West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Story and photos by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The sun shone down Saturday as West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center welcomed visitors – including Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson – to celebrate Vietnamese Heritage Day. The afternoon was not only to acknowledge veterans of the Vietnam War and celebrate Vietnamese immigration to Washington state, but also to welcome the participation of a new generation in historical education and cultural celebration. After the U.S. and South Vietnamese anthems, Michelle Lê took to the podium to give a rundown of the day’s proceedings, with center director Lee Bui.
Next came the proclamation delivered by Mayor Wilson – her second West Seattle visit this week – officially declaring April 4th as Vietnamese Heritage Day. Her speech addressed Vietnamese refugees landing in Washington state after the fall of Saigon, and the continued essentiality of Vietnamese-Americans in maintaining the fabric of the city.
“Today is about those of you or your parents or your grandparents who left behind all that they knew and started over, all while holding on to what matters most,” the mayor said. “We are here to honor all of you, you reflect what it means to be a welcoming city, one where people can arrive, rebuild, belong, and build a future.”
Following her remarks, the mayor introduced Tukwila city councilmember Jane Ho, who reflected the mayor’s sentiment but added her personal pride at being born to immigrant parents.
“Their journey was not easy. It was guided by hope, resilience, and unwavering belief in the American Dream. Because of their sacrifices, I stand here today because of their courage.” the councilmember said.
Both speakers also touched upon the afternoon being a time to honor the founding fathers of Vietnam, and the “freedom flag,” recognized as a yellow flag with three horizontal red stripes which was used in Vietnam from 1948 to 1975.
Though the founders are typically honored on the 10th day of the third month of the Lunar calendar which lands on April 27th, this sentiment was moved forward as to not coincide with another event being hosted at the Vietnamese Cultural Center later this month. These founders, known as Hùng Vương in Vietnamese, are the 18 kings who are seen to have founded the first Vietnamese State in 2879 BC. They were commemorated with a ceremony.
The afternoon then moved into performances beginning with Vovinam Burien.
The group performed a Lion Dance and a martial-arts demonstration.
Guests were then invited to get some food, which was being provided by the center – after which more performances ensued including Vietnamese Opera by Liêm Sương; a zither group, Tranh Anh Đào;
Also a dance group, Thanh Trà:
And a family band, Phuc Phan and his children, with guest singers Thach Thao, Bao Son, and Trieu Thanh.
The center also hosted some special exhibits at its entrance, including a Bee art exhibit provided by Kim Tran, and a historical exhibit provided by the Vietnamese American Senior Association of Spokane, Washington.
The cultural center, at 2236 SW Orchard, is open to the public for visits most Saturdays, noon-3 pm, and hosts multiple celebrations and history events each year at which the community is welcome.
From Tina in Gatewood, a report outside the usual lost-and-found bounds:
We live on the 3500 block of SW Ida and have a few bee boxes. Our bees swarmed today and before the beekeeper could collect them, they flew off. If anyone sees the swarm, we would love to get them back home.
If you see the swarm, let us know and we’ll connect you.
Thanks for continuing to send West Seattle bird photos! We’ve gathered a few for this gallery. Above, Dan Ciske‘s view of Brant in the sunset; below, Robin Sinner photographed them earlier in the day:
Robin also shared this photo of a Barrow’s Goldeneye:
Leucistic (“caramel”) Crows turn up in West Seattle from time to time – Mark Rhea photographed this one:
Here’s a more conventionally colored one, courtesy of K. Smith:
K. also sent this unidentified bird (do you recognize it?):
And we have more recent views of the baby Anna’s Hummingbirds that recently fledged at West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) – from Suzanne Krom:
And from Jerry Simmons:
Again, huge thanks to everyone who shares photos, from birds to breaking news and beyond – westseattleblog@gmail.com or (when urgent) text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(Photo from Westcrest compost giveaway last year)
Another chance to pick up free compost in West Seattle! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
GROW will be sponsoring a FREE compost event at Westcrest Garden P-Patch (9000 8th SW) on Saturday, April 11, from 10 AM to 2 PM or until compost runs out. Seattle Public Utilities and the Department of Neighborhoods have worked together with us and the Westcrest P-Patch community team to supply the neighborhood with up to 60 yards of compost. Bring a bucket and a shovel if you have one.
“
A texter sent this photo with word that this bicycle has been “where Hudson becomes Jacobsen” for at least a few days.
