West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
Several people asked us on Sunday – and another one, just as we started writing this – about a dead marine mammal at Seacrest, near the West Seattle Water Taxi dock (that’s part of it in the foreground of the photo above, taken last night). As always, we referred inquiries to Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (206-905-SEAL) and then asked the group ourselves. Here’s what Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters tells WSB:
It is an adult California sea lion. There is rope tied around the body which indicates that someone unsuccessfully tried to sink the dead animal. At this point, there is no apparent indication of foul play or entanglement.
We have documented the condition of the carcass and contacted our regional NOAA stranding coordinator. The EPA recently changed requirements for towing and/or sinking marine mammals (not only large whales, but sea lion carcasses) and Seal Sitters MMSN has begun the process to secure any required permit from the government agency in order to handle the floating, decomposing seal lion. Unfortunately, that process may not be terribly expedient.
Robin is hoping to hear from NOAA today; we’ll add an update here when she does. Whatever happens won’t be easy, she warns: “I might add that weighting and sinking a large animal is not the easiest task – nor is disposal or burial of such a large, heavy animal should he drift onto shore.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
WATER TAXI SCHEDULE CHANGE: Another reminder, today is the start of the West Seattle Water Taxi’s fall/winter schedule.
That’s 5 days a week, am/pm commute times only – find the schedule here.
LAST WEEK OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: This Saturday night/Sunday morning, we “fall back” an hour into standard time.
8:01 AM: No details but there’s an SFD medical response to the EB bridge exit to NB I-5. (Added) WSDOT says it’s a crash partly blocking the ramp.
8:32 AM: SDOT reports a collision on 35th SW near Kenyon.
(WSB photos. L-R, Mark Fuller, Marjorie Chang Fuller, John Montenegro)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It’s been almost a decade since Chef Mark Fuller and Marjorie Chang Fuller opened their first West Seattle dining/drinking establishment.
Now, they’re about to open their third, months after adding a North Seattle venture.
We sat down recently to talk with the Fullers as the new pizza-and-drinks establishment Supreme approaches its opening in the West Seattle Junction. Supreme’s head chef John Montenegro joined them for our conversation in the midst of the undergoing-renovation space at 4521 California SW.
Thanks to the parent who tipped us that, while it hasn’t been widely announced yet, notices are circulating for Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland‘s “State of the District” speech, to be presented in West Seattle this year. The district calendar confirms the event is planned for the West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), 5-7 pm on Tuesday, November 14th. Nyland has been superintendent for two and a half years but might not be for much longer. His state-of speech last year was at Franklin High School.
(Video and photos by Leda Costa for WSB)
Just north of the West Seattle Junction, another celebration this afternoon – this one, at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The movement began in Germany, so today FLCWS hosted German folk dancers from Enzian Schuhplattler, a club founded in 1965 by German and Austrian immigrants in Seattle:
And of course there was beer.
Also today, the church dedicated a plaque in honor of the anniversary:
FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall (above), designed the plaque, sculpted by Rita Marie Kepner, made from 65 pounds of bronze at the Port Townsend Foundry, and installed by Dale Korsmo. As noted on a banner outside the church, its commemoration of the Reformation’s half-millennium anniversary continues all year.
Next Friday (November 3rd), you’re invited to enjoy an evening out while ensuring that the West Seattle Helpline can continue assisting people who otherwise might find themselves out on the street. The annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors dinner/auction at The Hall at Fauntleroy (6-9 pm) is five days away, and ticket sales are scheduled to end tonight at midnight. Get yours here, right now; the Helpline invites you to “join us in celebrating and strengthening our wonderful West Seattle community. We can’t wait to spend a fantastic evening with our favorite friends and neighbors!” The nonprofit steps in to offer emergency assistance with rent, utilities, even clothing. Your generosity helps them keep doing that work.
