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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Helicopter search; burglary attempt; Saturday arrest followup
May 1, 2017 4:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Three items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ABOUT THE HELICOPTER: Thanks for all the tips about Guardian 1 circling in the 26th/Roxbury vicinity within the past half-hour or so. Nothing on the scanner, so we headed over to see if we could find any police activity on the ground. We found deputies near Roxbury Safeway; they told our photographer that they had been looking for a shoplifting suspect who fled. Guardian 1 just happened to be up and offered to help. No word of an arrest so far.

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: Just got a note from Greg that “someone tried to break into my house on SW Charlestown St this afternoon around 2:10 pm. Alarm went off and SPD took a look as I was driving back home. Only damage was broken glass on a French door, but there is glass all over the place.”

SATURDAY ARREST FOLLOWUP: Saturday morning, we reported on an arrest in North Admiral, and recovery of a stolen Subaru. Probable-cause documents obtained today through the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirm the details we heard via radio transmissions that morning – a neighbor called 911 about a prowler in the alley behind the 2100 block of Ferry SW, and told police the prowler was seen in a vehicle. That vehicle turned out to have been stolen in Tacoma, where the 35-year-old suspect lives. He was arrested and booked into jail. We’re waiting to see what bail amount was set this afternoon, and will also be watching later this week to see if he’s charged. (6:07 PM UPDATE: His bail is set at $5,000.)

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VIDEO: City income-tax resolution gets unanimous council OK. So now what?
May 1, 2017 3:36 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

3:36 PM: A short time ago, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the idea of a “high-earner income tax,” co-sponsored by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Council President Bruce Harrell. Since it was a resolution, not legislation, all this means is that they like the idea – nothing actually happens until and unless a bill is drafted and approved. The resolution sets a goal of making that happen by mid-summer.

If you’re interested in more information about what could and might happen, a group called Trump-Proof Seattle has a town-hall meeting this Thursday in West Seattle – not a city-convened event, but Councilmember Herbold will be there – 6 pm May 4th, at Olympic Hall on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. That organization is proposing a tax it says would be “affecting only the wealthiest 5% of households … 1.5% on income in excess of $250K.” The council resolution expresses support of that, but city legislation has yet to be drafted, and “legal viability” is a big question. We’ll update this report later with video from this afternoon’s meeting.

3:51 PM: Video now added above.

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FAUNTLEROY BOULEVARD PROJECT: To break or not to break? Your thoughts sought on median options
May 1, 2017 2:34 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | Triangle | West Seattle news

In our coverage of the latest meeting about the Fauntleroy Way Boulevard Project, we noted that SDOT would soon be seeking feedback about two options for the main median – either with a break for traffic at 37th SW:

Or without:

Those graphics are now on the project page, along with a spot for you to quickly and easily tell SDOT which you would prefer – go here and scroll down. They’re accepting comments on this through May 31st.

Meantime, the project – involving Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, between 35th SW and SW Alaska – is approaching the 90 percent design milestone. And project spokesperson Kate Cole tells WSB that the newest detailed traffic-study data should be available within a week or so – we asked her about it after the topic came up at last Thursday’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting (our full report will be up tonight).

P.S. Fauntleroy Boulevard is the subject of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s next lunch meeting on May 11th – more info here.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: WSHS principal Ruth Medsker leaving; search is on for her successor
May 1, 2017 12:34 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

12:34 PM: After seven years, West Seattle High School principal Ruth Medsker is moving on. We noticed in this week’s edition of the school newsletter that WSHS parents are being sought for a hiring team to choose a new principal, so we inquired with the district’s communications office, where director Carri Campbell told us that Medsker will be the new principal at Lincoln High School, which is being modernized to reopen in north Seattle, explaining that she “is coming on early to lead the design of the school (i.e. vision, focus, courses) and will stay on as the principal.”

Medsker was appointed as WSHS principal six years ago, after almost a year as interim principal; before that, she spent five years at district HQ as director of middle and K-8 education. Campbell says an announcement’s already gone out to WSHS families and that a district-wide announcement is due later this week. We have a message out to principal Medsker for comment. (Above right, 2016 WSB photo)

ADDED MONDAY EVENING: The district provided us with the message Medsker sent to the WSHS community:

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I have been appointed as the principal of the ‘New Lincoln’ High School, scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. I am honored to lead the opening of the first comprehensive high school in Seattle since Nathan Hale opened in 1963. Opening a new high school feels like a capstone project; putting to use all I have learned during my career; most prominently my work at West Seattle High School and my work with implementing the new state graduation requirements and the recommendations set forth by the 24-credit task force. While I am sad to leave behind the West Seattle community, I am excited to continue to grow and develop as an educator and have the opportunity to lead the creation of school for the Innovation Era.

