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Dive in to help Seal Sitters protect West Seattle wildlife
July 7, 2009 9:49 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo courtesy Robin Lindsey)
It’s that time of year again: The local volunteer group Seal Sitters is ready to train new volunteers to help keep watch when seal pups come out of the water and start turning up on local shores. The Seal Sitters’ first volunteer training session is one week from tonight at Alki UCC – read on for the full official announcement:Read More

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In West Seattle tonight: A Drink for the Kids; Bike Smart Seattle
July 7, 2009 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on In West Seattle tonight: A Drink for the Kids; Bike Smart Seattle
 |   How to help | Transportation | West Seattle news | WS beverages

A DRINK FOR THE KIDS: This annual weeklong citywide benefit for the all-ages arts center The Vera Project makes its West Seattle stop tonight, with West 5 again the venue, with Sub Pop Records‘ Megan Jasper hosting. 6-10 pm. The benefit involves certain drinks on the menu — more details here.

BIKE SMART SEATTLE: Its debut West Seattle event happens at Southwest Community Center (map), 6:30 pm, a “basic bike maintenance” clinic.

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Not too late to plant: 2 fundraising West Seattle plant sales
July 6, 2009 8:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Spring and fall may be the perfect planting seasons, but it’s not too late to get something new in your garden – and we have word today of two opportunities, plant sales that also happen to be fundraisers: First, Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle is selling vegetable starts at SSCC this Wednesday afternoon/evening:

Plants raised with care and donated by South Seattle Community College Dept of Horticulture

Wednesday, July 8 4-7 PM
SSCC – on campus

* Heirloom Tomatoes * Basil * Peppers * Tomatillos *
Lots of interesting varieties

30% off already great prices + bonus plant for sales over $20

Sample Prices
4″ Heirloom Tomatoes – $1.75
4″ herbs – $1.00
1 gallon Heirloom Tomatoes – $3.75
1 gallon Peppers – $3.00

Community Harvest of SW Seattle is a local non-profit helping to share the abundance of our local harvests as well as inspiring and educating on the joys of growing food. We sponsor the Edible Garden Fair and Tour, canning classes, gardening classes, as well as coordinating the fruit harvest in West Seattle. More info – 206-762-0604 info@gleanit.org

The other plant sale is continuous all month long at Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor), in the courtyard, benefiting the Hip to Be Snipped program by Furry Faces Foundation — flowers and grape vines among other items — drop by whenever Hotwire’s open and check ’em out.

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Happening tonight: Junction Plaza Park update; Duwamish tour
July 6, 2009 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on Happening tonight: Junction Plaza Park update; Duwamish tour
 |   Environment | How to help | Junction Plaza Park | West Seattle news

FRIENDS OF JUNCTION PLAZA PARK MEETING: During West Seattle Summer Fest this Friday-Saturday-Sunday, you’ll get a chance to support the final fundraising push for the park by enjoying a beer garden at the site, and a chance to learn more about the park plan at the big tent in the heart of the festival zone (California/Alaska, where we’ll be too, like last year). But first – Friends of Junction Plaza Park invites you to a meeting tonight to discuss the latest on the project and firm up the plan for Summer Fest volunteer help. 6 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (Nucor Room).

DUWAMISH RIVER KAYAK TOURS START: Also at 6 tonight, the first in this summer’s series of six “community kayak tours” along part of the waterway that marks West Seattle’s eastern boundary, presented by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, Alki Kayak Tours and the Seattle Aquarium Society. Full details and RSVP info here.

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Happening now: Mobile blood drive at West Seattle PCC
July 3, 2009 3:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

We weren’t able to take pix inside the Puget Sound Blood Center bus that’s currently parked outside West Seattle PCC — somebody was there and donating when we stopped by about half an hour ago — but the bus itself is fairly photogenic (go see the skateboarding blood cell on the back). They’re supposed to be on break 3:30-4 pm, but if you can donate, go visit between 4 and 7, to help make sure our regional blood supply can handle whatever the holiday weekend throws at it. It’s in the southeastern section of the parking lot at Stevens/California (map). If you’re on Twitter, follow PSBC at @bloodcenter.

