month : 05/2018 314 results

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

6:58 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle. No transit alerts either.

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UPDATE: Small fire in house near Charlestown water tower

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)

9:54 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a full response to a reported fire “in a house being remodeled” at 39th/Bradford, near the Charlestown water tower. More to come.

9:57 PM: The response is being scaled down – it’s described via scanner as a “small fire … in mechanical equipment” on the second floor.

10:01 PM: SFD has corrected the address – it’s in the 3800 block of 40th SW.

10:04 PM: The fire is reported to be out and firefighters have confirmed the home is “unoccupied.”

10:28 PM: SFD has closed out the call, less than 40 minutes after dispatch.

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Cle Elum chimps get special gift from West Seattle seniors

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The folks at Providence sent that photo, explaining that the quilt the result of “a service project over a year in the making.” Providence ElderPlace participants made it for Chimpanzees Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum. They heard about the sanctuary via NPR and formed a group about chimpanzees, reading about them and watching videos. Then they decided to make a quilt – with a square for each of the seven chimps living at the sanctuary. A volunteer from Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s sewing room helped with the final sewing after participants did all the pinning. The quilt’s creators are hoping to see their gift turn up on the sanctuary’s blog.

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YOU CAN HELP! Celebrate with, and give a boost to, Sanislo Elementary

May 21, 2018 7:43 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last year, the wider West Seattle community opened its arms and embraced Sanislo Elementary, our area’s least-populous public elementary school, and the little school got a big boost. The Sanislo PTA is hoping for an encore this year, and the big auction/dinner is less than two weeks away! Here’s the invitation:

Thanks to the community support of Sanislo Elementary’s auction last year, we kicked our $5,000 goal to the curb and raised $15,000!

This windfall provided a mindfulness program, increased teacher stipends, created a ‘book fair bucks’ program, and is affording scholarships to kids in need so they can participate in after-school enrichment! YOU, yes YOU, helped make this happen! Let’s do it again!

Our annual auction is just around the corner. We hope you can join us once again in supporting educational equity.

– All Around the World Auction

– Saturday, June 2nd from 6 pm-10 pm

– Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW

– Silent Auction

– Dinner and TWO Drink Tickets Included!

– A special performance by Seattle Kokon Taiko Japanese Drummers, a DJ, Dancing, and more!

You can reserve your tickets online, or, if you can’t make it but would like to donate, you can do that through the link below as well.

Donations to our auction make a significant impact in the education of our kids. With more than 70% of our families living in poverty, our school community simply cannot raise these essential funds alone. We hope to see you there!

Click to reserve tickets or directly donate.

P.S. Preview the cool stuff you’ll be able to bid on, by going here.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Junction restaurant Fresh Bistro has closed after 9 years

May 21, 2018 4:59 pm

| 63 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tips. We just confirmed that West Seattle Junction restaurant Fresh Bistro has closed after nine years. Proprietor BJ Duft talked with WSB by phone. He opened Fresh Bistro on the ground floor of Mural (on 42nd SW across from Jefferson Square) almost exactly nine years ago. He said there are multiple reasons they decided to close – last night was their final night – but didn’t elaborate; he said he’s grateful for “nine fantastic years” and that they appreciate the community support. Since the building was new when Fresh Bistro opened, they were the first restaurant in the space; what’s next? That’s up to the building’s owners, Duft said.

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DEVELOPMENT: 3 project notes from Junction, Luna Park, Morgan

May 21, 2018 3:45 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle development notes today:

4826 40TH SW: The Fauntleroy/Edmunds development hub continues to densify. Headed for administrative design review (watch for the notice) is a 3-story, 27-apartment, no-offstreet-parking “small efficiency dwelling unit” (SEDU) building. It would replace the duplex shown in the Assessor’s Office photo above.

2821 SW YANCY: A few more details on this early-stage proposal from Transitional Resources, first reported here back in February. This too would go through administrative design review, according to notes posted online from a pre-submittal meeting with the city. It’s described as 100 percent affordable housing with 44 SEDUs, potentially in two buildings, with up to three parking spaces on site.

7001 CALIFORNIA SW: We’ve been watching this block for a while as a lot-boundary adjustment proceeds. Now there’s an early-stage redevelopment proposal for the north end, four rowhouses with no off-street parking at 7001 California SW, where there’s currently a pet-care business.