It has been a privilege to serve as the principal of West Seattle High School for the past seven years. I have loved my time working with an exceptional group of students, a dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together we have worked to build a school characterized by collaboration, academic excellence, acceptance, compassion, and positive outcomes for all students. West Seattle High School is a school where staff, students, and parents work together for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each and every child.

As the 2016-2017 year winds down and planning for next year and beyond is taking place, I am confident that the West Seattle community will continue to grow and thrive. Your unwavering commitment to the school, its students, and staff, will ensure that the mission of success and excellence will persist.

The hiring process for my replacement will commence immediately. The district will keep you updated on the process.

Thank you for an amazing seven years!

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What’s ahead for your West Seattle Monday
May 1, 2017 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on What’s ahead for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Kayakers with brant – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – with two notes about City Council and County Council today, too:

‘HIGH-EARNER INCOME TAX’ RESOLUTION @ CITY COUNCIL: West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold is introducing a resolution (co-sponsored by Council President Bruce Harrell) at this afternoon’s City Council meeting (2 pm) regarding a “high-earner” city income tax, as she explained in her most recent online update. This is a resolution – a statement of intent, not actual legislation, which theoretically would come later. There’s a public-comment period at the meeting at City Hall, and it will also be live via Seattle Channel (online or cable Channel 21).

ARTS-ACCESS TAX @ COUNTY COUNCIL: Though at one point last month the proposed arts-access sales-tax increase was reported to have stalled in County Council consideration, it’s back and a council announcement says it will be considered by county councilmembers during today’s 1:30 pm meeting. They could vote to send it to the August ballot. The meeting is at the county courthouse downtown, and will be live on KCTV (online too).

GLOBAL GENDER-EQUITY COMMUNITY NIGHT: This will be hosted 5:30-7 pm tonight at West Seattle High School by the WSHS UNICEF Club, which “wants to invite all families, parents, and students around West Seattle! It is going to be a fun evening full of activities and learning about how education, gender equity, and the power of women all play a role in the global theater. Come be inspired by the youth of your community and their passions.” (3000 California SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Library – bring the kids! (35th SW/SW Raymond)

MONDAY NIGHT QUIZ: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, all ages, prizes! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

And a traffic-alert reminder, again:

OVERNIGHT BRIDGE CLOSURES SET TO START TONIGHT: 9 pm until 5 am tonight, the west end of the West Seattle Bridge – west of Delridge – is set to be closed for streetlight work. Here’s the SDOT advisory.

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GETTING MARRIED? South Park Rainbow Bingo has an invitation for you
May 1, 2017 9:40 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

Our neighbors at the South Park Senior Center have Rainbow Bingo fundraisers, as does the West Seattle Senior Center, and SP has a special search under way – they want to make sure West Seattleites hear about it too:

If you can’t read the flyer – in short, they’re looking for a couple who would be interested in having their wedding as part of South Park Rainbow Bingo on June 10th: “There will be guests and dinner and drinks, a beautiful wedding cake just for you … all legally officiated by Aunt Betty Malone.” In less than 100 words, explain why you and your fiancé/fiancee are THE couple for this wedding – e-mail to dlr98116@gmail.com and auntbettymalone@gmail.com by May 20th.

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YOU CAN HELP: Morgan Junction community cleanup next Sunday
May 1, 2017 8:50 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Morgan Junction community cleanup next Sunday
 |   How to help | West Seattle news


(Photos courtesy Jill Boone, from 2016 cleanup)

Live/work/shop/dine/study (or …) in Morgan Junction? Show some love for the neighborhood! Next Sunday (May 7th), Jill Boone is organizing a community cleanup, and hoping you’ll RSVP ASAP if you can help, so she can have enough supplies on hand:

Bring your kids or partners or friends and come help us make our streets litter free! On Sunday, May 7 at 9 AM we will gather on the sidewalk near Domino’s and Thriftway and then spread out in groups or families to pick up litter on both sides of the street.

Children are encouraged to come (with parents)! This is a wonderful give-back to your community that even little ones can participate in. I will pick up grabbers and bags from (the city) and if you need them, gloves.

