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    WS GRAND PARADE: Happenning today!

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    REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER: WS use?

2nd week of 25th SW project – plus, how to get money for work in your neighborhood
October 1, 2012 3:10 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’ve been in North Delridge the past week and wondered about a section of 25th SW blocked off with heavy equipment working behind ROAD CLOSED signs – this is a Neighborhood Street Fund project, which means that community members applied for city funding – and got the grant. SDOT has a webpage about the project, which is along 25th between Brandon and Findlay, with this basic description of what’s happening:

New sidewalks, curbs, rain gardens, street trees in planting strip area.

These changes will: improve the pedestrian environment by providing a landscaped buffer from traffic; improve drainage, and traffic-calm the street. The new street width on 25th Ave SW will be 25’ wide with parallel on-street parking on both sides of the street. The narrowed street width will have a traffic-calming benefit for the neighborhood and further enhance pedestrian safety.

The process of getting a grant and getting the project built takes a while – it’s been two years since we reported the city decided this would get funding. But if there is something in your neighborhood – in city right-of-way (street, alley, planting strips) – that you think might qualify, the next round of applications is due December 17th, and this recent SDOT writeup explains how to go after a share of the money.

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West Seattle traffic/pedestrian alert: Highland Park Way work
October 1, 2012 1:56 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle traffic/pedestrian alert: Highland Park Way work
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from SDOT:

For the next three days, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will be doing maintenance work on the west side of Highland Park Way SW at SW Othello Street. Tuesday through Thursday, October 2 – 4, SDOT crews will be working from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the work is in progress, traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes where there will be one lane open for travel in each direction. The sidewalk on the west side of Highland Park Way SW will be closed to pedestrians through the work zone. Motorists should plan on slowing down through the work area.

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West Seattle Autoworks celebrates 2nd anniversary, says ‘thanks’
October 1, 2012 12:21 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Want one of those T-shirts, free? Stop by West Seattle Autoworks (35th and Webster) before they close tonight, wish them happy 2nd anniversary (they opened 10/1/2010), and tell them you heard about it here on WSB. WS Autoworks co-owner Todd Ainsworth says, “We couldn’t organize a formal party, but would like to thank West Seattle and all of our great customers for making year #2 even better than year #1. We’re so proud to be able to be part of the West Seattle business community after living here nearly all of my life, and we are happy to be serving some of the best customers I have ever worked with!”

As WS Autoworks enters year three, we asked Todd what’s new. For one, he says, “a program that we offer now that provides a year of roadside assistance when the vehicle is serviced at our shop (at no extra charge to the customer) and the fact we have loaner cars available.” He adds that they now offer gift cards: “We think it’s a good way for parents to make sure their young drivers will always have a way to take care of the car (without giving them cash!).” They’ve also added two more employees, and are enjoying the opportunity for lots of community involvement, too – co-sponsoring the West Seattle Junction Car Show again this year as well as involvement with organizations including the West Seattle YMCA (also a WSB sponsor) and West Seattle Little League. Congratulations, West Seattle Autoworks!

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You can help! Easy ways to volunteer @ 3 local schools
October 1, 2012 11:38 am
|    Comments Off on You can help! Easy ways to volunteer @ 3 local schools
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

EDITOR’S NOTE: Again this year, local volunteer/community advocate Judy Pickens is talking with local schools about roles you can fill, if you can spare a little time to volunteer. Here’s her first compilation of the new school year.

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

The new school year brings new opportunities to make a difference in area schools by volunteering to do a one-time or ongoing task. Each school has its own personality but all have in common a culturally diverse student body, including many students new to English.

Because of increased enrollment in our public schools, they also have in common classrooms that are bursting at the seams. When class size goes up in an already culturally and academically diverse classroom, a teacher’s need for volunteer support becomes critical to each child’s having a successful year.

An e-mail to the address given will bring you more information about any of the following opportunities to lend a hand.

*************

At White Center Heights Elementary (10015 6th SW)
Contact Angelica.Ponce@highlineschools.org

Ongoing: Adults for crossing guard before (8:40-9:10 AM) and after (3:44-4:00 PM) school. Pick your day/shift M-F.

Ongoing: Adults for playground supervision, 12:02-1:00 PM. Pick your day M-F.

