West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    CLOSURE CHANGE: Low bridge, starting Saturday

  • Moving

    MOVING MODE: Another music biz’s big gift

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by April 25!

13 days till Family Promise of Seattle benefit with Justin Roberts
August 6, 2011 8:57 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Family Promise of Seattle, the only homeless shelter in this area helping families stay together while getting back on their feet, is less than two weeks away from a major benefit – Grammy-nominated family-music performer Justin Roberts in concert. Katy Lloyd, who’s helping publicize the performance, notes, “I recently learned that Family Promise receives 6-8 phone calls/week from case workers looking to place a family in emergency housing. Sadly, Family Promise can only handle two families at a time, and each family can take up to 3 months to place in more permanent housing. Now more than ever Family Promise needs the support of our wonderful community to help families in need. Most other shelters must segregate families by gender. This can make the situation for a family in crisis even worse. The goal of Family Promise is to keep families intact and offer case worker support while helping them locate a more secure footing.” The show is at 6:30 pm August 19th at Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW). Suggested donation at the door is $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family; cookies and lemonade will be sold afterward, also by donation.

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Happening now: Biggest West Seattle Outdoor Movies night yet
August 6, 2011 8:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

If you’re not already at the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), hurry – this week’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation, “Despicable Me,” is about 20 minutes away, and it’s the biggest crowd so far this summer – Hotwire’s Lora Swift estimates about 300 so far. MoZo, featuring Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice, was the opening act (we’ll add video later), and the pre-movie drawing raising money for West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Hope and Healing is coming up. Check the full season schedule at wsmovies.org (and remember there’s an extra Saturday, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on August 27, making up for the rainout back on July 16).

ADDED: As promised, video of “Bobcat Bob” playing in MoZo, with Aimee Zoe Tubbs on drums and Moe Provencher on bass:

Love the Seafair/”closest thing we have to Mardi Gras” observation. Moviegoers also heard briefly from two reps on behalf of Hope Lutheran, one of the sponsors on this particular night – newly arrived Pastor Peter Mueller (profiled here on Thursday) and principal Kristen Okabayashi. Next week, the movie is the original “Jurassic Park”; gates open at 6:30 pm and the movie will start at dusk (this week, that meant right about 9, so it’ll be a little earlier) after preshow entertainment and raffles to raise money for local nonprofits.

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West Seattle In Motion: Second community progress report
August 6, 2011 5:46 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle In Motion: Second community progress report
 |   Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

Big achievement leap in the latest weekly report from West Seattle In Motion, the “drive a little less” program that WSB is co-sponsoring this summer/fall. You can still sign up to get incentives including free bus tickets, deals at local businesses (through this weekend, Amante Pizza and Pasta is the participating merchant), and more. Once you sign up, be sure to report in with your achievements – walked to the store? took the bus to work? rode your bike to the park? A brand-new set of numbers with trips saved and emissions reduced is on the WSB “West Seattle In Motion” page right now. Want to sign up? Do it here!

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Seafair Saturday 2011, first report: Blue Angels’ hybrid show
August 6, 2011 4:55 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

Though much of the cloudiness was gone by their Seafair showtime, the Blue Angels did what looked mostly like the “low show” today, with a few straight-up-into-the-blue-sky maneuvers rendering it somewhat of a hybrid. These first two photos are courtesy of JayDee, who watched from the 4th Avenue Costco parking lot, another great spot if you can’t make it to Boeing Field/Museum of Flight or Lake Washington.

Your co-publishers watched from the hydro pits at Lake Washington, and we’ll have some pix/video of both Angels and hydros (the classics were going into the water while we were there) to add later. And we photographed the Blue Angels’ “Fat Albert” flying over the lake with the knowledge that longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli was on board – Seafair PR offered media flights in the crowd-pleaser C-130 this year, and we’ll have something from Christopher for a separate report later. (added – here’s Fat Albert over the log boom:)

Meantime, tomorrow’s the grand finale – one more round of Blue Angels, the rest of the air show, hydros, and fleet tours on the downtown waterfront. (If you go to Lake Washington, here’s the Seafair site map.)

