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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle Transportation Coalition report #2: Speed up RapidRide C, yes; reroute in The Junction, no
December 11, 2014 1:05 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Midway through the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s comment period for the proposed RapidRide C Line rerouting in The Junction, WSTC co-chair Amanda Kay Helmick called for a show of hands: Anybody in favor of this?

Two-dozen-plus people were in the room – from WSTC members to first-time attendees – but none offered any show of support.

The reception Tuesday night for the SDOT-initiated suggestion of moving the route onto California SW between Edmunds and Alaska, to save a minute per trip, indeed seemed just as chilly as it had been during November’s Southwest District Council meeting (WSB coverage here). Thanks to a reader tip, we had first word of the proposal back in August.

Maybe chillier: Marci Carpenter, a WSTC member who had a spotlight at the podium with political leaders celebrating last month’s transit-funding vote, asked sharply, “Why in the world would you break up the West Seattle transit center with this?”

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West Seattle Weather Watch update: Windy Thursday night?
December 10, 2014 10:06 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch update: Windy Thursday night?
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The wind that forecasters have been warning about isn’t expected to get here before Thursday evening, so the newest version of the National Weather Service‘s “high wind watch” for our area will be in effect 4 pm Thursday to 4 am Friday. South/southwest wind at 30-40 mph is possible, gusting to 65 mph, so charge everything just in case and keep flashlights nearby. A “coastal flood advisory” is up for waterfront areas tomorrow morning, too, with a 13.5-foot tide expected 9-10 am (lower than today).

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You can help! White Center Food Bank needs people for two upcoming daytime distributions
December 10, 2014 9:25 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The White Center Food Bank, which serves part of West Seattle too, is looking for extra holiday help:

Are you available on a weekday morning? The White Center Food Bank needs volunteers for a distribution to hand out holiday food Thursday, December 18, from 9 am to 1:30 pm and Monday, December 22, from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Set-up time is included in the shift. We expect to see 125 families each of these times. Contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or (206) 762-2848.

Not free those days, but want to help? Volunteering info is here; ways to donate are here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Search after mini-mart robbery
December 10, 2014 7:26 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:26 PM: Thanks to Chris for the tip – police converged on the 76 station/mini-mart at California/Andover a short time ago because of an armed robbery. We don’t have a description or other details, but the search is on, and we’ll add any other information we’re able to get. No word of any injuries.

8:37 PM UPDATE: Just got a little more information from police. Two people robbed the store; their faces were covered, so the only descriptive information so far is that they were believed to be a male and a female, possibly teens to early 20s. The male robber showed a handgun. Police are pursuing active leads.

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Seattle School Board votes to make interim superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland permanent
December 10, 2014 7:19 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Dr. Larry Nyland, photographed in High Point by WSB’s Patrick Sand on December 1st)
At a special meeting tonight, the Seattle School Board voted 5-2 to make interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland permanent. Here’s the announcement from the district:

The Seattle School Board has selected Dr. Larry Nyland as the permanent superintendent for Seattle Public Schools. Nyland has held the interim role since last summer. The 5-2 vote, allows Board President Sherry Carr to negotiate a new contract with Nyland, which the board will vote on January 7, 2015. If approved, Nyland’s contract would be extended through June 17, and would switch from interim to permanent at the end of June 2015.

“I have chosen to evaluate Dr. Nyland not only on his last 17 weeks in Seattle Public Schools, but his past 40 years in education,” said Sherry Carr, Seattle School Board President, applauding his career successes and need for stability in the district.

“We have a lot of work to do to support systems, and to better support students, said Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland. “I look forward to working with them. Thank you.”

This stirred some controversy in advance because instead of conducting a search, or at least announcing they would not do a search, the board revealed the proposed hire via a meeting agenda published just before the long Thanksgiving weekend. Dr. Nyland appeared at a previously scheduled forum in West Seattle the following Monday (WSB coverage here); just before that forum, the district announced it would move the hiring vote back one week, to tonight, to give the public a chance to comment.

