West Seattle, Washington

13 Sunday

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month : 06/2017 320 results

BIZNOTE: Great American Diner and Bar update
June 17, 2017 4:27 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

You might have noticed that the old Shelby’s signage was taken down this week, five and a half months after that restaurant closed (which in turn was five and a half months after it opened). So we checked with the new tenants in the space, Great American Diner and Bar (here’s our in-depth May interview), for a progress report. They tell us they’re waiting on their liquor license, and hoping to get it around June 27th.

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AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Morgan Junction Community Festival 2017
June 17, 2017 11:20 am
|    Comments Off on AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Morgan Junction Community Festival 2017
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

11:20 AM: A bubbly start to the Morgan Junction Community Festival, thanks to one of today’s first performers, the legendary Bubbleman. Until 5 pm, here’s what you’ll find in and around Morgan Junction Park (and behind Zeeks Pizza [WSB sponsor] and Whisky West):

*Entertainment and food

*Kids’ activities

*Vendors, local businesses, community organizations

We’re here too, on the north side of the festival zone. The Morgan Community Association makes the magic happen every summer and it’ll continue until 5 pm. Updates ahead!

11:56 AM: Lunchtime! Our top recommendation – wander over to West Seattle Thriftway, kittycorner from the festival zone, and get a fresh-grilled lunch – proceeds go to help cover the festival costs. Michele is at the grill, as always:

You’ll also find food carts/trucks in the festival zone, too – The Tamale Guy, Das Brat Wagen, Mini the Dough-Nut, Sweet Bumpas Ice Cream.

Meantime, Soyaya is playing in the park

12:15 PM: Two more reasons to come by – First, as we reported earlier this week, David Graves from Seattle Parks will be there starting around 12:30 pm to talk with people about the Lowman Beach seawall situation. We’re told he’ll be in space 3 in the vendor zone behind Zeeks/WW. See the alternatives, and tell him what you think. Then 1-2 pm on the north side of the festival zone (right behind where we are!), 1-2 pm, you can join in the Spatter of Morgan – getting paint all over the future park expansion zone.

Speaking of paint, kids can have their faces painted until 3 pm, which is also when craft activities are continuing until. Lots of other fun stuff at booths including, right next to us, West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs (do YOU know where YOUR hub is?) with the Wheel of Disaster.

Don’t miss it. This side of the festival, north of the park, is also where you’ll find the Westside Neighbors Network, the West Seattle Timebank, and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. That’s a strength of this festival, a chance to talk up close and personal with lots of your neighbors outside the more formal settings of meetings, etc.

12:52 PM: Same goes for the Southwest Precinct police who are here all day with the Mobile Precinct (Mounted Patrol officers are likely to stop by at some point too) – this is your chance to talk with them in a non-emergency, non-meeting situation. It’s a very mellow festival – Gary Benson is performing some classics right now, just his voice and guitar.

1:12 PM: The Mounted Patrol’s here now, we just found out.

That’s Justice. The Mounted Patrol is based near Westcrest Park here in West Seattle; one of their ranks, Harvest, just retired.

2:19 PM: Balloon artist Kevin just wrapped up – he got lots of raves today:

Other creativity happening – you can paint the Spatter of Morgan:

That’s on the fence around the future Morgan Junction Park expansion site at the north end of the festival zone. And kids’ crafts are on until 3 pm:

Over in the vendor zone, you can talk to Dr. Ryan and Dr. Wendy from GoodMed Direct Primary Care (WSB sponsor) to find out more about staying healthy via their unique membership-based care:

The crew from Seattle Fire Engine 37 – the closest one to Morgan Junction – was here for a while, and we got this photo before they had to head out to a medical call:

The festival continues until 5 – onstage it’s the Brian and Janie Show right now, with Yesod following at 4 pm.

3:35 PM: The Brian and Janie Show just ended their set. And light rain just started. Most of the activities are over but vendors and community groups are still here if you haven’t stopped by yet.

4:40 PM: The rain hasn’t stopped, and we’re all packing up. Thanks to everyone who came to the festival today!