ADDED 9:16 PM: A few more photos from Lake Washington:

The rejuvenated Moby Duck – with a Seafair Pirate or two – is on hand near the hydro pits, where you can watch the boats getting lifted into the water. We were there for the classics, and admired the reflective underside:

That’s the Miss Thriftway. Nearby, the Miss Wahoo:

And the sights included an unusual Seattle Fire Department vehicle:

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West Seattle-residing Chef Wayne Johnson on ‘Iron Chef America’
August 6, 2011 1:03 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

When Food Network re-broadcasts the “Iron Chef America” season 9 finale today, you’ll see a West Seattleite challenging an Iron Chef – Chef Wayne Johnson (executive chef of Andaluca downtown) taking on Michael Symon. The show is on at (updated) 5 pm and 11 pm; it was taped in New York months ago, but “Chef Wayne” was sworn to secrecy regarding even the ingredient he had to tackle. (Since the show already aired several days ago, if you don’t mind spoilers, you can find out who won, and what ingredient was involved, by reading this Puget Sound Business Journal story.) He’s been at the helm of Andaluca for more than 11 years, with honors including being named one of the “Top Chefs in America” by Black Enterprise Magazine; he’s also vice president of the nonprofit Culinary Wonders USA.

5:57 PM NOTE: If you see this on Saturday evening – there’s one more showing ahead (confirmed with program guide), 11 pm.

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The WSBeat: Interruptions, intruders, warrants, and more
August 6, 2011 11:11 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | 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:

*Returning to her Arbor Heights home Friday afternoon of last week, a woman encountered two people — described as a man in his 50s and a woman in her 60s — with their hands inside her mailbox. When they realized they had been spotted, the pair drove away northbound on 35th SW in a new green Chevy Blazer.

*Arriving home in the 8600 block of Fauntleroy SW, a woman encountered a stranger. when she asked what he was doing, he mumbled an excuse involving the names of people that didn’t live there. He walked out the front door as she noticed a brown or rust-colored “boxy” ’80s or ’90s sedan pull away from the neighbor’s driveway. It seems the suspect used a hidden key to get in the home and left behind a blue notebook that had references to Craigslist, pawn shops, and eBay. The suspect was a white male, approximately 25 years old, with brown hair and wearing a baseball cap turned backward.

And there’s more information on another intruder case, one previously covered on WSB, among the 12 summaries ahead:Read More

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Delridge Day next month! Here’s your chance to be part of it
August 6, 2011 9:51 am
|    Comments Off on Delridge Day next month! Here’s your chance to be part of it
 |   Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Holli Margell)
You’re invited to be part of a big community celebration coming up next month – Delridge Day! The North Delridge Neighborhood Council is working to make it happen, and putting out a call for vendors:

Would you like to sell some artwork or a craft? Are you a Massage Therapist looking to get your hands on new clients? You’re in luck! This year Delridge Day will be hosted and organized by The North Delridge Neighborhood Council. We need you to help make it a successful celebration.

You can purchase a vendor booth for $75. The cost directly supports the event, and as an added Karma bonus, 15% of the fee goes directly to ARC providing scholarships for Community Center programs. We’re operating on a tight budget with everything being volunteer-based. Any proceeds will benefit the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.

Delridge Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 17th from 11 am-3 pm
Where: Delridge Park 4501 Delridge Way SW

Okay, so you want a booth? Here are the forms, and don’t fret about the deadline of August 1st. That was for the sponsors who wanted to be included on our marketing materials. You have until September 9th to claim your booth. We’re operating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you have any further questions, please contact Amanda Leonard,Amanda.leonard.wa@gmail.com or by phone (509) 528-2635.

Hope to see you on Sept. 17th to celebrate Delridge!

