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Road trip – by sea! West Seattle High School Band in Victoria
May 17, 2014 4:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Behind the band, that’s the historic Empress hotel in Victoria)
If you happen to be visiting Victoria this weekend, be on the lookout for the West Seattle High School Marching Band! Parent Steve W shares photos and this report:

The WSHS Marching Band, under direction of Ethan Thomas, is spending the weekend in Victoria for the Victoria Day Parade and other events. We rode the Clipper up this morning and just finished our first performance at the Lower Causeway.

(And behind the band from this angle, that’s the Parliamentary building in B.C.)
The Victoria Day Parade is the provincial capital’s biggest parade of the year, and is coming up on Monday, the provincial holiday celebrated in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday.

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West Seattle scene: Mack Strong @ Thriftway benefit barbecue
May 17, 2014 3:09 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Mack Strong @ Thriftway benefit barbecue
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Getting to the goal lines of life requires help sometimes – and that’s what retired 14-season Seahawk Mack Strong‘s Team-Works Foundation is all about, helping hundreds of kids every year. We photographed Strong this afternoon outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), where the first official benefit barbecue of the season raised $ for the foundation, led by Strong and wife Zoe Higheagle Strong, founded more than a decade ago. As the poster next to him in the photo points out, the foundation’s biggest benefit of the year is coming up in mid-July, a golf tournament and dinner/auction (registration/tickets are available online). Next Thriftway barbecue, meantime, is coming up in two weeks (since next weekend brings Memorial Day, you’re probably having your own barbecue).

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One day until Zumbathon benefit for Transitional Resources
May 17, 2014 1:35 pm
|    Comments Off on One day until Zumbathon benefit for Transitional Resources
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Let’s say you’re already set for the West Seattle 5K tomorrow morning, benefiting WS High School students through the PTSA. You have another chance to get moving for a good cause later in the day – Sunday afternoon, it’s the Zumbathon benefit for Transitional Resources, sponsored by an array of local businesses to assist TR in its work helping people living with mental-health challenges. Get dancing 1-3 pm Sunday with instructors Jennifer Cepeda and Annie Stilts, inside the spacious West Seattle Christian Church Activity Center at 4400 42nd SW; registration info is here.

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West Seattle coyotes: Two sightings, three animals
May 17, 2014 11:18 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

From the WSB inbox, two coyote reports – first one sent this morning by Debbie:

Just saw a coyote heading east on 108th Street toward 35th [map] in Arbor Heights.

And this note from Russell is about a Wednesday morning double sighting:

Just wanted to warn our neighbors in Gatewood that my wife spotted two very healthy coyotes in the intersection of SW Monroe Street and 41st Avenue SW [map] at 3:45 am (Wednesday morning). After a few minutes they headed south on 41st.

Our standard footnote: We share coyote reports on occasion in the interest of being educational; believe it or not, we still hear from and about people who don’t realize coyotes live in the city, or think you’ll only see them next to greenbelts, or at night, or … It’s in the coyotes’ interests and ours that we keep a wary distance apart; this info from the state explains how (including this key advice: if you see one, try to scare it away).

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More than a dozen options for your West Seattle Saturday, plus two traffic alerts
May 17, 2014 8:32 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to whomever texted us the squirrel photo on Friday (more and more people are texting photos – 206-293-6302 – which is great, except we don’t usually know the # so we don’t know who to credit!). **Update: Thanks to Shelly Aaron of West Seattle BodyWorks for the photo!**

(back to original report) Now the weekend has arrived, and here’s the slightly-delayed-by-breaking-news preview for today, starting with two traffic alerts:

ONE LANE ON CALIFORNIA SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION … because of the crane-removal work we mentioned last night. We just stopped by:

Police are directing traffic. The work could continue as late as 6 pm.

TRACTION WORK ON OLSON: Road work is scheduled this weekend at the east end of Roxbury – details here. (Added 9:16 am: We just drove through the work zone. One lane is open each way.)

And now, event highlights:

BOOK SALE AT TIBBETTS: 10 am-2 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) welcomes you to come browse the huge array of books it has for sale.