Ongoing: Adults to help supervise students during lunch, 12:05-1:10 PM. Pick your day M-F.

*************

At Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton)
Contact stpaolone@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as listening to students read or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days M-F, 9 AM-4 PM, and grade.

*************

At West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW)
Contact smtaylor@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adult to help with the composting program during lunchtime, 11:15-12:45. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adult to help monitor students during breakfast,, 8:10-8:35 AM. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as tutoring students one-on-one or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days 9 AM-3 PM, and grade.

One-time: Adults to help escort students during picture day, Oct. 15, 9 AM-2:30. Shift or all day.

One-time: Adult or older teen to clear and till the school garden. At your convenience.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: About that arrest outside Holy Rosary
October 1, 2012 9:38 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

This morning we have the story from police regarding an arrest on Sunday outside Holy Rosary just before 12:30 pm. People who contacted/asked us about the incident were worried because they thought the man had a gun. He did NOT, according to police, though what they say he had is alarming enough. Det. Mark Jamieson just checked the report for us and here’s what police say happened:

Around 11:40 am Sunday, a man in a vehicle saw the suspect walking on the sidewalk in the Admiral Safeway/Hiawatha area, screaming, shirtless, carrying something “shrouded” in a shirt. The witness “thought it was something long, possibly a rifle.” The witness, Det. Jamieson says, got out of his vehicle and confronted the man on the steps into Hiawatha park, asking if he had a gun. The suspect – described by police as a 23-year-old transient – uncovered the item and pointed it at the other man: It was a three-foot-long “pointed construction spike.” The man who had confronted him backed away as the suspect yelled that this was none of his business; he continued screaming, and the other man, police say, got back into his car, called 911, and followed the screaming man as he walked south. He stayed on the phone, reporting what the suspect was doing and which way he was going, until officers intercepted the suspect at 42nd and Genesee (by Holy Rosary).

He still had the long spike concealed in a shirt, in his right hand; officers, Det. Jamieson says, “were able to convince him to set it down.” He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of harassment. Nobody was hurt.

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Metro changes: First commute since start of RapidRide, restructuring
October 1, 2012 2:14 am
|      139 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(RapidRide bus photographed in The Triangle on Saturday afternoon)
It’s the first weekday since Metro‘s West Seattle RapidRide launch and route restructuring, and we’re looking forward to hearing commute reports from West Seattle bus riders, while also planning to head out ourselves to check on a few popular outbound bus stops. In the meantime, here’s an early reminder, in case you’re a bus rider but somehow forgot that things are different (for most) today:

*Here’s a news release Metro sent Sunday night with info-links and key points such as the end of the Ride Free Area and the start of pay-when-you-board, no matter which way you’re going

*Here’s the direct link to the Metro page with all the changes

*Our coverage over the weekend included comments from WSB’ers who’ve taken buses since the Saturday morning change – read from here, and/or from here

*Remember the new Route 50 is starting with a change in plan

*West Seattle isn’t the only area going through changes – here’s a regional overview by Seattle Times (WSB partner) transportation reporter Mike Lindblom

More as the day goes on!

7:42 AM: Mike (who’s a West Seattleite) is among those tracking the RR C Line’s debut commute (via Twitter, right now, from on board one). He has quoted a rider as noting same thing a couple WSB commenters have so far – it’s crowded. Also from comments here: Real-time schedule display at 35th/Avalon isn’t working on the northbound side.

7:56 AM: Commenter Casey says Fauntleroy/Alaska display also says “refer to schedule” rather than times for next buses.

9:20 AM: We’re just back from a tour along much of the RapidRide route. We checked several stops/stations and they all had REFER TO SCHEDULE, so it just might not have been working at all. In The Junction, three Metro workers were there to answer questions (two in our photo) when we stopped around 8:30 – two on the outbound side, one on the inbound side.

12:35 PM: We’re expecting some responses from Metro this afternoon around some of the major issues (in particular, we asked about the multiple reports of very crowded buses). Also, there’s a live chat right now on SeattleTimes.com with Mike Lindblom and a Metro rep – if you miss it, you can still go back and review the Q/A in the chat window.

3:38 PM: Just in from Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer – responses to some of the most commonly voiced concerns:

CROWDED BUSES
It can be difficult to predict how riders might change their habits during these first few days depending on how busy or full a particular trip might be, so we will be monitoring. We have the ability to send an additional RapidRide coach that can be added when needed during times of high ridership and are exploring that for Tuesday morning.

