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FOOTBALL: West Seattle HS hosts Nathan Hale for homecoming game
October 7, 2017 12:43 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Down 21-0 two-thirds of the way through the first quarter of Friday night’s homecoming game, West Seattle High School‘s varsity football team refused to give up.

Led by quarterback Anthony Coats (#8, above), who threw and threw and threw – and ran, too – the WSHS players battled back to a 21-all tie with visiting Nathan Hale before the second quarter was half over.

(#3, Leland Gropper)

After that, though, Hale managed to pile up another 20 unanswered points before halftime – and it was 41-21 at the half.

(WSHS head coach Marcis Fennell)

Neither team added points in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Wildcats got into comeback mode again, and made up half the gap with a field goal and TD – but that’s as far as they got, and the final score was 41-31.

Also at Southwest Athletic Complex: At halftime, the WSHS Marching Band put on a show:

Besides the full band, directed by Ethan Thomas, the drumline entertained, too:

Lots of pink on the field, because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

And though the weather was the worst it had been for a game night so far this year – windy and drizzly – the fans kept the energy level up too:

This was also the last home game of the year for the Wildcats, who are 0-6 so far the season. Next Friday (October 13th), they play in Renton, at Liberty High School, 7 pm.

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS wins at Ingraham HS
October 6, 2017 9:55 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS wins at Ingraham HS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

One football final score so far tonight – according to the Metro League website, it was a road win for Chief Sealth International High School tonight, 40-0 over Ingraham at Northwest Athletic Complex. The Seahawks are now 4-2. Next week, they play a home game vs. Sammamish at Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm Friday, October 13th.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bicycle found; car window broken
October 6, 2017 8:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ABANDONED, LIKELY STOLEN BICYCLE: The photo and report are from Guy:

I found this abandoned bike last night at about midnight in the alley behind our house, between 45th and 44th Ave SW, in the block between Alaska and Edmunds. With the amount of foot and vehicle traffic that goes on in the alley, I’ve brought it inside in the hope that if it was stolen, someone will see it on your site and claim it in the comments.

Or, you can e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com and we’ll connect you.

CAR WINDOW BROKEN: From Konin:

Just wanted to report that when my wife and I came home from the hospital, I noticed that my car’s driver-side window had been broken in what looks like a stolen car attempt. We had been at the hospital since September 30th for the birth of our first child and upon returning home Wednesday, October 4th, I noticed the broken window. We talked to our neighbor and said they first noticed it late Monday night, October 2nd. We live (on) 41st Ave Sw right across from the entrance to the QFC parking garage entrance/tanning place which is a pretty well-lit area with lots of hustle and bustle, and I was parked right out front of our place on the street, so it is a bold attempt at a car theft in such a public place. I think car theft because nothing was stolen, nothing was even gone through in the glove box or anywhere else, or the alarm and/or location scared the would be thieves off before they could do more damage. Just want to let you know in case anyone else had a similar occurrence and to just forewarn others that may read this story that live nearby.

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HATE-FREE DELRIDGE: Pro-DACA demonstration Wednesday
October 6, 2017 7:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Next Wednesday (October 11th), Hate-Free Delridge invites the community to join in this demonstration:

Hate-Free Delridge will be demonstrating for DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Come join us – on the pedestrian overpass on Delridge Way between Genesee and Oregon Streets 5 to 6 PM, Wednesday, October 11.

We want to publicly support our neighbors and friends and stand together as a community.

There will be signs – or you can bring your own, for example:
Defend DACA
Not One More Deportation
Dreamers Are Not Criminals
I Stand with My Immigrant Neighbors
Keep Families Together
No One Is Illegal

DACA is a program that has held off deportation for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 and that President Trump has said he wants to end. Hate-Free Delridge organized a “standing for peace” demonstration on the same overpass back in August (WSB coverage here).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Students encounter exposer, per letter sent to families
October 6, 2017 4:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | Westwood

For the second time this week, the principals of Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have sent families a letter about an incident involving students walking near the campuses. Thanks to Denny principal Jeff Clark and several Sealth parents for forwarding it minutes ago:

Dear Denny/Sealth families:

It has been an exciting start to school, and with our scholars’ growing independence – particularly when they are out in the community – there may be situations that challenge their personal safety.

We want to take this opportunity to let you know that we are working with scholars to ensure they maximize their personal safety and their comfort with reporting potentially unsafe behavior. We also want to highlight an incident where students saw an inappropriate and disturbing behavior, and correctly reported it to school staff.