(TRAFFIC/TRANSIT INFO: California is closed between Oregon and Edmunds … bus reroutes are linked here … festival schedule is here)
(Updated WSB photo – Root Beer Garden got busy a little while after our original photo)
FIRST REPORT, 10:08 AM: That’s the first-ever West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival Root Beer Garden – on the west side of the California/Alaska intersection. The festival has just begun, and continues until 2 pm, and our as-it-happens coverage starts now! Here are the key schedule points:
From 10 am to 2 pm: Free activities/games (mostly on California between Alaska and Edmunds)
From 10 am to 2 pm: Farmers’ Market (on California between Oregon and Alaska)
Starting at 11 am: Applepalooza at Farmers’ Market booth on east side of California/Alaska
Starting at 11 am: Chili Cookoff ($10 for 9 tastes & voting) on SW corner of California/Alaska
Starting at 11:30 am: Costume Parade (gather at Junction Plaza Park, 42nd/Alaska)
Starting at noon: Trick-or-treating (Junction businesses, some festival booths)
10:30 AM UPDATE: If you’re looking for the Scavenger Hunt, find it at the Farmers’ Market management booth on California south of Oregon. That’s a popular question here in the Info Booth in the midst of Walk-All-Ways. Just south of us, games are on – here’s Dave McCoy from Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor – their shop is at 42nd/Oregon) with the fishing game:
Next to EWA, you can jump with RopeWorks:
One of the most popular booths – Seattle Police crime prevention coordinators, with “button making machine, Halloween ring toss, SPD coloring books and many free goodies for children and adults!”
They’re about midway down the east side of the south block of California. And if you head over to the park (42nd/Alaska), you can make a music/rhythm instrument to get ready for the 11:30 am costume parade!
11:11 AM: The Chili Cookoff is on! KeyBank corner of California/Alaska, go buy your flight before the chili’s gone!
Your $10 gets you a vote (who will win? big trophy this year!) and 9 tastes AND knowledge you helped the West Seattle Food Bank. Meanwhile, we are seeing some amazing costumes – and the parade hasn’t even started yet! Family costumes too – like parents as chefs and their wee ones as lobsters.
And a young astronaut!
Almost parade time – we hear the West Seattle High School Marching Band warming up to lead it.
The parade is on! pic.twitter.com/VNR0GCK0xA
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
11:50 AM: After 20 minutes, the parade has ended, after circling the festival blocks. Above, the start – that’s Jim Edwards from the West Seattle Grand Parade (and West Seattle Big Band) leading the parade on his motorcycle. Below, some of the paraders on the southbound march:
And now the parade heads south down the west side of @WSJA Harvest Festival. Next: Trick or treating at noon! pic.twitter.com/Gjl1YoNgKw
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
(Added – More video from the parade:)
Next, trick or treat time at businesses and booths, starting at noon. Meantime, the chili is going fast – might be gone before the scheduled 1 pm cutoff.
12:14 PM: Candy collection is happening, big time.
(Above, rock ‘n’ roll trick-or-treating at Thunder Road Guitars [WSB sponsor]; below, trick-or-treating at Bikram Yoga)
And Lora Swift from the West Seattle Junction Association – the merchants’ organization that presents the festival – says the chili is sold out, 225 trays gone in just a little more than an hour! We’ll find out a bit later who won the vote.
12:52 PM: The results are in! Chili winners –
#1 Duos Catering (64 votes)
#2 Pecos Pit (35 votes)
#3 Easy Street (26 votes)
(Photo added below – from left, Joshua from Duos, Judi from WSFB, Benjamin from Duos, Lora from the Junction Association:)
Congratulations, especially to the WSFB, whose clients benefit from the participants’ donation of chili and the 225 tasters/voters!
1:09 PM: Last hour and the sun is starting to break through! Perhaps because the Comerford School of Irish Dance is performing just south of us in the Walk-All-Ways intersection:
Celtic Arts NW dancing at Califirnia/Alaska as last hour of Harvest Festival kicks off @WSJA pic.twitter.com/nYSA4GzD4N
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 29, 2017
Meantime, the costume-watching continues, including canine costumes:
Though there’s no gate for an official count, we would have to say anecdotally that this is the most-attended Harvest Festival yet!
