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FOLLOWUP: Work under way at Lowman Beach Park
September 16, 2021 1:43 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

In case you haven’t been to Lowman Beach Park since work on the shoreline-restoration project began, here’s what’s happening:

Construction fencing stretches across the entire north-south length of the park – no shore access. Through the fence, you can see crews working on the north side of the to-be-removed tennis court and seawall:

The swings, however, are still open and accessible (and are NOT part of the project zone):

McClung Construction is the contractor for the $1.2 million project, which is expected to last at least eight months.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: 1 thing to do before the rain arrives
September 16, 2021 12:03 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Does your nearest street storm drain look like this …

,.. or like this?

If the latter (or worse), you have seven-plus hours of daylight left to clear it before all that forecast rain arrives tomorrow. You’ll be doing a big favor for those in and/or passing through your neighborhood – whenever you see major puddling in the street during/after a storm, invariably it’s because of a blocked storm drain.

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5 for your West Seattle Thursday
September 16, 2021 10:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sanderling, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

STATE OF THE PORT: Seattle Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck speaks to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch meeting, 11:30 pm outdoors at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor SW). Register here.

VACCINATION POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT: County and city leaders will be announcing a new policy – 1 week after saying one was in the works – at 3 pm today at a media event in Columbia City. We asked about a livestream; so far, none planned.

PICKUP ULTIMATE: West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee‘s Thursday night pickup games have moved to 5 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th and Myrtle).

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm meeting online; participation info is in our calendar listing.

EVERY-OTHER-THURSDAY BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm at the pub (2306 California SW; WSB sponsor), hosted by Richard Moore.

Something to add to the calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us non-breaking info – thank you!

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UTILITY WORK: Morgan Junction project to start next week
September 16, 2021 9:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

In our coverage of the Morgan Community Association‘s summer meeting, we mentioned Seattle Public Utilities‘ plan for sewer-line work at the dead end of SW Beveridge Place [map], southwest of Morgan Junction Park. MoCA president Deb Barker sends this update: “The Beveridge Place SW neighbors, owners and Morgan Community Association want to let the community know that SPU will begin sewer line repair work in and adjacent to the Beveridge Place SW roadway west of California Ave SW beginning on Monday, September 20. Parking restrictions will be in place on the dead end roadway during the job, and everyone is encouraged to pay attention to the ‘No Parking’ signs.” SPU told MoCA in July that the work would take about two weeks. Meantime, Barker says neighbors and MoCA reps also have met with SDOT “to request repair of decaying portions of SW Beveridge Place pavement and sidewalks beyond those areas associated with SPU’s pending activity. SDOT will take a few weeks to evaluate the request.”

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes
September 16, 2021 6:03 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05=3 AM: Good morning! Sunshine forecast today – but get ready for all that rain expected tomorrow.

ROAD WORK

26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closed between Roxbury and Barton.

Delridge project – Signals and signs this week.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules today – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.

For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today. Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

541st morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – The camera’s back, now pointed west:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force hears about ‘early work,’ low-bridge access changes, more
September 15, 2021 9:31 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The plan to extend 7-day-a-week West Seattle Water Taxi service through the fall and winter – reported separately here – was the biggest news from today’s West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting, but not the only news. You can watch the entire meeting above, and/or read the toplines below:

BRIDGE UPDATES: Bridge program director Heather Marx said they’re reviewing the 90 percent repair design and also have received approval for “early work” that’ll start in October.

Here’s what the “early work” will involve:

Read More

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DEVELOPMENT: First Southwest Design Review Board date for 3010 SW Avalon Way
September 15, 2021 8:23 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Another Avalon Way project has a date with the Southwest Design Review Board. We first reported two years ago about a proposed 8-story apartment building at 3010 SW Avalon Way [map]; then last month, we reported that the project was moving forward. At that time, it was described as going through Administrative Design Review, which would mean no public meetings, but now, a board hearing is planned for 5 pm Thursday, October 21st. The proposal is for 87 apartments and four offstreet-parking spaces. Links to attend the online meeting – which will include a public-comment period – will be here when it gets closer. (Here’s the draft design packet by Studio 19 Architects.)

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The Heron’s Nest Project: A dream with the chance for you to be the wind beneath its wings
September 15, 2021 5:08 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Duwamish Tribe | Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos. Above, Amanda Lee at The Heron’s Nest)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Off Puget Way – one of the few streets that connect to busier-than-ever West Marginal Way – a parcel of land is in the process of healing from decades of serving as a dumping ground.

A group of passionate volunteers are working not only to heal the land, but to use it to help heal injustices done to the area’s First People.

