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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle Sunday: Junction Car Show; Farmers’ Market gets squashed; Veterans’ Park re-dedication; more
September 18, 2011 7:44 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We caught those Ford Falcons bright and early during setup for the West Seattle Junction Car Show, today’s biggest event, but not the only event! From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION CAR SHOW: 8 am-4 pm, California SW is closed between SW Edmunds and SW Oregon for the annual car show. More info here. WSB is live on site, so check here for updates throughout the day. Show’s free, but bring some $ for the raffle, the T-shirt, and more. (Reminder, in case you missed the announcement a few days ago, the “Deadliest Catch” cast members canceled.)

BIG DAY AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska) celebrates squash today, as follows:

1. THE CONTEST: Bring your biggest, weirdest-looking squash from your own garden to the market info booth and enter to win a beautiful farmers market basket full of market goodies. Entries accepted and displayed until judging starts at 1:00 pm (The market opens at 10:– am so please do not bring entries before then). Squash will be judged by the experts: Our market farmers!
2. THE ZUCCHINI 500: Kids of all ages can make, then race, their very own vegetable vehicle. Car bodies and parts supplied by the farmers market. Races held continuously from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
3. MASTER CHEF COOKING DEMOS: Featuring great ideas with squash for both summer and fall. Plus, information from farmers, free recipes and ideas for making the most of local farm harvests!

Another Junction event:

MEET GUIDE DOGS AND GUIDE PUPPIES: West Seattle See Dogs and their guide-puppy-raising counterparts from Vashon Island will be inside and outside at Petco, 10 am-3 pm, in honor of National Guide Dog Month. Come meet working dogs, and help raise money for guide-dog programs.

GET FIT AND HELP BIRDS: Work out with trainer Dawn Brent and benefit bird rescue: 10 am, meet at south parking lot of Lincoln Park, full details here.

AFTERNOON TUNES: Jamtime plays bluegrass and more, 1-4 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.

CALLING ALL VETERANS: The entire West Seattle/White Center community is invited to the re-dedication of White Center Veterans’ Memorial Park at the south end of Delridge Way SW, but particularly veterans – wear part of your uniform if possible. 4 pm, more details here.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Sundodger Invitational
September 18, 2011 7:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Sundodger Invitational
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Yet another big event that happened in West Seattle on Saturday – the annual Sundodger Invitational cross-country meet in Lincoln Park. Thanks to Mark Ahlness for sharing the photo from the high-school boys’ 5K. He says, “Those guys were coming FAST, and the sound was incredible as they went by.” (By the way – the results are here.)

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Followup: WestSide Baby expands its car-seat recycling
September 18, 2011 7:15 am
|    Comments Off on Followup: WestSide Baby expands its car-seat recycling
 |   Environment | How to help | Safety | West Seattle news

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
After previewing WestSide Baby‘s kickoff for “Re-Ride,” their expanded car-seat-recycling campaign, we checked back toward the end of the four-hour Saturday event to see the results: Above, some of the 40 or so seats WS Baby told us they received. About one in five could be reused; the rest will be disassembled for recycling. Volunteer Caxambu showed up on Saturday to pitch in with that:

Keep an eye on westsidebaby.org – and here, of course – for updates on upcoming opportunities to donate *any* used car seat you have on hand.

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High-school football: Seattle Lutheran wins big
September 17, 2011 11:00 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

One local high-school football team in action tonight: In its home opener at West Seattle Stadium, Seattle Lutheran won big, 47-0 over Northwest Christian.

ADDED: Game summary and video, after the jump:Read More

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West Seattle wildlife: Coyote and seal-pup sightings
September 17, 2011 9:00 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

The cameraphone photo’s from Bill Reid, who says he spotted the coyote this afternoon just north of The Triangle:

I just shot a pic of this coyote on the corner of 37th SW & Genesee! It had someone’s pet chicken in its mouth but I almost hit it with my car and it dropped the bird! Needless to say, the bird ran away and the coyote just jogged off in the direction of the West Seattle golf course. Broad daylight and it wasn’t the least bit concerned about cars and people! Amazing!!!!

Remember – do your best to make sure they’ll be concerned about people, for the good of them and us (the advice is here).

Meantime, another wildlife sighting – photographed on the Harbor Avenue shoreline by Christoph Erhard:

We have expert advice on what to do when you encounter a seal pup – for one, stay WAY far back – they might get scared into the water, and their moms, who usually leave pups on the beach so they can go seek food, might not be able to find them. Plus, notify Seal Sitters; their online journal of seal-sitting is here. (Very busy time of year for them – and thanks to everyone who’s shared seal photos, including the ones we haven’t even gotten to publish yet – we’re assured they’ve been taken from a distance.)

