West Seattle, Washington

17 Sunday

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month : 10/2017 325 results

Highlights for your West Seattle Sunday
October 8, 2017 7:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Least sandpiper, photographed at Constellation Park last weekend by Mark Wangerin)

A semi-quiet Sunday, with these highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NEW RECTOR: Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church‘s new spiritual leader has arrived and the community is invited to meet her:

The Reverend Kate E. Wesch joined the parish as Rector this week and will preside over Eucharist and deliver her first sermon in that capacity during services at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

All are welcome to the following events:

8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m. – Reception with pancake breakfast
10:00 a.m. – Sunday School for Elementary and Middle School
10:15 a.m. – Holy Eucharist with full choir
11:15 a.m. – Coffee and fellowship hour

Additionally, Rev. Wesch and Br. Paul Dahlke, OSF will preside over the annual Blessing of the Animals at 1:00 p.m. in honor of Saint Francis.

More on that later in this list. (3050 California SW)

FITNESS FOR VITALITY RUN SERIES: You can still sign up at the last minute for today’s runs along Alki – 2K, 5K, 10K all start at 9:30 am – full details here. (60th SW/Alki SW)

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

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Could be a good day to check out the home of West Seattle’s history. Open noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: 1 pm in the West Seattle High School parking lot, neighboring Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church welcomes everyone to bring their animal companions to be blessed. (3000 California SW)

CLARA BAKER: Nationally touring singer-songwriter stops at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) to perform, 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: “LMC Opera presents the Italians: from Verdi to Verisimo” at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. Free. See the program in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEK AHEAD … via our complete calendar!

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Highway 99 south of West Seattle Bridge reopens after pole repair
October 8, 2017 7:43 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Highway 99 south of West Seattle Bridge reopens after pole repair
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:43 AM: While half of the scheduled Highway 99 closure continues this morning – northbound, between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – there’s a problem south of the bridge you might need to know about: A crash that “knocked over a light post” is blocking 99 (East Marginal Way) both ways at Hudson [map], per WSDOT, which warns that repairs “will take a few hours.”

12:51 AM: Still blocked:

3:01 PM: Now open – repair work’s done, says SDOT. (But northbound 99 remains closed for the weekend-long tunnel-related work, so if you are headed northbound from there, you won’t get much further. Whenever that is over, we’ll have another separate update.)

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VIDEO: Fauntleroy vigil seeks healing and hope in ‘the light of love,’ while mourning ‘so many lost’
October 7, 2017 10:02 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle religion

(WSB photos and video by Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

~60 people sang, prayed, and pondered in a candlelight circle tonight outside Fauntleroy Church, during an emotional vigil that went beyond mourning the 59 lives lost in the Las Vegas massacre.

Leading them, above, were West Seattle’s three United Church of Christ pastors, from left, Rev. Diane Darling of Alki UCC, Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski of Fauntleroy UCC, and Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom of Admiral UCC. Their voices rang clear in the night with grief and anger – and even a prayer of confession, that “I confess I believed things would get better on their own, and I confess that I was wrong.”

There were questions – including those raised in Bob Dylan‘s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” the first song led by Bronwyn Edwards and Leann Conley-Holcom, with readings between the verses:

As the names of those who died in the massacre were read – “so many lost” – there were a few words about each. Someone celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. Someone celebrating their 28th birthday. A father there with his four grown children. Off-duty law enforcers. The mother of a 6-week-old baby. A 67-year-old woman. And when Seattle resident Carrie Parsons‘ name was read, Rev. Atkinson Bilinski noted that Ms. Parsons was the “close friend of the granddaughter of a Fauntleroy Church parishioner.”

A chime sounded after each name and description … and the last name read was that of the killer, noting that he left behind his family, as well as a nation “confused and heartbroken.” And it was noted that the massacre took the spotlight from others around the world who are in pain and suffering, from hurricane and earthquake victims to those in our country experiencing racism and other social injustice daily. Gun-violence statistics were read, including the fact that “most gun deaths are suicides.”

Ultimately, however, the vigil’s message was that of hope, with the candles representing “the light of love” – hope that with action, with collaboration, change can be made. In that spirit, the final song was “Somewhere to Begin” by T.R. Ritchie:

As the vigil ended, participants were invited to continue lighting candles and to write notes of appreciation to local first responders.