The photo sent by Tibbetts shows just a few. (3940 41st SW)

BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE AT HOPE: 9 am-3 pm, as announced: “Please stop by and support the Ensenada Christian Ministries and The Friends of Literacy at a huge sale at Hope Lutheran Church. Great items – kitchen, clothes, furniture. Everything but the kitchen sink.” (42nd/Oregon)

EMERGENCY-PREPAREDNESS DRILL: 9 am-noon at Ercolini Park west of The Junction, local Emergency Communication Hubs volunteers are practicing how information and help might be distributed if the region were dealing with a volcanic mud and ash flow. Here’s our preview. (48th/Alaska)

MORNING PERFORMANCE OF MADISON MUSICAL: 10 am, it’s the second and final performance of this year’s Madison Middle School musical, “High School Musical,” in the auditorium at West Seattle High School. See our Friday highlights for the plot summary. Tickets at the door, $15/adults, $10/students. (3000 California SW)

DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: 10 am-noon, you’re invited to help with spring cleaning at the park built around the historic former substation – BYO tools! Details here. (California/Dakota)

MEEPLES GAMES OPENS: One of West Seattle’s newest businesses, a store/café to play and buy games, is celebrating its grand opening 10 am-10 pm today, as noted here. (California/Charlestown)

THRIFTWAY BARBECUE WITH MACK STRONG: Starting around 11:30 am outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), the retired Seahawks star will be at the grill for the first official benefit barbecue of the season (bratwurst!), with proceeds going to his TEAM-WORKS Foundation. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

WEST SEATTLE 5K SIGNUPS/PACKET PICKUP: Tomorrow’s the day – the West Seattle 5K (co-sponsored by WSB) along Alki, just after 9 am. If you’re not already signed up, you don’t have to get up extra early to do it before the race – you can go to West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) today, noon-6 pm. If you’re already signed up, that’s also when you can pick up your packet in advance. (California/Charlestown)

SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE: Local nonprofit Unified Outreach invites you to Ginomai Art Center, noon-4 pm, to find out more about its cartoon-animation summer camp for youth – details here. (42nd/Genesee)

strong>LOW TIDE: -2.6 at 1:29 pm, and this is as low as it will go, this cycle. Find the tide chart any time on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.

BENEFIT FOR MUDSLIDE VICTIMS: “SOS for OSO” tonight at Skylark Café and Club, starting at 7 pm; details in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

CHORAL CONCERT: 7:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s Gatewood church; details in our calendar listing. (7141 California SW)

METAL MANIACS/AQUA NET REUNION: 9:30 pm, the title says it all for this live-music event at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – an annual event! (6451 California SW)

And just for the record …

HIGHLAND PARK UNCORKED (SOLD OUT): Just in case you wonder what’s up at Highland Park Improvement Club tonight – it’s the wildly popular annual HPIC wine event, so popular it sold out in advance. Watch hpic1919.org for next year’s announcement!

EVEN WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE … there’s still more on our calendar.

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Update: House-fire call in 4000 block SW Holgate
May 17, 2014 7:47 am
|    Comments Off on Update: House-fire call in 4000 block SW Holgate
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
7:47 AM: Big Seattle Fire response for a possible house fire in North Admiral, in the 4000 block of Holgate (map). More to come.

7:50 AM: Small fire – it’s already reported tapped, and some units are being sent back.

8:07 AM: The fire was indeed small and was on the back porch, Seattle Fire is telling us on scene. Their investigator is currently trying to figure out how it started. No injuries.

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Another Saturday reminder: Dakota Place Park cleanup
May 16, 2014 9:54 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Lots going on tomorrow, as you’ll see if you take an advance look at the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. One spotlight event to mention again in advance: Spring cleanup time at Dakota Place Park, home to the city-landmark former substation, soon to get extra space to the north. Join community volunteers 10 am-noon tomorrow. More details here, including a reminder to bring (and label) tools!

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West Seattle development: Tower-crane takedown Saturday
May 16, 2014 8:05 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Right now, four tower cranes are working at West Seattle construction projects. After tomorrow, that’ll be down – temporarily – to three. Neighbors have been informed that the crane at the Blake Apartments (5020 California SW, just south of The Junction) is coming down tomorrow (Saturday). The work is scheduled to start at 5:30 am, with another crane being brought in to remove this one, and that’s likely to affect traffic in the area. The crane has been on site for 11 months. Its departure will leave cranes at Spruce (the former “Hole” at Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th, and the two projects in the heart of The Junction; next crane to arrive in West Seattle will likely be for 4435 35th SW, which, as reported here earlier this week, is just getting going – its developer, Trinsic, tells WSB they expect their tower crane to go up in July.

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Update: Bank robbery north of The Junction
May 16, 2014 6:09 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

6:09 PM: Police are searching for someone who is reported to have robbed the Washington Federal branch at California and Dakota north of The Junction. More to come.

