West Seattle, Washington

08 Friday

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month : 07/2019 295 results

PHOTOS: Seattle Cascades bring pro ultimate to West Seattle Stadium for first time
July 31, 2019 11:49 pm
|    Comments Off on PHOTOS: Seattle Cascades bring pro ultimate to West Seattle Stadium for first time
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Leaping, diving, running, and throwing, the Seattle Cascades professional ultimate team was victorious in its first-ever West Seattle Stadium match tonight, 15-14 over the Melbourne (Australia) Ellipsis:

The Cascades are in blue. The mixed-roster match drew a lively crowd to the stadium:


Casey the Sasquatch, at lower left above, is the team’s mascot, whose appearances in the stands inspired one young fan (not pictured) to holler, “BIGFOOT LIVES!”

Back to the field. It was intense play. (Here are the rules, in short, as followed by the AUDL, the Cascades’ league.) We caught a bit of video:

Toward the end of the first quarter, Cascades player Peter Geertz-Larson was hurt.

He left the stadium in an ambulance after what was described as a compound shin-bone fracture. The game then resumed and the Cascades were up 9-8 at the half.

Featured at halftime, youth players from the DiscNW Tier 206 youth tour (beneficiary of tonight’s proceeds):

The second half was cut a bit short because the stadium lights weren’t coming on, and even on a clear summer night, by 9 pm, visibility wanes. Right before the game was called, we discovered a familiar face serving as the Cascades’ voice:

That’s David Bestock, known best around here as executive director of the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. Not only is he the Cascades’ announcer, he also is an accomplished ultimate athlete – his team won the Masters Nationals two weeks ago!

P.S. The Cascades’ regular home venue is Memorial Stadium downtown; their next match is at 6 pm August 17th.

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DEVELOPMENT: 9402 18th SW added to ‘Early Design Outreach’ list
July 31, 2019 8:42 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle project is on the Early Design Community Outreach list, meaning there’ll eventually be a drop-in community meeting for feedback on the project: 9402 18th SW, with nine rowhouse and townhouse units to replace one 103-year-old house.

Documents in city files also mention “surface parking.” No meeting on the calendar yet, but keep checking here (notification is only required in a relatively small area).

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Students’ invitation to teachers: Give us an hour so we can teach you!
July 31, 2019 5:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Students’ invitation to teachers: Give us an hour so we can teach you!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Those students have been learning about teaching – and now it’s their turn to teach … teachers! Here’s the invitation to their special class for teachers this Friday:

Seattle Skills Center’s Intro to Teaching: Careers in Education summer school class at West Seattle High School invites all teachers to attend “Cultural Competency in Education: Practical Tips & Resources” on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 2-3 p.m. at West Seattle High School. Call 206-252-8844 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

The Intro to Teaching class provides students an introduction to the many opportunities and career options in the education field. For their final project, students were tasked with answering: How can teachers create a classroom that is respectful, culturally responsive, and supports academic achievement for all students? To answer, the Careers in Education students have created a resource-rich presentation and website for teachers they will continue to support. Tamara Boynton Howard, their teacher, says “The students’ overall goal is to provide teachers with tangible resources that provide a sense of belonging for all students.”

The Seattle Skills Center is a free program in Seattle Public Schools that prepares students for careers, college, and life. They do this by providing advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that give students options to continue to career-focused learning in four-year colleges, or earn post-secondary certification, or join the work force right out of high school. They provide this training through regular school year courses and a summer program.

For questions or to RSVP for the Cultural Competency in Education event or to RSVP to this event, please call Tamara Boynton Howard at 206-252-8844 or email: tnboynton@seattleschools.org

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SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Alec Shaw up next
July 31, 2019 3:51 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

While rain is forecast for the end of the week, looks like good concert weather tomorrow (Thursday) night for the next installment of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha (presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association with community co-sponsors including WSB). Alec Shaw will be onstage for the free concert starting at 6:30 on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center (along Walnut south of Lander) – bring your own chair/blanket, picnic dinner if you want to, and enjoy a great night of fresh air and live music.

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West Seattle scene: Grocery workers picket in The Junction
July 31, 2019 2:47 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

As announced earlier this week, grocery workers had informational picket lines outside two Junction supermarket this afternoon, calling attention to their ongoing contract talks with the Kroger (QFC and Fred Meyer) and Safeway/Albertsons chains. We took the photo above outside the Junction QFC. The picketers targeted Jefferson Square Safeway earlier, during which, according to the UFCW Local 21 Twitter feed, they had an unannounced high-profile visitor:

The latest online update says they’ve reached tentative agreement on some issues but, “The major roadblocks that remain would likely be strike-level issues.” More talks are scheduled August 12-14.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Subaru Legacy wagon
July 31, 2019 1:47 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Subaru Legacy wagon
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Julia hopes you can help find her stolen car:

My ’97 Subaru Legacy wagon (black with large dent in back left bumper, plate #AHG5464) was stolen from in front of our house (8600 block of 16th Ave SW) overnight. This is the second time this car has been stolen from this exact location. I had the “Club” on the steering wheel and the car was locked. I have reported this info to SPD.

