West Seattle, Washington

09 Saturday

48℉

month : 05/2018 314 results

West Seattle’s Potter Construction participates in Rampathon, celebrates awards
May 19, 2018 4:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(First 2 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

While many were relaxing this Saturday, hundreds of local construction workers were volunteering their time to build mobility-enhancing ramps at local homes. It was the Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties‘ 25th annual Rampathon, building 50 ramps this year around the region, including one in West Seattle, built by Potter Construction (WSB sponsor). We stopped by this morning while the crew was building a ramp for a 69-year-old woman who lives near Genesee Hill Elementary.

(From left, Karl, Dan, Gary, David, Jeff)

While writing this, we got a photo of the finished ramp from Potter Construction’s Karl Coy.

We also want to congratulate Potter Construction for winning three Remodeling/Trade Remodeling Excellence Awards from MBAKS’s Remodelers Council earlier this month. They won for Major Remodel Excellence, Kitchen Excellence, and Design Excellence – Universal Design:

See more photos here.

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2 waterfront notes for Sunday: West Seattle 5K on Alki; protesters at Don Armeni
May 19, 2018 2:20 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 waterfront notes for Sunday: West Seattle 5K on Alki; protesters at Don Armeni
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

The no-parking signs are out, and we’ve been mentioning it all week (and then some), so here’s hoping that even if you’re not running/walking in the West Seattle 5K (co-sponsored by WSB), you know it’ll close Alki/Harbor SW for a few hours on Sunday morning. The race starts from 61st/Alki just after 9 am; the closure starts sooner, and usually lasts past 11 am. (If you want to participate and aren’t signed up yet, you can do it tomorrow morning at 8 am on site – or go to West Seattle Runner [2743 California SW; WSB sponsor] today until 6 pm.)

Meantime, we’ve learned of one other event that could cause some congestion on the West Seattle waterfront tomorrow – another protest at the Kinder Morgan facility on Harbor Island, because of the Trans-Mountain Pipeline Expansion. Organizers say a flotilla of “kayaktivists” and Indigenous canoe families will be launching from Don Armeni Boat Ramp for a 12:30 pm seagoing protest tomorrow.

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AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: West Seattle Bee Festival 2018
May 19, 2018 10:53 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

10:53 AM: As the West Seattle Bee Festival ramps up to full buzz – with the parade coming up at 11 am – we’re seeing other creatures too:

That’s Gamma the python, one of the creatures you’ll see inside Neighborhood House – which is the venue for the festival’s indoor component, at Sylvan/Lanham [map]; the latter street is closed to motorized vehicles for the vendor fair, where we and dozens of other community organizations and businesses are boothing (officially starting at 11 am, but most are set up already); and there’s the West Seattle Bee Garden itself on the north end of High Point Commons Park. Here’s the bright and bzz-y schedule:

And what would a Bee Festival “bee” without honey?

11:31 AM: The Big Bee led the parade a short time ago – here’s a bit of video:

Lots of people here and the sun is out. Dog-friendly, too. Just ask Frankie:

We’re about to take a stroll along the vendor fair – here’s the map of who’s where. Lots to be learned – it’s not just vendors, but also community organizations!

NOON: Live music is about to start, and the International Finger Food Buffet is getting going inside Neighborhood House. And Seattle Fire Engine 37 is here:

About that music we mentioned:

12:17 PM: Back inside Neighborhood House, we’ve also spotted Tut the tortoise:

And the sewing pop-up is under way:

It’s a day to express yourself. Marco has a beard of bees!

12:55 PM: One thing that’s impressed us, boothing here at the festival today – a turnout of all ages, from babies to seniors, and people from all over West Seattle (at least judging unscientifically by those who have stopped to say hi). And we’ve even spotted a bee in the wild:

The bee-attracting lupins are in the pollination garden borders around the Bee Garden itself, where Puget Sound Beekeepers are ready to talk with you about the stars of today’s festival:

That’s at the north end of the festival – all along its west side on Lanham is the vendor (etc.) fair:

As mentioned in our Admiral Neighborhood Association report published last night, SDOT is here to talk with you about the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway (or any other project you have a question about):

1:24 PM: More music!