6:17 PM: We talked with a sergeant at the scene, who told us a “masked adult male” (ski mask type of mask) went into the bank around 5:30 pm. He demanded money, and it was “believed he had a weapon”; he escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash, a bit of which he dropped in the parking lot. Nobody is hurt. It was close to closing time so the bank is closed for the rest of the day. Police are trying to figure out if the robber had a getaway vehicle waiting nearby. This is the first bank robbery in West Seattle in a long time – we can’t find one in our archives more recent than two years ago, when our area’s other WaFed branch was held up.

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Turn it off! Free mini-workshop on Sunday to help you handle utilities post-disaster
May 16, 2014 3:13 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Preparedness | Safety | West Seattle news

The p-word – preparedness – is big around here. We know it’s tough to take time to plan or learn something you hope to never have to use – but this Sunday, if you can spare *half an hour*, it’ll be well worth it. A free city-presented mini-workshop at Southwest Branch Library will teach you what you need to know about handling household utilities in case of disaster, 1:40-2 pm:

In just 30 minutes, find out how to safely power down your household electric panel and how and when to turn off your natural gas at the meter. Join us for hands-on practice using real equipment and pick up other tips on how to secure your household water supply. Class is free, no RSVP. Come one and all.

The SW Library is at 35th/Henderson.

P.S. Also in the preparedness vein – remember that local volunteers are having a drill at Ercolini Park tomorrow morning (9-noon), so don’t be startled if you happen onto it!

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Another crash at West Seattle’s most-dangerous intersection; pavement work this weekend
May 16, 2014 2:31 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Looks like nobody was hurt, and the wrecked car is about to be towed away, but we’re making note of another crash we just passed at what statistics show as the intersection with the most crashes in West Seattle – Roxbury/Olson, at the east end of Roxbury, a car went off the road, into/by the rail. Police have the northbound/eastbound turn lane blocked on Olson, but probably not for much longer. SDOT’s Roxbury safety project remains a work in progress, with improvements promised by summer’s end – and in fact, though we don’t know if traction had anything to do with this, this is the area where pavement work to improve it is scheduled for this weekend.

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Video: Denny IMS Marching Band leads Roxhill Elementary walkers for safety celebration with Feet First
May 16, 2014 1:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A bit of a parade this morning to Roxhill Elementary School, with the Denny International Middle School Marching Band and director Marcus Pimpleton leading the way, and local elected officials walking alongside:

(That’s State Rep. Eileen Cody, right, and Seattle School Board director Marty McLaren, both West Seattleites, with Roxhill principal Sahnica Washington at left.) The occasion? As noted here earlier in the week, Feet First organized the walk-to-school event as a celebration of Safe Routes to School improvements near Roxhill, funded by a state grant. They even brought along their safety mascot, the chicken:

Safe Routes for School improvements are in the works for other West Seattle schools, as SDOT‘s Brian Dougherty told the Southwest District Council earlier this month – our report on that meeting, including his briefing and the list of projects, is here.

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Madison musical, Duwamish birds, bingo, Sinatra … and other highlights for your West Seattle Friday
May 16, 2014 10:53 am
|    Comments Off on Madison musical, Duwamish birds, bingo, Sinatra … and other highlights for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

The photo was shared by Jean Williams, a dress-rehearsal photo looking ahead to tonight’s spotlight event – the first of two performances of this year’s Madison Middle School musical:

‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’ AT MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL: Tonight at 7 pm and Saturday at 10 am, in the auditorium at West Seattle High School, it’s the third year that Madison MS is producing and performing a musical production – this time, “High School Musical,” directed by Jenny Cross. Here’s the plot summary:

The smash Disney hit starts with the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical, led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

$10 tickets in advance – or at the door, $15/adults, $10/students. For advance reservations, e-mail madisonmiddleschoolplay@gmail.com ASAP! (3000 California SW)

Also happening today/tonight:

LOW TIDE: -2.6 at 12:44 pm today and the same at 1:29 pm tomorrow. Find the tide chart any time on the WSB West Seattle Weather page.