Best,

Holli Margell
NDNC Outreach Chair

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West Seattle Saturday: ‘Despicable Me,’ ‘Freedom,’ Seafair…
August 6, 2011 8:32 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: ‘Despicable Me,’ ‘Freedom,’ Seafair…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That’s the trailer for “Despicable Me,” one of the movies – outdoors and indoors – are among the highlights from the WSB West Seattle (and environs) Events calendar:

CLEAN UP THE PARK, AND SWIM FOR FREE! Colman Pool in Lincoln Park has partnered with the Friends of Lincoln Park to make today’s work party very special. Volunteers who work with the group removing invasive plants in the park from 9 am to noon will each receive a FREE PASS for the open swim at the pool (starts at 1:45). Meet at 9 am in the north parking lot at the kiosk across from SW Rose St. Sturdy shoes and long pants and sleeves suggested. Bring garden gloves and hand clippers, or we’ll have extras.

GARAGE SALING IN GEORGETOWN Venture over to Georgetown for its first-ever Community Garage Sale Day! 9 am-3 pm, sales all over Georgetown, See this Facebook event page – and the online map.

VOLUNTEER WITH EARTH CORPS: EarthCorps Volunteer event, Delridge Natural Area, 10 am – 2 pm. This is a Green Seattle Partnership project. EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and a talk that covers safety, the park you are working in, forest structure, environmental restoration and the overview of the project.

A BREAK FOR P-PATCH VOLUNTEERS: No Barton Street P-Patch work party today.

VISIT THE TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library open at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (east side of main building) 9 am – 2 pm.

BLUE ANGELS, FLEET TOURS, AND OTHER SEAFAIR NOTES: Today and tomorrow are the official Blue Angels shows. On Friday, they did their “low show,” and if the sun doesn’t magically take over by noon or so, you can expect that again. Please see our story from Thursday re: watching them at Boeing Field/Museum of Flight (where you’ll see them takeoff and land, as well as flybys during their performance). And on the downtown waterfront (including Terminal 25, just north of the West Seattle Bridge), fleet tours continue (details here).

VISIT THE VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Vietnamese Cultural Center (on SW Orchard north of Home Depot) open to the public, noon-3 pm.

TOUR THE CHINESE GARDEN: Free guided tours of the Seattle Chinese Garden every Saturday at 1 pm. Garden Summer Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 12:00 – 5:30 PM. Garden Admission: Free for Seattle residents, members, and children under 5. 6000 16th Avenue SW, the north entrance to South Seattle Community College. Information: www.seattlechinesegarden.org, 206-934-5219, or email info@seattlechinesegarden.org

B-GIRLS AT YOUNGSTOWN: The Queen Sweet 16 – the country’s top 16 b-girls battle it out for the crown and cash prizes. Invitational includes confirmed competitors from WA, OR, VA, TN, NV, PA, CA, MT, and internationally Vancouver, B.C.; Rome, Italy; and Japan. Prelims & Workshops: 11 am – 5 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW). Finals: 6 – 11 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). 1 on 1 Bgirl competition, 1 on 1 all-styles exhibitions, 2 on 2 Bgirl/Bboy competition, Hip-Hop shows (New Waack City Crew/Fly 6 B Hip Hop Group (Japan)), Poppin and Locking shows. Bgirl / Hip Hop / wacking / house workshops all weekend long. Buy tickets online here.

‘DESPICABLE ME’ AT WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: West Seattle Outdoor Movies is showing “Despicable Me,” the animated tale of a supervillain and his small-yet-large army (among other things). Movies start at dusk (9-ish), gates open at 6:30, courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), 4410 California SW. Preshow entertainment: Music by Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice

‘FREEDOM’ AT THE ADMIRAL: Seattle theatrical premiere of Freedom, “…the jolting new documentary that takes a hard look at America’s perilous and unsustainable addiction to foreign oil”, at Admiral Theater (2343 California Avenue SW), 7 pm. Freedom features an eclectic array of personalities, including former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former NATO commander Wesley Clark, singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, (who scored the film), international author Deepak Chopra, and such “green” actors as Ed Begley, Jr., Amy Smart and Michelle Rodriguez. The film explores the role that Ethanol plays as a homegrown alternative that will boost the domestic economy, create jobs and reduce our need to rely on dangerous and unstable parts of the world for our fuel. Tickets are $10.

