West Seattle, Washington

26 Thursday

46℉

month : 07/2017 311 results

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch and weekend reminders; jackknifed truck on Olson/1st hill
July 21, 2017 7:09 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch and weekend reminders; jackknifed truck on Olson/1st hill
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:09 AM: Good morning! Again today, it’s been an incident-free morning in/from West Seattle.

REMINDERS FOR SATURDAY: As early as 7 am tomorrow, road closures and parking restrictions start for preparations for the West Seattle Grand Parade and the Float Dodger 5K preceding it. The main closure and parking restrictions are on California between Admiral and Edmunds, but also some side streets to the west and east for staging. Bus reroutes are listed on the Metro alerts page. … In White Center, the Jubilee Days festival will close 16th SW as well as 17th SW between SW 100th and Roxbury, from early Saturday until late Sunday – map and details here.

7:54 AM: A medical response is headed to NB I-5 at 90.

9:50 AM: Jackknifed truck is blocking the road to the SB 509 onramp (and beyond) from Olson/1st hill, per reader text.

11:12 AM: Went through the area a little while ago:

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VIDEO: Bob Hasegawa, Mike McGinn, Cary Moon @ West Seattle Chamber of Commerce mayoral forum
July 21, 2017 3:11 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s mayoral-candidates forum got going on Thursday night, only two of the original six RSVP’d candidates were on the stage at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – Cary Moon and Mike McGinn. Three had canceled earlier – Jenny Durkan and Jessyn Farrell had doublebooked and were at campaign events, Nikkita Oliver told the Chamber a personal situation had come up. But a third joined in: Bob Hasegawa, a state senator who had been kept late with legislative duty, bounded onto the stage about 17 minutes into the forum.

Pete Spalding, who chairs the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, moderated. You can see the entire hour-and-a-half forum in our unedited video above; what we have written below are key points of the questions and answers, but by no means complete transcriptions.

The forum began with opening statements:

CARY MOON – She started by saying she would snark about the candidates who didn’t show up except that she had bailed on the Sustainable West Seattle forum @ Summer Fest last Saturday (as had Durkan). She said that she is running to do something about the city becoming a place of haves and have-nots. It’s time to make a plan, “discuss it, own it,” she said, to solve problems “with bold solutions,” such as housing affordability.

MIKE McGINN – He started by complimenting the organizers on making the countdown timer more visible than in any forum he’d been to previously. He said that when he took office as mayor in 2009, the economy was in bad shape, but now, while it’s in good shape, he wants to “hold the line on regressive taxes” that he says the current city government seems to see as the solution to everything.

1st question: With all the taxes, and an increasing city budget, how do people know the money is going for what they intended it to go? Moon promised transparency and metrics. “Without that, how can we have public trust?” McGinn talked about “line-item’ing (levies) out to the greatest extent possible” – what are the timelines, what’s been spent, “what’s been produced to date.”

2nd question: What will you do to help small businesses grow and prosper?

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‘Come to the beach and help us celebrate!’ Alki Art Fair celebrates 20th anniversary this weekend
July 20, 2017 10:30 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘Come to the beach and help us celebrate!’ Alki Art Fair celebrates 20th anniversary this weekend
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB file photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This weekend’s Alki Art Fair is more than a once-a-year event: It’s the festival’s 20th anniversary.

“Come to the beach and help us celebrate!” is your invitation from Giovannina Souers, during our conversation today about the AAF’s milestone. She’s the president of the Alki Art Fair board, and has been involved from the start.

In 1997, she had a pottery studio elsewhere in West Seattle, when a painter from the Alki Bathhouse “came in and said, ‘we’re thinking about having an arts event on the beach, and looking for artists – we want it to be interactive.’ … So I grabbed a couple wheels, and some students, and went down, did a few demonstrations and sold our things.” She says it was “informal,” maybe about 15 different artists/booths, demonstration-based, “the artists were there, doing and selling their art on the beach.”

The next year, she was hired to create a pottery studio at the Bathhouse, and helped put on the art fair the next few years. “We kind of grew it and turned it into more of a fair to sell work, and fun kids’ activities … it just kind of grew from there.”

