West Seattle, Washington

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month : 02/2023 277 results

Newly created Westside Pickleball League turns Sundays and Mondays into fun days for more than 100 players
February 5, 2023 9:45 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s not just the official Washington state sport. It’s not just a hobby. Pickleball is an addiction.

That’s what we heard multiple times this afternoon while visiting the weekly Westside Pickleball League takeover at the Chief Sealth International High School gyms.

This league is only two months old, yet it’s a smashing success. 120 players get together at two locations every week to play indoors and socialize. They range in age from college students to late 70s.

88 of them play Sunday afternoons at Sealth, in two gyms, and another 32 at SeaTac Community Center on Mondays. Not only is it a win for the players, but also for the school – so far their $10/week fees have raised more than $9,000 to both support Sealth athletics and to grow a fund to support pickleball elsewhere in West Seattle.

Their sport is so hot, it’ll be the subject of a State Senate hearing in Olympia tomorrow (Monday, February 6), as legislators consider whether to authorize a custom license plate for pickleball via SB 5333. (We told you about the campaign last September.) One of the Westside Pickleball League’s three administrators, Amy, will be testifying in support of it. In the first year, sales of the plate could raise an estimated $50,000 to support pickleball around the state.

(Westside Pickleball League admins Nancy, Amy, Rosina)

Here in West Seattle, the league is self-sustaining. They use portable nets, stored at Sealth, and more than 30 people arrive early on Sunday afternoons to set up the net and tape off their courts on the gym floors, modifying badminton lines. Sandwiched between the setup and breakdown are two hours of playing time. Each player gets to play three games a week; it’s a “ladder” league, so people rotate who they play with.

Another of the admins, Rosina, says she just started playing a year and a half ago. “It doesn’t take long to get addicted.” (There’s that word again!) Amy too has been playing about that long. Since then: “It took over our lives!” She’s a board member and officer with the (corrected) Seattle Metro Pickleball Association as well as helping run the Westside league.

Besides a wide age range, the players span a wide motivation range too – some are there just to have fun and socialize, others, we’re told, are “super-competitive.” But whatever level they’re at, they’re just happy to have a place to play – and looking for more options. Along with lobbying for the pickleball license plates, the Westside Pickleball League is advocating for more places to play in West Seattle. They’re trying to get Seattle Public Schools approval for pickleball lines on the district-owned tennis courts west of Southwest Pool; the league would cover the cost, they just need permission.

Meantime, they’ll be registering players soon for the next sessions, which start in March and May. The current players don’t have automatic dibs, but if they fill up before you get in, they do have a waitlist and “sub list” – if someone can’t play on a certain date, they give their spot to a sub. Registration information will be here.

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BOOKS: West Seattle author Ari B. Cofer’s ‘Unfold’ arrives this week
February 5, 2023 7:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

West Seattle author Ari B. Cofer is publishing a new collection of poetry and prose, “Unfold,” on Tuesday (February 7th). Her book is described as “a poetic, aching, and hopeful retelling of realizations made while on the journey to healing from both loss of love and loss of self. Through poetry and short essays, ‘Unfold’ shows that true growth comes from being unafraid to face what’s hidden inside, to be vulnerable, and to be unashamed of what we find when we finally open up.” Cofer shares more about it here. Her previous book, also a collection of poetry and prose, is last year’s “Paper Girl and the Knives That Made Her.” Her new book is available through Central Avenue Publishing, and you are also invited to the “Unfold” launch event – it’s happening next Friday (February 10th) at Elliott Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill, starting at 7 pm.

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Another summer event to get set for: Obstacle-course fun run Loop the ‘Lupe 2023
February 5, 2023 5:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

For the second time today, we’re inviting you to look ahead to June – this time it’s because registration is open for Loop the ‘Lupe 2023, coming up June 3, with new features this year:

We’re BACK with Loop The ‘Lupe, Seattle’s best 5K obstacle course fun run! This event will take place at Walt Hundley Playfield in West Seattle on Saturday, June 3rd. Here’s what’s in store for 2023:

NEW!!! ELITE WAVE: We’ve heard from racers that they’re looking for an extra challenge, and we’ve got it for you! We’re starting the Loop the ‘Lupe this year with an “Elite Wave” for racers 16 years old and up to increase the level of competition. We’re also ADDING TWO OBSTACLES just for this wave, creating a total of nine obstacles per lap!

