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West Seattle Crime Watch: $150,000 bail for Alki shooting suspect; community meeting Wednesday

4:47 PM UPDATE: Bail was set today at $150,000 for the 27-year-old Kent man arrested after the fight outside Alki’s Bamboo Bar and Grill that left two people hurt early Sunday morning – one, it was later discovered, with a gunshot wound. (Here’s our original coverage.) Court documents say the suspect was involved in a fight with several Bamboo patrons around 1:15 am Sunday, then pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and fired it. One shell casing was found. While that fight is described as happening on the sidewalk out front, the documents say “multiple witnesses” saw the suspect point his gun at others inside. The report says he ran eastbound after the fight and gunfire, but was seen trying to hide his gun “and a Seahawks jersey … on top of the right rear tire of a parked SUV.” Police arrested him near that vehicle. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has until Wednesday to file charges.

ADDED 5:23 PM: A comment left by a Bamboo representative offers an apology and a plan for a community meeting this Wednesday:

The staff and management regrets being involved with this violent event and apologizes for any fear the community has suffered. We would like to host a community meeting this Wednesday between 5:30 and 7:30 to share the steps that we have been taking to promote a safer environment and to hear any suggestions West Seattle locals may have to offer. We truly care about keeping Alki safe, and want to make Bamboo Bar and Grill and place patrons can feel good about visiting. We look forward to improving and would like to accept any help the community has to offer.

We have also just received a phone call about this, and verified the meeting on Wednesday is AT Bamboo – 2806 Alki SW.

Seattle Public Library system shutdown starts 1 week from today

One week from today, the Seattle Public Library‘s systemwide money-saving closure begins, and since it precedes the Labor Day holiday, that means branches will be shuttered for eight days. The library has just sent its official announcement detailing exactly what’s closed and which services will be inaccessible during that time – along with which ones will be accessible, including more online services than during previous closures:Read More

Photo tour: Youngstown Flats in North Delridge, midway through

What will be Delridge’s biggest apartment building when it’s finished is halfway to completion. Youngstown Flats is a block away from the park where we took the top photo at its booth during Saturday’s Delridge Day festival; Maria Barrientos (left) and Nicholas Ames (with community member Nancy Folsom) were there to get opinions about the street-end pocket park that’s become part of the project even though it’s not on the site.

Days earlier, we viewed that site from Youngstown Flats itself – its improvements are yet to come, so it still resembles a simple grassy space along the street:

We were at the construction site for a hard-hat tour.

Our photo tour, ahead:

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Followup: Highland Park Spraypark goes out to bid

August 20, 2012 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on Followup: Highland Park Spraypark goes out to bid
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

A milestone today for the Highland Park Spraypark project – it has officially gone out to bid. At one point, Seattle Parks had hoped it might be built and open this summer, but when we followed up last month with project manager Kelly Goold, he said it wouldn’t be ready to open before next season after all. The spraypark will be built at the site of the old wading pool, closed almost four years. It started as a simple conversion plan but Highland Park’s Carolyn Stauffer led a successful push to get Parks and Green Spaces Levy money to enhance the project. The request for bids has just been published, and it gives would-be bidders till September 12th, when bids will be opened.

West Seattle Monday: Offramp closes; Sustainable WS party…

(Top/middle/bottom photos by Bob Bussman, who says this is the Lincoln Park eaglet, out for a snack – UPDATE: Commenters ID it as an osprey)
Welcome to the final full week of August! A few things you should know about for today/tonight:

OFFRAMP CLOSES: First of two alerts from our weekly day-by-day/night-by-night list of closures – SDOT says that as of this morning, the 1st Avenue South offramp from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct is closing for more than a month. The 4th Avenue offramp remains open.

BRIDGE CLOSURE TONIGHT: Second alert from our list – 10 pm tonight till 5 am tomorrow, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed.

FREE YOUTH TENNIS CLINIC: At Lincoln Park Annex/Solstice Park tennis courts, 9:30 am. Details here.

(Quick break for our 2nd eagletosprey-dives-for-dinner photo:)

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: This new group meets again (here’s our report on the July meeting) at 9 am today, West Seattle Fabric Company (2210 California SW).

MONDAY ARTISTS: 9:30 am-noon, watercolorists are invited to join this group meeting at the Island View Apartments across from West Seattle High Schooldetails here.

BOOK GROUP: At Southwest Library, 2-3 pm, the monthly afternoon book group will discuss “The Cheating Culture” by David Callahan.