And along vendor-fair row, it’s photo op time:

Woodland Park Zoo is busy inside and out here at the Bee Festival, which continues until 2!

1:53 PM: Since it’s all about the bees, we checked back with the Puget Sound Beekeepers for the final word on today’s festival (which by the way is hosted by the Events Committee of the High Point Open Spaces Association). They tell us they sold out of all 21 cases of honey they brought – 50 percent more than last year! – and that the turnout was great, lots of people curious about bees and prepared with good questions. The Bee Garden, by the way, is open year-round for visiting.

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Madison Middle School celebrates Super Science Night
May 19, 2018 9:40 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Madison Middle School science teacher Fred Jenner for the photos and report!

Outstanding job to Madison Middle School’s science department, guest scientists, adult volunteers, and student volunteers for putting on a great Super Science Night Thursday night! We had 415+ in attendance.

Our guests had a great sampling of activities which included liquid nitrogen experiments, chemistry experiments, dry ice experiments, atmospheric science, and neuroscience demonstrations and activities, genius hour projects, science trivia competitions in the Dog Pound, West Seattle High School AP physics trebuchet project demonstrations, teacher demos of heart pumps, chemistry mixtures, rock selections, owl pellet dissections, delicious root beer floats (thanks to Ms. Bunch and the parent volunteers), and a high-interest sampling of books of all genres on the stage (thanks to Ms. Bell and the book store volunteers.)

Again, excellent job to all who helped make this night a super-special one!

Just five weeks left in the school year – Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is June 22nd.

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West Seattle Saturday: Bee Festival, Transportation Forum, benefit workouts, comedy, book signing, wine, music, more!
May 19, 2018 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Bee Festival, Transportation Forum, benefit workouts, comedy, book signing, wine, music, more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Male Black-Headed Grosbeak, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Much going on! Let’s get right to what you need to know:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Two projects today in West Seattle that you might want to know about – 18th/Myrtle and 29th/Barton.

BENEFIT BOOT CAMPS: 8, 9, 10 am at Project 968 (WSB sponsor), as previewed here, workouts to raise money for Ben Delacour‘s fight against cancer, detailed here. (4617 37th SW)

WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL: 9:30 am-2 pm at High Point Commons Park, Neighborhood House High Point, and vicinity, including the Honey Run, the parade, a vendor fair, demonstrations, food, Bee Garden visits, more. See the schedule on the official festival website. Free! (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

ROXHILL PARK SPRING CLEAN: 10 am, just show up at Roxhill Park and be part of it! Gloves, tools, etc. all provided. (29th SW/SW Barton)

WORKSHOP FOR LANDLORDS: 11 am at Delridge Library, a workshop to help landlords learn how to keep their property safe and crime-free. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

REGISTRATION/PACKET PICKUP FOR WEST SEATTLE 5K! Not registered for Sunday’s West Seattle 5K yet? Or – you are signed up, but want to get your packet the day before? Noon-6 pm, stop by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) to get it done! (2749 California SW)

SPRING RELEASE, DAY 2: 1-7 pm, spring wine release and tastings at South Seattle College‘s (WSB sponsor) Northwest Wine Academy. (6000 16th SW)

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES FORUM: 1:30-3:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. As previewed here, it’s your chance to learn about alternative ways of getting around, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities. (4217 SW Oregon)

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY PRESENTS SHREK, THE MUSICAL: 2 pm, final performance at the West Seattle High School Theater. (3000 California SW)

ALKI DAZE: The community celebration continues with a 3 pm kickball game at Alki Playfield, 5 pm bike races and Show & Shine. (59th/Alki)

BARET MAGARIAN BOOK SIGNING: 4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), author Baret Magarian will be reading from and signing “The Fabrications.” (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROTARY 70TH ANNIVERSARY WINE POP-UP: 4 pm at Alki Masonic Hall, a wine lovers’ event is the culmination of the Rotary Club of West Seattle’s 70th anniversary year. (4736 40th SW)

UNCORKED: Sold out so we’re mentioning it just in case you’re ticketed and need a reminder – 5:30 pm happy hour, 7 pm tastings at the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s wine-tasting fundraiser (with WSB among the co-sponsors). 10th anniversary! (1116 SW Holden)

ECHOES STUDIOS ANNIVERSARY: As previewed here, you are invited to an open house, 6-9 pm, celebrating Echoes Studios‘ first anniversary. (3801 Delridge Way SW)

THE MAMA-LOGUES: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, the humor in motherhood – raising money for nonprofits including WestSide Baby. Also, an optional preshow reception. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: “Eclectic mix of originals and covers” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

YES, THERE’S MORE … as you can see by browsing our complete-calendar page.

