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34th/Barton P-Patch closer to reality after City Council vote
June 14, 2010 10:31 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | Westwood

The empty lot on the southwest corner of 34th and Barton is closer to becoming a P-Patch after city councilmembers voted unanimously today to declare it “surplus” for Seattle Public Utilities, meaning SPU can transfer it to the Department of Neighborhoods for community-garden use. That’s been in the works for more than a year (we got first word at a Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee meeting in May 2009); next step should be a community design meeting, according to what a city rep told the Westwood Neighborhood Council in April.

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Happening now: Family Fest @ Southwest Community Center
May 29, 2010 2:44 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

Memorial Day weekend means barbecues, clouds or no clouds. They’re grilling at Southwest Community Center right now, as Southwest Family Fest continues till 5 pm. And for another taste of summer – how about palm trees:

A little quiet when we dropped in – c’mon, it’s guaranteed indoor fun if the little ones are bouncing off the walls, bring them down to bounce off the inflatables instead. Outside, some of the car-showcase participants left early, but we caught a few on cam:

Southwest Community Center is at 2801 SW Thistle (map). The festival’s presented by the Late-Night Teen Programs but it’s for all ages.

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West Seattle business news: Hollywood Video closer to closing
May 26, 2010 2:14 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

We’d been watching for this one since Hollywood Video announced it would close some of its stores (including the adjacent Game Crazy locations) as part of its restructuring. Then, a couple WSB’ers e-mailed to point out that signs are now up at the Westwood Village location, as its “closing sale” is under way. So when is it actually closing? Store staff told us they don’t know. We tried calling the “media hotline” at corporate HQ, but it has a terse recording saying you can try leaving them a message, but “as a matter of company policy” they are not responding to most media inquiries. Moot point anyway, as the system then informed us we had TWO SECONDS to leave a message, and it made good on that threat. What do you do if you’re a customer? We found a variety of links on this corporate webpage – the most specific information (what’s being honored and what’s not) appears to be here. (You may recall, Hollywood Video used to have a Junction location, but that was closed in early 2007 and demolished shortly thereafter – on the site of Capco Plaza/QFC/Altamira.)

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Happening now: Westwood Village Street Fair 2010, till 7 pm!
May 22, 2010 11:10 am
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Westwood Village Street Fair 2010, till 7 pm!
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | Westwood

(scroll down for newest updates and pix)

First major outdoor West Seattle festival of the season, and the sun decided to defy the forecast! Dog show under way till 1 pm, JP Patches expected noon-2 pm, raffles (including a big prize from WSB sponsor Wyatt’s Jewelers), come down and say hi – you’ll find us next to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with lots of West Seattle info. The street fair’s on till 7 pm, headquartered in the lot between Bed Bath Beyond and Pier 1 Imports.

12:12 PM UPDATE: Finally adding photos. It is a spectacular day and there are plenty of people here – great to meet everyone who has stopped by our table to say hi! Lots of dogs too – this is a dog-friendly event, and not just because a dog show has been under way:

If you stop by our table, we have a list of summer events around West Seattle that you can pick up if you’d like something to tack up to remind you of the highlights – plus some flyers about other things happening around the area. Meantime, JP Patches has just arrived as well and is onstage now – he posed for pictures as he walked toward the stage – here you see him with West Seattle Chamber CEO Patti Mullen, who’s tabling for the Chamber next to us:

1:11 PM: This is also a good chance to come down and learn a little more about local nonprofits – White Center Food Bank is here, as are reps from WestSide Baby:

If you come down, be sure to enter the drawings – we have entry forms at our table (across from Sleep Country and Radio Shack, under the red/white canopy, rainbow tablecloth, bouncy slides behind us). Right next to us, there’s a booth for the newly reopened Evergreen Community Aquatics Center in White Center. And among the many folks who’ve stopped by to say hi were a couple of young ladies handing out info about ReFRESH Southwest – the Delridge Day/Sustainable West Seattle Festival that’s coming up two weeks from tomorrow (June 5th, 1-5 pm, Delridge Community Center).