One major growth point was when music was added after a few years, in the early 2000s.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: The weekend’s in sight
July 20, 2017 9:34 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: The weekend’s in sight
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to everyone who sent views of tonight’s sunset! The one above is from Alki, courtesy of Donna Benaroya. Looks like we’re in for a warm weekend, some clouds, mostly sun. Alki is among the neighborhoods hosting big events this weekend – the 20th-anniversary Alki Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday – and we have a preview coming up later tonight.

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FOLLOWUP: City-funded work proposed at 3 West Seattle landslide sites
July 20, 2017 6:30 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news


(WSB photo from February)

From Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s newest e-mail update, word that the City Council is considering “supplemental budget” funding for landslide mitigation including three problem sites in West Seattle. One (above) is at the site of last February’s Highland Park Way-closing slide: $60,000 “to install a rock buttress between West Marginal Way SW and SW Holden Street.” Herbold’s update says this will “minimize longterm erosion and sloughing.” This was also discussed during the Highland Park Find It Fix It Walk back in May, which followed Herbold “rais(ing) questions about the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT’s) practices for managing landslide risks and whether SDOT should be doing more proactive work to minimize the risk of slides rather than responding with repair work after slides occur.” She continues:

What I found is that 17 years ago, in 2000, SDOT performed a risk assessment for slope hazards for landslides on arterial streets in the City. This evaluation was based on a set scoring matrix, and SDOT uses that ranking to prioritize our proactive landslide mitigation program.

The assessment used eight design factors to determine the priority of 73 known potential landslide locations along arterial streets. The criteria were:

Hazard condition of slope
Traffic volume
Street, pavement, and adjacent retaining facility condition
Street or sidewalk access impacts, including Metro, primary emergency routes, and ability to implement detours
Adjacent to community centers, schools, city utilities
Slope modification history that may decrease slope stability
Partnership opportunities with other planned projects to decrease costs
Adjacent to private facilities
Of the 73 locations, 24 were rated a high priority. Since 2000, SDOT has budgeted approximately $500K per year for landslide mitigation. With those funds we have been slowly moving through mitigation efforts for those locations. In 17 years, only seven of twenty-four high priority location have had proactive mitigation work done, because the majority of the allocated funds each year end up being needed for responding to slides after they have occurred in other lower priority locations.

The City Budget Office agreed with me that this a significant problem. I worked with SDOT and the City Budget Office to identify 2017 funds as well as a spending plan over the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to complete the work. Longer-term funding will be addressed during the 2018 budget process beginning in September.

In the short term, the 2nd quarter supplemental budget proposed by the City Budget Office, and discussed by the Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods, and Finance Committee this week, increases funding for addressing landslides by $1.37 million.

The aforementioned Highland Park site is one of three West Seattle sites; another is at Cambridge and California, $540,000 for a retaining wall at the site of a slide we covered back in January.

bottomofslide
(WSB photo from January)

Herbold quotes SDOT:

This slide impacts access for thirteen homes along California Ave SW, north of SW Cambridge St. The slide also damaged two homes below. There is no alternative access point for the properties. SPU completed the initial stabilization and cleanup efforts, since there was also a water main break. We are currently monitoring the slide, and have limited the access to one lane only. If there is additional movement, we may need to eliminate vehicle access to the homes, and limit access to pedestrian only. The responsibility of the initial response and restoration is likely split between SPU and SDOT, since there was both a slide and water main break, and it is impossible to tell which caused which.

The current proposal for repair is to install a wall and pedestrian connection between Cambridge and California. There was an informal trail / path that existing prior to the slide.

And the third site is the 10200 block of 47th SW, where $350,000 would be spent to stabilize a slope hit by a slide. Herbold’s update quotes SDOT:

There continues to be soil movement undermining the roadway at this location. The current solution would be a 50′ long 8′ high permanent soldier pile wall consistent with the adjacent wall. If not completed we will likely need to close the roadway for safety and prevent access to approximately 20 residences. There is no alternative access point for the properties. The closure would affect 20 homes including those on Maplewood Place SW, with potential impact to the apartments block at 10203 47th Ave SW.