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Can you spare a minute to help a student research project?
December 10, 2014 5:17 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

You can do this right here, right now: Take a moment to help five Holy Rosary School students with a research project. In connection with a project for the First Lego League, Brian Christenson explains, the students want to test a hypothesis about how people learn about new technology. To do that – they need you to answer this quick online survey. They thank you in advance. (We’ll check back to see how their project goes.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: 2 stolen cars, found
December 10, 2014 4:08 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Though it would be better if the cars hadn’t been stolen at all, we’ll still categorize today’s West Seattle Crime Watch update as good news: The two stolen cars most recently reported here both have been found. Deb‘s husband’s Civic, taken from Westwood last weekend, turned up last night at Hiawatha, “ignition jacked but otherwise OK.” And Stephanie‘s CR-V, stolen from Highland Park, was found at the Auburn Outlet Mall, where she says it had been “parked for four days … the only thing they took was our car seat.” That car also needs ignition repairs. In last week’s SeaStat crime-trends briefing, SPD reported 368 cars stolen citywide over the preceding 30 days, and 275 stolen cars found.

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Weekend transit/traffic alert: Tower-crane arrival at 4435 35th SW
December 10, 2014 2:04 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, added Thursday)
2:04 PM: If you ride Metro, you might have seen this just-sent advisory, warning that southbound C Line, 21, and 50 buses will be routed off 35th SW between Avalon and Alaska this weekend between 5:30 am Saturday (December 13th) and noon Sunday (December 14th). We just confirmed that southbound 35th will be blocked in the area because of the tower-crane installation for Trinsic Residential‘s 159-apartment mixed-use development at 4435 35th SW (south of KFC). Northbound traffic on 35th will NOT be affected, according to the alert, but whether you bus, drive, bike, or walk, you’ll want to avoid southbound 35th in The Triangle until the installation is over. (We’ll check on it as the weekend goes.)

3:25 PM UPDATE: Metro has updated its advisory to say this will affect BOTH directions. And Trinsic says its expected hours of work will actually be 7 am-5 pm *both* days.

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Reader report: Windblown holiday ‘duck-oration’ rescued
December 10, 2014 1:51 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The big blast of wind isn’t expected until tomorrow. But we got a preview late this morning – strong gusts that among other things caused a “duck” to fly the coop. Patricia shares the story and photos:

My wife and I have a large rubber-duck collection and recently discovered an inflatable for Christmas – a rubber duck with a Santa cap. Only thing was that there was only 1 in Washington, in Puyallup. I drove down the next day to adopt it and proudly display in our yard.

Today, with the high winds, I heard a loud noise and discovered the duck was gone!!!! Had someone stolen it???

After a quick search I saw yellow through the houses. The duck had flown the coop, over our house and into the trees on our slope!! I couldn’t reach it and it was tangled in the trees. Then I noticed it… a utility truck with a cherry picker was just up the street. I scooted over to the nice gentleman and asked him the strangest question.. “Can you help me get my duck out of the trees?”

The nice man was Sean, and he turned his truck around and lined it up to the swinging duck.

In moments he had plucked it from the tangled branches and returned it to the safety of the ground. I made repeated attempts at a tip, but he wouldn’t take it, saying it was his pleasure to help.

Sean, thank you for your help in saving our runaway duck!

Patricia Throop and Angela Bennett

Be sure to get YOUR ducks in a row, to be ready for tomorrow, when the High Wind Watch will be in effect, with possible gusts to 65 mph.

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West Seattle Transportation Coalition, report #1: Low-bridge early warning; new ‘corridor’ designation
December 10, 2014 12:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

So much information emerged at last night’s meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition, it’ll take us three stories to report it all. For starters, there’s a hint of progress on the issue of “low bridge” vessel openings during commute periods.

Updates were from WSTC’s Marty Westerman, who’s been focused on the issue, and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen‘s legislative assistant Evan Clifthorne (above left).