NEW!!! FAMILY WAVE: So, you’re ready for the ninja challenges (wall-climbing, mud-crawling, all your favorites), but not ready to run with the elites? The 7-obstacle Family Wave is all you! NEW OBSTACLE: We’ve replaced our balance beams with a NEW balancing obstacle and we’re ready to go!

YOUR FAVORITES ARE BACK: We’ll have the 5K run/walk, the Senior Saunter walk (100% flat, no obstacles), and the Youth Dash (a 1K loop with 7 obstacles & adult supervision).

YOU CAN SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE: This event is one of the major fundraisers for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church each year. As you may have seen in recent news coverage, the need for churches like OLG are great, and your registration and donations support important social outreach work — meals for shut-ins, homeless services, and help with migrant communities, too. So, join us for the Loop, and have some fun while raising much-needed funds for those in need!

VIRTUAL RACING: Not feeling up to a trip to the park? No problem! Register to get a race t-shirt, contact us at loopthelupe@gmail.com, and record a video of yourself on your own crazy home obstacle course, then post it to our on our Facebook page! Prizes for the top entrants!

ALL PARTICIPANTS: The Loop’s live music, food, and beer garden are back, too, this summer, with a new layout for post-race relaxation at the park!

There’s an advantage to signing up early – prices go up in a few weeks. Registration starts here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Subaru (update: found)
February 5, 2023 2:39 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: Just received from Noah:

My 1991 Subaru Justy was stolen this morning at 7 am from 5624 California Ave SW. License plate BZR 7617.

The SPD incident # is 23-034332.

MONDAY EVENING UPDATE: The car’s been found – see comments below.

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CONGRATULATIONS! 2023 West Seattle Garden Tour’s winning artwork revealed
February 5, 2023 12:45 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

February showers bring thoughts of June flowers! Advance tickets are now available for this year’s West Seattle Garden Tour, and the WSGT has announced Brooke Borcherding‘s painting Magenta and Lemon as this year’s art contest winner:

Each year, West Seattle Garden Tour provides an opportunity for one talented artist to showcase her or his original artwork on tour marketing materials and to take home a $500 cash prize. We are pleased to announce Seattle artist Brooke Borcherding as the winner for our 2023 tour.

“Magenta and Lemon is inspired by everyday scenes. My work often illustrates a small slice of life in a unique way. This piece shows a variety of floral foliage against a wall depicted in my distinct style of energetic markmaking and bold color,” says Ms. Borcherding about this winning piece.

Magenta and Lemon (36”w x 36”h; acrylic) will be featured on the 2023 garden tour’s official poster and ticket book. Ms. Borcherding will also receive a $500 cash prize. West Seattle Garden Tour will conduct a silent auction of the artwork beginning at the May 2023 West Seattle Art Walk (at Capers Home store) and concluding on the day of the tour, Sunday, June 25, 2023. Bids will also be taken on tour day in one of the gardens from 9 am to 5 pm. Proceeds will benefit the year’s eight designated grant recipient non-profit organizations.

Magenta and Lemon, along with works by four West Seattle Garden Tour Art Competition finalists will be on view at Capers Home during the West Seattle Art Walk, 5-8 pm, May 11, 2023.

WSGT tickets are only on sale online for starters; in-person sales will be announced later.

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WHALES: Orcas return to our area
February 5, 2023 10:15 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

10:15 AM: Up for Sunday whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports orcas are passing Magnolia, southbound.

10:50 AM: Kersti says (also via comments) they’re in Elliott Bay, straight out from Duwamish Head.

(Added: Orcas photographed by David Hutchinson as they passed Alki Point)

2:18 PM: See comments – now they’re back out in the central Sound.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 15 possibilities
February 5, 2023 6:34 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Tom Trulin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are some possibilities for your Sunday:

ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s lineup here.