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HAPPENING NOW: Westwood Village Street Fair 2017
June 17, 2017 11:08 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Feeling super? Then this year’s Westwood Village Street Fair is the place to be until 6 pm. It’s superhero-themed, and we hear some supers will be stopping by. In the meantime, there are super-sized games (top photo) and bouncy rides, plus of course the traditional train:

While some merchants/vendors have booths in the festival zone (the central parking lot between Ulta Beauty and Bed Bath Beyond), don’t miss the year-round merchants like Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) right across the road, offering a variety of fun freebies:

Free jewelry cleaning inside the shop, too. And bring diapers for WestSide Baby!

There’s mainstage music and other fun too, plus food carts on the south side including fire-roasted corn, close to year-round eateries including Giannoni’s Pizza.

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HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway meeting in The Junction
June 17, 2017 10:17 am
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway meeting in The Junction
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re at Uptown Espresso (California/Edmunds/Erskine) in The Junction, where SDOT is set up through 11:30 am for questions and comments about the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway project. As we reported last week, the city has identified a “most promising route” for it, from 42nd/Edmunds to 30th/Roxbury.

But it’s not a final route, so they’re wondering what you think. Just drop in.

We talked with SDOT’s Summer Jawson and here are a few key points:

*First – the survey promised on the city website is not linked there yet BUT it IS live, so you can go directly here to take it (it’s open through July 9th).

*Next – the design process has not started yet. The feedback they get on this “most promising route” will go into it, so they want to hear directly from you about observations you have as someone who uses the streets and sidewalks.

*Once they start design, the next milestones include achieving 10 percent design and estimating the project’s cost.

P.S. If you can’t get to today’s drop-in meeting, there’s another one Wednesday (June 21), 5:30-7 pm at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson).

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Your highlight list for a busy West Seattle Saturday
June 17, 2017 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Female Rufous Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The official start of summer is three days away, but today’s events truly kick off the West Seattle summer season:

RELAY FOR LIFE CLOSING CEREMONY: 7:30 am at Hiawatha, it’s the end of this year’s Relay for Life-West Seattle all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser. (2700 California SW)

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PAINTING PARTY: 9 am-noon, it’s prep time, and 12:30 pm-3 pm it’s painting and cleanup time, as previewed here – show up at either or both of those times if you can help! (4320 SW Myrtle)

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET: 9 am-noon, all volunteers welcome at the quarterly Admiral Neighborhood Association cleanup – meet at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), where pre- and post-cleanup treats will be provided. (42nd/Admiral)

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT TRAILS WORK PARTY CANCELED: FYI, in case it was on your list.

LOW-COST LIFE-JACKET SALES: 10 am-2 pm at Southwest Pool, buy life jackets at low cost – save lives this summer! Details in our calendar listing, including pricing. (2801 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD GREENWAY FEEDBACK: Last weekend, we reported that SDOT had gone public with the “most promising route” for the next West Seattle “greenway.” This morning, 10 am-11:30 am at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, you can bring questions and comments to SDOT at a drop-in event. (California/Edmunds/Erskine)

MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 10 am-5 pm in Morgan Junction Park, plus behind Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsor)/Whisky West, and inbetween, it’s the Morgan Community Association-presented festival, with entertainment, food, kids’ activities, and vendors/community organizations. Just one of many highlights: The Bubbleman at 10:30 am. Festival co-sponsors include WSB. Lots of info in our most-recent preview. (West side of California, north of Fauntleroy Way)

WESTWOOD VILLAGE STREET FAIR: 10 am-6 pm at Westwood Village, with Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) promising giveaways including free polishing cloths, ring pops, and superhero bling! Plus, the fair offers local artists and businesses, four bands, dance teams, kids’ crafts, face painting, balloons, a pet-costume contest, inflatable bouncy toys, and the always-popular train. Plus superhero visits. (2600 SW Barton)

And right across the street …

ROXHILL BOG TOURS: 11 am-3 pm, everyone’s invited to join Roxhill Elementary students at Roxhill Bog for tours, lunch, mariachi, and more, as noted at the end of this WSB report earlier this week. (29th/Barton)

NO ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS TODAY: But they’ll resume on Sunday.

ART OPENING AT DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER PARK: Opening of “Passing By,” work by local artist Kalina Chung that “utilizes a mint color that is representative of Cottage Grove Court, an iconic housing complex in the Delridge community. The artwork interacts with this growing city and the effects on neighborhoods, creating a conversation on gentrified-affected architecture.” 3-6 pm in the field at the community center’s park. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

(added) BLOCK PARTY: 5-10 pm on 23rd Ave SW. From Diana: “Neighbors, bring your favorite chair, dish, and beverage! Road will be closed during duration from 6368/6369 to 6512 23rd Ave SW (Access by residents and emergency services only!).”