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ELECTION 2018: Who’s in the running as filing week ends
May 18, 2018 11:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Filing week is over. Here’s who you’ll see on the August primary ballot:

34TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR – This is the position with no incumbent, since Sen. Sharon Nelson decided not to run again. 11 people have filed:
7 Democrats (Sofia Aragon, Shannon Braddock, Lem Charleston, Lisa Ryan Devereau, Joe Nguyen, Annabel Quintero, Lois Schipper)
2 Republicans (Darla Green, Courtney Lyle)
1 independent (Debi Wagner)
1 “no preference” (Hillary Shaw)

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE – Incumbent Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon both filed to run again; neither has an opponent.

7TH DISTRICT U.S. HOUSE: This appears to be an all-West Seattle faceoff, with incumbent U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal the lone Democrat, repeat candidate and anti-immigration advocate Craig Keller the lone Republican, and nobody else filing.

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What the Admiral Neighborhood Association heard from SPD, SDOT, and Sub Pop
May 18, 2018 11:04 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

We’ve already reported on the biggest news from this week’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting – the announcement of this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha lineup. But that wasn’t all that happened. Here are the rest of the toplines:

COMMUNITY POLICING: The area’s assigned Community Police Team Officer John O’Neil introduced himself. He’s a 14-year SPD veteran, Navy veteran, father of three. “The human element of police officers has been lost …because we don’t share,” he explained as his rationale for a personal introduction. “A lot of time, people see the uniform, and they see a robot.” He has been working in western West Seattle for about six months now. He explained that CPT officers “handle the long-term problem calls. … We want to connect with people. We want to be at these meetings.” But “if someone’s breaking into your house,” don’t call him! He also told people NOT to report crimes via social media – SPD won’t see it.

In Q&A he was asked about noise at bar closing time. If it’s a chronic problem, that’s something you can bring to the attention of your Community Police Team officer, he said.

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FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy Creek salmon-release season at midstream
May 18, 2018 9:58 pm
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 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Volunteer Dennis Hinton instructs Pathfinder students and EarthCorps crewmembers in the gentle releasing of fry into Fauntleroy Creek. Photo by Kersti Muul)

Thanks to Judy Pickens for the update from Fauntleroy Creek:

Salmon-release season passed the midpoint this week, with nearly 400 students, plus 170 adults and younger siblings, having put just over 700 coho fry in upper Fauntleroy Creek. Reared through the Salmon in the Schools program, the fish will spend the next year in the creek, then head for two years in saltwater.

EarthCorps trainees restoring habitat along the middle reach of the creek were special guests on Pathfinder’s May 15 field trip, joining students to release fish and answer questions about their work and career plans.

Keeping the creek safe for such students as well as healthy is a major objective of the Fauntleroy Watershed Stewardship Fund administered by EarthCorps. Since March 1, individuals and school groups have donated $6,300 toward a goal of $30,000.

Salmon releases will continue through June 1.

Here’s the backstory on the stewardship fund.

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VIDEO: Little lost otters make it up to Hiawatha before their rescue
May 18, 2018 8:43 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Remember the river otters we mentioned last night – including a pair seen making their way up Fairmount Ravine? They apparently kept going, and by morning were spotted by startled neighbors on the east side of Hiawatha Community Center. First we heard from Jennifer – then, Andrea sent the photos, video, and report:

Found these pair of cuties hanging out on Forest Ave SW by Hiawatha Playfield this morning – must have strayed too far from Mom in their adventures up from the water. Animal Control came to get them and bring them to the wildlife center in Lynnwood to be properly relocated. Thanks to all the neighbors who helped divert traffic while these little guys decided to camp out in the road!

