Not only is Rudy Alvarado overseeing the Holy Family Community Street Fair this weekend – he is also remembering his role in the aftermath of what shook America and took almost 3,000 lives nine years ago today. About half an hour ago, as street-fair vendors and volunteers gathered for a blessing, he asked for a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims, wearing a “NYFD” memorial T-shirt and explaining that he was on a first-response team that spent almost a week there looking for evidence in the smoldering rubble – and his team found a fragment of one of the planes, on the second day.
After those on hand this morning bowed their heads to remember, it was on with the event – here’s today’s entertainment schedule:
There are vendors along the street, which is closed for a block south of Roxbury alongside Holy Family (WSB sponsor), and the food/entertainment area is on the playfield raised up on the west side of the street:
The street fair continues till 6 today, and runs again tomorrow, 9-4 – highlights include a chili cookoff today, salsa cookoff tomorrow!
Quite the story behind a brief lockdown this past hour at Holy Family School (WSB sponsor) on Roxbury. WSB scanner ace Katie tipped us to the lockdown report, linked to a call about someone reportedly seen with a rifle. It was already ending as we arrived, and here’s what we found out from Holy Family principal Frank Cantwell and staff: A nearby resident was loading a pellet gun to try to get rid of a rat. The resident somehow managed to do this in full view of second-graders who were outside and who subsequently told their teacher they’d better call the police because they saw a man with a gun. Police responded and figured out what was going on pretty quick, but gave the kids major props for their instincts – better to call when you think there’s trouble, than to hesitate. So it’s all over now, no one hurt, all’s well. (By the way, Holy Family is getting ready for its second annual Community Street Fair – both days this weekend; lots of info here.)
Another burst of warm weather is in the works, but as of this week, only one city-run wading pool remains open in West Seattle – Delridge, E.C. Hughes and Hiawatha have just had their final days of operation for the year, but Lincoln Park is open 11 am-8 pm daily (provided the daytime high’s projected to be at least 70) through September 6th. Also, Southwest Pool is scheduled to start a maintenance closure today, to run through Sept. 3rd; High Point Community Center also was scheduled to start a building-maintenance closure today. And an impending closure of note: One week till Seattle Public Libraries shut down for a budget-cut-compelled week, from Aug. 30th till after Labor Day (and note that the West Seattle [Admiral] branch already is closed for roof work that’ll last till the systemwide-shutdown week is over) – but you have ample opportunity to enjoy your libraries this week, starting with Baby Story Time at Southwest Library today, 11 am. Finally, our daily preview does include one opening: As first mentioned here a week ago, it’s grand-opening day for Uncle Mike’s BBQ in White Center (9640 16th SW) – a complete look at the new restaurant and its owners is now up at partner site White Center Now (check out the vegetarian options!). Meantime, more Monday activities around the area are listed on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar.
The White Center business district is jumping with new eateries – we told you about the Saturday grand opening of 3.14 Bakery and Coffee, and now there’s word that Uncle Mike’s BBQ, 9640 16th SW, has set next Monday as its official opening day. (It’s fed some folks in “soft open” mode already.) More details to come later on partner site White Center Now (thanks to WCN/WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz for the photo and info).
New information today about the chase and crash (WSB coverage here) that first caused quite the spectacle through Highland Park (and points southward), then closed SW Roxbury at 8th SW for more than four hours Sunday afternoon/evening. We spoke with King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Laing, who shared details from the preliminary report: It started when deputies tried to pull over a vehicle at 156th and 1st S, and instead of stopping, it took off. = apparently, Sgt. Laing says, because the driver not only had a $10,000 warrant out for his arrest (related to a protection order), but also because he was under the influence of drugs (both of which, according to the report, he confessed when finally arrested). After a pursuit that led all the way into Highland Park and then back south, a deputy tried the so-called “PIT Maneuver“ to stop the car – and it worked. Along the way, though, according to Sgt. Laing, three patrol cars had front-end damage, and three citizens’ cars were hit, with minor damage – the early version of the report didn’t say where that happened (though one of them has added a comment following our original story). The only person hurt was the suspect, taken to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries. Sgt. Laing adds a postscript: There was a second person in the car but as all this was unfolding, that person wanted out – so they hit the driver repeatedly, till he slowed down so the passenger could get out of the car.
ORIGINAL 6:23 PM REPORT: Traffic alert in south Highland Park/north White Center: Roxbury is blocked both ways at 9th, 8th is blocked both ways at Cambridge. A crash here earlier is believed to have involved some kind of pursuit that scanner info linked to reckless driving. On the east side of the scene, Roxbury is blocked at 7th. Detours onto side streets are a mess; avoid the area.
7:50 PM UPDATE: See comments for at least one witness report so far. We spent some time at the scene last hour – and saw at least three dented/dinged police cars, Burien and SeaTac, with one dripping fluid from its undercarriage, another needing a tire change, while the investigation team did its work. The vehicle that apparently sparked the pursuit – at least, one that matches the description put out on the scanner – was still at the scene too (in the photo we added above), all of this on the south (eastbound) side of Roxbury. Going back shortly to see if it’s reopened yet. 9:47 PM UPDATE: Open again. Thanks again to everyone sharing eyewitness reports in the comments section; we hope to get official details (including total damage to law-enforcement vehicles) from King County Sheriff’s Office in the morning.
