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day : 02/12/2018 8 results

VIDEO: Community celebrations for state’s first Vietnamese-American legislators, including Sen.-elect Joe Nguyen
December 2, 2018 10:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | White Center

The election results were finalized this past week, and with them, 34th District State Sen.-elect Joe Nguyen‘s historic victory:

He and 41st District State Rep.-elect My-Linh Thai are the first Vietnamese-Americans elected to the Washington State Legislature, and both were the guests of honor at two celebrations Sunday afternoon. Above, the two are shown in scarves presented by the Vietnamese Representative Council of Washington at the NewHolly Gathering Hall.

Some of the elders pointed out this day has been long coming – a sizable wave of people from Vietnam arrived in this area in 1975. Among those who fled Vietnam: Sen.-elect Nguyen’s mom, who was there to celebrate with her son:

Also there for the celebration, the director of West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center, Lee Bui:

After speaking briefly to the VRC, Sen.-elect Nguyen and Rep.-elect Thai headed this way for a party in White Center, where Nguyen’s family lived when he was born:

The crowd gathered at Diamond Hall, a new event space in downtown WC. The senator-elect told them in a short speech of thanks that he considered the multigenerational gathering inspiring and hopeful:

The youngest partygoers included Nguyen’s own children:

In the results certified this past week, Nguyen won the State Senate seat with 58.3 percent of the vote. He’ll be back in White Center next Thursday night (December 6th) as one of four local elected officials speaking with the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (7 pm at NH Fire District HQ, 1243 SW 112th). He will be sworn in January 14th in Olympia.

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Highland Park talks traffic trouble as SDOT’s pre-roundabout plan approaches
December 2, 2018 8:50 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: Highland Park Way/Holden crash)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Would a “mini-roundabout” be a better way to improve the Highland Park Way/Holden intersection while funding for a full roundabout is awaited?

Or – maybe it would be better than the full roundabout.

That’s what SDOT reps heard when they came to Highland Park this week to listen to concerns about the interim plan for the intersection. But as of week’s end, two days post-meeting, SDOT was still planning to proceed with a modified version of its interim plan, spokesperson Adonis Ducksworth told WSB:

Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Movember success and gratitude
December 2, 2018 6:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Again this year, West Seattle community advocate Mat McBride shared with us his announcement of a fundraising team for Movember – grow a mustache, grow awareness of and funding for men’s-health issues. Movember is over and Mat sends the photo with a wrapup:

Another good Movember – team Mo West raised almost a thousand dollars and shared our support of/for men’s health.

The team was slightly larger this year, which is fantastic.

Looking forward to next year with all of WSea in mustachioed solidarity.

You can still donate, by the way – Mat’s team page is here.

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West Seattle weather: Chilly week ahead
December 2, 2018 6:22 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Chris Frankovich for the photo of tonight’s spectacular sunset. This gives us the opportunity to note that a chilly week is expected – lows could get into the 20s starting tonight, and highs are expected to be in the low to mid-40s.

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Sea-lion shootings: 10 confirmed, after latest necropsy in West Seattle
December 2, 2018 3:49 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Robin Lindsey: SR3’s Casey McLean; SSMMSN First Responders David, Dave, Lynn, and Suzanne and Seattle Parks’ staff Lee and Donald in hi-viz jackets)

SUNDAY, 3:49 PM: An update today from Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network:

We are now up to 10 confirmed shot dead California sea lions in King and Kitsap counties for the period from September to end of November.

On Friday the 30th, Seal Sitters MMSN responded to a report by Seattle Parks employee Marco of a very decomposed California sea lion carcass washed up at Don Armeni boat launch. This was the same animal that was wedged under the Water Taxi dock the day before, which we marked with bio paint for identification and pushed out into the current. Through photo comparison, we were able to verify that this was the same animal reported along the downtown Seattle waterfront some time ago which has been inaccessible. Thanks to Parks and Seal Sitters’ first responders, the carcass was secured until necropsy options could be weighed.

Because of delays getting EPA permits required for towing/sinking, the Marine Mammal Stranding Network is unable to do necropsies until a permit is secured because of disposal issues. That is, unless we have options for burial/disposal on land. Read more about those challenges on my blubberblog post here.

Thanks to the efforts of Carol Baker and her many Seattle Parks/SW employees who lent a hand and provided removal services, we were able to do a limited necropsy onsite of this estimated 600 lb animal. X-rays of the head, done by a local veterinary lab, confirmed that the sea lion had indeed been shot.

There are 6 other reported dead sea lions in King/Kitsap who have not been necropsied, bringing the total of dead sea lions to 16. Additionally, there are several other dead animals in neighboring counties. Blubberblog.org provides the absolute latest updates regarding numbers and any new information.

