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Spotlight Stories

PHOTOS: Happy 75th, Colman Pool!
July 4, 2016 4:06 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

After many previews, today was finally the day to party:

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(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is now three-quarters of a century old. Opening day was July 4th, 1941. Among those who gathered to celebrate the milestone, members of the Sears family, with a third-generation pool operator now on board:

The story is told in detail by Judy Pickens in the newest Fauntleroy Community Association newsletter: Mark Sears is retiring from 43 years at Colman Pool, most of them in the operator/grounds caretaker role previously held by his dad Norm Sears. And his successor is daughter Maya Sears:

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She has already been with Seattle Parks for a decade, including as the manager of its wading-pool system (which includes a pool just a short stroll uphill from Colman). This morning’s party celebrated the pool’s present and future, as well as its past, in many ways. More of its history was presented by speakers including Jean Carroll, one of the first two people to swim in Colman Pool, practicing on July 3rd, 1941, to be part of the celebration the next day:

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Last weekend, we featured Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals‘s video of her memories.

Also today, a diving demonstration:

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A demonstration of “fancy diving” also was part of the 1941 opening celebration, according to a clipping in this KUOW story; another 1941 participant listed in the clipping was Gary Gaffner, that year’s “King Neptune” (and a descendant of a member of the Denny Party), who spoke today as well:

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Back in the water, members of the lifeguard staff demonstrated the rescue skills they all have but hope never to have to use:

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A lifelong aquatics professional who knows those skills well, Coy Jones, was today’s emcee:

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Two “mermaids,” Essie and Cyanea, took a turn performing:

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At noon, the party made way for the first swim session of the day, after former lifeguards and current and former pool staffers shared their memories open-microphone style.

There’s so much more to the history of Colman Pool – you can read a bit in Lori Hinton‘s West Seattle 101 essay, and more in HistoryLink.org‘s page about Kenneth Colman, who presented the pool to the city in memory of his father Laurence Colman. Colman Pool is only open part of the year, for obvious reasons – its preseason weekends start before Memorial Day, and by late June it’s operating 7 days a week, until Labor Day, which will be followed by one post-season weekend this year, according to the official brochure. If you’ve never been … don’t miss it.

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West Seattle 4th of July scene: GoodYear Blimp flyby
July 4, 2016 12:57 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

12:57 PM: One surprise so far today: A GoodYear Blimp flyby:

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(Photo by Scott Borton)

Thanks to everybody who texted and sent photos! We were at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, covering post-West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade festivities, when someone texted that the blimp had flown over Burien and was headed this way; minutes later, we spotted it over Elliott Bay. While the GoodYear Blimp website includes a comprehensive schedule, it doesn’t mention a Seattle stop during its current Northwest visit – via Twitter, we see it was in Chehalis last night.

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(Photo by Don Brubeck)

GoodYear actually has more than one blimp – this one is the semi-recently-moved-to-California Spirit of Innovation, 10 years old and due to be retired next year.

P.S. If you want to check on its whereabouts, use your favorite flight tracker and look for N4A. We’re seeing it near Whidbey Island right now.

ADDED 1:51 PM: One more photo – while reviewing our photographer’s images from the Colman Pool 75th-anniversary party, we noticed the blimp was overhead while members of the Sears family – longtime pool operators – were at centerstage:

anotherflyby
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

(A separate story about the pool celebration is coming up.)

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West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade 2016, report #1
July 4, 2016 10:20 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

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10:20 AM: The parade is on! Just started, heading west from 44th and Sunset. The route turns east on Atlantic, which is where SPD will stop traffic so the parade can cross to Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

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10:51 AM: The parade has finished crossing California and is headed into the park for sack races.

11:25 AM: The races just started. And the Admiral Neighborhood Association’s concession sales:
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Seattle Fire Engine 29, which was part of the parade, is here for tours:

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More photos, and some video, later!

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West Seattle 4th of July 2016: What you need to know for today/tonight
July 4, 2016 7:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

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(West Seattle Corporate Center flag at Delridge/Andover, photographed by Shmelvin)

As usual, your “what’s happening in West Seattle on Independence Day” is all in one place – our one-page guide, here.

