West Seattle, Washington

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month : 04/2023 304 results

VIDEO: City Council Candidate Chat, with Jean Iannelli Craciun
April 30, 2023 9:48 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With two weeks left until the formal filing period for the August 1st primary, seven people have registered campaigns for City Council District 1, and six are actually campaigning.

We’ve already brought you introductory “candidate chats” with five of those six – Rob Saka (February 19th), Maren Costa (February 26th), Phil Tavel (March 5th), Preston Anderson (March 12th), and Stephen Brown (March 19th). Tonight, the most-recent candidate to join – Jean Iannelli Craciun. We wrote on April 20th about her campaign’s “soft-launch.” On Friday, we sat down with her at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – like the others, this was a half-hour “get to know you” chat:

If you can’t, or don’t want to, watch the conversation, here are the toplines:

Read More

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SPORTS: High-school postseason play starts this week
April 30, 2023 7:10 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: High-school postseason play starts this week
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

It’s playoff time for two high-school spring sports.

BOYS’ SOCCER: Here’s the Metro League bracket. West Seattle High School (6-4) opens play tomorrow at Ballard, 4:30 pm. Winner of that game will be Chief Sealth International High School (8-5)’s first playoff opponent, Wednesday at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), time TBD.

BASEBALL: Here’s the Metro League bracket. Chief Sealth (11-8) hosts Ballard at NCSWAC at 7 pm Wednesday, and the winner of that game will face league-leading WSHS (17-1) on Saturday, 4 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd, White Center).

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WHALES: Orcas headed back this way
April 30, 2023 4:30 pm
|    Comments Off on WHALES: Orcas headed back this way
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

After Saturday’s visit to Elliott Bay, Kersti Muul reports, orcas are back in the area – seen heading southbound off Discovery Park a little over an hour ago. Let us know if you see them!

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Date set for next community meeting with police at Southwest Precinct
April 30, 2023 3:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Date set for next community meeting with police at Southwest Precinct
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

If you have questions about recent incidents, summer enforcement at the beach, or anything else involving local police, the date is set for the next Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting: 6 pm Thursday, May 11th. The agenda’s not set yet but will include time for Q&A with precinct reps. You can attend either in person at the precinct, 2300 SW Webster, or online; we’ll have the connection information on our calendar soon.

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UPDATE: 1 shot, 1 arrested at Junction apartment building
April 30, 2023 11:59 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

11:59 AM: SFD and SPD are responding to 42nd/Oregon. Updates to come.

(WSB photo)

12:04 PM: Initial dispatch was for a woman with a gunshot wound. Police are questioning a man. This is at the AJ Apartments.

(Texted photo)

12:17 PM: The woman is reported to have an abdominal wound and is being taken to Harborview. We were a block away when the response happened and are at the scene waiting to talk to police.

12:33 PM: Police tell us the man they were questioning is under arrest. They are not commenting on whatever they’ve learned about the circumstances so far.

1 PM: Listening back to dispatch audio now that we’re back at HQ, the initial report was that the man and woman knew each other and that he claimed he shot her because she “came at him with a knife.” Dispatch also was told that neighbors retrieved the gun and were turning it over to police.

1:55 PM: SFD says the victim was in critical condition when transported.

6:26 PM: Via SPD Blotter, police added a few more details, confirming “there was a disturbance, involving a knife and a firearm,” showing a photo of the gun, and describing the shooting victim as 24 years old and the arrested suspect as 29 years old.

MONDAY AFTERNOON: The suspect remains in jail; we’re checking on whether he will have a probable-cause/bail hearing today.

TUESDAY UPDATE: The man arrested Sunday has been released from jail.

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ALMOST BID TIME: Sign up today to start bidding tomorrow for ‘unique local experiences’ and more to help Southwest Seattle Historical Society
April 30, 2023 11:47 am
|    Comments Off on ALMOST BID TIME: Sign up today to start bidding tomorrow for ‘unique local experiences’ and more to help Southwest Seattle Historical Society
 |   How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy SWSHS)

A “music tour of West Seattle” in that classic car is just one of many “unique local experiences” that’s being auctioned as a benefit for the only organization devoted to local history – not just to remember the past, but also to learn lessons for the future. Some bidding starts online tomorrow! Here’s how to be part of it:

Each year, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society auction brings together the best of West Seattle business, art and experiences to raise funds to meet its mission to preserve local history through education, preservation, and advocacy.

This year, the Historical Society’s online auction opens on Monday, May 1 and closes Thursday, May 4. The auction is open to the public and features West Seattle gifts, experiences, and art. All funds raised go directly to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and the Log House Museum. Bidders can register for free online at loghousemuseum.org.