For little tykes, I suggest bringing along a pair of kitchen tongs for them to use.

Last year, Zephyr at age 3 did a great job getting cigarette butts with his tongs. A little bucket might help too.

Last year we cleaned up along 35th in the pouring rain and we still had 8 intrepid volunteers. Hopefully, we will have sunny or at least dry weather this year. And we plan to do this at least once a month through the summer season.

Please RSVP if you are going to come, so that I can get sufficient litter grabbers from the city. You can RSVP by emailing me at litterleague@gmail.com ! Tell me how many of you and ages of kids coming. Let me know if you need gloves too and what size.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch, with May Day alerts & nighttime bridge closure
May 1, 2017 6:51 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:51 AM: Good morning. No incidents in or from West Seattle right now, but two reminders for the day ahead:

MAY DAY: Here are the alerts about the protests with permits and possible transit effects, as well as what we found about protests without permits. We’ll be monitoring throughout the day.

WEST END OF BRIDGE TO CLOSE TONIGHT: The first overnight closure for streetlight work on the west end of the high bridge is scheduled to start at 9 pm tonight, west of Delridge. Here’s the alert SDOT originally sent two weeks ago.

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PHOTOS: Weekend scenes from West Seattle shores
May 1, 2017 1:17 am
|    Comments Off on PHOTOS: Weekend scenes from West Seattle shores
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks for the great photos sent this weekend! Here are a half-dozen more:

That’s Paul Walchenbach‘s aerial view of Alki during Sunday afternoon’s low tide. (Yes, the drone was operated from outside the park.) Next, from Guy and Joy Smith near Alki Point:

They explained, “For the last several days at Alki Point, large groups of sea lions have been feeding on schools of either smelt or herring. The seagulls get in on the action too. We’ve lived here for 23 years and have never noticed this before.” (Ed and Terry also mentioned the unusual sea lion activity.)

Matthew Saporito photographed a Great Blue Heron at Constellation Park:

A few miles away, Max Szyszkowski caught the beauty of the bay and downtown from Duwamish Head:

Another bird sighting – a pelagic cormorant photographed by Bruce Easter:

And from Jim Borrow, a busy sunset:

Thanks again – editor@westseattleblog.com is the best way to get us photos – and we have more in queue!

P.S. We mentioned earlier that May will have a round of tides even lower than the ones these past few days – they start on Thursday, May 25, and will continue through Memorial Day.

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MAY DAY: What you need to know about what’s planned, and unplanned, in Seattle on Monday, so far
April 30, 2017 10:37 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

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(WSB photo of police awaiting protesters under east end of West Seattle Bridge, May Day 2016)

Lots of alerts have been circulating for the past few days about how May Day protests and marches might affect downtown and the surrounding areas tomorrow.

Nothing is specifically planned in West Seattle – but last year, you might recall, we picked up coverage in the evening as one group of demonstrators got close to the east end of the bridge – police kept them from actually getting onto the bridge.

So we’ll be monitoring everything closely throughout the day..

TWO MARCHES WITH PERMITS: A small demonstration is planned to start around 8:45 am downtown, south from 2nd and University; a much-larger march is expected from Judkins Park to Seattle Center starting at 1 pm. More details on both are in this SDOT alert.

METRO’S PLAN: Read it here. Bottom line: “All bus service that travels near or through the downtown Seattle area might be subject to delays during and after Monday afternoon’s events. Bus riders are advised to plan ahead for longer trips, revise travel plans if necessary and allow plenty of travel time.”

THE WILD CARD(S): Demonstrations that haven’t applied for permits can’t be predicted. And last year can’t be used as much of a comparison since May Day was on a Sunday. But a websearch for May Day 2017 in Seattle brings up mentions of an 11 am “March on Amazon” from Westlake Park plus two 6 pm rally/marches – one from Judkins Park, one from/at Westlake Park. We’ll add anything more we find.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Westside School’s volleyball champions
April 30, 2017 10:11 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! Westside School’s volleyball champions
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks to Meg Halverson for the photo and report:

This afternoon at Bishop Blanchet, Westside School‘s 8th-grade girls’ volleyball team beat Holy Rosary-Edmonds to take the AA CYO title in two games. Westside’s team was undefeated this season. Go Wolves!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car break-in; Crime Prevention Coordinator’s first newsletter
April 30, 2017 8:14 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, a reader report and the first newsletter from the Southwest Precinct‘s new Crime Prevention Coordinator:

CAR PROWL: From Ian – “My family and I got our car broken into last night and misc items taken. We must have both accidentally left the car doors unlocked as no forced entry. We live on 37th and Genesee. [map] Please keep an eye out!”

