West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
As part of a project with the Rotary Club of West Seattle, three Peace Poles have been installed so far this fall – and this is the newest, dedicated last weekend just southeast of the Fauntleroy ferry dock parking lot.
The other two are at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) and at Fauntleroy Church/Hazelwood Preschool, with more to come. Read about the worldwide Peace Pole project here.
It’s been a busy few months in Admiral, from the first-ever Admiral Junction Funktion to business-district trick-or-treating, and now it’s time to get ready for the winter holidays. It’s also time to look ahead to next year, while addressing current concerns, and that’s all part of what the Admiral Neighborhood Association plans to do at its next general community meeting, 7 pm Tuesday (November 15) in-person at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Here are agenda highlights:
* Representatives from SDOT to listen to some Admiral specific traffic and road related issues.
* SW Precinct representative to give an update
* Our election of officers for 2023
* Other neighborhood updates
Bring your questions/comments – or just go watch/listen – all are welcome. ANA’s general community meetings are every other month; here’s our report on the last one in September.
We’re continuing to assemble the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and just got the first “pet photos with Santa” announcement of the season:
It’s happening one week from today, 2-6 pm Sunday, November 20, at Dough Joy Donuts in The Junction (4310 SW Oregon). Forgotten Dogs Rescue, which is led by a West Seattle resident, says “We will have Erika Smith Photography with us! For a $25 donation, everyone will receive at least one digital photo file (able to be printed), a 5″x7″ print, and their dog’s photo on our Facebook page.”
P.S. Thanks to everyone who’s sent holiday events already, and if you have one planned – from Santa photos to bazaars to concerts to donation drives and beyond – please email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com as soon as you can.
(Photo by Chris Frankovich)
Here’s what is happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERT: SDOT is scheduled to continue placing community-designed salmon art on 31st SW and SW Graham in High Point today.
WATCHING THE SEAHAWKS: At least four West Seattle venues (listed here) are opening mega-early for people to come watch the Seahawks‘ 6:30 am game in Germany.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
COVID BOOSTER CLINIC: 9 am-1 pm at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), Pfizer bivalent boosters available for people 5 and up, school affiliation not required.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
TOYS FOR TOTS: You can drop off unwrapped new toys at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s booth on the west side of the Farmers’ Market.
PEACE LUTHERAN HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Second and final day of the craft fair/bake sale at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle), 12 pm-2 pm.
CLASSICAL CONCERT: The Ladies’ Musical Club returns to West Seattle (Admiral) Library for a free classical-music concert at 3 pm, featuring woodwind duets – see the program in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)
THE WEST SEATTLE OPRY: 3-5 pm, folk, country, and old-time music at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia Naché‘s one-woman show “That Talk You Do“ concludes its run, 3 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)
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).
FRIENDSGIVING: Celebrate – and raise money for – nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, 6-9 pm with dinner and silent auction at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
COMMUNITY SOUND BATH: Sound healing with Maari Falsetto, 7 pm at Jet City Labs (4546 1/2 California SW), $35 advance/$40 door.
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 add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones brought back the Beer Church Turkey Bowl tonight after a pandemic hiatus – and they report an even better turnout than pre-pandemic. The lanes at West Seattle Bowl were sold out in advance.
They were selling raffle tickets for items celebrating the Beer Church’s namesake beverage:
Most important of all, the Turkey Bowl is also a food drive, collecting nonperishable food and other items needed by the West Seattle Food Bank:
The Turkey Bowl has brought in literally tons of food over the past 20+ years. Tonight was also a release party for Beer Church Pale Ale, made with local brewers from the West Side Beer Trail – if you missed the party, ask for it at those establishments sometime soon!
As previewed in our traffic alerts the past few mornings, SDOT was out today painting community-designed salmon in the street in High Point. The decorative fish are planned for two “Healthy Street” sections of 31st SW and SW Graham. We went over late today to see what had been completed in the first round of work.
The fish we found are on 31st south of Graham, so it looks like they’ll be working on Graham tomorrow (Sunday, November 13), starting as early as 6 am.
The project is explained here.