Today, two 11th-grade scholars were returning to Chief Sealth from Westwood Village. They were near the intersection of Cloverdale and 26th Avenue SW when they noticed an adult male exposing himself. The students immediately reported the situation to staff. Administration took immediate action and the Seattle Police Department were notified. We are very proud of how our students responded to this situation and want to encourage all our scholars to report appropriately.

At school, we continue to differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. We are providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips

Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at both Sealth International School and Denny International School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The letter was signed by Clark and by Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer.

26th SW is the path along which the city still plans walkway improvements, while 25th SW – where students reported being approached inappropriately back on Monday – is the area where they’ve been canceled pending a future development.

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City councilmembers choose Kirsten Harris-Talley to join them through November
October 6, 2017 3:16 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Added – reader photo via text (thank you!): Councilmember Harris-Talley taking the oath of office)

City Councilmembers have chosen Kirsten Harris-Talley to fill the temporary Position 8 (citywide) vacancy left when Tim Burgess became interim mayor, and she has just been sworn in. Harris-Talley is a Hillman City resident whose background you can read here. She will serve until the results of next month’s election – with Teresa Mosqueda and Jon Grant running for the permanent position – are certified.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: New home for Arbor Heights Co-op Preschool
October 6, 2017 3:04 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From Jen Giomi at West Seattle Cooperative Preschools:

Finally, Arbor Heights Cooperative Preschool has found its new home! After 3 years of looking for a new location in the South end of town, it has landed at Mount View Presbyterian Church, 10806 12th Ave SW. Arbor Heights has preschool classes for children 2-5 years of age, which include parenting education through South Seattle College.

The preschool was housed at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church before that church sold its Arbor Heights campus to Westside School (WSB sponsor).

P.S. The Cooperative Preschools are again the beneficiaries of the West Seattle Monster Dash, which is just three weeks away – Saturday, October 28th, at Lincoln Park – full details and online signup here.

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WEST SEATTLE SALMON: Volunteers sought for Fauntleroy Creek
October 6, 2017 1:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SALMON: Volunteers sought for Fauntleroy Creek
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

markahlness(“Wally,” a 2016 Fauntleroy Creek coho photographed by Mark Ahlness)

Another call today for salmon-creek volunteers in West Seattle – this time, it’s Fauntleroy Creek that can use your help watching for spawners starting later this month. From creek steward Judy Pickens:

Salmon Watch 2017 will start on Sunday, October 15, on Fauntleroy Creek and new volunteers are welcome. Watchers monitor the lower creek after daytime high tide to record any spawner activity. Sign up as often as you want, with training during your first watch. Contact Judy Pickens at judy_pickens@msn.com for details.

Seven coho were counted last year – which was seven more than the year before.

P.S. Whether or not you plan to volunteer as a watcher, you’re invited to the fish-ladder overlook (upper Fauntleroy Way and Director, across from the ferry dock) for drumming to welcome the salmon home at 5 pm October 22nd.

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FOLLOWUP: Abel Linares charged with first-degree murder in West Seattle shooting death of Edixon Velasquez
October 6, 2017 10:45 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

10:45 AM: The second suspect arrested in last month’s deadly shooting of Edixon Velasquez outside his Westwood home is now charged. King County prosecutors have charged 19-year-old Abel Linares with first-degree murder and asked that his bail be quadrupled to $1 million. More…

11:03 AM: The charging papers don’t add much to the details we published yesterday from the probable-cause documents – they reiterate that Linares was in a “dating relationship” with the first suspect arrested, 21-year-old Anna Kasparova, an ex-girlfriend of the 25-year-old victim. But the new documents say multiple people told investigators that Linares said he had shot Velasquez. His arraignment is set for October 19th.

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What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
October 6, 2017 9:27 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Moonset photo by James Bratsanos)

Thanks for all the sunrise and full-moon photos, four of which are interspersed with our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE LUG CO-SPONSORS CONFERENCE: Not in West Seattle but co-sponsored by the West Seattle Linux Users’ Group – this is happening today (just under way) and tomorrow:

The West Seattle LUG (Linux User Group) is proud to be a Community Sponsor of the 2017 Seattle GNU/Linux Conference.

SeaGL is a grassroots technical conference dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge about the GNU/Linux community and free/libre/open-source software/hardware. The goal for SeaGL is to produce an event which is as enjoyable and informative for those who spend their days maintaining hundreds of servers as it is for a student who has only just started exploring technology options.

Seattle GNU/Linux Conference is October 6 & 7 at Seattle Central College. There is no cost for attendance, and your right to privacy is respected.

