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Spotlight Stories

Followup: Westcity Sardine Kitchen finally opening Friday night
July 29, 2013 1:01 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

West Seattle’s next new restaurant, Westcity Sardine Kitchen, opens Friday at 3405 California SW, and will serve dinner seven nights a week. We’ve been watching this one for a long time; check the backstory:

December 2010 – The Bohemian abruptly closes.

August 2011 – The site sells to an “experienced restaurateur” (eventually revealed as the owner of Bick’s Neighborhood Grill in Greenwood).

January 2012 – A liquor-license app spills the name “West City Sardine Kitchen” (the first space has since been removed).

September 2012 – After months of attempts to get more information about the future restaurant and its status, via phone calls, in-person visits, notes on the door, we receive a postal-mailed letter from its proprietors, explaining their plan of a “simple neighborhood dinnerhouse” in the vein of Bick’s and co-owned, nearby Saltoro.

June 2013 – A help-wanted ad for the new restaurant appears on Craigslist.

We’ve gone by almost daily ever since, hoping to find someone to follow up with. And today, we connected with staffers who tell us they’re opening Friday, August 2nd, and will be open 5-10 pm daily thereafter – the “simple neighborhood dinnerhouse” as explained in that September letter.

Read on for photos of the menu, and more info:

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: Ryan Cox out of jail after hate-crime guilty plea, sentencing
July 29, 2013 10:48 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This morning, a case we’ve been checking on since last fall is resolved: The hate-crime case against 35-year-old Ryan J. Cox has ended with a guilty plea, and he is out of jail after sentencing last Friday.

This case dates back to last October, when Cox was charged with malicious harassment (hate crime) and third-degree assault after hitting a man four times with a baseball bat as they exited a bus on Avalon Way, with Cox shouting homophobic slurs because of his perception of the man’s sexual orientation.

Police arrested Cox the next day at Solstice Park northeast of Lincoln Park, an area he has been known to frequent since his previous involvement in high-profile cases.

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West Seattle Monday: Four notes for today/tonight
July 29, 2013 9:38 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: Four notes for today/tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Northern Flicker woodpecker photographed Sunday by Mark Wangerin)
Relatively quiet day/night on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but a few things to mention:

ANOTHER VOTER-REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Too late to register to get a ballot by mail for next week’s primary, but if you’re not registered and want to be, you have one last chance – do it in person, today. (Follow that link and scroll down for the locations – downtown or Renton – where you can do it.)

COUNCIL VOTE ON ENCAMPMENT ORDINANCE: Not directly related to “Nickelsville,” given the separate action to close it, but for those interested in the ongoing issue of allowing encampments on city-owned or private property – the proposed ordinance is on the City Council’s 2 pm agenda today at City Hall.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Branch Library – details in the listing. (35th/Raymond)

NIGHTLIFE: Trivia/pub quiz night, at venues listed on the calendar.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday info
July 29, 2013 6:03 am
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: Happy Monday! One traffic note for today – while the current phase of the Delridge repaving work does NOT require detours, related work on SW Orchard east of Delridge will require traffic to alternate use of a single lane every day this week – here’s the announcement.

9:09 AM: Again today, commenters have mentioned an SPD motorcycle officer stationed – standing – by the exit lane to northbound 99, watching for bus-lane violators. “Like a sentry,” as Joe put it, sending this photo:

Joe took the photo as his RapidRide bus passed.

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Rev up to run: ‘Get Fit West Seattle’ set; plus, 5 upcoming run/walk events
July 28, 2013 9:49 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo from 2012 Breathe Deep Seattle in Lincoln Park)
At least five benefit 5Ks (or almost-5Ks) are coming up in West Seattle in the next 3 months. Before we list them, here’s a way to rev up to run: Lori McConnell from West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) says they’re starting another Get Fit West Seattle couch-to-half-marathon training program, kicking off with an info-night session at 7 pm this Tuesday (July 30th); training begins August 4th. Lori explains, “This program is free and will take people from the couch (seriously) to the half marathon starting line for the Seattle Half Marathon on December 1st, 2013.” (Haven’t been to WS Runner? Northwest corner of California/Charlestown, second floor.)

Now – the five run/walk events in West Seattle that we know about, set for August, September, and October:

BREATHE DEEP SEATTLE: Saturday, August 10th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits lung-cancer research. Starts at 9:30 am.

