West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Continues today

  • Street

    ALKI HEALTHY STREET: SDOT starting work

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by Thursday 4/25!

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car’s owner shares advice
July 23, 2011 3:39 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Jason, via Facebook:

Our Honda Accord (white – yr 96) was stolen last night from the corner of 18th & Kenyon. Police came by to make a report and said there has been a rash of Honda thefts in the area…kids taking them for joyrides and then dumping the cars up north or else where. Police recommended, especially if you have a Honda, to get a club for the steering wheel !……

Here’s other police advice for how to try to prevent car theft.

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Happening now: Alki Art Fair 2011, day 1
July 23, 2011 2:36 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Alki is buzzing with more than sunbathers today – it’s day 1 of the all-weekend Alki Art Fair, with art being shown and sold, plus continuous live music (two stages! schedule’s linked from the official website) and more. If you get a minute, stop to thank the volunteers who are making it happen – this year, as we reported months ago, there was a real chance it wouldn’t happen, since city budget cuts affected Parks staffers who helped with it in the past. In the main booth right now, Ron and Anna:

An artist we remember from last year is back, Brandon from Strange Child, with his octopus T-shirts (among others):

And it wouldn’t be an Alki event without Seal Sitters volunteers – we found Nina with her seal puppet “Storm”:

Music continues till 8:30 tonight; the booths are scheduled to be open at least until 5.

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West Seattle Grand Parade 2011, report #2: It’s under way!
July 23, 2011 10:47 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

10:47 AM: The West Seattle Grand Parade has just officially begun with the motorcycle drill teams – Seattle Police first, followed by Vancouver (BC). Just so you know – it’s on – hundreds of people volunteering their time to put on a rolling show! California/Lander to California/Edmunds (with the Rotary Kiddies Parade leaving California/Genesee ahead of the motorcyclists’ arrival – photo added below, Rotary president Sue Lindblom leading the Kiddies’ Parade):

11:23 AM: And the rest of the parade has now begun.

(First Seafair Pirates cannon shot of the parade!)
12:44 PM: It ended a few minutes ago at the north end of the route – with the Pacific Northwest DeLorean Club!

The parade is still continuing, of course, down toward The Junction. This end is about to reopen to traffic, police are announcing via loudspeaker, but avoid California for a while on the south end of the parade route, to SW Dawson, since that’s where floats and other entries are breaking down and regrouping. Miss the parade? Check our Twitter feed for as-it-happened photos (we’re adding a few to this) – and we’ll have other reports later with highlights, video, and more. (We’ll also be heading off to the Alki Art Fair!)

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West Seattle Grand Parade 2011, report #1: Pre-parade setup
July 23, 2011 9:31 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Grand Parade 2011, report #1: Pre-parade setup
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

9:31 AM: We’re in the heart of the West Seattle Grand Parade staging zone on California by Lafayette Elementary – and as a Seafair Commodore noted, it’s very different this year, without the old Safeway lots for staging. The big floats are here already – that’s the sparkling purple Sequim Irrigation Festival float. Not far away, the Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) parade entry:

Watch its front end in the parade – it includes a plug for their Facebook page! The Hi-Yu “Sparkling Seattle” float is of course here too:

Meantime, we checked the scene along the route, as we headed north:

Chairs are out in many places, especially The Junction. California is closed from Hanford to Admiral; the rest of the stretch will be closed shortly. We spotted parade co-coordinator Jim Edwards on a quick motorcycle run to inspect the route (looks like most were heeding the NO PARKING signs – remember, this is the first year American Legion Post 160, which puts on the parade, had to foot the bill itself, and luckily some community sponsors came forward – look for the banners in their honor during the parade).

Back here at the north end of the route, it’s time for some to rehearse, like All-City Band members on the field by Hiawatha:

And we spotted parade Grand Marshals Art and Gloria Peters arriving:

ADDED 10 AM: More photos as the staging zone really starts to fill up – here’s Art with Lts. Pierre Davis and Ron Smith from the Southwest Precinct:

Courtesy of Our Lady of Guadalupe – you’ll be seeing stars!