COMMUNITY CLEANUP: Join Jess‘s monthly Alki cleanup at 10 am – meet at 2452 Alki SW. Details in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers winter produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

VACCINE CLINIC: 11 am-4 pm at Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW), flu and COVID vaccinations available – appointments suggested but they expect to serve walk-ins too. Info in our calendar listing.

SEED STARTING FOR BEGINNERS: 1 pm class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW), with community food-access advocate Jenn Dowell explaining “which vegetables, flowers, and herbs are best started indoors in winter to be transplanted outdoors later, and which crops can be directly sown into the garden outdoors later, when the soil has started to warm. She will discuss seed selection, timing, growing media, lighting, hardening off, seed-bed prep, watering, and fertilizing.”

CHINESE NEW YEAR LANTERN FESTIVAL: 1-4 pm activities and performances at the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of SSC campus, 6000 16th SW) – more info in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: 3-5 pm, Musicians for the West Seattle Food Bank perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: Second matinee at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm performance of “An Endless Shift,” described as: “Created from verbatim accounts of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Seattle nurses who were there, ‘An Endless Shift’ is a tribute to the everyday heroes who were confronted with what would become the longest shift of their lives.” Get your ticket(s) here.

JEWISH STORY HOUR: 3 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), presented by TLC of West Seattle.

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).

YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

COMEDY AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm show in partnership with Jet City Improv. Our calendar listing includes the ticket link. (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor)

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

LATIN SUNDAY: Party to Latin American music with a DJ @ Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

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!

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YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Little League offering softball clinics next weekend
February 4, 2023 11:01 pm
|    Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Little League offering softball clinics next weekend
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

With spring just weeks away, youth-sports leagues are getting ready for this year’s fun. Among them, West Seattle Little League, which is welcoming softball players this year too. Next weekend, WSLL offers two clinics for players who’ve signed up for the upcoming season:

WSLL is excited to host two softball clinics for registered players. ⁣⁣

⁣⁣Pitching Clinic @ Chief Sealth Upper Field ⁣⁣
Saturday, 2/11 ⁣
9 am – 10 am Rookies/Minors⁣
10:30 – 11:30 am Majors/Juniors⁣

WSLL will host a pitching clinic at Chief Sealth Upper Field on Saturday, February 11. Led by Kalimar Pettit and with other high school volunteers, learn the basics of pitching for Little League. You will learn the fundamentals and warm-ups to become a softball pitcher in one hour. You will get to work with Select Gold Level pitchers who started in Little League too. Our pitching coach focuses on positive mindsets for players and building strong core mechanics. Players must be registered for WSLL to attend.

The League will provide the softballs. Players must bring an adult to catch for them w/ proper gear. The girls will need a glove, and parents need a glove and any protective equipment they feel comfortable with.

REGISTER HERE

The next day:

Softball Clinic @ Chief Sealth Upper Field⁣⁣
Sunday, 2/12⁣
10:00 am – 12:00 pm ⁣
Rookies to Juniors are welcome! ⁣

Come to practice the basics of softball, including hitting and fielding. You will get to work with WSHS softball players. All levels, from Rookies to Juniors, are welcome. Players must be registered w/ WSLL to attend. Players should bring all gear (glove, bat, etc.). The League will provide softballs and have extra equipment if needed.

REGISTER HERE

WSLL is also looking for more softball coaches:

We’d love to see more female coaches this season! If you’re interested in coaching, ensure you’ve registered your Little Leaguer and signed up to coach under the volunteer roles during the registration process. Also, please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested. It doesn’t have to be a parent!

The Chief Sealth fields, formally Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, are at 2801 SW Thistle.

