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Spotlight Stories


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    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Starts on Saturday

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    NEW BUSINESSES: Coffee and wine moving in

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West Seattle Christmas lights, including a lit roof Santa can’t miss
December 13, 2011 8:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Our nightly spotlights continue: Tonight’s photo is courtesy of the McKean Family, whose lights are shining at 3431 48th SW, near Schmitz Park. Thanks for including the photo! We appreciate photos if you have them to go with Christmas-lights reports – but it’s not mandatory, just let us know where you’ve seen lights others might want to know about! We’re continuing to add them to the clickable/printable Google Map you will find on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page (along with lots of other holiday info and event listing).

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West Seattle scene: FEEST volunteers hit the street
December 13, 2011 5:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

Following up on Monday’s story about John’s Corner Deli joining the Healthy Foods Here program – we stopped by for a photo as the FEEST (Food Empowerment Education and Sustainability Team) volunteers got ready to visit the surrounding neighborhoods with info about, and coupons for, the store’s new offerings. From left in our photo are Leoma, Katt, Dureti, Matthew, Celina, and Megan. (They wanted to get John’s owner David Ji in the shot too – but he was too busy with customers, and for a store, that’s a GOOD thing!)

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From West Seattle to the world: Omilero benefit at OutWest
December 13, 2011 3:50 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Jim Loder)
Thursday night, OutWest Bar is hosting a benefit that will help save lives on the other side of the world. Starting at 6 pm Thursday, an auction and proceeds from drink specials, plus a share of the night’s bar proceeds, will go to Omilero, an organization whose director of development Jim Loder is a West Seattle resident. Omilero is working on a sustainable way to provide Nigerian families with safer drinking water through the use of clay water-filtration pots. Loder provided the photo, showing families using water filters provided in their first phase. Regarding Thursday, he explains, “This event is in support of our next phase, now that we’re confident the local populations want and will use the filters, where we will bring in filters to serve an additional 10,000 people. We expect that to be in place by February 2012. We hope our next phase will be to build a ceramic studio in country where local potters will learn the process and will then be able to build the filter locally. That investment will be about another $50,000 to complete the construction, siting, and training of local potters. Our end goal is to establish a sustainable, locally run enterprise that will support clean water and promote economic development.” Wondering about the name? According to Omilero’s website, it means “Water is the cure,” in the Yoruba language. And the problem it’s curing is a deadly one – Omilero says disease spread through contaminated water kills at least 10 Nigerian children each day.

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New rules for street trees: Proposal discussed in West Seattle
December 13, 2011 1:30 pm
|      49 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

What can you – and can’t you – do with, and about, street trees by your home?

The answers may soon change in Seattle. City Arborist Nolan Rundquist (pictured) shared the city’s proposed Street Tree Ordinance with an audience last night at High Point Community Center.

A “Street Tree” is any tree located in a city right-of-way such as parking strips (or “planting strips”) in front of homes and businesses, or traffic circles. These trees, though on city property, are required by law to be maintained by the property owner. While there currently are laws dictating how trees should be maintained and protected, they aren’t particularly clear, or enforceable. Since then-Mayor Greg Nickels introduced his Urban Forestry Management Plan in 2007, the city has been looking at ways to better maintain, and even increase the tree count in Seattle.

The city is asking for the public’s input for the new ordinances being drafted now. If you have a home with trees on the parking strip, or on a city right-of-way, let the city know what you need to keep your trees healthy and maintained.

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West Seattle businesses: Stroller Strides owner wins national award
December 13, 2011 1:07 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Athena Frederick)
Congratulations to Athena Frederick, whose Fit Family, LLC, is the Stroller Strides fitness program’s franchisee in West Seattle (and 7 other parts of the city) . She’s been chosen as Stroller Strides Franchisee of the Year, out of almost 300 nationwide. Judging criteria, according to the Stroller Strides news release: “Business acumen, her successful fitness program and enthusiasm, and involvement in the community.” Frederick’s franchise has supported nonprofits from the Salvation Army’s domestic-violence programs to WestSide Baby to Autism Speaks to well-building. We featured Stroller Strides when it first offered classes here in 2008; it’s a group-fitness program that new moms can do with their babies.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Decoration thefts; stolen mail found
December 13, 2011 11:20 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

‘Tis the season for holiday crime as well as holiday joy, holiday giving, holiday celebrations … We have two reports of decoration theft in this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup. Linda e-mailed to say that “outside Christmas lights and lighted candy canes (were) stolen from the 4800 block on 49th Ave SW.” Molly (35th/Trenton/Henderson) reported a similar theft in this WSB Forums post, with another member adding a mention of a Fauntlee Hills theft later in the thread.