1:36 PM: If you’re just getting here – we can’t guarantee you candy (the Info Booth folks sharing this tent have run out) but activities continue until the end. We’ve added a few more photos above and below. The crowd’s thinned a bit – maybe since the Seahawks’ game has started.
Among those with activity booths – the Junction Neighborhood Organization:
If you live and/or work in The Junction, that’s your community council.
1:52 PM: Final minutes. Soon, this’ll be history …
We’ll have even more photos later, including more from the chili trophy presentation. And stay tuned for the Junction Association’s big winter-holidays events, including the Tree Lighting on December 2nd!
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: More unique costumes. Edward Scissorhands made an appearance:
Willy Wonka was in the WSHS Band:
An aspiring band member:
We found a family of volcanologists:
And a family of recyclers:
R2D2 was not someone in costume – it’s a real replica that has an Instagram page:
ADDED LATE SUNDAY NIGHT: One more round of photos ahead – these are by Leda Costa for WSB:
8:47 AM: Thanks for the texts. A crash response on SW Admiral Way at Stevens has all lanes blocked right now, according to SDOT. We’re on our way to find out more.
9:08 AM: Our crew is there. One lane is open. Police tell us a passenger was taken to Harborview but the driver took off running after crashing the vehicle. As our photo shows, the tow truck has arrived, but SDOT is being called to clean up a fuel spill.
(Halloween decorations at 2747 44th Ave SW – just added to our guide – thanks for the pic!)
Hallo-weekend continues – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide:
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: This is today’s big event, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association (with co-sponsors including WSB). See our full preview here; see the schedule on the WSJA website. 10 am-2 pm, with free activities and games throughout, plus the chili cookoff ($10 donation for the West Seattle Food Bank) at 11 am, costume parade at 11:30 am, business trick-or-treating noon. We’ll be there for the entire festival with as-it-happens coverage. (California SW is closed between Oregon and Edmunds for the festival, and SW Alaska between 44th and 42nd)
HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: From the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY: 6 pm with The Heebie Jeebies at The Skylark. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LARRINGTONS RANCH HAUNTED HOUSE. 7 pm-10 pm. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Free “but we accept donations of cans toward support of the local food bank.” (Erskine Way/SW Hudson)
And here are the non-Halloween highlights, from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LAST WEEKEND DAY FOR WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: Tomorrow, the WS Water Taxi goes to its five-day-a-week, commute-times-only schedule until next spring, so today is its last weekend day of 2017.
HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY, PEEL & PRESS: The Morgan Junction restaurant/bar is celebrating its third anniversary by donating 10 percent of proceeds to the West Seattle Food Bank as holiday turkeys and chickens. Open today 9 am-10 pm. (6503 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK TRAFFIC-CIRCLE CLEANUP: Many hands make light work!
This weekend we will finish cleaning up four roundabouts in Highland Park in preparation for new trees, shrubs, and ground cover. We could really use extra hands! If you live, walk or drive near the intersections listed below, or you love to garden, or you just want to meet some neighbors, come on out and pitch in!
10 am – 11:30 am: 12th Ave SW & SW Trenton — install new plants & mulch
12 pm – 1:30 pm: 12th Ave SW & SW Thistle — install new plants & mulch
2 pm – 3:30 pm: 10th Ave SW & SW Thistle — install new plants & mulch
4 pm – 5 pm: 12th Ave SW & SW Kenyon — install new plants & mulch
Bring your own tools/wheelbarrow/etc. if you can.
SALMON-WATCHING: As reported here yesterday, the first coho have come home to Fauntleroy Creek, so volunteers will be there 2-3:30 pm to assist you in trying to see them. No dogs. Meet at the fish-ladder overlook across and upslope from the ferry dock. (Upper Fauntleroy Way & SW Director)
OPEN MICROPHONE: 3-6 pm, open mic at The Skylark, presented by neighboring Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PACIFICO: Pop act from Louisiana performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)
RHIANNON AND FRIENDS: 7:30 pm concert at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
THERE’S MORE ON OUR CALENDAR … see it all here!