On the side streets: Here’s how you get a tow truck ready to bring up the rear in the parade:

And here’s an entry that won’t need towing – solar- and human-powered, from Sustainable West Seattle:

Again, the parade runs along California from Lander (Lafayette/Admiral Safeway/Hiawatha) to Edmunds (south end of The Junction – Terrible Beauty/7-11), officially starting at 11 (but the motorcycle drill teams will get going a bit earlier) – get your seat if you want to see it in person!

ADDED 10:39 AM: One last round of preview photos before the parade starts shortly – first, Orville Rummel Trophy winner Cindi Barker with her mate Ron Zuber, who’s riding in a separate convertible as the new Commander of the West Seattle VFW Post:

And leading off the parade as always will be the two motorcycle drill teams – here are the visitors from Vancouver, for whom this is their only local parade appearance:

We’ll post a separate update when the parade starts – just in case you’re waiting, or else wondering when it’s under way because you need to get around town – then complete coverage, with video, afterward.

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West Seattle Saturday: Grand Parade, Alki Art Fair, Outdoor Movie, and more…
July 23, 2011 8:27 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

BIG summer-fun day in West Seattle:


View West Seattle Grand Parade route in a larger map

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: That’s the route for today’s West Seattle Grand Parade presented by American Legion Post 160, official start time 11 am, California from Lander to Edmunds, though the motorcycle drill teams roll as early as 10:30. It’s preceded by the West Seattle Rotary Kiddie Parade gathering at 10 am to leave at 11 from California/Genesee (that starting point is noted by the periwinkle marker; all kids welcome to participate). 77 entries are scheduled for the Grand Parade; you can see our previews in this WSB archive (scroll through, as it’s archived newest to oldest). Traffic/transit effects, even for those not attending the parade, are along the route and the side streets, plus a section of southbound California immediately south of the parade’s end at Edmunds; check your Metro route’s schedule for reroutes. South of the staging area from Admiral to Edmunds on California, it’s a “soft closure” around 9:30, enforced by 10, according to parade co-coordinator Jim Edmunds. Advance coverage from the staging zone, coming up! Then today at the beach:

ALKI ART FAIR: Starts at 10 am for the first of two days. Vendors/artists/activities scheduled till 5 pm; live music continues tonight till 8:30 (schedule is on the official fair website). Free but bring $ for T-shirt that supports the volunteer-run fair, for incredible items vendors are selling, for silent auction 11 am-4 pm in the Bathhouse. Lots more details in our earlier previews (scroll down the page that takes you to). All along the promenade around the Bathhouse (whose centennial celebration is part of the fun, including a 2:30 pm vintage-bathing-suit fashion show today). Then recover tonight by relaxing with movie comedy under the stars:

(WSB photo from 7/18/2010, biggest opening-night crowd ever for WS Outdoor Movies)
WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Season debut, since last week was a rainout, but the schedule remains the same, so tonight is “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure ” at dusk, following preshow entertainment by local comedian/juggler Matt Baker, bring your own chair/blanket, courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor, 4410 California SW). Free but bring $ for concessions/raffles benefiting charity.

Also on tap:

SWIMMING: Colman Pool continues its 7-day-a-week summer operations (pool schedule/other info here) … Wading pools open IF the weather is forecast for 70+ degrees (wading pool schedule here)

HELP CLEAN UP ALONG DELRIDGE WAY: Adopt-a-Street in Delridge, 10 am-noon, meet @ Delridge Community Center.

FAUNTLEROY PARK NEEDS YOU: EarthCorps volunteer environmental-restoration event at Fauntleroy Park (10 am – 2 pm). Durable footwear such as work boots, hiking boots or running shoes are recommended for these events. Bring a lunch if you would like as well as a water bottle and a coffee cup/travel mug for refreshments.