If you see it, call 911.

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COUNTDOWN: West Seattle Beer and Music Festival returns August 23-24
July 31, 2019 12:30 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: West Seattle Beer and Music Festival returns August 23-24
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Photo by Yvonne Chan)

Even with August almost here, a whole lot of summer fun is still to come. The West Seattle Beer and Music Festival is back for a second year, August 23-24 at the Alki Masonic Center, and you can still buy tickets at earlybird prices. Highlights as announced by organizers:

More than 20 breweries from the Northwest and beyond will be pouring 40+ beers.

The musical lineup features an eclectic mix of funk and soul acts, including New York-based Mega Ran and last year’s fan favorites Marmalade. DJ Indica Jones will be DJ-ing a nightly after-party for those who aren’t ready for the party to end.

New this year is a .5k Run4Food (no, that is not a typo, it really is only .5k!) that benefits the West Seattle Food Bank, taking place on August 24th. Tickets for the costumed and comically short fun run can be purchased for $40 for individuals and $230 for groups of six. Run tickets include admission to the festival on Saturday, tasting tokens, and a glass. Better yet, $10 of every individual ticket for the run and $50 of every group ticket goes back to the West Seattle Food Bank.

The festival hours will be 5-10 pm Friday, 3-10 pm Saturday (with an early-entry option for VIP ticket purchasers). You can find more info and/or buy tickets by going here – earlybird prices through August 11th. P.S. This is a 21+ event.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Collision at West Marginal/Highland Park Way
July 31, 2019 11:21 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Collision at West Marginal/Highland Park Way
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:21 AM: Thanks for the tips! Avoid West Marginal Way SW/Highland Park Way for a while – a collision reported to involve four vehicles is blocking much of the intersection.

11:58 AM: SFD has closed out its response to this call.

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6 for your West Seattle Wednesday
July 31, 2019 10:59 am
|    Comments Off on 6 for your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Rhinoceros Auklet, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From our calendar:

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.9 feet as of five minutes ago, so Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out at Lincoln and Constellation Parks until 1 pm.

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Sunny and warm, so it’s another “open” day for the pools: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open 11 am-8 pm, EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) is open noon-6:30 pm, Hiawatha (Walnut/Lander) is open noon-6:30 pm, South Park (738 S. Sullivan) is open noon-7 pm. And the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am-8 pm.

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Fourth week of this year’s weekly farm-stand sessions, selling fresh produce and flowers, all grown by nearby residents, at the mini-farm steps away from the stand. 4 pm-7 pm. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

DEBATE WATCH PARTY: 5 pm at Arthur’s, watch the second night of the Democratic presidential candidates’ debate with the 34th District Democrats. (2311 California SW)

PRO ULTIMATE: The Seattle Cascades play Melbourne, mixed roster, 6:45 pm at West Seattle Stadium, in a benefit match. Tickets available at the gate, which opens at 6:15 pm. (4432 35th SW)

THE BILLY JOE SHOW: Rocking Parliament Tavern starting at 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MANY MORE OPTIONS … on our complete calendar!

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School sets volleyball tryout dates
July 31, 2019 10:14 am
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle High School sets volleyball tryout dates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo from September 2018, WSHS players in white)

Now that July is ending, summer break is half over for Seattle Public Schools. We have one early reminder of sports tryouts happening before school resumes. From West Seattle High School volleyball head coach Abby West:

West Seattle High School Volleyball tryouts will be August 26th, 27th, and 28th from 3:30-6:00 pm each day in the West Seattle gym. Every athlete participating will need to have an Athletics Packet (including a current physical) turned into the West Seattle High School main office prior to tryouts. Any questions can be sent to Coach at abby.west1@gmail.com.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
July 31, 2019 6:56 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:56 AM: Good morning.

AVALON PROJECT: SW Yancy has indeed closed at the Avalon end (we got a chance to check Tuesday afternoon); this closure is expected to last “a couple weeks,” SDOT says.

WATER TAXI REMINDERS: The smaller Spirit of Kingston continues on the run all week … No Water Taxi service next week, to get ready for the downtown dock move.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bank windows broken again
July 31, 2019 2:47 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who sent the photo and tip: For at least the third time in less than two months, someone has broken windows at the West Seattle Junction KeyBank. (Our previous reports are here and here.) We don’t know if police have apprehended anyone – we’ll have to check on that later this morning – but radio communication indicated arrangements were being made to get the windows boarded up.