DOWNTOWN
To keep buses and trains moving in the downtown Seattle transit tunnel during the afternoon commute, Metro personnel will have portable ORCA card readers to help riders board buses at Westlake, University Street and International District stations. Portable ORCA card readers also will be used to help riders board during the evening commute at Third Avenue and Pike Street, Third Avenue and Union Street and Second Avenue and Columbia Street.

ROUTE 54
Route 54 Express has been replaced by frequent all-day service on RapidRide C Line and an increased number of trips on Route 116 Express. The C Line provides a frequent connection for Route 54 Express riders to the north part of downtown Seattle, while the Route 116 Express, in combination with routes 118 and 119, provide a direct connection to SODO and the south part of downtown Seattle. Metro eliminated Route 54 Express because it would be duplicative of RapidRide service.

Metro is currently working out the kinks with some of its passenger facilities, such as real time information signs and ORCA card readers. We are aware of the problem and hope to have them up and running soon. We ask for your patience over the next few days as we work to resolve any further issues with the service change.

SIGN BOARDS
We are working to make sure the electronic arrival signs are working as expected. Working to confirm that they are fixed at this point.

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4755 Fauntleroy Way design review, report #2: Early look at ‘true retail-based mixed-use project,’ and what’s next
September 30, 2012 11:53 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Southwest Design Review Board‘s first decision about West Seattle’s biggest development proposal in years – sending it back for a reboot – wasn’t a surprise to the development team.

But they have some challenges to hurdle before they can bring back 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW for a second round of Early Design Guidance, at a yet-to-be-scheduled date.

Round one was last Thursday night. We reported the toplines immediately afterward. This story’s for anyone interested in the detailed play-by-play.

The cast of characters was a unique mix. For one, the board members included two substitutes – both past members, Catherine Benotto and Vlad Oustimovitch – filling in for Robin Murphy and Daniel Skaggs. Oustimovitch and Benotto joined Myer Harrell, serving as chair, Norma Tompkins, and Layne Bennion. They were joined by city Department of Planning and Development staffer Bruce Rips, the city’s point person for this project.

By our estimate, at least 40 people were in the audience.

First: If you would like to see and hear how it went for yourself, we recorded most of the meeting on video. (Due to a camera change, we’re missing a few minutes of board deliberation. Also forgive us some odd camera angles during the public-comment period, since some of the speakers didn’t come to the front of the room, and the best we could do was to turn the camera in their general direction.) Here’s the first hour, beginning with the developers/architects’ presentation, continuing with board members’ questions, and then public comment:

The second section, 24 minutes, continues the public comment – this begins where clip 1 left off, with the most impassioned commenter – and then moves on into the start of board deliberations:

At the end of that clip, we lost about six minutes of board discussion before the final recorded section, about 40 minutes.

Now – on to what was said, and what happens next:

Read More

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Quick reminder: School district deadline for levy feedback
September 30, 2012 9:30 pm
|    Comments Off on Quick reminder: School district deadline for levy feedback
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Something to say to Seattle Public Schools about the latest draft of the BEX IV levy? After the most recent round of community meetings – including the one we covered last Monday – the district asked for feedback by September 30th. That’s tonight. So hurry up and send it to capacity@seattleschools.org. P.S. And if you want to offer public comment at this Wednesday’s regular Seattle School Board meeting, you have to sign up by phone or e-mail TOMORROW – as explained in this district document.

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West Seattle scenes: Saying ‘so long’ to September
September 30, 2012 9:17 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

So many wonderful photos shared this weekend – thanks again. Here’s one final (we think!) set for the weekend – both of these are by Craig Young. Above, tonight’s moonrise; below, Friday’s sunset (didn’t get a chance to share it till tonight, but it’s certainly representative of what we’ve been enjoying):

Though the National Weather Service forecast envisions some clouds early in the week, there’s no rain predicted – so far – for at least another week.

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Update: Traffic alerts, including full 99/Viaduct closure next weekend
September 30, 2012 8:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Here’s the weekly list of traffic alerts – including a look ahead to NEXT weekend, when a full 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is planned from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon:

TONIGHT (Sunday 9/30): Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge fromm 9 pm tonight till 5 am Monday morning.