CRIME PREVENTION COORDINATOR’S NEWSLETTER: Even if you haven’t met Jennifer Burbridge, the Southwest Precinct’s new crime-prevention coordinator, in person, you might feel like you know her through our recent reports – the announcement of her hiring, our subsequent interview, and her talk at last week’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network meeting. She told that group she’ll be writing a monthly newsletter; here’s the first edition:

(If it’s easier for you to read, here’s the PDF version.)

MISSED OUR CRIME WATCH COVERAGE FROM EARLIER THIS WEEKEND? See the links on the CW page.

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SUNSET WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas off West Seattle again
April 30, 2017 7:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife


(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson)

7:15 PM: Thanks to Jason, who’s been updating us on southbound orcas that might make it to West Seattle before dusk – newest update, they’re passing Golden Gardens Park (west of Ballard). Let us know if you see them!

7:33 PM: Another update – they’re reported to be crossing the mouth of Elliott Bay.

7:50 PM: In view from Alki (per another texter).

9:51 AM: Photo added – thanks to David Hutchinson for the view of an orca passing the north end of Constellation Park around 8 pm.

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HAPPENING NOW: Rajaa Gharbi’s West Seattle gallery-opening reception
April 30, 2017 5:22 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Rajaa Gharbi’s West Seattle gallery-opening reception
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Artist Rajaa Gharbi has lived in West Seattle for seven years and has just opened her own gallery north of The Junction, upstairs at 4425 41st SW, where her grand-opening reception is happening right now, until 7 tonight.

Gharbi explained that she had noticed West Seattle had no solo-artist galleries – and the time seemed right to open her own. She is a much-honored poet as well as visual artist – as you’ll see in her biography – and a trailblazer, including having been the first Tunisian woman (she was born and raised in Tunisia) to work as a salaried marionettist, and the “first North African English-language poet in the United States to have been published and awarded public funding for literary work.” She told us she is still settling on official gallery hours, but you can definitely go until 7 tonight – as noted in our West Seattle Sunday preview, some of her framed prints are on sale during the opening as a benefit for K-Love 4 Art.

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West Seattle scene: Flamingo-flocking fundraiser
April 30, 2017 4:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

“D in West Seattle” sent that photo this week after the flamingo flock turned up outside a neighbor’s house. It’s been a few years since the peak of the flamingo-flocking fad, and D wondered what we might have heard about who’s doing this right now (and why). The sign in the photo was a big hint – we found contact info online for the West Seattle branch of Young Life, a faith-based organization, and area director Alison Bray answered our inquiry: They’re flocking through July as a fundraiser, $50, West Seattle/White Center area only: “All donations help local middle-school and high-school students attend camp this summer.” If you’re interested, you can contact Alison – alisonb.yl@gmail.com.

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COUNTDOWN: 3 weeks to the 2017 West Seattle 5K on May 21!
April 30, 2017 3:57 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 3 weeks to the 2017 West Seattle 5K on May 21!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One of the year’s biggest school fundraisers is just three weeks away: Sunday, May 21st, starting around 9:20 am, you can run, jog, walk, or roll in the West Seattle 5K. This is the ninth year for the WS5K, which takes you all along Alki, from the starting line near 61st SW/Alki SW, to Anchor Park and back. It’s been presented every May since 2009 by the West Seattle High School PTSA (with co-sponsors including WSB), and the proceeds go to programs for WSHS students. Your registration also gets you a cool T-shirt with the new logo (at right). Kids 6 and under run/walk for free. Don’t procrastinate – you can sign up here, now.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize this vandal?
April 30, 2017 12:29 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

South Delridge neighbors caught a tagger on camera in an alley in the 8800 block of 17th SW:

The tag left behind after the sighting on Friday was the anarchy symbol:

Now SPD has put out a citywide call to identify the tagger. Neighbors also shared these video clips with us:

If you know who this is, SPD says, call 911.