CELEBRATE WITH SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE: SWS turns 5 this year and that adds an extra layer of celebration to the group’s annual summer potluck – 5 pm to sunset tonight on the beach at Lincoln Park, picnic shelter 3; this year’s SWS Hero also will be announced. More details on the SWS website.

(Speaking of Lincoln Park … the final of our three photos:)

Jenny’s Java Joint: New West Seattle coffee stand in Highland Park

If Highland Park had a “Junction,” it would be 16th/Holden, with commercial buildings on two corners and Fire Station 11 on a third. The southeast corner of that intersection once held an espresso stand and is about to get a new one – Jenny’s Java Joint. We talked today with Highland Park resident Jennifer Francisco (you can call her Jen OR Jenny), who plans to open JJJ as soon as September 1st, in the spot where JoJo’s Fine Espresso closed more than a year and a half ago, next to the Seamart convenience store. Details ahead!

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This week’s traffic alerts: Road/bridge closures night by night, including longterm 1st Avenue South ramp closure

Tonight starts a new week of road closures – and tomorrow, the 1st Avenue South exit from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct closes for more than a month, as the overall SSV Widening Project approaches its end. Here’s our customary weekly list of what to expect each day/night:

TONIGHT (Sunday, August 19)
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm tonight to 5 am tomorrow

MONDAY (8/20)
*1st Avenue South offramp‘s longterm closure begins this morning. **BUS EFFECTS LISTED HERE**
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Westbound lanes closed 10 pm Monday to 5 am Tuesday, which means no access to the West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Columbian Way

TUESDAY (8/21)
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Westbound lanes closed 10 pm Tuesday to 5 am Wednesday, which means no access to the West Seattle Bridge from I-5 or Columbian Way

WEDNESDAY (8/22)
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Wednesday to 5 am Thursday
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Eastbound lanes closed 10 pm Wednesday to 5 am Thursday; if you’re headed eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge, you’ll have to exit to northbound 99

THURSDAY (8/23)
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Southbound lanes closed 9 pm Thursday to 5 am Friday
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Eastbound lanes closed 10 pm Thursday to 5 am Friday; if you’re headed eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge, you’ll have to exit to northbound 99

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY (8/24-8/26)
*Spokane Street Viaduct – Aside from ongoing 1st Avenue S. exit closure, nothing scheduled
*Alaskan Way Viaduct/99 – Nothing scheduled

WEST SEATTLE TRAFFIC NOTE FOR SUNDAY (8/26): From about 8-11 am, Alki Avenue SW will be closed from roughly 63rd to Luna (Anchor) Park for the Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run.

West Seattle weddings: Congratulations, Keith & Corianton!

(Photo by Kristen Marie Tourtillotte)
These newlyweds are hoping their recent ceremony will be the first of two. For starters:

West Seattle residents Keith Bacon and Corianton Hale made it official on August 11th at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth, WA. The happy couple are looking forward to making it legal when their friends and neighbors vote to APPROVE R-74 in the upcoming election. The celebration included a Bavarian log-sawing ceremony, a talent show, a tube float down the Wenatchee River, and even made The Stranger’s fashion blog.

Be there! Next Sunday’s Alki Beach 5K helps breast-cancer patients

August 19, 2012 2:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Be there! Next Sunday’s Alki Beach 5K helps breast-cancer patients
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(August 2010 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Next Sunday morning (August 26th), Alki Avenue SW closes for a few hours so more than a thousand people can help send a message of hope via Northwest Hope and Healing. NWHH’s annual Alki Beach 5K Walk/Run raises money for the organization’s work, which includes healing baskets for newly diagnosed breast-cancer patients and an emergency fund for women dealing with breast or gynecologic cancer. This year’s kickoff speaker is a survivor who knows what it’s like to need that kind of resource – NWHH says Tami Hyldahl-Haan “became a widow and a breast cancer survivor as well as a single mother without a source of income” within a short period of time last year, and the NWHH Patient Assistance Fund helped her “get through a couple of rough months.” The 5K starts and ends at Alki Bathhouse; register online now, or at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor; California/Charlestown), or starting at 8 am on race day.

In The Junction now: Sophia’s Lemonade Stand, River Farm at Farmers’ Market

(SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Family friend Aaron says Sophia’s stand raised more than $1,500!)

