month : 05/2022 331 results

SUMMER CAMP: Basketball and more with Hoops4Life in West Seattle

If the student(s) in your household don’t have summer plans finalized yet, here’s an invitation:

Hoops4Life is back in full swing with 4 sessions at Seattle Lutheran HS this summer!

Hoops4Life is a high-quality basketball/life skills camp in its 25th year here in West Seattle. 9 am-4 pm Monday through Friday for $199. Still room in Session 2 (July 18-22) for 2nd-4th graders and room for all grades through 8th in recently opened Session 3 (July 25-29). Register now!! hoops4life206.com/content/2022-seattle-lutheran-camp

The SLHS gym is at 4100 SW Genesee just north of The Junction.

CONTINUING MONDAY: Poppies at West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160

May 29, 2022 11:29 am
|    Comments Off on CONTINUING MONDAY: Poppies at West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160
 |   How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

Another veterans’ organization is offering Memorial Day poppies as a fundraiser. Here’s the announcement we received this morning from Keith Hughes, American Legion Post 160 commander:

The American Legion will have Poppies at the American Legion Hall at 3618 SW Alaska St on Sunday and Monday, 10 am to 4 pm. Drive up at the curb or drive in. Donations all go to direct support of Vets and their families for emergency financial support during these hard times.

Look for the canopy right out front on the westbound side of SW Alaska just east of 37th SW.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 14 notes

(Wednesday night at Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Day two of the holiday weekend – here’s our list:

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: If not postponed by weather, SDOT plans to be repaving at the entrance to the eastbound low bridge (details here).

VFW POPPIES: The West Seattle VFW plans to be back at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) 9 am-noon offering the veteran-made poppies.

(added) AMERICAN LEGION POPPIES: Got word this morning that American Legion Post 160 is also offering poppies, 10 am-4 pm today/tomorrow at the post (3618 SW Alaska)

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re still listing these – see today’s list here.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND SALE: New WSB sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska) is having a sale through Monday! Open today 11 am-5 pm.

LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Though today’s -1.4-foot low tide at 11:09 am is not super-low, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are making their season debut. Find them at Constellation Park and Lincoln Park 10 am-noon.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – and plants at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

WHITE CENTER MARKET: 11 am at Future Primitive (9832 14th SW), shop local makers/growers’ wares, including West Seattle-made Cascadia Wicks‘ candles, at this monthly pop-up market.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Weekly tours are back, as previewed here! First tour at 1 pm, last at 3:45; here’s how it’ll work.

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio (7356 35th SW) – details here.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list on our calendar? We update it daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

‘Someone save us’: West Seattle student’s art, after Uvalde

After the Texas massacre, some students around the country marched.
Some gathered in silence.
Knowledge of violence was already a part of their world, from lockdowns, from drills.
And some students expressed their feelings through art. What’s below is by a high-school student whose mom sent it to us, “to share”:

RETURNING: Free fishing derby for kids next Saturday

May 28, 2022 7:51 pm
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: Free fishing derby for kids next Saturday
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, 2019)

Another summer event that’s coming back for the first time since the last pre-pandemic summer is the kids’ fishing derby presented by the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club. They’ll be at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) with a portable pond full of fish 8 am-11 am next Saturday (June 4th)> They bring the rods and bait too – all you have to bring is the kid(s), up to age 14. No fishing experience or pre-registration required. The club’s been presenting this free event since 1934.

SPORTS: West Seattle High School baseball team finishes #4 in the state

A stellar season for the West Seattle High School baseball team ended this afternoon. The Wildcats finished as the state’s fourth-place 3A team after their final game in Pasco today, a 5-1 loss to Mt. Spokane. Before the state semifinals, WSHS – coached by Dylan Mclauchlin – had a 23-1 record, winning the Metro League championship.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Celebration at Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant

If you haven’t met her yet, that’s Lily Anaya, who’s celebrating the grand opening of Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant at 2940 SW Avalon Way. She opened the restaurant three months ago but it’s finally time to party.The restaurant follows Lily’s success serving pupusas and other Salvadorean specialties to Farmers’ Market visitors. She told guests this afternoon about her long road to success in the U.S. after emigrating with her daughters.