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: Originals and covers, live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

SUE QUIGLEY CD RELEASE: Local musician’s 4th CD! Live at Whisky West, 8 pm. 21+. (6451 California SW)

BUCKETS OF RAIN: Live at Parliament Tavern, 9 am-midnight. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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CONGRATULATIONS! South Seattle College Class of 2017’s history-making graduation
June 17, 2017 3:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Friday was historic for South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and the other Seattle Colleges – their first combined commencement, at Safeco Field. The photo and report are from SSC communications director Ty Swenson:

South Seattle College’s Class of 2017 graduates were honored at Seattle Colleges’ “Empowered to Achieve” Commencement Ceremony on June 16 at Safeco Field. More than 900 South graduates were celebrated (with more than 300 attending the ceremony), having earned a wide variety of degrees, certificates and diplomas to support their future endeavors.

South Seattle College is part of the Seattle Colleges District (which also includes Seattle Central College, North Seattle College and the Seattle Vocational Institute), and for the first time in district history, 900 students from all campuses came together for a combined ceremony. They were joined by family, friends, and college faculty and staff.

“Tonight we celebrated an amazing class of South students who have opened the door to their future in pursuit of fulfilling, family-supporting careers,” said South Seattle College President Gary Oertli. “I admire our graduates for their dedication, and thank the important people in their lives – family, friends, instructors and allies – for supporting them every step of the way.”

Outgoing Student Body President Jackie Tran, a South graduate who plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn his bachelor’s degree in engineering, spoke during commencement.

“Now we are all Seattle Colleges graduates,” Tran said. “A new chapter in our lives begins now.”

South Seattle College conferred a total of 905 awards this year, including 460 associate transfer degrees that enable students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in Washington and beyond to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Another 257 graduates earned associate degrees and certificates that prepare them to enter the workforce immediately. Sixty-eight graduates earned their bachelor’s degrees, and 120 graduates earned their high school diploma or equivalent, taking a significant step toward increased earning potential and future educational opportunities.

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YOU CAN HELP: Highland Park Elementary reading tutors hoping to save program
June 16, 2017 10:42 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

The one-on-one Reading Partners tutoring program is in danger at Highland Park Elementary, according to volunteer tutor Dina Johnson, who’s organizing a campaign to save it. “All the tutors wish to continue. We have established a close rapport with students and watched them progress. We know this is one of the under-performing schools in Seattle. Over 50% of the kids aren’t reading at grade level. So we decided to try raising the funds – $30,000. Deadline is July 15th.” They’ve set up a crowdfunding page here; there’ll also be a free Summer Book Swap event 1 pm June 25th at Highland Park Improvement Club – (updated) details here. And look for Dina at the Westwood Village Street Fair Saturday, with a table in front of Giannoni’s Pizza on the south side of the center.

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HOURS AWAY: Morgan Junction Community Festival 2017, last sneak peek
June 16, 2017 9:04 pm
|    Comments Off on HOURS AWAY: Morgan Junction Community Festival 2017, last sneak peek
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

We’re just hours away from the 2017 Morgan Junction Community Festival, presented by the Morgan Community Association, 10 am-5 pm Saturday. We’ve already featured the entertainment and food (here), kids’ activities (here), and now, one more sneak peek – the vendors and community groups you’ll find at the festival:

The festival features more than 40 vendors – some new, many returning, who are mostly from West Seattle southern neighborhoods. They will be in the parking lots behind Zeeks Pizza and Beveridge Place Pub, and on Eddy Street. Handmade jewelry and crafts by local artisans make up the majority of for-sale items. A variety of commercial vendors will be there to provide information on their services and/or products. Community and local government organizations are eager to educate festival attendees about their activities and how interested citizens can get involved.