12:51 PM: Went to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market to check in on two benefits we’ve mentioned in recent days – and found both very busy! Above, Sophia’s Lemonade Stand outside KeyBank at California/Alaska, with lemonade and Bakery Nouveau treats, available by donation to help 7-year-old cancer patient Sophia Thompson and her family. (More about their story here – including a link to donate if you can’t get to the stand before 2 pm.) And inside the market itself, long lines for River Farm Organic Produce – you can’t miss the yellow-topped tent:

As reported here on Friday, a family friend e-mailed to make sure everyone knew this Central Washington farming family had lost a home in the big Taylor Bridge Fire – but they made it to the market and, since the farm itself was spared, have lots of vegetables to sell. The market continues, as usual, till 2 pm.

West Seattle power outage: Almost 90 out on Delridge

The Longfellow Creek Apartments complex at Delridge and Juneau is the center of a power outage that’s in its second hour. A resident called to ask about it; the City Light outage map shows it’s affecting 87 customers (each customer is a single household or business, so the number of people affected is always greater than the number of customers). The cause is listed as “equipment failure”; the caller mentioned hearing a loud noise that might have been a transformer going out (no fire calls to the area, though).

Want to join Seal Sitters? Volunteer-training session added

(Photo by Robin Lindsey)
That’s “Palmer” the seal pup, nicknamed by a volunteer for Seal Sitters, which kept watch over the pup while it rested “nestled in the logs at the tideline” at Lincoln Park, according to Robin Lindsey, who adds that, “Our season has officially begun with this, our third pup – and many, many more on the way in September and October (the height of our season in the Seattle area).” Read more about Palmer here – and if you would like to help with keeping other pups safe this season, Seal Sitters has just scheduled one more volunteer-training session on August 25th, a 2-part session, as Robin explains:

ORIENTATION SESSION: The “lecture” part of the training (9:30-11:30) will begin promptly at 9:30 at Alki UCC Church (front meeting room), 6115 SW Hinds. We will briefly discuss the protocol and structure of both Seal Sitters and NOAA’s NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network. In this A/V presentation, you’ll learn basic biology of harbor seals and sea lions (the most common mammals the networks respond to) and roles and responsibilities of volunteers.

ON-THE-BEACH SESSION: At 11:30 we will leisurely make our way down to Alki Beach and the Statue of Liberty plaza (approximately 3 blocks away) for an on-the-beach session. Here you will learn how to handle the many unpredictable challenges of protecting marine mammals in urban environments – seal pups on crowded beaches, stairwells to the beach, close to a sea wall and promenade, and lastly the regulations regarding private property. This hands-on session will begin at noon and will last for approximately an hour.

There will be no other formal session this year due to time constraints on volunteers during the busy pupping season. Our season has officially begun with our first three pups on the beach and we fully expect another very crazy and wonderful seal pupping season in West Seattle again this year. We will do our best to assimilate a volunteer here and there during the season.

We hope to see you there! We suggest you bring a sandwich or snack for this session as it will be a longer than usual day. If you cannot make both sessions on Saturday, we strongly recommend that you make one of them. If you can only make the on-the-beach training we suggest you be at Statue of Liberty at 11:45. Please rsvp – sealsitters@me.com – so that we know how many chairs to request.

West Seattle Sunday: Ways to do good – and to have a good time

August 19, 2012 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Ways to do good – and to have a good time
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from “Godspell,” courtesy ArtsWest)
Today’s highlights include opportunities to do good, as well as opportunities to have a good time. From the WSB calendar:

THROWING COMPETITION: Athletes 30 and up are competing in national-championship throwing sports at West Seattle Stadium for a second consecutive day, 8:30 am till about 3 pm. You can go watch for free.

GIVE LINCOLN PARK SOME TLC: 9 am-noon, help Friends of Lincoln Park get rid of invasives. Meet at Fauntleroy and Rose entrance to the park. More info here.

LEMONADE STAND TO HELP 7-YEAR-OLD CANCER PATIENT AND FAMILY: As reported here earlier this week, friends of 7-year-old West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor) student Sophia Thompson and her family will sell lemonade outside the WS Farmers’ Market today, 10 am-2 pm, to help with the costs of her fight against a rare cancer.

ALSO AT THE WEST SEATTLE FARMERS MARKET: Another way to help out – here’s our Friday story about River Farm Organic Produce losing a family home in the Central Washington fire; they will be at the market today, and your patronage can help them recover. Plus, there’s a special promotion today with Chipotle Mexican Grill – details here. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska in The Junction.

BRUNCH FOR BOOBIES’ BREAST-CANCER-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER: While you’re in The Junction, dine/drink at West 5 between 10 am and 4 pm, and part of the proceeds go to breast-cancer-fighting Team Tracy, as explained here.

