West Seattle, Washington
14 Wednesday
Weather Watch Park was a seal-pup-watch park for a while Friday afternoon, but the little harbor seal that Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network was guarding did not make it. So reported Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters in a note to volunteers today. She says the pup was on the beach twice that day – first “forced back into the Sound by an encroaching tide,” then back on the shore in the afternoon. It didn’t appear well, Robin noted, “tiny and terribly thin with some kind of issue with the left eye.” It was still on the beach when volunteers left after dark, keeping the cove taped off, and still there early Saturday morning, appearing to be having seizures. It was taken to PAWS in Lynnwood, where euthanasia was decided as the most humane course of action due to “a number of health issues.” It weighed only about 15 pounds. A necropsy is planned.
P.S. As Seal Sitters reminded us last month, it’s pupping season around the region. If you see a seal or any other marine mammal on a local beach, or in trouble offshore, their hotline is 206-905-SEAL.
(Photo by Jamie Kinney, who got this view of the sun – with sunspots – while practicing telescope photography in advance of tomorrow)
If you haven’t finalized where you’re watching tomorrow morning’s solar eclipse, here’s a list of nearby gatherings – some of which you might already have found in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.
First – as expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen has warned (among many others) – DON’T LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT! If you didn’t already get viewing glasses (the comment section on our original report from last weekend morphed into a marketplace of sorts), some viewing parties will have glasses – sharing might be required.
Second – from Alice’s “eclipse basics” report here on WSB, the West Seattle timeline for tomorrow:
Start of partial eclipse: 9:08 am
Maximum eclipse: 10:20 am ā Coverage of the Sun: 92%
End of partial eclipse: 11:56 am
HIGH POINT LIBRARY: 8:30-11:30 am – here rae the details. (35th SW/SW Raymond)
SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY CENTER: 8:30-11:30 am – here are the details. (8319 8th Ave. S.)
NEW – WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION VIEWING PARTY: 9-11:30 am – the invitation from the WS Junction Association:
Solar Eclipse viewing party at Junction Plaza Park.
On the event that could be the largest scientific viewing in human history, the total solar eclipse will occur at 10:20 am. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is entirely blocked by the Moon, and in totality, night appears in the middle of the day. While Seattle is not on the path of totality we will experience a partial eclipse with over 92% of the Sun blocked, still an event to behold.
BYOSG (bring your own solar glasses). We’ll have refreshments and snacks.
(42nd SW/SW Alaska)
MUSEUM OF FLIGHT: Watch outside the Museum of Flight‘s entrance for free 9:30-10:30 am; NASA broadcast inside as it moves across the country, included with museum admission. And then see the NASA plane that will be up over Oregon during totality, as it arrives back at Boeing Field. Full details here. (9404 E. Marginal Way S.)
WATCHING ON THE WATER: Thinking about watching on a state ferry, since you won’t have to worry about buildings blocking your view if you’re out in the middle of Puget Sound? Here’s the official bulletin sent by Washington State Ferries today:
ALL ROUTES: Between approximately 9:05 and 11:40 a.m. on Monday, August 21, the moon will block a portion of the sun — with a peak of 92-percent coverage at 10:20 a.m. Some of the best views of this solar eclipse will be aboard a Washington State Ferry. However, all passengers are advised to take precautions before viewing the eclipse, as looking directly at the sun is extremely harmful to your eyes. Seattleās Pacific Science Center advises everyone to view the eclipse with an approved special solar filter, such as glasses or a pinhole projector. Please protect yourself, and we hope you enjoy this rare event.
Nearest route to our area is Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – the schedule is here. If you walk on, keep in mind that you do have to disembark at Southworth, even if you are walking right back on to finish the round trip.
Anything in the area that we’ve missed? Please comment, or e-mail us (editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can add!
P.S. From Alice’s previous eclipse previews, a resource list, including how to watch online:
NASA Eclipse 2017
Interactive Google Map #1
Interactive Google Map #2 (works better on phones than #1)
American Astronomical Society Eclipse 2017
Mr. Eclipse
Clear Sky Chart: the astronomerās forecast for the next couple days. Cloudcover, darkness, and āseeingā which is how nice it is to view the stars, all on one handy chart.
