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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday reports
November 5, 2012 6:57 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT camera looking at northbound 99 @ Lander; West Seattle Bridge cams not working currently)
Nothing major reported as the day begins – let us know if you find otherwise. Both West Seattle Bridge cameras are broken again today, and checking the WSB Traffic page, another one in this area is out of commission too – we will follow up with SDOT today to see what’s going on.

TRANSIT REMINDER: As noted here again last night, RapidRide C Line is supposed to get 2 more runs during the evening commute, starting night (and 2 beyond that, starting November 13th).

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Another progress report: Fauntleroy Creek salmon set record
November 5, 2012 2:22 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Never mind counting votes. That whiteboard holds the count that mattered the most in West Seattle this weekend – at Fauntleroy Creek. One week after the salmon-welcoming ceremony that included the then-sad news that only seven spawners had approached, and none had made it past a hungry otter – the turnabout is huge.

This is already the biggest season since spawners returned to the creek after a “fishway” replaced a culvert a decade-plus ago:

As of Sunday evening, reported creek steward/volunteer Judy Pickens (above, with visitors Mira Ellis, 3, and Peggy Rubens-Ellis), at least 238 spawners had been counted – exponentially more than the past few years, and by far beating the 2001 record of 167. Here’s what it’s all about:

Those are salmon eggs – the hope for the next generation. More of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ images from the creek this weekend, as the update continues ahead:

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West Seattle Hi-Yu: Float ideas at meeting tonight; scholarship-program applications continue
November 5, 2012 1:13 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu: Float ideas at meeting tonight; scholarship-program applications continue
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

(WSB photo of Hi-Yu float/royalty in this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade)
Parade lover? Your idea could inspire the next West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival parade float, traveling around the region. The discussion starts tonight at the Hi-Yu meeting – open to anyone, 6:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Hall (California/Spokane, just south of West Seattle High School). Hi-Yu also is taking pre-orders for its trademark benefit Christmas ornaments made from hand-blown glass, $20 each, and till the end of this month, applications will be accepted for the scholarship program choosing a Senior Court for next year. Full details are in our original announcement from last month; here’s the direct link to the application.

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Progress report: Roxhill Castle, going into day 4
November 4, 2012 10:11 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As former devotees of the old Roxhill Castle play structure – when our now-teenager was playground age – we were surprised to see, on a visit at sunset tonight, how much the in-progress new Roxhill Castle reminds us of its predecessor. Even the components alongside the main structure:

That was the point, of course – why community members and the project team ultimately fought to get a replacement structure that wasn’t “just like every other playground nowadays,” though it cost a bit extra and required the community construction work that is happening right now.

Two more days of construction are scheduled – and as one volunteer wrote in a comment on the photo gallery published here earlier today, “WE NEED YOU!” We noticed in our end-of-day visit that there’s plenty of room for more volunteers. Your help would be the icing on the cake – or perhaps, the turret on the castle:

They’re scheduled to be back at work at 8 tomorrow morning at the park along 29th SW south of Barton – more info here. If it’s any incentive – local businesses have been donating food, including a round of Zippy’s Giant Burgers (as noted on Facebook tonight) and Stuffed Cakes (as noted on FB last night).

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Final draft before school-levy vote: Arbor Heights Elementary rebuild ‘earlier if feasible’
November 4, 2012 9:00 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you are interested in speaking at this Wednesday’s School Board meeting, before board members’ final vote on the project list for the BEX IV levy that goes to voters in February, you need to call or e-mail starting at 8 am tomorrow (as explained here). The agenda is available online now, and it contains the final levy draft, pending any amendments proposed Wednesday. Here’s what’s in that draft (see the list here) for West Seattle:

*Expanded/renovated Fairmount Park Elementary to open 2014

*Rebuilt Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill site to open 2015

*Rebuilt Arbor Heights Elementary to open 2018, with the added language “or earlier if feasible” (district officials have said they could explore alternative financing, but not until after the levy passes)

*Roof work at Gatewood Elementary

*Earthquake-safety work at Alki, Gatewood, Lafayette, Roxhill Elementaries

The levy would collect almost $695 million over six years, as noted in the full text (which you can read here). Tuesday’s agenda also includes the proposed final vote on the $550 million operations levy that would go to voters in the same election next February (resolution text here). Here’s the full agenda for Wednesday’s board meeting, which starts at 4:15 pm – with public comment at 5 – at district HQ in SODO.