As we’ve been reporting, the City Council is reviewing the next phase of upzoning, the “Centers and Corridors” proposal. Mayor Katie Wilson says she wants upzoning to go further than currently outlined – “taller, denser, faster” – but that would start with Phase 3, while what’s before the council now is Phase 2. Whatever your opinion, tomorrow (Monday, April 6) is the next major all-day hearing, and you can comment in person or remotely. Here’s the council’s reminder with the basics on how to participate:
The Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, chaired by Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2), will host the first public hearing for Phase 2 of the Comprehensive Plan on Monday, April 6, with separate sessions for remote and in-person public comment.
*Remote public comment will be at 9:30 a.m. Registration to provide remote public comment will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The hearing will continue until all signups have had the opportunity to speak.
*In-person public comment will begin at 3 p.m. In-person public commenters can sign up outside of the Council Chamber from 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The hearing will continue until all signups have had the chance to speak.
More information can be found on the agenda for the April 6 Comp Plan Public Hearing. Additional information can be found on the City Council’s Comprehensive Plan webpage.
To see what, if any, changes are currently proposed for your neighborhood (or elsewhere), you can use the city’s interactive map.
11:08 AM: Police and fire are headed toward the Harbor/California vicinity for a report that a man has been stabbed near Salty’s. One person has been detained in connection with this. The victim is reported to be a man stabbed in the neck but “alert and conscious.” Updates to come.
11:12 AM: Responders have announced “suspect in custody.” Initial reports are that this started as a “fight in a car … south of Salty’s.”
11:18 AM: Some of the SFD units are being dismissed.
11:36 AM: Police remain on scene investigating (they were looking for witnesses – incident number is 26-92773); we’re checking with SFD re: the victim’s status.
11:58 AM: The suspect, a woman, is being taken to jail.
2 PM: The wound apparently wasn’t life-threatening, because this is the reply we received from SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty when we asked for patient information: “Crews were dispatched to a report of a stabbing. They arrived on scene and the patient refused care. We don’t have patient information because no one was treated.”
11:30 PM: Police replied late tonight to our request for an update with this summary:
On April 5th at 11:00 a.m., dispatch received reports of a stabbing in the 1900 block of Harbor Avenue Southwest. A 31-year-old woman jabbed a 34-year-old man in the back of the head with the backside of what appeared to be a toothbrush. The man suffered a scratch and would not let officers or Seattle Fire Department medics provide aid (he put a bandage on his own head). Officers saw dried blood, but he was not actively bleeding. He was not transported to the hospital and refused any further care. The investigation revealed that both individuals appeared to be intoxicated and there was an altercation before the assault. The male was very uncooperative and was released from the scene. The woman was booked into KCJ for DV assault four.
(Seen in Genesee Hill area – photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s the event lineup for your Sunday, a relatively quiet day, but some events ARE on, as listed on our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUNRISE SERVICE ON THE BEACH: As they do each year, the three local UCC churches gather at Alki for a 6:15 am sunrise Easter service – look for a bonfire near 59th/Alki.
SUNRISE SERVICE AT FOREST LAWN: Also an Easter Sunday tradition,6:30 am at Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW) with members of the West Seattle Ministerial Association.
OTHER EASTER SERVICES AND EGG HUNTS: Here’s the list we’ve been updating with what we heard from local churches.
PASSOVER … continues through Thursday (April 9).
CLOSED TODAY: Circa (WSB sponsor) … Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) … Junction Hardware … Husky Deli … Target … Anyone else? Text us at 206-293-6302 so we can add … thank you!
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Olympia Coffee at 9 am today for a today’s Sunday Funday run. (3840 California SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual every Sunday year-round on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early spring produce-and-products season – roots, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – and an abundant selection of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, fresh- and pre-prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and enjoy a buffet breakfast.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library, registration required – check for openings. (9010 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
EASTER PHOTO BOOTH WITH BUNNIES … the rabbits from Special Bunny will be at Republic of Cider in SODO (2960 1st Ave. S.) 1-4 pm.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out this afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
SIP AND SCULPT: 6 pm, new art-making event at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm Sunday night all-ages show at Tim’s Tavern, with School of Rock adult alumni. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
SCREAM CLUB SEATTLE: Monthly gathering – meet at the northernmost picnic shelter on the Lincoln Park shore at 7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm live jazz, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or helping with, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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