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Ready to roll! First-ever bout Saturday for new local roller-derby league Southside Revolution
December 10, 2014 11:26 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Southside Revolution)
After months of recruiting and training – maybe you saw them at West Seattle Summer Fest! – the new co-ed junior roller-derby league Southside Revolution hosts its first bout this Saturday at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. From the announcement:

Since the league was initially created in August, 2014, Southside Revolution has been recruiting and training for the last 4 months. The league consists of 2 teams: The Cadets are a team of girls and boys ages 8-12, playing positional-only roller derby. The Rebels is a team of girls ages 11-17, playing full-contact roller derby. Southside Revolution is a member of the Northwest division of the JRDA Junior Roller Derby Association.

For the December 13th bout, Southside Revolution’s positional and full-contact teams will take on NWO Junior Roller Derby teams from Chilliwack, BC. Doors open at 5:15. Bout 1 starts at 5:45 with Southside Revolution Cadets vs. NWO TNT. Bout 2 starts at about 7:10 with Southside Revolution Rebels vs. NWO Honey Badgers. Tickets are available at the door the day of the bout.

The rink is at 9646 17th SW, less than a block south of Roxbury.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Meet up; sing out; bingo; more!
December 10, 2014 10:25 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: Meet up; sing out; bingo; more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photos: High tide this morning at Alki. No flooding, just high water)
Here are the highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

GET OUT OF THE (HOME) OFFICE! Go meet your fellow independent workers at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) – noon-1 pm, it’s the weekly, free co-working/home-office meetup. (6040 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE SINGING GROUP: Just go sing! All are welcome at this monthly event at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 5 pm.

FREE COMMUNITY STAIR CLINIC: 6:30-8 pm at Alki X-Gym (WSB sponsor): “Join PJ Glassey as he gives his insider knowledge about the success he’s gained through stair climbing,” especially helpful if you’re training for the Big Climb Seattle or similar events. Check ASAP to see if there are any spots left – e-mail PJ at pjxgym@gmail.com. (3213 Harbor SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY: In place of the regular monthly meeting, it’s a time to celebrate, for members and their families/guests. 6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy; details on the group’s website. (9131 California SW)

BOOZE, JINGLE BALLS, AND BINGO – BENEFIT! Drag bingo for charity, 7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (6451 California SW)

‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’: Holiday production continues tonight at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 7:30 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

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SDOT Traffic Management Center expanding hours, councilmembers told during review of Highway 99 crash closure
December 10, 2014 9:04 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Four miles of closure for five hours, six months ago. The June 10th crash/investigation closure of Highway 99 finally got its airing before the City Council Transportation Committee on Tuesday, and the presenters from SDOT and SPD declared that major changes had resulted.

If you want to just watch for yourself but didn’t see it in real time, full video of the discussion is in this Seattle Channel clip, starting 1 hour and 48 minutes in.

If not – toplines follow:

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday before the storm
December 10, 2014 6:53 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Relatively calm weather right now – which is expected to change later – and nothing out of the ordinary reported on the roads/paths in our area, so far.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS: In the latest update on the Viaduct/tunnel project and concerns about “settling,” WSDOT reported that the tunnel contractor was expected to dig a few more feet – probably until sometime today – before stopping to evaluate and decide what to do next. … Lots of info at last night’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting (as you know if you follow WSB on Twitter) – watch for full reports later today …

7:34 AM: The “low bridge” is closed, SDOT has tweeted (you can check the lower-right image above to see when it reopens). Progress toward earlier warning of impending closures is part of what emerged at last night’s WSTC meeting – right now, SDOT basically can only tweet when the opening (for marine traffic) is happening.

REMINDER – FINAL DAY OF BIG POUR: Watch out for big truck traffic again today headed to and from the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Project at Lowman Beach. We checked with King County Wastewater Treatment’s Doug Marsano late Tuesday and he confirmed the pour would wrap up today.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Why it’s a good idea to check your plates! And 2 other reader reports
December 9, 2014 9:18 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

Stephanie reports a stolen car:

Stolen 1998 Honda CRV. Stolen on Dec. 2nd from the 1100 block of SW Holden Ave. Stolen CRV has the following feature/options: Roof rack, tinted windows, 5 spd manual transmission, rear mounted spare tire. WA State Lic. Plate 370YKH

Amy reports an attempted burglary in Sunrise Heights/Gatewood:

Someone attempted to break into my apartment at 35th Ave SW and SW Webster St today. When I came home my apartment key wouldn’t work and I had to call a locksmith. The locksmith said that someone had attempted to jimmy the locks but couldn’t get past the deadbolt.