Outside West Seattle, the supplemental-budget item also proposes $400,000 for a slope along Rainier Avenue S. and $20,000 for a “rock buttress” along Perkins Lane W.

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WEST SEATTLE WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas in the area
July 20, 2017 5:52 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas in the area
 |   West Seattle news

Thanks to Andrew for the tip – orcas were just north of Alki Point, southbound, as of about 15 minutes ago. Let us know if you see them!

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FOLLOWUP: Success for community-led campaign to save Reading Partners tutoring program at Highland Park Elementary
July 20, 2017 3:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Highland Park Elementary students will NOT lose their volunteer reading tutors after all, thanks to community contributors plus one generous ongoing supporter of the Reading Partners program. Here’s the update from Dina Johnson, the volunteer tutor and community advocate who has been working for more than a month to get the word out:

Just received this from Linda Givler, admin of the “Save Highland Park Reading partners” GoFundMe Page:
~~~~~~~
The GoFundMe campaign to save the Reading Partners program at Highland Park Elementary School has ended. The page will be left up for a few days to allow everyone to see the latest update.

Together we were able to raise $12,787 in 30 days. I think that is amazing, even though it is short of the $30,000 necessary to continue the program.

ALL IS NOT LOST. An ongoing supporter of the RP program in Seattle, who has chosen to stay anonymous, has designated their annual contribution to make up the difference and allow the Highland Park Reading Partners program to continue this coming school year.

We are very, very fortunate that a Reading Partners supporter has stepped up to help save our Reading Partners program at Highland Park. I know you will all be as excited as I am to continue helping our wonderful little readers next school year.

This was truly a group effort. Thanks to everyone…

Now it is time to celebrate.
~~~~~
(Dina’s P.S.) I’m giddy with delight (and amazement!) We proved that people CARE about schoolchildren in our little corner of Seattle!

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HEADED TO NOVEMBER BALLOT: Countywide Veterans, Seniors, Human Services tax levy
July 20, 2017 2:53 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The King County Council voted today to send the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services property-tax levy to the November 7th ballot, after reducing the rate from 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 10 cents, which is double the rate of the levy this one will replace. Here’s what the official county announcement says the money would go for:

Veterans: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for veterans and military servicemembers and their respective families.

Seniors and caregivers: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for seniors and their caregivers or to promote healthy aging in King County.

Vulnerable Populations: To plan, provide, administer and evaluate a wide range of regional health and human services and capital facilities for vulnerable populations.

You can read the documents related to the legislation – co-sponsored by our area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who is also the council’s chair – by going here; the actual bill finalized today is here.

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PREVIEW: ‘Rogue One’ launches West Seattle Outdoor Movies this Saturday, with light sabers, stormtroopers, food truck…
July 20, 2017 12:57 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

That may look like an ordinary street – but Saturday evening, SW Snoqualmie just south of 36th SW [map], next to the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), will transform into its secret identity as a “Festival Street” for the first West Seattle Outdoor Movies event of the season – the first full season in this new location.

The movie: “Rogue One,” which made history as the first standalone “Star Wars Story” movie outside the trilogies.

The time: You can arrive as early as 6:30 pm. From the official WSOM website:

•First 50 kids (or all those young at heart) will get light sabers.
•7-8 pm, bust out your cameras for those stormtrooper selfies (Garrison Titan will be here)
•Food truck for the night: Macho Burgers (vegetarian, gluten-free options available)

Live performances by School of Rock West Seattle.

Star Wars quiz by our own West Seattle ‘Mean Old Man’ with a Jedi Jeopardy lighting round.

Concessions and raffles too; all proceeds go to charity. This week’s raffle proceeds will benefit WestSide Baby, West Seattle Food Bank, White Center Food Bank, and West Seattle Helpline.

Sponsored by ActivSpace In West Seattle, Elliott Bay Brewing Company, LaVida Massage of West Seattle, School of Rock WS, West Seattle Christian Church, West Seattle Farmers Market, and West Seattle Blog

Brought to you by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA.