Thanks to Sha’ari from Inner Listening Healing Gongs and Sound Therapy (on Facebook here) for that photo from inside Pho Aroma, the new Delridge restaurant (first previewed here a month ago) that’s getting ready to open. Sha’ari says they’re expecting a final inspection on Wednesday; WSB contributor Keri DeTore had just spoken with the proprietors and learned they hope to be open by next weekend. Meantime, a couple miles east, a grand opening this morning in White Center:
Apple and peach pie were the kickoff offerings (and non-pie treats too) at 3.14 Bakery, just a couple doors south of Roxbury on 16th SW in the heart of the White Center business district. That photo is by WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz, whose full report on the opening will be up on partner site White Center Now a bit later this evening (update: here’s that link).
2nd weekend in September gets busier: In addition to the Alki Community Council Family Fun Day on September 12th (missed our preview with a call for talent show and dog parade participants, plus sponsors and vendors? see the story here), Holy Family School is having its annual Street Fair Sept. 11-12th. They want to get the word out about openings for both tablers and sponsors (maybe you want to do both!) – to see about tabling, e-mail Betty at betwell@comcast.net; for Spanish-speaking tablers, Victory at ramirez.victormanuel@hotmail.com. For sponsorship information, contact principal@hfseattle.org. The HF site says they’re having chili and salsa cookoffs, too.
(Photo by Cliff DesPeaux)
The missing word on those T-shirts is “jobs” – as in, “Got Green Jobs?” For WSB and partner site White Center Now, Cliff DesPeaux covered an event today geared at showing the media – and as a result, you – what’s up with the Got Green? training program, which currently has 14 trainees working on weatherization techniques at a White Center home that will be demolished as part of the future Strength of Place Initiative Village development. See the full story at WCN.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Steps away from Summer Fest, at 44th/Alaska, the market is open 10 am-2 pm as usual. Here’s the Ripe ‘n’ Ready list.
HIGHLAND PARK SUNDAY MARKET: 10 am-2 pm is also the new schedule for this new gathering of vendors. Check its Facebook page to see some of who’s joined up since the first HPSM two weeks ago (which we covered “live”) – there’s food, art, crafts … The Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot (map) is the place.
We will open today, Monday July 5th (12-3pm) for a special volunteer opportunity for adults or children over age 8 (with adult along). Have the day off and want to do something worthwhile? WestSide Baby has been fortunate to receive many of your donations of clothing items. Now we need a little help sorting through the donations to prepare them for distribution. If you can read the size tags, look for dirt and holes and inspect clothes for holes, we’d love your help to attack the pile of clothes in this picture taken this morning. We have empty shelves of many sizes but we know those gems are actually hidden in this pile.
If you can call or e-mail to let us know you are coming that would be great! If not, just show up at we’ll welcome you and give you instructions on how to make a difference TODAY.
Sun or no sun, the gardens are blooming – and you’ve got an abundant chance to see the best of the best, in a variety of specialties, coming up within the next few weeks. Here’s the rundown:
GREENLIFE AT WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST, NEXT FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Lots of edible-gardening how-to’s will be part of this first-ever expo during West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction next Friday through Sunday. It’s co-presented by West Seattle Nursery (which has more info here) and Sustainable West Seattle. You’ll find GreenLife in the lot at 44th/Edmunds (alongside the Chase drive-thru) all three days of Summer Fest, starting at noon Friday, 10 am Saturday-Sunday.
WHITE CENTER JUBILEE DAYS GARDEN WALK, JULY 11: The day after that, as part of White Center Jubilee Days, it’s the return of the WC Garden Walk, noon-5 pm. Free maps will be available in the parking lot of McLendon Hardware, which is sponsoring the event. More info here.
(Photo added 3:34 pm)
Big fire response for an “automobile rescue” call at 8th and Roxbury (map). We’re on our way to find out more at the scene. Just heard on the scanner that three people were hurt. More to come. 3:18 PM: At the scene – the crash includes at least 2 vehicles, a truck and passenger car (as seen in photo since added) – someone has just been extricated from the car. Still trying to gauge the traffic effects, but for starters, 8th SW is inaccessible starting about a block north of Roxbury; westbound Roxbury is blocked off at 8th.
3:37 PM: We’re now told three people have been taken to the hospital and a fourth soon will be – two transported in medic units, two by private ambulance. Yellow tape is going up to facilitate the investigation, so this intersection will have traffic trouble for at least a few more hours. 3:47 PM: One lane is open in each direction. But the investigation team has just arrived and, as is the case with major investigations, will be busy for a while. We’re working now to see what more we can find out about the victims. EARLY SATURDAY NOTE: That information still hasn’t been made available. The investigation, meantime, continued into the 7 pm hour.
