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UPDATE: First night of bridge closures for Fauntleroy Expressway
May 16, 2016 10:52 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: First night of bridge closures for Fauntleroy Expressway
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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10:52 PM: The barrels and barricades blocking the 35th/Fauntleroy entrance to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge are just one sign that the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-cushion-re-replacement project is finally under way. This is the first of dozens of expected overnight closures of the west end of the bridge so that crews can jack it up a bit from surface Spokane Street so more than 500 cushions can be re-replaced, four years after their original replacement, which turned out to have a design flaw. In addition to the eastbound ramp closure, if you are heading westbound on the bridge, you’ll have to exit at Delridge – Mike reports that the going is a bit slow because of that, and while under the bridge checking on the work, we noticed the heavier volume of vehicles coming off the ramp. The crews were staging in the center area when we went by.

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The closure is scheduled to continue until 5 am, and to be repeated tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, 9 pm-5 am. No closures are scheduled Friday and Saturday nights, and SDOT says the closures will be delayed until 11 pm on nights with Mariners or Sounders games where crowds of 20,000+ are expected. We’ll have reminders in our weekday morning traffic coverage as well as, for the Sunday closures, in our morning “what’s happening today/tonight” lists.

5 AM: This “live” camera verifies that the first night’s closure is over and the bridge has reopened.

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BIZNOTE: Grand ‘reopening’ celebration for Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu next Sunday
May 16, 2016 8:57 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Health | West Seattle news

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Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Seattle invites you to its Grand Reopening next Sunday (May 22nd). This is the big gym at 5050 Delridge Way SW, known previously as Straight Blast Gym of Seattle (WSB sponsor). From the announcement: “Recent events have allowed the two female owners of BJJ gyms to come together and grow our communities and provide a number of martial-arts programs such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, along with Strength and Conditioning classes for both youth and adults! We’d like to invite the community to our event and check out the mini clinics that will be held. There will be a gathering of people of all skill levels and interests.”

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That photo is from this past Sunday, when they had a staff meeting with other Elite groups from around the metro area. Next up before the Sunday event, they’ll be doing renovations and rebranding this Wednesday through Friday, “which will include transformation of both the inside and outside facilities!” And then on Sunday, set for 1-4 pm, here’s what you can enjoy:

Join us in celebrating a new chapter as we open our doors and start our journey as a part of the Elite team.

Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers year-round programs for the entire family for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels, in a fun and safe environment.

1:30 and 3:30 pm
Take part in either a Muay Thai, Strength & Conditioning, or Kids clinic. A short 30-minute class with highly experienced coaches, you’ll have fun and learn something new. All skill levels welcome.

2:30 pm
BJJ clinic with Professor Miriam Cardoso, head professor of Elite – 5x World Champion; check out her technical jiu-jitsu skills and coaching!

* Stop by for some local eats and fun!
* New student and family specials!
* Raffle Prizes

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Washington State Ferries plans changes to speed things up @ Fauntleroy terminal
May 16, 2016 5:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

From Washington State Ferries:

Starting Monday, May 23, all vehicles except motorcycles and bicycles must stop at the tollbooths at the Fauntleroy Terminal to purchase and/or redeem tickets. Motorcyclists and bicyclists will continue to be processed near the Terminal building at the west end of the dock.

To speed up the loading process during peak travel times, a bypass lane will be provided for pre-ticketed vehicles only (no sales). New signage has been installed in front of and on the toll booths to indicate when the pre-ticketed bypass lane is open, in addition to providing other important information. Please pay attention to signs and watch for instructions from WSF staff at the Fauntleroy Terminal.

Please note that as a safety precaution, WSF will not allow passengers to be dropped off or picked up at the terminal when the pre-ticketed bypass lane is open. Passengers can be picked up/dropped off in the load zone just south of the Terminal on Fauntleroy Way during these times. Customers with disabilities that prevent them from using the walkway at the terminal should notify WSF staff upon arriving at the terminal that they will need a closer pick-up/drop-off point.

This change is being implemented to speed vehicle processing and loading times. Thank you for your cooperation!