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(Bald eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The slate starts with the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade in Admiral at 10 am (bring diapers for WestSide Baby!). That’s also when Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, until 1 pm, for today’s low-low tide:

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(Octopus at Constellation Park, photographed by Vincent Della Pella)

You can also visit Colman Pool without getting in the water.

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(WSB photo from Sunday)

The 75th anniversary celebration starts at 10:15 am. (It’s open for swimming at noon as usual.) And it’s a bonus day for tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse:

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(June photo by Melanie)

Tours start at 1 pm. Again, these are just part of what’s in our guide, which includes today’s transit changes, fireworks-viewing suggestions, and more. We’ll be out covering the holiday happenings, so check back for updates, and have a great 4th!

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UPDATE: Police investigate yard fire in southeast Highland Park; fireworks suspected
July 3, 2016 11:11 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

yardfire
(WSB photos)

11:15 PM: Several Seattle Fire crews are responding to the 9200 block of 9th SW, where multiple reports are coming in about an apparent brush fire. The first crews arriving say it’s close to a fence but not to a house, and they suspect fireworks, so they’re calling for SPD. We’re en route to check it out.

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11:35 PM: Fire charred a yard. Out now, no one hurt. SPD officers are here investigating, as is SFD’s marshal.

11:48 PM: So far, fire investigators tell us, they believe this was indeed fireworks-related. Damage was limited to the yard; a nearby car is covered in ash. One neighbor told us she has a 9-month-old baby who couldn’t sleep because of the noise. Crews are packing up to leave.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Schmitz Family chosen as West Seattle Grand Parade Grand Marshals
July 3, 2016 10:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

With this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade less than three weeks away – July 23rd – the Grand Marshals have just been announced – the Schmitz Family:

The West Seattle Grand Parade organization has selected the Schmitz Family as the 2016 Grand Marshals of the parade for their generations of public service and generosity to the West Seattle community.

Dietrich and Vicki Schmitz (WSB photo above) will represent the extended family in the parade, which steps off on July 23rd at 11:00 am on California Ave SW from Lander to Edmunds. Dietrich is a great-grandson of Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz and the son of Alan (deceased) and Vicki Schmitz.

German immigrants Ferdinand Schmitz and Emma Althof married in Seattle just after the Great Fire of 1889. They spent their honeymoon sleeping in a tent, like other Seattleites made homeless by the fire. Ferdinand became a successful businessman. He acquired choice shore and timber properties in West Seattle, which contributed to a large, multi-acre family homestead. He served on the City Council and on the Park Commission Board.

From their homestead, Ferdinand and Emma donated most of the acreage for Schmitz Preserve Park, which lies east of Alki Point. The park contains one of the last stands of old-growth forest in the city and will remain in its natural state forever.

After Ferdinand’s death, Emma donated 17 acres at 4503 Beach Drive SW for the Emma Schmitz Overlook, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

The four Schmitz children continued their parents’ legacy of public service and generosity to the West Seattle community. After Emma’s death, together the children donated 7 acres adjacent to Schmitz Preserve Park upon which Schmitz Park Elementary School was built.

Individually the children continued their parents’ legacy as well.

Dr. Henry Schmitz was dean of Minnesota’s School of Agriculture, Forestry, Home Economics, and Veterinary Medicine and became the 24th President of the University of Washington. The university’s administration building, Schmitz Hall, was named in his honor. Ferdinand Schmitz Jr. was an executive of PACCAR, President of Smith Berger Industries and a longtime supporter of Lighthouse for the Blind. Emma Schmitz Hartman was a board member of United Way and the Salvation Army and National President of the Camp Fire Girls. Dietrich G. Schmitz, a lifelong West Seattle resident, was president of Washington Mutual Savings Bank for 33 years and sat on the boards of the Boeing Company for 30 years and the Seattle School Board for 33 years, the longest tenure in school-board history. Alan Schmitz, Dietrich’s son, also a lifelong resident of West Seattle, was an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, banker, small businessman, 30-year Rotarian, and, later in life, a fitness instructor for senior citizens.

For generations, the Schmitz Family has acted in large and small ways to make the West Seattle community a better place in which to live, an example of public service to which we may all aspire.