The auction, which was previously held in-person during the SWSHS Annual Gala, moved online in 2020. As the organization began to meet in person again, SWSHS board and staff wanted to keep most of the items available through the online auction so it could reach a wider audience.

Available items include walking tours with local historians, a private viewing of Doc Maynard’s letters with historian Phil Hoffman, tickets to local events including the West Seattle Garden Tour, Wine Walk, and Rainbow Bingo, overnight stays at the famous Easy Street Beach House, original art, and gift certificates for dozens of local businesses, restaurants, salons, and more.

Select items will be offered during a Live Auction at the society’s Spring Gala on May 5 at Salty’s on Alki. Priceless experiences, including an opportunity to create your own Husky Deli Ice Cream Flavor, a Music History Tour of West Seattle (in a vintage Cadillac no less!), a private tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Duwamish Tribe Council member Ken Workman, and more are available only during this event.

The Spring Gala and the auction are the organization’s biggest fundraising events of the year, bringing in critical income to support both the operations of the Log House Museum, but also its historical collection – including two recent acquisitions, signage from the Original Bakery that closed in March and bound volumes of the West Seattle Herald from the 1920s-1940s.

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society preserves local history through education, preservation, and advocacy. The Historical Society owns and operates the Log House Museum, a landmarked building located off of Alki Beach. The Historical Society’s service area includes communities across the Duwamish Peninsula.

You can bid online starting tomorrow even if you’re not going to Friday’s gala (more on that event here).

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Memorial service May 10 for Leon C. Ferrari, 1927-2022
April 30, 2023 10:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather May 10th in memory of Leon Ferrari. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:

Leon Chester Ferrari was born on June 5, 1927, to Chester and Germaine Ferrari in Seattle.

He went to be with our Lord on November 14, 2022. Leon was a gentle spirit who will be remembered for his kindness, quiet demeanor, great sense of humor and generous spirit. He was preceded in passing by his mother and father and sister, Suzanne Mayfield.

Leon grew up in South Seattle and later moved to West Seattle. His heritage was of French / Italian. He was a long-time member of the Sons of Italy Italian Club Fedele Lodge, where he attended regularly and developed many lifelong friends.

Leon served his country in the Korean War from 1950 – 1952, where he obtained the rank of Corporal in the US Navy. He also worked for a short time at Boeing as a riveter and then for the US Post Office for many years.

Leon loved to walk in his West Seattle neighborhood, where he developed many lifelong friends. Leon never married or had children; however, he was close to his family of cousins in West Seattle and Spokane.

We are all better off having known Leon.

A service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at 2:30 pm. 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042-4868.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to any of his many charities: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington; Make-A-Wish Foundation of Washington; American Heart Association NW WA; Northwest Harvest; International Fund for Animal Welfare; or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

(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)

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 10 notes!
April 30, 2023 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 10 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Another look at Friday’s sunset – Lincoln Park photo by David Dimmit)

Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re still updating the online list – see today’s lineup here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm; the market offers spring 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)

SCREEN-PRINTING CLASS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS: 10 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), free – info in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Day 2, 10 am-5 pm at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), free admission – not only a show and sale, but also kids’ activities and demonstrations.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm.

PUGET SOUNDWORKS CONCERT: 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). “Down to Earth” is the theme for what’s described as “a concert that celebrates the beauty of our planet and a call to action to protect our home. The concert will feature spoken-word performances, classic protest songs, and climate anthems that reflect the challenges of the ongoing climate crisis.’ Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

TIM’S TAVERN: 5-8 pm at the new Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th), Shakin’ Sunday with Johnny7 and the Black Crabs. More info here.

END THE WEEKEND PEACEFULLY: Inner Alchemy offers Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Breath Work, and Gong Bath from 7-8:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). RSVP/fee info is in our calendar listing.

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 – one-time or recurring – to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: West Seattle Rock and Gem Show
April 29, 2023 9:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Our two days of almost-summery weather are ending, and clouds are due back tomorrow, with a slight chance of rain. So if you didn’t go to the West Seattle Rock and Gem Show today, you might consider visiting tomorrow. The big community room off the Alki Masonic Center‘s lot is brimming with sights to see:

The West Seattle Rock Club has presented this show for more than half a century – though that’s just a blink in the geological time that many of these specimens represent:

Demonstrations, activities, and a chance to learn about rocks are all part of the event. If you want to take home a souvenir, here’s one option:

The venue is on the northeast corner of 40th and Edmunds. Admission’s free, and show hours are the same tomorrow as they were today – 10 am to 5 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Evening boat ride
April 29, 2023 7:45 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Evening boat ride
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Out walking in the Seacrest/Don Armeni area tonight, we noticed this crowd aboard the Water Taxi for an evening run to downtown. This is the second weekend of the year that the WT is on its full spring/summer schedule, including Friday and Saturday nights. Last scheduled run of the night is 11 pm from West Seattle to downtown.