Morgan Junction Businesses

Super Supplements
Madrid Frame, LLC
Second Gear Sports
Good Med Direct Primary Care

Handmade Jewelry/Crafts

Ginger Jewelry Design
Flying Feather Designs
Maureen’s Jewelry and Photographs
Penguina Designs
Beadz-N-Mor
Lia’s Jewelry and Art
Queen Beads
Snooter-doots
DabbaWalla Bags
Endolyne Children’s Choir – with a music-themed craft activity
The Community General Store
Nepenthe Massage and Boutique – on-site massage therapy
West Seattle Electric and Solar
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Seattle in Color

Edibles

Dolcetta Artisan Sweets – handcrafted chocolates, caramels
Italian Ices
Puddles Barkery – Homemade dog treats

Meals and Food Services

Smith Brothers Farms
Hello Fresh
Dream Dinners

Community/Government Organizations

West Seattle Democratic Women
34th District Democrats – voter registration, community information, and outreach
Southwest Historical Society
Seattle Emergency Hubs – emergency preparedness
Seattle Public Library
West Seattle Food Bank
Westside Neighbors Network
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
West Seattle TimeBank
Urban Homestead Foundation

Also

Eldercare Consulting, LLC
Daystar Retirement Village
The Kenney
Church of the Nazarene – Morgan Junction
Hopelink – information on King County transportation options and resources

As always, we’re among the festival sponsors, and we’ll be at the festival and publishing updates throughout the day, so come say hi. It’s all happening on the west side of California SW, north of Fauntleroy Way, in and around Morgan Junction Park.

P.S. See the full schedule in the official festival program on the MoCA website.

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HAPPENING NOW: Relay for Life/West Seattle, at Hiawatha this year
June 16, 2017 7:00 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Relay for Life/West Seattle, at Hiawatha this year
 |   Health | West Seattle news

7 PM: The annual all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser Relay for Life/West Seattle just got going with the opening ceremony, followed by survivors and caregivers taking the ceremonial first lap.

This year, Relay for Life is at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) instead of West Seattle Stadium, which is being readied for track resurfacing.

You’re welcome to stop by and cheer on the relay participants, especially during two more special events – luminarias at 10 pm (you can create one for someone you know who is fighting or has fought cancer) and the closing ceremony at 7:30 am. More info is online here, which is also where you can donate.

8:50 PM: Photos added, including, above, tents being put up by Key Club members from local high schools, participating at Relay for Life with their sponsoring organization, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.

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AMAZON EATS WHOLE FOODS: Will it mean any change for suspended West Seattle plans?
June 16, 2017 3:59 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(2009 WSB photo of the famously altered banner on what was at the time going to be Whole Foods’ original West Seattle site)

When we heard the news this morning about Amazon buying Whole Foods, our question was the same as yours: Will that change WF’s twice-canceled plans for West Seattle?

We’ve been checking around all day and so far … too soon to say.

To recap: The spot where LA Fitness is now, at Fauntleroy/Alaska, was originally supposed to be Whole Foods. Last decade, WF was announced as anchor tenant for what was then to be called Fauntleroy Place. Ground was broken. Project stalled after excavation, becoming “The Hole.” Finally in 2010, Whole Foods announced it was definitely out, since terms of its lease – building a store for it – hadn’t been fulfilled.

Two years later, WF was announced as anchor tenant for the megaproject across the street, now The Whittaker (WSB sponsor). But in March, WF said it had “decided to delay indefinitely” the West Seattle store, and landlord Weingarten said it was “actively working with Whole Foods to find a replacement for the space Whole Foods leased …”

To date, no replacement(s) signed; the online site plan for The Whittaker shows the space as available. We have continued to check periodically with Weingarten spokesperson Carrie Murray, and we’re watching files for the project site; we asked Murray this morning about whether the WF-Amazon deal might change things, and she pointed us to WF, whose regional spokesperson in turn pointed us to corporate HQ, which in turn has not responded. Otherwise, regarding the search for a replacement tenant, Murray said, “We are still working through options.”

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2 SATURDAY WAYS TO HELP: Gatewood Elementary painting; Admiral Adopt-a-Street
June 16, 2017 3:10 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 SATURDAY WAYS TO HELP: Gatewood Elementary painting; Admiral Adopt-a-Street
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We’re spotlighting two ways you can be helpful for a few hours tomorrow:

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PAINTING PARTY: That photo shows one of the spots at Gatewood Elementary where volunteers will be painting tomorrow. The paint’s been donated; all that’s needed are hands to wield the brushes. The school is 107 years old, a city landmark, and in need of TLC. Volunteers can join one or both of two sessions tomorrow; 9 am-12 pm for setup and prep, 12:30 pm-3 pm for painting and cleanup. Can you help? E-mail Amanda at amandalee_14@yahoo.com – more info here.