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ELECTION 2019: Final forum for West Seattle/South Park City Council candidates, pre-primary
July 31, 2019 2:21 am
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

One last time before the vote counting begins next Tuesday, the three candidates for the Seattle City Council District 1 seat (West Seattle/South Park) sat side by side Monday night, answering questions. This final pre-primary forum was at West Seattle Library in The Admiral District, presented by the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, with about two dozen people there to watch. KNKX radio reporter Simone Alicea moderated, asking questions including some written on cards and submitted by attendees.

The forum began with an up-to-three-minute opening statement from each candidate – Phil Tavel, then Brendan Kolding, then Lisa Herbold. As we’ve done with most of this year’s forums, we recap with key points rather than full transcriptions:

Read More

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Party time! Just one week away…
July 30, 2019 9:24 pm
|    Comments Off on Party time! Just one week away…
 |   Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

IMG_6240(SFD Ladder 11 visiting 39th SW during Night Out 2016)

Having a block (or building) party for Night Out next Tuesday (August 6th)? If you register it, you have a chance at an SFD or SPD visit. Here’s the one-week-to-go reminder from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner:

If you are planning a Night Out event and have yet to register, there is still time. Night Out is a national crime-prevention event promoted by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities.

Here is the link to register, download materials and to get additional information: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/night-out.

Night Out is a great opportunity to connect with your neighbors and engage in your community. We hope you participate and we hope to visit as many of your events as we can. Hope to see you next week!

The SW Precinct currently has 212 registered parties! Let’s surpass our numbers from last year :)

We’ll be out and about too as always – let us know where YOU will be partying (westseattleblog@gmail.com) and/or send a photo that night (same address or text to our hotline, 206-293-6302)!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Backyard intruder
July 30, 2019 7:40 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

That’s security video from the backyard of Matt‘s home near Fauntleroy/Thistle, across from Lincoln Park. He hasn’t been able to check yet for any other damage but is sharing this so others will be on the lookout. The intruder’s been reported to police; we don’t have the report number yet but will add when we do, in case you have a tip to report.

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YOU CAN HELP! Fundraising campaign for Senior Center of West Seattle, post-burglary
July 30, 2019 5:44 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! Fundraising campaign for Senior Center of West Seattle, post-burglary
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

One week ago, we reported on a burglary at the Senior Center of West Seattle. While police continue to investigate, the nonprofit center has to deal with the costly aftermath – stolen items, damage repair. So the philanthropy group Impact West Seattle is coordinating a community fundraising drive to help. Rachel Lazar explains, “They have been such a supportive partner of Impact West Seattle, hosting our quarterly giving meetings. And we have learned so much about the incredible programs they offer as they are truly a gem in our community.” You can donate by going here!

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BIZNOTE: New owner for West Seattle Junction toy store Curious Kidstuff
July 30, 2019 2:46 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Ann Walker and Elisabeth Dahl)

As of Thursday, West Seattle’s toy store will have a new owner. Longtime Curious Kidstuff proprietor Ann Walker wanted to share this news as she gets ready to say goodbye:

Ann would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the many parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and children who have shopped and played at Curious Kidstuff during the 21 years in business.

Ann is super excited to introduce you to the new owner, Elisabeth Dahl. Elisabeth owns a specialty toy store on Bainbridge Island called Calico Toy Shoppe. Elisabeth has been in business many years. She is an excellent toy and book buyer and will have a store full of creative and fun merchandise.

Ann hopes all the children who have visited the shop during the 21 years have a special place in their hearts and memories of a place they used to visit that felt safe, fun, and full of love.

Ann has also placed her Vashon home on the market and will start a new chapter in Yakima, Washington.

Ann hopes that Curious Kidstuff can see another two generations pass through the doors and that people will continue to see the value in supporting small business everywhere.

We talked with Ann and Elisabeth at the shop (4740 California SW) on Monday. Elisabeth says the name will stay the same and no changes are planned so far – she wants to “get in and see what the community wants.” She will also continue to operate her Bainbridge shop, which she says started with 1,000 square feet a dozen years ago and has more than quadrupled in size. It is a similar type of store, she says – both Calico and Curious are members of the industry association ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association). She has a deep-running family history with helping kids have fun – her grandfather owned a North Seattle amusement park called Playland for decades!