MONDAY UPDATE: SS also wants you to know that “The Marine Mammal Stranding Network is gathering data from those counties and that information will be shared when possible.”

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UPDATE: West Seattle Junction rally against anti-Semitism
December 2, 2018 12:21 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

12:21 PM: On all corners of Walk-All-Ways, people are standing against anti-Semitism and against hate in general. There’s even been dancing – a mini-flash mob of “Hava Nagila.”

Hate-Free Delridge organized the demonstration as a community response to the anti-Semitic vandalism in Sunrise Heights a week ago.

The woman whose home was vandalized was here thanking organizers. The rally is expected to continue until 1 pm.

1:37 PM: The sentiments expressed were many, but all springing from the heart:

Participants spanned the generations:

Longtime local advocates were there too:

Tonight happens to mark the start of Hanukkah, the eight-night Festival of Lights. West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah plans to be at Walk-All-Ways next Saturday night (December 8th) with a “pop-up” celebration to which all are invited.

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HAPPENING NOW: Unique holiday shopping @ West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair
December 2, 2018 11:29 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

More than 20 nonprofits await you right now at the only “shopping” event of its kind this season – the third annual West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair, happening in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church. It’s a simple idea – you make a donation to a nonprofit in the name of someone on your list, and you’ll get something to give them to explain the gift. Our preview has the list of who’s participating. You can even meet Ivy!

Ivy’s from Reading with Rover. More photos later. The fair continues until 4 pm today.The church is at 9140 California SW.

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What’s up for your first West Seattle Sunday of December
December 2, 2018 7:42 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for your first West Seattle Sunday of December
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sanderlings, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

We start with a holiday spotlight – Hanukkah begins tonight! One community event from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HANUKKAH PARTY At Kol HaNeshamah, 4-8 pm:

The party will start at 4 pm with activities, music and storytelling geared toward families with younger children. At 5:30 pm we’ll light candles and have a potluck for all ages. The fun continues at 6:30 pm with board games and dreidel for anyone who wishes to stay. You bring your friends and family, a potluck dish or latkes, your menorah and candles, and fun games to share. We’ll provide the apple sauce, sour cream, dreidels and gelt!

(6115 SW Hinds)

Other holiday happenings today, also from our guide:

SANTA PHOTOS: Get a pic with Santa at CAPERS in The Junction, 9 am-1 pm, by donation benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)

WREATH SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students’ handmade wreaths, sold in The Junction during the West Seattle Farmers Market (10 am-2 pm).

(WSB photo from wreath booth last Sunday)

All proceeds support outdoor education. (California/Alaska)

ALTERNATIVE GIVING FAIR: West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair, 11 am-4 pm in Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church. Here’s our preview, with the list of participants. (9140 California SW)

WYATT’S OPEN HOUSE: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) holiday open house, 11 am-4 pm, at Westwood Village. Discounts! (2600 SW Barton)

TIBBETTS HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR At Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 11:30 am-1 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)

BAZAAR/OPEN HOUSE: Miss Sheryl’s Ballet is hosting a Winter Bazaar & Open House to celebrate its expansion, from 1:00-4:30 pm. “Lots of shopping opportunities, raffles, kids activities, Princess Elsa will be coming in for a bit, and more.” (9613 16th SW)

SANTA AT THE SUPERMARKET: Have a cookie with Santa at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), 1:30-4:30 pm. (41st/42nd/Admiral Way)

JANE EYRE: ArtsWest presents Jane Eyre: The Musical, 3 pm matinee. Directed by Mathew Wright. Tickets available here. (4711 California SW)

WHITE CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, 5 pm – details on our partner site White Center Now. (Roxbury/Delridge)

And from our year-round calendar:

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

WESTCREST PARK NEEDS YOUR HELP: Work party 10 am-12:30 pm – details here. (Meet at 5th/Cloverdale)

‘SAY NO TO ANTI-SEMITISM’ RALLY: Rally 11 am-1 pm in The Junction, organized by Hate-Free Delridge, all welcome to participate, as previewed here. Bring a sign if you can. (California/Alaska)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm at the community room at Arrowhead Gardens. All welcome at this monthly meeting for updates on and discussion of the city-sanctioned encampment in southeast West Seattle. (9200 2nd SW)

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION PRACTICE: Especially if you’ve been through Bystander Intervention Training, Anti-Hate Alaska Junction invites you to practice your skills, 2-4 pm at Admiral UCC. (4320 SW Hill)

ELECTION CELEBRATION: 2:30-6:30 pm at Diamond Hall in White Center, all are invited to celebrate the election of the state’s first two Vietnamese-American legislators, including West Seattleite State Sen.-elect Joe Nguyen. Details on our partner site White Center Now. (9835 16th SW)

JANET AND THE CURMUDGEONS: Trio performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

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