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BEFORE & AFTER: Boy Scout Troop 282’s landscaping makeover at Tibbetts UMC
April 30, 2017 11:20 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

When we stopped by the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) book sale last weekend, we spotted Boy Scout Troop 282 working on the landscape and included a photo in our report. Now, it’s just been finished. Here are the before and after photos:

A troop parent sent the photos and update:

Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st Ave. SW) now has a new look, thanks to the hard work contributed by West Seattle Boy Scout Troop 282 and other recruited volunteers. This Eagle Scout Project, organized and led by Cade Carney, made considerable improvements to the landscape in the front of the building.

Work has been underway for several weeks but (Saturday) the last capstone was placed, completing the project.

Thanks to everyone who shares news of community volunteering and giving, and other good work – editor@westseattleblog.com any time!

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West Seattle Sunday: From the beach to the stage, and beyond…
April 30, 2017 7:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Brant, photographed by David Hutchinson, who says, “One of the benefits of being a Seal Sitter is to be out along the shoreline. Lots of wildlife to view, including large groups of Brant along Alki Beach, getting ready for their trip north.”)

Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, wander the street in the heart of The Junction and see what’s fresh! (California between Oregon and Alaska)

MASTER GARDENERS @ FARMERS’ MARKET: Have a gardening question/plant issue? 10 am-2 pm, it’s the Master Gardeners‘ first clinic of the season at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market – look for their booth. (California between Oregon and Alaska)

ROCK AND GEM SHOW: The West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual show continues today, 10 am-5 pm at the Masonic Center in The Junction. Free and fun, with activities as well as displays. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD WORK PARTY: 10 am-1 pm, you’re invited to the Community Orchard of West Seattle on Puget Ridge to help out – details in our calendar listing. North end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

WELCOME ROAD WINERY’S SPRING RELEASE: Noon-4 pm, at the tasting room for Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor): “Enjoy noshes paired with our new summer-ready releases, including a Malbec fit for BBQ and our new Semillon.” (3804 California SW)

LOOKING FOR PRESCHOOL? Noon-2 pm, open house at Holy Rosary School‘s preschool – details in our calendar listing. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

OPEN HOUSE: If you’re looking for a home, 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath 6733 48th SW near Lowman Beach has an open house 1-4 pm today and it’s being advertised on WSB to get the word out.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Speaking of the beach – at 2:41 pm, it’s a -2.1′ low-low tide. You might even see a Dungeness crab, as did Heather‘s son at Constellation Park:

If you can’t get out today, maybe next month, when the lowest tides will be even lower – some below -3′.

‘BYE, BYE BIRDIE’: 2:30 pm curtain time for the final performance of Seattle Lutheran High School‘s production of the classic musical, in the gym. (4100 SW Genesee)

GET ON STAGE/GET INVOLVED: Open-microphone event for all ages with Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) at The Skylark next door. Sign up at 3 pm, get on stage starting at 4 pm, find out about this month’s beneficiary Social Justice Fund NW, which will have a representative there. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

UKESTRA AT C & P: The 14-member ukulele ensemble will perform at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm.

‘FIRST DATE’: 3 pm curtain time for Twelfth Night Productions‘ comedy, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

RAJAA GHARBI’S OPENING RECEPTION: 4-7 pm, you’re invited to international artist/poet Rajaa Gharbi‘s new studio/gallery in The Junction for the opening reception: “Framed prints of selected paintings and drawings from Rajaa’s exhibitions held between 1987 and 2015 will be sold with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting local nonprofit K-Love 4 Art.”

(That work – image provided by the gallery – is titled “Moons, Desires, and Rumi’s Mistresses.”) More info in our calendar listing. (4425 41st SW)

THERE’S MORE … as you’ll see on our complete-calendar page!

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From the Driveway of Delights to ‘classy junk,’ 310+ sellers readying for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 13
April 29, 2017 11:02 pm
|    Comments Off on From the Driveway of Delights to ‘classy junk,’ 310+ sellers readying for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 13
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

It’s a map-making, listing-checking marathon here as we get ready for the 13th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coming up on Saturday, May 13th – just two weeks to go. More than 310 sales are registered, from Pigeon Point to Brace Point, Puget Ridge to South Delridge, North Admiral to North Shorewood, and just about every West Seattle (and a bit beyond) neighborhood inbetween.