FRESH VEGGIES FOR SALE: The Admiral family organic-veggie sale is back at 44th and Hill, west of Admiral Church, 11 am-1 pm, with part of the proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.

PET ADOPTION AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Noon-3 pm, the Humane Society’s big yellow Maxmobile will be at Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy) with adoptable pets.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Come enjoy Husky Deli ice cream in the courtyard at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), 1-3 pm, ice cream $2/scoop and beverages $1, proceeds benefit the museum and Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY PLAYDATE: 1-3 pm on the school playground for families of kids going to school at Gatewood this year.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER BEERFEST AND PET TAGGING: At West Seattle Nursery from 1-4 pm, you can enjoy hot dogs and beer, benefiting Furry Faces Foundation, and check out adoptable pets – and/or get F3 to make a tag for yours. Details here.

YOUNG CHAMBER MUSICIANS FEATURED: 2 pm, Music Northwest presents this recital at South Seattle Community College’s Olympic Hall – details here.

‘ANYTHING GOES’ MATINEE: Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) continues its summer run of the classic “Anything Goes,” 3 pm at West Seattle High School Theater (part of the proceeds go to the West Seattle Food Bank, and they’re collecting extra donations – food and/or money – for the food bank, too).

‘GODSPELL’ FINALE: Last performance today, 3 pm, for the youth conservatory production of “Godspell” at ArtsWest in The Junction.

ALSO AT ARTSWEST TODAY – ‘BLOODY SUNDAY’: A special promotion:

Our box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and we’re giving you a sweet deal on tickets. All single tickets to any show will be on sale for just $20.12! And, the first 100 people in line will get awesome “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” swag, and treats! Join us on August 19 as we kick off our great 2012-13 theater season!! 4711 California SW.

BENEFIT CLASS AT BIKRAM YOGA SEATTLE: 5 pm in The Junction, join Bikram Yoga Seattle (WSB sponsor) for a class to raise money for Plus One Foundation, which helps people with neurological injuries, disorders, or diseases. Details here.

Even more on the calendar!

Update: Police investigate Alki fight that left 2 hurt, 1 arrested

1:31 AM: Police are reported to be investigating an incident in the 2800 block of Alki SW – that’s where fire crews were dispatched to an “assault with weapons” call. According to scanner traffic, at least one suspect is in custody and a gun was found – we don’t know anything yet about any possible victim(s) – there’s a possibility someone else may have been involved. More as we get it.

1:58 AM UPDATE: Our crew is on scene but we haven’t sorted out yet exactly what happened – police are talking to a variety of people, and the activity seems to be concentrated in the alley behind the 2800 block, though multiple cars and a fire engine are visible on Alki SW itself. On the scanner, police have mentioned two “victims,” no indication of what type of injury nor how serious. We’ll update when we are able to get some information directly from police.

2:17 AM UPDATE: Police confirm one arrest and two victims taken to the hospital, but exactly what happened is still being sorted out.

3:16 AM UPDATE: As of right now, Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams tells WSB that officers are still trying to “piece together” exactly what happened, but they do know, he says, that “2 people were injured as the result of a fight disturbance. They were both transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. One suspect – an adult male – was arrested and a handgun was recovered. The investigation is ongoing and the cause of all of the victims’ injuries has not been determined at this time.”

4:18 AM UPDATE: Via radio, dispatch just told police investigating this case that the hospital reports “the stabbing victim has a gunshot wound to his chest.”

9:45 AM: Just posted on SPD Blotter:

A verbal argument led to a fist fight and shots fired. Just shortly after 1:00 a.m., the victims and suspects were very intoxicated and got into a verbal argument at the Bamboo Tavern at 2806 Alki Av SW. Soon it developed into a bloody fight. A gun was pulled and at least one shot was fired. One victim sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The second victim sustained a concussion and a possible broken rib.

The two suspects fled. Responding officers located and arrested one suspect and recovered the handgun.
Both victims were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of their non-life threatening injuries. The victims’ conditions are unknown at this time. The second suspect is still at large. The arrested suspect was booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.

West Seattle weekend scene: Just a KISS before you go

One hot ticket outside West Seattle/White Center on Saturday night did have a local connection: Before KISS headlined the White River Amphitheater (with Motley CrĂĽe), three fans got custom KISS-style face paint at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), courtesy of FBL general manager Bradi Jones, who shared the photo – she’s the non-face-painted person in it, with, from left, Persia Saffele of the FBL (“Paul Stanley”), Pete Yore (“Ace Frehley”), and Nicholas Brown (“Peter Criss”).