1:31 PM UPDATE: Here’s a full schedule of what’s ahead for the rest of the day/evening here:
Right now: Active X (sponsored by 24 Hour Fitness)
2 pm: Drawing
2:30 pm Fashion show (presented by Chico’s)
2:55 pm: Drawing
3 pm: Stephen Clark (magician)
3:25 pm: Drawing
3:30 pm Video Arcade Bus arrives
3:50 pm: Pizza-eating contest (presented by Giannoni’s Pizza)
3:55 pm : Drawing
4 pm: Live music – Another Perfect Crime
4:25 pm: Drawing
4:30 pm: Live music – Memphis Radio Kings
5 pm: Drawing
5:30 pm: Drawing – Wyatt’s Jewelers gold/diamond pendant
5:35 pm: Live music – Red Hot Blues Sisters

ADDED 2:45 PM: More scenes from the fair so far, starting with JP Patches signing autographs:

Toby Matasar from Eats Market Cafe, which is selling drinks and treats including popsicles:

And this is the Wyatt’s Jewelers pendant that a lucky winner will get after the 5:30 pm drawing:

The Chico’s fashion show is under way right now. Here’s a shot from the early going (Heather is the model):

3:15 PM: We also have some photos from Highland Park photographer extraordinaire Dina Johnson – these are some of the more unusual dogs spotted at the event:

Reminder that we have the schedule of events higher up in this story – live music starts at 4 pm.

4:38 PM: Thanks to Tiffany for sharing that photo of her Jetson, with the news that he won 1st for Best In Show at the Westwood Village dog show earlier here at the Street Fair. She explains, “He’s a 4-month-old Deaf Double Merle Australian Shepherd Mix” and says you can find him on Dogster, here. We’ll be publishing a wrapup story late tonight with more Westwood highlights (including some video). Meantime, it’s music time:

5:08 PM: The Memphis Radio Kings – who performed at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) last night as part of KEXP Hood-to-Hood – are onstage now (the stage is at the Bed Bath Beyond side of the lot).

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Illegal dumping alert: Trimmings tossed in Westwood alley
May 13, 2010 7:20 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

It might not be as glaring as a load of trash or old furniture, but it’s illegal dumping just the same, and Dave wonders if it might have been your yard debris that wound up in his alley, maybe without your knowledge:

On Tuesday morning, May 11, I discovered a pile of tree / bush trimmings blocking our alley. The guilty party had the debris tied with a long rope and tied the other end to a utility pole. Driving off quickly pulled the mess off the truck and onto the ground. I had to quickly move everything to the side as garbage and etc. trucks were due Wednesday. This was way more than a pickup truck load. The pile was almost six feet high.

If anyone paid to have bushes trimmed on Tuesday, see the pictures …

This occurred in the alley between 32nd and 34th Avenues SW with Cloverdale on the North and Trenton on the South (there is no 33rd Ave).

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Update: SUV collides with Metro Route 21 bus in Westwood
May 8, 2010 1:51 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood | WS breaking news

Thanks to the caller who let us know about this scene that turned more than a few heads at a busy intersection – an SUV collided with the back of the southbound Route 21 bus at 35th and Barton. Police at the scene say nobody appeared to have been seriously hurt; a Metro supervisor told us they’ll have a media liaison call with information; in the meantime, the right southbound lane was blocked, but traffic was getting around OK. 7:44 PM: We did hear from the aforementioned liaison, who said the SUV driver was cited for an “illegal lane change,” and confirmed that no one was hurt.

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West Seattle festival season: Westwood Village sets the date
April 28, 2010 10:39 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Photo from June 2009 Westwood Village Street Fair)
If you’re looking to start scheduling your summer – more dates are rolling in. Last night, we noted that Sustainable West Seattle is taking exhibitor applications for its festival, to be held in conjunction with Delridge Day on June 5th. The Morgan Community Association announced last week that its 2010 festival is set for June 12th. And the West Seattle Junction Association started planning months ago for this year’s West Seattle Summer Fest, July 9-11. Now, today, we have word that Westwood Village will have a festival again this year too – but earlier than last year. According to WV general manager Stuart Crandall, the date’s set for May 22. Full details to come, but they’re working on activities for not only kids, but also pets! 8:47 PM UPDATE: More details of the festival were revealed at tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting (separate meeting story to come) – including the fact they’re expecting an appearance by beloved clown J.P. Patches! The news was shared by Evie Knoke, who had advance copies of promotional flyers for the festival. Also planned: Live bands, magicians, inflatable bouncers for the kids, hourly raffles including a diamond pendant from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), and an amateur dog show – you can sign up now at Pet Pros in WV.