If you want to drop in for a meal and/or drink and/or well-wishes, the official party continues until 6 pm. (The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen maroon RAV4

Be on the lookout for Tim’s stolen car:

My 2021 maroon Toyota RAV4 was stolen from my house in the 3000 block of 62nd Ave SW, Alki area, last night, 5/27/22. WA license CAX-6565. Last seen parked in the alley at about 11:30 last night. I went to take the trash out today around noon and found that it was missing. SPD report # 22-134944.

YOU CAN HELP: WestSide Baby working to get ‘Beyond the Basics’ for local families

May 28, 2022 1:35 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: WestSide Baby working to get ‘Beyond the Basics’ for local families
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

West Seattleite-founded, White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby is helping many local families, with many more waiting, and hopes you can assist! Here’s their announcement:

WestSide Baby is in the final days of Beyond the Basics, our annual spring fundraising, and needs your support to fully resource our vital programs so that babies and children have equitable access to basic need items! We just had the exciting opportunity to bring on 10 new agency partners, but we have a waitlist of at least 20 more agencies who are anxious to receive crucial items for the children and families they serve.

These are organizations serving homeless babies and mothers, domestic-violence victims, refugees and immigrants, and so many more deserving members of our community. The diapers, car seats, formula, and clothing they receive from WestSide Baby offer stability and care in the midst of chaos and loss.

Today, we need your continued support to help meet the growing needs of our community. All gifts of $250 or more are being matched by a generous donor – doubling your donation and its impact on deserving families and children in King County.

*Donate Online at bit.ly/beyondthebasics2022
*Donate by check: Mail to WestSide Baby, 10002 14th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146
*Donate by Charitable Fund or Stock: Please email Giving@westsidebaby.org

We need your support as we expand our programs to serve more children and families! Going beyond survival mode, Beyond the Basics, is a human right that every family deserves, and your donation will help to make that possible.

WestSide Baby’s Beyond the Basics fundraiser is generously sponsored by local community businesses including Nucor Steel – Harris Rebar, Ventana Construction, West Seattle Food Bank, and Amazon.

BIZNOTE: Happy 1st anniversary, Lake Washington Physical Therapy!

Mark Bouma of Lake Washington Physical Therapy (1309 Harbor Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) sent photos from a big week at the clinic: “It was our 1-year anniversary in West Seattle and we had many giveaways in the clinic, including mugs, t-shirts, roses, and water bottles to show appreciation for our patients.”

He also wants to get the word out that the clinic has added some new offerings – this flyer has details. And even if you don’t need physical-therapy services right now, remember that the clinic has also been showcasing local art – Mark says some new artwork is on the way in the next few months.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: VFW’s Memorial Day poppies

May 28, 2022 10:33 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: VFW’s Memorial Day poppies
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

A few late additions to our daily events list today, including this: The crew from the West Seattle VFW is at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) with Memorial Day poppies, by donation. Here’s the story behind the poppies – tracing back a century. If you miss them today, they’ll be back 9 am-noon tomorrow (Sunday, May 29th).

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 14 notes!

(Photo by James Webster)

As we begin the holiday weekend, here’s what’s happening locally:

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: Three SDOT projects are planned today – repaving at the entrance to the eastbound low bridge (details here), flashing-beacon work at 17th Ave SW and SW Henderson St., and in South Park, work on 14th Avenue South and South Cloverdale to install reflective bands around signal heads.