We are told the notes will be taken to a local fire station on Sunday.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH UPDATE: Stolen blue Honda del Sol found
October 7, 2017 9:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

9:07 PM: That’s Lynn‘s car – and it’s been stolen in Arbor Heights. It’s a 1993 blue Honda del Sol with license ADX 9023. Call 911 if you see it – and refer to SPD incident number 17-373378.

UPDATED SUNDAY MORNING: Lynn updates via text that Seattle Police called to say they found her car in South Park, “stripped.”

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GREEN ACRES FIRE: Packing supplies, apartment needed for one victim
October 7, 2017 7:11 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from September 29th)

More than a week after the fire at the Green Acres apartment complex north of Morgan Junction, Jilyan at nearby C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) has continued coordinating efforts to help those who were affected, and says one person still needs help in two ways – urgently:

Urgent help needed!!! Please bring packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap etc) to C & P Coffee between now and Sunday night.

Some of you may have seen the fundraising that’s been organized for Green Acres. Everyone seems to have the help they need with the exception of one resident. I have been meeting with her, and the apartment manager to try to figure out how best to help her.

Joanie is still living in her apartment, with no electricity, because she has nowhere to go (and is not able to tackle this task on her own). Seattle Housing Authority will pay her rent and utilities once she finds a place but offers no assistance with moving or the cost to move/store belongings (understandable).

On Monday, a group of amazing C&P community members will be moving her belongings out and setting up a storage unit for her. This is how the money raised from GoFundMe and cash donations will be used.

We need boxes, Rubbermaid tubs you’re willing to part with, anything to pack up an apartment. If you are available Monday to help us move stuff with a truck, please contact me as soon as possible. If you know of an apartment Joanie can rent (section 8), please contact me. jilyanmp@gmail.com

West Seattle, you’re amazing! I know this community can help one of our own that is so unexpectedly displaced.

C & P is at 5612 California SW and is open until 9 tonight, and 7 am-7 pm on Sunday.

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VIADUCT CLOSURE UPDATE: Southbound 99 reopened for remainder of weekend
October 7, 2017 5:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

From WSDOT:

Inspectors for the Washington State Department of Transportation completed their work early and reopened southbound State Route 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle for the remainder of the weekend.

Drivers, please note: Northbound SR 99 remains closed between South Spokane Street and the Battery Street Tunnel for work related to the future SR 99 tunnel.

Northbound SR 99 and the viaduct will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9.

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THRESHOLD CHOIR: West Seattle rehearsals starting soon
October 7, 2017 4:00 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

That video clip from California tells the story of the Threshold Choir, which is expanding into West Seattle. The announcement is from Susan Moskwa:

Are you a woman who loves to sing? Are you drawn to offering your voice as an instrument of kindness to those who are seriously ill or dying? Are you interested in joining a supportive community of women who gather regularly to rehearse and sing at the bedside?

If your answers are yes, yes, and yes, then you are invited to attend a Threshold Choir introductory meeting in West Seattle.

Threshold Choir is an international choir with chapters in over 150 communities throughout the United States and in seven other countries. Our mission is singing for individuals at the thresholds of their lives. Our Seattle chapter is called Seattle Threshold Singers.

This fall the Seattle Threshold Singers will begin rehearsing in West Seattle. We are holding two introductory meetings to provide information about our plans: Saturday, October 21st from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Wednesday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

We will meet and greet, sing songs, and answer questions about the international Threshold Choir organization as well as our local chapter.

This is an all-volunteer group. We honor all spiritual paths and have no religious affiliation. There are no auditions but we do ask that you can carry a tune and have time to attend two rehearsals a month.

Rehearsals will be the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10 to noon in West Seattle. If you are interested but cannot make this particular rehearsal time, let us know. At this time, you can either come to rehearsals in Seattle’s north end or wait to see if evening rehearsals will be offered in the south end.

Find out more about the Threshold Choir on its website; if you are interested in joining and/or have questions, you can e-mail west.seattle.threshold.choir@gmail.com.

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GRATITUDE: West Seattle Food Bank says thanks for ‘A Grand Affair’ support
October 7, 2017 2:36 pm
|    Comments Off on GRATITUDE: West Seattle Food Bank says thanks for ‘A Grand Affair’ support
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photos: Signs at ‘A Grand Affair’)

Speaking of the West Seattle Food Bank … one week after its “A Grand Affair” cocktail-party fundraiser (WSB coverage here), we have word that its results were even grander than last year. From WSFB’s Judi Yazzolino:

The West Seattle Food Bank would like to graciously thank our sponsors, Board of Directors, donors, guests, and our dedicated and hardworking volunteers for making the 2nd annual A Grand Affair cocktail benefit at Westland Distillery on Friday, September 29th, such a big success. We raised more than $48,500 – 16% over last year – to continue the programs needed to help those in our community in need of food and other services.