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BIZNOTE: Happy 1st anniversary, Animated Café – with a gift for families: New story time
February 4, 2023 7:56 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, November 2022)

Three months ago, we photographed Animated Café founder/proprietor Melanie (aka “Ana“) just after her coffee stand moved to 4518 Fauntleroy Way SW. Today, she has a new cause for celebration: It’s been exactly one year since she opened (originally at 35th/Barton). We had her backstory here about a week before that. Now, a year later, here’s the anniversary musing she shared with her email list:

Oh my goodness has it been one wild year… A year ago when I was 18 not many people believed I would start a business. More people thought I would fail than succeed and truthfully the odds weren’t in my favor.

If you’re reading this, maybe I can add some inspiration because I really wasn’t sure I could do it myself.

This business has had lots of twists and turns. Some amazing ones and some not so amazing ones, but every high and low has taught me something. Let me list a few:

– What it takes start
– How to fix things & work with what I have
– How to use pretty much every tool in the garage.
– How to motivate even when I’m tired & manage the highs and lows
– How to create on social media (check out my TikTok account!)
– How to perfect my drinks with customer feedback
– How to break out of my shell (I’m a little shy) and create memorable experience
– How to hire and manage employees
– How to ask for help when I need it
– and many other things…

Most importantly though you all have taught me to be more confident in myself. Some of the best experiences when looking back have been when I get inspired to make something new and turn it into a theme, an outfit, a drink, or even a new conversation starter. It’s become like some kind of magic to me to learn and create something new every day.

I feel so blessed that you all have supported this venture. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings & I hope you come by this weekend to say hi! I’ll have balloons set up and sidewalk chalk for anyone who wants to leave behind a little positivity. I couldn’t be more grateful for this past year.

Now, as for her gift for families – Her sister and niece are launching a weekly Sunday story-time event in the building next to the lot Animated Café shares, 9:30 am Sundays starting next weekend (February 12th). It’s free but they ask for RSVPs – you can sign up for next week, or one or more of the following weeks, by going here.

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TERMINAL 5: Next quarterly update on half-billion-dollar modernization project Tuesday
February 4, 2023 4:34 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Photo from Northwest Seaport Alliance presentation for Tuesday’s meeting)

Every quarter, the port commissioners of Seattle and Tacoma – convening as managing members of the Northwest Seaport Alliance – get a briefing on “modernization” work at West Seattle’s Terminal 5. Agenda documents are now published for the next one, scheduled for their meeting this Tuesday (February 7th). From those documents – memo here, slide deck here – we learn that the South Berth, previously expected to be complete by now, won’t be finished until fall, when its cranes are now scheduled for an October arrival. At the North Berth, now one year into cargo operations, the first shore-power usage is supposed to happen any time now. The total T-5 project budget is now authorized for $454 million, more than $110 million beyond the $340 million cost estimate given four years ago. Tuesday’s meeting, happening at the airport but also available for online viewing, is scheduled to start at 9:30 am with a closed-door executive session; the public session will start around 11:30 am.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: More on Friday’s LA Fitness arrests
February 4, 2023 2:51 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

On Friday, we reported on a police response at LA Fitness in The Junction, with two people detained after reports that at least one had brandished a gun at the front desk of the gym. We had several followup questions out to SPD and some are answered by an SPD Blotter post just published. SPD confirms that the two people detained – both described as 18-year-old men – were both eventually arrested and booked into jail. The police post includes this photo and says officers (corrected) seized “a handgun from the car (that) had an extended magazine and appeared to have been modified to make it fully automatic”:

According to SPD, “(LA Fitness) employees said when they asked the two suspects to leave because they didn’t have memberships, one of the men pulled a gun from his jacket pocket and the other verbally threatened to kill an employee.” Then they reportedly “fled toward the parking garage (where) officers stopped the suspects’ car at the garage exit as they attempted to leave … (officers also) identified and released a third subject in the car who was determined to not be involved.” Police say the man suspected of brandishing the gun was arrested for investigation of felony harassment, unlawful possession of a firearm (under the age of 21), possession of an unlawful weapon, and displaying a weapon to intimidate, while the other was arrested for investigation of felony harassment and obstruction. SPD says the latter is because that suspect kept giving them a false name; once they learned his real name, they discovered he had warrants for burglary and robbery. The jail docket indicates both remain in custody today; we’ll be following up with prosecutors in the coming week regarding possible charges.