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET: As mentioned in our report about this week’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, tomorrow brings the quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup, for anyone and everyone who can give some time between 9 am and noon. Meet up at Metropolitan Market (42nd/Admiral; WSB sponsor), where you’ll get pre-cleanup treats and post-cleanup lunch. All ages welcome.

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WATER TAXI ALERT: Colman Dock construction to interrupt service in August, followed by location, schedule changes
June 16, 2017 1:57 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSDOT rendering)

You’ve probably heard about the big Colman Dock modernization project downtown. It involves the downtown dock for the West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis as well as Washington State Ferries, and it’s about to get going in a big way. As a result, the King County Department of Transportation is out with a two-part alert this afternoon for Water Taxi users. The biggest part is that the downtown dock will move to a temporary location for about a year and a half, with a revised schedule. And while that move is made, there’ll be a service interruption of up to 10 days. Here’s the official announcement:

Both routes of the popular foot and bike ferry service will be suspended while construction crews move the Water Taxi’s float at Pier 50 on the south end of Colman dock to the north end (toward the fire station and Ivar’s restaurant).

The temporary move is part of a larger project by the state to renovate Colman Dock. The Water Taxi will move back to a new King County owned facility at the south end of the dock in about a year and a half.

The new Water Taxi terminal will have a weather-protected waiting area as well as elevators and a pedestrian bridge to the new Washington State Ferries terminal and its amenities.

While service is suspended in August, bus riders in both service areas can expect to see heavier-than-usual passenger loads on trips to and from downtown.

Travel options

· Buses—Metro’s Rapid Ride C Line and routes 21, 37, 55, 56, 57, 120, and 125 connect West Seattle to downtown Seattle. Route 116 connects the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to downtown Seattle.

· Light rail—Metro Route 50 connects West Seattle to Link light rail at the Columbia City Station.

· Ride sharing—Learn about Carpool, VanPool, and other ride-sharing options at kingcounty.gov/metro/rideshare or contact your employer.

· Telecommuting and alternate work schedules—If your employer allows you to work from home or flex your schedule to avoid peak commute times, you can both bypass and help reduce crowding on buses while the Water Taxi is out of service.

New sailing schedule for West Seattle

When the Water Taxi resumes service after its move to the north side of Colman Dock, the West Seattle route will be on a new schedule. [PDF version here] This will account for the time it takes to board and de-board the route’s growing number of riders, and allow for Washington State Ferries to cross the Water Taxi’s route when arriving and departing from Colman Dock.

Open house

To learn more about the move, new facilities, or the new West Seattle schedule, come to an open house on June 21 at Pier 50 (801 Alaskan Way on the Seattle waterfront). Look for the King County Water Taxi tent and drop in any time between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Coworking – new owners, new name for ex-Office Junction
June 16, 2017 12:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

West Seattle’s only coworking center has new owners and a new name. Crystal and Rosario Bevilacqua have launched West Seattle Coworking at 6040 California SW, in the space previously known as WS Office Junction. Ross has been coworking there for three years “because we believe in the need for a space to separate work from family life,” says Crystal, explaining that the Bevilacquas are a West Seattle family with four young children. West Seattle Coworking, she adds, is “a space where those from the community can rub shoulders and share resources without having to brave the morning commute.” The center remains open as they work nights and weekends on “freshening up the look and feel of the office”; new signage and a grand-opening celebration are coming up this summer. In the meantime, Crystal says, “I invite all those who want to enhance their productivity to give us a try. We offer a one-day free trial, and our memberships are month to month.” They’re online at westseattlecoworking.com and the best way to book your free trial or get questions answered is via e-mail at ilovecoworking@gmail.com.

P.S. Former Office Junction owners Christine and Stefan are having a farewell party there 6:30-9:30 pm next Tuesday (June 20th) with snacks and drinks, and hope to see those they’ve coworked with these past four years.