Guests were winning millions at the casino-style gaming tables; tasting Westland Distillery’s delicious whisky, Peel & Press’s Aviation Cocktail, The Bridge’s Lavender Drop, or Husky Deli’s Beer Float, generously bidding on unique auction items, or raising their bid cards for the thousands in our community in need of a little help.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

We’d like to thank the sponsors who generously supported A Grand Affair: The Muckleshoot Tribe, HomeStreet Bank, Quail Park Memory Care Residence of West Seattle; BECU, Ventana Construction, FASTSIGNS, West Seattle Blog, & Westside Seattle. Thank you so much for your continued support. Thank you so much to all of the businesses and individuals of West Seattle! All proceeds from A Grand Affair will ensure that the thousands of children, seniors, and adults served by the West Seattle Food Bank will have access to quality, healthy food and other needed services.

Couldn’t be there? Lots of ways to help WSFB – money, food, volunteering, more – any time.

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YOU CAN HELP: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW food drive at West Seattle Thriftway
October 7, 2017 12:17 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW food drive at West Seattle Thriftway
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Going grocery shopping? And/or, have some non-perishable food already on hand that you can donate? Until 2:30 pm, you can help the West Seattle Food Bank at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) during the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (also a WSB sponsor) “Give a Day Away” food drive. In our photo above are Debbie Kerns and Michael Mallagh, two of the BHHS NW agents who are outside the store volunteering – pick up the WSFB needs list on your way in!

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HAPPENING NOW: Seattle Lutheran HS cheerleaders’ car-wash fundraiser
October 7, 2017 11:26 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos. Above, Dazor and Sophie)

No matter how dirty your car gets, you’re probably not going to find someone cheering when you wash it – unless it happens to be a car wash by and for cheerleaders. That’s exactly what’s happening right now at West Seattle Autoworks (35th SW/SW Webster; WSB sponsor), where Seattle Lutheran High School cheerleaders are raising money by washing cars:

Stop by before 3 pm. No set price – whatever you can donate.

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West Seattle Saturday: Viaduct’s closed, so here are your reasons not to leave the peninsula
October 7, 2017 7:33 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Northbound 99 is closed between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel (that’s why the right lane’s blocked off in the “live” webcam image above), and scheduled to remain closed all weekend; southbound 99 is closed until 6 pm tonight and scheduled for a 5 am-6 pm closure again tomorrow. So here are highlights of what you can do without heading east! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

SWIMMING WITH BRICKS: Along the Alki promenade this morning:

A West Seattle man will attempt to swim one mile in Puget Sound with a brick in each hand. The swim will commence from the Bathhouse at Alki Beach at approximately 8:30 am. The swimmer is Sam Day, 53, an artist and wedding painter, who swims regularly at Alki Beach with the Notorious Alki Swimmers throughout the year. The idea for swimming with bricks came from his Danish great-great grandfather, who, according to family lore, swam around a tall ship with a brick in each hand.

You’re welcome to cheer him on. (60th SW/Alki SW)

DRAGONFLY PARK GARDEN PARTY: 9 am to noon, Friends of Dragonfly Park would love your help as they provide TLC to this special spot in West Seattle. Tools provided. More info in our preview. Even if you can only help for part of that time, just go show up! (28th SW south of SW Yancy)

‘ART INTERRUPTIONS’ WALK: Also in North Delridge – 10 am-noon, join a guided walk in North Delridge along the temporary art installations we first showed you two months ago. Here’s the newest map:

Meet at Cottage Grove Park for the 1.8-mile walk. As shown on the map, there’s a shorter “family-friendly” loop too. (5206 26th SW)

BEAUTIFY STEVE COX MEMORIAL PARK: This White Center park used by so many from WC, West Seattle, and beyond, needs TLC too. Be there 10 am-noon today to help out. (1321 SW 102nd)

SEATTLE LUTHERAN CHEERLEADERS’ CAR WASH: Need your vehicle washed? 10 am-3 pm, stop by West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) and the Seattle Lutheran High School Cheerleaders will handle it! By donations – no set price. (35th SW/SW Webster)

SEE ART, MAKE ART: At Southwest Library, as part of the monthlong celebration of art that also features the Community Art Showcase, you’re invited to make “felted monsters” with Lene Sangster, 1-3 pm. Free. (9010 35th SW).