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Also on Alki today: Walk & Roll for Ataxia
September 17, 2011 8:03 pm
|    Comments Off on Also on Alki today: Walk & Roll for Ataxia
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Houston Wong was the first one back to the start of the course for this morning’s Walk & Roll for Ataxia, an annual fundraiser on Alki. He told WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen that he was there on behalf of a friend who has ataxia, a nervous-system disorder (explained here). Ellen also caught up with Tony Lewendon, an ataxia patient who “rolled” on the course with his recumbent bicycle:

Two more photos after the jump:Read More

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Coastal Cleanup Day: Dozens of volunteers clean Alki
September 17, 2011 5:58 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Continuing our coverage of a very busy day around West Seattle: Dozens of volunteers hit the beach this morning at Alki for a cleanup sponsored by JACK-FM radio. Here’s the Kazen family, doing their part:

This was one of many cleanups today around the region/state/world – in honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

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2 celebrations in 1: Delridge Day & Skatepark Grand Opening
September 17, 2011 12:49 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Updated 8:10 pm with video clips from the skatepark dedication ceremony)

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
At the Delridge Day/Delridge Skatepark grand-opening celebration dual festivities till 3 pm, fun is in the bag (sack) – or, in the bowl!

The official dedication is coming up at 1 pm, followed by pro skaters’ demonstrations, but skating’s been under way since this morning, including lessons provided by Skate Like A Girl. Delridge Day vendors include Delridge Produce Cooperative:

And of course there’s the big fundraising bake sale we’ve been mentioning, too. The festival was organized for the first time by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council.

More photos later!

ADDED 8:10 PM: First, the video! The Delridge Skatepark ribboncutting (followed by skaters launching themselves immediately afterward):

And the speakers:

And pro skater Sky Siljeg:

We also wanted to say thanks to Karen Berge and Deb Greer from the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network and West Seattle Be Prepared, who posed with Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen:

They loaned us tent space at Delridge Day when things got a bit soggy.

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Happening now: Happy 100th birthday, Hiawatha!
September 17, 2011 12:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
A 5K run/walk was one of the activities kicking off today’s centennial celebration at Hiawatha, the city’s first community center. It continues till 5 pm – with opportunities to learn more about its history as an “Olmsted park”:

(Sue Nicol, VP of Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks, giving a presentation)
..and also to enjoy games and entertainment – here’s the schedule. (We’ll add more photos later!)

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Happening now: Fauntleroy Church’s annual 2nd-Time Sale
September 17, 2011 11:12 am
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Fauntleroy Church’s annual 2nd-Time Sale
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Today’s biggest rummage-saling opportunity in West Seattle: The 16th annual 2nd-Time Sale at Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW), continuing till 3 pm. Big turnout in the early going. Donated items include a pile of pillows we’re told are courtesy of a West Seattleite who does decor aboard yachts!

P.S. If you’re looking for more rummage/yard/garage sales, check the (free!) listings in the WSB Forums’ Freebies/Deals/Sales section.

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West Seattle Saturday: 15 places to go/things to do!
September 17, 2011 8:22 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo added 10:57: Kathleen Steele & David Haggerty @ Fauntleroy breakfast)
FAUNTLEROY BREAKFAST, SALE: This day of big events starts with the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraising pancake breakfast, 9-11 am at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and the 2nd-Time Sale across the street at Fauntleroy Church, 9 am-3 pm.

WALK ‘N’ ROLL FOR ATAXIA: Join a unique walk/roll-a-thon on Alki today to help fight ataxia, 3 miles or smaller loops. Register at 9 am, get going at 10. Details here.

STORYTELLING: At Kol HaNeshamah (WSB sponsor), 6115 SW Hinds, 9:30 am: The PJ Library welcomes Erik Lawson as our guest musician, with PJ Library manager Amy Paquette as our storyteller. We will be reading the book “A Holiday for Noah” as we practice the art of braiding challah.

WESTFEST, DAY TWO: Our photo is from the kickoff last night, but this is the big day for Holy Rosary’s WestFest festival, 10 am-10 pm . Local music, kids’ talent show, food, rides, games, beer garden, bingo, raffle prizes. Fun for all ages. The live-entertainment schedule is here.

WESTSIDE BABY NEEDS YOU AND/OR YOUR CAR SEAT(S): Car-seat recycling – for ALL car seats! at WestSide Baby, 10032 15th SW, 10 am-2 pm, kickoff of new expanded car-seat-recycling campaign, more details here. Even if you don’t have one to donate, they could use volunteer help today, same time/place.

HAPPY 5TH, CLEMENTINE! Fifth anniversary celebration at Clementine in The Junction, 10 am-6 pm, cake and mimosas and “mystery discounts.”

HELP CLEAN UP ALKI: Beach cleanup on Alki, 10 am-1 pm – info here.

HOW TO FIND MISSING PETS: Missing Pet Partnership Community Social, 10:00am – 11:30am. West Seattle Christian Social Hall, 4400 42nd Ave SW. Missing Pet Partnership, Furry Faces Foundation and West Seattle Christian Church are excited to bring our Greater West Seattle Animal Lovers a 90-minute Community Social and Discussion on how to find missing pets. Enjoy complimentary morning nibbles and beverages while hearing about success stories, talking with like-hearted people, and learning new skills.