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Traffic alert: Confucius Institute celebration this afternoon
April 26, 2010 8:45 am
|    Comments Off on Traffic alert: Confucius Institute celebration this afternoon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | Westwood

We just got full details of a big event this afternoon that not only is significant for West Seattle students and educators, but also will briefly affect traffic on a busy street, so here’s the heads-up: As part of a celebration of the new Confucius Institute language program based at Denny International Middle School – until the new Denny/Sealth campus is open – there will be two processions from the current Denny to the under-construction Denny/Sealth in the 1:45-2 pm vicinity, and SW Thistle will be closed (map) while that’s happening. The first procession is a lion dance around 1:50 pm; the second will include marching-band members and an international delegation of dignitaries. It’s a short route from Denny to the new campus, but Thistle is often busy between 35th and Delridge, so this is your advance alert. (P.S. For more on the Confucius Institute in West Seattle, here’s the letter Denny principal Jeff Clark is sending home with students.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary alert; suspected drug deals
April 23, 2010 11:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Two quick Crime Watch notes tonight, one from Westwood and one from Highland Park – read on:Read More

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@ Westwood Neighborhood Council: From RapidRide to P-Patch
April 7, 2010 10:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

From tonight’s Westwood Neighborhood Council meeting at Southwest Community Center: First, a RapidRide update from Metro’s Paul Roybal. WNC’s Donn DeVore said some in the neighborhood had wondered how far the future bus service will go; Roybal said that the southernmost point will be across the street from Westwood Village near 29th and Barton in front of Roxhill Park. He said at this stop the bus will let passengers out, take a brief break for a couple of minutes, and then go north. Second – Renae Gaines from the Southwest Healthy Youth Partnership said some of its work is winding down because the grant has just a few months left; another one that’s expected by August will only cover programs in the 98116 (north West Seattle) zip code. Though underage drinking/drug use remains a problem just about everywhere, she said, funding for prevention programs is becoming scarce. But the problem will be the subject of a town-hall meeting at Seattle Lutheran High School on April 24. The third and final hot topic: The future P-Patch at 34th/Barton, with development funded by Parks and Green Spaces Levy money. Laura Raymond from the Department of Neighborhoods told the group that the site, which is Seattle Public Utilities property, is in the process of being transferred to DoN, and that is likely to take place within a month. Once the transfer’s complete, she said there’ll be a neighborhood planning meeting for design input on the 10,000-square-foot site, which she described as flat, sunny, and very favorable for gardening.

Keep up with the Westwood Neighborhood Council online at www.scn.org/westwood.

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Update: 2-car crash, with one flipped, at 29th/Trenton
April 1, 2010 5:49 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news | Westwood | WS breaking news

(Thanks to Fritz for sending the photo)
On our way to the “heavy rescue” call at 29th/Trenton (map). Details as soon as we have them. 6 PM UPDATE: This is a two-car crash, one a flipped red SUV, the other a damaged black Volvo station wagon, according to our crew on scene. Looks like responders are tending to at least two people. 6:17 PM UPDATE: Police say it looks like one of the vehicles may have run the stop sign; they’re also checking on whether alcohol played a role. Both victims are being taken to hospitals by private ambulance, and no major injuries are reported. A dog was in one of the cars and got out OK but was so upset it bit a firefighter’s hand; the firefighter was treated at the scene. Fire vehicles will be clearing but Trenton is closed at that spot until the wreckage is cleared.

8:28 PM: The scene is long since clear, but we are adding that photo of the dog, and the following video with general scenes from the incident, both by Christopher Boffoli:

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Update: Car crashes into Westwood Village Bank of America, 2 hurt
April 1, 2010 11:48 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news | Westwood | WS breaking news

ORIGINAL 11:48 AM REPORT OF “MAJOR HEAVY RESCUE”: We are on the way. We have two reports that a car has crashed into a bank. More from the scene shortly. 11:54 AM UPDATE: We’re there – a car has crashed into the Westwood Village Bank of America. 11:59 AM UPDATE: Looks like NO major injuries, so far. Unofficial word is that this was an accident, not something deliberate. Here’s another of our cameraphone photos from the scene:

12:08 PM UPDATE: Seattle Fire spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen has given a quick briefing at the scene. She says two people are being taken to the hospital to be checked out – one, a customer who was at the ATM and dove out of the way – another, a bank worker. Injuries are NOT believed to be major. As for the driver, no injuries reported at this point. The car already has been backed out of the bank:

12:28 PM UPDATE: In case you were wondering – the bank IS closed TFN because of this. (We’ll check back again later.) 12:53 PM: A couple photos from Christopher Boffoli – firefighters, and photojournalists, in action:

ADDED 2:37 PM: Video from Christopher, with what Vander Houwen told us at the scene:

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Happening now: Westwood (and beyond) community cleanup
March 28, 2010 10:45 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Westwood

The sun’s been making appearances this morning – as it did when we stopped at the Southwest Library about half an hour ago to see the volunteers gathering for the Westwood Neighborhood Council/Friends of Southwest Library community cleanup along 35th SW. They still have supplies for more, so you’re welcome to go check in at the table just north of the library (SW Henderson, east of 35th SW) to pitch in and help, between now and 1 pm. As you can see from the photo, all ages welcome!