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RapidRide reminder: C Line adds two evening trips tomorrow
November 4, 2012 6:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

The announcement didn’t come till late Friday, so in case you missed it, we’re mentioning it again tonight: Metro Transit says it’s adding two more RapidRide C Line trips during the evening commute starting tomorrow (Monday), and then another two starting Tuesday, November 13th (Monday 11/12 is the Veterans Day holiday). Metro managers hope the added buses will alleviate “gaps in bus service that emerge when buses are delayed between 5:15 and 6:45 pm,” according to the Metro announcement.

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Congratulations, Westside Wildcat Midgets – football champs!
November 4, 2012 6:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Michelle for the report and photo trumpeting this good news about the Northwest Junior Football League‘s new “midget”-class champs:

On Saturday, the Westside Wildcat Midgets (ages 8-11) played a brilliant game to beat Mukilteo in the championship game of the season. They play in the Northwest Junior Football League, for the Westside Wildcat franchise, with home field at Hiawatha Community Center.

Here’s the bracket showing what they went through to finish on top. Congratulations!

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Community Orchard of West Seattle searching for fruit-tree expert
November 4, 2012 5:16 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Three dozen fruit trees on trellises at the Community Orchard of West Seattle are in need of somebody special to plan their care and their future. Here’s the announcement from COWS:

The Community Orchard of West Seattle, located at the South Seattle Community College North Entrance (6000 16th Ave SW), is currently seeking an Intensive Fruit Trellis Volunteer Coordinator.

Did you know the 1/8-acre Community Orchard site contains 36 dwarf trellised fruit trees? These trees must be weighted and pruned in a very specific manner to stimulate fruit production. When done properly, the trellis can produce incredible apple yields in just 3 years time!

COWS is seeking someone to help plan the next steps for our intensive fruit-tree trellis and other fruit-bearing trees.

The perfect volunteer would be a landscape/horticulture student or experienced gardener with knowledge of fruit=tree care and maintenance.

This person will help to research high-intensive trellis care, and develop a plan for the long-term management of this important resource.

For more information about this volunteer position, please contact the Community Orchard @ info@fruitinwestseattle.org

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West Seattle weekend scene: Southwest Library artists’ reception
November 4, 2012 4:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

It was reception day today for artists participating in the community art show at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson) – and a showgoer shared the photo of young artist Tycho proudly showing his work. The reception ended at 3 but you still have time to see the work displayed by all the participating artists – the show runs through next Friday (November 9th).

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King County executive, elections director come to West Seattle with a warning
November 4, 2012 1:06 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The staff of the King County Elections ballot-dropoff van at West Seattle Stadium (wearing orange aprons) has had a busy day already. Not only have dozens of ballots been dropped off …

… but as you can see in the top photo, they also have had a visit from their boss, County Elections Director Sherril Huff (at right in the photo above) and King County Executive Dow Constantine. He and Huff summoned media to the dropoff van to use it as a backdrop for a two-part warning: First, they warned, they strongly urge voters to only use the U.S. Mail or King County Elections facilities (dropboxes, vans, etc.) to get their ballot in. Second, they warned, if anyone takes a ballot from someone else and does not get it to the county – that’s a crime.