ALKI BEACH 5K WALK/RUN: Sunday, August 25th, Alki Beach. Info here; benefits breast-cancer patients. Starts at 9 am.

BEAT THE BURN 5K WALK/RUN: Sunday, September 29th, Alki Beach. Info here; benefits burn victims. Starts at 9 am.

MILES FOR MIDWIVES: Sunday, October 6th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits midwives. Starts at 10 am.

MONSTER DASH: Saturday, October 26th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits co-op preschools. Start time TBA.

If we’re missing any that are coming up this summer/fall in West Seattle, please let us know!

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West Seattle weekend scene: Happy 100th birthday, Doris!
July 28, 2013 7:27 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The photo is courtesy of Leanne, in honor of her neighbor Doris turning 100 today. Doris is at left in Leanne’s photo, with her friend Helen, a former roommate from the 1930s; Doris and husband Austin moved to West Seattle in the 1940s, buying a then-new house in which she lives to this day. Leanne – mom to 2-year-old Evan, who is also in the photo – adds of her neighbor, “She is an artist, born in Skagit County in 1913, and is dearly loved by her family and neighbors.” Happy birthday, Doris!

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On and off West Seattle shores: ‘Pinkapalooza’; eelgrass, jellyfish views
July 28, 2013 2:43 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Two notes:

Fishing at Lincoln Park

‘PINKAPALOOZA’: We don’t know for sure if that’s what the people in Mark Ahlness‘s photo, shared via the WSB Flickr group, were fishing for at Lincoln Park – but we do know that the every-other-year pink-salmon run, dubbed “pinkapalooza” in this story from the Seattle Times (WSB partner), is on the way. Six million of them, in fact, says The Times, with the Puget Sound catch peaking in the next few weeks.

BENEATH THE SURFACE: “Diver Laura” James has a video shot while she was out for some underwater cleanup off Alki, concurrent with the beach cleanup yesterday, mentioned here last night. This video was shot right off the sandy beach while they were out:

In addition to a “tour” of the eelgrass offshore – the grass that nourishes a variety of sea/shore life, including the beautiful brant geese who migrate here every year – you’ll also see an encounter with a “fried egg” jellyfish, the type you’ll see if you watch the water this time of year – especially off piers like Seacrest and Jack Block (where we saw several on Friday).

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Alki Point Lighthouse: No tours next weekend; history presentation coming up August 8 at Log House Museum
July 28, 2013 11:10 am
|    Comments Off on Alki Point Lighthouse: No tours next weekend; history presentation coming up August 8 at Log House Museum
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from June 2013)
Alki Point Lighthouse fans, two things you should know: First, the U.S. Coast Guard asked us to let you know that the lighthouse will NOT open for tours next weekend (August 3-4) because of “heavy tasking during Seafair weekend.” You can still visit 1-4 pm today, or on a later August-weekend day.

Second, another chance to learn about lighthouse history: This is its centennial summer – you might recall the two-site celebration on June 1st, and the history presentation at the Alki Community Council‘s meeting back in May (WSB coverage here).

The UCCG Auxiliary volunteer who gave that presentation, Will Winter, will be at the Log House Museum on Thursday, August 8th, to tell you all about the lighthouse’s history – and it’s not just a rerun! Read on for full details from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:

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West Seattle Sunday: What’s on the calendar for today/tonight
July 28, 2013 10:05 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Heron taking off

Thanks to Robert Spears for sharing that great blue heron photo – and other bird images – via the WSB Flickr group, where you’ll find other photographers’ excellent work too. (And if you didn’t see Robert’s eagle-takeoff photo on the WSB Facebook page earlier this week – go here.) Meantime, another day has lifted off, and we have highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ADMIRALTY HOUSE ANTIQUES: Until 4 pm, final day of the three-day liquidation sale at the little brick shop in the Admiral District. 97-year-old owner Fred Dau is finally retiring; here’s our interview, published last week. (2141 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, every Sunday. Featured today, according to the WSFM Facebook page – free pectin and pickling mix at the info booth, for those who will be canning and/or making jellies and jams from the currently abundant summer produce! (44th/Alaska)

BENEFIT BRUNCH: 11 am and 12:30 pm, two seatings at Senior Center of West Seattle‘s benefit brunch, last Sunday of every month. (Oregon/California)

FREE ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) is throwing a party – a Neighborhood Appreciation Ice Cream Social – and you’re invited. It’s West Seattle’s own Husky Ice Cream, and they even plan to have sugar-free ice cream on hand if you’d prefer that option. Stop by 11:30 am-1:30 pm; details in our calendar listing.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1-4 pm today – and note that next weekend (August 3rd-4th) because of Seafair obligations, tours will NOT be offered (they’ll be back 8/10-11).