Read More

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THIS WEEKEND: Orca Half in West Seattle, spanning two days
September 15, 2021 3:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo from Don Armeni during 2018 Orca Half)

Heads up for this weekend: The annual Orca Half half-marathon is happening in West Seattle, and hundreds of runners plan to participate. To be specific, organizers tell us, about 600 on Saturday, and about 350 on Sunday..The Orca Half course starts at Lincoln Park and ends at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. We confirmed with race organizers that no road or lane closures are planned – runners are supposed to stay on the sidewalk/trail. Runners will start in waves at 7:30 am; the course will close at 1 pm.

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WATER TAXI: West Seattle run will stay on 7-day schedule through winter after all
September 15, 2021 12:42 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

12:42 PM: Speaking of the West Seattle Water Taxi, just announced at the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting – it will stay on a 7-day-a-week schedule throughout the upcoming bridgeless winter after all. Until now, plans had been in place to switch the service back to a 5-day-a-week schedule in mid-October. The topic came up at last month’s CTF meeting; city reps said at the time that it would be costly. How costly? We asked Metro afterward; they said it would cost at least a million dollars. We’re still pursuing more specifics but apparently the city found the cash to pay the county to keep the 7-day-a-week service going through the winter.

1:32 PM: SDOT has since sent a news release that has this added information:

Thanks to SDOT funding, Water Taxi service this fall and winter will remain similar to the summer daytime schedule:

*Seven day a week service between Seacrest Park in West Seattle and Pier 50 downtown from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
*Ships will leave the dock every 35 minutes during weekday peak commute hours and every hour mid-day, evenings, and weekends. 
*The expanded service will not include late night Friday and Saturday sailings after 7:00 p.m.

According to information we had previously obtained from Metro, the estimated cost of keeping the late-night sailings would have been about a third higher:

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WATER TAXI ALERT: 1 pm departure cancelled
September 15, 2021 12:10 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

From the King County Water Taxi:

Maintenance is being completed on the Seacrest passenger boarding ramp, causing us to cancel the 1:00 pm departure from West Seattle. We hope to resume regularly scheduled service beginning with the 1:30 pm departure from downtown. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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VACCINATION: Flu, COVID shots available at local school clinics starting this weekend
September 15, 2021 11:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just got word of this:

Seattle Public Schools is offering 20 fall community Flu vaccine clinics (through Seattle Visiting Nurse Association) and 6 Moderna/Pfizer COVID vaccine clinics (through Safeway Albertsons) from September 18-October 21. All community members are welcome to sign up. Insurance information is required for flu shots (most insurance accepted). COVID vaccinations are free for ages 12 and up.

LOCAL CLINICS:

Madison Middle School – 3429 45th Ave SW
Sunday, September 19, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 5950 Delridge Way SW
Sunday, September 26, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Chief Sealth International High School – 2600 SW Thistle St,
Saturday, October 2, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & COVID-19 vaccines 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Go here to make an appointment.

(Added note from the Visiting Nurses’ Association: These are indoor clinics.)

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Bridge meeting and more for your West Seattle Wednesday
September 15, 2021 9:29 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday night photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor @ Lincoln Park)

from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

PANDEMIC BRIEFING: If you see this close to when it’s published, you can go here to watch a briefing by state health officials that was scheduled to start at 9:30 am (it’ll be available archived later at that same link).

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: The monthly meeting is at noon online, The agenda and viewing link are both available via our preview.

MIZUNO GROUP RUN: 6:15 pm, join the weekly group run at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) and try out Mizunos, as explained in our calendar listing.

OPEN MIC: Weekly open mic night at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), starting with signups at 7:30 pm.

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Southwest Artist Showcase returns – entries welcome!
September 15, 2021 9:09 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Collage of photos featuring artists who participated in 2018)

It’s an art show open to everyone – no judging, just showing. The Southwest Artist Showcase returns to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) this year, and you have two weeks until it’s time to take your creations to the library for the monthlong show. Here’s the announcement:

Calling all West Seattle artists! It’s time for the Southwest Library‘s 29th annual Artist Showcase. Artists may submit up to two unique works of art for this non-juried exhibition to celebrate West Seattle’s creative talent. Entries may be submitted at the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) from Thursday, September 30th through Saturday, October 2nd. Art will be on display at the library through the month of October starting on Sunday, October 3rd. Please call 206-684-7455 for more details.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday notes
September 15, 2021 6:05 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning! Even cooler today – might not even get to 60 degrees. And remember, serious rain is predicted for Friday.

ROAD WORK

26th SW & beyond – The northbound 26th SW closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.