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READER REPORT: Found blue bicycle
February 4, 2023 2:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

The report and photo are from Amy:

One of my neighbors notified me today that this bike has been leaning on the retaining wall at the front of my yard for a week. Due to the steep grade, wall, and other visual obstructions, I don’t frequently notice that area of the property, even when stepping out to get the mail. I’m on 32nd between Myrtle & Othello, 1/2 block from Walt Hundley. It’s kind of rusty, but I thought it might be newsworthy.

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‘Say goodbye to Alki’ at two upcoming school events
February 4, 2023 12:06 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

After this school year, Alki Elementary is set to be demolished, with a larger replacement built on the site. The Alki Elementary PTA says two upcoming events will provide chances to say goodbye to the old building, starting with a show:

Alki Elementary PTA is thrilled to announce “The CLAW!” – a new children’s musical! After two years of virtual performances, the Alki PTA musical has returned to the stage – and for the first time in decades it will actually be performed on Alki’s own stage as an homage to the building before the planned demolition this summer.

The Claw tells the story of a claw machine in the West Seattle Bowling Alley (we took a little artistic liberty there) that’s been broken down for years and what happens to the toys inside of it when it suddenly springs to life again! It boasts a cast and crew of 55 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Alki students and was produced by 100% volunteer parent power!

Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 and on sale now for 3 performances! Bake Sale, Flower Sale and Raffle Basket fundraisers benefiting Alki PTA before and after the show. Runtime approximately 45 minutes.

Friday, February 10 at 6:30 PM – SOLD OUT
Saturday, February 11, 1:00 PM Matinee and 6:30 PM Finale
alkimusical.square.site

The Alki PTA Musical is the first of the final events to take place in the longstanding school building slated for demo and rebuild over the next two years. Alki PTA welcomes you to “The Claw” and would like families, neighbors and alumni to save the date for their next event, “It’s The Final Countdown – Say Goodbye to Alki Celebration and Auction” – Saturday, March 25th – where guests will have a chance to visit the building one last time and join in the evening’s program by sharing alumni pictures and memories of Alki! More info to come! alkipta.com

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BIZNOTE: Yes, El Camion will return
February 4, 2023 10:12 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB file photo)

Fauntleroy food fans not only were coping this past week with news of The Original Bakery‘s closure plan, but also with the absence of the El Camion food truck. A few asked us about its status, including a question in the WSB Community Forums. So we’ve been pursuing an update and heard back this morning from Scott at El Camion, who said “most definitely” they’ll be back: “We are doing some maintenance on the truck and some site improvements. Hope to be back and up and running by Tuesday or Wednesday.” El Camion has been set up at 9250 45th SW in the Endolyne business district for three and a half years.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 12 notes!
February 4, 2023 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 12 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent sunset scene photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

February’s first weekend is here. If you’re wondering what’s happening around West Seattle today/tonight, here’s what we have on the schedule:

SATURDAY MORNING ULTIMATE: 8 am at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), just show up to throw with the West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee Family.

PRE-VALENTINE’S POP-UP: 10 am-1 pm, get in the Valentine’s mood early with art, vendors, treats, and beverages in the new Launchpad coworking space next door to Youngstown Coffee (6032 California SW)

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 10 am-4 pm, the garden’s centerpiece courtyard is open, while the rest of the garden’s grounds are accessible dawn to dusk. More info here – and don’t miss the Lantern Festival tomorrow. (5640 16th SW)

GRIEFSHARE RECOVERY GROUP: Starting at 10:30 am today, “Grace Church will host a 13-week GriefShare recovery support group for those who have lost a loved one by death. There is a one-time charge of $20 for the GriefShare journal.” Meeting in the church basement. (10323 28th SW)

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Find out about Marco’s music here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explaineed here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history is noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, the doors are open to the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Check out the wines here! (5910 California SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: You can visit the tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus 1-6 pm today.