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Next volunteer neighborhood cleanup – 35th Avenue SW
March 27, 2010 5:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gatewood | How to help | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news | Westwood

Today, Fauntleroy Way got some TLC in the form of dozens of new trees – tomorrow, 35th SW through Westwood, Gatewood and Sunrise Heights needs as many volunteers as can be mustered for a 10 am-1 pm cleanup of sidewalks and planting strips. Westwood Neighborhood Council and Friends of the Southwest Library are co-sponsors (as first reported here); check in at the library (35th/Henderson) at 10 am.

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State announces hours for new West Seattle liquor store
March 23, 2010 1:59 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood | WS beverages

The state Liquor Control Board just sent out a news release to announce what Westwood Village management had revealed last week – the new liquor store on the northeast side of the center opens this Friday. But there’s also some new info – its operating hours: 11 am-7 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays. (No Sundays, for those who asked.) This replaces the Morgan Junction liquor store that closed a year and a half ago.

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4 special cleanups: Delridge, Highland Park, Fauntleroy Way, 35th
March 18, 2010 12:02 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news | Westwood

This weekend and next, you have 4 special chances to help beautify and/or green up West Seattle neighborhoods. More details on the WSB Events calendar – but here’s the quick roundup – ALL could use extra hands, just show up!

SATURDAY, MARCH 20: It’s the Delridge Playfield playground sprucing-up event (maybe beyond if there’s a good turnout). 10 am-noon.

SUNDAY, MARCH 21: Highland Park Improvement Club plants trees, builds a new kiosk/sign, cleans tables/chairs/walls inside, and picks up neighborhood trash. 10 am-5 pm.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27: The city Clean ‘n’ Green event we mentioned previously is also a huge tree-planting event along Fauntleroy Way, with the West Seattle Rotary, local Scouts, and other neighbors/friends/community members. Starts at Fairmount Playground, 9 am-1 pm.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28: Sidewalks and planting strips along 35th SW between SW Holden and SW Roxbury get helping hands from the Westwood Neighborhood Council and Friends of the Southwest Library. Check in at the library. 10 am-1 pm.

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Video: Mayor brings “Youth and Families Initiative” to West Seattle
March 16, 2010 2:59 am
|    Comments Off on Video: Mayor brings “Youth and Families Initiative” to West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle video | Westwood

Followup to last night’s 1st report on the West Seattle workshop for Mayor McGinn‘s “Youth and Families Initiative“: The gathering was hosted by Denny International Middle School, whose music director Marcus Pimpleton led his Seattle All-City Band in a rousing warmup for the event. An estimated 300 people – which would be the largest crowd at any of these meetings so far – heard the mayor explain his inspiration and hopes for the initiative:

As happened at other gatherings, participants broke into small groups to discuss questions, particularly “What would you like to see in five years – what should Seattle look like then?” The “achievement gap” was mentioned frequently; though Seattle is considered one of the most-educated cities in America, several speakers said, our schools seem to have a tough time keeping up. Another frequent mention: More data-gathering is needed to find out which programs work and which don’t. And there were calls for helping figure out how kids who are falling behind can get a boost to catch up. Next steps: The fifth and final kickoff workshop is next Monday night at Garfield Community Center; right after that, it’s a month of Community Caucuses. The city’s not setting the times and places for these – they’re asking who wants to host them; find out more here. And a Youth Summit is planned at City Hall on April 8th; RSVP here.