Delridge project – Signals and signs are major tasks this week.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules today – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of canceled trips.

For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today. Watch @wsferries for ferry updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

540th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden – The camera’s back, now pointed west:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic converter taken; anyone missing a lockbox?
September 14, 2021 8:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTER: This theft happened late last night in the 1300 block of Alki Avenue SW. The victim saw the thieves, as posted in the WSB Community Forums.

LOCKBOX FOUND: Katherine sent the photo and report:

I heard loud crashing noises coming from the alley behind my condo (alley west of Avalon, between Genessee and Andover—at Genessee end). Looked out to see a young (late teens to early 20s), white male picking up pieces of something he has clearly just broken open. Later when I went out to walk the dog, I find what appeared to be a broken realtor lockbox. Figured it may be worthwhile for folks in the area to know it was successfully broken open, so they can have locks changed ASAP if their key box was stolen.

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FOLLOWUP: Delridge pathway project wraps up
September 14, 2021 6:32 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photo)

One month ago, we reported on the pedestrian-pathway project at the north end of Delridge Way, after a reader inquiry about its status. Today, SDOT says the work is complete – here’s the wrapup:

When the West Seattle Bridge closed to traffic in March 2020, pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the Delridge Trail increased significantly. This is the most used route for people walking between West Seattle and the east side of the bridge. After completing a stairway upgrade at SW Charlestown St and Delridge Way, the crews started working on improving the Delridge Pedestrian Trail.

The goal was to provide more protection for people walking and to increase the width of the pathway. The project required roadway structural mechanics to build a custom railing nearly 330 feet long. To install the rail, they cut fifty-two holes in the concrete which were each 12-inches deep and 12-inches in diameter. The crews then removed the remaining rubble and soil using a hydro-excavating truck, leaving holes three feet deep. With the additional height of the curb, the railing is set into 3.5 feet of concrete, giving the railing added strength to withstand possible collisions.

To create the pathway, crews excavated the area alongside the path, removing overgrown vegetation and taking the surface down low enough to place an additional 18 inches of asphalt increasing the width of the pathway to around 9 feet.

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DEVELOPMENT: What will the future of The Junction’s parking lots look like? Your opinion sought
September 14, 2021 3:59 pm
|      74 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 42nd/Oregon lot, January)

The four West Seattle Junction Association-leased parking lots will eventually be redeveloped. The question isn’t if, but when – and, into what? The Junction and Community Roots Housing, which has made a $14 million city-backed offer for the lots, want to hear your thoughts. They’re planning an online community open house next month. Here’s the announcement:

What could be the vision for the West Seattle Junction’s four paid parking lots? Find out and provide your valuable input and insight during the Virtual Open House on Thursday, October 21, 6:30 PM on Zoom.

See the initial architectural drawings from Ankrom Moisan (the same firm that designed the new Husky Deli building). Hear from Community Roots Housing, a local leader in affordable housing. Learn about the vision to build and sustain small businesses via the Small Business Incubator program from the director of the Junction.

We’ve got to a point where input from the community will be a guiding factor as we begin to craft the vision for the Junction parking parcels. Being within an Urban Village, the critical development decisions that will provide future generations of West Seattleites is here and now. The value of early community voices is important to build and sustain a downtown that will have vision, history, heart and soul. Without the power of your voices, the parcels could eventually befall to more canyon development overshadowing the long-standing hometown feeling of the Junction.

The meeting participation information – videoconferencing or by phone – is here. The lots are owned by West Seattle Trusteed Properties, a group of more than three dozen organizations, businesses, and individuals who own shares of the organization and its holdings, the lots; Community Roots Housing will make a presentation to their board in late October.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Updates tomorrow
September 14, 2021 3:19 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from July: West Seattle Bridge seen from Harbor Avenue rooftop)

The next major public updates on the West Seattle Bridge are expected tomorrow, when the Community Task Force meets online. We just obtained the agenda – see it here. SDOT has said previously that a repair-schedule update was expected this month as consultant WSP approached completion of the repair design and contractor Kraemer NA started gearing up for the work. Along with high-bridge updates, the agenda also includes a briefing on how low-bridge-access policy is expected to change when Terminal 5‘s first modernized berth opens early next year, and a discussion of West Seattle transit service. You can watch live (or archived afterward) at noon tomorrow (Wednesday, September 15th) at this YouTube link.

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UPDATE: 1 to hospital after Alki Avenue crash
September 14, 2021 2:29 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:29 PM: Avoid the 1400 block of Alki Avenue [map] for a while – SFD and SPD are responding to a crash. It was dispatched as “car vs. parked car.”