Speaking of holidays … Saturday, December 3 – just three weeks from today – is the date to set on your calendar for the biggest event of the season in the West Seattle Junction. What started as “just” the tree lighting is expanding to include not only the return of a Night Market but also GLOWS – Glorious Lights of West Seattle. We had a bit of information about it when the call for artists opened last month, but you have a role in this too – here’s more, from West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay:
The West Seattle Junction is adding to its annual Hometown Holidays this December 3rd by creating a festival of lights for all to enjoy. Our beautiful lighted trees will be the backdrop for a light-costume parade where community members are encouraged to promenade around the Junction dressed in outfits decorated with lights. We will have our streets closed to traffic, so everyone can enjoy seeing each other and the artists. Many of our local merchants will be decorating their store fronts with lights, and we will be lighting our Christmas Tree as well. Enjoy strolling around, shopping at the merchants and the night market, and enjoy a mug of hot spiced wine or a beer in our beer garden.
Prizes: Gift cards to Junction Merchants for Best Group-$500, Best Individual-$250, and Best pet-$100.
Contestants will be tagged by the artists during the promenade from 5 pm-6:00 pm, entering them into the competition on stage where the crowd will vote for their favorite at 6:30 pm.
Applications are still open for artists to create a costume – go here. Chris adds, “Each year we will build on our GLOWS Festival. Next year we will be adding an interactive community AI light show. Don’t miss it! Always the first Saturday in December.”
Christmas is six weeks away. If you’re ready to get in the mood, this weekend’s return of the Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle) holiday bazaar is the place – many of the handmade/fair-trade items are holiday-themed:
The bazaar also features a bake sale, with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank:
The bazaar continues until 2 pm today, and will be open again noon-2 pm Sunday. If you get there today before 1 pm, they’re also offering free kids’ crafts and selling a hot lunch ($5 adults, $3 kids). Note that they’re not taking cards or electronic payments – bring cash or personal checks.
11:02 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a house in the 3200 block of 47th SW [vicinity map]. First crews on scene are reporting “light smoke” visible from outside. Updates to come.
11:07 AM: It’s a kitchen fire, firefighters tell dispatch, so they’re downsizing the response.
(Added: WSB photo)
11:10 AM: Firefighters subsequently told dispatch that the fire did not extend beyond the kitchen and that it’s out.
11:26 AM: Our crew at the scene confirms that the fire’s out and no one was hurt.
Animated Café proprietor Melanie (aka “Ana”) just sent word that her coffee trailer is now open at its new location, a week later than originally hoped, so we went over for photos. We reported on the move 2+ weeks ago. Animated Café is now on the same Triangle lot as the Chapulín Oaxaqueño taco truck, at 4518 Fauntleroy Way SW [map]:
She first opened her coffee stand last winter at its original location in Westwood. She offers a deal on weekends where customers who come dressed in the spirit of the weekend “theme” get $2 off; the November schedule is in our previous report.
(Seen at Lincoln Park – photo by Darlene Allen)
Welcome to Saturday! Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERT: SDOT crews are scheduled to work starting early this morning on the salmon street murals planned for parts of 31st SW and SW Graham in High Point – here’s the explanatory notice.
COVID BOOSTERS: Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) is hosting a clinic that’s open to the public, with Pfizer bivalent boosters available to people ages 5 and up – more info in our calendar listing.
PEACE LUTHERAN HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Another holiday tradition returns from its pandemic hiatus. 10 am-2 pm, shop the bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle), with free kids’ crafts 10 am-1 pm and hot lunch available for purchase 11 am-1 pm. Bake sale too, benefiting West Seattle Food Bank.
GRAND OPENING: Bali’s Himalayan Chai and Salt Snacks Counter is celebrating its grand opening inside Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (4727 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in-person gathering in West Seattle, free but registration required; details in our calendar listing.
PRE-HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES: 11 am-5 pm, five West Seattle Junction shops invite you to their “First Look” at this year’s holiday season: Fleurt (newly decorated window above), Capers, FJ’s Consignment, Wild Roses, Virago Gallery.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)
WINE TIME: The tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)
BEER CHURCH TURKEY BOWL: 4-7 pm at West Seattle Bowl (4-7 pm), bring food and/or money for the West Seattle Food Bank, cheer for bowlers, drink a brand-new beer, as previewed here.
ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia Naché‘s debut one-woman show “That Talk You Do“ has the second-to-final performance tonight, 7 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)
EVENING MUSIC AT C & P: 7 pm, West Seattle’s own Brews Brothers perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
MARC SMASON & THE CHICAGO 7: Hot jazz at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Teenage Toad, Golden Noldies, Evictions, 7 pm. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘THE CURIOUS MRS. SAVAGE’: Third night for the West Seattle High School production, 7:30 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW). Our calendar listing has the synopsis and ticket link (note that this production offers a streaming option too).
THEATER: Second weekend for <strong>Blue Hour‘s ‘boom’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.