ART CONTEST: Unique Families of Seattle art contest crafting session at Southwest Public Library (9010 35th Ave SW), 11 am – 1 pm, for kids/tweens/teens: What is their view of your family? What does your family represent to them? What do they feel their role is in the family? Attendance at a crafting session is not mandatory to enter the contest. Accepting one-dimensional pieces made in any medium, ages 4-18.

(added) FUNDRAISING BAKE SALE: Westcrest Park, Seattle, 12 -4, bake sale to raise money for Charlie the dog’s vet bills (explained on Facebook). Sydni says the lineup includes raspberry bars, triple dark chocolate brownies, caramel walnut brownies, fudge center chocolate cupcakes, lemon grapefruit cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter and sugar cookies and more, and Full Tilt has donated ice-cream half pints!

TOUR THE CHINESE GARDEN: Free guided tours of the Seattle Chinese Garden every Saturday at 1 pm. The garden is open noon-5 pm. Admission free for Seattle residents, members, and children under 5. Others: Adults $6, Seniors 62+ and students $5. Location: 6000 16th SW; use the north entrance to South Seattle Community College.

SHAKESPEARE AT LINCOLN PARK: GreenStage presents Shakespeare in the Park, Lincoln Park at 7 pm with “Antony and Cleopatra”. Free.

‘VAUD SQUAD’ AT THE ADMIRAL: At the historic Admiral Theater – The Vaud Squad consists of 3 seasoned performers: Joe Black, Magician and Stage Hypnotist (America’s Got Talent); Matt Baker, Juggler (Last Comic Standing); and mentalist Lance Campbell. (Baker and Black are West Seattleites.) The Vaud Squad combines humor, agility, mind boggling mental prowess and great fun for the whole family. Watch an online preview. Tickets are $8 – $12, available at the door.

BILLIE HOLIDAY TRIBUTE: At Kenyon Hall(7904 35th Ave SW): Stacie Calkins and David Duvall present “Lady Day and the Blues” honoring jazz singer Billie Holiday. Reserved table seats are $14. Row seating is $12 general and $10 seniors. With a reservation, row seating is only $10 general and $8 seniors. Elementary, middle, & high school students are $5. Pre- school children are free, and Root Beer Floats are still only a buck. To make a reservation, please e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net with your request.

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Camp Long Advisory Council reviews park incident, and more
July 23, 2011 3:42 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police

Story and photos by Karen Berge
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

After concerns surfaced following the Camp Long incident last week that preceded an hours-long SWAT standoff at a Delridge home, members of the park’s Advisory Council extended an open public invitation to its next meeting. (The meetings are public anyway, but not usually so high-profile.)

That meeting was held this past Thursday night.

The council had set aside the first half hour of the 2-hour meeting to focus on the top-of-mind incident involving what was reported as a large group of teens partying on Thursday night, July 14, with some reported to be intoxicated. They structured it for a 10-minute debrief, 10 minutes of public comments, and 10 minutes to present/discuss the council’s recommendations. About 20 people were there, including three Seattle Police Department representatives – Southwest Precinct operations Lt. Pierre Davis and Community Police Team (CPT) Officers Jonathan Kiehn and Ken Mazzuca — as well as members of the Advisory Council and Camp Long staff, plus other representatives from the Parks Department and Olympic Security (which provides security for the park), as well as a few people who live in the immediate neighborhood, and a woman who was chaperoning children on a park campout that night.

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Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start Thursday – here’s proof!
July 23, 2011 2:42 am
|    Comments Off on Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start Thursday – here’s proof!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Erik Walum)
If you’re watching today’s West Seattle Grand Parade near its starting point – check out the sign that went up Friday on the west edge of Hiawatha Playfield – it’s a reminder that the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series is about to begin. Thursday night (July 28) is the first concert, by the dancing, fiddling, and singing trio The Gothard Sisters – 6:30 pm on Hiawatha’s east lawn, bring your own chairs/blankets, all ages welcome, more here! (Series sponsors – including WSB – are listed on the right side of the concert-series info page.)