(WSB file photo)
Just hours until our area’s biggest fall fun at the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, 10 am-2 pm Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
STREET CLOSURES: The festival closes an extra block of California SW, which will be off-limits to motorized vehicles between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon from early Sunday morning until late Sunday afternoon, as will SW Alaska between 44th and 42nd.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, it’s part of the festival, in its usual spot on California north of SW Alaska, usual time, 10 am-2 pm. The market includes Applepalooza – taste fall’s fave fruit, starting at 11 am, plus a scavenger hunt.
HARVEST ACTIVITIES: You’ll find most of these on California south of Alaska, *free* fun presented by more than 30 organizations and businesses during the entire duration of the festival. (See the long list of activities here!)
ROOT BEER GARDEN: Bring $3.50 if you want to try a 16-ounce root beer with Husky Deli ice cream – Easy Street corner of California/Alaska.
CHILI COOKOFF: Nine venues are competing for this year’s title – bring $10 to buy your flight of a taste from each starting at 11 am at the KeyBank corner of California/Alaska, and you’ll get to vote on who you think should win! The money goes to the West Seattle Food Bank.
COSTUME PARADE: Gather at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) before 11:30 am (you can make a musical instrument there starting at 10) and follow the West Seattle High School Marching Band around the festival grounds!
TRICK-OR-TREATING: Businesses will have treats starting at noon – some of the booths, too.
WHAT’S NEW – IRISH DANCING: Late addition to the program, Celtic Arts Northwest will perform at California/Alaska at 1 pm. (That’s where we’ll be throughout the festival, with as-it-happens coverage … see you there!)
Last Saturday night, we mentioned the Southwest Youth and Family Services Night of Giving Gala – including an award for West Seattle mega-volunteers Jim Guenther and Sandy Adams. We noted that we hoped to hear more about it, and now we have the full story on their award and other highlights of the big event, courtesy of SWYFS development coordinator Adriana Zazula:
It was a downpour over the Georgetown Ballroom last Saturday night, but that did not stop more than 200 people from attending Southwest Youth & Family Services (SWYFS) Night of Giving Gala. Amongst the guests were elected officials City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, County Council Chair Joe McDermott, State Rep. Eileen Cody, and State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. Each came to the event with the assurance of hearing “Voices of Our Community.” And that they did. From one-on-one conversations with SWYFS staff about program needs to poetry readings and music performed by current participants.
Perhaps the most passionate voice came from SWYFS Executive Director Steve Daschle on how the current political climate is affecting our families and an equally powerful testimony as to the impact of SWYFS programs from former participant, Yohan Lara Aguilar.
Another spotlight was also put on fellow West Seattle residents Jim Guenther and Sandy Adams, presented by board chair Laura Ware. Since 2009, Southwest Youth & Family Services recognizes outstanding volunteers who have made a significant contribution to our work with the Weeks Family Volunteer Award. In honor of Ben and Roberta Weeks and their children, SWYFS selects a volunteer for their abiding commitment to improve the West Seattle community and exemplify our mission of partnering with families to transform their futures.
Jim and Sandy have done so much for the West Seattle community at large over the years. Fellow community members wanted to contribute the testaments to their legacy, one of which was Managing Director of ArtsWest, Laura Lee. Lee said, “Sandy and Jim are two of the most genuine, giving, caring people that I have had the privilege of knowing. I think of them both with hands outstretched, love in their hearts, and an energy and spirit that never flags or dims. Sandy has been a crucial volunteer, taking on some of the most un-glamorous and difficult work for ArtsWest. She has a lightness in her step only matched by the lightness in her heart. Jim is smart. One of those people that you really should pay attention to every word he says because it comes from a place of such intellect and experience. He gives generously and freely and is passionate about connecting people to important work. They are both not in anything for the short-term glory or the gain, they are committed to a life of giving and a spirit of generosity.”
Jim and Sandy have taken a great interest in all aspects of the work of Southwest Youth & Family Services, including our education center, our academic and enrichment programs at New Futures. Jim has consistently taken the time to get to know our families and youth and understand the hardships that they face. Together, Jim and Sandy have donated funds for vans, technology, post-secondary scholarships, and more for our students. Their contributions allow for another chance for our youth to access what is necessary for them to transform their futures.