COMEDY AT ADMIRAL PUB: Saturday night laughter, 9 pm, $10. (2306 California SW)
Something to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo)
Planning to go outside this no-rain-expected weekend and clear away some leaves (or catch up on other yard work)? Here’s the annual reminder – November is “free extra yard waste” month for city curbside-pickup customers. Each collection day through the end of the month, Seattle Public Utilities says, you can set out up to 10 extra bags/containers of yard waste.
You’re invited to a grand opening tomorrow (Saturday, November 12th) in The Junction! Here’s the announcement we received tonight:
Bali’s Himalayan Chai & Salt Snacks Counter is having its grand opening from 10 am to 2 pm tomorrow, Saturday November 12!
Bali’s Himalayan Snacks Counter is hosted inside Puerto Vallarta Mexican restaurant, thanks to owner Eduardo Morales. We’re in Alaska Junction, 4727 California Avenue.
There will be free tastings of Bali’s Pink and Masala Chais and his delicious spicy pakoras and tasty parathas with your choice of sweet or savory fillings.
Stop by and say hi to longtime West Seattle resident Bali Khan, and check out the new venture!
(File photo, donated food at a past Turkey Bowl)
The Beer Church Turkey Bowl is a beer-release party and early-holiday-season benefit all in one, and it’s back, tomorrow (Saturday) at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon). Here’s the announcement from Kim at the Beer Church (philanthropic arm of the West Seattle-headquartered Washington Beer Blog):
Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 12, Beer Church Turkey Bowl returns to the West Seattle Bowl after a two-year absence. The event is happening from 4 to 7 p.m. 100% of proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.
While the bowling event is sold out, everyone is welcome to stop by. Guests can purchase a $5 raffle ticket for prizes (drawing around 5:30, must be present to win). We will also be enjoying the release of Beer Church Hoppy Pale Ale (also benefiting the food bank), brewed by the West Side Beer Trail brewers at Future Primitive Brewing.
The West Seattle Food Bank will be present to accept donations of money or non-perishable food.
Find out more about the event and the new beer by going here.
The Stars and Stripes again graced The Junction today for Veterans Day. Thanks to Margaret for the photos – she reports:
Cub Scout Pack 282 set up the flags in honor of Veterans Day at the Alaska Junction with the American Legion.
Above, Josie, proud Army granddaughter, unfurls a Flag to honor her grandparents.
Volunteers removed the flags before nightfall.
You can get almost anything delivered to your house/apartment – now, add physical therapy to the list. It’s one of two new services that Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) wants you to know about. Mark Bouma of LWPT West Seattle says, “We are now offering Delivered Physical Therapy visits to residents in West Seattle and medically based Personal Training.” Delivered PT might be your best option if, for example, you’re a post-operative patient, you don’t have transportation to the clinic or can’t currently drive, you have kids you don’t want to bring along, etc. Read more about it here; meet the physical therapists in this video. Medically based personal training is being offered by Lorilei “Ilei” Tinia, NASM-CPT (here’s her bio). Mark says, “She is seeing clients in our clinic space during the week and on weekends. Ilei works closely with our physical therapists to make sure the appropriate modifications are made to make your training program safe and effective. A Doctor of Physical Therapy is always nearby to help triage any aches or pains to keep you on track with your fitness goals.” Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle is at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW; contact info is here.
(Seattle Public Library photo)
This weekend, the historic West Seattle (Admiral) Library hosts the return of a pre-pandemic favorite – the Ladies’ Musical Club. They bring free classical-music concerts to the library, and the first one in three years is scheduled for 3 pm this Sunday (November 13). The concert features woodwind duets; you can see the program on the library’s website.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At Camp West, soon to open in the ex-West 5 space in the West Seattle Junction, they’re taking the camping theme seriously – yet lightheartedly.
When you walk into the space at 4539 California SW, you’ll notice foldable canvas chairs at the tables by the front window. Temporary placeholders for furniture yet to arrive? No, they’re intentional. “They’re really sturdy!” insist two of the proprietors, Toni Uy and Patrick Haight, presiding over ongoing preparations and training when we visited Thursday afternoon, 5 months after we first reported the plan for the space.
Then there’s what you’ll get for water on your table – not a glass carafe, but a metal thermos.
If you’re drinking something harder, the cocktail might have a name like One-Eyed Squirrel (aloe, vodka, lime juice, and a decorative eyeball, a favorite at Camp West’s sibling in Tacoma, Camp Bar). Plan to pair your drink with food? Unique items include the Snackle Box, a mini-tackle box stocked with meat, cheese, olives, and bread.