You can cheer for the Grand Marshals, and Orville Rummel Trophy recipient Clay Eals, from any spot you choose along the parade route on July 23rd. More previews as parade day gets closer!

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Memorial service Wednesday for Rick Herzog, 1949-2016
July 3, 2016 8:47 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

A memorial service for Rick Herzog, 67, is planned Wednesday at Hope Lutheran. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Born January 28, 1949 in San Jose, California, Rick left us June 13, 2016, after suffering a sudden heart attack at West Seattle Golf Course.

A proud graduate of West Seattle High School (’67), Rick earned his BA from Concordia University, in Seward, Nebraska. His career began with the Washington State Ferries, before later retiring from the University of Washington.

It was while working a Seattle-Winslow ferry run that he would meet his wife of 30 years, Diane; they were married August 15, 1974, and later moved to Lake Forest Park in 1981. An avid golfer throughout his life, Rick was surrounded by many lifelong friends, in the neighborhood where he grew up, and playing the game that he loved. He will be missed.

Preceded in death by his parents Fred and Jan, and wife Diane, Rick is survived by his son Nate, son Morgan & daughter-in-law Allison, sister Deborah Bessette & brother-in-law Steven, brothers-in-law Dave Drain, Dennis Drain & sister-in-law Marsha, Dale Drain & sister-in-law Tina, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services to be held Wednesday, July 6, 2 pm at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle.

(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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Documentarian’s look at another chapter of Colman Pool’s history: “From Segregation to Integration”
July 3, 2016 7:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

As we’ve been reporting, Colman Pool in Lincoln Park marks its 75th anniversary tomorrow, having opened on July 4th, 1941. On Saturday, we shared a video with the story of the first two people to swim in the pool. Tonight: Local author and documentarian Lee O’Connor e-mailed WSB to announce he’s just released a short film about an ugly side of Colman Pool’s earliest years, and how it moved “from segregation to integration.”

Among the sources he cites is Shelley Sang-Hee Lee‘s book “Claiming the Oriental Gateway: Prewar Seattle and Japanese America,” excerpted here (click on the second passage to read more). O’Connor, a Seattle resident, is author of “Take Cover, Spokane: A History of Backyard Bunkers, Basement Hideaways, and Public Fallout Shelters of the Cold War.” He is currently working on a documentary based on it, while writing another book he says is “about abandoned underground missile silos in the Columbia Basin.” As mentioned in his video, Seattle Parks now maintain a non-discrimination policy; it’s on page 4 of this year’s brochure. The city’s overall policy, and how to file a complaint if you experience a violation, is here.

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Beacon Hill International School students’ TLC for Alki Beach
July 3, 2016 3:46 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

People come to Alki Beach from all over the region – but not always just to hang out. We just received this report about one group who visited Alki recently specifically to give the beach some TLC. And they have a request for you:

5th-grade students from Beacon Hill International School did a beach cleanup at Alki Beach on June 22nd. These students are part of the school Global Leadership Team and spent all year working on sustainability education at their school and in their community. The students had just held a 30-day single-use plastic ban at the school and choose to culminate the event by picking up plastics and other garbage along the beach. Students collected mostly plastic bottle caps, cigarette butts and a variety of small plastic particles that washed ashore during their low-tide cleanup.

The team would like to remind beachgoers this busy holiday weekend of the critical impact plastics have on our oceans and sea life and encourage everyone to refrain from using single-use plastic products, such as straws, cups and lids, cutlery or single use water bottles, whenever possible. Instead, bring your own reusable bottles, silverware, and containers, and take all your garbage with you. Help keep our beaches and seas healthy!

The students would also like to thank the folks at Pagliacci Pizza in West Seattle for donating pizzas and fully compostable products for the cleanup.

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ALL-CITY BAND: 3 events in West Seattle
July 3, 2016 1:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, 2015 Band Jam)

Summertime means Seattle Public Schools‘ mega-marchers, the All-City Band, are on the move. We have three West Seattle events to tell you about, all later this month. First, ACB is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a fundraising dinner/auction on July 22nd:

This year, All-City Band celebrates 65 years of Entertainment, Excellence, & Pride by gathering friends, families, and past & current members of ACB with a dinner and auction.  We will gather together to celebrate this amazing accomplishment by holding an auction dinner fundraiser followed by an Alumni weekend.     

