West Seattle, Washington
31 Wednesday
Thanks to Tim McMonigle from the West Seattle Soccer Club for spotting news of a big new event headed to West Seattle – Seattle’s wildly popular Sounders FC pro-soccer organization is presenting the first-ever Sounders FC Soccer Beach Blast Tournament on Alki, set for August 23rd. Signups are under way now; here’s where to register and to find out more (note that co-sponsor Super Supplements, which has a West Seattle Junction store, is offering a coupon for discount registration). 2:58 PM NOTE: The fine print says this is for ages 18 and up.
You don’t need the top trophy to be a winner. Jill Pagano from Arbor Heights reminds us of this by sending that photo and explaining:
This weekend the U8 (8-year-olds) West Seattle All-Star Team played in “The Lineup, July 4th Tournament” down in Tacoma (Spanaway Park). A full weekend of baseball included 4 games on Saturday, July 4th (they went 3-1) with a final game on Sunday. Coach Peter Eastey team took home the third-place win and all the kids received medals. A special shout-out to all volunteer coaches for giving so freely of their time to teach our kids about, not only the sport but also how to enjoy the game, support their teammates, and smile even when they don’t win.
This team is affiliated with the West Seattle Association of Pee Wee Baseball, which is hosting two tournaments later this month, as noted in this story from last week.
Thanks to Emilie for e-mailing the news – verified via Twitter – the West Seattle Little League 9-10 All-Stars won both ends of a doubleheader against the South Highline Nationals at Bar-S and are headed to state. Congratulations!
Thanks to Lisa for sharing that photo with the news that the West Seattle All-Stars, from the West Seattle Association of Pee-Wee Baseball, won the Maltby Invitational Baseball Tournament last weekend – taking the title in the U-10 bracket, with the leadership of head coach Manny Flores. Congratulations! (Got good news to share? Lots of ways to get it to WSB, any time!) ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Some upcoming Pee Wee Baseball info from league president Eric Olson:
Our 10U team is hosting the 2009 West Seattle Mustang Tune Up on July 10th – 12th.
Twelve of the best 10U teams from around the region will be at this tournament. This tournament gets them ready for the Pony Sectional tournament which is the first step in the process of making it to the Pony 10U World Series later this summer.The West Seattle Niners will be hosting the 2009 West Seattle Junior Mustang Shootout on July 17th – 19th. Again, 12 of the region’s best 9U teams will be in attendance.
Both tournaments are held at the West Seattle Pee Wee Fields at Lower Riverview. The address is 1200 SW Myrtle St. Tournament schedules can be found at www.westseattlepeewee.com.
As the Hiawatha Playfield renovation work intensifies, with dirt-moving having begun late last week, Dave e-mailed this morning to say the century-old elm tree by the field has just been cut down (same tree shown in the city photo at left). This has been in the plans for a long time, according to the story we published after a public meeting in December 2007, at which time the Parks Department said 14 trees in all – including that elm – would be coming down. Some things have since changed, though – like the timetable for the project, which was then expected to be built last year, but is just getting started now, and the price tag for the project, with bids that came in so low, Parks was able to move half a million dollars out of the budget to cover about 2/3 of the Delridge Skatepark project. There’s also a new project manager, and we’re working to get an official update from him on the timetable and what’ll be happening over the summer, as well as the latest on the tree-cutting that will be involved. (Parks had said at that 2007 meeting that the elm tree had suffered serious damage in an ice storm several years ago – note the uneven sides in the photo.) When the project’s done late this year, Hiawatha will have new lighting and new turf for full-size baseball, soccer and football fields (details here). 1:17 PM UPDATE: Stopped by Hiawatha for photos of what’s happening, including what’s left of the elm tree:
We also got a quick status report from project manager Garrett Farrell:
The contractor has removed the existing batting cages, backstop, bleachers and field lighting. Stripping of the old field surface is underway. The new underground irrigation and electrical work will follow.
Farrell notes the tree removal is also explained on the Hiawatha project’s webpage – it’s still expected to total 14 trees including this one; the other 13 are smaller/younger. ADDED 5:10 PM: Thanks to Forest for pointing out that the city’s been vigilant about elm-tree disease for months now — here’s info about the Elm Protection Program.