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West Seattle Outdoor Movies 2016: Time for suggestions!
May 16, 2016 3:23 pm
|      74 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

So much summer fun is approaching – including West Seattle Outdoor Movies, a free six-Saturday-night series in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) at California/Genesee, with sponsors including WSB. Opening night of this year’s series is exactly two months away – July 16th – which means it’s time for a WSOM tradition, your suggestion(s)! Here’s what not to suggest, since they’ve been shown in recent years:

2015’s movie lineup was “Zoolander,” “Singles,” “Raising Arizona,” “Big Hero 6,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show”

2014’s movie lineup was “Gravity,” “Spice World,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Blues Brothers,” “The Goonies,” “Frozen”

*2013′s movie lineup was “Goldfinger,” “Devil Wears Prada,” “Muppets,” “Avengers,” “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” “This Is Spinal Tap”

*2012′s movie lineup was “Pretty in Pink,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Lion King,” “Iron Man,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Top Gun”

The goals otherwise, besides avoiding recent reruns, are “relatively family-friendly” (obviously, as you can see from the lists above, it’s not all G-rated!) and “entertaining.” So if you have a movie to suggest, please post a comment – thank you, and set your calendar reminders for July 16, 23, 30 and August 6, 13, 20!

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West Seattle history: What’s beneath the Talarico’s facade
May 16, 2016 12:54 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

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12:54 PM: Thanks to David Williams for the photo and first word that a bit of Junction history is exposed right now – in front of Talarico’s Pizzeria at 4718 California SW. The restaurant doesn’t open until 3 today so we haven’t yet reached anyone to ask for details of the work (and the sign’s fate) but an online permit filing has the notation, “Install 45 lineal feet of rigid canopy on storefront with no signage or graphics.” Meantime, Mike Phelps also sent a photo, which we’ve cropped for a closer look:

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Mike adds, “The revealed signage predates (the old) New Luck Toy. Predates me; interesting to see if any readers remember or have photos.” The recently released West Seattle Junction Historical Survey says this building dates to 1950.

1:51 PM: As “Chemist” points out in comments, the address is identified on this Junction-history site as having belonged to “Star Radio” before New Luck Toy in 1950.

5:30 PM: During a brief stop at Talarico’s this afternoon, we learned this work is part of a bit of remodeling of the entire front, including the windows. The sign, we’re told, is from when Schuck’s was in part of the building. No plans to preserve it, so if you’re interested in seeing it in person, get down there fast. The work is only expected to take a few days.

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West Seattle whales: Orcas reported off south WS shore
May 16, 2016 12:53 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle whales: Orcas reported off south WS shore
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Via text (thank you!): A “small pod of orcas” is reported to be in view right now between The Arroyos and Vashon Island, mid-channel. Even if that’s too far south for you – they’ll have to head north eventually!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Seattle City Council resolution would urge Sound Transit to consider WS tunnel
May 16, 2016 11:57 am
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

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As proposed in the draft plan for Sound Transit 3 – the 25-year outline for expanding light rail around the region, expected to go to voters in November – West Seattle would be served with an elevated line. Some community advocates think a tunnel would be better, once the line gets across the Duwamish River (currently envisioned as happening via its own new bridge). With the proposed final plan just weeks away, the City Council is expected to pass a resolution shortly offering its feedback to ST. Here’s what’s mentioned about that in the draft of the council resolution, which you can read in full here:

The ST3 package should include a light rail extension from Downtown Seattle to the West Seattle Junction, including a grade-separated alignment through West Seattle. The ST3 package should allow for future consideration and evaluation of a tunnel alignment through West Seattle, if cost savings within the ST3 program or additional funding resources become available.

We asked City Councilmember Lisa Herbold for comment on whether she supports this language; she is the “alternate” member on the City Council Transportation Committee, which will consider the resolution at its 2 pm meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17th). We just received a reply through her legislative assistant Newell Aldrich: “The resolution incorporates language suggested by CM Herbold and the WSTC — we worked with them on the WS section. We all wanted to ensure there was equivalency with the Ballard section (i.e. listing a potential tunnel option if funding allows).”