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: 2-10 pm at Ounces in North Delridge, you’ll find biers, brats, Bavarian music, costume contest, more. All ages. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

‘SCREENAGERS’: Worried your kids are spending too much time with screens? This is the film to see – with them. Free screening at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), 3:30 pm – presented by West Seattle Cooperative Preschools, with a short facilitated discussion afterward. (6000 16th SW)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: This month it’s “What the Health” – info here. Doors open 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

VIGIL FOR LAS VEGAS: 7:30 pm in the Fauntleroy Church parking lot – inside the sanctuary if it’s raining. (9140 California SW)

THE ESOTERICS IN CONCERT: New choral music, 8 pm at Holy Rosary. Ticket and program info here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

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FOOTBALL: West Seattle HS hosts Nathan Hale for homecoming game
October 7, 2017 12:43 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Down 21-0 two-thirds of the way through the first quarter of Friday night’s homecoming game, West Seattle High School‘s varsity football team refused to give up.

Led by quarterback Anthony Coats (#8, above), who threw and threw and threw – and ran, too – the WSHS players battled back to a 21-all tie with visiting Nathan Hale before the second quarter was half over.

(#3, Leland Gropper)

After that, though, Hale managed to pile up another 20 unanswered points before halftime – and it was 41-21 at the half.

(WSHS head coach Marcis Fennell)

Neither team added points in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Wildcats got into comeback mode again, and made up half the gap with a field goal and TD – but that’s as far as they got, and the final score was 41-31.

Also at Southwest Athletic Complex: At halftime, the WSHS Marching Band put on a show:

Besides the full band, directed by Ethan Thomas, the drumline entertained, too:

Lots of pink on the field, because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

And though the weather was the worst it had been for a game night so far this year – windy and drizzly – the fans kept the energy level up too:

This was also the last home game of the year for the Wildcats, who are 0-6 so far the season. Next Friday (October 13th), they play in Renton, at Liberty High School, 7 pm.

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS wins at Ingraham HS
October 6, 2017 9:55 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS wins at Ingraham HS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

One football final score so far tonight – according to the Metro League website, it was a road win for Chief Sealth International High School tonight, 40-0 over Ingraham at Northwest Athletic Complex. The Seahawks are now 4-2. Next week, they play a home game vs. Sammamish at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm Friday, October 13th.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bicycle found; car window broken
October 6, 2017 8:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ABANDONED, LIKELY STOLEN BICYCLE: The photo and report are from Guy:

I found this abandoned bike last night at about midnight in the alley behind our house, between 45th and 44th Ave SW, in the block between Alaska and Edmunds. With the amount of foot and vehicle traffic that goes on in the alley, I’ve brought it inside in the hope that if it was stolen, someone will see it on your site and claim it in the comments.

Or, you can e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com and we’ll connect you.

CAR WINDOW BROKEN: From Konin:

Just wanted to report that when my wife and I came home from the hospital, I noticed that my car’s driver-side window had been broken in what looks like a stolen car attempt. We had been at the hospital since September 30th for the birth of our first child and upon returning home Wednesday, October 4th, I noticed the broken window. We talked to our neighbor and said they first noticed it late Monday night, October 2nd. We live (on) 41st Ave Sw right across from the entrance to the QFC parking garage entrance/tanning place which is a pretty well-lit area with lots of hustle and bustle, and I was parked right out front of our place on the street, so it is a bold attempt at a car theft in such a public place. I think car theft because nothing was stolen, nothing was even gone through in the glove box or anywhere else, or the alarm and/or location scared the would be thieves off before they could do more damage. Just want to let you know in case anyone else had a similar occurrence and to just forewarn others that may read this story that live nearby.

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HATE-FREE DELRIDGE: Pro-DACA demonstration Wednesday
October 6, 2017 7:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Next Wednesday (October 11th), Hate-Free Delridge invites the community to join in this demonstration:

Hate-Free Delridge will be demonstrating for DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Come join us – on the pedestrian overpass on Delridge Way between Genesee and Oregon Streets 5 to 6 PM, Wednesday, October 11.