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand from 2013 West Seattle Summer Fest Eve in The Junction)
OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION FOR THE JACOBS: After 13 years, Pastor Dan and Joanie Jacobs are moving on from West Seattle Christian Church, which invites all who want to offer well-wishes to come to an open house/farewell reception 3-5 pm today. (WSCC Activity Center on 42nd between Genesee and Oregon)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: 3 pm at Lincoln Park, Greenstage presents “King Lear” – details in the calendar listing.

MUSIC AT C&P: 3-5 pm, Brita Rae Borough performs live. From the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) website: “Brita’s original songs sound like a cross between Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, YES, and Eric Clapton.” No cover. (5612 California SW)

NATURE WALK: Naturalist Stewart Wechsler invites you to look for owls, and more, late this afternoon into the early evening, starting at 4:30 pm. Details on his website. (Meet @ kiosk in north parking lot)

BAR CHORDS: Last in the 5-Sunday series of benefit acoustic performances at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. Features the Basement Studios All-Star Jam. (6451 California SW)

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Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry update: Back to 3 boats as of early afternoon
July 28, 2013 8:29 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

8:29 AM: M/V Klahowya remains out of service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route today, according to Washington State Ferries, because of a “lack of qualified crew.” That means the route remains on a 2-boat schedule; you can see it here.

1:17 PM: WSF says it’s back on a three-boat schedule.

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Update: Deadly crash at Delridge/Kenyon; police suspect DUI
July 27, 2013 9:37 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(NEWEST INFO: 1:53 am, police have just reopened Delridge)

9:37 PM: An incident with major police/fire response has Delridge blocked at Kenyon.

9:46 PM: Police at the scene say this is a two-vehicle crash and one person is dead at the scene. Two others have been taken to the hospital.

11:04 PM: The vehicle in our photo is one of the two involved, a Honda CR-V. A pickup truck is the other vehicle, and is up on the sidewalk about 50 feet south of the CR-V, according to the WSB crew that was at the scene. SPD Lt. Alan Williams reiterated at the scene that this is a collision involving two vehicles, no pedestrians. The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is at the scene and that means this section of Delridge will be closed for at least a few more hours. It is their second investigation in West Seattle in less than 48 hours – they also investigated the deadly motorcycle/SUV crash in The Junction early Friday.

11:50 PM UPDATE: Police have just published an update on SPD Blotter, and they say the driver of one vehicle was drinking:

At approximately 9:11 p.m. officers responded to a 911 report of a two vehicle rollover collision in the 7900 block of Delridge Way SW. Preliminary investigation indicates that a Honda CRV was eastbound on SW Kenyon Street and was executing a left turn onto northbound Delridge Way SW when it was struck by a southbound Chevy pickup truck which subsequently overturned. An adult male who was riding in the bed of the pickup truck was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene by fire department medics.

The events leading up to the collision remain under active investigation.

The driver of the Honda, a male in his 50′s, was evaluated for signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. No impairment was detected. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries.

The driver of the Chevy truck, an adult male, was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The front seat passenger of the Chevy truck, an adult male, was treated at the scene by fire department medics and released.

The driver of the Chevy was also evaluated for signs of impairment. Indications of alcohol consumption were detected and he was placed under arrest and processed for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Upon completion of his evaluations and treatment he will be booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Vehicular Homicide.

No citations will be issued at the scene, which is standard procedure in serious traffic collisions involving extensive follow up investigation and collision reconstruction.

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate. Delridge Way SW is closed for approximately one block in each direction from the scene and traffic is being detoured. The road should be back open at approximately 1:30 a.m.

1:53 AM UPDATE: Police have just announced via radio communication that Delridge is reopening.