WSTC is a reference to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition. As a side note to this, you might recall that the WSTC ran a survey about WS light rail this spring, before the ST3 draft plan came out. In WSB comments, some have wondered when those results would be released. Former WSTC board member Joe Szilagyi, who led the group’s online presence during his time on the board, published them in this Medium.com post today.

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5 options for your West Seattle Monday
May 16, 2016 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on 5 options for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Barn swallow, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Before we get to today’s highlights – if you’re here mostly for the bird photos, you might love a Saturday event just announced by the Duwamish Longhouse – a presentation on “Birds of the Duwamish Valley.” It’ll be in our calendar shortly; here’s their announcement.

Now, to today/tonight! – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EARLY DAYS: Drop-in support group for new parents, 10:30-noon. Suggested donation $10, but no one will be turned away. Info in our calendar listing. Meets at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4746 44th SW, Suite #201)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: All welcome, 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month’s title is “Animal Dreams” by Barbara Kingsolver. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

TINKERLAB DROP-IN: 6-7:30 pm, fun STEM-based crafts for all ages, free, at Delridge Library.
(5423 Delridge Way SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PTA: The end of the school year is already in view, but that’s no time to disengage – if you’re in Highland Park, the HP Elementary PTA would love to see you at tonight’s meeting. From president Holly Briscoe:

Come out to help finalize the PTA’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values that we have been crafting this year, join in on the conversation about school accessibility, and take a walk around the school to help brainstorm projects for upcoming community service events. Have you considered being on the PTA Board, or would you like to nominate someone for next year? Now is the time! PTA meeting at 6:00. Snacks will be provided. Spanish interpreters will be available. Child care provided by City Year. All are welcome!

(1012 SW Trenton)

OLD-TIMEY COUNTRY MUSIC … with Collapsible Rodeo at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MORE … on our complete calendar!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 4 reader reports and your chance to bring concerns to local police
May 16, 2016 9:07 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reader reports from the weekend in West Seattle Crime Watch, plus a reminder about this month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting:

INSTRUMENTS STOLEN: Another case of musical instruments stolen from a car. They may well already be up for sale somewhere – that’s what happened in another recent case – so Brandon, who plays in a band called Black Bone Exorcism, hopes you’ll be on the lookout. Here’s the flyer including his contact info. He says the gear all has “stickers and marker spots for settings …” A police report is filed.

TOOLS STOLEN: Leschi residents visiting West Seattle report that their Toyota Tacoma parked in the Les Schwab parking lot at Fauntleroy/Alaska was broken into on Saturday night “and approximately $2,000 of tools (were stolen) and some items of little monetary value but lots of sentimental value. Please be on the lookout for these that might have been tossed aside. Name ‘Solem’ written on some.”

WINDOW BROKEN: Late last night, around 10 pm, somebody broke a window on Reed’s car at 11th/Barton. “Nothing stolen, just a broken window. Filed a police report.”

SIDESWIPES: This might be a warning as much as anything else, Adam reports, if you park in this area:

Within the last week, I have seen 3 or 4 different instances of sideswipes of parked cars within one block of The Sanctuary (Lander and 42nd).

There were two (recently) that seemed a little bizarre. Both were on 41st Ave SW between Lander and Admiral. Police were on the scene at about 7:15 am when I drove by. What makes it strange is it seemed like the parked cars rammed into the cars parked in front of them and it didn’t seem like those cars were hit from behind. Both instances were on different ends of the block. Another instance was on Lander at the Safeway. The other happened in front of the Sanctuary on 42nd Ave SW.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL TOMORROW NIGHT: 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17th) is the monthly meeting at the Southwest Precinct with your chance to hear about local crime trends and bring concerns to Seattle Police. WSCPC president Richard Miller also usually books a guest and this time, it’s a rep from city code compliance – which relates to issues including “nuisance houses.” The precinct is at 2300 SW Webster.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; nighttime bridge closures set to start
May 16, 2016 6:21 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; nighttime bridge closures set to start
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:21 AM: Good morning! It’s a somewhat-soggy Monday so far. No incidents in/from West Seattle. But we’re reminding you again that the city says the Fauntleroy Expressway quake-safety-cushion-re-replacement work starts tonight, which means the west end of the bridge is scheduled to close starting at 9 pm, as explained here.