OLIVER! Second night of Twelfth Night Productions‘ (WSB sponsor) presentation of “Oliver!” (with part of the proceeds benefiting Treehouse, and a school supplies/clothing drive for foster kids too). 7:30 pm, West Seattle High School Theater. $18 for adults and $15 for students & seniors.

ROY ZIMMERMAN AT KENYON HALL: At Kenyon Hall(7904 35th Ave SW): Political satirical singer/songwriter Roy Zimmerman, 7:30 pm.

TOUR THE LIGHTHOUSE: Tour the Alki Point Lighthouse, 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays in summer

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Video: Haggis Brothers start The Mount’s summer concerts
August 5, 2011 11:48 pm
|    Comments Off on Video: Haggis Brothers start The Mount’s summer concerts
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Last year, The Haggis Brothers wrapped up the Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) summer concert series; this year, they kicked it off, with “a song from the ’60s” – no, not THOSE ’60s, as they explain:

The music’s usually enough to get the crowd moving – but if kids’ attention wanders, there’s usually something special, like tonight’s balloon-twisting clown:

Next week: He ain’t nothin’ but a hound dawg … Danny Vernon’s “Illusion of Elvis.” And “Classic Car Night”! All out in the open air at 4831 35th SW:

Admission’s free; before the 6 pm shows, dinner/wine/beer are offered for sale.

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Hundreds of bicyclists roll from Admiral on ‘Dead Baby Downhill’
August 5, 2011 7:53 pm
|      79 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We warned you about it in the morning preview – but it still caught some people by surprise (thanks for the texts!): Hundreds of bicyclists rolled eastward from the Admiral District this past hour on the annual “Dead Baby Downhill.” Yes, like the name, it’s meant to be an in-your-face, irreverent/offensive, at-times profane event – “the greatest party known to humankind,” declared the Facebook event page – and it rotates starting-point neighborhoods; it’s been a few years since the DBD took off from West Seattle. They’re headed for Georgetown and a whale of an afterparty. (added) Here’s the start:

8:39 PM: More photos, ahead:Read More

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OutWest Bar update: Hoping to officially open within 2 weeks
August 5, 2011 7:16 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

Another followup on a place-in-progress that people have been asking us about: OutWest Bar at California/Brandon is getting close to opening its doors. WSB contributor Keri DeTore first reported in May about its plan to be LGBT-friendly, and she’s been checking back with its proprietors; tonight, she reports that co-owners Bob Lunke and Chad Gabelein are busily working to put the finishing touches on OutWest Bar in anticipation of a soft opening sometime next week. The walls are painted a deep red, the kitchen is nearly finished, and furniture is being delivered. The establishment described by Bob and Chad as “like a community center for the gay and lesbian community and their straight friends” will open to the public in the next two weeks.

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Update: Garage fire in Arbor Heights, 2 cars damaged
August 5, 2011 4:39 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

4:39 PM: A garage is on fire in the 10000 block of 40th SW (map) in Arbor Heights, and SFD was sending a “full response” to protect adjoining home(s) – but just determined that wasn’t needed, so some units are being canceled. More when we get there in a few minutes.

4:50 PM UPDATE: Added a photo. We’re told there are two vehicles in the garage, damaged by the fire. No word yet on the cause; no report of injuries. The fire isn’t completely out yet, but it’s been reported “tapped”; smoke is still visible at the scene, but no flames.

5:20 PM UPDATE: SFD confirms, nobody hurt. They won’t know for at least a few hours how it started. The garage/cars’ owner was home at the time, we’re told, but neighbors were the ones who reported the fire. We’re adding a few more photos (including a substitution for our original cameraphone photo).