On a non-holiday note, from Carolyn:

I just wanted to let people in the Highland Park area know that this morning we found mail that belonged to a house about 2 block away in the road. There was an envelope with pictures that had been opened and an offer from a credit card company also opened, but the mail containing bills were left unopened. The mail was found at the corner of 8th Ave SW and SW Elmgrove St. We took the mail to the house it belonged to, but nobody answered, so we left the mail on the door step. Just a reminder for people to be extra vigilant during the holiday season. We will continue to keep a close eye out for any other suspicious activity.

Seasonal crime-prevention advice is in the latest SPD crime-prevention newsletter, by the way.

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Help for the holidays: White Center Food Bank needs helping hands
December 13, 2011 10:31 am
|    Comments Off on Help for the holidays: White Center Food Bank needs helping hands
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

With less than two weeks till Christmas, the giving trees, food drives, diaper drives, etc., all acquire a new sense of urgency – as does the need for volunteer help at some local nonprofits. One of them is the White Center Food Bank – which, remember, serves part of West Seattle too – and Ann just sent this request:

We are still looking for volunteers for our holiday distribution on Monday, December 19 from 12:30 – 3:30. Volunteers will assist clients that have signed up for holiday distribution by assisting clients to gather foods from our distribution line during this time period. Best for adults, volunteers will be on their feet for the time period and should dress warmly. If anyone can assist, contact Audrey Zemke at 206-762-2848 or email audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org. Thank you!

Please take a minute when you can and scroll down the West Seattle Holidays page for some of the other giving opportunities around our area.

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West Seattle Tuesday: From Admiral to Lowman to libraries…
December 13, 2011 9:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Steve Mohundro, from the WSB Flickr group pool)

From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar and Holiday Events/Info page (where you’ll find the West Seattle Christmas Lights map, lists of who sells Christmas trees, upcoming events, and more):

CALIFORNIA SW RESURFACING CONTINUES: Day two of work between SW Findlay and SW Graham on California SW, scheduled for 9 am-5 pm. One lane of traffic available in both directions but no parking on California in those blocks. Here’s our Monday update.

FAUNTLEROY EXPRESSWAY CLOSURE CANCELED FOR TONIGHT: As reported here last night. Next closures likely next week.

AT THE LIBRARIES TODAY: Toddler Story Time at West Seattle Branch, 10:30 am; Baby Story Time at Southwest Branch, 11:30 am; Somali Story Time at the High Point Branch, 1:30 am; Family Story Time at Delridge Branch, 7 pm; see the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events page for links and details

FEEST VOLUNTEERS IN SUNRISE HEIGHTS: As reported here on Monday, youth volunteers with FEEST will be meeting at John’s Corner Deli in Sunrise Heights (35th/Webster) at 3:30 pm to canvass the neighborhood with info and coupons about the new “Healthy Foods Here” produce on sale at the store.

FUNDRAISER AT OLA SASON: For a donation of $20 that goes to Transitional Resources, which provides housing and other services for people living with mental illness, Ola Salon offers blowouts and brow waxes tonight, 5-8 pm, plus a raffle and other holiday fun. Here’s our original report.

LOWMAN BEACH (MURRAY) PUMP-STATION DESIGN ADVISORY GROUP: Meets tonight, 6:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). (See the meeting materials here.)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Metro’s proposed service cuts – including a big change for North Admiral – are on the agenda at 7 tonight, Admiral Church (California/Hill). Holiday treats too, all welcome.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS? CHRISTMAS TREES? One more reminder, check the WSB West Seattle Holidays page. And keep sending your events if they’re not already on the page (including Hanukkah/Christmas services, business hours for Christmas/New Year’s, etc.) – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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West Seattle schools: ‘Harvest’ time again at Gatewood
December 13, 2011 1:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The ‘crop’ those Gatewood Elementary students (and others) helped “harvest” is now out in the world, supporting good work. From Gatewood teacher Darren Radu:

Once again this year, kids from all across the school worked together to bring in close to 400 pounds of pennies (and other coins) as part of the 2011 Penny Harvest. We shipped our bags of coins to the local Penny Harvest offices on Thursday.