The movie starts at dusk – we can safely say that’ll be after 9 pm. But with all the aforementioned excitement, you won’t want to arrive at the last minute anyway. This is the first of the season’s six movies, every Saturday night through August 26th; see the lineup on the WSOM website.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: 2-car crash in Fauntleroy
July 20, 2017 12:12 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:12 PM: If you’re headed to/from the Fauntleroy ferry dock from the south, or to/from the Endolyne business district in Fauntleroy, heads-up – SFD and SPD are responding to a two-car crash at 45th and Wildwood [map]. We’re on the way to check it out.

12:21 PM: Our crew reports there are no serious injuries and the vehicles already have been moved off to the side, so once police and fire clear out, things will be back to normal.

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WEST SEATTLE DEVELOPMENT: Key approvals for 4754 Fauntleroy Way SW
July 20, 2017 11:39 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news


(Edmunds side of The Foundry – rendering by Mithun)

On the same day that 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW goes to the Southwest Design Review Board, its future neighbor “The Foundry,” at 4754 Fauntleroy, has received key city approvals. The notice is the only major one for West Seattle in today’s Land Use Information Bulletin. The project on the ex-pawn-shop site at Fauntleroy/Edmunds will include 108 apartments, 10 live-work units, and 103 underground parking spaces. The notice (see it here) explains the decisions – determination of environmental non-significant, and finalization of its design review (here’s our coverage of the final meeting last April). It also sets August 3rd as the deadline for appeals.

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West Seattle Thursday: Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha; 4722 Fauntleroy design review; WS Chamber mayoral forum; ‘Get Fit!’; more…
July 20, 2017 9:58 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Always something unusual to see at sea – Lynn Hall just sent that photo of a sighting in Elliott Bay this morning. The “YRBM-30” on the side leads us here – apparently a Navy barge. Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CANOES TO DEPART: We haven’t been able to get back to Alki to check since covering the arrival on Wednesday afternoon, but we were told while there that the Tribal Journeys canoes were expected to leave sometime after 10 am today, headed northwest to their next stop, with the Suquamish Tribe, at 3 pm.

JUBILEE DAYS CARNIVAL: Rides, games, and carnival food/drinks at Steve Cox Memorial Park as part of the White Center Jubilee Days festival. 3-11 pm tonight. (1321 SW 102nd)

MAHONIA PROJECT WORK PARTY: 4-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, a unique work party could use your help – details here. (6000 16th SW)

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA, WEEK 1: As previewed here on Wednesday, a three-artist showcase starts off this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with co-sponsors including WSB. Free; BYO chair and/or blanket. On the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center, 6:30 pm. (2700 California SW, but on the Walnut side)

MAYORAL FORUM: Five candidates for mayor are expected at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s forum tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Jenny Durkan has a “conflict,” according to e-mail forwarded to us by a reader who asked her campaign if she would be there in light of having not shown for last Saturday’s forum. (Update) WSCC tells us they’re still expecting all of the other five who RSVP’d – Jessyn Farrell, Bob Hasegawa, Michael McGinn, Cary Moon, and Nikkita Oliver, who is a West Seattle resident. (Update 2, 2 pm) The Chamber tells us that Farrell has dropped out too – reportedly a fundraiser conflict, while Durkan’s conflict, we’ve since learned, is what’s billed as a “get out the vote” event with high-profile supporters downtown. (back to original text) 6:15 pm mingling, 6:45 pm forum. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

GET READY TO RUN! Want to get more fitness into your life? Find out about a free, fun program tonight at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):

Get Fit West Seattle is a free program put on by West Seattle Runner. Come to the info night THURSDAY JULY 20th at 6:30 pm to learn more about how you can run your first half marathon! This is a program for beginners, as we will start with ONE MILE on Saturday August 5th! From there, you will train to do your first half marathon in November, the Amica Seattle Half Marathon. Come and get your questions answered and learn about the plan. This is a free program which includes a training plan, injury prevention clinic, and running 101 clinic and lots of great camraderie. (if you can’t attend the meeting, you can still join, just email: lori@westseattlerunner.com)

(2743 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 4722 FAUNTLEROY WAY SW: 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center, the Southwest Design Review Board gets its first look at the new project for the site where CVS canceled its plan for a drugstore – described on the city website as:

A 7-story building containing 233 residential units, 17 live-work units, and 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Parking to be provided for 250 vehicles within the structure. (And) a four-story building containing one live-work unit and 49 residential units.