The King County Sheriff’s Office storefront-deputy role in White Center is a huge one – spotlighted by the murder of Deputy Steve Cox. The community has been abuzz over rumors that his successor, Deputy Jeff Hancock, is leaving – and now they’ve been confirmed. Our partner site White Center Nowbroke the story last night and has new details today.
It was literally a traffic-stopping moment in White Center this morning as WestSide Baby‘s Nancy Woodland and friends guided in a truck bringing a giant donation – more than 200,000 diapers from Huggies. So many, that volunteer help of all ages was needed to move the boxes off the truck and into on-site storage:
Huge as this donation is, it still doesn’t cover all the needs of the local families served by WestSide Baby. We asked Nancy to explain why your help is still vital, for diaper donations any time, particularly this summer’s upcoming Stuff the Bus events:
WSB is proud to be a co-sponsor of the West Seattle “Stuff the Bus” event, which is coming up on Sunday, July 25.
(Added Sunday morning update – fundraising total at the end!)
WestSide Babyis all about families – so celebrating dads (and other XY-chromosome types) was a natural for tonight’s first-of-its-kind Guys’ Night Out. Above, that’s WestSide Baby’s Nancy Woodland with Kemp Garcia, who came up with the Guys’ Night Out WS Baby benefit idea, and Gerard Denommee.
Poker and pool were part of the plan for tonight’s event at the White Center Eagles‘ HQ. P.S. Mark your calendar for WestSide Baby’s biggest event of the summer – next month already – the legendary Stuff the Bus Diaper Drive (with WSB among the co-sponsors), coming up Sunday, July 25. SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Nancy sends word that Guys’ Night Out raised $7,000!
Father’s Day is coming up this weekend – and the night before, a new event will raise money for local families! Nancy Woodland of WestSide Baby explains:
Two great guys are holding a fantastic fundraiser for WestSide Baby this weekend and you should be there! Early this year two of our favorite supporters approached us with the idea to hold a Guys Night fundraiser. WestSide Baby provides essential items to local children in need and we think men care about this need too! Because our biggest event of the year is an afternoon Tea, we jumped on the idea to share WestSide Baby’s mission and impact with men in our community who care about kids. Providing adequate diapers and safe carseats and portable cribs should matter to everyone.
Guys’ Night Out will be at the White Center Eagles‘ HQ, 10452 15th SW (map), Saturday 5 pm-10 pm. Click ahead for full details:Read More
A followup this morning on the deadly shooting early Saturday in White Center (here’s our original report), a case with which police and fire crews from West Seattle initially assisted since it was reported right on the city/county line – King County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking for help from anyone who may have seen something – click ahead to see their news release:Read More
Both the city and county sections of White Center are getting big love from hundreds of volunteers right now in the annual WC Spring Clean – most sporting festive purple “I (Heart) White Center” T-shirts. This group was working on the triangular island byWhite Center Community Development Association HQ at Delridge/17th SW/SW Cambridge (map); we’ve got more Spring Clean photos up at partner site White Center Now (see them here), after catching up with folks from the Rat City Rollergirls and Full Tilt Ice Cream, among others.
There’ll be no living with us now. We are the sweets capital of the region. In an article for next Sunday’s New York Times (it’s dated May 16 but online today), a Seattle-based writer talks about five places she loves to stop for sweets, and two of them are in our area – West Seattle’s Bakery Nouveau, White Center’s Full Tilt Ice Cream. Read the story here; the FT photos start here. (Thanks to Alex for the tip!)
From partner site White Center Now: A public pool closed last fall because of King County Parks’ budget crunch reopened today as the beneficiary of a private-public partnership, and King County Executive Dow Constantine was there to help cut the ribbon, along with other elected officials and a big contingent of pool users, including the young swimmers heard cheering in the clip. The former Evergreen Pool is now the Evergreen Community Aquatic Center, operated by the WhiteWater Aquatics swimming organization. More video in the story published earlier today at WCN; the pool has public swims six days a week, and you can see its schedule here.
Quite the story behind a brief lockdown this past hour at 
Finally, our daily preview does include one opening: As 
then closed SW Roxbury at 8th SW for more than four hours Sunday afternoon/evening. We spoke with King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Laing, who shared details from the preliminary report: It started when deputies tried to pull over a vehicle at 156th and 1st S, and instead of stopping, it took off. = apparently, Sgt. Laing says, because the driver not only had a $10,000 warrant out for his arrest (related to a protection order), but also because he was under the influence of drugs (both of which, according to the report, he confessed when finally arrested). After a pursuit that led all the way into Highland Park and then back south, a deputy tried the so-called 
EDIBLE GARDEN TOUR NEXT SATURDAY – AND OPTIONAL ‘COOP TOUR’ ADD-ON: 11 am-4 pm Saturday (July 10th), more than a dozen gardens are showcased in this 
Father’s Day is coming up this weekend – and the night before, a new event will raise money for local families! Nancy Woodland of 
A followup this morning on the deadly shooting early Saturday in White Center (
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