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Happening now: Duwamish Tribe salmon bake at the longhouse
July 3, 2009 1:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

This is one of the rare occasions when it can be considered unfortunate the Internet doesn’t convey aromas – the Duwamish Tribe salmon bake, now till 4 pm to raise money for the federal-recognition fight, smells AMAZING. The salmon’s being cooked behind the tribe’s West Seattle longhouse/cultural center, which does have its own parking lot, right off West Marginal Way (map) – turn here:

This preview from earlier in the week explains where the two-part recognition fight (court and Congress) stands now.

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West Seattle events today: Duwamish fundraiser; PCC blood drive
July 3, 2009 8:27 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle events today: Duwamish fundraiser; PCC blood drive
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Before the West Seattle Weekend Lineup is published later this morning, two events of note on the WSB West Seattle-wide Events calendar: The Duwamish Tribe‘s legal-fund-moneyraising salmon bake (preview here), noon-4 pm (here’s a map to the longhouse in eastern West Seattle); plus, a mobile blood drive at West Seattle’s PCC store (map) – 1-7 pm.

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Duwamish Tribe salmon bake for legal $: “Life or death moment”
July 1, 2009 12:34 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We recorded that video six months ago, as lawyer Scott Wheat spoke at the dedication of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, talking about the tribe’s fight for legal survival. That fight is not yet won; it’s being pursued on two fronts: a lawsuit, and Congressional legislation (for which Duwamish chair Cecile Hansen is invited to travel to D.C. in two weeks to testify). And it all requires $, even though the tribe is getting a lot of pro-bono help. To help with that, the tribe invites you to the longhouse for a fundraising salmon bake noon-4 pm this Friday (with a hot-dog option too). Read on for details, and the latest on the recognition fight, described as at a “life or death moment”:Read More

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Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade updates: Got water balloons?
June 30, 2009 11:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

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Good news from Sherri Chun – the people represented in that photo from just before last year’s Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade, West Seattle’s ONLY Independence Day parade, will be back for this year’s edition on Saturday! Sherri just e-mailed to say that Mayor Nickels and the Hi-Yu Junior Court have confirmed. And she’s putting out the call for something specific:

We are anticipating nice weather – I am seeking volunteers to bring water balloons for the annual water balloon toss. Please e-mail me if you’re willing to bring 20 filled water balloons. sherri.chun@att.net. You can drop them at my house the day before, or I can come get them. Get out your red, white and blue, and we’ll see you there!

Every kid in West Seattle is invited to be part of the parade – be at 44th and Sunset (map), 10 am Saturday (that’s a half-hour earlier than previous years). And if you can, please bring a dollar donation per child – as Sherri explained two weeks ago, the fund that pays for the parade permit (and fun activities afterward at Hamilton Viewpoint) is running low and they’ll have donation boxes out to collect money to make sure the parade happens again next year, and beyond.

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Update: Gatewood block party Thursday welcomes “Tour de Revs”
June 30, 2009 4:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gatewood | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

If you drive Thistle between California and Delridge, you’ve probably noticed that banner outside Peace Lutheran Church. We first reported June 6 about the Tour de Revs heading this way — three Lutheran ministers on one special bicycle, pedaling around the country to fight global hunger — and now we’ve got an update on the street party/barbecue that Peace Lutheran is planning for their visit 6-8 pm Thursday — Kristie says everyone’s invited to a barbecue, and to ride with the “Revs” afterward:

We’ve officially been granted the permit for this all-invited Block Party featuring the three cycling Revs on the bamboo bike designed by well-known eco-bike maker Craig Calfee … Bring a donation for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks and something to share. Picnic fare available. Ride with the Revs and hear about their cross-country journey! 6-8 pm, ride following.

Peace Lutheran is at 39th/Thistle (map). You can read all about the Tour de Revs (and see their unique three-person bicycle) at their website – including this section with frequent updates.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Antique cars; fundraising ribs
June 27, 2009 10:58 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Beautiful, well-cared-for antique cars got the spotlight this afternoon at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor):

During the 2-hour car show, hot dogs and soda were available for donations that benefited the Senior Center of West Seattle.