Thanks to Cindy McComish for that photo from Colman Pool at Lincoln Park, where the Seattle Open swim meet continues through tomorrow (replacing the regular public swimming schedule). Cindy writes, “Congratulations to all the swimmers who work hard to qualify to be in this meet. Come watch youth from western Washington go fast!” (She’s parent to a West Seattle YMCA [WSB sponsor] Dolphin swimmer.)
While out in The Junction covering the car-on-side crash Tuesday afternoon, we noticed a forklift in action over by West Seattle Bowl. Further investigation revealed that, like nearby Fauntleroy Way, West Seattle Bowl is embarking on midst of lane-resurfacing work. Materials arrived yesterday and were moved into place, and prep work will continue for the rest of the week. West Seattle Bowl’s Jeff Swanson tells WSB that over the next three or four weeks, they’ll resurface two lanes at a time – all the others will be open, so no change in hours or operations expected.
Here’s an update on the upcoming volleyball camps at West Seattle High School, from Westside assistant coach Jim Hardy:
Help Sponsor the Westside Volleyball Camp with Idaho Vandals Coach Steve Whitaker @ West Seattle HS
We are still accepting registrations for July’s Volleyball Camp for HS and Middle School age players. The camp will run Monday-Thursday July 6th-9th, 1:00-5:30 at West Seattle High School. The fee for the Camp is $120. (Some scholarships and waivers are available.) This is a fundraiser for the VB team, and more sponsors are needed! Contact Head Coach Gail Mowrer to register. Phone 206.935.3231 or 206.293.5063 E-mail: mowrerpowers@comcast.net
Registration form and flyer are on the WSHS Volleyball Web Site:
www.wshsvb.greatserve.com/WestsideCamp.htm
(From left: Anthony Coats, Alex Coats, Coach Steve Meehan, Alex MacKenzie, Coach John Coats, Kevin Simmons, David Meehan, Cameron Slader, Griffin Bills, Cameron Paskett, Morgan Higgins, Austin Hall, James Morrison, Coach John MacKenzie)
Yesterday, we previewed the big championship game; today, the results and the victory photo, courtesy of West Seattle Little League‘s John MacKenzie:
The West Seattle Little League Majors Division D-Rays dominated the District 7 Tournament of Champions championship game on Monday by defeating South Highline National LL 15-0 in 4 innings. After winning the West Seattle Little League title, the Rays represented WSLL in the T.O.C. at Normandy Park City Hall fields. The T.O.C features the winners of all 8 of the District‘s leagues in a single-elimination tournament. The other teams are Seattle Central LL, Rainier LL, Renton LL, Pacwest LL, South Highline American LL, and the 2nd place South Highline National LL.
The Rays scored 26 runs and allowed 0 in the 3-day tournament. “The offense was amazing, with 4 home runs and several extra-base hits, the defense made some great plays and didn’t commit an error, and the pitching was overpowering with 4 pitchers combining to allow only 3 hits and 5 walks while striking out 28. I couldn’t have imagined a better finish to an incredible season” said Coach MacKenzie.
The D-Rays finished the season 21-1-1 and several players will be representing WSLL in the upcoming All-Star tournaments. For more information on the All-Star tournaments and WSLL, check out www.westseattlelittleleague.com.
The Rays’ coaches and players want to thank everyone who has supported them throughout the season.
(2008 photo by Brian Todd, Aus der Traum Photography)
Just in from Seattle Volleyball Association – a clinic this Saturday with your chance to “learn from the best”:
By popular demand, the best players in the Northwest will be taking a day off from playing a tournament and running a beach volleyball clinic to allow anyone a chance to learn from the best. All levels are welcome, whether you’re just starting to play or wanting to brush up your skills. The Northwest’s professional and semi-pro players will help players with passing, setting, hitting and serving, then have the nets open for all players to practice their skills against other players of their same skill level. The event goes 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with open net play for all participants who want to practice their skills with instructors from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost for each participant is $25 per person.
For full details of the event plus contact info, read on:Read More
From West Seattle Little League, John MacKenzie just e-mailed to share this news:
The D-Rays, winners of the West Seattle Little League Majors Division, advanced to the District 7 Championship Game with a 1-0 extra inning game against the Rainier Little League champions yesterday afternoon. The D-Rays beat the South Highline American Little League champs 10-0 on Friday night to get to the semi-final game against Rainier. The championship game will be held tonight at 6 PM at Normandy Park City Hall Fields, located at 801 SW 174th St., Normandy Park.