MONDAY (10/1): Two West Seattle projects continuing all week: First: Intensified work at the Barton Pump Station Upgrade Project may lead to intermittent lane closures at and near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal as soon as today, as explained on the 2nd page of this flyer. Work hours are expected to run 7 am-5:30 pm, Mondays-Fridays. Second: Ongoing Arbor Heights sidewalk and signal work at and south of 35th/Roxbury.

TUESDAY (10/2): Same as Monday. (Added: Highland Park Way work during the day, explained here.)

WEDNESDAY (10/3): Same as Tuesday. (Added: The West Marginal Way manhole work announced Tuesday – details here.)

THURSDAY (10/4): Same as Wednesday, plus: One brief early-morning closure for the almost-complete Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. (Moved to Saturday)

FRIDAY (10/5): Same as Wednesday.

SATURDAY (10/6): In addition to the 99/Viaduct closure (see next item), the offramp to 1st Avenue South from the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled for closure 3 am-9 am.

NEXT WEEKEND, AVOID 99: Both directions of 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge for the semiannual inspection and maintenance, 6 am Saturday 10/6 till 4 pm Sunday 10/7. And a North Seattle note: Highway 99 across the Aurora Bridge will be one lane in each direction from 9 pm Friday 10/5 till 2 pm Sunday 10/7.

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West Seattle scene: Fireboat Leschi, with a show & rainbow
September 30, 2012 4:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Thomas Marx)
The fireboat Leschi was off West Seattle’s north-facing shore this afternoon, and WSB’ers shared two very different views (thank you, Thomas and Carolyn!) – above, the beautiful expanded-fleur-de-lis-like sight of its multiple streams, and below, a rainbow prism through the mist:

(Photo courtesy Carolyn Newman)
Want to know more about the Seattle Fire Department‘s fireboats? Go here.

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West Seattle scene: WSUU rallies for marriage equality
September 30, 2012 3:37 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Whitney Young)
We’ve reported previously on two West Seattle faith organizations taking action to support marriage-equality Referendum 74 on the November 6th ballot, the Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah-led phone bank at their shared home on Thursday nights. Today, another local congregation took action – Westside Unitarian Universalists demonstrated at noontime in The Junction.

(Photo courtesy Rev. Peg Morgan)
WSUU’s Rev. Peg Morgan tells us they’ll be back this Friday, and are inviting you to join them there, 5-6:30 pm (that’s October 5th), as well as noon-2 pm on Sunday 10/14, Saturday 10/20, and Sunday 10/28.

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Happening now: CityFruit cider-pressing, bake sale
September 30, 2012 1:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: CityFruit cider-pressing, bake sale
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

That’s Betsy from CityFruit pouring some just-pressed cider at West Seattle Nursery, where CF welcomes you to bring your own apples – or enjoy cider from theirs – till 4 this afternoon. Along with the free cider, we discovered it’s a baked-goods-and-more sale too – apple pies, plum jam … But the real fun is helping with the press:

This is the first of at least three cider-press events in West Seattle and vicinity this fall. On October 13th, at 1 pm, you can go to Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) to be part of theirs (details here, including pumpkin carving!); on October 14th, 1-4 pm, there’s a cider-press party in the North Delridge P-Patch (details here). And if you want to do some cider pressing yourself – you can check with the West Seattle Tool Library to see if theirs is available!

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Happening now: Beat the Burn family festival, post-5K
September 30, 2012 10:09 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

10:09 AM: About 150 runners and walkers participated in this morning’s Beat the Burn 5K run/walk from Jack Block Park, along Harbor/Alki Avenues and back, presented by Port of Seattle firefighters, benefiting a camp for young burn victims.

(That’s the starting siren you hear first – followed seconds later by the runners & walkers)
Kelly Spady was first to finish this morning – as he was at the Alki Beach Run last month.

Kathy Edris was the first female finisher.

But today, unlike most 5K events, the race was just the start of the fun. A festival on the path by the park’s beach is under way till 2 this afternoon, with live music and free family fun, as well as a few things you’ll want to bring $ for (the Lumpia World food truck is here, for starters, and there’s a beer garden). More photos to come, including the Kids’ Dash that just began (added – two photos):

(The littlest Kids’ Dash-ers had some adult encouragement:)

Scroll all the way down this page for the schedule of events.