We confirmed with Seattle Animal Shelter executive director Ann Graves that SAS Officer Cantu picked up the otters and took them to PAWS – we have an inquiry out to them as to what happens next, but probably won’t hear back until Monday.

SAS doesn’t always step into wildlife situations; Graves explains that “we do not handle ‘nuisance’ wildlife but we do respond to calls which are considered ‘rescue/assist’ situations.”

SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Laura Follis from PAWS responded to our inquiry with some early info, and we’ll be pursuing more Monday. She says the otters are a female and a male, “approximately 10 to 12 weeks old. They have no obvious injuries but both are very thin so obviously orphaned. They are eating fish on their own. The male had nasal discharge that is suspicious of pneumonia and they are very susceptible to it so is going to be on a course of antibiotics. They love their pool.”

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HAPPENING NOW: Second sold-out West Seattle Junction Wine Walk
May 18, 2018 7:02 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

The West Seattle Junction Association‘s second Wine Walk is sold out! CAPERS is the epicenter – that’s where Ben Viscon of Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is pouring tonight, and where the limited supply of same-day tickets were snapped up after they went on sale an hour before the Wine Walk started:

But even if you didn’t get a Wine Walk ticket, you can do some evening shopping – for example, Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor) has kicked off its 45th anniversary sale – 30 percent to 50 percent off! – and you can shop with a soundtrack as musician Zechariah Valette is performing there:

The Menashes are featuring wines from Aluel Cellars. More than a dozen wineries are paired with businesses for the Wine Walk. At Fleurt, it’s Coral Wines – and a lot of smiles:

At Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), Convergence Zone Cellars is pouring:

Each winery is selling bottles as well as offering tastes. And if you enjoy candy with your wine – stop by VAIN (WSB sponsor), where they’re hosting Dolcetta, as well as Ellensburg Canyon Winery. The Wine Walk is on until 9 pm tonight; again, it’s sold out, but watch the Junction Association’s channels for word of the next one!

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UPDATE: About the police response on West Seattle Bridge
May 18, 2018 6:01 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 PM: Thanks to SDOT for the image: A Seattle Police/State Patrol response has two lanes blocked on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. According to what we heard via scanner, a state trooper had someone at gunpoint, and called for backup. SPD responded (you might have seen multiple cars headed full code through West Seattle). We don’t know the circumstances of the arrest or what preceded it, but everything is reported to be under control now.

6:35 PM: The scene has cleared to the shoulder, so no lanes blocked any more, per SDOT. Meantime, WSP Trooper Rick Johnson just called us after we asked what this was all about. He said a trooper “on his way to work at the ferry terminal” tried to pull over the driver, a woman, for reasons as yet unknown, and she refused to stop – so he saw what Johnson called a “perfect opportunity” for a PIT maneuver – Pursuit Intervention Technique, which causes the pursued vehicle to lose control and spin to a stop. He subsequently took the driver into custody; an ambulance was called to check her out because at the very least, Johnson explains, that gives the driver a jolt. She’ll eventually be booked into jail.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspects sought in robbery spree that included West Seattle holdup
May 18, 2018 4:25 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Seattle Police went public this afternoon with four photos of suspects they say are wanted in a robbery spree this week that included a West Seattle holdup:

Police say the Avalon 7-11 was robbed around 3 am, one of six holdups in and out of Seattle in a two and a half hour time frame, and that not only do they believe these four suspects were linked to all of them, but also that they committed two robberies on May 16th. They are described as:

… four black males, ranging in age from 16 to early twenties. All of the suspects had their faces partially covered either by masks or hooded sweatshirts that were drawn tight. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. At this point there is no suspect vehicle description. The images below are from the Seattle robberies on May 16th.

If anyone recognizes any of the suspects … or has any information on these crimes, please contact the Seattle Police Robbery Unit at (206) 684-5535.

The Avalon 7-11 robbery is the only one mentioned by SPD as having happened in West Seattle, and there are no further details so far.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: Lane closures on SW Barton starting tomorrow
May 18, 2018 3:57 pm
|    Comments Off on ROAD-WORK ALERT: Lane closures on SW Barton starting tomorrow
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that lane closures on SW Barton St between 29th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW begin Saturday, May 19 through Wednesday, May 23. The closures are for concrete panel repairs on SW Barton St. This project is weather dependent. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is being completed.