You can join us by attending the 65th Anniversary Auction and Dinner on Friday, July 22nd.  The event will be held at the South Seattle College Brockey Center (6000 16th Ave SW).  The event will begin at 6 pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction, and entertainment. 

Tickets are $45 and can purchased using this link.  Ticket prices will increase to $50 after July 5th.

Band alumni can also use the link to register to participate in the alumni weekend.  The Alumni weekend will include an all-band rehearsal on Saturday, July 23rd, and marching in the Seafair Chinatown Parade on Sunday, July 24th.   

All proceeds from this event will directly fund items for All-City Band and the students such as purchasing new equipment, purchasing music, and helping with student scholarships for tuition and travel. If you have questions, or need additional information, please email them to foacbpresident@gmail.com.
 
Thank you very much for considering All-City Band, and attending our function.  The auction is sponsored by the Friends of All-City Band, (FOACB), a 501(c)(3) with tax ID #20-23354444.

The next day, on Saturday, July 23rd, you’ll see the All-City Band (directed by Marcus Pimpleton) in the West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am start at California/Lander in Admiral, heading southbound on California to Edmunds in The Junction).

And on Friday, July 29th, the ACB will again host and perform in Band Jam, an annual pre-Torchlight Parade tuneup for marching bands (and special guests) – always free and fun, at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – more details (including confirmed start time) are promised soon.

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YOU CAN HELP! Luna Park neighborhood cleanup next Saturday
July 3, 2016 11:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Luna Park | West Seattle news

One of West Seattle’s “gateway” areas is scheduled for some community TLC next weekend, and organizers – including community members, merchants, and Seattle reLeaf – hope you can help. Volunteers will gather in the lot between The Shack and Luna Park Café at 9 am for “weeding, cleaning up around the street trees, and spreading mulch. Come prepared wearing closed toe shoes and long pants. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and instruction.” They’ll be working until noon – lots of time to go to West Seattle Summer Fest after that! Interested? RSVP here.

P.S. This is intended as the first in a series of work parties to get ready for a potential Neighborhood Park and Street Fund grant to revitalize landscaping in the area north of the business district, under and near the bridge. The community member who wrote the grant application, Roxane Rusch, says the work will include the weedy area along SW Manning.

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West Seattle Sunday: Pre-holiday highlights
July 3, 2016 6:12 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Bald eagles, photographed on the Beach Drive shore by Harley Broe)

We’re right in the middle of the three-day holiday weekend. Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW-LOW TIDE WITH SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION: Beach walk! Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be out from 10 am-1:30 pm today at Constellation (63rd SW/Alki SW) and Lincoln Park (by Colman Pool) beaches, and at Constellation – south of Alki Point – sign-language interpretation will be available 10 am-1 pm. The moment of lowest tide is 10:38 am, -2.7 feet.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Vegetables, flowers, fruit, cheese, wine, meat … summer’s abundance is at the market in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

VISIT THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, visit the museum to explore the history of West Seattle and vicinity, including the third phase of “Telling Our Westside Stories.” (61st/Stevens)

TOUR THE ALKI LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm, free tours with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Alki Point Lighthouse – be there no later than 3:40 pm. (Alki SW/Beach Drive SW)

PLAY GAMES! Check out the schedule at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) starting at 1 pm – right side of the home page. (3727 California SW)

ZACH POHL @ C & P: Live music with singer-songwriter Zach Pohl at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

INDEPENDENCE FEST: Big bill of live music at The Skylark starting at 3 pm, all ages, $5 cover, details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SOUTH PARK SOUND IN ADMIRAL: Gnarlene and the Frisky Pigs and Wild Wild Mexico perform at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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UPDATE: West Seattle Water Taxi sailings interrupted, passengers told of ‘security breach’
July 2, 2016 10:24 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: West Seattle Water Taxi sailings interrupted, passengers told of ‘security breach’
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

10:24 PM: Thanks for the tips on this – the 9:30 West Seattle Water Taxi run from downtown, and 10 pm run from Seacrest, have been canceled, and multiple passengers waiting on the downtown dock tell us they were told a “security breach” is to blame, but that there’ll be a sailing from downtown soon. The first tipster tells us – and the online Water Taxi Watch verifies – that the Doc Maynard was parked at the nearby maintenance barge instead of Pier 50 while this was investigated. Working to find out more.