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Happening now: Shoe auction & music at week 2 of West Seattle Outdoor Movies
July 27, 2013 7:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

7:59 PM: The bidding’s on, in the benefit auction of donated shoes that’s preceding tonight’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation of “The Devil Wore Prada.” Even if you’re not staying for the movie (which starts at dusk – still more than an hour away), you can stop by and check out the shoes. If you do want to stay for the (free) movie – as of right now, just before 8 pm, our crew at the courtyard (next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse [WSB sponsor] at California/Genesee) says there’s lots of room. Live music, too!

8:20 PM UPDATE: Now the courtyard is “filling up fast,” our on-scene crew reports. So if you’ve been waiting to leave – get going! BYO chair/blanket.

8:55 PM UPDATE: That’s a cameraphone pic of the crowd, as of a few minutes ago. We’ve just heard from Furry Faces Foundation, beneficiary and organizer of tonight’s shoe auction – bidding has just closed – and from Highline Physical Therapy, tonight’s featured sponsor. (WSB is media sponsor for the series.) Movie time looks to be around 9:10, 9:15 – gets a bit earlier each week. Next week, by the way, is the 2011 movie “The Muppets,” with a Wallace and Gromit short, and a free community barbecue presented by West Seattle Christian Church.

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West Seattle coyotes: Resident warns you to heed the ‘don’t let your pet out alone’ advice
July 27, 2013 7:41 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news

Almost two weeks ago, we wrote about coyote-avoidance advice from an expert: A federal agent who is paid to investigate coyote-neighborhood conflicts, and sometimes to very quietly take lethal action.

Don’t even let your dog out into your yard alone, he warned, let alone let your cat roam the neighborhood, unless you are well aware it is putting them in the path of potentially deadly harm. (Not just from coyotes – raccoons, cars, other dogs/cats, you name it.)

If you still don’t believe him, listen to the story an Admiral resident contacted us to share. (The resident did not want to be identified.)

The resident says that a family dog was attacked by at least one coyote, while in a fenced yard in their Belvidere-area neighborhood.

Not a little dog, either – the 62-pound border collie mix on the left. The resident’s spouse was home when it happened more than a week ago and did not see the attack, but the diagnosis was made by the size and spacing of puncture wounds, and they were told that the number of bites suggested multiple coyotes because, “It would be rare for them to attack a large dog on their own.” The resident tells the story:
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More West Seattle giving: Today’s Alki Beach cleanup
July 27, 2013 4:07 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Congratulations to the dozens of volunteers who joined the Surfrider Foundation at today’s Alki Beach cleanup. “Diver Laura” James, who joined in an underwater cleanup while other volunteers were on the sand and atop stand-up paddleboards, shares the top photo. Surfrider shared the next photo, by Heather Brincko, showing singer Vicci Martinez doing her part – before entertaining cleanup participants with a post-cleanup concert at Cactus:

The cleanup, also sponsored by Barefoot Wine, removed 50 bags of trash “and a watercooler full of cigarettes” from the beach, according to a report sent by organizers.

P.S. Miss this cleanup? Or – took part but want to do more? Next Saturday (August 3rd), you can join Seal Sitters in a beach cleanup, 9 am-noon. More info in our first report, including how to RSVP.

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Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry alert: Down to 2 boats
July 27, 2013 3:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Washington State Ferries says there’s a 90-minute wait out of Fauntleroy right now because the Klahowya is out of service and that’s taken the run to Vashon and Southworth down to two boats. Check here for the latest.

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Happening now: West Seattle Fight and Fitness’s community open house
July 27, 2013 1:44 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: West Seattle Fight and Fitness’s community open house
 |   Delridge | Health | West Seattle news

Driving by West Seattle Fight and Fitness (5050 Delridge Way SW), you might not get much of a hint of its spacious, fitness-friendly inside. But until around 3 this afternoon, you can stop in for a peek. Also meet the health and wellness providers joining in on the community open house, including two other West Seattle businesses that like WSFF are WSB sponsors:

From M3 Bodyworks, offering massage between the Alaska and Morgan Junctions, are Dan and Amber. And from Roxbury Spine and Wellness in the Roxhill/Westwood area, Liz and Mari:

As for WSFF, it prides itself on its “different approach to martial arts,” as noted here.