While they were careful not to accuse anyone of wrongdoing, they also acknowledged this comes in the wake of the King County Republican Party announcing it will have its own ballot-dropoff vans in some areas, and word that there may be some door-to-door ballot-collection efforts going on (the county does NOT have anyone doing that). The GOP has said it is trying to help in areas of the county where there are no dropboxes or vans. We and other media asked the county officials today if they would be re-evaluating their policies regarding placement of those boxes and vans; Huff said no. Meantime, in West Seattle, the county van will be at the stadium till 5 pm today, again 10 am-5 pm tomorrow, and 7 am-8 pm on Tuesday (Election Day). Huff warned that post offices do not routinely postmark late at night, so if you are waiting till the last minute, don’t expect you can put your ballot in a mailbox Tuesday night and have it count.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: In case you’re interested – our unedited video of today’s event:

Find the list of county dropoff boxes/vans by going here.

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West Seattle schools: Schmitz Park students donate Halloween candy
November 4, 2012 11:10 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Those boxes photographed at Schmitz Park Elementary contain 700 pounds of candy collected after Halloween. The SP P.E. teacher, Carole Sealey, organized the drive for “Operation Stocking Stuffers,” with beneficiaries including troops serving away from home during the holidays. Ms. Sealey says, “The kids did an amazing job and I am so proud of them.”

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Election 2012: Where will you be watching on Tuesday night?
November 4, 2012 9:22 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Since it’s already Election Day Eve Eve, we’re building a list of Election Night watch parties in this area – checkbox.jpgnot just “we’ll have it on the TV in the background,” but places that are all-out marketing the events as viewing parties and will have the sound up at least for the big moments. So far, we have Skylark Café and Club in North Delridge (which had a packed party in 2008); Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction; which has a brand-new bigscreen; and OutWest Bar between Alaska and Morgan Junctions. Where else in West Seattle, White Center, South Park? Please let us know in comments here, or via e-mail (editor@westseattleblog.com).

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Video: Roxhill Castle rising, as volunteers go into Day 3
November 4, 2012 7:15 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

In photojournalist Nick Adams‘ video updating the volunteer construction under way for Roxhill Castle, the voice you hear is that of Mat McBride, a longtime community advocate who has been the volunteer ringleader for the effort to get the play structure built. This afternoon will mark the midway point of the five-day build, whose roots go back more than 4 years, to the project list for the Parks and Green Spaces Levy, which included money for renovating Roxhill Playground. Now, the actual construction of the new Roxhill Castle is here, powered by hundreds of volunteers.

It’s also powered by tools from the West Seattle Tool Library:

See more of how Roxhill Castle is rising, in 15 photos ahead:
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West Seattle Sunday: House, castle, market, music…
November 4, 2012 6:52 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: House, castle, market, music…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

You might just see that blue-house-on-wheels around West Seattle between noon-2 pm today. No, it is NOT on its way to a parade — here’s what it’s really all about. As for what else is up on a fairly quiet Sunday schedule, here are a few highlights:

YOU ‘FELL BACK,’ RIGHT? Just checking. At 2 am today, we “fell back” to 1 am, as Daylight-Saving Time ended for the year. This means an earlier sunrise and sunset today – you can always check those times on the WSB West Seattle Weather page, by the way.

BUILDING ROXHILL CASTLE, DAY THREE: Sometime today, the volunteers building the new playground at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton, just south of Westwood Village) should be halfway done. Even if you didn’t sign up in advance, you are welcome to show up and pitch in, starting around 8 am.

FARMERS’ MARKET BACK TO ITS USUAL SPOT: One week after last weekend’s wildly successful West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, you will find the WS Farmers’ Market back in its usual spot at 44th/Alaska today, 10 am-2 pm.

BALLOT DROPOFF VAN, DAY THREE: 10 am-5 pm, the county’s ballot-dropoff van will be back on the West Seattle Stadium driveway (turn east into the stadium from 35th SW just south of Avalon). Already sent your ballot? Use the Ballot Tracker to make sure it got to its destination.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: 3 Play Ricochet, 3-5 pm at C & P (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK CAFE: Wynne C Blue and Her Troublefakers, 3 pm (all ages), 3803 Delridge Way SW.