We want to publicly support our neighbors and friends and stand together as a community.

There will be signs – or you can bring your own, for example:
Defend DACA
Not One More Deportation
Dreamers Are Not Criminals
I Stand with My Immigrant Neighbors
Keep Families Together
No One Is Illegal

DACA is a program that has held off deportation for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 and that President Trump has said he wants to end. Hate-Free Delridge organized a “standing for peace” demonstration on the same overpass back in August (WSB coverage here).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Students encounter exposer, per letter sent to families
October 6, 2017 4:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | Westwood

For the second time this week, the principals of Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have sent families a letter about an incident involving students walking near the campuses. Thanks to Denny principal Jeff Clark and several Sealth parents for forwarding it minutes ago:

Dear Denny/Sealth families:

It has been an exciting start to school, and with our scholars’ growing independence – particularly when they are out in the community – there may be situations that challenge their personal safety.

We want to take this opportunity to let you know that we are working with scholars to ensure they maximize their personal safety and their comfort with reporting potentially unsafe behavior. We also want to highlight an incident where students saw an inappropriate and disturbing behavior, and correctly reported it to school staff.

Today, two 11th-grade scholars were returning to Chief Sealth from Westwood Village. They were near the intersection of Cloverdale and 26th Avenue SW when they noticed an adult male exposing himself. The students immediately reported the situation to staff. Administration took immediate action and the Seattle Police Department were notified. We are very proud of how our students responded to this situation and want to encourage all our scholars to report appropriately.

At school, we continue to differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. We are providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips

Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at both Sealth International School and Denny International School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The letter was signed by Clark and by Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer.

26th SW is the path along which the city still plans walkway improvements, while 25th SW – where students reported being approached inappropriately back on Monday – is the area where they’ve been canceled pending a future development.

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City councilmembers choose Kirsten Harris-Talley to join them through November
October 6, 2017 3:16 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Added – reader photo via text (thank you!): Councilmember Harris-Talley taking the oath of office)

City Councilmembers have chosen Kirsten Harris-Talley to fill the temporary Position 8 (citywide) vacancy left when Tim Burgess became interim mayor, and she has just been sworn in. Harris-Talley is a Hillman City resident whose background you can read here. She will serve until the results of next month’s election – with Teresa Mosqueda and Jon Grant running for the permanent position – are certified.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: New home for Arbor Heights Co-op Preschool
October 6, 2017 3:04 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From Jen Giomi at West Seattle Cooperative Preschools:

Finally, Arbor Heights Cooperative Preschool has found its new home! After 3 years of looking for a new location in the South end of town, it has landed at Mount View Presbyterian Church, 10806 12th Ave SW. Arbor Heights has preschool classes for children 2-5 years of age, which include parenting education through South Seattle College.

The preschool was housed at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church before that church sold its Arbor Heights campus to Westside School (WSB sponsor).

P.S. The Cooperative Preschools are again the beneficiaries of the West Seattle Monster Dash, which is just three weeks away – Saturday, October 28th, at Lincoln Park – full details and online signup here.

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WEST SEATTLE SALMON: Volunteers sought for Fauntleroy Creek
October 6, 2017 1:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SALMON: Volunteers sought for Fauntleroy Creek
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

markahlness(“Wally,” a 2016 Fauntleroy Creek coho photographed by Mark Ahlness)

Another call today for salmon-creek volunteers in West Seattle – this time, it’s Fauntleroy Creek that can use your help watching for spawners starting later this month. From creek steward Judy Pickens:

Salmon Watch 2017 will start on Sunday, October 15, on Fauntleroy Creek and new volunteers are welcome. Watchers monitor the lower creek after daytime high tide to record any spawner activity. Sign up as often as you want, with training during your first watch. Contact Judy Pickens at judy_pickens@msn.com for details.

Seven coho were counted last year – which was seven more than the year before.

P.S. Whether or not you plan to volunteer as a watcher, you’re invited to the fish-ladder overlook (upper Fauntleroy Way and Director, across from the ferry dock) for drumming to welcome the salmon home at 5 pm October 22nd.