10:39 PM: We’ve heard back from both Jeff Switzer with KC Department of Transportation and Greg Lerner from the Marine Division. Both say a trespasser was being investigated at the Water Taxi maintenance facility, that Seattle Police responded, and that passengers should be on a sailing headed this way shortly. Water Taxi Watch shows Doc Maynard has now moved over to Pier 50.

10:47 PM: One passenger tells us police are still in view, checking out the other two Water Taxi vessels (the maintenance barge is a short distance south of Pier 50 downtown). Vessel Watch shows Doc Maynard now headed this way.

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VIDEO: Fauntleroy’s goose family, seen before tragedy struck
July 2, 2016 9:37 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(UPDATED SUNDAY with commenters’ reports that, sometime after this was recorded, two of the goslings were hit and killed)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:37 PM: This family of five is popular. We keep getting photos and texts about sightings of the Fauntleroy white geese and their goslings, and it’s clear they are roaming on both sides of Fauntleroy Way in the ferry dock/Lincoln Park area, so we renew the alert: Please be careful in the area. Last weekend we shared a reader’s photo-story about people helping them cross the busy road, and tonight, this video came in from another reader. Sorry to say, some of what we’ve heard about hasn’t been anywhere near heartwarming – reports of a woman kicking one of them at the Cove Park beach, and of an unleashed dog going after them – note they’re fairly slow-moving, and be their angel if you see them in danger (as others have been over the years).

ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: After we published this video – recorded Saturday morning, sent to us Saturday night – commenters said they’d seen only one gosling with the geese later in the day. Now another commenter reports two of them were hit and killed. If anyone can tell us more about what happened, please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you.

LATER SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Another commenter has posted more information.

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VIDEO: Memories of Colman Pool’s grand opening, as its 75th anniversary party nears
July 2, 2016 6:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

That’s what the Lincoln Park “mud hole” swimming pool looked like in 1936, as shown in the Seattle Municipal Archive photo collection, just five years before it was replaced by sleek Colman Pool, which had its grand opening on July 4, 1941. That means Monday is the 75th anniversary of the city’s only saltwater pool, and it’s party time. Also time for memories. The video below is from Clay Eals, executive director of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, who talked with Jean Carroll, who was one of the first two people to swim in Colman Pool when it opened. She has a lot of stories to tell!

Even if you don’t feel like swimming, go to Colman Pool Monday morning to celebrate its history – here’s the official invitation. At 10:15 am, mural conservator Peter Malarkey will talk about the historic lobby mural he restored last fall (WSB coverage here); then the celebration, with light refreshments, happens on deck at 11. The party’s free; swimming has the usual fees, but the slide will be free all day.

P.S. This is just one of the West Seattle 4th of July events you’ll find in our guide.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Thieves at it, again
July 2, 2016 4:31 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes with warnings about theft:

WESTCREST PARK: Via scanner this afternoon, a report of car prowlers on the loose again – someone broke a car window, grabbed a purse, took off in a car with no plates. (That’s all the description we heard.)

LINCOLN PARK: Greg sent this report about what he saw last Sunday, thinking it might help you understand how car prowlers work. We missed it until a mailbox review today, but still enlightening:

When I was driving down Fauntleroy from the ferry dock direction toward Morgan Junction, I saw a woman breaking into a car in the first parking lot directly after the dock.

This woman was mid-40s? or slightly older but it was difficult to tell her age because she looked like a longtime drug addict/meth head. She had very bright burgundy red dyed hair and was dressed like a jogger, with maroon stretch pants and a white sleeveless stretch top. She drives a white Scion xb, the box like looking car a 2004-2007 model (the front ends are different), and the car was clean and would not stand out in any way.

As I was stuck driving behind a bus we were waiting on Fauntleroy and out of the corner of my eye I noticed this woman get out of the passenger side of her vehicle and then suddenly push her body against the car parked next to her and start jerking her hands up and down, it took me a moment to realize that she was using a slim jim and trying to pop the lock on the car, while she looked around making sure nobody was watching. What surprised me is that there were a ton of people getting in and out of cars, but no one was paying this woman any attention as she was dressed like any other park goer and was parked close enough to the other car to attend to her business without being seen.