Another food-for-a-good-cause event, West Seattle Thriftway‘s barbecue-ribs lunch offering – for the second consecutive week, proceeds went to Pencil Me In For Kids:

More fundraising barbecues are ahead – with different beneficiaries – WestSide Baby just announced that the Thriftway crew is barbecuing on its behalf July 11th and 18th.

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Also happening now: Furry Faces plant sale @ Beveridge Place
June 27, 2009 11:13 am
|    Comments Off on Also happening now: Furry Faces plant sale @ Beveridge Place
 |   Gardening | How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

Christy and friend are part of the Furry Faces Foundation animal-advocacy crew you’ll find at a plant sale that just started at 11 am between the Beveridge Place Pub deck and neighboring Morgan Junction Park. It’s “Blooms for Bow-Wows” – and one highlight, we were told when we stopped by for a photo, is a table of $3 grape vines – table and wine varieties. The sale’s on till 3 pm today, with all plants at this fundraiser priced $1-$5.

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Delridge’s new playground: Site prep starts; 60 volunteers to go!
June 27, 2009 4:07 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

In three weeks, volunteers will swarm that site at the Delridge Community Center to build a brand-new playground in one day. Thanks to Holli Margell for e-mailing photos and the announcement that the old playground’s been removed, site prep has begun, and now one big task remains before playground-building day: 60 more volunteers are needed to sign up ASAP —

Help build a playground!

When: JULY 17th, 8 AM – 2:30 PM, Rain or Shine!
Where: Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way

We need 60 more volunteers to build a new playground for our neighborhood! Volunteers MUST register by July 2nd by sending e-mail to helpdelridgeplay@gmail.com or by calling Chris at 206.499.3733. Playground sponsored by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation with help from Seattle Parks and Recreation and the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.

Some kids just can’t wait – like Holli’s son Cooper, shown here watching the site-prep work:

To catch up on how the playground project has progressed over the past two-plus months, check our coverage archive here, newest to oldest.

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Have a “Field Day”: Hams need you in West Seattle this weekend
June 26, 2009 1:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

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That’s one of our photos from last year’s “Field Day” with ham-radio operators set up in the field on the south side of the South Seattle Community College campus on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge. They’ve always been open to having you stop by and see what their exercise is all about each year – but this time around, they’re ENCOURAGING you to visit – Jeff Cacy explains why:

Ham Radio operators will be operating a radio station from the field just south of South Seattle Community College. The event runs from 11:00 am Saturday to 11:00 am Sunday. You can’t miss us – we are in the big tent in the field by the south parking lot.

We need your help to stop by and participate in our simulated emergency. This event is put on by the Auxiliary Communication Service of the City of Seattle and we will be operating our radios from solar panels, batteries and generators.

If you are in any way interested in emergency preparedness (and you should be here in earthquake and winter-storm country) or in radio communication, please stop by. We will be operating all night, so there is no reason to let your schedule or mistaken need for sleep stop you.

This special event is called Field Day. It happens each year in June and is in the form of a contest where we see how many stations we can talk to in 24 hours. Thousands of similar stations all around the country have moved radios and batteries out in the field and erected various forms of antennas for the event. We will have a digital station, voice and satellite communications, plus some others as more people bring out their radios. You might be talking through a satellite as we will have a mobile satellite station set up as well – it all depends on the passes of the low-earth orbiting satellites we use, but there are dozens to choose from.

One of the parts of the contest is have people like you come by and try out our radios – we will coach you through and all you need is to put on some headphones and squeeze a microphone to talk to another station anywhere in the US or Canada. We need at least 20 people to stop by and participate to get some bonus points in the contest. We also need some public officials to stop by, so if you know of any in West Seattle, we sure hope to see them (I can think of several…).

Any ham radio operators who might not have been active in a while are also encouraged to stop by anytime in the 24 hour period.

Call Curt Black – 206 755-4541 for more information or more encouragement. You are allowed to feed the operators, so feel free to bring some life support, but please no alcohol since we are on South Seattle Community College property.

Hope to see everyone there!