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PHOTOS: Orcas in sight from West Seattle
April 29, 2023 5:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

5:45 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: “Transients are on the edge of Elliott Bay. Southbound, visible from Alki. Mid-to-east in channel.” Let us know if you see them!

5:57 PM: Kersti says orcas are now “milling” off 64th/Alki.

6:03 PM: Another texter sees them from 62nd/Alki and says they seem to be moving east in the bay. (Texted photo added – thank you!)

ADDED 8:32 PM: And two more photos just in, courtesy of Robin Sinner, who explains: “The 2 orcas were off 64th and Alki at 5:45 pm. Walked fast to Constellation and caught a close pass at 5:53pm. Could hear them breathing! This was most likely T123 pod of 3. Big Male is T123a Stanley.”

Just a refresher – transients are not endangered, and eat other marine mammals, particularly seals and sea lions. They’re an entirely separate population from the Southern Resident Killer Whales, who ARE endangered and primarily eat fish, especially salmon.

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From the dumped-likely-stolen file: Brand-new dog door; miscellaneous items
April 29, 2023 4:40 pm
|    Comments Off on From the dumped-likely-stolen file: Brand-new dog door; miscellaneous items
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two dumped-likely-stolen reader reports:

DOG DOOR: If you were expecting a package with a dog door – Susan may have found it. She writes, “(Friday) afternoon I found a dog door, still in its retail box. Brand new! It was lying on the sidewalk on SW Andover St. and California Ave SW. I’m guessing someone is missing it.”

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: Jennie spotted items including these dumped near Weather Watch Park on Beach Drive:

In either case, if these might be yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Free shredding and food drive at Westwood Village
April 29, 2023 2:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

Just drive, ride, or walk up to get free shredding, courtesy of John L. Scott Real Estate Westwood (WSB sponsor), right now in the northwest parking lot at Westwood Village (west of the former Bed Bath and Beyond space). Until 5 pm, they’re offering shredding while collecting nonperishable food (and money) for the White Center Food Bank, so bring a donation if you can!

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Highland Park Elementary benefit sale
April 29, 2023 11:18 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Sale season is on! Not only are we two weeks from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, you can shop right now at a big sale raising money to help a local school. This is the Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s sale, happening at the school until 2 pm. The merchandise includes lots of kid stuff and family-fun items, of course:

HPE is at 1012 SW Trenton.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: YMCA brings back Healthy Kids Day
April 29, 2023 10:35 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: YMCA brings back Healthy Kids Day
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

10:35 AM: All ages are welcome at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Healthy Kids Day celebration that’s happening right now – even prehistoric! The free mini-festival is on, full strength with indoor activities, until 1 pm, on the West Seattle Y’s main campus at 3622 SW Snoqualmie in The Triangle. More photos later!

ADDED 12:24 PM: More of what’s happening:

Healthy Kids Day is an annual event held at multiple Y locations around the region.

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Healthy Kids Day, benefit sales, free shredding, books, food, music, much more for your West Seattle Saturday
April 29, 2023 6:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Schmitz Preserve Park – photo by Jay Speidell)

Here’s what’s happening on this warm and bright Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

UTILITY-WORK ALERT: Seattle City Light crews are expected to be out on Harbor Avenue again today.

BENEFIT BREAKFAST: West Seattle-based nonprofit Stephanie’s Lifeline is raising money with a pancake breakfast today at Optimism Brewing on Capitol Hill (1158 Broadway), to fund youth programs. 8-11 am.

DONATE AND SHOP THE HPEPTA RUMMAGE SALE: Starting at 9 am, donations can be dropped off for the Highland Park PTA‘s rummage sale, which is open for shopping 10 am-2 pm. (1012 SW Trenton)

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY: Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) is opening one hour early, at 9 am, for the occasion – details in our calendar listing.

BENEFIT PLANT SALE: 9 am-2:30 pm, near High Point Library (location explained in our calendar listing), the PEO Sisterhood is selling plants, planters, and more.

MERCH POP-UP: 9 am-4 pm, new merch at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 9:30 am-3 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, selling a vast variety of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)

HEALTHY KIDS DAY: The free fun festival at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) is back big time, 10 am-1 pm. Everyone’s welcome, membership not required.