Here’s the design packet. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment. (4217 SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, an event for both members and those who want to find out more about WSTB. (4217 SW Oregon)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC, with an agenda including:

1) Summer Safety & Neighborhood Night Out
2) Alki Noise Survey Update
3) Alki Art Fair – Volunteers needed

(6115 SW Hinds)

BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: The monthly Alauda showcase is tonight at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

AMA TRIO: “A Latin American, Afro Sephardic, Eastern European Gypsy Circus Chamber Music Band!” performing at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

AND EVEN MORE … listed on our complete-calendar page for tonight (and beyond).

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LOW-LOW TIDES RETURN: ‘Deaf Community Beach Walk’ at Lincoln Park on Saturday
July 20, 2017 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news


(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen, looking south from Alki Point during -1.4 tide on July 9th)

The low-low tides are back, starting with -1.6 right now and receding to low tides below minus-3 feet both days this weekend (here’s a chart). On Saturday (July 22nd), the Seattle Aquarium beach-naturalist program is offering a “Deaf Community Beach Walk,” with sign-language interpretation available 10 am- 1pm, as well as beach naturalists, on the shore at Lincoln Park. Look for the signs.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; weekend reminders
July 20, 2017 7:06 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; weekend reminders
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:06 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.

SATURDAY REMINDERS: Road closures and parking restrictions start early Saturday morning West Seattle Grand Parade this Saturday, July 22nd (and the Float Dodger 5K preceding it), primarily California between Admiral and Edmunds, but also some side streets to the west and east for staging. Bus reroutes are listed on the Metro alerts page.

MAYORAL FORUM TONIGHT: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s forum with six mayoral candidates tonight is billed as focusing on transportation and business issues. All are welcome, 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

8:05 AM: Crash at 35th/Webster. No serious injuries – SFD response closed fast.

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COUNTDOWN: Previewing Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade
July 19, 2017 9:18 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

(WSB file photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Just a few more days until hundreds of people comprising more than 70 entries will walk, roll, march, dance, and ride in the 2017 West Seattle Grand Parade, down California Avenue SW between The Admiral District and The Junction.

We sat in on the parade lineup meeting earlier this week and here are some of the highlights:

COMEBACKS: The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, one of Seattle’s most popular parade performance groups, will be back this year. Last year, they marched in the Renton parade instead, and while that parade is on the same day this year, the group is coming back to West Seattle. Also returning after sitting out last year: Luna Park Café.

NEW: First-time entries include Camp Crockett (WSB sponsor).

TWO-WHEELIN’ IT: The Vancouver B.C. Police Motorcycle Drill Team will again make their only area appearance, following the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team. The Shriners‘ mini-bike unit is joining the parade, too.

HUMAN-POWERED WHEELS: Participants include two roller-derby entries plus the Pathfinder K-8 Unicycles.

BOOM: Yes, of course the Seafair Pirates will “sail” down the parade route. Cannon and all.

FLOATING: Visiting floats will include the Daffodil Festival (Pierce County) and Strawberry Festival (Snohomish County) floats and Fathoms O’Fun from Port Orchard, right across Puget Sound from West Seattle. Remember that you will not see a West Seattle Hi-Yu float, as the organization has gone inactive.

LEADING THE WAY: As we reported earlier this week, American Legion Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes is this year’s recipient of the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Community Service. Just announced as Grand Marshal, your District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who lives in Highland Park.