I wound down my window to get a better look and this is when the woman turned and saw me staring right at her, so she then proceeded to do a bunch of exaggerated stretching like she was going for a run while I was staring at her. This part was comical as this woman although dressed like the average park going runner, looked like she had never exercised a day in her life and the haggard look of her face screamed drug abuse and I could clearly see the slim jim in her hand the entire time she was pantomiming being a jogger getting ready for her run.

I was on the way to drop off my 3 year old daughter or I would have jumped out of my car and at least gotten some pictures, but I dialed 911 and informed them what I was witnessing and then went and dropped off my kid about 5 minutes away.

On the way back to Arbor Heights, the parking lots of Lincoln park had at least two cop cars in each lot, way to go WS Police for the quick reaction, so I parked and spoke to one of the officers and pointed out that although the woman was not currently in sight her car was still in the lot. When I left they were leaving an officer stationed down the road to wait for the woman to return to her car.

Did they find her? We don’t know but will be looking for an incident number so we can try to find out.

WARNING FOR SALE HOSTS: From Kristi:

My tenant (in Upper Alki) was having a moving sale and her purse with her house and car keys, money, and credit cards was stolen from an off-limits bathroom whose door was closed and it was in the middle of the house, not in a back corner. The police were called and we changed all the locks.

P.S. Both the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council and Block Watch Captains Network are on meeting hiatus for the next two months but there’s another opportunity to talk about neighborhood crime/safety – the focus groups that researcher Jennifer Burbridge is hosting – check this recent WSB story for the list.

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COUNTDOWN: Alki Art Fair 2016, three weeks away
July 2, 2016 1:37 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Lots of countdowns now that the biggest month of West Seattle summer fun has arrived, with big events including this one:

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3 weeks from today, it’s day 1 of the two-day Alki Art Fair (with this year’s sponsors including WSB). AAF spokesperson Diane Venti says the lineup so far includes almost 90 artists, 30 musicians, and eight food vendors. And YOU can be part of it all if you can spare a little time to volunteer … e-mail volunteers@alkiartfair.org – thanks, and we’ll see you at the beach!

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TOMORROW: Low-low tide with sign-language interpretation at Constellation Park
July 2, 2016 12:06 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: Low-low tide with sign-language interpretation at Constellation Park
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

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The Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out again this weekend, with the return of low-low tides; we took this photo overlooking Constellation Park, where tomorrow, there’s a special addition, mentioned on the program’s home page: Sign-language interpretation will be available 10 am-1 pm on the beach here, south of Alki Point. (Tomorrow’s tide bottoms out at 10:38 am, -2.7 feet.)

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West Seattle Saturday: Wine, swimming, and song …
July 2, 2016 9:10 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Wine, swimming, and song …
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Staycationing this holiday weekend? Enjoy what’s happening right here on the peninsula! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, you can swim at West Seattle’s only city-run outdoor pool – here’s the schedule. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, learn about West Seattle and vicinity at our only local museum, run by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

TOUR THE LIGHTHOUSE: The Alki Point Lighthouse is open for free tours courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1-4 pm, arrive no later than 3:40 pm. (Alki SW/Beach Drive SW)

WINE RELEASE, DAY 2: Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is celebrating the release of these three new wines – a 2015 Viognier, a 2015 Rosé, and the new 2012 Red Wine Blend:

The Viscon Cellars tasting room is open 2-7 pm today. (5910 California SW)

SKATING POLLY @ EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records, live, free, all-ages in-store show by Oklahoma sister duo Skating Polly. (California SW/SW Alaska)

DIFFERENT DRUMMER AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, come see and hear the “multi-genre chamber ensemble” Different Drummer. (7904 35th SW)

3 ACTS AT THE SKYLARK: 9 pm, live music at The Skylark – details in our listing. $7 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

4 ACTS AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: 9 pm, live music at Parliament Tavern – details in our listing. No cover, 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

If you’re still planning your 4th of July … remember the special WSB one-page guide!