Find out more at seagl.org – and find out more about #WSeaLUG at wsealug.net.

(Moonset photo by Kersti Muul)

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER @ SCC: It’s Friends and Family Day at the TRiO Educational Opportunity Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 11 am-3 pm. Details in our calendar listing.(6000 16th SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble/Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented author series features Steven Bender. Free – just drop in! (2600 SW Barton)

FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE: We’ve updated our Alki Community Center Friday night skating link with info from the center, including the dates it’s not happening, but tonight it’s ON! 5:45 pm-7:45 pm; details here. (5817 SW Stevens)

(Sunrise photo by Jim Borrow)

CORNER BAR IN HIGHLAND PARK: 6 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, it’s the monthly pop-up bar, with music! Bluegrass/Americana performed live by Rusty Hinges – plus DJ Dr. Lehl. All ages until 9 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School‘s homecoming game is at 7 pm vs. Nathan Hale (Southwest Athletic Complex; 2801 SW Thistle) … Tonight’s game at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) is Seattle Prep vs. Roosevelt, also 7 pm.

(Reader photo, taken from Highland Park)

NOT DEAD YET: The West Seattle band celebrates its 8th anniversary on tonight’s bill at The Skylark. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … on our complete-calendar page!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch; Viaduct closure starts tonight
October 6, 2017 6:24 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:20 AM: We start with an emergency response at Delridge and Thistle. Texter said a pedestrian was hurt. Two of the three SFD units sent, including the medic unit, already have been dismissed, so apparently no major injuries.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: The first part of the inspection-and-more closure starts tonight at 11 – northbound between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – and is scheduled to continue all weekend. The southbound closure is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm Saturday and same hours Sunday.

6:42 AM: The last SFD unit at Delridge and Thistle has now cleared the scene.

9:04 AM: The heart of the commute has concluded with no further problems reported. Thanks again for the alerts – you can reach us any time (but not while you’re driving!) via text or voice at 206-293-6302 with traffic alerts or other breaking news. We will be tracking the Highway 99/Viaduct closure all weekend and will update with any changes, including early reopening(s), as well as an extra-close watch on alternate routes.

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@ Southwest District Council: Citywide campaign to raise $ for ‘aging’ Seattle Parks facilities
October 5, 2017 11:51 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

By Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The main presentation at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting was by a visitor from the other side of the city, circulating a petition to support funding for aging Seattle Parks facilities citywide.

“It is a modest increase in property taxes but we feel with the money that is going to be generated over the next three years, if used properly, will provide some tangible benefits,” said Tim Motzer, who spoke to SWDC about the petition sponsored by the Lake City Neighborhood Alliance.

The petition is urging the Board of Commissioners of the Seattle Park District – in other words, the Seattle City Council – to maintain the current park district assessment rate of 27.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the remaining three years of the Park District’s six-year spending plan. That would increase tax collections in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

“We can generate about $26 million and that revenue along with other sources from the city would allow us to fully fund the eight community centers,” said Motzer, a retired Parks worker.

Read More

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West Seattle firefighter among 7 riding down the West Coast to help veterans
October 5, 2017 10:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

After IAFF Local 27 – the Seattle firefighters’ union – sent word of seven firefighters starting a fundraising long-distance bicycle ride tomorrow, we asked if any of the firefighters on the ride are based in West Seattle, and found out that one is! First, the announcement:

Fire fighters from all over Washington State are helping actor Gary Sinise, (Lt. Dan Taylor from the movie Forrest Gump), raise funds and awareness for the Gary Sinise Foundation. One of the foundation’s programs, known as “R.I.S.E.,” builds “smart homes” that accommodate the specific injuries of severely wounded military service men and women returning from war.

This team of fire fighters would like to announce their “Fire Fighter’s Ride 4 R.I.S.E.” bicycle benefit ride starting prior to the Seattle Fire Department annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Ceremony on October 6th at 08:00 AM located at Occidental Park near Pioneer Square in Seattle and ending in Los Angeles on October 29th. This event will include 24 stops at predetermined cities in WA, OR, and CA, where they will participate in dinners and benefit auctions to raise additional funds and awareness for the program.

To date, the Gary Sinise Foundation has built 39 “smart” homes for Veterans and will have 60 homes completed by the end of the year. Two of the veterans receiving “Smart Homes” from the Gary Sinise Foundation are from the state of Washington.