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Happening now: West Seattle girls’ bake sale to benefit animals
July 27, 2013 12:29 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Volunteers and givers are awesome, at any age. Two West Seattle kids are out this afternoon helping raise money for animal advocacy, and you can support them – Carey sent the photo and info:

Two Schmitz Park incoming 4th graders putting their love of animals to work through a bake sale to benefit the Humane Society, corner of 36th and Dakota. Gwen and Muriel are selling brownies, cookies, cupcakes, popsicles, and beverages!

Carey says they decided to stay out as long as they have something to sell – possibly as late as 4 pm.

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City offering free trees! Get your request in, starting Wednesday
July 27, 2013 11:53 am
|    Comments Off on City offering free trees! Get your request in, starting Wednesday
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news

Want free trees for your yard? Starting Wednesday, you can apply for up to four free trees from Seattle reLeaf‘s Trees for Neighborhoods program. The program also provides free watering bags for each tree, plus training on proper planting and care.

The application can be found on the program website starting Wednesday (July 31st), and program managers say the trees go quickly, so you shouldn’t wait to apply. Different species of trees are offered, including both large and small varieties that are well-suited for urban areas. This year’s offerings include Galaxy Magnolia, Emerald Sunshine Elm, Cascara, and mountain hemlock. Find the full list here.

Since 2009, Trees for Neighborhoods has helped Seattleites plant more than 1,000 trees each year. According to Seattle reLeaf, these trees help to absorb storm water, replace carbon dioxide with oxygen, and calm traffic. Learn more about the benefits of trees in urban areas, and how to take care of them, at seattle.gov/trees.

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West Seattle Saturday: ‘Devil Wears Prada’ at Outdoor Movies tonight – and more
July 27, 2013 9:36 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That’s a trailer for “The Devil Wears Prada,” with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, on the big screen tonight for the second Saturday of this year’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies (with sponsors including WSB). That’s the highlight atop our list for today/tonight:

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Tonight’s event includes a silent benefit auction of donated women’s shoes – bring yours to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW, next to the movie courtyard; WSB sponsor) any time today before the movie, new or gently used. The movie’s at dusk, which was around 9:30 pm last week and will be a few minutes earlier this week, but the gates are open in the early evening for staking out your spot with chair/blanket. Go get takeout dinner from a nearby Junction restaurant and make a picnic out of it! Movie’s free; bring $ for charity-benefiting concessions.

Also today/tonight:

OPEN HOUSE AT SSCC: The Culinary, Pastry, Baking programs at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) have an open house 9:30-11 am – find out about the educational options! Details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

NORTHWEST FIGHT AND FITNESS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: It’s not just about NWFF, it’s about half a dozen-plus other community businesses too. Stop by 10 am-3 pm – see our preview from Friday. (5050 Delridge Way SW)

GOING INTO KINDERGARTEN AT LAFAYETTE? Playdate on the school playground, 10 am-noon today; details here.

CAR WASH BENEFITING WSHS CHEER: Need your vehicle washed? Go to West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) between 11 am and 4 pm and the West Seattle High School Cheer Squad will get it done! Details in our calendar listing. (35th/Webster)

ORGANIZE FOR AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE: Public meeting, 11:30 am at Delridge Library – details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

HEY, SUNRISE HEIGHTS! Your neighborhood picnic and street dance is tonight, 5-10 pm, details here. (30th SW between Myrtle and Othello)

LAST NIGHT FOR ‘CHESS’: Last night for the ArtsWest Summer Apprenticeship Program’s presentation of the musical “Chess,” onstage at 7:30 tonight. (4711 California SW)

AT KENYON HALL: Josh Harty and Andrea Peterman perform onstage at Kenyon Hall tonight, 7:30 pm – read about them in the calendar listing. (7908 35th SW)

SEAFAIR TORCHLIGHT PARADE, AND ENTRIES OF NOTE: Going downtown for the big parade? Stake out a spot early! West Seattleites you’ll see, according to the parade lineup distributed to the news media by Seafair, include King County Executive Dow Constantine and of course the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Float. Right before the parade, we’ll find out if either West Seattle participant in the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women is crowned Miss Seafair or a princess – they are Hi-Yu’s Kayli Schulz and Admiral Neighborhood Association-sponsored Victoria Ferrulli. Parade-participating bands that were here last night for the pre-parade Band Jam include the Pacific Northwest Drumline, Sumner High School, Calgary Round-Up, and of course the Seattle All-City Band. (Though they weren’t here last night, you can also root for the Kennedy Catholic High School Band from nearby Burien.) Parade starts at the Seattle Center end of 4th Avenue at 7:30 pm and heads south to the International District.