Followup: Traffic-stopping West Seattle wedding-party photos

(Photos by Katie Meyer for WSB)
This morning, we mentioned a West Seattle couple’s plan to take their wedding-day photos in The Junction, by the Easy Street Records sign congratulating them. We of course couldn’t resist the photo op ourselves. Above, the Walk-All-Ways light changes and the wedding party dashes into the street. Next, a group pose:

Katie says it took a few cycles for a practice run, then several for the actual photos.

Now, here’s where we share the couple’s backstory, courtesy of Auburn Scallon, who was a bridesmaid (in a wedding party she described as 90 percent West Seattleites):

Sean Jolly, a West Seattle real estate agent, and Michelle Mierz, Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu 2000, originally met at Our Lady of Guadalupe school. Years later, they reconnected after running into each other in the West Seattle junction and within hours their friend Tiara Johnson asked them, “Why aren’t you two married?!” Three years later, the couple is taking that advice in a ceremony at Holy Names Academy.

Their official wedding photographer is Tara of Tara Leigh Photography, in the striped shirt:

Congratulations to Michelle and Sean!

Happening now: Sunrise Heights neighborhood block party

As sunset approaches, Sunrise Heights is just getting warmed up. Tonight’s their big neighborhood block party. And we have photos courtesy of a member of one of the bands that are playing – Rick Price from BottleRockit. Here’s the first band, MoonGirl:

You probably recognize Rick’s name – when not onstage, he’s onscreen, a longtime local TV journalist, working for KIRO (Channel 7). Where’s Sunrise Heights, you ask? Roughly – east of 35th between High Point and Westwood.

ADDED: And thanks to Tom for sharing this photo:

The party is a volunteer-powered annual event, part potluck, part contribution-funded, with proceeds benefiting the Sunrise Heights Neighborhood Association.

First-ever West Seattle Guitar Show coming to Feedback Lounge

Announced today by Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) co-proprietor Jeff Gilbert:

PICK AT IT: THE 1st ANNUAL WEST SEATTLE GUITAR AND GEAR TRADE SHOW with special live performance by AARON DANIEL

Saturday, September 15, 6 PM

Pick At It is a unique spin on guitar trade shows as it features ONLY West Seattle guitar makers, sellers and tradesmen showcasing their wares. Included event sponsors are…

• THUNDER ROAD GUITARS

Owner Frank Gross, buys and sells vintage guitars and amps worldwide through his online store, and is one of the city’s top authorites on guitars.

• TODD GUITARS & REPAIRS

Todd Baker is a highly trained and skilled luthier, not only repairing all aspects of guitars, but making custom acoustic basses as well.

• GREEDTONE

Greg Williamson is widely known for his extremely popular and hand-crafted Greedtone guitar effects pedals (now carried nationally by Guitar Center) and hand-built amplifers. Greg is also the sound engineer for the annual West Seattle Summerfest.

• FASTBACK GUITARS

Every Fastback guitar is exclusively designed and hand crafted for guitar players by guitar players. Fastback also has a line of popular custom made amplifers and is a recording studio as well.

•KILLROOM STUDIOS

Owned and operated by Shadowland’s Ben Jenkins and Greg Williamson (Greedtone), this Georgetown studio is fast becoming one of the more in-demand rooms in Seattle to record in.

• AARON DANIEL

A West Seattle resident and one of the more unique guitarists in Seattle, Aaron – who recently performed two sold-out shows at The Moore Theatre with the Seattle Rock Orchestra – will be doing a live showcase at the event.

Come buy and trade, try out amps and effects pedals, get a free tune-up on your guitar and hang out with tons of fellow musicians and guitar geeks and fans. There will also be a themed cocktail designed by the legendary Matt Johnson. (Wait ’til you see what it is!)

Delridge Day 2012: As-it-happened coverage, plus bonus photos

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB, added post-festival: Giorvi Merca, 9, at 3-legged race finish line)
11:25 AM: It’s the biggest festival of the summer in eastern West Seattle – and Delridge Day 2012 has just begun, in and around Delridge Skatepark (Delridge/Genesee), which was dedicated at last year’s DD.

(As-it-happened photos, through 3:01 pm update, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
All the info’s here – lots to watch, lots to do, lots to see. The festival is an all-volunteer production again this year – presented by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council:

At the NDNC booth, that’s Kirsten Smith and Parie Hines. (Parie also leads WSB sponsor LD Arch Design.)