Here’s a map. Good luck, D-Rays!
Friday’s the last day of school – and Monday’s 
the first day of Basketball Camp at Chief Sealth High School – for students who will be in the 2nd through 9th grades this fall. Sealth’s incoming athletic director Sam Reed just e-mailed a reminder about the camp (here’s the story we published in April); you can see the brochure here, and he notes you can even sign up at the door Monday morning. That’s not the only sports camp in West Seattle this summer – we’ve also published notes on our Announced page about West Seattle High School basketball camp (details here), WSHS volleyball camp for middle- and high-schoolers (details here) and Lee’s Martial Arts summer camps (details here). Got a West Seattle summer camp with room? Let us know!
Jersey Jill shares that triumphant photo of a winning team from the West Seattle Girls Softball playoffs, and explains:
Friday night, the West Seattle girls’ 10U Fast Pitch softball team Liberty Tax aka “The Dolphins” took home the Championship Title for the season. The Dolphins entered the tournament as the team to beat with only one loss for the season. After losing the first game, they rallied back and beat the Steelers 10-6 in the second game to become the league 10U Champions!!!!
Here’s their official team photo:
(Back Row- Coach Dave Turpen, Carynia Smith, Taylor Picinich, Bridget Haney, Elise Turpen, Emily Schuster, Coach Brandon Pedersen
Front Row- Ashley Raines, Isabella Johnson, Sydney Page, Natalie Pedersen, Isabella Sarkies, Regan Nagle, Coach Jimmy Picinich
Not Pictured- Brett Smith, Pitching Coach; Albert Raines, Batting Coach)
Got a success story to share? Sports, athletics, business award, whatever? We’ve got a place for it. editor@westseattleblog.com any time.
Cami MacNamara e-mailed to make sure everybody involved with West Seattle Little League knows about this event this afternoon:
All current West Seattle Little League families are invited to attend our end of season Annual Picnic today. 3pm at Bar-S Fields. Hotdogs and burgers, plates and cutlery are provided by the league, the rest is potluck by division. To see what your division is assigned:
http://www.westseattlelittleleague.com/docs/picnic.pdf
We will also have a dunk tank this year! Please bring your child’s uniform to return to your team manager. A trophy presentation for the players will also occur.
From Tim McMonigle with the West Seattle Soccer Club:
Thanks to all who participated in our spring soccer season. We were blessed with sunny and 70+ degree weather on each of our Sunday game days. Join us for another exciting season this fall. The WSSC serves players from 5-18 years old. The open registration period for the West Seattle Soccer Club is through June 30th.
Returning players that register by June 30th will be given priority placement on their former teams. Players that register after that date will be placed in the general pool and assigned to a team on a space available basis. Coed U7 registration will close on August 15th. To register, go to www.westseattlesoccer.org and click on the Register link on the left, then follow the instructions.
A new option this year is to order WSSC hoodies with your registration. Attached is a picture of the new hoodie [photo below], or you can view another sample on our website. The cost of the hoodie is $25 and will be added to your registration total. If you don’t have a child playing in the WSSC but would still like to order a hoodie, please send an email to the WSSC at wsscboard@gmail.com with your size. Represent WSSC proudly!
By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Park and playground updates filled most of the agenda at the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting Wednesday night.
As we’ve been reporting, the anxiously awaited Delridge Skatepark is moving forward with a total of $750,000 virtually secured, and plans in the works for a 12,000-square- foot skate bowl with trimmings.
Some had hoped for a slightly larger skateboard park, maybe a little closer to 15,000 square feet, but there are also many advantages to the more compact counterpart:
Lots of school news tonight, including the School Board meeting from which we’re still reporting “live,” but maybe it’s just a final-weeks frenzy. At any rate, we got that fun photo from Tom Myers, who explained:
Sanislo Elementary School had its annual unicycling performance (last night) at 7 PM. Miss T retired a few years ago, but can’t stay away, so still teaches in the unicycling P.E. program after school. Great fun for the students and parents too!