In the New Year, we will convene a Philanthropy Roundtable, where students from each grade will research organizations working for justice in the community, country, and world, and determine which organizations are in most need of support. The Philanthropy Roundtable will then allocate grant funds from the pennies raised to these organizations. One of the Roundtable’s most important criteria is ‘leverage per dollar’ – the Philanthropists use their research to allocate funds in a way that works most effectively to make a positive difference in the world. Last year, Gatewood students awarded Penny Harvest grants to Save the Children Japan, Southwest Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Nature Consortium. Students weighed the impact of their decisions and made the final call on where to send the money.

The attached photo shows some of our many ‘harvesters’ with a few of the 30-pound bags they filled.

You can find out more about the Penny Harvest here:

Much ‘Gator Gratitude’ goes out to our Gatewood neighbors, families, and friends, for supporting this worthwhile work!

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West Seattle Christmas lights: A ‘treetop’ on Alki
December 12, 2011 11:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Sorry for the subpar photo – some equipment challenges for a while on Monday night. But even if it had been taken by the most talented photographer with the most fabulous equipment, the point of this display would be the same – it’s not brilliantly light-laden, but we love the tree atop the beautiful old brick Alki Apartments building at 2348 Alki SW – you can see it from quite some way away. The entire beachfront drive is worthwhile for light-lovers, as many condo- and apartment-dwellers deck their balconies, and some of the remaining single-family homes do, too (one of the fabled Flower Houses has some cute lights). We happened onto this during a late-night scouting trip after discovering the home we had hoped to photograph elsewhere was already “off” for the night. Keep the tips coming – editor@westseattleblog.com – and check out our Google Map of all the spots we’ve featured, including this one, viewable on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page.

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Update: Fauntleroy Expressway will NOT close Tuesday, Wed. nights
December 12, 2011 7:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

We’ve just confirmed a change in plans for this week’s work on the Fauntleroy Expressway Seismic Retrofit Project – which is entering a new phase as the contractor gets ready to lift the bridge deck to add special quake-resistant pads. SDOT had announced that the expressway – the southwestern end of the West Seattle Bridge, between Delridge and 35th – would be closed three nights this week for that phase of the job to begin, starting tonight. But when we checked in with SDOT communications consultant Josh Stepherson, who has briefed more than a few local community groups about the projects in recent months, he told us there was a late-breaking change in plans: “A couple of hours ago the contractor made the decision not to raise the Expressway this week. They still intend to close the Expressway tonight to survey the structure. They will not close it this Tuesday or Wednesday. Their current plan is to raise the Expressway, for the first time, Monday the 19th. They also plan to close the Expressway on Tuesday and Wednesday the 20th and 21st.” Look for more information from SDOT later this week; meantime, tonight’s closure, again, IS still on – scheduled roughly 10:30 pm to 5 am. (We’ll check on its status once that time frame kicks in.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Pigeon Point burglary briefing
December 12, 2011 7:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

More than 40 people gathered at the Pathfinder K-8 cafeteria tonight for a Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meeting that primarily served as the annual holiday potluck – the first year the community party wasn’t at the home of the late community activist Vivian McLean, who died this past spring.

There was a bit of business for the group to handle, before they got down to serious revelry: The recent rash of burglaries, which has hit Pigeon Point hard, as well as several other parts of West Seattle. The group was briefed by Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. (second-in-command) Pierre Davis, who didn’t have news of any new arrests, but did answer questions, and provided a general update.

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Video: 11 arrested in Occupy protests alongside West Seattle Bridge
December 12, 2011 3:21 pm
|      114 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:21 PM: We are in the 900 block of SW Spokane, where protesters have just arrived.

Police have stopped eastbound traffic. They are still heading west on Spokane, as Guardian One and tv choppers hover. So far, no conflicts that we have seen. No word how long eastbound traffic will remain stopped.