There are 7 fire fighters riding the entire 1500+ miles from Seattle to Los Angeles with additional riders joining them along the route to support our severely wounded veterans in their quest to have a normal lifestyle.

Check out the foundation and donate (here).

IAFF Local 27’s Tina Clere responded to our followup inquiry and tells WSB that one of the seven firefighters is based at Station 29 in North Admiral, Tim O’Mahony.

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UPDATE: West Seattle High School principal sends letters after ‘threatening statement’
October 5, 2017 7:43 pm
|      69 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

ORIGINAL REPORT, 7:43 PM THURSDAY: Tonight we received a few inquiries about a report that a West Seattle High School student made a threat in a classroom during the school day. We contacted district spokesperson Kim Schmanke to ask if she had any information about this, and she just sent us the letter that WSHS principal Brian Vance sent to families tonight:

Dear West Seattle High School families,

Late in the school day, one of our students made a threatening statement. Upon learning about the comments, we contacted the district’s Safety and Security office and the Seattle Police Department.

We contacted the families whose students overheard the comments before sending a school-wide communication.

Please know that we take safety in our buildings very seriously; the well-being of our students is our top priority.

I realize any talk of violence is a cause for concern and we will continue to investigate to assure you that we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our students safe at school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to speak with parents and guardians directly.

ADDED 8:03 PM: We asked if /how the student had been disciplined. Schmanke replied, “My understanding is we cannot disclose the specifics but yes, appropriate protocols were followed regarding the student.”

ADDED 8 AM FRIDAY: Thanks to the parent who forwarded us a second letter that they say was sent this morning:

Dear West Seattle High School families,

I wanted to follow up from my email last night regarding the threat that was made by one of our students yesterday afternoon. I received several emails with a variety of concerns. Unfortunately, I cannot share every detail from our investigation but I wanted to at least clarify a couple of things.

· The student who made the threat was identified immediately and will not be at school while we continue our investigation.

· In an abundance of caution, there will be additional security at school today.

· Both district security and Seattle Police Department are aware of the situation and are helping with our investigation.

· We are planning a normal school day today and plan to move forward with all the homecoming activities this weekend.

· If your student needs to talk with someone, our counselors will be available to do so.

As I said last night, please know that we take safety in our buildings very seriously; the well-being of our students is our top priority. I realize any talk of violence is a cause for concern and we will continue to investigate to assure you that we are committed to doing everything we can to keep our students safe at school. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Brian Vance, Principal
West Seattle High School

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Hearings today for suspects in Westwood murder
October 5, 2017 5:23 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Both suspects jailed in connection with the September 19th Westwood shooting death of 25-year-old Edixon Velasquez had hearings today:

BAIL HEARING FOR ALLEGED SHOOTER: Bail is now set at $250,000 for the 19-year-old man whose arrest was announced on Wednesday. Probable-cause documents from this afternoon’s jailhouse hearing say that police learned he was in a “dating relationship” with 21-year-old Anna Kasparova, an ex-girlfriend of the victim who is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly luring him out of his home to be shot to death. According to the documents, after Kasparova’s arrest, the male suspect confessed to an acquaintance of his that he was the man who shot Velasquez. That’s all today’s paperwork says; we may find out more after his second scheduled appearance tomorrow, by which time we also should know if he will be charged. The only record we’ve found for him is a misdemeanor theft case that’s pending in Auburn, which is where he was arrested, though documents list his “last known address” as Bonney Lake.

ARRAIGNMENT FOR ANNA KASPAROVA: The first suspect arrested in the case appeared in King County Superior Court this morning for her arraignment. According to the document filed after the brief hearing, she pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court in two weeks for a case-scheduling hearing. Her bail remains set at $1 million. Charging documents filed last month say she told Velasquez she needed to see him, then asked him to come out of his house and help her park her car; security video from a neighbor shows that she got out of the car and appeared to “take cover,” prosecutors say, before a man walked up to the car, pulled Velasquez out, shot him and fled. The video is reported to show Kasparova then walking up, looking down at Velasquez lying on the ground, then getting into her car and driving away, never calling for help. She was arrested the next day at her mother’s house in Burien.

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WEST SEATTLE SALMON: Can you volunteer to survey Longfellow Creek?
October 5, 2017 3:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

img_20161114_104816(Salmon photographed in Longfellow Creek in November 2016 by Alex)

It’s almost salmon-spawning season, and two West Seattle creeks will be watched. One needs your help. Puget Soundkeeper‘s announcement explains:

Puget Soundkeeper is searching for dedicated volunteers to survey the coho salmon that return to Longfellow Creek in West Seattle. Salmon surveys are a great way to observe one of nature’s most amazing migrations and experience scientific field work. The data we collect from these surveys help us understand the effects of toxic runoff on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic species and determine the best methods to protect them in the future!