BIRDS OF THE DUWAMISH: Hear from a naturalist at 1 pm about watching for wildlife along Seattle’s river. Free event at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

BINGO BENEFIT AT SEATTLE LUTHERAN: Support Seattle Lutheran High School athletes with an evening of bingo – every $25 ticket buys 11 games (additional bingo cards available at #2 each), food and non-alcoholic beverages (but do note, this is a 21+ event, beer/wine available for purchase). 6:30-9:30 pm in the gym; buy your ticket online here. (4100 SW Genesee)

SUE QUIGLEY AT C & P: Live music tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

FULL MOON WALK IN LINCOLN PARK: Go exploring at 8 pm – details here, including how to register. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

KAZOKU! Improvised game show at Pershing Hall, 8 pm tonight – read about it here, and go check it out! Tickets $10; get them here or at the door. (3618 SW Alaska)

FRANK FEST: Annual celebration of Frank Sinatra music at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9:30 pm, with Velveteen Lotharios. (6451 California SW)

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Bike To Work Day 2014: West Seattle, White Center scenes
May 16, 2014 9:58 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

The morning commute for today’s edition of the annual Bike To Work Day brought extra support and encouragement for local riders – above, the West Seattle Bike Connections-hosted “commute station” just west of the “low bridge.” That’s where we found Stu Hennessey:

As well as being proprietor of Alki Bike and Board, Stu also leads DIY Bikes, helping riders learn more about taking care of their bicycles. They’ll be at this Sunday’s Seattle Summer Streets event on Alki, too.

ADDED LATE FRIDAY NIGHT: Thanks to Don Brubeck from WSBC for added photos and info:

We counted 668 people on bikes at the West Seattle Bridge Bike to Work Day Commute Station hosted by West Seattle Bike Connections with Alki Bike & Board and DIY Bikes. Thanks to the Alki Starbucks for donating coffee, Nuun for drink mix, and lots of volunteer cookie bakers.

Don shared the next photo of WSBC member Jay Guettler photographing “a group of buddies on their way to work in Kent”:

And here’s West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen stopping while en route to Bike To Work Day events on the other side of the bay; behind the table, WSBC members Jason and Theresa Beaulieu and Kathy Dunn:

(back to original report) For those riding to/from points south, White Center included two commute stations – one alongside Greenbridge Plaza, next to Dubsea Coffee:

And the downtown WC business district racked up bicyclist visits too:

Local favorites including Proletariat Pizza, Caffé Delia, and Zippy’s Giant Burgers offered treats there as incentives for two-wheeling today.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday on the move; Bike To Work Day
May 16, 2014 6:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS Bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
In honor of Bike to Work Day, we’re adding the camera closest to the low bridge’s West Seattle end:

From 6-9 am, three “commute stations” are welcoming riders in West Seattle and White Center – click the markers to find out more:


View Commute Stations — Bike to Work Day presented by F5 in a larger map

Fun and treats promised at all three stops. Other notes this morning:

WEEKEND ALERTS: Here’s the citywide list of weekend events that will or might affect traffic – among them, the West Seattle 5K (last day to register online!) and Seattle Summer Streets road-closing fun on Alki on Sunday – the full race route to and from Anchor Park will close Alki SW until 11 am, and then a smaller section, between 56th and 63rd SW, will be closed 11 am-5 pm.

TAKE THE POLL YET? As first mentioned here Thursday morning, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition wants to know which taxing option(s) you would use – from the ones the city has the authority to enact – if it were up to you to decide how to get money to avoid Metro cuts. Go take the poll here (before Tuesday morning).

9:13 AM NOTE: We stopped by the local Bike To Work Day stations – separate report coming up.

9:37 AM: If you use Airport Way – take note:

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Taste of West Seattle 2014: Many winners, including WS Helpline
May 16, 2014 1:24 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Everyone was a winner at this year’s Taste of West Seattle, including the food-and-beverage fest’s hundreds of attendees, and the benefiting/organizing West Seattle Helpline, whose emergency-assistance work depends on not only Taste-goers, but sponsors/donors such as Metropolitan Market, which presented Helpline with a $10,000 check:

From left, that’s Brooks, Megan, Carol, Jude, and Brent. And then there are … the Taste winners, chosen by attendees! Fresh Bistro, which is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary, won Best Bite for its “Carlton Farms Pork Confit”, described as stuffed filo cups with pickled kohlrabi, confit pork, smoked almond butter, blackberry vin, and micro-arugula. Chef Shun, center below with Adam and Mary, created it:

The best sweet taste was won for a second consecutive year by Stuffed Cakes.