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: New play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues tonight, 7:30 pm: “Created from verbatim accounts of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Seattle nurses who were there, “An Endless Shift” is a tribute to the everyday heroes who were confronted with what would become the longest shift of their lives. Solo performance by Gloria Alcalá. Get your ticket(s) here.

AT THE SKYLARK: 6 pm doors, 7 pm show, indie rock at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), with Toy Bastard, Fishing Trip, Carter C.

If you have something for our calendar – event, class, game, music, theater, comedy, outdoor activity, fundraiser, or … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Alair will stay open after all
February 3, 2023 10:25 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A beloved small independent business that announced closure plans two months ago will NOT be closing after all. Alair Gift Shop at 3270 California SW (and co-housed sibling business Dylan) has a new owner! Alair founder Shandon Armstrong finalized the deal this week. The new owner explained via email, “I was shocked when Shandon said she was closing because I knew she built something really great over the years. We were able to come up with a solution. I’m thrilled to be able to keep the awesome local staff, location, name, and general awesome vibe of Dylan and Alair.” The new owner and partners are choosing to be anonymous but describe themselves as “long-time locals with a passion for women-owned small businesses.” The transition will be seamless, and you’ll have more time each week to shop there soon: “We will move to being open 6 days per week (Tuesday-Sunday) beginning February 14th.”

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BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth IHS celebrates senior girls while winning home finale
February 3, 2023 8:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Chief Sealth International High School‘s assistant girls-basketball coach Casey Johnson for the photo! Chief Sealth celebrated Seahawk senior girls before Wednesday night’s regular-season home finale. They are:

#1 – Catherine Sermeno
#3 – Hailey Merryweather
#4 – Solvieg Defant
#10 – Delaney Sipila
#20 – Nassira Hassan
#40 – Cyanna Aguirre
#42 – Vivian Gaither
#44 – Maryann Passmore

The girls beat Nathan Hale on Wednesday, 52-43, and are now 11-6 with one game left on the regular-season schedule, 7 pm Tuesday at Lincoln.

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ELECTION 2023: Burien Mayor Sofia Aragon becomes second candidate for King County Council District 8
February 3, 2023 7:26 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The first declared candidate for King County Council District 8 is currently on the Seattle City Council; now we have a second candidate, who’s currently on the Burien City Council. We’re frequently checking the state list of people registering election campaigns, and this afternoon it had an addition: Burien Mayor Sofia Aragon, registering a campaign for the County Council seat that Joe McDermott is leaving after a decade-plus. Burien’s mayor is chosen by fellow councilmembers; Aragon has held the title since last year, and has been on the council since 2020. Two years before that, she ran for 34th District State Senator, finishing fourth in a primary field of 11. The City of Burien website describes Aragon as “a registered nurse and attorney (who) worked in Olympia for over a decade to advocate for affordable and accessible health care, protecting public health, workplace safety, and ensuring differing opinions are included when developing public policy.” She currently is executive director of the Washington Center for Nursing (Burien city councilmembers serve part time). The field for the County Council race won’t be final until the official filing week in mid-May; the August 1st primary will send the top two finishers to the November primary.

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UPDATE: ‘Rescue extrication’ response at 20th/Roxbury
February 3, 2023 5:57 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

5:57 PM: Avoid the area. We’re en route to find out what happened.

6:14 PM: We are juat arriving. A reader texted this photo:

6:22 PM: The driver went into a ditch that’s been netted off as part of road work. No serious injuries, firefighters tell us – no one needed to be taken to a hospital.

7:51 PM: A texter says the car’s been pulled out, so the scene should be entirely clear shortly.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Power outage for 3,200+ customers blamed on tree
February 3, 2023 2:52 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

2:52 PM: After another burst of wind gusts, the power’s out for some in West Seattle. So far we’re hearing from the Admiral area. (Our lights flickered here in the south but the power’s still on.) Not yet mapped. Updates to come,

2:54 PM: Now it’s mapped. 3,292 customers in northeast West Seattle – part of Delridge, too. … Note that you’ll hear sirens because power outages tend to set off some automatic fire alarms and strand people in elevators, and SFD has to respond to those calls. (Added – Reader photo of Ladder 13 at Salty’s on Alki [WSB sponsor] for an elevator rescue:)

3:03 PM: Note that some businesses are affected as well as signalized intersections (that means the latter are all all-ways stops). … Another standard reminder: The “estimated restoration time” on the SCL map is absolutely meaningless – power could be back in five minutes or five hours. Commenters in North Delridge report hearing the type of noise pre-outage that suggests tree vs. wire but no specific reports yet – if you see City Light crews at work, let us know!