MUSIC NORTHWEST: At South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor)’s Olympic Recital Hall, it’s a Beethoven program with The Europa Ensemble. 3 pm – full details here.

FRIED CHICKEN SUPPER: Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) is returning as a WSB sponsor to make sure you know they serve “family style” fried-chicken suppers on Sunday nights, 5 pm-10 pm … read about it here.

More options for today/tonight – and far beyond! – are on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

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The WSBeat: Liquor theft; gun found; bus trouble…
November 4, 2012 6:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

As always, the WSBeat summaries are from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers, incidents that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?”:

*A 20-year-old and a 17-year-old high school student were picked up at 39th SW and Admiral Way on Monday afternoon after they stole liquor and bottles of soda from an Admiral grocery. The older was booked into King County Jail for investigation of shoplifting. The younger was released to his grandmother at the Southwest Precinct.

Five more summaries ahead:Read More

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High-school football: Senior Night for Seattle Lutheran HS
November 4, 2012 4:54 am
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Senior Night for Seattle Lutheran HS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
At West Seattle Stadium on Friday night, it was Senior Night for the Seattle Lutheran High School football team — our area’s last regular-season game of this year’s high-school-football season. While they didn’t come away with a win against visiting Tacoma Baptist – which went home the winner, 46-8 – it was a memorable night, with much to cheer for:

Eleven more game photos by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, ahead:

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West Seattle Torah Learning Center plans Mezuzah Day next Sunday
November 4, 2012 1:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Torah Learning Center plans Mezuzah Day next Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

One week from today, on Sunday, November 11th, the rabbi who leads the West Seattle Torah Learning Center is planning a busy day – installing a mezuzah at the home/apartment of any Jewish West Seattleite who doesn’t have one but would like one. Here’s the TLC’s announcement:

No Jewish home should have an empty doorpost. Rabbi Yehuda Greer [photo at left], the newest rabbi to serve as spiritual leader of West Seattle’s Torah Learning Center, is available on Sunday, November 11, to make a “house call” and provide Jewish West Seattleites with an authentic, “kosher” mezuzah scroll (which contains essential texts from the Bible handwritten in tiny Hebrew calligraphy). He’ll also provide guidance in reciting the appropriate blessings and assistance in putting the mezuzah up at the entrance to the home or apartment. This Mezuzah Day is a great opportunity to meet Rabbi Greer and others in West Seattle’s Jewish Community and to get a free mezuzah!

This event is sponsored by the The West Seattle Torah Learning Center (TLC) which draws participants from a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds and affiliations to its Shabbat and holiday celebrations, classes and social events. TLC is a project of The Seattle Kollel. For more information about the West Seattle TLC or to reserve a time slot on Mezuzah Day, contact Rabbi Yehuda Greer at rabbigreer@gmail.com or 732.534.2284 as soon as possible.

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Green Seattle Day with Friends of Lincoln Park: A success!
November 3, 2012 9:53 pm
|    Comments Off on Green Seattle Day with Friends of Lincoln Park: A success!
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

Friends of Lincoln Park sends a public thank-you tonight after a big day. From Lisa McGinty, who also shared the photo:

Thanks to everyone for joining Friends of Lincoln Park during our Green Seattle Day event at Lincoln Park! We had more than 35 volunteers, including lots of young ‘forest stewards’. The rain held out and everyone chipped in and helped find a good home for more than 250 trees and plants at our chosen restoration site. We’ll continue to maintain and manage the site along with all the other great spots that need our help in the park.

If you are interested in joining our efforts, we meet every first Saturday and third Sunday of the month. Visit our site for details: friendsoflincolnpark.org.

Lincoln Park was one of three West Seattle sites during today’s special Green Seattle Day round of work parties.