Back to the savory … Salty’s brought oyster buckets featuring Firecracker Prawns:

You can probably guess what Harry’s Chicken Joint – represented by Catherine and Patty – dished up:

Also on hand, from just about a block away, Endolyne Joe’s, with Andrea and Rich:

Lora from Hotwire Online Coffeehouse:

Did you know The Cask in the Admiral District is under new ownership? Marty was at the Taste:

And major Taste sponsor – not to mention, host! – Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering/Hall at Fauntleroy proprietor David Haggerty (below left) took a moment to pose with Rev. Ron Marshall from the Helpline board:

Also among the topline sponsors, HomeStreet Bank. Congratulations to all for a fun, successful night!

ADDED 9:18 AM FRIDAY: A few more notes courtesy of Helpline board president Brooks Riendl: More than $50,000 raised; second and third place winners in the voting, for Best Taste, #2 Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, #3 Blackboard Bistro; for Best Sweet, #2 Ma’Ono, #3 Bakery Nouveau.

(Per our customary disclosure – those mentioned above include multiple current WSB sponsors: Metropolitan Market, Salty’s on Alki, Harry’s Chicken Joint, Endolyne Joe’s, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and HomeStreet Bank. They and the dozens of other sponsors and participants all gave WS Helpline a boost by donating food, beverages, and personnel, and/or funding. Go here to find out more about what WS Helpline does.)

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High-school baseball playoffs: West Seattle HS takes 2nd in Metro
May 15, 2014 10:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
The West Seattle High School Wildcats finish the Metro League baseball tournament at #2, after tonight’s loss to O’Dea at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center. The summary, and the next two photos, are courtesy of Greg Slader:

Pitcher Larry Jensen (above) dazzled the Irish hitters with a combination of sliders and knuckleballs to keep them off balance.

Cameron Slader‘s two-run home run (above) gave the Wildcats a brief 2-1 lead through three innings. But O’Dea’s strong bats and speedy runners kept pressing, as they would eventually top West Seattle 7-3 for the Metro League title.

It’s not over for West Seattle, as they head to Centralia for the South Regional in the state tournament on May 24th. Game time will be announced next Monday.

Here’s the state-tournament bracket (no team names yet); the finals are in Pasco.

UPDATE: WSHS will play Shelton HS this Saturday (May 24th) at 10 am in Mount Vernon.

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High-school baseball playoffs: Seattle Lutheran wins first game
May 15, 2014 9:13 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school baseball playoffs: Seattle Lutheran wins first game
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Joe Puckett for the summary of this afternoon’s Seattle Lutheran High School baseball victory:

Seattle Lutheran High School won their first baseball playoff game today at Delridge Playfield against the Concrete Lions by a score of 4 to 1. Four different Sealu players had RBI’s in a well-played game. Cody Jones pitched a complete game for Sealu, giving up only 4 hits while striking out 15 Concrete batters. Seattle Lutheran will play again on Saturday at Stanwood against an opponent still to be determined.

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Memorial tomorrow for Robert E. Chaney, ‘true West Seattle guy’
May 15, 2014 8:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service and celebration are planned tomorrow (Friday, May 16th) for Robert Edmund Chaney, whose family shares this remembrance:

Mr. Robert Edmund Chaney met his Pilot face to face on May 8th at 88.

Mr. Chaney was best known as a true West Seattle guy! He was the father to Liz Chaney (Trindade) and Carolyn Camille Chaney, both of whom graduated from West Seattle High! Mr. Chaney was a true neighbor and lived in the North Admiral district since 1966.

He worked at Husky Delicatessen for more than 20 years and has been a RE Broker for Century 21 for most of his career. As a Christian minister, award-winning poet & writer, he left a powerful legacy to his other two children, Christopher Chaney of Southern California and & Kimberly Condrin of Renton WA. He has five grandchildren, Cory & Taylor Condrin, Tatiana, Lorenzo & Romeu Trindade. Mr. Chaney was one of 11 children and for the very reason he loved to have a lot of people, friends and family around. Mr. Chaney was a loving husband to Beverly Chaney (former Talent Manager to Jim Caviezel and Brendan Frasier). Mr. Chaney, Bob, was also a host father to hundreds of exchange students for over 15 years. He attended University of Oregon and Stanford with degrees in Business & Political Science.