(added) MEMORIAL DAY POPPIES: The West Seattle VFW is at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) distributing the little red poppies until noon (and again 9 am-noon Sunday)

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: This year, it’s happening twice monthly – 10 am-2 pm at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Scheduled to open today and remain open daily, 11 am-8 pm, through Labor Day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

HOLIDAY WEEKEND SALE: New WSB sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska) is having a sale through Monday! Open today 11 am-5 pm.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

SPORTS: West Seattle HS plays Mt. Spokane for third place in the state baseball championships, 12:45 pm in Pasco. You can watch via the GameChanger app.

LILY’S SALVADOREAN RESTAURANT GRAND OPENING: 2-6 pm, the new restaurant at 2940 SW Avalon Way invites you to celebrate, with music and more.

CAKE POP-UP: Lovely and Dapper Desserts brings their popular mini-cakes to Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) today, 2-6 pm.

BEACH FIRES: Alki’s fire rings will officially be available for the summer starting tonight.

EVENING MUSIC @ C & P COFFEE: Guitar Gil at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, no cover.

WEST END GIRLS AT THE SKYLARK: The monthly drag extravaganza West End Girls happens tonight at The Skylark(3803 Delridge Way SW). All ages. Tickets at the door or here.

DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Saturday’s the night for Dolly Madison‘s show at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 9 pm. (see comment)

(added) DRAG SHOW AT BOX BAR: Third option tonight – thanks for the tip! Box Bar (5401 California SW) is also presenting a drag show, 9 pm, 21+ – info here.

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

SPORTS: West Seattle HS to play for third place at state Saturday

West Seattle High School‘s baseball team had only one loss all season before tonight, when they lost in the state 3A semifinals, 3-1, to Mercer Island. Playing in Pasco, Wildcats ace Miles Gosztola held MI scoreless through five but had maxed out on pitches by then; Maddox Brent followed him on the mound, and MI eked out two runs in the sixth, subsequently keeping WSHS from a comeback. West Seattle, which made it to regional/state competition for the first time in eight years, will play Mt. Spokane tomorrow at 12:45 pm for third place.

First night for early closing time at Alki Beach

We noticed that Seattle Police car at Alki Beach around 6:30 pm, a few hours before officers are supposed to start helping Parks personnel close the park for the night. This is the first night of a second summer for the 10 pm closing time at Alki (and Golden Gardens); we first reported in March that the city planned to do it again this year. The beach wasn’t too busy when we went through, but the below-60 temperature is likely more responsible for that than anticipation of early park closure. Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera told the Alki Community Council last week that Parks is supposed to cover the cost of two officers assisting at closing time. One more change ahead at Alki: The beach fire rings are supposed to officially open starting tomorrow; fires are supposed to be out by 9:30 pm.

WHALES: Transient orcas off West Seattle

8:03 PM: Up for sunset whale-watching? Kersti Muul sends word that transient orcas are passing West Seattle, northbound in the ferry lanes off Fauntleroy right now.

8:10 PM: Update from Kersti – they’re now passing Lowman Beach.

VIDEO: Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School students protest gun violence, asking ‘How Many More?’

Students across the country continued demonstrations today to plead for an end to gun violence, three days after the massacre in Uvalde, Texas. Among today’s protests was a walkout this morning organized by the Student Council at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. Participating students left their classrooms at 9 am to demonstrate outside the school at 20th and Roxbury.

They began with a prayer, followed by a student-written poem:

Walker Mae read the poem, “How Many More?” (the author wished to be anonymous), after Rianna led the prayer. Then the students stood in silence for 10 minutes.

Rianna is the Student Council president and invited us to cover the demonstration, explaining, “We are demonstrating that we are against school shootings, gun violence, and to show support to all the lives lost due to this tragedy.”

READER REPORT: Fighting back at Solstice Park

If you play tennis at the Solstice Park courts (near the north end of Lincoln Park), you know they’ve been hit repeatedly by vandalism, particularly tagging. Chris just sent the photo and report of one person’s way of fighting back. Chris says the artist, James Egan, is a local attorney who told him he paints “to relieve stress.”