3:59 PM: Police are investigating a bizarre crash right now – a Seattle Parks pickup truck into the side of the restroom building at Roxhill Park, with one person hurt before he could get out of the way. Police tell us they’re trying to find out whether the driver had fallen asleep in the truck or hit the accelerator without realizing it was in “drive,” but whatever the case, the truck hit a man who suffered an arm injury, and then hit the building’s brick wall before stopping. Along with that man, the Parks driver is being evaluated, as is a child, our photographer reports. The building damage does not appear major, but we’ll check with Parks tomorrow.
SUNDAY NIGHT: A commenter says her husband and 2-year-old child are the ones injured at Roxhill Park and that both are seriously hurt, with her child being transferred to Harborview with a skull fracture.
ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: SPD tells us the report isn’t available in its system yet; meantime, here’s the statement Parks sent us when we asked several questions about the incident, the driver’s status, and the building’s condition:
On Sunday, August 20, at approximately 3:20 pm, a Seattle Parks and Recreation vehicle, driven by an SPR staff member, unintentionally collided with the Roxhill Park restroom. In process, two citizens were injured.
The Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department responded to scene, and a 2-year old child and a 47-year old man were transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Currently, the Seattle Parks and Recreation safety staff are conducting an investigation.
At this time, we believe that the injured child has been transferred to Harborview and that the injured adult is still in recovery as well. We are wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in this incident.
The men’s-restroom side of the building, where this happened, was closed off when we went by to look earlier today.
(WSB file photo from past Arts in Nature Festival)
Yes, there will be Life After The Eclipse. So you might as well start planning next weekend, if you haven’t already. One of the biggest events will span both Saturday and Sunday (August 26-27) – the Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long! From the organizers at Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association:
The Arts in Nature Festival is unlike any other summer festival in Seattle. The variety of performers alone rivals some of the larger events the region is known for, but add in the verdant abundance of Seattleās only camp site, Camp Long in West Seattle, and you get an experience that is unrivaled in its beauty and its capacity to utterly engage all your senses and make you feel at once exuberant and peaceful.
The 2017 Arts in Nature Festival takes place Saturday, August 26, 11 am-9 pm, and Sunday, August 27, 11 am-6 pm at Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave SW. Tickets are $10 per day for adults (or $16 for a weekend pass) and $5 per day for kiddos 5-12. Get tickets through Stranger Tickets or buy them at the festival. For more information go to: fest.naturec.org.
For two delightful summer days, the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association hosts musicians, dancers, actors and artists from all over the style, cultural, media, and entertainment spectrum! Wander the meandering paths of Camp Long with the entire family to discover puppets by the pond, fine art in the forest, sound creations in the cabins, and much, much more.
This year, the Arts in Nature Festival is particularly excited to feature Seattleās own Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band, known for bringing exciting reggae beats to wider audiences.
Other artists include West African musician and Griot storyteller Naby Camera, alt-folk duo Animals of Grace, rumba musicians Cocotazo, storytelling and choral collaborations from the Moonshine Revival Tent, and a scavenger hunt installation by Melanie Reed, plus many more!
A convoy of food trucks including GAI BOX, PICNIC, and POP UP keeps you energized for art-making, dancing, and nature-trail exploring. For an added dose of hoppy happy, Monumental Undertaking sponsors this yearās beer garden!
Weāre pleased to also welcome participants Caz NW ā A Performing Arts Family Camp, Full Circle, King County Dept. of Natural Resources & Parks, the National Wildlife Federation, and the High Point Branch Library, hosting a fun and informative trivia afternoon on Saturday from 4:00-5:30.
Special thanks to our local Sponsors who help make this magic possible, including: Boeing, Nucor, KUOW, Seattle Parks & Recreation, Northwest Folklife, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and the West Seattle Blog.
More previews as the countdown continues in the week ahead.
Marination Ma Kai at Seacrest was closed on Saturday, and told us that it was “in remembrance of an employee gone too soon.” Today, multiple WSB readers have messaged us to say the employee was the young man who died on Beach Drive Friday, and that the restaurant is donating today’s proceeds to his family, and they thought we should let you know. Marination Ma Kai is open until 9 tonight.