WHERE & WHEN: The official parade start time is 11 am from California/Lander. But the SPD motorcycles get going at about 10:30, so they and their Vancouver counterparts are done with their thrilling maneuvers before the Joint Base Lewis-McChord color guard leads off the rest of the parade. You can watch from anywhere along California between Lander and the end of the route at Edmunds on the south side of The Junction. The heart of The Junction is where you will hear announcements by emcee Alison Grande.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The streets will close as early as 7 am. It’s not just California between Admiral (a bit north of the parade’s starting line, for staging) and Edmunds, but also streets to the west and east, where you’ll see NO PARKING signs already out, especially toward the start of the route. Please take the signs seriously so that the parade can happen without a hitch.

BUS REROUTES: Five routes will be rerouted on parade day, 22, 50, 128, 773 (Water Taxi shuttle), and the C Line – you can find the information on Metro’s alerts page.

BEHIND THE SCENES: The West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation presents the parade; many volunteers make it happen, including the four we observed at the lineup meeting – co-coordinators Jim Edwards, Dave Vague, and Michelle Edwards, and judges including Doreen Vague. The West Seattle Amateur Radio Club participates in coordination along the route on parade day.

BEFORE THE PARADE: The Float Dodger 5K starts from Hiawatha Playfield at 9:30 am – if you’re not running/walking in it, you are still welcome to get to the parade route early and cheer them on … If you’re watching from The Junction, and have little one(s) in the family, they might want to be part of the West Seattle Kiddie Parade, leaving California and Genesee at 11 am, after the motorcycles and before the rest of the parade.

Watch for a few more previews and reminders before parade day arrives! And if you’re going to be in it and want to share any advance info, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! Our West Seattle Grand Parade coverage dating back to 2006 is archived here.

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WEST SEATTLE SUMMER: Festival Centroamericano returning to Westcrest Park
July 19, 2017 8:38 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

WestSeattleBlog_FestivalCentroAmericano_52
(August 2016 photo by Leda Costa for WSB)

Last year, the first-ever Festival Centroamericano filled Westcrest Park in Highland Park with a daylong celebration of Central American culture (WSB coverage here). We just got word it’s coming back for a second year. The announcement:

The second annual Festival Centroamericano event is dedicated to learning and sharing the culture of Central America. The festival brings together, from neighborhoods throughout Seattle, people who are from, or have friends and family from, the seven Central American countries (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama).

Embracing our Central American heritage and culture to a community that is not well exposed to it can also offer a great opportunity to learn something new especially with the different ethnic groups (Indigenous, African, Mestizo, Latino) that are involved in the festival. The organization unites the different ethnic groups from each of the Central American countries to exchange cultures and learn from one another.

The Festival Centroamericano will be a family-oriented and free for the public event, therefore, everyone is welcome to experience a Central American community at Westcrest Park, 9000 8th Ave SW, on August 27 of 2017 from 12 to 7 PM. The festival will have live performances and vendors providing food, art, information, and other great services!

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Mass, celebration of life planned later this month for Sheila Goold, 1963-2017
July 19, 2017 6:48 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather in memory of Sheila M. Goold on July 27th and July 29th. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

Sheila M. Goold passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Sheila was born on December 16, 1963, in Seoul, Korea, daughter to John F. Goold and his first wife, Anne. Her father was remarried to Mary C. MacGinty in 1966.

Sheila is survived by her parents John and Mary; sister Marianne (Stephen), brother Des (Sara), nieces and nephews Marissa, Kenley, Erin, Emily, and Liam. She also leaves behind a large, extended family and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her sister Anna and biological mother Anne (1964) and her beloved canine companion, Winnie.

Sheila was a stylish, vibrant soul and a dedicated copywriter, consultant and administrator to a wide range of businesses over the years. She was an accomplished actress both in Seattle’s local arts community and in L.A, with numerous stage, film, and advertising credits. Sheila was passionate about animals, especially dogs, and both owned and contributed to businesses dedicated to the care and nurturing of them.

A Catholic mass will be held in dedication to Sheila at 9:00 am Thursday, July 27, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in West Seattle. Additionally, a less formal Celebration of Life Open House will be held Saturday, July 29, at 4730 California Ave SW from 3:30-6:30 pm. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Please, please RSVP to (262) 352-6469 (text or call).