(Photo by Torin Record-Sand; substituted for cameraphone pic that was originally here)
3:44 PM: Traffic still stopped. Police appear to have made at least one arrest. Reinforcements have just arrived. (added) Some scuffling was visible from our vantage point (photos later from our crew elsewhere in the crowd) – watch the left side:

4:09 PM: Sorry for the lag – we have a photographer on the scene and your editor here got stuck one truck back from the front lines while dropping him off. Adding images shortly. He says traffic has resumed westbound across the low bridge – but it’s advisable to completely avoid the area till this is clear some hours from now (after 6 pm).

4:27 PM: Metro is rerouting some West Seattle (etc.) buses via the 1st Avenue South Bridge: 21, 22, 56, 118 & 119. Also keep in mind that we’re now an hour away from the Seahawks game, further complicating the traffic picture.

4:43 PM: The low bridge may technically be open to traffic but still worth avoiding. As of right now, one of the bridge cams is focused on the protest scene. You can see all our traffic cams here.

5:43 PM: From WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli, a recent overview of the scene where most of this unfolded through the mid- to late-afternoon:

Via Twitter, SPD confirms “multiple arrests.” They also say they have “contacted” the driver involved in the hit-run incident noted in comments below this story.

6:52 PM: A closer look, from earlier. A group of West Seattle activists gathered at the Chelan Café to walk to join the protesters who marched from Westlake:

And as the marchers arrived around quarter past three:

For the 6 pm rally, demonstrators moved to Terminal 5, according to our partners at the Seattle Times, who also report that the arrests so far have numbered more than a dozen.

ADDED 10:54 PM: More images from tonight and this afternoon. First – Christopher Boffoli was there as more demonstrators were arrested tonight:

According to SPD Blotter, “Eleven adult subjects were arrested for various violations including Failure to Disperse and Assaulting an Officer.” Some if not all of them were processed at the Southwest Precinct here in West Seattle, according to SWP Operations Lt. Pierre Davis, with whom we spoke while he visited tonight’s Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meeting to talk about the recent increase in burglaries. As the evening events wound down, Christopher got these scenes on video:

Here’s how Occupy Seattle’s website chronicled the afternoon/evening.

(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

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Volunteers to hit Sunrise Heights streets with John’s Corner Deli produce news (and coupons!)
December 12, 2011 2:30 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

If you live in Sunrise Heights, you may get a visit tomorrow from youth volunteers. Their mission: Getting the word out about what you see in the top photo – fruit and vegetables that are a brand-new addition to John’s Corner Deli at 35th/Webster. Yes, that’s the store known even by passersby as “the store with the cow on the roof.” Now it’s also the store with brand-new banners announcing what’s fresh inside:

Freshening up the John’s inventory, so to speak, is part of the city-and-county-sponsored Healthy Foods Here program, which currently also includes High Point Mini-Market, Delridge Deli Mart, and the High Point Walgreens. Tomorrow, members of FEEST – the Food Education/Empowerment/Sustainability Team – will be seeking out neighbors by canvassing the neighborhood, according to an announcement sent to WSB today. They’ll be equipped with coupons and information about John’s new produce offerings, meant as healthier options for those who live nearby and have no supermarket within walking distance. The volunteers from FEEST – who meet weekly at Chief Sealth International High School to cook with and learn about healthy food – are scheduled to gather at the store at 3:30 pm tomorrow before setting out.

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Update: Neighborhood meetings tonight in Pigeon Point, N. Delridge
December 12, 2011 1:31 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Neighborhood meetings tonight in Pigeon Point, N. Delridge
 |   Delridge | Neighborhoods | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

Two updates on tonight’s roster of neighborhood meetings: First, thanks to Pete for pointing out that we had omitted a mention of the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council‘s meeting tonight; it’s their holiday potluck, Pathfinder K-8 (1901 SW Genesee), 6:30 pm. On the agenda is an update from Seattle Police on the rash of burglaries lately in that area (several of which have been included in West Seattle Crime Watch reports). Also – if you are going to tonight’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting (agenda here), thanks to Diane for reminding us that the location has changed; it’s not at the usual spot, but instead at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

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West Seattle road work: California SW resurfacing update
December 12, 2011 11:25 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in case you were wondering – the resurfacing work along three blocks of California SW between Alaska and Morgan Junctions is NOT closing the road. We went out this morning to get a look at the work zone; crews were starting on the north end – at SW Findlay – and heading south toward SW Graham. One lane is open in each direction for the entire stretch. No parking on California on those blocks, though (and we saw what appeared to be one car getting towed from that zone). As SDOT announced last week, they found enough money in the “Rubble Yard sale” proceeds to add these three blocks of repaving work, which is scheduled to happen 9 am-5 pm daily through Thursday.