The type of theft you might not notice happened to Katie:

I live down on Beach Drive around Mee Kwa Mooks Park and I had my plates stolen and replaced last week. Through strange twists and turns, my plates were recovered by the Tukwila Police Department and the plates that were nicely put on my car were also stolen from a silver 2002 Honda from West Seattle. The really nice SPD officer who (responded) said they have seen more and more of these types of theft. He said when the thieves switch plates it buys them time since most people don’t check their plates very often (sometimes only once a year to change their tabs).

So just a heads up to your readers to check their plates! The Seattle PD has been investigating more and more of these and say if you discover your plates are incorrect to stop driving and immediately call the non-emergency line for help.

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PHOTOS: Seahawks’ Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith draws hundreds to West Seattle Thriftway
December 9, 2014 7:02 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) already had a triple-digit crowd on hand within a few minutes of the start of Seattle Seahawks‘ Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith‘s appearance tonight.

He’s scheduled to be there until 8 pm.

(The products/logos are from P&G, sponsor of the event, in case you wondered.)

(We’ve added photos since original posting.) Smith and the Seahawks host the 49ers next Sunday (December 14th).

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Alerts for possible flooding, wind
December 9, 2014 4:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The newest round of weather alerts is out, and they start with another “coastal flooding advisory” for tomorrow morning, upgrading to a “coastal flood watch” Wednesday night/Thursday morning. This time, the tide is expected to be about a half-foot higher than today, which means more than half a foot past the level where “minor flooding” can happen. This morning, it was about 13.6 feet, but in the absence of strong wind, Alki and vicinity didn’t look anything like a week and a half ago. Tomorrow, though, it’s projected at about 14 feet around 8 am, and then on Thursday around 9 am, 14.5 feet, possibly with a “storm surge.”

Even if you’re not right on the water, take note of a “high wind watch” announced for Thursday, 4 am to 10 pm, with south-to-southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph, possibly gusting to 65 mph. More rain is on the way, too, according to the forecast.

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Tunnel-project update: Still digging ‘access pit’ – for at least 1 more day
December 9, 2014 3:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Tunnel-project update: Still digging ‘access pit’ – for at least 1 more day
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(Access-pit camera’s image from 3:20 pm today)
Again today, with the stalled Highway 99 tunnel project under the microscope more than ever before, WSDOT has just published a new update. This time, they’re clarifying the status of the access-pit dig intended to get to the tunneling machine’s cutter head:

Excavation continues on the circular pit (pdf 2.5 Mb) that will be used to access and repair the SR 99 tunneling machine. Seattle Tunnel Partners’ engineers have determined that continuing excavation to 84 feet, an additional 3 feet from the current depth, will not affect when and how the dewatering wells could be turned off. We anticipate excavation to this elevation will take approximately one day, at which time STP will inspect the shaft walls per their quality assurance procedures. Once they reach 84 feet, STP will review survey data and consult with their engineers and WSDOT prior to determining next steps. …

The update (which you can see in its entirety here) also mentions that work continues on the crane intended to lift the damaged machinery from the pit, and on the 1,000 feet of tunnel dug before the machine stopped work one year ago. The latter two points were also reviewed at the project stakeholders’ meeting we covered one week ago downtown, just a few days before WSDOT disclosed last Friday the “settling” that was causing concern, following up with a Sunday update, and then a City Council briefing yesterday.

