE & CLYDE’: Special benefit tonight at West Seattle HS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Those are the West Seattle High School students who, this weekend and three nights next week, are telling a musical version of the tale of “Bonnie and Clyde,” which almost a century after their deaths, remains one of America’s most infamous crime stories. As mentioned in this morning’s “West Seattle Saturday“ preview, there’s a special benefit event tonight, raising money for the WSHS drama program, with a pre-performance reception at 6 and the show at 7:30 pm. We visited the WSHS Theater last night to talk with the cast and crew during their pre-show rehearsal.

Given that Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow’s crime spree was in the 1930s, ending when law enforcers killed them in 1934, we asked the students how they’d heard of Bonnie and Clyde before this. One said her family went to Louisiana last summer and she noticed the historical markers there. Another said he first heard of them when Sarah Hyland, who played Clyde’s sister-in-law Blanche Barrow in the Bonnie & Clyde mini-series, turned up on “Project Runway.” Others had seen the 1967 movie with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, as well as their memorable Academy Awards appearance earlier this year. But back to the show:

They were rehearsing the Joplin, Missouri, hideout scene when we visited – the “smoke” coming from the car above is from a fog machine.

The show is a co-presentation of the WSHS Drama Club and Music Department – the score is described as “non-traditional, combining blues, gospel, and rockabilly music.” If you can’t get to tonight’s special benefit, “Bonnie & Clyde” plays next week too, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:30 nightly at the WSHS Theater, 3000 California SW, ticket info here. (See the cast list here.)

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6 WEEKS UNTIL … West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017!
April 1, 2017 10:19 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

The countdown continues! We’re now six weeks away from the second Saturday in May, which is West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day … May 13th, that one day every year (since 2005!) that sales of all sizes dot neighborhoods around the peninsula. Registration is just days away, starting next Wednesday, April 5th, and when it begins, you’ll find the link announced here on WSB and on the official WSCGSD site, westseattlegaragesale.com. We start signups early every year so the map and listings can be available one week in advance for WSCGSD shoppers to plan.

P.S. If you have just a few things to sell – or if you don’t have a place for your sale – most years a few venues sign up to offer spaces for small sales, so watch for word on those once they’re lined up!

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Ways to spend your West Seattle Saturday
April 1, 2017 6:34 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Female Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Welcome to the weekend and to a brand-new month! Here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

ADOPTABLE CATS: Friends of the Animals Foundation will be at Petco in The Junction 11 am-2 pm with adoptable cats. (41st/Alaska)

MIRACLE MARCH FOR LOLITA: Join forces with local orca advocates in seeking freedom for Lolita/Tokitae, the orca stolen from Puget Sound in 1970 and living alone in a tank in Miami. Meet at 11, march at 11:45, speakers and ceremony details here. (61st/Alki)

FREE KINDERMUSIK: 12:30 pm at My Three Little Birds (WSB sponsor), children of all ages welcome. (6959 California SW)

SPECIAL BENEFIT PERFORMANCE OF ‘BONNIE & CLYDE,’ WITH RECEPTION: 6 pm reception, 7:30 pm performance at West Seattle High School – includes treats, music, priority seating, as explained here. (3000 California SW)

WHITE CENTER JUBILEE DAYS FUNDRAISER: 6 pm prime-rib dinner and “unofficial official mayor of White Center election” at the White Center Eagles HQ, raising money for this summer’s Jubilee Days festival – details here. (10452 15th SW)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: This month’s film is “13th.” Doors open 6:30 pm, film at 7, followed by discussion, at Neighborhood House High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

BEATLES TRIBUTE TO BENEFIT STAR OF HOPE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Flaming Pies performs a Beatles tribute to raise money for Star of Hope to help educate children in Africa. (5612 California SW)

DUTCHBOY COFFEE ART SHOW: Come enjoy this “teeny tiny art show” at Highland Park’s corner coffeehouse, 7-9 pm. (1513 SW Holden)

DANNY O’KEEFE & MARY FLOWER: “Two legendary performers join forces to present a rare evening of extraordinary music” at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

AND THERE’S MORE … just check out the full WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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