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Why fire and beaches don’t mix: Driftwood damage at Lowman
July 2, 2016 7:58 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

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Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from Lowman Beach, where what they describe as “upsetting” damage has just been done to its longstanding driftwood stack, upon which many a sunset viewer has sat, many a child has climbed. The Seattle Fire 911 log shows a one-engine “illegal burn” callout around quarter to 6 this morning (and just as we were about to publish this, an investigation callback minutes ago). For obvious reasons – all underscored by this photo – fires are only allowed in approved fire pits on Seattle beaches, and in West Seattle, Alki Beach is the only place you’ll find those (some still flout the rules, and “illegal burn” calls on the 911 log are not uncommon).

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VIDEO: 360 degrees, undersea, with Diver Laura
July 1, 2016 10:57 pm
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 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

A new way to see undersea! “Diver Laura” James is shooting with 360-degree video equipment and shares two clips with us. You can benefit from the full-surround perspective by putting your cursor in the video and clicking/dragging it around, to look up, down, all around. Above, she was off Constellation Park with jellyfish; below – in the Alki Pipeline shallows with perch:

If you have any trouble with fully exploring the clips via the embedded versions above, their YouTube pages are here (jellyfish) and here (perch).

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MONDAY! West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade 2016 schedule
July 1, 2016 7:39 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Are you ready? Monday morning, the 22nd annual West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade walks and rolls through North Admiral. New coordinator Emily Williams shares the route, reminders, and schedule for how it’ll all unfold. First, please don’t park along the parade route, shown below – from 44th and Sunset, it goes southwest on Sunset to SW Atlantic, east on Atlantic to SW Ferry and back north to Hamilton Viewpoint Park:

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If you’re not planning to participate or watch, do note that the parade crosses California SW at Atlantic, and SPD will stop traffic while that happens. Metro Route 128 will be re-routed, too.

Here’s the schedule:

10 am at 44th and Sunset, before the parade gets going, gather to hear from the West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court and scheduled guest speakers Mayor Ed Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine, plus 12-year-old Aine Molloy singing the national anthem.

Then – parade time! All non-motorized, except for the SPD escorts at the start and finish, plus a Seattle Fire engine and the “neighborhood blue truck” at the start. Decorate your scooter, wagon, stroller, bike, hat, etc.!

10:50 am: Hamilton Viewpoint Park games – highlighted by the gunny-sack races – start after the parade arrives. SPD and SFD vehicles usually stay so you can get a closer look. This is also where to drop off your diaper donations for the WestSide Baby drive! And bring a few $ for concessions sold by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Speaking of $ – the crowdfunding campaign to cover parade costs needs just a bit more to make the goal. Help if you can! And – we’ll see you in Admiral on Monday!

P.S. For even more of what’s happening in West Seattle on the 4th, see our guide.

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Also happening : Lincoln Park food truck; Beer Junction turns 6; music students at Skylark
July 1, 2016 4:29 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

This morning’s “West Seattle Friday” preview was shorter than usual, because of everything else going on. Here are three more things:

FOOD TRUCK AT LINCOLN PARK: John e-mailed to share the news that “a new food truck has a permit to sell on the beach walk in Lincoln Park Thursdays-Sundays”:

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“Lil J’s Super Dawgs is selling Bavarian Meats fresh-grilled dogs, brats, and sausages, with a variety of toppings, along with fries, nachos, and chili. First time food available in Lincoln Park, cold beverages too!” Hours are 3-7 pm Thursdays-Fridays, 11 am-7 pm Saturdays-Sundays. (See the menu here.)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, BEER JUNCTION! The 6th-anniversary celebration at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) is under way. Proprietor Morgan Herzog tells WSB, “A local Seattle brewery – Cloudburst Brewing – brewed our 6th Anniversary beer called Brontosaurus Supernova IPA, which will be released today. We also have lots of rare beers on tap.” More info here.

MUSIC STUDENTS AT SKYLARK: Thanks to Mia for the heads-up that West Side Music Academy‘s summer campers are performing at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, 5-8 tonight. She’s been coaching them on drums and sent this photo:

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Skylark has a comprehensive event calendar on its website – peek at all of July by going here.

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