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5 for your West Seattle Friday night
June 16, 2017 11:20 am
|    Comments Off on 5 for your West Seattle Friday night
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Friday sunrise, photographed by Jim Borrow)

Five highlights for tonight:

RELAY FOR LIFE-WEST SEATTLE: The annual overnight relay to raise money to fight cancer is happening at Hiawatha Playfield this year, and it starts at 6 tonight. You’re invited to stop by for events including the survivors’ lap (6:30 pm) and luminarias (10 pm). It continues until the closing ceremony at 7:30 am Saturday. (2700 California SW)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: Doors open at 6 at Highland Park Improvement Club, short at 6:15, main feature – “Sing!” – at 7. Free, but bring money for concessions. (1116 SW Holden)

BOBCAT BOB: Guitarist and song stylist Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

FREAKS FOR THE FESTIVAL – THE RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK JAZZ PARTY: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern, “a celebration of life with music, poetry, and art.” $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

COMEDY SHOWCASE: 9 pm (doors @ 8) at The Skylark. $10. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PREVIEW YOUR WEEKEND … on our complete-calendar page!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Another championship for West Seattle rower Reece Schulz
June 16, 2017 10:30 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to proud mom Regina Arceo-Schulz for the news that Reece Schulz and Cole Graham are the USRowing Junior National Champions in men’s lightweight doubles. Reece, who many know from West Seattle Scout Troop 282, is at right, below, with Cole:

They won the championship last weekend in Sarasota, Florida. Regina adds, “This is Reece’s second win at this title … He won last year with Nick Angelillo. Many thanks to his Coach Conal Groom and Assistant Coach Derek Deleuw at Seattle Rowing Center.”

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SITE NOTE: Technical work early Sunday
June 16, 2017 9:42 am
|    Comments Off on SITE NOTE: Technical work early Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Before everyone starts moving into weekend mode, we just want to warn you that WSB will be offline for a while very early Sunday (after midnight Saturday night) – we have some technical work to do. If breaking news happens and we’re not able to publish it here, we’ll get the info out via our social-media channels (Twitter and Facebook primarily). If, later Sunday and Monday, you check WSB and notice anything awry – such as, you’re still seeing Saturday stories atop the page – please let us know (editor@westseattleblog.com would be the best way but whatever else is convenient for you, including 206-293-6302 voice or text, is fine too). Thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend preview, including NB 99 closure Sunday
June 16, 2017 7:02 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

WEEKEND ALERTS: No road closures involved, but be aware of the Morgan Junction Community Festival and Westwood Village Street Fair tomorrow, both starting at 10 am and running all day … On Sunday, NB Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed from early morning through mid-afternoon for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. … Lots of big events around the city this weekend – here’s the SDOT roundup.

WEST SEATTLE GREENWAY EVENT ON SATURDAY: 10 am-11:30 am Saturday morning at Uptown Espresso in The Junction, you’re invited to stop by and find out more about the “most promising route” for the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway, as reported here last weekend.

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HISTORIC HOUSE FOR SALE: 3045 64th SW, with previous owners including Ivar Haglund, Doc Maynard
June 15, 2017 11:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Thanks to John for the tip: This Alki house that just went on the market – so new a listing, it didn’t even have a shingle up when we went by tonight – isn’t a landmark, but it has history. 3045 64th SW is listed in King County files as having been built in 1900 but multiple accounts say it dates to the late 1800s – like this one with a historic photo. In 1993, Seattle Times columnist Erik Lacitis declared it Seattle’s “oldest surviving house.” His story says it’s believed to have been built for “Doc” Maynard (yes, the West Seattle Water Taxi vessel’s namesake) on another Alki site, from which it was moved to its current location – and that it was later owned by another legendary West Seattleite, Ivar Haglund. It’s listed at $630,000 and on almost 5,000 square feet of land with single-family zoning.

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NEXT MAYORAL FORUM: Next Thursday @ West Seattle Democratic Women
June 15, 2017 9:31 pm
|    Comments Off on NEXT MAYORAL FORUM: Next Thursday @ West Seattle Democratic Women
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Missed last night’s mayoral candidates’ forum at the 34th District Democrats (WSB coverage here)? The next one in West Seattle is just a week away – next Thursday, June 22nd, 11:45 am, at the general meeting of the West Seattle Democratic Women. WSDW chair Rachel Glass says they’re expecting at least five of the 21 candidates – RSVPs are still coming in: “This is a chance to get up close and personal with the people who are seeking to be the next Executive leader of our city.” The group meets at 11:45 am at the West Seattle Golf Course, following, she adds, “an optional pre-meeting group discussion led by Theresa McCormick at 10:30 am. You may order lunch ($13.50 for members; $15 for non-members, or if you don’t want lunch, a room charge of $5.00 includes coffee/tea and dessert). The length of the event would be about 90 minutes.” If you want to reserve a spot, RSVP to Rachel ASAP at werdachel@aol.com and let her know if you plan to have lunch, since they need to order in advance.