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Memorial Saturday for Chris Holm, a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ (& more)
August 5, 2011 4:37 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned tomorrow for 86-year-old Chris Holm, one of West Seattle’s real-life “Rosie the Riveters.” (We featured her in Christopher Boffoli‘s report on one of the local “Rosie” gatherings in 2009.) Her family wrote this obituary:

Clarissa Elizabeth Holm (Sherbon)
September 23, 1924 – July 31, 2011

Chris Holm passed away unexpectedly while leading the social-hour discussion at her West Seattle Church on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Chris was a vibrant woman, still living life to its fullest and enjoying her many day-to-day activities with zest and utter enthusiasm. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister and friend. Everyone was surprised by her death and feel deeply saddened to lose the cornerstone, centerpiece, rock and foundation for our family and her community of friends.

Chris was born in Sioux Falls, SD, moving immediately to Walnut Grove, MN. She lived the quintessential “Little House on the Prairie” life, growing up in the famous Olsen store, working hard on the farm, and spending any free time playing on the banks of Plum Creek. She moved to Seattle and in her early twenties during WWII and worked hard at Boeing as one of the famous Rosie the Riveters.

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Interim principal for Chief Sealth to be announced Monday
August 5, 2011 2:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Though there was some talk that the district might announce Chief Sealth International High School‘s interim principal today, there’s word it won’t happen till Monday. The district’s executive director of schools for West Seattle, Aurora Lora, says that’s when interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield will make the announcement then. Today is John Boyd‘s last official day as principal; he’s taking a high-level job in Highline Public Schools to the south.

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Traffic alert: City Light work near Fauntleroy ferry terminal
August 5, 2011 2:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Utilities | West Seattle news

Just in from Seattle City Light – electrical work in the Fauntleroy ferry terminal area starting Monday – details ahead:Read More

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Blue Angels watch: Today, from the Museum of Flight media zone
August 5, 2011 12:27 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

12:27 PM: After years of watching/covering the Blue Angels from “the fence” just north of where they park at the Museum of Flight, this year we’re in the official media zone for the first time, so we can bring you a slightly different view (no chain link or barbed wire in the way this time). For everyone waiting to find out when they’re going up – if it’s the usual timetable, it’s still a half-hour or so away. We’ll have updates here, plus video of the pilots’ “walkdown” once they’re up. More to come!

12:56 PM: The support crew’s checking out the Angels’ jets now. Showtime nears. Watch the WSB Twitter account for further pre-takeoff updates.

2 PM: Airshow in progress, as you’ve probably heard or seen unless you’re nowhere near the metro area. Here’s our video of the “walkdown” as the pilots head to their jets, in formation:

Still cloudy out here, so they’re doing the “low show,” but Museum of Flight visitors are still glimpsing plenty of flybys. For those who follow the granular details, #7 is flying in place of #5, which landed yesterday shortly after going up for practice. There also was a brief flutter of activity with #6, just before they taxiied for takeoff (we’ll add the taxiing video later, that’s an interesting perspective too). And remember the I-90 bridge is closed until they’re done – the closure’s scheduled till 2:45 though they’ll be done sooner – we’ll make a note here when they are.

ADDED FRIDAY EVENING: Adding photos from David Hutchinson (thank you!) – above and below this line – if you look closely at this next one, you’ll see one of the spots (there are at least two) where something’s been added to the Blue Angels’ paint job this year, a tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation:

And last but not least, one more bit of our video. Once the jets were up, we left the “media zone” and went over to the Museum of Flight lawn, where you can catch sight of the planes now and then, most spectacularly just before they land, with the flyby in honor of everyone watching from Boeing Field:

Tomorrow, should be the same timeframe – performance after 1 pm.

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Foreclosure fight brings state Attorney General to North Delridge
August 5, 2011 10:19 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Drivers and residents along 25th SW in North Delridge were doing a bit of a head-swivel this past hour, as a knot of camera- and microphone-wielding media clustered around a group of people including state Attorney General (and Republican candidate for governor) Rob McKenna. He was here to announce a lawsuit (see it here) against ReconTrust, a branch of Bank of America, for allegedly violating state law regarding foreclosures. The bungalow that served as a backdrop was chosen because its foreclosure involved ReconTrust; it’s now owned by Fannie Mae and up for sale, and the couple who used to own it – who fell on tough times when the husband was diagnosed with cancer – lives nearby.