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: 10 am-5 pm both days this weekend, the West Seattle Rock Club presents its annual show at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), including rocks/gems on display and for sale, kids’ activities, demonstrations, more. No admission charge.

LAUREN’S JEWELRY ANNIVERSARY SALE: Everything in the shop is 10 percent to 50 percent off. Lauren’s Jewelry (WSB sponsor), a couple doors north of Ross at Westwood Village, is open today 10 am-6 pm.

DOING GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW) will host another session of its ongoing volunteer fair with visiting local organizations. 10 am-noon, West Seattle Bee Garden, and 1-3 pm, West Seattle Food Bank will be there.

CAMBODIAN STREET FESTIVAL: The big street party celebrating Cambodian New Year is back on SW 98th in White Center between 15th and 16th, with performances, food, and more.

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 10 am-5 pm, the garden’s centerpiece courtyard is open, while the rest of the garden’s grounds are accessible dawn to dusk. More info here. (5640 16th SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:15-10:45 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

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.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

NORTHWEST GREEN HOME TOUR: 11 am-5 pm, with two West Seattle stops. Get free tickets and tour map online here.

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

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: You’re invited to visit the home of West Seattle’s history noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Taste, sip, buy student-produced wine at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor; 6000 16th SW), 1-6 pm.

FREE SHREDDING & FOOD DRIVE: 2-5 pm, bring your shreddables to the northwest parking lot at Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton) for this free event presented by John L. Scott Real Estate – Westwood (WSB sponsor). And if you can, bring nonperishable food (and/or a monetary donation) for White Center Food Bank! (Food-drive donations welcomed even if you’re not getting anything shredded.)

POETRY: Before National Poetry Month ends, catch Ellensburg Poet Laureate Marie Marchand‘s 2 pm reading at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOD TRUCK IN GATEWOOD: WSUU is bringing in the MexiCuban food truck for a church event but welcoming any and all community members to come buy food while it’s there, 4-8 pm. (7141 California SW)

MADISON BEACHY BULLDOG BASH: 6 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), beach-party vibes at this annual auction to raise money for the Madison MS PTSA.

SILENT DISCO: Dance, quietly, on Alki! Starts at 7 pm.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Warren Dunes live at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), plus DJ Troy Nelson.

NIGHTTIME COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), listen to Guitar Gil.

(added) PUGET SOUNDWORKS CONCERT: “Down to Earth,” 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), info and ticketing link in our calendar listing.

SILENT DISCO: Dance at the beach on the first warm Saturday night of the year! 7 pm, Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st/Alki)

DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, for the monthly West End Girls drag extravaganza, hosted by Cookie Couture, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), all ages.

AT TIM’S TAVERN: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show at the new Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th) – Nick Drummond Band with Glass Beaches and Good Liar.

If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: Board convened to take ‘social housing’ from ballot to buildings
April 28, 2023 9:31 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Seattle Initiative 135 was approved by voters in February. Then in March, the Seattle Renters Commission sent out a call for people to help turn the measure’s vision of “social housing” into reality. Now the Seattle Social Housing Developer board’s been appointed, and its members gathered today for the first time in an introductory visit with a City Council committee (video above). You can read about them here. The board has 13 members, appointed by organizations and officials as stipulated in I-135:

Seven board members appointed by the Seattle Renters’ Commission
One board member appointed by the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Labor Council
One board member appointed by El Centro De La Raza
One board member appointed by the Green New Deal Oversight Board
One board member appointed by the mayor
Two board members appointed by the Seattle City Council

Though most of the bios don’t mention where the appointees live, this document shows that four of the 13 live in City Council District 1 (which now includes West Seattle, South Park, Georgetown, and part of south downtown) – Ebo Barton, Kaileah Baldwin, Devyn Forschmiedt, and Brian Ramirez. As recapped during this morning’s council-committee meeting, the Social Housing Developer’s startup costs are to be city funded, but where it’s going to get money to start building housing – publicly owned rental housing for multiple income levels – is an open question. The date has not yet been set for the board’s first official meeting, but it has to happen before the end of May.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Busy night at the beach
April 28, 2023 8:20 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

That was the scene on Alki, looking east from just past the Bathhouse, not long before sunset. First almost-summer night of the year; the restaurants were hopping, too. Tomorrow will likely be the same, with the temp due back in the 70s, before a cloudy cooldown on Sunday.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: A gem of an event
April 28, 2023 5:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The World’s Fossils and Minerals – which had show/sales in a local driveway during the pandemic, and has since opened a SODO shop – sent us the pic because they’ll be part of this weekend’s West Seattle Rock and Gem Show. All ages are invited to come see the rocks and gems on display, plus demonstrations and kids’ activities, during this annual event at Alki Masonic Center, 40th/Edmunds in The Junction. This is a long-running West Seattle attraction – the 55th presented by the West Seattle Rock Club! Admission is free.