·The nature of this work is geared toward adults only.

Surveying is a weekly commitment that takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The salmon run begins in mid-October and finishes mid-December, during which there will be a survey every day. Volunteers will be divided into teams of 2-3 people and assigned a weekday to conduct their survey.

We’re looking for adventurous volunteers! Surveying requires handling fish carcasses found in the creek (with gloves) and dissecting the female salmon to check for eggs.

Volunteers should be in good physical condition. Surveying in Longfellow Creek requires climbing up and down steep muddy embankments and wading through shallow water on uneven terrain.

Surveying is conducted in varying weather conditions. If conditions are dangerous (e.g. a downpour), we will cancel on that day. Otherwise, we survey rain or shine.

Volunteers will be provided with surveying kits and waders (unless you have your own pair). Data collected during the survey will be uploaded by the volunteers into Puget Soundkeeper’s database.

Volunteers will attend an orientation meeting on Tuesday, October 10th from 6:30-8:30pm at Chaco Canyon Organic Café in West Seattle (3770 SW Alaska St).

More info – and the registration form – can be found here.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle coffee entrepreneurs take over, fix up South Park Hall as new event venue
October 5, 2017 1:52 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

(Before and after photos of South Park Hall, courtesy of its new proprietors)

Back in January, we told you about West Seattleite John Bennett‘s purchase, with business partners, of neglected commercial spaces in the heart of South Park. Perhaps the crown jewel of those spaces was the 1920s-era South Park Hall, a large second-floor space including a stage, a kitchen, and lots of room. Bennett told us at the time that they hoped to keep it an event venue – and that’s exactly what transpired. We heard this week from the two other West Seattle entrepreneurs who have made that happen, Heidi Herr and Corina Luckenbach, who you might know from Admiral Bird – and now, as proprietors of South Park Hall. They are offering a $100/hour introductory rental rate through November; the space holds 175 people and has A/V capability as well as the aforementioned kitchen and small stage, plus a bar and renovated restrooms. Luckenbach says, “We are super proud of what we were able to do and to keep it looking as original as possible.” The newly renovated venue (1253 S. Cloverdale) has a website with lots of info at southparkhall.com.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s how much West Seattleites recycled at the Roundup
October 5, 2017 12:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from September 24th)

The grand total is in from the most recent Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy. Judy Pickens sends the report:

A total of 370 vehicles bearing 13.5 tons of recyclables passed through the Fauntleroy Church parking lot during the Sept. 24 Recycle Roundup. This take brings to 204 tons the amount collected from West Seattle households for responsible recycling since twice-yearly roundups began in 2010. The church’s Green Committee will host the spring roundup on Sunday, April 22.

That’s up almost 50 percent from last fall’s 9.25-ton dropoff day.

P.S. If you can’t wait until spring – the West Seattle Junction Association‘s recycle/reuse event is coming up a week from Saturday – 9 am-1 pm October 14th!

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What’s up for your full-moon West Seattle Thursday
October 5, 2017 10:53 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

If you were up early – you might have seen that magnificent moonset! If not, thanks to those who sent the photos we’re sharing along with highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

OPERA PREVIEW CONCERT: Free – one hour of music and stories previewing “The Barber of Seville.” 2-3 pm at Kenyon Hall. All ages welcome! (7904 35th SW)

CITY BUDGET HEARING: Tonight at City Hall, the City Council listens to public comment about the newly proposed budget. Here are our notes from just after it was introduced. 5:30 pm. (600 4th Ave.)

‘ANGST: BREAKING THE STIGMA AROUND ANXIETY’: New documentary about a common mental-health problem – free screening tonight at Seattle Lutheran High School, 6:30 pm. Open to all; recommended for age 12 and up. More info in our calendar listing. (4100 SW Genesee)

MYERS WAY HOMELESSNESS: That’s the central topic of tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, with scheduled guests including the city’s director of homelessness George Scarola and King County Sheriff John Urquhart. All welcome. 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)

READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle pastor Rev. Ron Marshall‘s long-running four-week course starts a new series tonight, 7 pm – details in our calendar listing – check to see if there’s room. (4105 California SW)

COMEDY NIGHT: 8:30 pm – right after Thursday Night Football – with Komodo Comedy at Hawks Nest West on Alki. (2806 Alki SW)

(Closer look at the moonset, photographed by Kersti Muul)

MOONRISE/MOONSET FOR TONIGHT/TOMORROW: 7:07 pm moonrise tonight, 8:08 am moonset tomorrow.