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West Seattle Grand Parade 2011, hours away: Getting ready
July 22, 2011 11:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

Less than twelve hours till the West Seattle Grand Parade, presented by American Legion Post 160, and tonight we’ve heard from two of the new participants – Above, Patrick from Sustainable West Seattle shared a shot of SWS and Alki Bike and Board crews “putting the finishing touches on Trikeceratops, our human & solar powered float for the Grand Parade.” And Debbie Stern e-mailed to say her daughter Becca Stern, a student at Madison Middle School, is “so excited to get to march in front of her home town”:

Becca (center, in red poncho) is captain of the Li’l Señoritas, the younger squad affiliated with La Señoritas, drill teams that are marching in the West Seattle Grand Parade for the first time. (Debbie notes that unlike La Señoritas, Li’l Señoritas do NOT have sabers!)

If you missed our earlier parade previews – scroll down this page for our entire (newest-to-oldest) WS Grand Parade coverage archive; the parade starts at 11 am from California/Lander and proceeds southbound on California to Edmunds at the south end of The Junction. The road closes a couple hours ahead of time, and side streets in the Admiral area on both sides of California are staging areas, so note that even if you are not going to see the parade, cars and buses will be affected till early afternoon. We’ll be out in the staging areas with advance coverage here on WSB tomorrow morning, and of course full coverage afterward.

P.S. Two more notes – we’re reminded that the motorcycle drill teams roll as early as 10:30, so don’t wait till the last minute to get your parade spot along California. Plus, the Kiddie Parade from Calif/Genesee gathers at 10, and if you’re anywhere near there, $3 gets you a hot dog or veggie dog from Furry Faces Foundation‘s Dogs 4 Cats at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor, and parade participant, 4410 California SW), 11 am-1 pm.

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West Seattle weekend: Swimsuit history at Alki Art Fair tomorrow
July 22, 2011 7:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Finally finally finally… the forecast looks great for a weekend full of outdoor summer fun – and Alki Art Fair (co-sponsored by WSB this year for the first time!) is a big part of it, on the beach, both days. Besides the 29 musical acts (here’s our preview, with the schedule) and artists/vendors, a highlight this year is the Alki Bathhouse Centennial Celebration – with vintage swimsuits (like the ones worn by Gaea Singer and Log House Museum manager Sarah Frederick, at right) on display Saturday afternoon – volunteers wearing suits from the Seattle Goodwill Vintage Fashion Collection will parade along the Alki promenade 1-4 pm tomorrow, with a fashion show on the main music stage at 2:30 pm. The Art Fair itself starts at 10 am both days this weekend – around the bathhouse and down the promenade – inside the bathhouse, you’ll find a silent auction, 11 am-4 pm both days – and remember, kids get to help paint a mural!

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Video: West Seattle Health Fair, with a ‘flash mob’!
July 22, 2011 6:00 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle news

If you drove 35th SW in the High Point area in the past half-hour or so – you might have seen the “flash mob” dancers on the sidewalk north of Walgreens, part of the West Seattle Health Fair, continuing till 8 pm. (added) Here’s the video:

There’s a “healthy food” tour at the drugstore – which carries fresh produce – and the nearby High Point Market, as well as a bigger concentration of activities, including free health testing, a few blocks away in the parking lot behind High Point Neighborhood Center (Sylvan Way and Lanham):

Entertainment, too.

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Weekend traffic alerts, including West Seattle Grand Parade
July 22, 2011 4:34 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekend traffic alerts, including West Seattle Grand Parade
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Almost forgot the traditional end-of-week link to SDOT‘s roundup of weekend traffic alerts around the city! This time around, the West Seattle Grand Parade is part of it (tomorrow morning!). The city has the entire list here.