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West Seattle wildlife: ‘Sealy Dan’ the pup goes kayaking
November 3, 2012 5:21 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos by Robin Lindsey)
When the Seal Sitters‘ hotline – 206-905-SEAL – rings, “there’s a seal on the beach” is the most common report. Not this time: “There’s a seal on a kayak!” instead. Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey shares the photos and tells the story:

Yesterday afternoon, Seal Sitters hotline operator Tess received a call that a seal pup had hopped aboard a passing kayak and the boater wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. Jeff Kelley and his son, who was visiting from Brooklyn, were taking a spin in their kayaks around Elliott Bay when a pup started trailing them. Suddenly, the pup jumped onto the back of the kayak and was not particularly interested in returning to the water – after well over 30 minutes, they contacted Seal Sitters for advice.

A tired seal pup will sometimes rest on a log in the water – or even hop on a passing logboom being towed by a tugboat to catch a snooze. Or, a kayak or paddleboard. Jeff and his son did exactly the right thing: they let the pup rest, remained in the area and then gently encouraged the pup to abandon ship when they needed to move along on their journey.

Robin has published a longer version of the story on the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site – see it here.

P.S. Another report tells the story of Ma Kai, a pup who’s been showing up nightly for a while – and posing quite the challenge.

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High-school postseason: Sealth, WSHS volleyball finales
November 3, 2012 4:52 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school postseason: Sealth, WSHS volleyball finales
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The postseason has come to an end for West Seattle’s two biggest high schools, after one last round of play.

Both Chief Sealth International High School (above) and West Seattle High School (top) played their final games of this postseason Thursday night in Bellevue. Neither won, but both had seasons to be proud of. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was at the games at Sammamish High School, and we have a few last looks at the hard-hitting athletes:

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Election 2012: Another view of the ballot-dropoff van team
November 3, 2012 4:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

We’re going to nag you – or, at least, gently remind you – every day: Dropped off (or mailed) your ballot yet? Today’s image of the dropoff-van team at West Seattle Stadium is courtesy of Admiral photographer David Perry. You can catch them there – drive up, ride up, walk up – till 5 pm today, then again 10 am-5 pm Sunday and Monday, and 7 am-8 pm Tuesday (at which time the voting ends and ballot-tallying begins).

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West Seattle business milestones: Cloud City Skateboard Shop; Stuffed Cakes; Treehouse Lounge
November 3, 2012 2:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

CLOUD CITY SKATEBOARD SHOP OPENS: It’s grand-opening day for (from left) Tony Kappo and Michael Lenoir, who have just opened their store at 3270 California SW. The merchandise includes skateboards, T-shirts, footwear, and stickers – you’ll see some of it on the shop’s Facebook page. They’ll be open till 9 tonight.

STUFFED CAKES CELEBRATES: Till 3 pm, you’re invited to the birthday party for Stuffed Cakes at 9003 35th SW – including mini-cakes and face-painting, which even proprietor Donna Lawson indulged in:

It’s a double birthday – 2 years for her business, 1 year in the storefront.

TREEHOUSE LOUNGE’S FIRST WEEKEND: We actually stopped in Halloween night to check it out:

It’s the new beer/wine lounge at Mind Unwind, 2206 California SW in The Admiral District, created by Zach, Jason, and Krystal. They’re open 5-midnight Wednesdays-Sundays.

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Happening now: Roxhill Castle playground construction, day 2
November 3, 2012 12:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Joe Szilagyi for sending video and photos showing what’s happening today at the Roxhill Castle volunteer-powered construction site at Roxhill Park in Westwood. It’s day 2 of the project – with volunteers working all day (in shifts), rain or shine, for five days, to put up the play structure that replaced its also-community-built predecessor. Still lots of opportunities for YOU to help – this page on the Roxhill Castle website explains how, or just drop by the park (29th SW at Barton) and get going.

5:35 PM UPDATE: Just received photos from Lisa Stencel, who says, “It’s looking great!” as day 2 of (projected) 5 wraps up:

Every volunteer makes a difference!

In case you weren’t keeping track – a skatespot is being built right next to the Roxhill playground (though that one is NOT a volunteer operation), so this is going to be a recreation hotspot more than ever before.

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