(They were unable to attend the media briefing, but two homeowners from other areas of Puget Sound were brought in to tell their stories.) Here’s McKenna explaining what the suit is about:

As he explained, ReconTrust is a foreclosure trustee. In our state, foreclosures do not involve judges – they are non-judicial, and trustees are involved, though they are supposed to act, as the Attorney General’s news release says, “as a neutral party on behalf of both the lender and the borrower while conducting foreclosure proceedings in good faith and in accordance with the law.” McKenna expressed hope that this would be resolved quickly, as he believes bringing suit will “get (the company and its parent corporation)’s attention.” If you are facing foreclosure, the Attorney General’s Office has resource information here. Their news release (we’ll add it here when we get it as a linkable doc) also points out that Recon Trust’s site for which properties it’s selling locally – go here.

ADDED 12:10 PM: The official news release is now out:Read More

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West Seattle Friday: ‘Oliver!’, Haggis Brothers, Blue Angels…
August 5, 2011 9:04 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Paddleboarder and pooch, photographed by Eric Shalit off Alki)
Where’d the sun go? We hear it’ll be back. As for when … answers vary. So in the meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

BLUE ANGELS, FLEET TOURS, AND OTHER SEAFAIR NOTES: Obviously weather affects the Blue Angels‘ plans, and we’ll update you here (as well as via the WSB Facebook and Twitter channels) if this hasn’t lifted as noontime gets closer (the show usually starts close to 1). They have a “low show” that’s been done on cloudy days – but fog is another thing. Please see our story from last night re: watching them (and the fact this is the no-admission-charged day at Lake Washington). Also note, something the weather won’t affect – fleet tours continue (details here).

FIRST SUMMER CONCERT AT THE MOUNT: By most accounts, it should be nice at least by evening time, and that’s when you can bring your chair/blanket to Providence Mount St. Vincentfour free Friday night outdoor concerts. It’s on the south side of The Mount’s campus at 4831 35th SW. The Haggis Brothers play tonight, 6 pm (you’re welcome to come earlier and buy dinner/beer/wine if you want; free popcorn and snow cones).

DELRIDGE POTLUCK: Evening potluck – Free. (From the Adult section of the summer Seattle Parks and Rec guide.) An evening potluck followed by card playing, Scrabble, cribbage, and conversation. 6-9 pm

BIKE RACE: “Dead Baby Bikes Downhill” race leaves West Seattle this year – from Shipwreck Tavern. Registration 5 pm, race leaves 7 pm. Watch for bikes between the tavern and the bridge – possibly some congestion on Admiral too.

MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Tomorrow night, he’s the preshow entertainment at West Seattle Outdoor Movies; tonight, Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice is live at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor, 5612 California SW), 6-8 pm.

OLIVER! Opening night of Twelfth Night Productions‘ (WSB sponsor) presentation of “Oliver!” (with part of the proceeds benefiting Treehouse, and a school supplies/clothing drive for foster kids too). 7:30 pm, West Seattle High School Theater. Prices are $18 for adults and $15 for students & seniors. Full WSB announcement here

MUSIC AT KENYON HALL: At Kenyon Hall (7904 35th Ave SW): Singer/songwriter Josh Harty, 7:30 pm.

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West Seattle parks: Walt Hundley Playfield work under way
August 5, 2011 8:07 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Yet another project in progress in West Seattle: While in the High Point area earlier this week, we noticed work is well under way at Walt Hundley Playfield south of HP Community Center. It’s set to get synthetic turf, with $1 million from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy. It wasn’t originally on the levy list, but Parks saved so much money from other projects, including the recent Delridge turf installation, they were able to add this one. The project webpage is here; one community meeting was held, back in April, and our coverage of that is here.

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Steve Bushaw murder trial: Confessed killer testifies
August 5, 2011 1:51 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The King County Superior Court trial of Bryce Huber and Brandon Chaney, charged with first-degree murder in the February 2009 shooting death of lifelong West Seattleite Steve Bushaw, is in recess until Monday.