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Speaking of SDOT: Another downtown long-term traffic alert, for NB 1st Avenue

May 21, 2018 3:29 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you use 1st Avenue to get into downtown – note that a longterm two-block closure of NB 1st is about to begin. Today’s notice from SDOT:

The Seattle Department of Transportation advises travelers that due to utility construction in support of the replacement of the existing water main, northbound 1st Ave between Yesler Way and Columbia St will be closed for approximately 5 months. Additionally, the curb lane of southbound 1st Ave between Columbia St and Yesler Way will be closed for the same duration.

These closures are in addition to the following lane closures in this area:

*Westbound S Jackson St between 2nd Ave S and 1st Ave S. These blocks are scheduled to open by May 25.

*Northbound 1st Ave S between S Jackson St and Yesler Way. These blocks are scheduled to open later in the summer.

*Southbound 1st Ave S between Yesler Way and S Jackson St is occasionally closed, 9:30 AM – 3 PM. These closures are expected to conclude by the end of May.

*S Main St between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave S is closed in both directions, 7 AM – 5 PM weekdays until May 23.

Please visit the project webpage for more information.

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What do you want to see in SDOT’s new boss? Plus, hear from its interim boss in West Seattle

May 21, 2018 1:33 pm

| 28 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

With so much reporting on, and talking about, transportation matters here on SDOT, we thought this announcement from the mayor’s office might interest you:

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today the City of Seattle has launched a new national search and public input process for a permanent director of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Interim Director of SDOT Goran Sparrman will continue to serve in the role through the end of August 2018.

Beginning today, the public can now submit their input on their transportation priorities and what they would like to see in the next SDOT Director by clicking here. The City will engage a national search firm in June and launch a review committee to evaluate applicants and provide a recommendation on finalists.

“As the Interim Director, Goran has worked tirelessly to deliver on our transportation priorities with the utmost accountability and transparency,” said Mayor Durkan. “For decades, our region has been playing catch-up on its transportation needs. As more public and private mega projects lead to serious traffic disruptions downtown, the next few years will be critical for creating more safe, efficient and well-connected transportation choices that make it easier and safer for residents to get around on foot, by bike and via mass transit for decades to come.”

“With a number of significant projects in the pipeline, our next SDOT leader must be ready to deliver on investments and protect taxpayer dollars. Our residents and businesses expect our officials to make progress and deliver results, and this administration will continue to be accountable to the people we serve,” concluded Durkan.

It’s been five months already since word that Scott Kubly had left the SDOT director job after 3 1/2 years.

Meantime, acting SDOT director Sparrman will be the guest at this Thursday’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

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West Seattle Monday: Beer and ice-cream benefits, and more!

May 21, 2018 10:17 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Mark Wangerin for two views of a Green Heron on the Duwamish River (scroll down for the second), gracing our Monday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ICE CREAM FUNDRAISER: Show this flyer when you buy something at Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center today (open noon-10 pm) and 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Chief Sealth International High School ASB! (9629 16th SW)

SSC ADMISSION WORKSHOP: Thinking about studying at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)? 2-3:30 pm today, you’re invited to an admission workshop with info on everything from the application process to financial aid, as explained here. (6000 16th SW)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month’s title is “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. (9010 35th SW)

THE WESTY’S FUNDRAISING TAP TAKEOVER: 6 pm until it’s all gone, at The Westy (WSB sponsor), it’s a tap takeover to raise money for Ronald McDonald House:

All proceeds from the sale of Bob’s brown ale will go directly to the Ronald McDonald House. We will also donate $2 from each flight of beer sold. The lineup of Georgetown beer includes the entire Bob’s series of Brown ale, Sour brown ale, Coffee, And IPA. The beer flight will be rounded out with citrus galaxy and bodhizafa. Thank you all for helping the Westy lend a hand to a great charity.

(7908 35th SW)

ALL-AGES TRIVIA: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free all-ages trivia with prizes! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Got a West Seattle/White Center/South Park event for the calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – the further in advance you can send the info (plain text in the body of your e-mail, please, not in an attachment) the better! Thanks!