11:40 AM UPDATE: It’s not a festival without RapidRide Man – who’s here along with the big red and yellow bus, previewing the service that will be launched in West Seattle next month, parked along 26th SW on the northwest side of the playfield:

That’s also where you’ll find a food truck, Athena’s from Highland Park. Meantime, here from across the street at Youngstown – it’s the West Seattle Tool Library’s new mobile unit:

That’s Stu Hennessey from Sustainable West Seattle and Alki Bike and Board – ABB is sponsoring the skate competitions that are under way till 2 pm (with free skate to follow) at the skatepark during today’s festival.

12:12 PM UPDATE: The sun has just emerged! When you come to the festival, say hi – we’re by the entrance along Genesee, west of the skatepark. We’re here not just to cover it but also as co-sponsors:

Face painting, bouncy house, balloon art, all part of the Kids’ Zone.

1:12 PM UPDATE: After looking over at the Evo booth near ours and noticing a regal little Shiba Inu, we went over for a photo:

That’s Ryu, sitting on the table in front of Hahn. Lots of dogs here – there’s plenty of space between booth rows, for them to walk comfortably with their people. Meantime, a Zumba performance, flash-mob style, erupted over by the stage a little while ago:

(Video to come.)

2:16 PM UPDATE: First politician sighting – just talked to City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who was marveling at how well the skatepark is working out, especially considering, as he recalled, it was originally slated to be built up by Myrtle Reservoir – until neighbors opposed it so strenuously, alternate sites were sought; Delridge welcomed it.

Just about everyone we’ve talked with has described today’s festival, meantime, as “mellow,” “low-key.” The police are here – but it’s community outreach, not an emergency response:

The festival’s on till 3.

3:01 PM NOTE: And so soon, it’s over! Thanks to everybody who came by to say hello. We have more photos to add, from WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, which we’ll add later – have to move on now to more of what’s happening today.

ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: As promised, more photos! From here on out, they’re all by Nick Adams for WSB:

That’s Rafael Newman break dancing with groups Break Animal and Catch Them All.

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West Seattle scenes: Sign of a wedding; plus, Doctor Who in Pigeon Point?

The sign’s up at Easy Street Records – and we’re told the newlyweds will be in the area for photos in a few hours – Auburn e-mailed to share the photo and the news of Sean Jolly and Michelle Mierz – who first met as schoolmates long ago, and much later reconnected and fell in love – getting married. More on that later today.

The other sighting is at the north end of Pigeon Point:

Mark sent that photo – and earlier, Jim sent us one from last night – and as far as we can tell, it just might be a sign that Doctor Who is wandering timelessly around Pigeon Point today. Not a Dr. Who fan? This might explain.

West Seattle weddings: Congratulations, Kristina and Kane!

Another West Seattle wedding announcement!

Kristina Graubins & Kane Jamison are happy to announce that they were married on August 11th at Lincoln Park. The happy couple moved to Seattle from Champaign, IL in 2008 and have lived in Arbor Heights for just over a year. When they’re not walking their dog Ben or tending to their new flock of chickens, they can be found chiseling away at their endless list of urban homestead projects. Please send your happy vibes to the new couple!

West Seattle Saturday: More than 30 ways to spend the day (and night)

August 18, 2012 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: More than 30 ways to spend the day (and night)
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Another one of those days with so much going on, that instead of replicating the WSB calendar list here, we’re pointing you there – more than 30 events from morning till night, including the Delridge Day festival 11 am-3 pm (here’s the full schedule/vendor list – we’ll be reporting live). Find the list here – click on the right side of any line to expand it for a preview, then the “read more” at lower right of that preview to go to the full listing page, including times, address, and map. Have a great day!

West Seattle scenes: 34th District Democrats’ Garden Party 2012

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Today, you’ll find volunteers from the 34th District Democrats in a booth at the Delridge Day festival – just hours after the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Garden Party. Last night, partygoers basked in evening sunshine at West Seattle Nursery, with the theme “All-American Barbecue,” and with this area’s highest-ranking politician serving as auctioneer/emcee:

With King County Executive Dow Constantine, that’s the 34th DDs’ chair Tim Nuse at left, and the ubiquitous reminders that this is a presidential election year. The event’s theme even inspired some costuming – Chris Porter was in the red-white-and-blue spirit:

More of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ scenes from the Garden Party, ahead:

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