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Here’s why USPS says it downsized West Seattle post offices’ dropoff mailboxes
April 28, 2023 2:43 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

We got multiple messages Thursday afternoon from people wondering about the smaller boxes that have replaced the previously standard larger boxes outside both of West Seattle’s post offices. After verifying the change (our photo above shows the one outside the Westwood Village post office), we asked regional USPS spokesperson Kim Frum about it today. Her answer, in short: These smaller boxes are more secure. The long version:

The increase in crime throughout the country over the past several years has resulted in escalating criminal incidents against United States Postal Service (USPS) employees and the mail. Every postal employee deserves to work in safety and to be free from targeting by criminals seeking to access the public’s mail. In an increasingly challenging environment, the USPS and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are highly focused on protecting postal employees and property and ensuring the secure delivery of the nation’s mail and packages.

Recognizing these ongoing safety threats, we have been – and will continue to- implement an engaged, robust nationwide initiative to harden blue collection boxes, enhance collection box key and lock technology and institute dual authentication for change of address protocols. These measures not only protect the integrity of the mail but offer additional safeguards for our carriers and other employees. Furthermore, USPS and USPIS are partnering with federal and local authorities to enforce the laws and bring criminals to justice.

We will continue to adapt to evolving security threats and implement expanded measures to safeguard our employees and preserve the security of the mail that our customers expect and deserve.

The Postal Service will be releasing and implementing additional preventative, protection, and enforcement measures later this spring.

While we don’t know about specific measures involving these two mailboxes, this type of box isn’t entirely crime-resistant – as evidenced in Admiral back in January.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle senior-living complex changes name but not ownership
April 28, 2023 1:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | Westwood

What was Daystar Retirement Village at 2615 SW Barton is now Village Green Senior Living (WSB sponsor). We photographed executive director Eva Thomas and CEO Monte Powell at a reception this week celebrating the change:

The company’s Federal Way complex also is named Village Green: “We feel that branding both campuses under one name promotes continuity within our organization and our philosophy, which is simple – we believe that all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, especially when needs change and a helping hand is needed.” The company notes that the Powell family, rooted in regional home construction, founded the company after they “began to take notice of the lack of services, community, and opportunity available for seniors.” Village Green in West Seattle offers independent living, assisted living, and short-term care. Signage changes are planned soon – permits are pending.

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WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Record-setting registration for May 13
April 28, 2023 11:38 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

The signups are over and mapmaking has begun for the 17th almost-annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on Saturday, May 13th – for the first time, more than 400 sales are signed up, from North Admiral to North Delridge to North Shorewood and every west-of-the-Duwamish River neighborhood inbetween. If you are among those who registered, watch your emailbox for the next day or so because we’re reviewing all the listings right now and will be emailing you if we have a question. As promised, the map and sale list will be available, in both clickable and printable formats, one week before sale day, so look for that announcement here (it’ll be linked in our navigation bar/menu once available too) on Saturday, May 6. Any questions, please send to our main mailbox, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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From tidepooling to tunes, 10 ways to spend your West Seattle Friday
April 28, 2023 10:00 am
|    Comments Off on From tidepooling to tunes, 10 ways to spend your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thursday’s sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

For the rest of your Friday, you can expect clear skies, warmth, and these highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ALKI KAYAK TOURS: The season truly begins today, and you’re invited to visit AKT at 1660 Harbor SW for tours, classes, and rentals all weekend. Today’s hours are 10 am to dusk.

LAUREN’S JEWELRY ANNIVERSARY SALE: Everything at Lauren’s Jewelry (in Westwood Village; WSB sponsor) is on sale, 10 percent to 50 percent off, final weekend! Open today from 10 am to 6 pm.

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: In the mood to get going on (or continue) spring planting? Second Friday this season that you can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of plants, until 3 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

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: 1-6 pm, open for visits at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

AT HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE: “Abstract Nature” art and music, 4-6 pm, as explained in our calendar listing. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

TIDEPOOLING MEETUP: 5-7 pm – free, all ages, explore Constellation Park (63rd/Beach Drive) as part of the Seattle Tacoma City Nature Challenge.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Originals and covers with Levi Said at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7=9 pm.

AT THE SKYLARK: Mountain Holler, Smoky Topaz, Fairground, doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

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