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle HS track and field athletes headed to state championships

May 21, 2018 9:18 am

| Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle HS track and field athletes headed to state championships

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Congratulations to the West Seattle High School track and field athletes headed to state! The update is from head coach Will Harrison:

the West Seattle boys placed 3rd at the Sea King District 2 meet last Wed/Fri at Southwest Athletic Conference and were the top Metro school! They scored 51 points, one point ahead of O’Dea and Nathan Hale. In all, 9 boys and 2 girls advanced to the 3A State Championships at Mt Tahoma HS this Thursday/Friday/Saturday:

Joe Kirk-Woodbury: Shot Put, Discus

Cass Elliott: 300m Hurdles, 200m, 4 x 400m

Rylee Farrison: 400m, 4 x 400m

Alec Maroon: 4 x 400m

Jackson Delaney: 4 x 400m

Abdifatah Jeylani: 4 x 100m

Tom Nguyen: 4 x 100m

Lucas Bower: 4 x 100m

Kahlel Kelley: 4 x 100m

Chloe Cunliffe: Pole Vault, Long Jump

Symmone Davis: 100m Hurdles

The Lake Washington Boys won the meet with 64 points, and the Mercer Island Girls won the meet with 83 points. Full results here.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch

May 21, 2018 7:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:01 AM: Good morning and welcome to the week before Memorial Day weekend! No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

8:09 AM: Crash on NB I-5 blocking one lane north of West Seattle Bridge.

8:23 AM: Cleared.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Highland Park Uncorked’s 10th anniversary

May 20, 2018 10:22 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Highland Park Uncorked’s 10th anniversary

| Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Historic Highland Park Improvement Club had a full house Saturday night for the 10th anniversary of their fun and festive fundraiser Uncorked. It’s evolved from its origins as a sort of DIY wine-tasting event, where the partygoers brought the wine, to an event with 10 participating wineries! Along with beverages, appetizers, and good company, an art auction was part of the festivities – here’s some of what we noticed:

Proceeds help keep HPIC in good shape – it’s almost a century old, and hosts numerous events, classes, and meetings. P.S. This year’s Uncorked co-sponsors included WSB.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Alki Masonic Lodge honors local high-school students

May 20, 2018 8:36 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Alki Masonic Lodge #152 honored 16 public-high-school scholars from around West Seattle this past week. It was the lodge’s 40th annual School Awards Night. Thanks to the parents who shared the news and photos!

The faculty of Chief Sealth International and West Seattle High Schools nominated four junior boys and four junior girls to receive recognition and a gift for outstanding achievement. Chief Sealth student nominees were Thu La, Asata Golash, Olivia Palmer, Isabella Ramsell, Asher Didier, Nollen Paltrep, Kai Bretl, and Grayson Hoffman.

West Seattle student nominees were Reuben Gut, Jackson Espeut, Marlee Bennett, Emma Foulk, Ariana Guerra, Grace Sarver, Jake Jonson, Colin Roman.

One boy and one girl from each high school was also selected by the Masons to be awarded an additional recognition and gift. The winners were Olivia Palmer and Asher Didier from Chief Sealth and Marlee Bennett and Jake Jonson from West Seattle.

Last year’s junior winners from each high school were invited to return to this year’s award ceremony. Those students were Tony Tran and Chandra Burnham from Chief Sealth, and Noe Leon and Rachel Hay from West Seattle. Tony Tran was presented the Alki Lodge Community Scholarship Award.

Also from the event, here is a photo of five Gatewood Elementary alumni, including Worshipful Brother Martin Monk, who led the night’s award ceremony.

From left are Reuben Gut, Jackson Espeut, Martin Monk, Marlee Bennett, Asher Didier. Mr. Monk was one of the first students to be recognized by the Alki Lodge 40 years ago.

In response to our followup question, he explained that, “The Masons of West Seattle are assisted by the principals and counselors of Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School in selecting 8 outstanding students of each Junior class. All of the students are presented with a small monetary token of appreciation, with a larger sum being presented to the Top Boy and Top Girl of each school. In addition, the 4 Top Juniors of 2017 were invited to speak about their aspirations, and one of these students was awarded a Community Service Scholarship. Alki Lodge is very pleased to continue this tradition of support for the public education of our local students.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mini-mart hit again; repeat offender back in jail

May 20, 2018 6:15 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

MINI-MART HIT AGAIN: The police Twitter log shows a commercial burglary early this morning in the 4000 block of California SW, and Casey says neighbors report it was the gas station/mini-mart at California/Andover, again, just two weeks after the last break-in. Items stolen reportedly included thousands of dollars in cigarettes.

REPEAT OFFENDER BACK IN JAIL: Last week, repeat offender Bryan Tiedeman posted bond and got out of jail after five months; he is awaiting trial on four counts of possessing stolen vehicles. Today, according to scanner traffic, he was caught back at or near his former residence in Fauntleroy, and he turned up on the jail register a few hours later, held for alleged criminal trespass. Court documents for the case on which Tiedeman is awaiting trial call him a “prolific auto thief” and say he is a “serial reckless driver when being sought by the police,” adding that police once asked him why, and he told them that “he didn’t like being in stolen vehicles.” The December arrest that put him in jail was in South Delridge; the four stolen vehicles involved in the charges were taken from Admiral, Highland Park, The Junction, and Renton.