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Is this your downtown bus stop? Metro seeking opinions
July 22, 2011 2:16 pm
|      55 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Metro is thinking about closing the bus stop on Columbia downtown just east of Second Avenue (map), which serves several routes headed this way. So, in case that’s where you catch the bus – or if you have an opinion as a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian – we’re publishing their call for comments – read on:Read More

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Another review next week for Alki Homestead project
July 22, 2011 1:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Homestead | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

For the first time in more than three months, the proposal to restore/reconstruct the historic-landmark Alki Homestead (originally the Fir Lodge) will return to the city Landmarks Preservation Board‘s Architectural Review Committee next week. This will be its fourth review before the committee, which holds informal reviews with project teams – multiple times, if they request it, as has been the case here – before they take proposals to the full board for a vote. Two and a half years now have passed since the fire that ravaged the Homestead’s interior; here’s our report on the most recent review of the proposal to restore/reconstruct it for use as a restaurant/banquet facility (our full coverage archive is here). This next review is listed as a “briefing on proposed building elements condition survey”; it’s set for 9:35 am next Friday (July 29th) on the 40th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown.

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SSCC’s Dr. Yilin Sun chosen as Fulbright Scholar
July 22, 2011 1:24 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

South Seattle Community College just announced a prestigious honor for a faculty member: Dr. Yilin Sun, full-time tenured faculty in Basic & Transitional Studies, has been chosen as a Fulbright Senior Scholar for next academic year. The SSCC announcement says Dr. Sun will spend that year in Taiwan, handling training for Fulbright English Teaching Assistants as well as seminars for graduate students, and she will join in curriculum and assessment initiatives at the National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei. Dr. Sun is described in SSCC’s announcement as “a recognized leader in curriculum development for adult English to Speakers of Other Languages programs and teacher training.” She has a long list of honors and accomplishments (listed on this SSCC webpage). The Fulbright program is sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

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Denny school-demolition milestone: Chimney coming down
July 22, 2011 11:53 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Denny-Sealth | West Seattle news

(Video substituted at 1:04 pm for original photo)
Thanks to tipster David for sharing word that the 55-foot-tall chimney (or smokestack, if you prefer) at the old Denny International Middle School was about to come down. We’ve been staked out all morning waiting for the work to start, and just after 11, it finally did. It’s not an implosion, and you’re not going to see any huge section come tumbling down all at once if you come out – a giant piece of equipment is chewing away at the stack, a few bricks at a time. But it’s a spectacle for the rest of the crew, which had paused for lunch by the time this got under way after an equipment hitch:

The new Denny, adjacent to nearby Chief Sealth International High School, officially opens in September; the old school site will hold a softball field, tennis court, an open playfield, and some park-type features like play equipment, once the construction following the destruction is complete this fall. BNBuilders is the general contractor. This is the third phase of the Sealth/Denny project funded by Seattle Public Schools’ BEX III bond measure.

3:52 PM UPDATE: We checked back just after 3 – and the chimney/stack was already completely taken down; just a pile of bricks remains:

Out front, along 30th SW, workers were dismantling some of the main school building’s big front windows; if you want to get a last look at the old school before it’s completely gone, you don’t have much time!

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West Seattle firefighters ask you to ‘Fill the Boot’ for MDA
July 22, 2011 11:10 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Seen around town | West Seattle news

If you can spare a few dollars to help fight muscular dystrophy, keep the cash close by as you drive through West Seattle – local firefighters are out asking you to “Fill the Boot“ for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This morning we spotted Seattle Fire Department Lt. Sue Stangl and the Admiral District’s own Engine 29 at Admiral Chevron; she says they’ll be back in that area and near Taco Time at 35th/Fauntleroy starting around 4:30 this afternoon, to catch people heading back home.