When we covered the Delridge Skatepark schematic-design presentation at the Seattle Design Commission last month (WSB report here), project manager Kelly Davidson mentioned the third and final design meeting was almost finalized. Now we have the official date and time – 6:30 pm June 22, Youngstown Arts Center – for the official presentation of the design (shown above with Grindline’s Micah Shapiro during the SDC meeting) to the community. (Our coverage of the 1st design meeting in July 2008 is here; the second one, last January, is here.)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, for today/tonight:
VYING FOR VOTES: This just might be one of the biggest candidates’ forums of the primary season in West Seattle: Four of the major King County Executive candidates declared so far — Dow Constantine, Ross Hunter, Fred Jarrett, Larry Phillips — will be at Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor) at 7 pm tonight in a forum presented by InSPIRe, all welcome. Audience Q/A for the candidates is part of the plan, and you can even submit a question online right now (via this page).
PICK A PLAYGROUND (DESIGN): 7:30 tonight at Delridge Community Center, come share your thoughts about the three proposed designs for the new DCC playground to be “built in a day” next month — see all three designs here — so the eventual choice will truly be the community’s choice.
BINGO’S BACK: The popular Monday night bingo games at Alki UCC resume tonight after a Memorial Day hiatus. Doors open 5:30 pm, games start at 6:30.
FOOD DRIVE: All Bartell Drugs locations have a food drive this month, starting today – they’ll be collecting nonperishable food items at their stores. Read more here.
TAE KWON DO: The Hiawatha (Community Center) Tae Kwon Do Club is inviting new members (18 and up) to its classes, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays – find out more at (206) 684-7441.
The lion’s share of tonight’s activities – plus Saturday and Sunday – will be in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup later this morning. But we wanted to mention a few things early on: First, two local high-school softball teams are in state tournament play starting today – Seattle Lutheran High School vs. La Salle in Yakima, West Seattle High School vs. Columbia River in Tacoma. (See coach Carrie Burr‘s extensive report in the WSB Forums.) Second, it’s the last day for online registration for Sunday’s West Seattle 5K (WSB sponsor), which kicks off “Celebrate Summer Streets” on Alki (aka “car-free day”) on Sunday – you can sign up online till 6 tonight, or register in person Saturday or Sunday – full details on both options here. 1:09 PM UPDATE: West Seattle lost to Columbia River this morning, 4-2, but is playing Sedro-Woolley right now (1 pm start). 7:07 PM UPDATE: As rockergirl points out in comments, SLHS won the first game, and is playing a second game right now. WSHS lost its second game.
Thanks to Benita for the tip that in turn led us to the news that West Seattle has two softball teams in state tournament play – West Seattle High School and Seattle Lutheran High School. WSHS is in the 3A tournament, starting play Friday vs. Columbia River at SERA Fields in Tacoma (brackets here); SLHS is in the 2B tournament, starting play at 9 am Friday vs. La Salle at Gateway Sports Complex in Yakima. Both teams are mentioned in this story posted today on the West Seattle Thunder Fastpitch organization site, noting that 22 current and former WS Thunder players are in state play, representing schools including WSHS and SLHS. Good luck to all – we’ll post updates!
SIGN: Amy reports a sign sighting on the Fauntleroy “overpass,” which would be the first one in a long time, since extra DON’T YOU DARE DO THAT-type signs went up … Unfortunately, she says the sign bears an unfriendly message we won’t repeat. Off to check it out as soon as we hit “publish” on this item. (Added later – Nope, it was gone.)
LINK #1: Remember the Cat’s Eye Cafe’ on Fauntleroy north of Lincoln Park, closed after a car hit it three years ago, now the Four Aims Center? Its former owner Julie Malcolm is in the street-food business up north, according to this Edmonds article about Here and There. Sounds a little bit like the Snohomish County version of Skillet
LINK #2: Husky football players visit Roxhill Elementary, and gohuskies.com tells the tale.
RAINOUT: How rainy is it, you ask? West Seattle Little League just announced via Twitter that all games for today are rained out.
TEACHERS: When we reported about this time yesterday that Seattle Public Schools confirmed teacher layoffs had begun, we also said SPS expected to release more details today on how many people would lose their jobs. Spokesperson Patti Spencer now says that district HR is reviewing the information to “ensure that (it) is totally accurate”; no new timeline for when it will be made available.
PARKING: The agenda was just sent out (see it here) for next Tuesday’s City Council Transportation Committee meeting at which the Restricted Parking Zone changes — which have sparked concern in West Seattle community groups — may be voted on. Two of the three agenda items have to do with RPZs, and public comment will be taken toward the start of the meeting, which is at 9:30 am Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall downtown.
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