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Morgan Junction Park addition @ Design Commission on Thursday
July 30, 2019 1:53 pm
|    Comments Off on Morgan Junction Park addition @ Design Commission on Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As mentioned at this month’s Morgan Community Association meeting, the Seattle Design Commission will be next to get a status update on the Morgan Junction Park addition. That review is set for 9 am Thursday (August 1) at City Hall. The commission is an advisory group that makes recommendations about “the design of capital improvement projects that are located on City land, in the City right-of-way, or constructed with City funds.” The meeting is open to the public, and you’ll find it in the Boards and Commissions Room of City Hall downtown. As a Seattle Parks rep told MoCA, the next step will be another community discussion of the park design, which is currently at the 30 percent stage. The three “design concepts” for the park can be seen here (on a survey page that was supposed to be closed by now but appears to still be open)

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle LA Fitness to close for almost a month
July 30, 2019 12:16 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone for the tips. LA Fitness in The Junction has announced it’s closing for almost a month, August 10th to September 5th. The announcement says it’s for a “refresh.” We have an inquiry out to the company, asking what that entails and how members’ dues will be handled for that time. Meantime, we checked city permit files and so far haven’t found anything for that location. It’s only four years old, opening in 2015 in a space that was once intended to be a Whole Foods Market, before the building (under a different developer and name) stalled for years.

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6 for your West Seattle Tuesday
July 30, 2019 10:59 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: Osprey seen during Monday’s Seafair Parade of Ships)

What’s up for the rest of your Tuesday:

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Though it’s overcast, it’ll be a warm day, so the city says they WILL be open: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open 11 am-8 pm, Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) is open noon-6:30 pm, South Park (738 S. Sullivan) is open noon-7 pm. And the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am-8 pm.

BASEBALL TRYOUTS: 9U-14U tryouts for Seattle Rawlings Tigers baseball, 5:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex. Info’s in our calendar listing. (2801 SW Thistle)

DEBATE WATCH PARTY: Watch the first night of the second Democratic presidential-candidates debate with the 34th District Democrats. (updated 5 pm at Drunky Two Shoes in White Center. (9655 16th SW)

LITTLE CRITTERS: 6:30 pm at Delridge Library:

Bring your littlest animal lovers to this fun program! We’ll wonder and learn about a delightful animal through a fun puppet story, then get to meet (and even touch) that animal in real life! Animal species vary widely, and will not be known until the day of the program. For ages 6 and under.

(5423 Delridge Way SW)

JAZZ OPEN MIC: 8 pm at The Skylark. All ages until 10 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

OPEN MIC: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern, hosted by Joey Vargas. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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FOLLOWUP: Spirit of Kingston on West Seattle Water Taxi run for rest of week
July 30, 2019 10:23 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Spirit of Kingston on West Seattle Water Taxi run for rest of week
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

As noted in the morning traffic watch, the smaller Spirit of Kingston took over the West Seattle Water Taxi unannounced yesterday. After we inquired how long that will last, this advisory was sent:

The 149-passenger MV Spirit of Kingston will operate service on the West Seattle route for the remainder of this week. The 278-passenger MV Doc Maynard – the route’s regular vessel, will operate service on the Vashon route in place of the Sally Fox which is in drydock for a routine annual inspection. All vessels are scheduled to return to their regular routes once the new Pier 50 facility opens on Monday, August 12. Riders should plan accordingly.

The “new Pier 50 facility” reference relates to yesterday’s announcement of the rescheduled one-week suspension of service for the long-awaited downtown dock move.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: July’s last Tuesday
July 30, 2019 6:59 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:59 AM: Good morning. No transit alerts or traffic incidents reported in our area so far.

WATER TAXI: Some readers pointed out that the smaller Spirit of Kingston was on the West Seattle run yesterday, unannounced, and that led to some capacity challenges. So we checked MarineTraffic.com this morning and it shows SoK on the run again this morning.

REMINDER FOR LATER THIS WEEK: The NB Highway 99 tunnel is scheduled to be closed 11 pm Friday-noon Sunday for “joint and pavement repairs.”

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattleites accept Aging Achievement Award on agencies’ behalf
July 29, 2019 9:18 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattleites accept Aging Achievement Award on agencies’ behalf
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

In that photo are West Seattleites Irene Stewart and Andrea Yip, with the n4a-bestowe 2019 Aging Achievement Award, which they accepted for the city Human Services Department’s Aging and Disability Services and Age Friendly Seattle. This announcement explains:

The Seattle Human Services Department announced today that its Aging and Disability Services division — which is designated by the State of Washington as the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County — and its Age Friendly Seattle team have been honored with a National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) 2019 Aging Achievement Award in recognition of their efforts to promote accessible events and meetings.

Age Friendly Seattle Accessible Events & Meetings was among 48 local aging programs to receive honors at the n4a annual conference, held in New Orleans, and the only one to win in the Community Planning & Livable Communities category. Age Friendly Seattle produced a 40-page Community Guide to Accessible Events & Meetings (a free download) and has coordinated and presented trainings locally and at national conferences. The most recent was a public forum at Seattle City Hall on May 30 called “How to Plan An Accessible Event,” presented by individuals with disabilities (view on The Seattle Channel).

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