In the jury trial that could take as long as a month, three main witnesses were on the stand Thursday, including one of the admitted triggermen, John Sylve. But first:

Today’s proceedings began with a resumption of testimony from Detective Kevin O’Keefe of the Seattle Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Next, the state called Seattle Police Detective Mike Magan to the stand. Magan was the detective assigned to investigate a home-invasion robbery in Seattle – the aftermath of that robbery is alleged to have helped precipitate the murder.) Then, Sylve followed.

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Blue Angels at Seafair: Practice day done; now it’s showtime
August 4, 2011 10:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | West Seattle news

We were at Boeing Field, north of the tower this time, to watch the Blue Angels‘ takeoffs/landings (and occasional other glimpses) for today’s afternoon practices; this morning, we could hear them from WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy, and WSB’ers reported some peninsula flyovers.

(#5 and #6, photographed Thursday by WSB Flickr group member LikeOnATree – click for large version)
There were some anomalies to today’s practice – in the afternoon, only four went up, #1 and #4, followed by #5 and #6, and #5 wasn’t up long before returning; officials changed the story about why two didn’t fly, according to this report on KIRO (which is the “official Seafair station,” by contract).

(Thursday practice photo by Tracy White)
Here’s what to expect the next three days: The full airshow. Technically, Friday is a practice, and it’s free to watch from Lake Washington (while Saturday/Sunday, you’ll be charged admission), but every year we’ve been covering/watching it, Friday also brings the full-on show, from the ceremonial “walkdown” at the Museum of Flight before they board the jets, through the aerial maneuvers, to the walkdown in reverse when the pilots return.

If you decide to go to the Museum of Flight for the bone-rattling takeoff experience, go early; the takeoff will be somewhere in the 12:30-1 pm vicinity, but viewing points along the fences fill up hours in advance, as does the MoF parking lot (and there’s less overflow parking on Friday). So much to see before and after, though! You can also check out areas along Boeing Field; we are partial to the lots north and south of the tower off East Marginal, though the south was roped off today, and it has less space than previous years because of construction. Our preferred way to get there (since the South Park Bridge closed more than a year ago) is Highland Park Way to 1st Avenue South Bridge north, get off at Michigan, turn right on East Marginal, head south (here’s a map of that route).

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West Seattle coyotes: Yes, shoo the little ones too
August 4, 2011 10:23 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

A coyote tale different from the type we usually hear, from Lizzie Jackson at Nature Consortium:

Nature Consortium staff and volunteers saw two little coyote pups today during our work party in the West Duwamish Greenbelt. They were very curious about us and after we all looked at each other for a little while we remembered that we should try to scare them off so we clapped our hands and yelled and they turned around and trotted back in the forest. Unfortunately we didn’t get any pictures but thought we would share anyway.

That’s EXACTLY what is advised in the “coexisting with coyotes” literature – to keep people, pets, and coyotes all separated, they have to maintain a wariness of humans. The advice is all here. (WSB coyote coverage, including photos now and then, is all archived here, newest to oldest.)

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Video: Massy Ferguson @ Summer Concerts at Hiawatha
August 4, 2011 7:28 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Another perfect night on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, with at least 250 people here – by our estimate – to enjoy the music of Massy Ferguson, for the second week of this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

If you see this shortly after it’s published, still time to drop by and catch a little music; there’s a balloon-twister for the kids, and the Hiawatha Tae-Kwon-Do Club putting on an intermission demonstration as we speak. (photos added)

Hip-hop dancers showed their moves, too, and we’ll add video later. For the last number, all the kids were invited onto the stage:

Next week – the concert will be on Alki instead of at Hiawatha (only location change this year), featuring Yogoman Burning Band, 6:30 pm Thursday (August 11th).

SIDE NOTE: More outdoor music in West Seattle tomorrow night – first of four summer outdoor concerts at Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor), with The Haggis Brothers performing at 6 pm. Also free, also BYO chair/blanket.

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