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Bird alert

Thanks to Ann Marie for the photo, taken at 46th/Stevens. Usually indicates crows are nesting nearby; the state Fish and Wildlife one-sheet about crows includes a special section toward the end that’s devoted to the dive-bombing phenomenon.

FOLLOWUP: Schools finish salmon releases at Fauntleroy Creek – next, it’s your turn

(This photo and next one by Tom Trulin. Above, Fauntleroy Children’s Center students)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Salmon-release season for schools on Fauntleroy Creek ended Thursday when children from A Child Becomes Preschool put their coho fry in the water.

All but one of the 15 school releases coordinated by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council resembled field trips before the pandemic. Sizable groups of (masked) students and adults explored the park’s natural habitat while releasing their fish. Some groups also visited the lower creek.

(Holy Rosary students)

All told, 460 children released 1,460 fry reared through the Salmon in the Schools program. Many of the 167 adults who chaperoned also put fish in the water. Members of the all-volunteer release team were Dennis Hinton, Pete Draughon, Shannon Ninburg, and Tom Trulin.

(Photo by Deb Robbins. Above, volunteers Dennis Hinton, Tom Trulin, and Pete Draughon, who will host the June 5 community release)

Most schools did very well this year rearing their salmon from eyed eggs; as a result, about 200 of the “just in case” fish reared by volunteer Jack Lawless can now be used for a community release. All are invited to drop by the big bridge in Fauntleroy Park (map) on Sunday, June 5, 1-3:00 pm to put them in the water.

Also in late May, volunteers wrapped up the annual count of smolts leaving the park and lower creek for their two years in saltwater. The count was considerably lower than last year (11 compared with 49), likely because the pandemic reduced the number of schools that brought fry in 2021. Monitors also counted upward of 400 live fry in the lower smolt trap, most being “home hatch” from last fall’s robust spawning.

The next season of volunteer monitoring will start in mid-October, when salmon watchers will document spawners and spawning activity in the lower creek.

Mountain to Sound Outfitters: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor, with a sale on now!

Today we’re welcoming our newest WSB sponsor, Mountain to Sound Outfitters, which has a sale this holiday weekend! New sponsors get the opportunity to let you know what they’re all about, so here’s their story:

Mountain to Sound Outfitters is West Seattle’s local independently owned outdoor store specializing in Snowsports, Paddlesports, Vehicle Racks, and Skates. Greg Whittaker began Mountain to Sound Outfitters in 2009 as several winter-sports specialty shops in the region went out of business, including Olympic Sports and Mt. Pilchuck Ski and Sports. Having operated Alki Kayak Tours since 2005, it was a natural growth option to develop a retail storefront in the Triangle area of West Seattle, catering to local and regional adventurers. Our business philosophy is based on a strong foundation of community spirit and customer service. We’re passionate about expanding the outdoor culture and helping people enjoy all that the Northwest has to offer.

The distinctive green building, located between the American Legion Howitzer and Rotary Park Totem Pole on Alaska and 36th Ave SW, was chosen because of the nature of the business. Large unruly items such as Skis, Snowboards, Kayaks, and Stand Up Paddleboards just wouldn’t have melded into the tight commercial area of The Junction, and it enables customers to park right in front to drop off their skis and snowboards for a tune-up, or get a new Thule cargo box installed on your vehicle.

“The pandemic has been an interesting time for us all and M2S is no exception,” says Whittaker. “People started craving the outdoors and tapped into their inner desire to be on the water. We had all kinds of inquiries about SUPs and kayaks but we couldn’t get much in the way of product. The supply chain has caught up and we are now stocked with a good supply of kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, skates and racks. Customers come for our summer product lines from all over the state as well as Alaska. Our brands are top notch and the team has the expertise to help guide you into what will work best for the goals you have out exploring Puget Sound and our many waterways.”