8:43 PM: The photo is from Dave, who commented below that his son’s parked truck is the vehicle hit by the driver. SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells us, “We transported an approximately 79-year-old man via medics to Harborview. He was the driver of the vehicle and in stable condition at time of transport.”

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COUNTDOWN: Here’s who’s in for Taste of West Seattle next week!
September 14, 2021 1:33 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

We’re now less than a week away from the Taste of West Seattle, which again this year is happening as a weeklong dine-out benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s work in fighting hunger and preventing homelessness. Here’s the list, so far, of local food/drink businesses planning to be part of it:

Bakery Nouveau
Best of Hands Barrelhouse
Box Bar
Coastline Burgers
Copper Coin
Harry’s Beach House
Itto’s Tapas
Lady Jaye
Locust Cider
No Name Diner Alki
Nos Nos Coffee House
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que
Pot Pie Factory, Inc.
Talarico’s Pizzeria
The Bridge
The Good Society Brewery & Public House
The Westy
West 5
West Seattle Cellars
West Seattle Grounds

During the Taste of West Seattle week – Monday, September 20th through Sunday, September 26th – participating establishments will either “donate a percent of sales from a special ‘Taste Menu’ created by the restaurant, or a percentage of sales.” More venue-by-venue info as we get closer! Also, the WSFB notes:

● Stamp card: All participating restaurants will be listed on a restaurant “passport”. The more stamps/ signatures someone gets on their card by ordering from participating restaurants, the more times they are entered into the drawing. Each stamp = 1 drawing entry.

We will select 3 winners for a $100 gift card to a West Seattle Restaurant.

Customers will need to mail/drop off their passport to the WSFB by October 1st to be entered into the drawing.

Pick up your “Taste Passport” at a participating restaurant, at the West Seattle Food Bank, or email your address to breanna.bushaw@westseattlefoodbank.org to have one mailed to you.

Again, this all starts next Monday. (WSB is a Taste of West Seattle community co-sponsor.)

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Personal training with Caitlin Live LLC: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
September 14, 2021 11:51 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Caitlin Live LLC. New sponsors have the opportunity to explain what they offer to the community – here’s what Caitlin wants you to know:

Caitlin Live LLC helps you discover how to work out with a Personal Trainer from home so you can finally have an exercise routine that works for your life. Look forward to being guided through one-on-one live personal-training workouts wherever you have WIFI, with no commute and no gym membership fees.

You’ll meet live on Zoom with Personal Trainer Caitlin, who will listen to what your needs are and get you moving toward them. Caitlin has been using her Sports Medicine degree from Pepperdine University and numerous fitness certifications since 2012 to help her clients get back to fitness after periods of injury or inactivity.

“With her help I equipped a great home gym and have been armed with great short and efficient workout routines to use at home and when I get back out on the road. She has been a champion seeing my transformation.” – Alex, age 44

“Caitlin is an exceptionally great trainer! Caitlin understands my physical limits, capacities, and goals. She structures great custom-tailored workouts and long term plans that maximize my time and effort. She has helped me with nutrition, injury prevention and rehab, and introduced me to great aerobic exercise-oriented apps. Caitlin also is a terrific, understanding, flexible, and lovely person with an impeccable professional demeanor.” – Kevin, age 43

“I’ve been able to halve the dose of my blood pressure medicine and my balance has markedly improved. Your gentle coaching style and encouragement has led me to accomplish fitness goals I never thought possible.” – Kathryn, age 60+

You’ll find Caitlin of Caitlin Live LLC running and biking in West Seattle and taking part in the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Find out more about online personal training with Caitlin Live LLC and book a FREE Hour Consultation Today at caitlinlive.com. Mention code WSBLOCAL during your Free Consultation and get a Bonus $60 off when you sign up for your first month of online personal training sessions.

We thank Caitlin Live LLC for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Dancing, meeting, music, trivia, bingo, more
September 14, 2021 10:12 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

>(WSB photo – seen in a Gatewood planting strip)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DEMONSTRATION: Join Scott‘s weekly streetcorner signwaving for racial justice, 4:30 pm-6 pm at 16th/Holden – signs available if you don’t have your own.

IRISH DANCE CLASS: The Comerford School of Irish Dance starts a new season at 4:30 pm – if your child might be interested, you’re invited to check it out, at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska).

LIVE MUSIC: 6:30 pm, Sid Law @ The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way).

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm online – here’s the agenda. All welcome to attend; go here to register to get the link.

TRIVIA & TACOS: 7 pm Tuesdays at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: 8 pm Tuesdays at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), play bingo free with Cookie Couture.

Got something for our calendar? Best way to get us the info is westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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