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FOLLOWUP: Abel Linares charged with first-degree murder in West Seattle shooting death of Edixon Velasquez
October 6, 2017 10:45 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

10:45 AM: The second suspect arrested in last month’s deadly shooting of Edixon Velasquez outside his Westwood home is now charged. King County prosecutors have charged 19-year-old Abel Linares with first-degree murder and asked that his bail be quadrupled to $1 million. More…

11:03 AM: The charging papers don’t add much to the details we published yesterday from the probable-cause documents – they reiterate that Linares was in a “dating relationship” with the first suspect arrested, 21-year-old Anna Kasparova, an ex-girlfriend of the 25-year-old victim. But the new documents say multiple people told investigators that Linares said he had shot Velasquez. His arraignment is set for October 19th.

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What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
October 6, 2017 9:27 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moonset photo by James Bratsanos)

Thanks for all the sunrise and full-moon photos, four of which are interspersed with our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE LUG CO-SPONSORS CONFERENCE: Not in West Seattle but co-sponsored by the West Seattle Linux Users’ Group – this is happening today (just under way) and tomorrow:

The West Seattle LUG (Linux User Group) is proud to be a Community Sponsor of the 2017 Seattle GNU/Linux Conference.

SeaGL is a grassroots technical conference dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge about the GNU/Linux community and free/libre/open-source software/hardware. The goal for SeaGL is to produce an event which is as enjoyable and informative for those who spend their days maintaining hundreds of servers as it is for a student who has only just started exploring technology options.

Seattle GNU/Linux Conference is October 6 & 7 at Seattle Central College. There is no cost for attendance, and your right to privacy is respected.

Find out more at seagl.org – and find out more about #WSeaLUG at wsealug.net.

(Moonset photo by Kersti Muul)

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER @ SCC: It’s Friends and Family Day at the TRiO Educational Opportunity Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 11 am-3 pm. Details in our calendar listing.(6000 16th SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented author series features Steven Bender. Free – just drop in! (2600 SW Barton)

FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE: We’ve updated our Alki Community Center Friday night skating link with info from the center, including the dates it’s not happening, but tonight it’s ON! 5:45 pm-7:45 pm; details here. (5817 SW Stevens)

(Sunrise photo by Jim Borrow)

CORNER BAR IN HIGHLAND PARK: 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, it’s the monthly pop-up bar, with music! Bluegrass/Americana performed live by Rusty Hinges – plus DJ Dr. Lehl. All ages until 9 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School‘s homecoming game is at 7 pm vs. Nathan Hale (Southwest Athletic Complex; 2801 SW Thistle) … Tonight’s game at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) is Seattle Prep vs. Roosevelt, also 7 pm.

(Reader photo, taken from Highland Park)

NOT DEAD YET: The West Seattle band celebrates its 8th anniversary on tonight’s bill at The Skylark. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … on our complete-calendar page!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; Viaduct closure starts tonight
October 6, 2017 6:24 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:20 AM: We start with an emergency response at Delridge and Thistle. Texter said a pedestrian was hurt. Two of the three SFD units sent, including the medic unit, already have been dismissed, so apparently no major injuries.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: The first part of the inspection-and-more closure starts tonight at 11 – northbound between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – and is scheduled to continue all weekend. The southbound closure is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm Saturday and same hours Sunday.

6:42 AM: The last SFD unit at Delridge and Thistle has now cleared the scene.

9:04 AM: The heart of the commute has concluded with no further problems reported. Thanks again for the alerts – you can reach us any time (but not while you’re driving!) via text or voice at 206-293-6302 with traffic alerts or other breaking news. We will be tracking the Highway 99/Viaduct closure all weekend and will update with any changes, including early reopening(s), as well as an extra-close watch on alternate routes.

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@ Southwest District Council: Citywide campaign to raise $ for ‘aging’ Seattle Parks facilities
October 5, 2017 11:51 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

By Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The main presentation at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting was by a visitor from the other side of the city, circulating a petition to support funding for aging Seattle Parks facilities citywide.

“It is a modest increase in property taxes but we feel with the money that is going to be generated over the next three years, if used properly, will provide some tangible benefits,” said Tim Motzer, who spoke to SWDC about the petition sponsored by the Lake City Neighborhood Alliance.

The petition is urging the Board of Commissioners of the Seattle Park District – in other words, the Seattle City Council – to maintain the current park district assessment rate of 27.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the remaining three years of the Park District’s six-year spending plan. That would increase tax collections in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

“We can generate about $26 million and that revenue along with other sources from the city would allow us to fully fund the eight community centers,” said Motzer, a retired Parks worker.

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