If anyone wishes, the family suggests a donation in Sheila’s honor to a local animal charity.

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Rack ripped off
July 19, 2017 4:46 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One West Seattle Crime Watch reader report today – from Annika:

My fiance’s Yakima HoldUp2 Bike Hitch Rack was removed and stolen from the back of his truck while it was parked in the parking strip behind our house last night between 10:00 am-6:00 am. (40th & Brandon)

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VIDEO: Tribal Journeys canoe families arrive at Alki Beach
July 19, 2017 2:17 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Muckleshoot Tribe’s canoe arriving)

2:17 PM: As first reported here last weekend, Alki Beach is an overnight stop again this year for some of the Tribal Journeys canoe families. Dozens of tribes around the region participate each year, and destinations rotate among different nations – this year, the journey is bound for Campbell River, British Columbia. The Muckleshoot Tribe hosts the Alki stop, and told us the landings were expected at 3 pm; commenters on our morning highlights said they were seeing canoes earlier, and indeed, we’re here at Alki, and canoe families are coming ashore.

This group of canoes was hosted by the Puyallup Tribe last night and heads across the sound to Suquamish tomorrow.

2:37 PM: The early arrivals are headed back into the water to await others and the official welcoming.

2:57 PM: And the visitors are being welcomed (video added above), so the canoes are back ashore. There are five routes that canoes are taking to Campbell River – this stop is along the Inside Passage route.

We’re told tomorrow morning’s departure is expected around 10 am; the visitors will be shuttling to Auburn for tonight’s feasting and celebration with the Muckleshoots. We’ve counted eight canoes here; fewer than last year’s stop, since they were headed southbound and most participants had already joined, while this year, they’re northbound, and this is an early stop, with many yet to join along the routes.

ADDED 11:52 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for this beautiful sunset view with canoes’ silhouettes:

This page on the Suquamish Tribe website details the plan for the stop there tomorrow and Friday.

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THURSDAY NIGHT: Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series starts with ‘showcase of fresh new talent’
July 19, 2017 2:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

A great West Seattle summer of outdoor music continues tomorrow night with the first of six free Thursday concerts comprising the ninth annual Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series. Here are details of the season’s first show:

Couldn’t make it to Upstream Music this year? Fear not – the Admiral Neighborhood Association will present some highlights at the July 20 concert opening this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series. Three artists will perform in a showcase of fresh new talent curated by SassyBlack.

Headlining the showcase is Paris Alexa, 19-year-old singer, songwriter and loop artist. Her innovative, unique sound is accomplished by using only her voice which is recorded as she performs, then replayed as her own accompaniment. She is a student at Berklee College of Music and performs locally, including the 4th of July concerts in Gas Works park.

18 year old Cameron Miles Lavi Jones of Gypsy Temple will perform an acoustic set. Gypsy Temple brings a firestorm of original alt rock In the true spirit of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam complete with the band’s special guests horn section The Horny Tones and the amazing cello powers of Cory Cavazos.  Considered #5 of the top ten bands for Upstream 2017, Cameron and his band are aggressive, melodic, highly musical and full of on stage drama.

Rounding out the lineup is DJ and producer Jamie Blake. Referring to his work as “life music,” he incorporates works of jazz, soul, electronica, and hiphop into his beats and live sets.

You may have caught SassyBlack’s performance at the Junction last weekend. Described as an “electronic psychedelic soul goddess”, Sassy is a tireless advocate for artists in the local music community. She curated a portion of the Upstream festival, where Quincy Jones included her among important new talent to watch: “It is an honor to help them grow,” he said. Her new album, New Black Swing, was released last month. Sassy selected the performers and will be on hand to introduce them.

All concerts are held on the east lawn next to Hiawatha Community Center. Bring a blanket, family/friends, a picnic and enjoy the show!

The series is made possible through the generous donations of community businesses and volunteers.

Showtime is 6:30 pm tomorrow; the lawn is along Walnut, south of Lander. WSB is a co-sponsor, as we’ve been for every year since the series launched in 2009. See the season’s full lineup on the ANA website.