3:34 PM: Outage is down to 1,310 customers, per SCL map:

3:58 PM: The “elevator rescue” calls are all resolved now, but at one point both West Seattle ladder trucks were busy with them, so a third truck – Ladder 1, based at Station 10 in the International District – had to be called over. Here’s a texted reader photo of its response at 1661 Alki SW:

4:09 PM: From SCL: “The current West Seattle outage was caused by a tree coming down onto wires in the vicinity of 26th and Nevada.” … We don’t have specifics on this tree but if you know of a tree that appears to be a threat to power stability, SCL does have a form you can use to report it – find it here.

4:38 PM: Commenters report SCL is working at 28th/Nevada. Here’s a photo from Chris:

4:58 PM: The outage has disappeared from the map, which means everybody should be back on now.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police response at LA Fitness
February 3, 2023 2:05 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police have detained two people after responding to an incident at LA Fitness in The Junction. Details are few but police told us at the scene that they’re told three people went into the gym and to the front desk, where at least one of them brandished a gun and was wearing a ski mask. What the intent was, is still under investigation, but the suspects were still in the garage when police got there, and they’ve reported probable cause for detaining two people on suspicion of harassment, and the call is classified “threats.” Officers reportedly found one gun while questioning the suspects. We’ll add anything more we find out.

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YOU CAN HELP: Dream Dinners cooks up food fundraiser for West Seattle Elementary
February 3, 2023 1:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Dream Dinners-West Seattle (longtime WSB sponsor) has long been partnering with local schools for fundraisers that get easy home-cooked meals for you and vital support for the schools. Here’s the latest:

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, help us support our community. Friends of West Seattle Elementary has a BIG GOAL to reach and we want to contribute. When you purchase 3 Special Event meals from us, we are able to donate $10 back to West Seattle Elementary. If you have ever experienced ‘what’s for dinner’ decision fatigue, we can help you get dinner on the table and contribute to West Seattle Elementary. Our dinners last up to 3 months in the freezer. You will always have a dinner ready to cook! It’s a WIN for the students and a WIN for your family and your peace of mind. Let’s support our community together.

Direct links for orders and pickup dates/times for the fundraiser:

2/22 – 6 pm dreamdinners.com/session/964354
2/23 – 11 am dreamdinners.com/session/964355
2/23 – 6 pm dreamdinners.com/session/964361
2/25 – 9:30 am – dreamdinners.com/session/964356
2/27 – 10 am – dreamdinners.com/session/964360

FOWSE adds, “If you haven’t been to Dream Dinners before, these are pre-made, frozen meals that can either be defrosted for consumption or put in your freezer for a future dinner.” Dream Dinners-West Seattle is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st/Alaska.

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Corner Bar returns and more for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
February 3, 2023 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on Corner Bar returns and more for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen in Gatewood. WSB photo)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of February’s first Friday!

SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Fridays (and Saturdays).

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC LEAGUE: Weekly 4-6 pm event for 12+, $5 per player – learn about and play “Magic: the Gathering” at Meeples Games (3727 California SW)

CORNER BAR RETURNS: Buildingless but not eventless! Highland Park Improvement Club takes Corner Bar on the road, 6-10 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), as previewed here.

LIVE AT C & P: Guitar Gil plays C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 7-9 pm. No cover!

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, free all-ages Emo Night, spinning 2000s tunes. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: Second week at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues tonight, 7:30 pm. Get your ticket(s) here.

FULL MOON SOUND BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy at Move2Center, 7:30 pm. (3618 SW Alaska)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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