Southwest Youth & Family Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to event sponsors International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Nucor Steel, Amerigroup Washington, Tom & Linda Daschle, Potter Construction, Molina Healthcare, King County Housing Authority, and Alaska Airlines, as well as all the guests and volunteers who participated and supported the 2017 Night of Giving Gala.
You can be part of SWYFS too – here’s how to volunteer; here’s how to donate.
Some local businesses go big on seasonal fun – especially West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, where the Kids’ Halloween Party today offered the opportunity to decorate mini-pumpkins – and to admire mysteriously masquerading store staffers:
Next big event at Thriftway is next Thursday (November 2nd), 4-7 pm – the legendary Holiday Taste!
5:24 PM: The Addams Family photo booth is just part of the fun at the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) Community Halloween Party, all welcome, happening at 41st SW/SW Andover until 7 pm. Games and treats – costumes not required – lots of fun decorations!
7:25 PM: More photos, above and below, including the cakewalk:
Less than a week after this year’s gathering to call the coho home to Fauntleroy Creek, two have shown up. Creek steward Judy Pickens says Mark Ahlness‘s photo above shows the first one, seen yesterday afternoon: “It reverted to the culvert and appeared again this morning.” She adds, “Then another, with full color, came in this afternoon. That’s a firm two now, perhaps a pair.” So you are invited to come to the creek tomorrow afternoon (Sunday, October 29th) – volunteers will be at creekside 2 pm-3:30 pm. They can’t guarantee you’ll see one but you can take a look and ask questions. As Judy says, “People interested in taking a chance on seeing spawners will be welcome. Children should bring a parent and dogs should stay safely at home.” Come to the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW, across from the ferry terminal) and a volunteer will invite you down.
Some came in costume … some just came dressed as, well, runners and walkers. Our video shows the start of this morning’s sixth annual West Seattle Monster Dash at Lincoln Park, with hundreds joining the fun to raise money for West Seattle Cooperative Preschools. It’s an all-ages event:
Costume creativity abounded – here’s a hummingbird:
And a witch:
This guy said he wasn’t entirely sure what he was supposed to be:
The Monster Dash also provided an opportunity for family photos – posing here are the Preedys:
(This year’s West Seattle Monster Dash was graced with much better weather than last year!) Almost 200 participants chose to be timed in the 5K, and you can see the results here.
After Drug Take-Back Day dropoffs filled four bags at the Southwest Precinct, what you see above is the start of the fifth. It’s your chance to get expired, unneeded, and/or unwanted prescription drugs out of your home, safely and securely. No liquids, sprays, gels, inhalers, needles. This is on until 2 pm at 2300 SW Webster.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:
ALKI HIT-RUN: From Russ and Kim:
Our 2002 Volvo S60 was parked on SW Stevens street in front of our house (last night). Around 11 pm we heard a crash outside and saw a pickup truck zooming away. It had clipped the front of our car as it turned right down the alley the leads down to Alki Ave.
The whole front of our car was taken off. Called SPD and they responded quickly and are looking for a pickup — a big one that might be carrying two barrels in its back (according to our neighbor, who caught a brief look).
We are fine. Just an annoying hit-and-run. SPD is on the lookout, but if anyone sees a pickup — probably a larger one — with damage to its front right side, please let us know.
DUMPED ITEMS: The photo and report are from Teresa:
She found the items in the parking lot at 3700 California SW early Friday morning and turned them over to police: “The purse on top still had the wallet, ID and cash inside. I did not look in the rest of the bags but high heels were falling out of a tote. I don’t remember the person’s name but the address on their ID said Marysville.” So contact SPD if you know whose these are.