P.S. Got neighborhood crime/safety concerns? Your next chance to hear from and talk with local police is Tuesday, 6:30 pm, when the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).

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BIZNOTE: Stuffed Cakes’ founder says she will close her shop in mid-summer

May 20, 2018 4:11 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Donna Lawson during her shop’s 1st-anniversary party in 2012)

One of West Seattle’s most beloved bakers has announced she will be shutting down her shop. Here’s what Stuffed Cakes proprietor Donna Lawson posted online today:

It’s hard for me to write this, but the time has come for me to make a big ol’ change in my life. When I started Stuffed Cakes in 2010, I was excited to start sharing my love of making deliciously creative cakes with more than just my friends and family. My first year of business was a steep learning curve, but I was able to take my tiny investment, build my customer base and open my first shop a year later – a lifelong dream come true.

I opened my shop a couple of blocks from my house, MY neighborhood, MY shop; a way to really be part of this wonderful West Seattle community I call home. The neighbors that pop in to my shop quickly became regulars that became friends I look forward to see annually, monthly, weekly, or sometimes even more often. I really couldn’t ask for better customers! We’ve laughed together, cried together, shared hugs, stories, and mostly just our lives while nibbling on tasty treats. I’ve watched babies grow into fantastic big kids, and teens grow up to be amazing young adults. I’ve made engagement cakes, wedding cakes, baby shower cakes, baby’s 1st birthday smash cakes, and birthday cakes from then on for families. We’ve made thousands of custom cupcakes for businesses like Google and Amazon, and even more for anyone walking in for that special treat. I have made cakes on national television and even for celebrities as big as Billy Joel! We’ve won award after award, and stood our ground against some of the best pastry chefs in town. We’ve been part of the best days of your life, and even part of your saddest times – and I’m beyond honored that you have counted on us and trusted us to be part of your big moments. I’ve caught myself tear up more than once, realizing I created exactly what I dreamt of – that little neighborhood shop that brings joy to others lives and creates memories that might even last a lifetime.

It’s time I take Stuffed Cakes in a different direction. Some of you know (and most of you don’t) that I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Arthritis – both of which do not do well with long days and body-taxing work. Unfortunately, Seattle is making it harder and harder for micro businesses to flourish. Business owners either end up taking on more and more work, or we have to expand into a kind of business model we don’t want. I need to re-prioritize: more time with family and friends; and most-importantly, more time taking care of my physical self.

What does this mean for Stuffed Cakes? Well, the honest answer is I’m not entirely sure. I know I want to teach and share my art with you. I will be growing my online presence – with videos, more photos on a regular basis and hopefully even in-person classes. Who knows, maybe I’ll even write a book!

I’ve gone round and round, over all of my options, and I’ve decided it’s time to close my shop. This has been an incredibly hard decision to make – one I have not taken lightly. I have never been for lack of customers and for that I am truly grateful!

July 28th, 2018 will be Stuffed Cakes Grand Closing party! We had the MOST amazing, supportive Grand Opening in the fall of 2011, and now it’s time to go out with a BANG!, Mostly I just want to have a great time with all of you and give back to my community. More info to come…

So, if you need a cake, get your order in! The last date we’re taking custom orders for is Saturday, July 21st so we can focus on walk-in customers and prepare for our party on July 28th. Starting today there will be a $150 minimum order with a preference given to more elaborate cakes. Most of June is booking up quickly, we’ll be closed the week of 4th of July, and we’re only taking orders for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from now on so don’t wait to place your order.

If you know anyone looking to buy a turn-key bakery/catering spot, please have them email bakeryforsale98126@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you EVERYONE!
I LOVE YOU!

(Thanks to Sandy for the tip.)

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Kayak/canoe flotilla protesting pipeline expansion

May 20, 2018 2:34 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(First 2 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

A Canadian pipeline controversy drew protesters to the waters off West Seattle today. The flotilla was part of a day of sea and land demonstrations against Kinder Morgan, which has a terminal on Harbor Island. The company plans to expand its Trans Mountain Pipeline, from the Alberta tar sands to British Columbia, and opponents say that would mean a dramatic increase in oil tankers traveling in waters that are home to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, among other concerns.