11:20 AM: Ryker is one of the Northwest Disaster Search Dogs scheduled to give a demonstration at the festival this afternoon (12:45 pm):

The live music is courtesy of Slacker – covering some great oldies (from the ’70s to the ’00s) while we were there:

And you can get a close-up look at Port of Seattle Fire Engine #2:

Kids’ games/crafts, too, and Alki Kayak Tours is on hand with stand-up paddleboards (this is the same beach opened to the public for the first-ever Northwest Paddling Festival they sponsored last year). Again, you have till about 2 pm to go join the fun.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen truck; found mail
September 30, 2012 8:31 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:

That’s Sean‘s truck. He sent the photo and this report:

Got up this morning to hitch up my boat and sure enough no truck. Stolen sometime before 4 am. Police report filed. Not sure what dimwitted fool would steal it considering how identifiable it is; the truck is covered with fishing decals. 2008 Toyota Tacoma, WA St. B48224E, Silver w/canopy.

If you see it – police ask that stolen vehicles be called in via 911. (Sean didn’t mention which neighborhood so we have e-mailed back to ask.)

Also, Sheridan sent this note Saturday afternoon:

I wanted to give you a heads up. I was just at my parent’s house in 24th just south of Roxbury, and we found some stolen mail in the yard of an abandoned house next door. I called the non-emergency line, and per their instructions, packaged it up to give to the mailman on Monday.

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West Seattle Sunday highlights: Beat the Burn 5K; cider press
September 30, 2012 8:07 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday highlights: Beat the Burn 5K; cider press
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Claire for the photo from this morning’s moonset. Today’s big event: The Beat the Burn 5K at West Seattle’s Jack Block Park, and the festival that follows – the run/walk (to help young burn survivors go to camp) is at 9 am but that’s just the start. Events continuing till 2 pm, free to the community (including Bubbleman at 11:30 am), are listed toward the bottom of this page.

Also today, a cider-press event at West Seattle Nursery, with City Fruit, noon-4 pm – bring your own apples, or if you don’t have any, they’ll share.

Lots more going on – all listed on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

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West Seattle wildlife: Seal pups need space offshore, too
September 29, 2012 10:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

That’s Skittles the seal pup, nicknamed by Seal Sitters, who spent much of this past week trying to protect the too-thin pup while s/he tried to rest along Alki-area shores. The last update from Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey noted that Skittles was resting on an offshore platform/raft as night fell on Thursday. And that has led her to put out this reminder:

We would like to stress that people need to stay away from the two platforms when seals are resting there. We are getting increased reports of harassment, forcing the pups at times to abandon the rafts. Seal Sitters wants to remind everyone that disturbing a marine mammal – whether on shore or in the water or on a platform – is a violation of federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is considered a disturbance or “take” if you so much as wake up a pup. Please stay 100 yards away when possible. Our hotline has been flooded with calls about kayakers, paddle-boarders and boaters in motorized craft getting to close. We have advised people to email us photographs of anyone who is close enough to disturb these resting seals and we will forward them on to NOAA’s Office for Law Enforcement for investigation. Alki Kayak has been very proactive in telling rental clients to stay away from any pup on shore or on the rafts. We hope that kayakers and paddle boarders will help spread the word among themselves to stay back.

These pups DESPERATELY need rest to survive. They are already struggling and can’t afford to waste precious calories. We don’t want these pups forced on shore where it is even more dangerous for them. PLEASE keep a distance when you are out in the Sound. It is truly a matter of life and death for these pups. And if anyone spots a pup on the beach, please call our hotline immediately at 206-905-7325 (SEAL).

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West Seattle High School alums: Don’t let traditions die!
September 29, 2012 7:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School alums: Don’t let traditions die!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Are you a graduate of West Seattle High School? During this WSHS Homecoming Weekend, your fellow WSHS alum Jim Biava has a message, with a request:

Attention all West Seattle High School Graduates!

Congratulations to all West Seattle High School Alumni for having made it this far and for your successes, whatever they may be! Many of us West Seattle High School Alumni still live in West Seattle the place we call home. It’s a wonderful place to live.