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West Seattle Grand Parade tomorrow! Lineup highlights today
July 22, 2011 10:14 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

(2009 WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
At this time tomorrow, 77 entries will be getting into place for the 2011 edition of the West Seattle Grand Parade, presented by American Legion Post 160. The post’s Junction headquarters are where parade coordinators gather to rough out the lineup – we sat in on that meeting this past Monday night. But after two hours of intensive discussion – with parade co-coordinator Dave Vague using his Father’s Day gift iPad, and parade co-coordinator Jim Edwards checking a table full of the actual entries, while Doreen Vague handled logistics regarding judging – the final plan still had some tweaking to be done, before one last meeting last night. The lineup includes:

*2 motorcycle drill teams (this is the only local parade where you see the Vancouver, B.C. team too – they’re in the top photo)
*More than half a dozen floats, including West Seattle Hi-Yu‘s “Sparkling Seattle” and visitors from as far away as the Sequim Irrigation Festival float
*4 marching bands, including the famous Calgary Roundup Band, back for the first time in a few years
*More than half a dozen drill teams, including the saber-wielding Las Senoritas
*Community entries including a few new ones, such as Sustainable West Seattle, and longtime participants including schools, churches, Scouts, community groups
*Commercial entries including Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor)
*The full Seafair contingent, including their new (as of last year) float and, of course, the Pirates
*As announced here earlier: 2011 Grand Marshals Art and Gloria Peters, and 2011 Orville Rummel Trophy winner Cindi Barker

The parade starts at 11 am Saturday from California/Lander and travels down California till the route ends at Edmunds on the south end of The Junction (here’s the map on the parade’s official website). Side streets along California at the north end of the route are part of the staging area, so in the early morning hours tomorrow, you’re going to want to steer clear of there. Kids are invited to join in the West Seattle Rotary Kiddie Parade gathering at 10 am at California/Genesee (more here). And remember, the parade’s not over till you see the tow trucks! (They’re entry #77.)

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Be a winner! Clock ticking on North Delridge logo contest
July 22, 2011 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on Be a winner! Clock ticking on North Delridge logo contest
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo from July 2009)
They’re known for the stylish (Heart) Delridge T-shirts sported by many in our photo from the Delridge playground-construction event two years ago this week – but now, as noted here earlier this month, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council is in search of a full-fledged logo, for “a letterhead, posters, and other outreach materials,” as NDNC’s Holli Margell explains. Two weeks left to get in on their logo contest, perfect for a graphic designer who needs to build a portfolio and/or one who’s able to give back to the community with a donation of time and talent. The winner gets not only one of the famous T-shirts, but also $50 in gift certificates to local businesses. If you’re interested, e-mail ndnclogo@gmail.com – and check out the rules/criteria on the NDNC website, here. Deadline is August 5th!

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West Seattle Friday: Return of the summer sunshine
July 22, 2011 8:49 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo courtesy Melanie – parent and baby gull at Jack Block Park)
Welcome, sunshine! Looks like The Big Day (West Seattle Grand Parade, Alki Art Fair, outdoor movie, more) tomorrow will be perfect – but first – it’s Friday, and here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

ROTARY RASPBERRIES: Pickup is scheduled this afternoon 1-6 pm at 40th/Alaska for the second round of the Rotary Club of West Seattle Berry Sale, raspberries. Walk-up sales are often available – scroll down here for details.

PLAYGROUND PARTY: At Delridge Community Center, it’s the KaBoom! Playground Birthday Party (free, for all ages). From the community-center summer brochure: “Our little playground is turning 2! Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship as we celebrate the playground built in one day.” 4:30-6:30 pm

(added) WEST SEATTLE HEALTH FAIR: Free health resources at High Point Neighborhood Center, including free health checks, a “Healthy Food Here” walk, kids’ activities, more. 5-8 pm at High Point Neighborhood Center, 6400 Sylvan Way SW.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “The Tempest” at Lincoln Park, 7 pm, free.

ROCKY HORROR TIMES TWO: Final scheduled weekend of “Rocky Horror Show Live” at ArtsWest in The Junction, and there are two shows tonight – 7:30 and 11 pm. Tickets are available online, here.

MUSIC AT YOUNGSTOWN: James Hurley, singer/songwriter, is performing at The Dewitty Theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). James’ singing and guitar style is unique and witty, sometimes whimsical, with a folk- based style and a little bit of rock and jazz. Doors open at 7 pm and show starts at 7:30 pm. Cost is $10 cash at the door. Kids under 14 are free.

TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAY: At Kenyon Hall(7904 35th Ave SW): Stacie Calkins and David Duvall present “Lady Day and the Blues” honoring jazz singer Billie Holiday. Reserved table seats are $14. Row seating is $12 general and $10 seniors. With a reservation, row seating is $10 general and $8 seniors. Elementary, middle, & high school students are $5. Pre- school children are free, and Root Beer Floats are still only a buck. To make a reservation, please e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net with your request; you’ll receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.

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Thursday night’s Metro cuts-or-fee hearing, and what’s next
July 22, 2011 12:35 am
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

For West Seattle Blog and White Center Now, Deanie Schwarz covered Thursday night’s Metro-future hearing in Burien – focused on whether the transit system will get a new $20 tax/fee to stave off budget cuts, or start cutting service. She reports it wasn’t the gigantic turnout that swarmed last week’s hearing in downtown Seattle, but “a few hundred people” were eventually on hand. Among them, South Seattle Community College student Vice President Joshua Clark:

Deanie reports that Clark lobbied to save routes 125 and 128 – the only routes which serve the campus. He also had a modification to the suggested $20 fee for cars. He’s a motorcyclist and half-jokingly suggested $5 per wheel would be another fee-structure alternative to consider; that got a big laugh and a “Nice try” from a committee member. From southeasternmost West Seattle, Arrowhead Gardens residents campaigned for the buses they take to services on Roxbury:

Next up – testimony before the council on Monday, as they prepare to vote on whether to implement the $20/year fee, or send it to voters. Signups will be taken at 1 pm at the park south of the county courthouse on Monday, with the item expected to come up in the County Council Chambers around 3 pm. If you can’t be there and still haven’t commented on this, you can do so in writing. Meantime, our partners at the Seattle Times have published their report on the Burien hearing – see it here.

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Door-to-door alert: Solicitors targeting Genesee
July 21, 2011 11:14 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Door-to-door alert | West Seattle news

Got two notes today/tonight about what sound like the same solicitors, who were the subject of a recent report, too – read on:Read More

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Police at Westwood Village post office for ‘suspicious package’
July 21, 2011 9:25 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | Westwood

9:25 PM: If you’re thinking of taking a piece of mail over to the Westwood Village U.S. Post Office sometime soon – don’t bother, you won’t get anywhere close. Police have it blocked off. They confirm they’re dealing with a “suspicious package,” though we don’t have details on why it raised suspicions. The rest of Westwood Village is open – as long as you enter from any other side, NOT Trenton, which is blocked too.

9:39 PM: According to scanner discussion, this will be handled by postal authorities, so at least some of the police will clear the scene. We’ll go over to check on access in a little while.

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: The police did indeed clear shortly after that update. We talked to them this morning to seek information about what raised suspicions in the first place; SPD spokesperson Det. Mark Jamieson says someone “flagged down” police in the center to tell them that a package had been left outside the lobby doors of the post office. It was sealed and had a local address on it; they tried to find out who it belonged to, no luck, so they took precautions until the postal inspector took over the situation (with access to an X-ray machine).

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Also this Saturday: ‘Vaud Squad’ at Admiral Theater
July 21, 2011 9:12 pm
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 |   Admiral Theater | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

We got a quick promotional sneak peek earlier this week at the trio of local entertainers who are performing as “The Vaud Squad” – as in a vaudeville-style variety show – at Admiral Theater this Saturday night. Mentalist Lance Campbell – who notes that he reads thoughts, not minds – will perform, as will magician Joe Black and juggler/comedian Matt Baker. The latter two are West Seattleites; Campbell is from Kirkland – and all three tour (separately) nationally, but are joining forces for one big fun show here. 7 pm Saturday, family-friendly fun, get your tickets online now. (P.S. Baker will be juggling in more ways than one – he’s making a cameo as the pre-show entertainment for West Seattle Outdoor Movies the same night!)

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