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West Seattle holidays: ‘Wrap It Up’ to benefit animal advocacy
December 12, 2011 11:13 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: ‘Wrap It Up’ to benefit animal advocacy
 |   Announcements

Need help wrapping your presents? “Wrap It Up” gift wrapping with Furry Faces Foundation and AARF is back:

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Protest-plan update: Port’s reaction; Occupy’s timetable
December 12, 2011 8:57 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Added the latest from Occupy at 10:48 am, after the port news release; also added 1:11 pm, photo tweeted by WSB partner Seattle Times’ Mike Lindblom from Westlake)
As first previewed here last week, the Occupy movement’s “West Coast Port Shutdown” actions today include planned rallies/protests in Seattle, close to the lower West Seattle Bridge. The Port of Seattle has just sent a statement saying it’s “working closely” with authorities to “ensure that port facilities remain open”:

As you may have heard, the Occupy Seattle movement is planning a protest at Port of Seattle seaport facilities later today. The action is a part of a coordinated effort at ports along the West Coast.

Nearly 22,000 men and women work in jobs created by the cargo that moves across the port’s docks. Just one day’s wages for those jobs total $1.9 million – dollars that can’t be earned if they can’t go to work.

Money is tight for many of us, particularly at this time of year, and those who work the port’s docks must be able to do their jobs.

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West Seattle Monday: Road work; planned protests; football alert; Christmas Ship returns…
December 12, 2011 8:18 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Annika Bowden – Christmas Ship & fleet off Seacrest on Saturday)
The Christmas Ship is back for an encore tonight – but before and after that, we have major road-work alerts, planned protests that could affect the “low bridge” and vicinity, and a big football game of note to commuters:

CALIFORNIA SW RESURFACING: As announced by SDOT last week, three blocks of California SW are scheduled for resurfacing today through Thursday. Businesses in the area are reminding their customers that means no parking out front – for example, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) will offer “Stop and Go” parking in the alley behind the shop (between Findlay and Juneau).

PROTESTS PLANNED: Possible afternoon protests near the east end of the “low” bridge (details here) as part of the Occupy movement’s “West Coast Port Shutdown” day. Their schedule, as detailed in our link, starts with a 1 pm march from Westlake Center downtown, and includes 3 and 6 pm rallies at the Spokane Street Fishing Bridge.

FAUNTLEROY EXPRESSWAY OVERNIGHT CLOSURE TONIGHT: Though you probably don’t call it that, Fauntleroy Expressway is the official name of the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge, and the quake-safety work enters a new phase requiring some overnight/weekend closures. The first one is tonight, as explained here (with a map), 10:30 pm-5 am.

SEAHAWKS GAME TONIGHT: They’re facing St. Louis in the Monday Night Football game, 5:30 pm (more from our partners at the Times), which of course means traffic challenges in the stadium zone.

We will be tracking all of the above throughout the day and evening, so check back here for updates on traffic effects, etc. (as well as WSB on Facebook and on Twitter, if those are more convenient). As for everything else – the highlights:

LIFE’S JOURNEYS: 1-2:30 pm at West Seattle Senior Center. From organizers: “This group will explore the territory we find ourselves in when involved in a significant transition. Are you in a changing time – relationships, housing, health, mobility, losses, retirement, etc? Are you looking for ways to make new connections?” Facilitated by Laurie Becharas, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, and D’vorah Kost, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Cost: $20/month donation; no one turned away for inability to pay.

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB West Seattle Cooking Club! Today’s theme: Holiday cookie exchange! 2:30 pm, Beveridge Place Pub.