The West Seattle High School Alumni Association benefits all of us in our community. The Alumni Association helps many students get the needed resources to continue their education to improve their lives. This year the Alumni Association awarded over $64,000 in scholarships. We facilitate keeping in touch with fellow classmates from whatever year you graduated. The Annual All-School Reunion, the Hall of Fame, the Scholarship Awards, the publication of the Chinook, and the Membership Chairperson who keeps us connected are direct benefits that the Alumni Association provides to all Alumni. The WSHS Alumni Association is the glue that keeps our community together.

The WSHS Alumni Association needs your help now.

We are the reportedly the largest High School Alumni Association in the country. However, we find ourselves with a few open and vital positions on the Alumni Board. We need people like you to join us and keep the Alumni Association the proud and benevolent association that it is. We need fresh new ideas and new faces to join us in keeping the tradition going that started many years and generations ago.

It takes a little time, one meeting a month, and some work. The personal satisfaction of helping your community and the camaraderie you receive are priceless!

Please contact Jim Biava at 206-387-2683 or e-mail to jim@JimBiava.com for more information on the opportunities. The Alumni Association is counting on you.

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Fire response in South Delridge: Barbecue trouble
September 29, 2012 6:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:13 PM: If you’re seeing/hearing the fire response to the 9400 block of 20th SW, near 20th/Cambridge (map) – according to radio communication, it’s a small fire that firefighters believe began with a barbecue. No report of any injuries.

6:52 PM UPDATE: Firefighters on scene confirmed they were dealing with a barbecue-caused fire, no major damage.

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New 5K: First-ever West Seattle Monster Dash in 4 weeks
September 29, 2012 3:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Tomorrow, the Beat the Burn 5K (and festival!) is set for Jack Block Park. But that’s NOT the last 5K of the year in this area – a new one has just been announced, the West Seattle Monster Dash, on October 27th. It’s a benefit for the West Seattle Co-Op Preschools (WSB sponsor) – and it’s planned for a course in upper Lincoln Park. It’s a Halloween theme, organizers say, “so costumes are STRONGLY encouraged,” and they’re planning prizes for best individual and group costumes. Registration info’s here.

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Update: Elsie the dog back home, for ‘ransom’
September 29, 2012 2:58 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Pets | West Seattle news

2:58 PM: Elsie‘s owner says she is missing and believes she was stolen out of his yard this afternoon in the 2800 block of SW 102th (just east of Arbor Heights, in the county), though he did not see it happen, so he doesn’t have any suspect description to share. He describes Elsie as “an extremely loving pit bull of about 60 pounds, ‘fawn’ coat, and pink lips.” If you see her, you can call him at 206-661-7427 – he says that number is also on her collar, light green with pink flowers on it. We are also crossposting to the WSB Pets page.

9:16 PM: Elsie’s owner says she’s home: “She was in fact taken from my property by car, and after much searching and fretting, she was returned for a small ransom.”

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Happening now: In-person RapidRide/Metro info at Westwood
September 29, 2012 12:49 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’re still looking for printed timetables and/or answers to questions about the bus changes that took effect today – including the launch of RapidRide C Line – look for the red-and-yellow bus at Westwood Village, and the balloon-decorated tent next to it. Metro reps will be there till 4. County Councilmember Joe McDermott was there in the early going, right after 11, as was “RapidRide Man”:

For info links related to today’s changes – check our roundup from last night.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary, car-prowl alerts
September 29, 2012 12:20 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We have two reader reports to share, both with break-in alerts. The first one is from an Arbor Heights resident:

Just wanted to give an alert out: My house on 35th Ave SW & 114th Ave SW was broken into (Friday) between 8 am and 2 pm. They came in through a side window, stole my computer, iPod & ransacked some rooms and then left through the front door. My dog was home in her crate, luckily they did not take her or hurt her (but they were not deterred by her either because she was crated).

And from the 1500 block of 42nd SW in North Admiral:

About 415 am we heard our dog bark incessantly. We didn’t think much of it until the morning when we went into our vehicle that was parked in front of our home, and it had clearly been rummaged through. Meaning, everything from inside the glove compartment and console had been pulled out. There was no visible damage to the car and nothing of significance was stolen. We believe our dog scared him/her off and we also believe that whomever it was exited through our backyard, as our dog eventually began barking toward the back of the house. Be on alert!

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