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Dinner invitation for tonight: Be a High Point Community Leader
June 25, 2009 12:12 pm
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 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

Jennifer Cobb from the High Point Neighborhood Association wanted to share this letter – anyone who lives in the High Point area is eligible:

Many new families and individuals have moved into the neighborhood during the past few years. However, many neighbors haven’t had the opportunity to get to know and support one another. The High Point Neighborhood Association, the Neighborhood House Family Center and the Seattle Housing Authority recognize this and are working together to support the creation of a community leader program at High Point.

The community leader program is aimed at increasing opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another, strengthen communication and to learn about the cultural diversity in the neighborhood. Community leaders throughout High Point would take the lead in hosting small gatherings so that neighbors can get to know one another. Community Leaders will receive support and assistance to host local gatherings in the neighborhood and will be invited to regular gatherings to receive resources and training on an ongoing basis.

… In order for the program to be successful and representative of the entire community we need your participation. We invite you to join us for dinner at the High Point Community Center on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm, to get to know your neighbors and begin planning activities. If you have any questions before then please feel free to contact Genevieve Aguilar, High Point Community Builder, at gaguilar@seattlehousing.org or 206.696.3148

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Help the Delridge Produce Cooperative hand out free food!
June 24, 2009 10:41 am
|    Comments Off on Help the Delridge Produce Cooperative hand out free food!
 |   Delridge | Health | How to help | West Seattle news

For months now, Galena White and volunteers have toiled to get the Delridge Produce Cooperative off the ground. As reported previously, they’ve received a city grant for what was first billed as a “mobile produce market” but is really a trial run of a “community-supported produce stand” – which will be handing out free, fresh, healthy produce at various locations this summer. However, that takes people power – as Galena explains:

We’re a group of volunteers in the Delridge Neighborhood of West Seattle who want to open a community-run produce store to provide affordable, sustainably-grown freshfruits and vegetables to the people of Delridge by 2010. Delridge is a healthy food “desert,” and our goal is to increase the health of the residents by increasing the quality of food. This spring, we applied for and received an award of $15,000 from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to put on a series of demonstration booths this summer.

The goal of these demonstrations is to show the residents of Delridge what it would be like to have a community-supported produce stand, to hand out free produce and information about the importance of eating locally and staying healthy, and to build the foundations for improvement of local food systems. Please visit the project page to learn more about the project. We need help to make this project happen. … Please refer anyone who wishes to know to this list of available volunteer positions.

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More summer volleyball: This team hopes to score sponsors
June 24, 2009 8:58 am
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Here’s an update on the upcoming volleyball camps at West Seattle High School, from Westside assistant coach Jim Hardy:

Help Sponsor the Westside Volleyball Camp with Idaho Vandals Coach Steve Whitaker @ West Seattle HS

We are still accepting registrations for July’s Volleyball Camp for HS and Middle School age players. The camp will run Monday-Thursday July 6th-9th, 1:00-5:30 at West Seattle High School. The fee for the Camp is $120. (Some scholarships and waivers are available.) This is a fundraiser for the VB team, and more sponsors are needed! Contact Head Coach Gail Mowrer to register. Phone 206.935.3231 or 206.293.5063 E-mail: mowrerpowers@comcast.net

Registration form and flyer are on the WSHS Volleyball Web Site:
www.wshsvb.greatserve.com/WestsideCamp.htm

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West Seattle Summer Fest: Money-making opportunity
June 23, 2009 11:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Summer Fest: Money-making opportunity
 |   How to help | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

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(2008 Summer Fest photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Just two and a half weeks till West Seattle Summer Fest (WSB sponsor), the July 10-11-12 three-day street festival in The Junction (almost a 4-day event, with the West Seattle Art Walk happening after the streets shut down the night before) – and Susan Melrose at the West Seattle Junction Association has just sent word of a money-making opportunity that might interest you:

The Junction Association is offering community groups an opportunity to earn some money while providing a public safety service at West Seattle Summer Fest. Your group can earn a stipend of $300 for a half day of work at the festival. Groups can sign up for multiple shifts to earn more money. This is a great opportunity for youth teams and booster clubs.

What: Act as cross walk guards at intersections at Summer Fest. Festivalgoers might accidentally walk into the street and the guards will remind people to stop at lights.

When: Shifts are: Friday 10-3, Friday 3-8, Sunday 11-3, or Sunday 3-7

How Many: Each shift requires 8-10 volunteers at all times. Your group must be able to fill the entire shift.