TINY TIGER GAME DEMO: As previewed earlier this morning – 3-6 pm at Cupcake Royale in The Junction.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT STREET TREES? Street tree ordinance public-input meeting, High Point Community Center, 6:30 pm, details here.

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting, 6:30 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – different location than usual.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES? 7- 9 pm in the Community Room at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 7125 Fauntleroy Ave SW. Meeting and conversation with West Seattle neighbors and elected officials, hosted by the West Seattle Unit of the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County. Hear from West Seattle neighbor and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen and others about major issues facing our community as well as their priorities. Ask questions, and engage in conversation. Free and open to the public.

CHRISTMAS SHIP VISITS ONE MORE TIME: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle one more time! 8:40-9 pm at Don Armeni Boat Ramp.

LOOKING FOR HOLIDAY INFO? Christmas lights, Christmas tree sales, and upcoming events … all on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page.

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New kids’ game, free cupcakes: West Seattle event today
December 12, 2011 5:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Two West Seattleites have just developed and released a new iPad/iPhone game for children, and are inviting families to drop by Cupcake Royale in The Junction this afternoon to give it a try – with free cupcakes and book giveaways for the kids. The game is called Tiny Tiger and Friends; its developers are Aaron Hedquist (left) and Steven D’Amico (right). According to the online notes, Hedquist’s firm The Curio Dept. developed it with the intent of not talking down to kids – “Children are way smarter than we adults give them credit for!” Here’s a kid-presented trailer for the game:

The game’s developers have serious pedigrees: Hedquist has been an interactive designer for a decade, with past projects for clients from the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum to the BBC. He is a partner at Curio Dept. with Fremont resident and software-industry veteran Scott Dierdorf. D’Amico is the illustrator of the “Ella The Elephant” picture-book series, for which he says a TV series is now in development. He’s also produced illustrations and designs you might have seen on websites for PBS Kids, Nick Jr., and the Disney Channel. Just bring your would-be game-tester to Cupcake Royale between 3 and 6 pm today (during CR’s regular “DIY” decorating party) to give Tiny Tiger a try.

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West Seattle sports updates: Soccer champs; basketball notes
December 12, 2011 5:55 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Sports notes to share this morning from the weekend: First, congratulations to the two West Seattle Soccer Club‘s teams that the club says won statewide championships over the weekend, the BU-11 (boys) and GU-15 (girls) teams both named the Crush.

Second, in high-school basketball: Friday night, West Seattle High School‘s boys-varsity team beat Bainbridge 68-53 on the road, while the varsity girls lost 69-24. Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-varsity team beat Rainier Beach at home, 54-12, while the varsity boys lost 83-52. And on Saturday, Seattle Lutheran High School‘s boys won at Shoreline Christian 58-46, while the girls lost 46-44. The Sealth games were at home, and we covered them; photos and summaries ahead:Read More

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The WSBeat: Wanted; well-known; insulting; nap-seeking…
December 11, 2011 9:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*On Tuesday afternoon in a Junction-area alley, an alert officer spotted a man that he knew was wanted on a $10,000 warrant for driving under the influence. Upon arrest, a records check showed that he was wanted on a second $10,000 warrant for failure to appear on an assault charge. The West Seattle resident was booked into King County Jail.

*A citizen reported that a man was walking near 16th and SW Orchard with his pants down. Officers found the suspect near Delridge and Orchard, trance-like and unresponsive to verbal commands. He was transported to Harborview for an involuntary commitment. He is already well-known to area officers as a prolific residential burglar.

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West Seattle Christmas lights: Side show in Highland Park
December 11, 2011 9:14 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

No LEDs in view; the lights of Christmas past still deck this little home in Highland Park. It is tonight’s featured display, thanks to a tip from Tiffany. This view is the “side show” – the side of the house, plus its back yard, seen from SW Barton, where the home faces 10th (its front is brightly lit too, but not as wide). There are multiple groupings of Nativity-scene figures, as well as Santa, Frosty, and the other secular Christmas classics:

We’re just shooting from the roadside; go see for yourself, to get a closer look and really appreciate the collection here. We’ve added this home to our new map of all the Christmas lights we’ve featured so far – the map’s on our West Seattle Holidays page, or directly reachable via Google Maps here. Got a bright-lights tip? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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