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the fall colors! First on our highlights list, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Etc. Guide (which we’re updating daily through next week):
WEST SEATTLE MONSTER DASH: 6th annual West Seattle Monster Dash in Lincoln Park to benefit South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools. 9:30 am 5K, 10:30 am kids’ dash, 11:30 am awards ceremony and costume contest. Registration info here. (Fauntleroy/Cloverdale)
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY HALLOWEEN PARTY: Annual kids’ Halloween party at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 11 am-1 pm. Decorate a mini-pumpkin and win a treat bag! (Fauntleroy/Morgan/California)
TIBBETTS UMC HALLOWEEN PARTY: 5-7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): “Halloween is coming right up, and it’s time to paint some pumpkins! Tibbetts United Methodist Church extends an open invitation to the public to join us for the Community Halloween Party. We welcome all to this FREE and fun gathering that includes a warm meal, pumpkin painting, a few carnival games, and of course some candy. We will be serving hearty fall soup and savory pumpkin soup. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall.” (NE corner of 41st Ave SW and Andover Street)
HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: Halloween Light Show by the people who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm nightly through Halloween – probably a little later tonight. (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)
HAUNTED HOUSE: First of three nights (also Sunday and Tuesday) for Larringtons Ranch Haunted House. 7 pm-10 pm. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Free “but we accept donations of cans toward support of the local food bank.” (Erskine Way/SW Hudson)
‘GHOST GAME XI’: The Cabiri in “Ghost Game XI: Beyond The Veil” dessert theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, doors open 7:30 pm. Full details here; buy your ticket(s) here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
‘COME AS YOU AREN’T’: Skylark Café and Club‘s 12th Annual “Come as You Aren’t” battle of the bands, starting at 7:30 pm, $15 cover, 21+ – see the lineup here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘WEREWOLF’: Spend the night playing Halloween Werewolf – 8 pm at Meeples Games. Get there early to get signed up. Costume contest during intermission. Recommended for 12+. (3727 California SW)
COSTUME & KARAOKE CONTEST: At Mac’s Triangle Pub in South Delridge, 9:30 pm-1:30 am. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
There’s even more in the Halloween Etc. Guide!
****
And now, from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: 10 am-2 pm, take your no-longer-needed/usable/etc. prescription drugs to the Southwest Precinct for dropoff, no questions asked. (2300 SW Webster)
HELP BEAUTIFY HIGHLAND PARK: Traffic circles need you! 10 am – 12:30 pm: 10th Ave SW & SW Thistle — remove overgrowth & dead plants; 2 pm – 4:30 pm: 12th Ave SW & SW Kenyon — remove summer annuals.
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE PICKUP: From Southwest Library – it’s time to pick up the art exhibited by community members all month – 95 pieces by 43 neighborhood artists! Here are some of them:
If you’re among the exhibitors, get to the library, 10 am-6 pm today, 1 pm-5 pm Sunday. (9010 35th SW)
‘DISCOVERING SEATTLE PARKS’: 11 am at White Center Library:
Hear about some of the best parks in the city from West Seattle resident Linnea Westerlind, author of the guidebook “Discovering Seattle Parks: A Local’s Guide” (Mountaineers Books 2017). Linnea has researched and visited every single one of Seattle’s more than 400 public parks, and now she shares the best and most interesting public spaces in this new book. Free slideshow presentation and Q&A. Books available for purchase.
(1409 SW 107th)
FALL WINE RELEASE: Day 2 at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – releasing the 2013 BLACK Red Wine Blend, and the 2014 Rhyme & Reason Syrah. Tasting room open 2-7 pm. (5910 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ GALA: Doors open 6 pm at Alki Masonic Hall in The Junction for a night of dining, dancing, bidding to help WSCO help youth musicians – featuring the West Seattle Big Band. More details in our most-recent preview. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)
BLUEGRASS & BEYOND: 3-Play Ricochet at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)
THE DENNY BLAINE GROUP & THE MOBERLYS: Seattle rock pioneers hit the stage! 9 pm-midnight. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Sealth's on the board with a little over 5 mins left in 3rd Q. Prep 26, Sealth 8. pic.twitter.com/Nmcd9qZIig
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 28, 2017
That video clip follows the one and only touchdown managed by the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks in their first and last playoff game of the year tonight at Memorial Stadium.
The Seattle Prep Panthers eventually overwhelmed Sealth, 33-8.