Along with the kayak and canoe protesters, who ended up launching from east of Seacrest Pier, there were rallies and marching on land, including at Jack Perry Park along East Marginal, where a participant texted us this photo:

Here’s some backstory on the pipeline expansion, first proposed 4 1/2 years ago, and the controversy.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Two more West Seattle photos, shared by David Hutchinson:

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UPDATE: West Seattle 5K 2018!

May 20, 2018 9:25 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

9:25 AM: Almost 1,000 runners and walkers (per announcer Eric Radovich) just headed out for the 10th annual West Seattle 5K, a fundraiser for the West Seattle High School PTSA. Our video, via Twitter:

And the West Seattle 5K is on! pic.twitter.com/DTP3S1Xkef

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) May 20, 2018

They’re headed to Luna/Anchor Park and back, and Alki/Harbor is closed for the duration; the Water Taxi shuttle is also rerouted.

More updates and photos to come. (WSB is a co-sponsor again this year, as we’ve been every year since the WS5K was launched in 2009.)

10:15 AM: The race is now almost an hour in. We have the top finishers: First in, 31-year-old Evan Williams, at 16:11:

A little over two minutes later, the second finisher crossed the line, 22-year-old Johanna Erickson, at 18:24:

Johanna is a West Seattle Runner employee, WSR’s Lori McConnell tells us. The rest of the top three finishers by M/F:

Males – Ryan Bjornstal, 22, 18:36

Owen Fisher, 27, 18:45

Females – Second, Olivia Willett, 18, 19:20

Third, Regina Joyce, 61, 21:19

10:44 AM: It’s over, and Alki/Harbor are reopening to vehicle traffic. We’ll be adding more photos when back at HQ!

1:12 PM: As promised. Besides top finishers, there was also a prize for first WSHS teacher across the line, and that happened to be Jeff Ursino:

Second was David Bergman.

Many families in the race – strollers abounded:

Dogs too, although it could certainly be tiring:

And banner-bearers reminding everyone what it’s all about:

Linda Rackner was race director for a second year; Amy Doll coordinated volunteers.

ADDED 2:04 PM: Just received this time lapse of the entire event, from John Saalwaechter:

You can see the results online here.

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READER REPORT: Driver hits tree on 35th SW

May 20, 2018 7:43 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | West Seattle news

In case you see/saw this on 35th SW in Gatewood, thanks to Camille for the photo and report:

A head on collision with a tree at 35th and Southern. The guy was stunned for a sec then took off. Nobody else in the car so no one was hurt.

At last report, Camille says, police hadn’t found the driver. She says it happened around 6:30 am.

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West Seattle 5K, costumed bike parade, and much more for your Sunday!

May 20, 2018 6:07 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle 5K, costumed bike parade, and much more for your Sunday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Welcome to Sunday!

WEST SEATTLE 5K: Just after 9 am, the run/walk to raise money for the West Seattle High School PTSA will take off from just west of the Alki Bathhouse. Alki and Harbor will be closed until the course (to Anchor/Luna Park and back) is cleared, and the Water Taxi shuttle will be rerouted. You can still register to be part of the WS5K, starting at 8 am. (61st SW/Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Spring bounty shows up in ever-greater numbers every week. See what’s fresh, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon

FORUM ON INITIATIVE 1631: 11:30 am at Fauntleroy Church, find out about the ballot initiative also known as the Protect Washington Act. (9140 California SW)

PROTESTERS AT DON ARMENI: As noted on Saturday, seagoing protesters are expected to launch kayaks and canoes from Don Armeni Boat Ramp for a 12:30 pm protest on Harbor Island. (1220 Harbor SW)

CHAMPIONS BASEBALL LEAGUE: 1 pm Sunday at the Pee Wee fields, this league for kids with special-needs has its first practice – sign up and show up! Details in our preview. (7226 12th SW)

JAMTIME: Music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)

ORGAN RECITAL: 1:30 pm at Admiral Church. (4320 SW Hill)

ALKI DAZE COSTUMED BIKE PARADE: 2 pm, all welcome to join as the parade heads eastbound along the beach! (63rd SW/Alki SW)

SOUTHWEST STORIES: 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, you’re invited to find out about architect Arthur Loveless, a century after his heyday, and post-talk, you’ll be invited to visit a nearby house he designed. Presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Seattle Public Library. (2306 42nd SW)

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOP: Learn how to help your neighborhood be hate-free. 2 pm at Admiral Church, walk-ins welcome. (4320 SW Hill)