Four groups demonstrated at Walk All Ways in The Junction today, focused on “peace and justice” – West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice, which has long rallied there on Sundays, was joined by Hate-Free Delridge, Anti-Hate Alaska Junction, and Sustainable West Seattle, as a followup to last Wednesday’s gathering in North Delridge. Participants spanned generations:
One of the signs on the southwest corner mentioned Anti-Hate Alaska Junction’s next “bystander intervention training” workshop, one week from today, which is also listed in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.
It’s been almost a year since we first reported on Westside Neighbors Network, building a “village” to support positive aging. Now, WNN has announced it’s ready for members and other forms of support:
Westside Neighbors Network (WNN) has reached two major organizational milestones: incorporation in the State of Washington and 501(c)(3) federal nonprofit status. As a result, it’s now accepting Founding Memberships as well as financial donations.
WNN is a group of West Seattle neighbors working to create a “village” on the west side. The village model began in Boston and has been replicated many times throughout the country. Three other village organizations are already in place in Seattle and several other neighborhoods are planning theirs.
In a village, members access the social connections they need to thrive, the support they need to age gracefully in their homes, and the sense of community they desire. Each village has a unique focus.
“We envision our village as a network of neighbors who come together to create and sustain community,” said founding member Judie Messier. “Our goal is to nurture a lively and engaged multigenerational community that celebrates and supports positive aging.”
WNN recently hosted two community forums and has been making presentations to a wide variety of organizations throughout the west side. Planners have chosen Jan. 1, 2018, as the official launch date and two tiers of membership for individuals and households:
*Social membership, which entitles members to participate in activities and, if they choose, to volunteer their skills to support other members.
*Full membership, which includes the benefits of a social membership plus the ability to receive support from other members (such as rides to appointments and light household repair), to get member-referrals to service providers, and to utilize co-living resources.
By paying 2018 dues early, Founding Members can lock in the cost of membership and participate in member-driven activities through the remainder of 2017. Those who like may also be involved in continued development of the village.
Learn more about WNN and Founding Membership from Judie at westsideneighborsnetwork@gmail.com or visit the website at westsideneighborsnetwork.org.
(Northern flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Options for your Sunday:
SFD TRAINING: Today through Tuesday, Seattle Fire Department training is planned at an Alki house slated for demolition and redevelopment, as previewed here. (3027 59th SW)
EXPLORE THE BEACH AT LOW TIDE: Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out at Lincoln and Constellation parks 9:30 am-noon, with a -1.9 foot low tide at 10:21 am today.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s fresh as we head into the final weeks of summer. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
CHEER HAWKS CAR WASH: 11 am-(updated end time)NOON at Les Schwab Tires in Burien, the Chief Sealth International High School Cheer Hawks are raising money by washing cars – $5 donation requested. (13609 1st Ave. S.)
TODAY’S WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK: Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark remain open daily, 11 am-8 pm, through Labor Day. Today is the final day of the season for Delridge wading pool, noon-6:30 pm. (Find addresses here)
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR KIDS WHO NEED THEM: Backpacks, school supplies, and haircuts are being offered at the Mary’s Place shelter in White Center, 11 am-2 pm. (10821 8th SW)
‘STAND FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE’: Noon in the heart of the West Seattle Junction, join West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice, Hate-Free Delridge, and others, for a followup to last Wednesday’s demonstration. Noon-1 pm – bring a sign, or borrow one. Kids’ activities too! (California SW/SW Alaska)
ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Third-to-last weekend this year! 1-4 pm tours at Alki Point Lighthouse. Free. Get there before 3:40 pm to be in the final group of the day. (3201 Alki SW)
JAMTIME: Bluegrass and old-time music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)
BICYCLING HISTORY @ SW STORIES: 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, Stu Hennessey talks about “Alki Bicycling History” in the next installment of SouthWest Stories, presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and the Seattle Public Library. Free! (2306 42nd SW)
FINAL PERFORMANCE OF ‘SHREK’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ summer show closes with today’s 3 pm performance at West Seattle High School‘s theater. (3000 California SW)
K-TEL CABARET: A ’70s-music extravaganza at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
WATER TAXI ON EXTENDED SCHEDULE … to get you back home from the Sounders FC match – last run from downtown (now NORTH of Colman Dock) to West Seattle, 10:45 pm.
LOOK AHEAD to next week and beyond via our complete calendar!
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