The Seahawks came into the season game with a 6-2 record under first-year head coach Ted Rodriguez.
But Prep’s defense kept them scoreless in the first half, which ended with the Seahawks down 24-0 after the Panthers got two TDs in the span of less than half a minute shortly before halftime.
That lone Sealth touchdown came with a little over five minutes left in the third quarter, and a two-point conversion followed. But that’s where the comeback stopped.
The Seahawks’ season isn’t technically over – they have to play one more game to round out a 10-game season, but who and when are not yet settled. What is settled: This was Sealth’s best football season in many years.
High-school baseball season is a few months away, but World Series Game 3 is happening right now, so many have baseball on their mind. Among them, a talented young West Seattle-residing player who is looking ahead not only to spring, but also to college – after making an early commitment.
(Kenji Suzuki. Photo courtesy David Suzuki)
He’s Kenji Suzuki, who was a member of the West Seattle Little League Majors team that won District 7 and went to the state tournament in 2014. Kenji attended Holy Rosary School and Westside School (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle before going to Eastside Catholic High School, and while he’s only in 10th grade, he’s already committed to play college baseball at Clemson University.
His proud dad David Suzuki tells WSB that Kenji, an infielder, had many Division 1 opportunities to choose from: “We had visited 14 D1 campuses, talking to coaches and considering the opportunities and offers that he was blessed to have. His short list included TCU, OSU, University of Oregon, Missouri, UW, Kentucky, Alabama, University of Arizona, and Stanford.”
Kenji was a standout from the start at ECHS, earning a varsity starting position at second base in his freshman year, when he subsequently got an All-Metro Honorable Mention and was voted Rookie of the Year. (Eastside Catholic won the Metro championship last year.) He’s ranked as the #2 player in his class in our state, and he made the All-Tournament Team for the 15U Perfect Game World Series, finishing as an All-Tournament Hitter with a .385 batting average.
At age 15 last year, he was chosen to join the Chaffey 19U travel ball team, “rated as the number one team in Washington State who have seen dozens of D1 and MLB players.” He ended that season with a .371 batting average, 4th best on the team.
And now, as a member of the class of 2020, Kenji is looking ahead to his second season with Eastside Catholic – then college ball in South Carolina down the road.
7:49 PM: Several people are asking about the SFD response in the 5600 block of California SW. It’s on the log as “natural gas leak.” We’re headed that way in hopes of finding out more.
8:07 PM: SFD closed the call shortly before we arrived, so whatever it was, it’s over.
Just yesterday, after a tip from Brad, we went over to Soprano’s Antico in The Admiral District, where the dining room has been under construction for about a year, and were told they hoped to open next week. Tonight, Brad discovered they are open now, and sent the photo: “Very friendly family owners. Interior is very detailed. I got the first pizza out of the wood oven and it is really tasty! 6 good beers on tap. I will be back.” The restaurant is in the ex-Zatz Bagels space at 2348 California SW.
Earlier this week, we reported on what the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network heard from this month’s guest, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Now, the other part of the meeting – what they heard from police:
That sign installed today in The Junction is related to crime-prevention work that police are doing with the West Seattle Junction Association. Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis and crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Burbridge talked with WSBWCN about working with WSJA executive director Lora Swift to discuss and address chronic issues. Right now, the precinct’s bicycle patrol is active in The Junction, Capt. Davis said. But the precinct only has a budget to deploy them in the daytime, so requests for nighttime bicycle patrolling might take a while to work on. Capt. Davis also said they’ve made some arrests and written some tickets, so they’re making progress. (Side note – Officer John O’Neil is now the Community Police Team officer assigned to the West Seattle sector that includes The Junction.)
Capt. Davis also talked about the Westwood Village-emphasis area that’s been mentioned at previous community meetings, and said they’re making progress in cleaning up Roxhill Park – via patrols as well as via steps such as locking the restrooms overnight and getting Parks to clear some of the overgrowth. They’ve had a sharp decline in the number of 911 calls about the park.
The West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets fourth Thursdays most months – but not November and December – 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster).
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