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WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST 2017: Feedback wanted!
July 19, 2017 11:50 am
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news


(Summer Fest Saturday photo by Leda Costa for WSB)

We mentioned in our coverage of West Seattle Summer Fest this past weekend that the festival-presenting West Seattle Junction Association planned an online community survey to gather your thoughts. We just got word from WSJA executive director Lora Swift that the survey is now up – “I’m invested in bringing the neighborhood quality events and would love some feedback,” she explains. So if you went to the festival, you are invited to spend a few minutes answering it – go here. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help them understand what was and wasn’t good about West Seattle’s biggest party of the year, so next year’s Summer Fest can be even better.

P.S. You’re also welcome – but not required! – to share comments here, instead of or in addition to/replication of the survey; they’ll be read too.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Tribal canoes arrive; Jubilee Days fireworks; Morgan Community Association; HALA for Westwood-Highland Park; more…
July 19, 2017 9:27 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Colman Pool, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen – it’s open today and every day through Labor Day!)

Long list of possibilities for this Wednesday – morning until late night! – here are the highlights:

WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK TODAY: Open today are the Lincoln Park wading pool, 11 am-8 pm, and the Highland Park spraypark, 11 am-8 pm, as well as Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm, and EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)

WEST SEATTLE WRITING GROUP: 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle. $1 members/$2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)

TRIBAL CANOES ARRIVE: As we reported last weekend, the Tribal Journeys canoes are stopping at Alki Beach again this year – this time they are headed north to a regional gathering at Campbell River, B.C. The Muckleshoot Tribe is hosting, and cultural director Willard Bill, Jr. has just replied to our inquiry about arrival time – saying it’s estimated at 3 pm. (59th SW/Alki SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN: 4 pm-7 pm, it’s the weekly farm stand day at this mini-farm in High Point – buy fresh produce steps from where it was grown and harvested. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

WESTWOOD-HIGHLAND PARK URBAN VILLAGE AND HALA MHA COMMENTS: 6 pm at Southwest Library, join the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council in discussing the HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning proposals and the possibility of community-coalition commenting on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement, as previewed here. (9010 35th SW)

DISASTER SKILLS: Free basic first-aid class presented by the city at Hiawatha Community Center, 6 pm. Details here including how to pre-register. (2700 California SW)

SOUTHWEST STORIES: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s monthly speaker series is happening tonight at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – Clay Eals and Brad Chrisman will talk about the 30th anniversary of the definitive local history book, “West Side Story” – Eals explains it here:

Their talk is free, starting at 6:30 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: The quarterly meeting of Morgan Junction’s community council is at 7 pm at The Kenney. The agenda – including City Council candidates, the HALA MHA Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and more – is here. All welcome. (7125 Fauntleroy SW)

DEADGRASS: Jerry Garcia/Grateful Dead tunes at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

DIAPERS FOR TRIVIA: As previewed here Tuesday, bring diapers to trivia night at Talarico’s, 8:30 pm, for WestSide Baby‘s Stuff the Bus Drive. (4718 California SW)

FIREWORKS: The White Center Jubilee Days festival opens with fireworks at 10 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park, where you’ll also find the first night of its carnival, 3-11 pm. (13th SW/SW 102nd)

AND MORE, MORE, MORE … see everything on our complete-calendar page.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
July 19, 2017 6:53 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:53 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.

LOOKING AHEAD TO SATURDAY: The “no parking” signs you might have noticed along California aren’t left over from Summer Fest – they’re for the West Seattle Grand Parade this Saturday, July 22nd (and the Float Dodger 5K that precedes it). California will be closed to traffic between Admiral and Edmunds. We’ll have a detailed preview later today.

9:40 AM: Reader reports shards of glass “every 200 feet or so” in Fauntleroy Way bicycle lane between Morgan and Fairmount Park. We’ve asked her to be sure SDOT is notified for cleanup, for starters (206-684-ROAD, and if you ever see a debris hazard and can’t get them that way, call 911).

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