GUITAR CONCERT: 4 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, classical guitarist Naeim Rahmani performs. All welcome; free-will offering. (8316 39th SW)

SQUARE DANCE AND POTLUCK: New monthly event at South Park Hall! 5 pm-8 pm, all ages. (1253 S. Cloverdale)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP, AND CHECK OUT THE WEEK AHEAD … via our complete calendar (and if you have a West Seattle/White Center/South Park item to list, please send it – as early as possible – to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

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UPDATE: Police check out reports of possible shots south of West Seattle Junction; fireworks suspected

May 19, 2018 10:30 pm

| 66 COMMENTS

| West Seattle police

10:30 PM: We’ve received multiple texts about possible gunfire south of The Junction, heard at points including 5000 block of California SW and 5000 block of Fauntleroy Way. Police have been dispatched to check it out.

10:47 PM: No further word on this so far. If police don’t find evidence of gunfire – a victim, casing(s), damage, or somebody who saw something, it generally gets chalked up as a mystery “noise disturbance.”

11:03 PM: As noted in comments, after two more booms were heard a few minutes ago, one texter called 911 and was told that police have determined someone is shooting off fireworks in the Morgan Junction area.

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UPDATE: Crash on eastbound West Seattle Bridge, cleared after 2+ hours

May 19, 2018 8:39 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:39 PM: The image is courtesy of SDOT, which says all but one lane of the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is blocked by a crash and the emergency response for it, right before the onramp from Delridge. So if you’re headed toward the eastbound bridge, either wait a while or use Delridge to get onto it. No major injuries – the aid unit originally assigned has already been dismissed.

8:55 PM: The incident log shows SFD has closed out its involvement in call, but SDOT says lanes are still blocked. SDOT also warns that the low bridge is not an option right now because it’s about to start a “long closure.” Plus, if you’re headed toward the Viaduct, there’s a crash in the NB Battery Street Tunnel, and that’s backing up things on 99, per the scanner.

10:15 PM: Still blocking all but one lane, per the live video camera (Harbor/Spokane is currently turned up that way) connected to the SDOT traffic map.

10:40 PM: Police have just radioed in that all lanes are now open.

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SUNDAY: Champions Baseball League’s first practice of the season

May 19, 2018 8:31 pm

| Comments Off on SUNDAY: Champions Baseball League’s first practice of the season

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

We’re in the heart of baseball season, and that goes for youth leagues too. One of the newest ones in West Seattle gets going for the year tomorrow, and Michelle Riggen-Ransom reminds you that it’s not too late to step up to the plate:

Registration is still open for the Champions Baseball League! Our first practice is this Sunday at 1 pm on the Pee Wee Fields in West Seattle. If you have a child with special needs who loves and wants to play baseball, sign up and come and join us for some fun games! The snack shack will be open, and we’d love to have fellow baseball fans come down and cheer on the team as well.

Here’s the link with more information, including how to register for this free, fun program. Hope to see you on the field!

If you haven’t been to the Pee Wee Fields – here’s where to find them.

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TOMORROW: Southwest Stories spotlights architect Arthur Loveless, with a bonus!

May 19, 2018 7:10 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(Photo by Eric Dennon, Dennon Photography)

With so many older homes (at least, older as the West Coast goes!) in our neighborhoods, do you ever wonder about the stories behind them? Tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Seattle Public Library present the stories behind an architect who designed homes in many Seattle neighborhoods, Arthur Loveless – and this time, it’s not just a talk, you’ll also be invited on a post-talk tour! It’s the next Southwest Stories event, 2 pm Sunday at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, featuring Susan Shorett, whose great-grandmother was Loveless’s sister. From the announcement:

(Loveless’s) iconic Tudor Revivalist style helped shape many of Seattle’s earliest neighborhoods. Susan and her cousin documented the most thorough list to date of Loveless’s body of work which totals over 100 residential and commercial properties. In 2017, they formulated the idea to document as many of his designs in an attempt to help preserve his architectural legacy in a book of photography of his work as the properties look today.

Susan will be joined by the book’s photographer, Eric Dennon (of Dennon Photography). The two of them will be talking about Arthur Loveless’ body of work, and will show a presentation of the beautiful photography that will be appearing in the upcoming book.

After the talk, everyone there will be invited to a nearby home that Loveless designed a little over a century ago for someone who had “long been heavily involved in early real estate development in West Seattle,” via the West Seattle Land and Improvement Company. It’s all free; the library branch is at 2306 42nd SW, and the tour address will be provided at the event.

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