What travelers can expect:

*SW Barton will have one lane of alternating traffic open during construction hours (8:30 am to 6:00 pm)
*Police Officers will be staged at 29th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW to direct traffic
*Sidewalk access will remain open
*One lane in each direction of SW Barton will be open for vehicle traffic after construction hours
*Possible travel delays through construction area during work hours

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PHOTOS: West Seattle Bike Connections and friends under the bridge for Bike Everywhere Day 2018
May 18, 2018 3:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Don Brubeck for photos from West Seattle Bike Connections‘ under-the-bridge station this morning to celebrate Bike Everywhere Day (broadened a few years back from Bike to Work Day). Above,
Don explains, Paul Dieter and Sonia Honeydew were “checking the serial number on a bike to help the rider register it on BikeIndex.org. That is a database for theft recovery – free, Seattle-based nationwide non-profit registry of bikes. We were ‘vaccinating’ bikes, thus the lab coat.” New at the station this year, Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor), opening soon in The Junction, promoting loans for bicycle purchases,especially e-bikes:

Those who stopped also enjoyed “coffee from Uptown Espresso (Delridge), teas from Choice Organic Teas in Georgetown, hydration drinks from Nuun, homemade cookies and fruit from our volunteers, and lots of bike information especially on the Delridge corridor,” plus assistance from Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor), Don adds.

(Thanks again to Don for the pics – we appreciate event-coverage contributions at westseattleblog@gmail.com!)

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YOU CAN HELP! Start your weekend with an hour at Roxhill Park
May 18, 2018 2:52 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Start your weekend with an hour at Roxhill Park
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Big spring weekend ahead … and if you can give one hour of your time at the start, you can make a difference: 10 am, meet at 29th and Barton to join your neighbors for Spring Clean at Roxhill Park. You don’t have to bring anything – gloves, bags, and safety gear will be provided. It’s a partnership of community members and city departments including Seattle Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Neighborhoods, and SDOT.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglaries near Fairmount Park
May 18, 2018 1:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

While Rasmus and his wife were sleeping, somebody broke into their home near Fairmount Park, and he says police told them they weren’t the only ones hit:

We discovered someone had opened our sliding back door and targeted iOS devices. They also took my wife’s purse and wallet (w/ ID, medication, etc). They left bigger things (like TV) behind, and it looks like they were in and out very quickly.

The officer who arrived to take our statement told us it looks like several places may have been hit along Fauntleroy Way. He also said more people might discover it later in the day, because the burglars didn’t break anything and only went for smaller items.

We suspect it happened some time between 5:30 and 6 am, because we both heard some noises around that time, but thought it was the upstairs neighbor.

If you have any info, the SPD incident # is 2018-177832. Looking at Tweets by Beat, we see one other report in the system already, about two blocks south. (Remember that the time stamp on most of SPD’s automated tweets reflect when the report appeared in the system, not when the incident actually happened.)

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AVALON REPAVING/RECHANNELIZATION: See where the SDOT plan’s going, one year later
May 18, 2018 11:02 am
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

SDOT has unveiled its new in-progress plan for the SW Avalon Way repaving/rechannelization project, one year after it first came to light.

This time last year, SDOT had a community meeting after announcing it would repave/rechannelize Avalon plus a few blocks of 35th “after the Fauntleroy Boulevard project.”

Though Fauntleroy Boulevard is on hold pending Sound Transit light-rail decisions, SDOT confirmed this week that the Avalon/35th plan is moving ahead, and the project zone has expanded a bit. We met with two key members of the project team, project manager Bill Clark and communicator Dan Anderson, to get the rundown on what’s now in the plan.

Before we go any further – take note that SDOT does plan an “open house” community meeting, and a mailer; the former is set for June 5th in The Triangle, the latter will be on its way to project-area mailboxes soon (see it here now).