LOTS MORE ON THE CALENDAR! See the full list for today – and beyond – by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN 2017: Admiral District’s new trick-or-treating plan
October 5, 2017 9:36 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

New plan this year for trick-or-treating in The Admiral District – merchants will welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween – Tuesday, October 31st:

Admiral District merchants of West Seattle are proud to announce the return of the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2017. This year the Admiral District “Trick or Treating” event will occur on Halloween, giving families the opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment on the holiday itself. This long-standing Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite.

Trick or treating in the Admiral District is 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW. Each year, local businesses give back to the community by providing a safe place for trick-or-treating. Find your favorite costume, grab the kids, and come out on Tuesday October 31st to join in on this popular West Seattle event!

Participating merchants will display the sign you see atop this story.

P.S. The annual WSB Halloween guide – not just Halloween itself, but also the special events leading up to it – will go live this weekend; if your organization/business/etc. has a public Halloween/harvest/fall-festival-type event, please send us the information ASAP if you haven’t already – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; Highway 99 closure starts Friday night
October 5, 2017 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; Highway 99 closure starts Friday night
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

WEEKEND VIADUCT/99 CLOSURE: It starts tomorrow night – Highway 99 will close in two phases, for the regular twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure, plus work related to the tunnel project. First, from 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, northbound 99 is scheduled to close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. Then, 5 am to 6 pm Saturday and 5 am to 6 pm Sunday, the southbound lanes of the same stretch are set to close. (If anything reopens ahead of schedule, as always, we’ll update.)

7:18 AM: SDOT reports a crash partly blocking the right lane on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge at midspan. Apparently no injuries, as SFD has not been sent. (Watch the top-right camera for updates.)

7:37 AM: That incident has now cleared.

8:15 AM: SDOT reports a crash at Delridge/Holden.

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FOLLOWUP: Committee to be created to handle concerns about Concord International’s dual-language program
October 4, 2017 11:45 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Committee to be created to handle concerns about Concord International’s dual-language program
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Concord International School PTA members at meeting they organized regarding dual-language-program concerns)

Story and photos by Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

One parent said he didn’t learn of changes at his son’s school, Concord International Elementary, from the school or the district, but by asking his son what he did at school in Spanish that day. His son’s reply: “Nothing.”

That was just one of the experiences shared at Tuesday night’s community meeting in South Park to voice concerns about the changes to the Spanish/English dual-language program at Concord.

Another Concord parent, Paulina Lopez, said at the meeting organized by the Concord PTA, “I have always been very strong on bilingualism. That is why I chose Concord. It came to my surprise that there were changes. One reason was because I wasn’t aware of the changes when the year started.”

As reported here last Friday, with the changes, reading and writing are being taught primarily in English.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Motorcycle-riding burglar; prowler on video; stolen Mercury Milan…
October 4, 2017 10:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ARBOR HEIGHTS BURGLARY: Thanks to Greg for word of what happened in his neighborhood late this afternoon: A burglar got away on a motorcycle after breaking into a house at 39th SW and SW 104th. Neighbors told him they noticed a blue motorcycle parked in front of the house, engine running. When they went to check it out, a man came out of the house in a jacket, gloves, and black motorcycle helmet with visor, plus three backpacks. He took off quickly. Police were called. If you have any information, Tweets by Beat says the incident number is 17-369164.

BURGLAR ON VIDEO: Duncan shared two video clips and this report:

We had a prowler Sunday night who broke into our house on the 63xx block of 41st Ave SW while we were sleeping around 1:30 am. We believe he was looking for a place to sleep because nothing was taken and because we know there have been squatters in the two vacant houses behind us. Attached are two videos that were captured by our security cameras. If anyone recognizes him, I would encourage them to reach out to the police.

The incident number is 17-366067.

STOLEN CAR: Mary Jane hopes you will be on the lookout for her car, stolen sometime overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning on Bonair Place SW in the Alki area. It’s a white 2008 Mercury Milan with tinted windows, license plates BCK4159. SPD incident number 17-367388. (UPDATE: The car’s been found.)

PUNCTURED GAS TANKS: Thanks to Jeff for this FYI – a gas-station clerk told him two customers this week have come in with punctured gas tanks, which they didn’t know about until they started their fillups. Anybody else?

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