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First report: “Youth and Families” workshop @ Denny
March 15, 2010 7:31 pm
|    Comments Off on First report: “Youth and Families” workshop @ Denny
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

7:31 PM: We’re covering two events right now – first one up, the West Seattle workshop for Mayor McGinn‘s Youth and Families Initiative, which started at 7 pm at Denny International Middle School. The Seattle Schools All-City Band (photo above) – led by Denny/Sealth maestro Marcus Pimpleton – has made an appearance, too. We’re adding photos, and will have a report on the workshop later. 8:32 PM UPDATE: A member of the mayor’s staff estimates the turnout at about 300 – which would make it the biggest one of these meetings held so far. Among those on hand, School Board members including West Seattle’s Steve Sundquist, in our photo with Denny principal Jeff Clark:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Parcel-protection reminder
March 6, 2010 12:38 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

From Cari:

I live in the Westwood neighborhood and wanted to send a quick note to warn folks who order merchandise from online retailers like Amazon.com. Sometimes, when you select standard shipping options, you don’t get a signature option…so the package is left on your front steps. And, sometimes, someone else helps his or herself to your stuff. I had a package stolen (Wednesday) between 1:30 and 4:30 from my front doorstep, and now instead of the stuff I have been eagerly waiting for, I have a police report number. Just wanted to get the word out to remind folks to be careful – and keep a look out. For me, that meant monitoring my tracking info…and while I missed the delivery by a few hours, I never expected it to be stolen so quickly.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Big police response at Roxhill Park
February 17, 2010 6:40 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

We checked this out when it happened a few hours ago (thanks to Kevin for the call about the big police response) but it was over so fast we didn’t publish anything at the time; however, we’ve received some questions since, so here’s what we know: The big police response at Roxhill Park after 3 this afternoon involved a suspected stolen car, according to the officer we talked with at the scene. They were questioning two suspects; we don’t have updated information on whether the two were arrested. Scary moments for people who were at the park at the time, according to one witness, who says, “About 3:10 today my niece and I were on the swings at Roxhill Park when cops come in and yell to clear the park, they’ve got two suspects on the ground and guns drawn. … there was a green Eagle Talon parked next to my car that they were going thru pretty thoroughly.”

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“If you could change 1 thing about Westwood, what would it be?”
February 12, 2010 6:18 am
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

Story and photo by Jonathan Stumpf
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

If you live in Westwood and have an idea of how to improve the neighborhood, now’s your chance.

The hot-button topic at Thursday night’s Westwood Neighborhood Council meeting wasn’t the choice of artist or location for an upcoming grant-funded mural, or whether county leadership might reopen the conversation about the West Seattle RapidRide route.

There was minimal discussion around those subjects, as well as the P-Patch that is going in at 34th and Barton at the old Seattle Public Utilities site, or about the letter of intent filed for a Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund grant to improve the Longfellow Creek trail near SW Thistle. The majority of the meeting discussion swirled around the very existence of the group – its shortage of membership, volunteers and general interest, and what can be done to change that.

Read More

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Monday photos: Tony’s Produce opens; Justice hoofs it; 747; SUN!
February 8, 2010 3:37 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood | WS miscellaneous

As promised when we dropped by for a sneak peek two weeks ago, Tony’s Produce at 35th/Barton (map) has opened for the season as of today. 8 am till 7 pm. When we talked to Tony last month, he mentioned stocking more organics; today’s specials include organic blueberries. They were still stocking the stand when we dropped by around noontime, so you’ll have to see for yourself what else they’ve set out. Just a few blocks east of Tony’s, Becky snapped and shared this:

That’s Justice the police horse, seen at Westwood Village. (If you didn’t know this already – SPD’s Mounted Patrol has its headquarters in Highland Park, adjacent to Westcrest Park.) Now, we head north, for a West Seattleite’s view of today’s high-flying milestone – Scott C shared this photo of the aviation milestone everyone’s watching today, the 747-8’s first flight:

Speaking of the sky, the skyline shot you’ve seen a thousand times nonetheless had a nice touch when we stopped by Seacrest early this afternoon, with the drifting clouds:

Tomorrow looks even better.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Neighbor Appreciation Day
February 6, 2010 6:45 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

At Southwest Community Center in Westwood, it was the perfect segue – right after 100-plus people wrapped up the West Seattle Reservoir Park planning meeting (full report still to come), they were invited to move upstairs to celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day. Among the surprises: Live music. There were treats, too, plus a free swim at co-housed Southwest Pool, and a thank-you card:

(Thanks to Dina Johnson for the card photo!) West Seattle’s three other community centers – Alki, Hiawatha and High Point – hosted open-house-style Neighbor Appreciation Day parties too. P.S. Southwest CC will be host Thursday night to the Westwood Neighborhood Council‘s next meeting – 7 pm – agenda notes on the WNC website.

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