This Memorial Day Weekend, Mountain to Sound Outfitters is holding a Sale, offering discounts on Kayaks and SUPs as well as the accessories needed to safely explore our waterways and slopes. Winter clearance Snowboards and Skis are also still available. Stop by and say hi to the crew at 3602 SW Alaska St, and check out the selection when you are driving by and need some gear, or just some eye protection for that rarely seen sun (our selection of sunglasses is one of the best in West Seattle). Open 11 am-6 pm today (Friday, May 27th), 11 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 11 am-6 pm on Memorial Day.

We thank Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

6 for your West Seattle Friday

(Youth-On-Age Plant, photographed by Rosalie Miller at Schmitz Park)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening along the way to the start of the holiday weekend:

TALK WITH YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER: Monthly “office hours” with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, 2-6 pm online – our calendar listing explains how to get an appointment.

TASTING: 4-6 pm at West Seattle Liquor and Wine (4714 42nd SW; WSB sponsor), they’ll be “pouring award-winning Barrell and Stellar Bourbon” for the weekly tasting event.

AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC LEAGUE: 4-6 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), open to all 12+ interested in Magic: The Gathering.

SPORTS: Tonight in Pasco, West Seattle High School plays Mercer Island HS in the state 3A championship semifinals, 7:15 pm. WSHS tells us the GameChanger app is expected to have a stream. The state bracket page (click on this game) also has a link to a subscription-only streaming service.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Tonight brings the return of solo acoustic performer Siggie The Vintage Man at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm. All ages, no cover.

MUSIC AND SCOOTERS: 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), “The Kings and The Earthlings get the party started for the Meant to Offend 2022 Scooter Rally.”

Have an event for our calendar/daily lists? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

NEW EVENT: Delridge Disc-O Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament

May 27, 2022 9:35 am
|    Comments Off on NEW EVENT: Delridge Disc-O Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Got an Ultimate Frisbee player in the household? If they’re not already signed up for the first Delridge Disc-O Hat Tournament, here’s the invitation:

DELRIDGE DISC-O
Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament
Sunday, June 5, 2022
Middle School Division 11:30-3 pm
High School Division 3:30-7 pm
Delridge Playfield South

Join us for this one day Mixed Hat Tournament. We will have separate Middle School and High School divisions. All levels of ultimate players are welcome, from West Seattle as well as anyone willing to drive to our “island.” This is a great opportunity to meet other players and pick up some skills as you see them on the field.

A Hat Tournament is where players will be “randomly” placed on teams, and the team plays several games against the other teams at the tournament. Teams will be constructed so that there will be roughly even skills and gender ratios.

The fee is variable and will be donated to the DiscNW Youth Development fund. Tiers are $20/$10/Free.

Register at discnw.org/e/2022-delridge-disco-youth-hat-tournament

Please email questions to wshsfrisbee@gmail.com or check out our website westsideultimate.org for any FAQs.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday watch, with holiday-weekend notes

6:01 AM: Good morning; welcome to Friday, May 27th.

WEATHER

Mostly cloudy, breezy, cooler, with a high around 60.

ROAD WORK THIS WEEKEND

*Saturday and Sunday, repaving is planned at the eastbound entrance to the low bridge, as previewed here.

*Also on Saturday, as announced by SDOT:

We will be updating the flashing beacon on 17th Ave SW and SW Henderson St. Rapid flashing beacons increase safety at crossings by using amber light to alert drivers of people crossing. We anticipate this work to begin at 8 AM and conclude by 5:00 PM. We will be primarily working from the side street/parking lane; however, please expect minor disruptions in the area.

(And in South Park), as early as 7 AM – 11 AM, we will be working on 14th Ave S and S Cloverdale St to install reflective bands around the signal heads in the area. Traffic impacts include the closure of one lane at a time as we work on the installations. Please anticipate minor delays in the area.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations. Memorial Day will have Sunday service.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule. It’ll run a special schedule on Memorial Day.

Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates. No extra boat for the holiday weekend; Memorial Day will be on the Sunday schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

795th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way (one of four new cameras!):

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan – might still be experiencing difficulty):

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.