Who: Must be 16 years old to volunteer. Safety vests provided.

Shifts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Liz Schroeder with the Junction Association at liz@wsjunction.org.

As noted here previously, this year’s music lineup is all set (see it here); more online info about the festival’s offerings is in the works but we’ve also had a sneak peek (WSB story from 6/8) at some of this year’s improvements, including the “kid zone” moving to California SW by Curious Kidstuff and one of the music stages moving to SW Alaska near Junction Plaza Park (where you’ll find a park-fundraiser beer garden) from its old location at the south end of the festival zone.

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Raise puppies to help people: West Seattle event on Tuesday
June 22, 2009 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

When you meet a blind person with a Guide Dog – there’s someone in the picture who you don’t see, even if you are fully sighted: The volunteer who trained that dog from puppyhood for its life of service and companionship. In West Seattle tomorrow afternoon, at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), you have the chance to meet some of those volunteers, and their puppies in training. Ruth Oldham sent the invitation to share with you, plus the photo at left, and full details – read on:Read More

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First day of summer: High Point “Solar Panel Challenge” launch
June 21, 2009 10:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

That sign went up, on building-side space donated by Nucor, a month ago – and now the accompanying donation drive has begun: Today, Neighborhood House launches the Solar Panel Challenge to bring in $100,000 for a “second array of solar panels” atop its under-construction (here’s our recent hard-hat-tour story) Neighborhood Center in High Point, which will be both a community gathering place and a headquarters for social services as well as environmental education. The second array will make the building “energy-neutral” and will pay for itself within a few years, saving up to $30,000 a year. Read on for the official news release about the Solar Panel Challenge:Read More

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Happy Father’s Day! Low tide, car show, brunch, WSFM, fundraiser
June 21, 2009 5:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo from last month, shared by Gregory Wright)
FATHER’S DAY TIDEWALK, ANYONE? 10 am-1 pm, beach naturalists will be out south of Alki Point and (south of Colman Pool) on the Lincoln Park shore, as a very low tide – minus 3.0 – bottoms out just after 10:30 this morning. (And even lower tomorrow!)

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FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW: It’s an annual tradition. Classic/antique cars on display at Providence Mount St. Vincent (here’s a map), 1-3:30 pm. Free. South side of the building.

FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH: Looking for brunch options? West Seattle restaurants where you’ll find brunch include our three restaurant sponsors — Cafe Revo (opening today at 10), Skylark Cafe and Club (open at 9 am), and Ama-Ama Oyster Bar and Grill (open at 10).

FATHER’S DAY AT THE WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska. Here’s the “Ripe ‘n’ Ready” list; check the Neighborhood Farmers’ Market Alliance Twitter feed for last-minute alerts and on-site discoveries.

FUNDRAISER FOR A FATHERLESS FAMILY: We first told you about this last Monday – the Phares Phund event at Alki Bathhouse, 4-7 pm today.

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Also today: Thriftway barbecue to benefit Pencil Me In for Kids
June 20, 2009 10:48 am
|    Comments Off on Also today: Thriftway barbecue to benefit Pencil Me In for Kids
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Thriftway electronic sign during the barbecue)
Just got word from the folks at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) that all proceeds from the West Seattle Thriftway barbecues today and next Saturday (11 am-4 pm right out front of the store) will benefit Pencil Me In For Kids. As Heather from Illusions explains, “This organization (PMIFK) began in 1995 and they raise $$$ to purchase school supplies for kids in need at local grade schools (West Seattle to South Park).”

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West Seattle Relay for Life update: Hope burns bright
June 19, 2009 11:45 pm
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 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

Just before the luminaria ceremony – honoring those lost to cancer – was scheduled to begin at 10 pm, four hours into Relay for Life of West Seattle, rain began to fall. But that didn’t extinguish the bagged candles – spelling out HOPE in the stands at West Seattle Stadium, and lining the field as relay participants walked, and names were read aloud:

The 18-hour event to raise cancer-fighting cash continues till noon tomorrow, and each team has someone walking the track at all times, so you’re welcome to stop by any time and cheer them on; here’s our earlier report.

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