Next to it in our photo is one of the mini-grills deliverable to tabletops for roast-it-yourself S’mores.
But let’s broaden the perspective for a moment, as, unless you hadn’t visited the space before, you’ll be mentally comparing at first:
One thing prominently absent in that view – the railing down the middle, removed in the remodel, no longer needed because Camp West is 21+. The north wall is now lined with booths, and the wall over them sports faux greenery, except for the section nearest the front, which is decorated with a variety of items from antlers to an axe to this photo of a well-known West Seattleite camping:
Over the front tables, the south wall has a mural by Andrew Miller, who also painted the one on the alley behind Camp West. That goes up to the bar, which features unique lantern-style lighting:
The focus there (see the beverage menu online) is on signature and classic cocktails, with a “heavy whiskey selection.” (And more whimsical names, like Sweaty Lumberjack.) You also will find four beers on tap – including of course the locally renowned Manny’s – plus a selection of canned beverages, even the 16-ounce Rainier.
At the back of Camp West, you’ll find a tent – seating 8+ for a semi-private celebration spot.
The back is also where there eventually be one lone video screen, not for sports or entertainment, but to support the rustic/outdoor ambience – skiing videos, old Rainier Beer commercials, etc.
In addition to the aforementioned Snackle Box and S’mores, Camp West has a broader menu than its Tacoma sibling – “a lot fancier” is how Haight puts it, but not too fancy. You can see the food menu online too – from burgers and other sandwiches to entrees including seared steelhead and mushroom cassoulet. Camp West has brought “a lot of new equipment” to the kitchen.
So the big question – when will they open? Right now they’re training staff via “friends and family” sessions. Then they’ll open to the public somewhat gradually, with the plan to be fully open by Wednesday, November 23. Hours for starters will be 4-10 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 4-9 pm Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
(Camp Long – photo by Rosalie Miller)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment – and dropoff spot for what you pick up and bag – available until 5 pm at the Admiral Way entrance to Schmitz Park.
DROP-IN OPEN PLAY: Now through 11:30 am, weekly drop-in open play for little ones at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room, wine bar, and retail store are open again on Fridays and Saturdays, 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, as previewed here.
ADOPTABLE CATS/KITTENS: Go to Pet Elements (6511 California SW) and see who’s looking for a forever home this week.
SILENT DISCO: Dance to music only you can hear! 5:30 pm-8 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
ALIEN OPEN MIC: As previewed here, you – and all beings – are invited to Freshy’s (2735 California SW) for the first-ever Alien Open Mic. Host Krystal Kelley says it’ll be streamed here, too.
MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.
ONE-WOMAN SHOW: Tia Naché‘s one-woman show “That Talk You Do“ opens tonight, 7 pm, at Acts on Stage in White Center. (10806 12th SW)
‘THE CURIOUS MRS. SAVAGE’: Second night for the West Seattle High School production, 7:30 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW). Our calendar listing has the synopsis and ticket link (note that this production offers a streaming option too).
THEATER: Blue Hour‘s ‘boom’ continues at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm.
ADMIRAL PUB ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Starting at 9 pm, join the owners of Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) celebrating their 3rd anniversary with an ’80s party!
CABARET/BURLESQUE: 9 pm at 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW) – details in our calendar listing. 21+.
Something for our calendar (or a last-minute addition for our Halloween Guide)? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Mark A. Vinson and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Mark Alan Vinson, of Shoreline, died on September 25, 2022, after a nearly 4-year battle with colon cancer.
Mark was born in Seattle on January 5, 1974. He was an extremely bright and funny child who graduated from Holy Rosary School in West Seattle, Kennedy High School, and Pepperdine University.
Post-graduation, Mark worked in the Molecular Epidemiology Program at Pacific NW Research Institute in Seattle. He co-authored five manuscripts in reputable cancer research journals and helped design grant proposals funded by the NCI and Superfund. Having a background in cancer research, Mark was appreciative of the excellent care and compassion he received from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance doctors, nurses, and staff throughout his cancer journey. Mark was brave and strong in his battle, taking care of himself until only a few weeks before he passed away.
Mark was a beloved friend to many. Reflecting on Mark’s passing, one of his closest friends, Toby Cheff, said, “Mark was a kind soul, very intelligent, widely talented, and genuinely cared about the plight of our planet, our country, and most of all his friends and family. It was through the toughest times that Mark showed his finest human qualities. Even through all of his suffering, Mark found a way to practice gratitude.”