8:50 AM: First notable incident of the morning, and an alert for surface traffic – Mickey reports via Twitter, “An accident involving a train and semi at Spokane and Alaskan Way – no apparent injuries. @SeattlePD on scene.”

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High Point, South Park libraries to soon be open Fridays, too
May 15, 2016 11:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | South Park | West Seattle news

High Point and South Park are two of four neighborhoods whose Seattle Public Library branches will get Friday hours back as of July 1st. Here’s the SPL announcement:

Thanks to funds from the seven-year, 2012 voter-approved Library levy, The Seattle Public Library will restore Friday operating hours to four neighborhood branch libraries whose hours were reduced during recession-related budget cuts.

The High Point, International District/Chinatown, South Park, and University branches will all have restored Friday hours as of July 1.

“We are so glad to be able to restore hours at these four branches,” City Librarian Marcellus Turner said. “Expanding Library hours in neighborhoods that currently have limited access continues to be a priority.”

When the levy passed in August 2012, 15 of the Library’s 27 locations were closed on Fridays and Sundays. In 2013 the levy funded the restoration of Sunday hours at all locations and the expansion of the Columbia and Northgate branches into branches operating seven days a week, but patrons often tell the Library they wish more branches were open on Fridays.

Last year, the Library Board prioritized adding open hours at several branches when a limited amount of funds became available from inflation savings from the levy. The $378,000 in levy funds to restore Friday hours at the four branches were approved as part of the Library’s 2016 Operations Plan.

The branches were selected after an administrative review of traditional Library statistics, community demographics, income distribution, transportation links, key partnerships, internet and Wi-Fi sessions, and review by a Library staff team involved in the city’s Race and Social Justice Initiative and more.

The new open hours at the four branches will be: 1 pm-8 pm Monday and Tuesday, 11 am-6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 pm-5 pm Sunday. The HP and SP branches’ Friday closures started six years ago, this archived WSB story reminds us.

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ROAD WORK REMINDER: Overnight partial bridge closures start Monday night
May 15, 2016 9:40 pm
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK REMINDER: Overnight partial bridge closures start Monday night
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

One more reminder that tomorrow night – 9 pm Monday to 5 am Tuesday – brings the first closure of the west end of the West Seattle Bridge for the re-do of a project from 4 years ago: Earthquake-safety cushioning for the section officially known as the Fauntleroy Expressway. To replace the cushions, the bridge deck has to be jacked up from beneath, and so westbound traffic will have to get off at the Delridge exit (if not sooner). Eastbound traffic won’t be able to get on from 35th/Fauntleroy, but will have access from the Avalon/Harbor ramp. There’ll also be some lane closures under the bridge, daytime as well as nighttime, but no more than one lane closed in each direction, SDOT says. We’ll have daily reminders in our weekday morning traffic watch; this week the closures are scheduled to run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, and subsequently Sunday nights through Thursday nights. Also, SDOT notes, “There will be NO bridge closures on Friday or Saturday nights. On evenings of Mariners or Sounders games with attendance of 20,000 or more, weeknight closures won’t begin until 11 pm.” (The project backstory is here.)

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Sign spat: Luna Park Café proprietor fighting $500 citation for nearby A-frame
May 15, 2016 6:58 pm
|      74 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle news

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(One month after Luna Park Café was cited for an A-frame sign here, apartment complexes from Columbia City and The Triangle were back)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

You might have noticed fewer advertising A-frame signs on streetcorners in recent weeks.

For a while earlier this year, it seemed every intersection in West Seattle had a cluster on weekends – mostly advertising the bigger new apartment complexes around town, even a building in Columbia City, six miles away.

Then the city cracked down and issued warnings – with one local entrepreneur as a sort of bycatch.