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VIDEO: Jessyn Farrell wins ‘mayoral showdown’ @ 34th District Democrats
June 15, 2017 7:29 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Jessyn Farrell wins ‘mayoral showdown’ @ 34th District Democrats
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics


(WSB photos and video by Patrick Sand. **Recognize the candidates? IDs at end of story)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Nine candidates showed up for the 34th District Democrats‘ mayoral showdown.

By night’s end, there was a showdown winner – but not an endorsee, as the group decided not to take a formal vote (yet, anyway).

Like most epic events, it began with the national anthem:

That’s tenor José Iñiguez. (The meeting usually starts with the Pledge of Allegiance.)

Some other business ensued before the mayoral forum that began with nine and was whittled to one – the candidates had to get here from another forum across town. But we’ll get to those other items later.

MAYORAL FORUM: 34th Dems chair David Ginsberg prefaced it with, “When we planned the agenda for the spring, we didn’t expect the mayor’s race to be hotly contested” – no one could have foreseen Mayor Ed Murray dropping out; they thought City Council Position 8 would be the real battle. Ginsberg reiterated that all 21 candidates were welcome to participate at least at the start of the event. .

The 34th’s Chris Porter moderated. First, each of the nine got to give an introduction:

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HAPPENING NOW: See the Delridge Wetlands Project design possibilities
June 15, 2017 6:34 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: See the Delridge Wetlands Project design possibilities
 |   Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

We’re at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, where an open house continues until 9 pm, first public review of the design alternatives for the Delridge Wetlands Project. If you can get here by 7 pm, project leader Willard Brown tells us, you’ll see the official presentation by the Pomegranate Center designers who are presenting three alternatives. This project involves a site at 23rd SW and SW Findlay that includes a former City Light substation; the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association and its Nature Consortium affiliate are partnering to turn it into a park and educational site, which it’s already been for students from nearby Louisa Boren STEM K-8:

Even if you can’t get here for the presentation, stop by before 9, have a look at the designs, share your thoughts on what’s meant to be a community resource. The open house is in the south classroom on the ground floor at Youngstown, which is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search in Fauntleroy
June 15, 2017 4:18 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

4:18 PM: Thanks for the tips. The police activity in the south end of Fauntleroy, including the Endolyne business zone, is because of a reported home burglary. We have few details but we did confirm that police have just taken one person into custody at 44th and Wildwood and are expected to search the house soon to be sure no one else is inside.

4:29 PM: Police have searched the home and found no one inside, so the incident is winding down. They tell us the original call, a burglary in progress, came from the homeowner.

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Seattle Public Schools schedules finalized for next year; here’s how they’re changing
June 15, 2017 3:26 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One day after that 15-minute meeting in which Seattle City Councilmembers approved giving Seattle Public Schools $2.3 million to help with transportation costs, the district has finalized next year’s schedules. They’ll be in two “tiers,” down from three previously, which means dramatically earlier starts for some schools that had been in the third tier, including two in our area.

The school days also will be 20 minutes longer for all students, the district says, and every Wednesday (except the first day of the school year) will be an early-release day (explained here).

Now published on the district website, the 2017-2018 elementary schedules are here; the K-8 schedules are here; the middle-school schedules are here; the high-school schedules are here.

We compared them to this year’s bell times, and here are the schools whose start times are changing:

Chief Sealth International High School starts 8:55 am, ten minutes later
Concord International (Elementary) starts 8:55 am, forty minutes earlier
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 starts 8:55 am, forty minutes earlier
Madison Middle School starts 8:55 am, ten minutes later
Pathfinder K-8 starts 8:55 am, ten minutes later

The district says anyone with questions can ask at their child(ren)’s school(s), or e-mail arrivaltimes@seattleschools.org.

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