Mark had many interests, including disc golf, drumming, music, art, and cooking. He loved to purchase items from area thrift stores to refurbish them for resale or thoughtful gifting to family and friends. He spent much of his time renovating stereo equipment – purchasing parts and repairing classic pieces. Mark’s apartment was like a museum – with treasures stashed in every nook and cranny and stories to tell about each of them.
Mark is survived by his parents, Alan Vinson, Jr. and Mary (Granquist) Vinson; sisters, Kristi (Mike), Jessie (Gerald), and Heather (Mike); nieces, Izzy and McKenna; and nephew, Jayden.
A funeral service is not planned at this time. Instead, donations may be made in Mark’s name to Hopelink or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Veterans Day – Friday, November 11th.
WEATHER
Cloudy, slight chance of rain, high in the 40s. (Thursday’s high was 46, 7 degrees below what’s normal for that date; the low was 35, also 7 degrees below normal.)
VETERANS DAY CHANGES
No school; no Water Taxi; Metro on “reduced weekday” schedule; “parking holiday” for Seattle street spaces; state ferries plan to sound their whistles at 11:11 am as a tribute to veterans
ROAD WORK – TODAY + WEEKEND
-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.
-Salmon designs will be installed along 31st SW and SW Graham in High Point this weekend; here’s the explanatory notice. SDOT says work will start each day around 6 am.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
(Rendering by Wittman Estes)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Almost a year and a half after fire gutted their historic headquarters, Highland Park Improvement Club has a design, an architect, and a new price tag: $3.1 million.
That’s four times the total amount they expect to get from insurance.
But if ever there was a can-do crew, it’s this one, and HPIC board members presented an optimistic, determined front at an online Town Hall tonight updating the community on the rebuilding plan – including how you can help even if you can’t donate a dime.
The new estimate came from architect Wittman Estes – whose designs were shown and discussed at previous Town Halls – and newly hired contractor Metis Construction. It’s for a building envisioned aw a “future connector and heart of our community” in multiple ways, not the least of which is as a performing-arts center. That’s important because of a big grant they’ve just landed: $400,000 from the Washington State Building for the Arts. This is a prestigious, competitive statewide grant, and HPIC trustees are ecstatic they got it. Add that sum to the expected insurance money and $55,000 already received in community donations, and they’re up to $1,205,000.
But they need community support to lock in that grant, as it requires State Legislature approval, so they’re asking for people to contact first Governor Inslee and then local legislators to ensure the grant goes through. The message: What HPIC means/has meant to you. It’s been a community center for more than a century, hosting celebrations, meetings, bazaars, workshops, performances, and in times of trouble – like the pandemic – campaigns to help, like emergency food distribution. If you don’t have your own message to convey, HPIC has a suggested template on its website, as well as information on how to get your message to the governor. Get a message to him by Thanksgiving, and then attention will turn to state legislators before they convene in Olympia early next year: Our area’s State Senator Joe Nguyen, State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and State House Rep.-elect Emily Alvarado.
And while they mount a letter-writing campaign to secure that $400,000, HPIC board president Rhonda Smith said, “We need to start working in the direction to find (the rest of the) money – if we can’t raise this money, we can’t rebuild the building.” They’re acutely aware that the charred HPIC, at 12th/Holden, is an eyesore, and even if all goes well, will remain that way for a while – they have a tentative date to submit building permits in February, and once permits are granted, construction is likely to last a year. If necessary, they said, the building can be built in phases – even if only part of it can be occupied for starters.
While strategizing how to fundraise, they’re also grappling with how to continue serving and connecting the community despite the lack of a building, They’re welcoming “fresh ideas” and more volunteers on that front as well as the search for dollars. If you are interested in helping – or have an idea about funding sources – hpic1919@gmail.com is how to contact them. And watch hpic1919.org for updates.
ADDED FRIDAY: HPIC has uploaded its video recording of the meeting here.
Every time we’ve seen West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, he’s been out along a street, in protective gear, painting a signal box. Tonight, a different setting, and some of his other work:
As previewed here earlier this week, Hansen is the featured artist tonight for the West Seattle Art Walk debut of the new West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) office at 2715 California SW. He painted a Seacrest Pier mural on the office’s north interior wall, and other creations of his are on display tonight and throughout the month – including these:
Around the corner from West Seattle Realty, we found Carla Dreams Nitkey at Good Society (2701 California SW), showing her abstract/expressionist work inspired by feng shui principles:
Three Art of Music performances enhanced tonight’s Art Walk, too – we caught part of Sarah Brunner‘s set at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
Next month’s Art Walk is an ectra-festive holiday edition, Thursday, December 8th.
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