John Bennett, owner of Luna Park Café, got a $500 citation for an A-frame sign his restaurant had long placed at Harbor/Avalon/Spokane (same location as the top photo), half a block from his café, meant to catch the attention of people coming off the bridge to head toward the West Seattle waterfront.

He’s fighting the citation and has an appeal hearing this week.

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Remembering Raymond W. Tofteland, 1964-2016
May 15, 2016 5:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Family and friends will gather June 18th to celebrate the life of Raymond W. Tofteland, who died a week ago. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Raymond (Ray) Wayne Tofteland died peacefully in his sleep May 8, 2016 in Seattle at the age of 51 from complications of renal disease.

Raymond was born August 7, 1964, in Minot, North Dakota, to Lawrence (Larry) and Eileen Tofteland. His family moved to Seattle in 1968. He attended Arbor Heights Elementary School, Denny Middle School and graduated in 1983 from Rainier Beach High School. He married his high-school sweetheart Melissa Whipple in 1991, and rejoiced when their beloved daughter Ashlee was born in 1994. While Raymond and Melissa divorced in 2005, they remained good friends. As his health declined, he moved in with Melissa and Ashlee, who took care of him.

As a boy, Raymond started earning money by mowing lawns. After graduating, he worked for La Mexicana making tortillas. In 1989 he started working at the Jefferson Square Safeway in West Seattle. Many years later, he transferred to a University District Safeway. He was on medical leave for the past two years, but was a Safeway employee for 27 years.

Raymond loved to fish (especially at Ilwaco), camp, go on road trips and barbecue. He spent many happy hours teaching Ashlee to make a campfire and to fish. He loved hanging out with friends and family around campfires, on his sister’s boat or just at home.

Raymond was preceded in death by his father Lawrence (Larry) Tofteland. Left to mourn are his daughter Ashlee Tofteland; his mother Eileen Tofteland; his ex-wife Melissa Tofteland; his brother Mark Tofteland; his sister Melissa (Missy) Speer-Tofteland; his nephews Gabe, Levi, and Luai; and his nieces Tara, Amanda, Jameila, and Sophia.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the Toftelands at 10441 57th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98178.

A celebration of life will be held June 18th in Olympia. Please call or text 206-913-7148 for more information or check Facebook for the “Celebration of Life for Raymond Tofteland” event.

Raymond’s last wish was for his remains to be taken to North Dakota, where his father is buried. Please consider donating to help make this final trip with his daughter a reality at gofundme.com/raymondtofteland

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

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Special WordsWest event Wednesday: Kids’ Night!
May 15, 2016 3:39 pm
|    Comments Off on Special WordsWest event Wednesday: Kids’ Night!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Get ready for summer reading season this Wednesday night with a special early start for the monthly WordsWest Literary Series event – this time around, it’s Kids’ Night! Here’s the official announcement, if you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

On May 18, 2016, WordsWest will have a special, early 6 pm start and feature Kelly Jones, author of “Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer,” and Dana Simpson, author of the “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” comic series and collections, winner of the Washington State Book Award and the PNBA Award. Not only that, Jenny Cole of Burien’s Page 2 Books will share a Favorite Poem and host a Summer Reading Table. Yummy treats will be served! This evening is partially funded by Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

Kelly Jones is a former librarian and bookseller who has worked with writers of all ages. She keeps much-loved, but fair…ly ordinary chickens at her home in Shoreline, Washington. Her debut novel “Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer,” about 12-year-old Sophie and her magical chickens, was illustrated by Katie Kath and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers. Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer was named an ALSC Children’s Notable Book for 2016, a 2016 Mathical Honor Book, a 2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Master List nominee, and a 2016-2017 Georgia Children’s Book Award Finalist; Kelly was named a 2016 Children’s Choice Debut Author finalist by the Children’s Choice Book Awards.

Dana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from the Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit. Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip “Ozy and Millie.” After winning the Comic Strip Superstar contest in 2009, she developed the comic strip “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” (originally known online as “Heavenly Nostrils”), currently syndicated in nearly 200 newspapers. There have been three “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” book collections, to date. The first, Phoebe and Her Unicorn, won a 2015 Washington State Book Award. The second, Unicorn on a Roll, won a 2016 Pacific Northwest Book Award. A third book, Unicorn vs. Goblins, was released in February 2016.