If you’re a seller, please watch your e-mail in case we have to send you a followup question – an address accidentally missing a digit, that type of thing. (And anyone with a question, seller or shopper, can send it to our special mailbox for WSCGSD, garagesale@westseattleblog.com.) We invited sellers to be as eye-catching as possible with their up-to-20-word listings, and here’s some of what we’ve seen so far:

*Sellers describing themselves as “Aging Hipster and 10-year-old son”
*Sellers describing themselves as “retired teachers/grandparents reluctantly selling” kids’ books and toys
*Unique items including a sailboat, kayak, cut flowers, antique Schwinn bike, BB8, mid-century sink, “raining lamp,” surfboard, glass art by an artist “clearing inventory at great prices”
*An invitation to “come get Burning Man gear”
*Many mentions of junk – from “no junk” to “classy junk”
*Our favorite description of sale site so far: The Driveway of Delights

That’s just a sampling as we go through the listings. Many more previews to come. Look for the online and printable maps/listings here (and on westseattlegaragesale.com, our official WSCGSD website) next Saturday (May 6th), and be ready to sell/shop/meet neighbors/all of the above on May 13th!

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COUNTDOWN: 3 weeks until West Seattle Bee Festival on May 20th!
April 29, 2017 8:17 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 3 weeks until West Seattle Bee Festival on May 20th!
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: West Seattle Bee Festival parade participants)

We’re continuing to count down to more of West Seattle’s awesome spring and summer events, and we are now just 3 weeks away from this year’s West Seattle Bee Festival, 10 am-3 pm Saturday, May 20th, at High Point Commons Park, home of the West Seattle Bee Garden, just north of HP Neighborhood House at 6400 Sylvan Way SW.

Before the festival, you’re invited to be part of the Honey Run at 8:30 am:

The Honey Run is a free, informal, fun run for all ages that takes place at High Point Commons Park. One lap around the park is 1K. Runners compete to see how many laps they can do, and in how short a time. The earlier start time will allow runners or walkers time to do more laps – last year, the parade was on their heels on the same course.

The kids’ and pets’ parade is at 11 am, after an hour of getting ready – face painting, dressing up as bees and flowers, etc. It will be led by the Big Bee, which organizers explain is “a huge puppet and drum inspired by the traditional dragon dance from Asia. The High Point Vietnamese community designed, built and will operate this exciting spectacle!”

Other West Seattle Bee Festival features:

*See, and learn more about, bees, with Puget Sound Beekeepers. Find out how you can help bees survive and thrive. (Hive demo at noon!)

*Music and food

*Street fair showcasing businesses, community groups, and organizations focusing on environmental sustainability, providing community resources, and/or helping support bees. The fair also includes a Plant/Seed/Tool Swap again this year – “bring your excess plants, seeds, or tools … and take home what you find!” It’ll be near the north end of the fair, which runs 11 am-2 pm.

IMG_3686

*Unusual pollinators, presented by Woodland Park Zoo noon-2 pm (above, Jungle Nymph photographed last year)

*Art activities for kids with artist Kimisha Turner

Watch the Bee Festival webpage as the festival gets closer!

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WEST SEATTLE WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas reported in the area
April 29, 2017 6:09 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas reported in the area
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

6:09 PM: Thanks for the tips – we’ve had scattered reports of orcas in the area this afternoon but right now, multiple reports that they’re visible off Blake Island, headed north. Let us know if you see them!

7:03 PM: Just got a text (206-293-6302 is our 24/7 number) from someone who saw them from the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry. So if you’re looking … they’re still out there, and there’s still enough light at this point of the evening to facilitate whale-watching!

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HAPPENING NOW: 4 West Seattle stops today on NW Green Home Tour
April 29, 2017 2:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Until 5 pm, you can visit 4 West Seattle stops on the free Northwest Green Home Tour. Here’s the list, south to north:

9323 31ST PLACE SW: Above, Parie Hines of LD Arch Design (WSB sponsor), architect for two of today’s stops. This one transformed a “typical warbox” with “a family-sized porch & 2-story addition.” The builders were Mighty House Construction, whose Doug Elfline is there talking with visitors, too.

3726 SW AUSTIN: Mighty House also remodeled the kitchen that’s being shown off at this stop.

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY: As noted when it opened, the expansion building here was designed by Hines and built by Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), whose co-proprietor Anne Higuera was leading a tour when we stopped by:

The tour website explains that while this is a commercial building, “it features many strategies that can be used in green homes.”

2608 46TH SW: The northernmost stop is a “granny flat” behind the house where the granny’s family lives. This project is by Lastingnest Inc. and SAGE Designs NW.

While the tour continues tomorrow, the West Seattle stops are today only, until 5 pm.

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