The project now calls for repaving the entirety of Avalon, from where it begins at Fauntleroy, to where it ends at Spokane. Plus, along with the stretch of 35th between Avalon and Alaska that’s to be repaved (and in some spots rebuilt), the repaving also will extend a block onto Alaska west of 35th.

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West Seattle Friday: Wine, theater, music, art, low-low tide…
May 18, 2018 10:12 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Female Wilson’s Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

So much going on – and these are only the highlights!

CREATING A WILL FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN: Drop in between 11 and 11:50 am for this free, friendly presentation at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4727 44th SW)

SPRING RELEASE: The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) hosts the first day of its spring-release tastings, 1-7 pm. (6000 16th SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.9 feet at 1:47 pm.

KIDS’ MURAL-PLANNING WORKSHOP: This is for any and all 7- to 13-year-olds who would like to help plan the new mural that artist Henry Luke will create at EC Hughes Elementary for Friends of Roxhill, as explained in our calendar listing. First of three Friday afternoon sessions, 4-5 pm, at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)

SHOP AND SIP: Junction Wine Walk tonight! 5-9 pm – advance tickets are sold out but a limited number of same-day tickets go on sale at 4 pm at CAPERS (4525 California SW). Not only is it a chance to sip but also to shop – see The Junction’s Wine Walk page for special shopping opportunities, including Menashe and Sons Jewelers (4532 California SW; WSB sponsor) launching their 45th anniversary sale.

FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE: 5:45 pm at Alki Community Center, one of the last ones of the season! Details in our calendar listing. (5817 SW Stevens)

ALKI DAZE: Community celebration organized by Alki’s Guy Olson starts with a meet-and-greet at Alki Bike and Board at 7 pm, followed by an 8 pm bonfire at the beach. (2606 California SW)

SHREK, THE MUSICAL: Lafayette Elementary‘s second performance is at 7 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater. (3000 California SW)

THE MAMA-LOGUES: You’ll laugh until you cry. Or vice versa. Mirth about motherhood. 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘BOBCAT BOB’: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), the ever-popular Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice performs. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Two concerts in one night! Among the special features announced by WSCO:

*Karlyle Varney, graduating from Chief Sealth IHS, will be a special guest conductor with the West Seattle Symphony, leading the group in Offenbach’s “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld.

*Emma Bruce, also graduating from Chief Sealth, has been chosen as this year’s concerto winner.=She will be performing the first movement of Bruch’s violin concerto.

*Two Wind Symphony performers are also graduating: Iris Siegmund, clarinet, and David Tabakian, who plays baritone sax. David is graduating from Roosevelt HS and Iris from West Seattle HS. …

*Last but certainly not least, James Pham, the Symphony’s conductor, is heading to a teaching opportunity in Germany in the fall and will not be able to continue conducting in WSCO. …

In addition to all the celebrating, a great variety of music will be presented throughout the evening, from WSCO member compositions to Orchestra classics. The Percussion Ensemble and the Wind Symphony kick off the evening at 6:30, with the Symphony’s portion beginning at 7:30, both in the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. No charge, though donations are appreciated!

(2600 SW Thistle)

SWEET, SWEET MUSIC: Ukuleles and more, at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm. (9140 California SW)

ALL THAT, AND STILL THERE’S MORE … just check our complete-calendar page!

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UPDATE: West Seattle Junction flower baskets have arrived!
May 18, 2018 9:04 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news

9:04 AM: Thanks to Ricki Brown for the photo – the West Seattle Junction Association flower baskets have arrived, and are going up all along the heart of The Junction this morning! This is the second year that The Junction offered the chance to “adopt” flower baskets as a fundraiser, and we learned recently from WSJA executive director Lora Swift that they have all been adopted – so you will again see plaques next to the baskets identifying the “adopters” (which include WSB). We’ll check back later for a look at the baskets once they’re in place.

ADDED 8:21 PM: Almost forgot to add the follow-up photo!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend reminders
May 18, 2018 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; weekend reminders
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

7:02 AM: Good morning! Just checked around, and no incidents or transit alerts in/from our area so far.

BIKE EVERYWHERE DAY: If you’re riding, the celebration station under the bridge continues until 9 am.