Every third Wednesday at C & P Coffee Company, WordsWest hosts literary events that range from readings by published local and national authors, to guided writing explorations. Each month we also host a community member to share his or her favorite poem as part of the Favorite Poem Project. WordsWest is curated by West Seattle writers Katy E. Ellis, Susan Rich, and Harold Taw.

C & P (a WSB sponsor) is at 5612 California SW.

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West Seattle coyotes: Junction sighting
May 15, 2016 2:31 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

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We just happened to be at the West Seattle Farmers Market an hour or so ago when a text came in (206-293-6302, any time) with that photo of a coyote spotted nearby, by Hope Lutheran (42nd/41st/Oregon). No telling whether the coyote was trying to find its way to the market, church, or somewhere else, but yet another reminder that they live among us and they’re out in the daytime too. The best advice from the state’s excellent infoguide is to scare them away if you see them; our texter said a passing car had already done that.

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West Seattle 5K 2016: One week from today!
May 15, 2016 12:53 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle 5K 2016: One week from today!
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo from 2014 West Seattle 5K coverage)

Whether you’re there to cheer, to run, to walk, to roll, you’re invited to Alki next Sunday morning (May 22nd) for the 2016 West Seattle 5K. It starts by 61st SW and SW Alki – usually after some opening stretches at and around Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza – and around quarter past 9, everybody heads out along Alki Avenue, which is closed to vehicles until late morning. The WS5K is presented by the West Seattle High School PTA, and this is its eighth year. If you’re not registered yet, you can do it online until Thursday, do it at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) during packet pickup noon-6 pm next Saturday, or show up at 8 am on race day and sign up (at a higher price). WS5K co-sponsors include WSB – see you there!

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Stories, songs, more for your West Seattle Sunday
May 15, 2016 9:37 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Male Western Tanager, seen at Alki Point after wintering in Mexico, photographed by Gary Jones)

Happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights for the hours ahead:

ALKI ELEMENTARY DONATION DRIVE CONTINUES: WSCGSD leftovers? Or just some general spring cleaning? The “Clothing for the Cause” textile-donation drive benefiting Alki Elementary continues – just take your items to the trailer on the south side of the school. They’re not only accepting clothes, but also other textile items – sheets, towels, etc. (3010 59th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

JAMTIME: Bluegrass and old-time music, live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), with Jamtime, 1-4 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘SOUTHWEST STORIES’: 3 pm at Southwest Library, the free monthly “SouthWest Stories” series brings you the chance to hear from and talk with Carol-Ann Thornton, as previewed here last night.

BOOGIE-WOOGIE: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, Arthur Migliazza performs, described as “the hottest young Blues and Boogie-Woogie pianist around.” More in our calendar listing, including how to make your reservation. (7904 35th SW)

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UPDATE: Missing girl back home
May 15, 2016 3:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

8:50 AM: We have word the missing girl is back home.

ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:03 AM:

Read More

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VIDEO: Local hurdlers’ success @ Metro League track championships
May 15, 2016 2:29 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(110 hurdles at Metro championships – video by Doug Cooper)

More athletic achievements for local students – this time at the Metro League track championships.

Doug Cooper, who coaches hurdles for the West Seattle High School track team, shared the videos and news of some big achievements in that sport:

Chaaka Trahan, a senior at West Seattle High School, ran a sizzling time of 14.20 seconds in the 110m high hurdles to win the league title in the event at Friday’s Metro League Championship meet at the SWAC track.

Trahan also won the Metro League title in the Long Jump with a jump of 22’7, and then added a third title to his collection for the day when he and fellow standout hurdler Cass Elliott and sprinters Rylee Farrison and Miles Hairston teamed up to smash yet another school record in the 4×400 relay and bring home the Metro League title in the process.