LIVE AT THE FEEDBACK: Delaney Davidson from New Zealand at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9:30 pm. (6451 California SW)

And LOTS more on the calendar!

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Traffic/transit reminder for tonight: NB Highway 99 closure and other Seafair Torchlight Run/Parade effects
July 27, 2013 8:16 am
|    Comments Off on Traffic/transit reminder for tonight: NB Highway 99 closure and other Seafair Torchlight Run/Parade effects
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from a north-facing Highway 99 camera, one of the views on the WSB Traffic page)
One more reminder if you’ll be outside West Seattle tonight – or headed outbound: Tonight’s Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade bring some road closures you might need to know about:

*Northbound Highway 99 closed for the run, West Seattle Bridge to Western Ave. exit, approximately 5:30-8 pm
*Other street closures tonight for the run and the parade that follows: Listed in the city’s weekend lineup
*Bus reroutes were listed in this WSB preview

More parade information coming up in our West Seattle Saturday daily preview, since as usual, there are local participants!

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In case you thought you were hearing fireworks again …
July 26, 2013 10:32 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

… you were. From WSB HQ, this past half-hour, we heard what we were certain was the rumbling of a fireworks show in the distance, and guessed something was happening in Kitsap County, maybe on Vashon. Various web searches finally yielded the answer: Kitsap indeed, for Silverdale Whaling Days.

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Video: Torchlight Parade eve ‘Band Jam’ in West Seattle
July 26, 2013 7:17 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
7:17 PM: The first of more than half a dozen marching bands is on the field right now at Southwest Athletic Complex across from Chief Sealth International High School, for this year’s Band Jam – something the Seattle All-City Band and its director Marcus Pimpleton (photo below; he’s also music leader at Sealth and adjacent Denny International Middle School) came up as a way for ACB and visiting bands to have fun and tune up the night before the big Seafair Torchlight Parade.

Good crowd already in the stadium stands, but still lots of room for you to drop in – no admission charge, but if you buy concessions/merchandise from ACB volunteers, that’ll benefit their ongoing operations. The Junior All-City Band, which Pimpleton explained as a “two-week camp” – including its performance in last Saturday’s Rotary Kiddie Parade before the West Seattle Grand Parade – is up first. Others to come include not only the ACB but also the Calgary Round-Up Band (seen in the WS Grand Parade as was the ACB), Pacific Northwest Drumline (video below), Sumner High School Marching Band (top photo), and more.

9:07 PM: Over after two high-energy hours.

Surprise of the night, Chaotic Noise Marching Corps (photo above), a self-described ‘renegade marching band’ – wow! (Video added:)

11:05 PM: We’re adding photos and video now, some inline, some in this last section. Here’s our video of how the night ended – with members of all the bands getting back out on the field for what was indeed a band jam:

Aside from that, Calgary put on what was literally the biggest show:

It was a field-wide, theatrical presentation with a circus theme, including acrobatics, and even, as shown in our photo above, a few costumes. Video:

Shadows fell on the field as dusk approached, but spirits and sound blazed brightly:

Some of the hosts’ choreography:

All-City Band has been practicing at SWAC this year instead of their traditional site, Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.

ADDED SATURDAY: Thanks to Steve White for the view above of the stands from the field’s south end!

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Community open house tomorrow at West Seattle Fight & Fitness
July 26, 2013 5:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Community open house tomorrow at West Seattle Fight & Fitness
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

No big festival or parade in West Seattle tomorrow – but fun events abound just the same. The video’s from the WSB sponsor where you’ll find one of those events – a community open house at West Seattle Fight and Fitness in North Delridge. Tomorrow from 10 am to 3 pm, you’re invited to stop by to tour the facility, where more remodeling is under way, and meet seven community vendors, including Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (also a WSB sponsor), plus there’s word a food truck will be there too. Here’s the Facebook event page; WSFF is at 5050 Delridge Way SW.

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