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West Seattle Holiday Guide 2014: Still adding events/info!
December 9, 2014 2:08 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Holiday Guide 2014: Still adding events/info!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

We’re still updating the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide daily/nightly, removing the events that have already happened, adding new ones that come in, so we wanted to extend another invitation: If you have an open house, holiday party, bazaar, worship service(s), concert, etc. coming up in West Seattle/White Center/South Park between now and New Year’s, and it’s not in our guide yet, but you’d like to invite the community, please send info ASAP! We do NOT require (or even need) posters/graphics/full news releases – just a line or two about what it is, when it is, where it is, and (if applicable) a web or social-media link. The best way to reach us is via e-mail, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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Blue Angels’ official announcement: Back for 2 more years
December 9, 2014 1:41 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

(August 2014 photo by JayDee)
Love ’em or not, they’re coming back for at least two more years. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return to Seafair in 2015 and 2016, they formally announced today at the International Council of Air Shows’ convention in Las Vegas. In case you want to mark your calendars to be sure you’re here or away, depending on your preference, Seafair says the dates will be Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2nd, in 2015, and Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7, in 2016. Though their official performance venue is “over Lake Washington,” they take off from and land at Boeing Field just east of West Seattle, with the runwayside Museum of Flight as their Seafair base, so they’re often top of mind (and ears) while here.

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FYI from SPD: Sex offender moves returns to Arbor Heights
December 9, 2014 11:18 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Every so often, Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Mark Solomon sends an advisory about sex offenders moving into this area. He’s just sent this:

In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about a level 3 sex offender that moved into Southwest Precinct neighborhoods in recent weeks.

· Daniel Richard, a 59 year-old White male, is a level 3 sex offender who has recently moved to the 10400 Block of California Avenue Southwest. Mr. Richard is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision. (Editor’s note: You can see his photo and more information here.)

Detective Fields from the Seattle Police Department’s Sex Offender Detail is assigned to check on (him) and verify their information.

To learn more about offenders and to see photos, please visit the King County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender website … You will also find personal safety tips and resources on this site.

If you have further questions about this offender, contact Michelle McRae of the Seattle Police Sex Offender Detail at (206) 684-5581 or e-mail at michelle.mcrae@seattle.gov.

To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to (this) link.

Click ahead to read general safety information that Solomon has shared with similar advisories in the past:Read More

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Use the off-leash area at Westcrest Park? This is for you
December 9, 2014 10:47 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

If you use the off-leash area at Westcrest Park – West Seattle’s only official public off-leash area – can you spare a few minutes for a survey? It’s part of a project that’s just getting going with a $7,500 grant from King County Wastewater Treatment meant to help manage the off-leash area’s runoff problem, with water coming down the slope from the covered-reservoir area. A much-larger amount is being sought via grants, sponsorships, and private donations to pay for general improvements to the park, in partnership with Seattle Parks, King County, Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Animal Shelter and COLA (Citizens for Off-Leash Areas). The survey is collecting opinions on what improvements you’d like to see at Westcrest. Answer ASAP; they’re planning to report results next month.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Seahawks’ Malcolm Smith @ Thriftway; WSTC talks RapidRide rerouting; more
December 9, 2014 9:54 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Yellow-rumped warbler, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and WS Holiday Guide, highlights for the day/night ahead:

CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that’s under way right now (viewable via Seattle Channel, online or cable) is scheduled to include a review of last June 10’s Highway 99 closure and what was learned from it – see the agenda for document links; that review is scheduled to start around 10:30 am.

TEEN PROGRAM SHOWCASE: 4:30-6:30 pm, the youth at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center are showing off what they’ve been working on this semester; you’re invited to drop in to see! (6400 Sylvan Way)

MVP MALCOLM SMITH AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Seahawks fans, come meet Malcolm Smith, Super Bowl MVP, 6-8 pm! West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) tells us he’ll be signing posters that’ll be provided at the event. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with two major agenda topics – first, what’s the transportation plan for West Seattle in case of emergency that cuts off the regular routes? And second, another chance to offer your thoughts on the proposed rerouting of RapidRide C Line in The Junction, up California between Edmunds and Alaska instead of its westward jog to 44th SW. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

NIGHTLIFE, NIGHTLIFE, NIGHTLIFE – Tuesday’s a busy night for regular events – see the calendar for venues/listings!

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