If all that wasn’t enough, Trahan added a 2nd place finish in one of the very best Metro League 300 hurdles finals in recent memory:

(300 hurdles at Metro championships – video by Kelsey Lenzie)

Trahan and Elliott finished 2nd (39.49 seconds) and 3rd (39.63) to Nathan Hale’s Tremaine McAdams (38.49). These times from their race on Friday vaulted Elliott, Trahan, and McAdams into the top 5 fastest recorded times in the entire State this season.

Trahan and Elliott led a strong cast of athletes on West Seattle’s Boys team to a 4th-place overall finish in the 16-school Seattle Metro League, which is considered by many to be the most competitive league in the state. All of them along with a great girls’ team which finished 8th in the league will be back in action at SWAC Track near Chief Sealth IHS this upcoming Wednesday (5/18) and Friday (5/20) for the Sea-King District Championship meet. Both meets kick off at 4:00 pm.

Cooper added that Trahan’s 14.2 in the 110 may have broken a half-century-old WSHS record – 14.3 by Al Karlberg in 1965 – but more research needs to be done, he explains, because “hand times were used back then and automated or converted automatic times are used now.”

He also adds that Quinn Wiley, a Chief Sealth International High School hurdler who trains with WSHS because Sealth has no hurdles coach on staff, won the girls’ 300 Metro League title – despite never hurdling until this year! She had, Cooper says, “one of the best times in the state, 45.93 seconds!”

Other WSHS and CSIHS track athletes did well at the championships – as you’ll see if you review the results list here.

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SUNDAY: Carol-Ann Thornton tells her SouthWest Stories @ SW Library
May 14, 2016 7:27 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY: Carol-Ann Thornton tells her SouthWest Stories @ SW Library
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Sunday afternoon at 3 pm, come to the Southwest Library to find out something you probably didn’t know about West Seattle history. You’ll hear it from Carol-Ann Thornton, whose video invitation, below, is provided by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

Thornton will talk – with you, not at you, as she said in the video – about “Culture Shock: The Awakening of Alki and West Seattle in 1962 and Beyond.” It’s the latest chapter of the SouthWest Stories series, co-presented by SWSHS and SPL; her stories include her experience as the first African-American student at Alki Elementary. The event is free, and everyone’s welcome; SW Library is at 35th SW/SW Henderson.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Shrimp seekers bring busy day to the bay
May 14, 2016 5:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

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(WSB photos)

Some noticed this was a very busy day at Don Armeni Boat Ramp and on Elliott Bay today – and as soon as we were asked about it, we found out why: Area waters were open to recreational shrimp fishing for one day only, 7 am to 3 pm.

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The state-mandated limit for those who went out today was 80 shrimp. Here’s a state-produced guide to which shrimp are most common locally.

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POST-WSCGSD: Here’s who’s welcoming donations right now, and beyond
May 14, 2016 3:46 pm
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 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Here are the nonprofits that are welcoming post-West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day donations today (and beyond):

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NORTHWEST CENTER: Remember that the Big Blue Truck has moved locations since last year – still in The Junction, but next to the Key Bank satellite, 4718 44th SW. Open late today, until 6:30 pm. (4:30 pm update: Photo added – three trucks were there and a fourth arriving.)

BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS: You’ll find a dropoff spot near the NW Center truck today only (on 44th SW) until 6 pm, but there are other dropoff spots for the next week – details, and what will be accepted, are here.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: They have a truck at Holy Rosary‘s parking lot, off 42nd north of Genesee, until 5 pm:

“We will be happy to take your no-longer-needed clothing, books and small household items. Unfortunately we cannot accept any large furniture or appliances. Your donation of goods will help restock our St. Vincent de Paul stores which help the needy in our area.”

ALKI ELEMENTARY ‘CLOTHING FOR THE CAUSE’: A dropoff trailer taking clothing items (as listed here) is at Alki Elementary School (3010 59th SW) all week – you’ll find it on the south side of the main building, off 59th:

And if you’re interested in pickup, they’re doing that tomorrow – text your address to 206-660-8524 and have your bags on the curb by 8 am Sunday.

(Anyone else? Let us know ASAP at garagesale@westseattleblog.com – thanks – and thanks to all the generous donors helping local nonprofits!)

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