Memorial service at Tahoma National Cemetery on May 16th, 2:00 pm, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Memorial celebration at his home in West Seattle. If you would like to attend, contact his daughter, Liz Chaney Trindade by cell, 917 435 6455; text is OK.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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New microhousing rules: Tell City Councilmembers what you think on Monday
May 15, 2014 6:06 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you feel strongly about microhousing – the new wave of mini-apartments that cluster around shared kitchens, usually one per floor – Monday’s your chance to speak to the City Council’s Planning/Land Use/Sustainability Committee about the proposed new city rules/definitions. The meeting agenda circulated today reminds us of the date, which, as reported here, was first announced last month. Here again is the council memo about the proposal; here’s the agenda. The public hearing is at 5:30 pm Monday (May 19th) in council chambers at City Hall downtown. (WSB photo: First West Seattle microhousing project to open, Footprint Delridge)

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West Seattle Summer Fest 2014: Community Tent awaits you!
May 15, 2014 4:16 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Summer Fest 2014: Community Tent awaits you!
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Summer festival season is weeks away, and planning is well underway for the biggest event of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest (co-sponsored by WSB). If you’re with a community group/nonprofit organization interested in a free chance to meet more neighbors (and prospective members/supporters), the WS Junction Association has a deal for you:

The West Seattle Junction Association is again offering the FREE Community Tent at West Seattle Summer Fest – July 11, 12, and 13. The purpose of this area at Summer Fest is to allow our small neighborhood non-profits and community groups easy access to the event and their community – free of charge!

Furry Faces Foundation has volunteered to coordinate the community tent and is now accepting requests for space from West Seattle non-profits and community groups. Furry Faces Foundation will select groups who strive to benefit, strengthen, and educate our community.

Here are the Community Tent details:

The Community Tent will be located on Alaska St . Tent, tables, and chairs will be provided. Participants are encouraged to set up their area with displays which reflect their mission and contributions to the West Seattle Community. Please feel free to bring props, brochures and such, which will entice folks to stop and chat with you about your organization. No sales please.

Shift changes will be a little cozy, so we’ll all have a chance to get friendly and help each other out, if needed.

Hours
Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

Community Tent Shifts
Friday/Saturday: 4-hour slots
10 am – 2 pm
2 pm – 6 pm

Sunday: 3-hour slots
11 am – 2 pm
2 pm – 5 pm

If your neighborhood non-profit or community group is interested in being a part of the Summer Fest Community Tent, please e-mail by June 27th, furryfaces@hotmail.com

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

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Followup: West Seattle author Emily Krieger wins Children’s Choice Book Award
May 15, 2014 1:47 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Congratulations to West Seattle author Emily Krieger, whose “Kids’ Myths Busted” has won Book of the Year for fifth/sixth graders in the Children’s Choice Book Awards, announced last night. We mentioned here a week and a half ago that her book was a finalist; WSB reader Ketty e-mailed us today to share this link with news of Emily’s win. (The second book in the series, by the way, has just been published.)

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Video: Seattle Preschool Program announced in High Point
May 15, 2014 11:38 am
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
11:38 AM: The achievement gap among Seattle students is “unacceptable,” Mayor Ed Murray has just told a gathering at High Point Commons Park’s outdoor amphitheater, starting the official announcement of the Seattle Preschool Program. Materials provided to us and other media reps say they’ll go to voters with a four-year property-tax levy to raise $14.5 million a year, costing “the average homeowner” $3.63 a month. It will be “voluntary for providers and participants and will build toward serving 2,000 children in 100 classrooms by 2018.” Otherwise, “the moral cost is too high,” declared the mayor. More to come.

11:48 AM: “Every child in our city deserves a fair start … in life,” says Councilmember Tim Burgess, after being called by the mayor “the godfather” of the proposal. He says this would pay for full-day preschool. The announcement notes, “The program will have the ultimate goal of serving all eligible and interested 4-year-olds and all 3-year-olds from families making less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level in Seattle.” The classrooms in which they would be served would “be provided through a mixed-delivery system, with classrooms offered by Seattle Public Schools and community providers.” SPS Superintendent José Banda speaks shortly thereafter, saying the district looks forward to being “a partner” in this, and that he expects this will make Seattle “a model” for the rest of the country.

Asked about asking for yet another tax, the mayor acknowledges that “there’s a risk” but also says that if this helps bring a brighter future for more Seattle youth, “it’s going to save us money.”

A few more points:

*Free tuition for families earning less than 200% of federal poverty level

*Sliding scale for families earning more than that, “with at least some level of subsidy for all families”

*”Ongoing, independent evaluation” promised for a “feedback loop” to shape the program as it continues

12:02 PM: Event wrapping up; we have it on video and will add when uploaded. If you watch TV news, you’ll see something about it tonight, as it was a full-scale regional-media turnout. Next step? The council will have to vote by early August to get this on the November ballot. Details here.

ADDED: Our video of the entire event:

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