WEEKEND REMINDERS: On Puget Ridge, 18th/Myrtle will be closed for reconstruction work starting tomorrow morning … Sunday is the West Seattle 5K, with Alki/Harbor closed during the race, ~8-11 am ,,, And remember that another round of “Revive I-5” work will affect northbound I-5 this weekend – here’s the map.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Elected Leadership Group agrees to advance ‘Pigeon Ridge,’ ‘Oregon Street’ concepts to next level
May 17, 2018 9:40 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When the Sound Transit board meets in a week, it’ll hear that the Elected Leadership Group for the West Seattle/Ballard light-rail extensions pretty much agrees with the Stakeholder Advisory Group on which alternatives should stay in the running.

That’s the upshot of the ELG’s two-hour meeting downtown this afternoon, its first one since the planning process ramped up in January. As declared at the start, its goal was to recommend which alternatives should move forward to what ST calls Level 2 of review, and for West Seattle, those remain the “Pigeon Ridge/West Seattle Tunnel” and “Oregon Street/Alaska Junction” alternatives.

ELG co-chair King County Councilmember Joe McDermott opened the meeting. ST CEO Peter Rogoff spoke next, lauding the “progress” on the project and reminding everyone that the ST board is to “meet in this room …. less than one year from now” to make a preferred-alternative recommendation.

From among the ELG members, only Mayor Jenny Durkan was not in attendance; the six City Councilmembers were – Sally Bagshaw, Lorena González (who recused herself from discussion of the West Seattle route because it might go right by property she owns in The Junction), Bruce Harrell, Lisa Herbold, Rob Johnson, and (by phone) Mike O’Brien – along with King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman, and ST board chair Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.

ST executive Cathal Ridge presented a refresher of the timelines, all the way from identifying a preferred alternative early next year for formal environmental study, to launching West Seattle light rail in 2030, Ballard light rail in 2035. And he went over the Stakeholder Advisory Group’s recommendations from last month (WSB coverage here), along with what preceded it. Here’s the slide deck for today’s meeting:

He gave a short version of the evaluation criteria and then launched into the five West Seattle “concepts” that were evaluated. He summarized neighborhood-forum feedback (as you can see on page 20 of the slide deck) including “a lot of support for tunneling” and “a lot of support for moving the Delridge station south.” (He did not explicitly mention that the neighborhood forum for West Seattle, on May 5th, was held after the Stakeholder Advisory Group had made its recommendations April 24th on what should advance and what should not. The forum summaries were added to the ST website this afternoon.)

After the brief review of the West Seattle concepts and the stakeholders’ recommendations, facilitator Diane Adams invited ELG members to comment.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s softball-season finale
May 17, 2018 9:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

9:06 PM: Congratulations to the West Seattle High School softball team on a great season that just came to a heartbreaking end at Southwest Athletic Complex, with a 5-4 loss in a must-win district-playoff game against Juanita. More later.

11:34 PM: Adding photos.

(West Seattle senior Lucy Mead sliding in)

West Seattle scored first early to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning

(West Seattle senior pitcher Anabelle Watt)

Juanita came back a couple of innings later to open up a lead. West Seattle came back and the game was tied 4-4 going into the 7th. A two-out rally got Juanita the win and the district’s fifth and final spot in the state tournament.

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WILDLIFE WATCH: River otters roaming uphill
May 17, 2018 7:52 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

THURSDAY NIGHT: With three reader reports of river otters far uphill from the water’s edge in West Seattle, it’s time to share the alert! The photo above is from Jonathan, who spotted those two in Fairmount Ravine, near the bridge. His report came in about the same time as a note from Luke, who was bicycling in the ravine when he saw what we assume were the same two, “scurrying along the side of the road.” And last night, Emily reported seeing one “crossing the road on SW Jacobsen Road between 51st Ave SW and Beach Drive SW.” If you’re new – river otters are the ones you’ll see in Puget Sound, not “sea otters,” which are more common in the open ocean. Be especially careful on near-shore roads this time of year – some have been hit by drivers as they cross, often headed to/from an inland den. This state Fish and Wildlife Department info-sheet has more about river otters.

FRIDAY MORNING, 10:27 AM: According to a note from Jennifer, they’re even further inland now, up along Walnut.

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