REPTILE MAN! Reptile Man at High Point Community Center, 10:30 am (details here).

(Friday morning, the skatepark got some last-minute cleanup)
DELRIDGE DAY AND SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING: These are two big events adjacent to each other – the Delridge Day festival, with vendors (including Delridge Produce Cooperative selling fresh fruits/vegetables), activities, a mega-bake sale, Seattle Police Mounted Patrol horses, entertainment, more. 11 am-3 pm, at and around Delridge Community Center. Immediately north, those are the hours for festivities at the new skatepark, starting with skating lessons at 11, then the ribboncutting at 1 pm, followed by pro skaters’ demo and live music.

HIAWATHA CENTENNIAL: 11 am-5 pm, the historic Hiawatha Community Center/Park celebrates its 100th birthday, inviting you to the party. A 5K run-walk is one of the first events; see the event schedule here.

PARADE IN SOUTH PARK: It’s at 11 am, part of the Fiestas Patrias celebration – full details here.

POOCHES IN THE POOL ONE LAST TIME: Final Dog Days of Summer swimming fundraiser continue – dogs only, pool is closed for people until next year! – noon-2 pm at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, fundraiser for water-polo team, details here.

AUTHENTIC OKTOBERFEST:: Take part in W. Wash. most authentic Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Austria Club of Washington. Wear your Dirndl or Lederhose as you dance to Happy Hans and watch Enzian Schuhplattler perform. Schnitzel with all trimmings, plus Kirschtorte, and Bavarian beer! Just like in Munich: Oans, zwoa, G’suffa!
Location: Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th Avenue SW. $25 includes dinner; beverages extra – check to see if there’s still room: 425-745-0645 or a.maine@comcast.net.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: High-school football – Seattle Lutheran HS vs. Northwest Christian at West Seattle Stadium, 7 pm.

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WestSide Baby: Volunteer help welcome today, and carseats!
September 17, 2011 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on WestSide Baby: Volunteer help welcome today, and carseats!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(Photo courtesy WestSide Baby)
Today’s the big kickoff drive for WestSide Baby‘s expanded car-seat-recycling effort – and to get ready for that, an army of volunteers descended on their HQ on Friday, according to executive director Nancy Woodland:

WestSide Baby had an amazing crew from Microsoft Office Product Marketing Group here through the United Way Day of Caring. Twenty men and women showed up (Friday) morning and worked like crazy to sort clothes, match bottle pieces, bundle diapers and dismantle car seats for recycling. This is just in time for our big Re-Ride Car Seat Reuse and Recycling event (today), 10 am-2 pm in WestSide Baby’s back yard @ 10032 15th Ave. SW. The “wrecking crew” separated all the car seat parts so that out of about 100 seats, we will send only 1 garbage bag to the landfill. Amazing impact from a great group of people. We can use more volunteers (today) Saturday from 10-2 for all kinds of similar projects if folks have extra time.

Or at least, bring your car seat – no matter what condition – to be recycled. (Here’s our preview from earlier this week.)

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Update: Fire outside J.F. Henry tackled by heroic neighbor
September 17, 2011 12:16 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Updated 8:07 pm Saturday with more information from fire investigators)
ORIGINAL 12:16 AM REPORT: A big Seattle Fire response is at 4445 California SW, which maps indicate is home to JF Henry and Company. Scanner traffic says there’s a fire on the exterior of the building but it does not appear to have spread inside. We’re on our way – more to come.

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
12:26 AM: The fire is reported “tapped,” with light smoke inside but no sign of interior flames. Some of the fire units have been dismissed from the scene, but several remain, and investigators are on the way.

(Photo courtesy Brad)
No report of any injuries.

12:44 AM: Business owner Tom Henry is at the scene, talking with firefighters. Hard to tell for sure in the dark, but the damage does not appear major – some charring on the back of the building. Firefighters think the “light smoke” they originally detected inside had probably drifted in from the exterior. No word on a cause yet, though.

(Photo by WSB contributor Katie Meyer, damage on southwest [rear] corner of the building)
12:54 AM: WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand has just spoken with Tom Henry, who confirms the interior of the store is OK and he will be open for business as usual today (Saturday). He says he feels “lucky” that the fire was spotted so soon – he isn’t sure yet who called it in, but there were still people at nearby businesses Pagliacci Pizza and Spring Hill. Besides charring on the building, his recycling container was burned.

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
He says he found out about it because when firefighters busted through the back door to check for fire “extension,” that set off the burglar alarm, which triggered an instant notification to him.

1:43 AM UPDATE: We just got a call from Tom Henry, after he learned the identity of the hero who caught the fire so fast – Spring Hill chef/co-owner Mark Fuller. Tom says Mark used two extinguishers on the fire before SFD arrived; he wanted to say a public thanks to Mark for being such a good neighbor.

8:07 PM UPDATE: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore says investigators have determined that the fire started in the recycling bin, but have not determined yet what sparked it. Damage is estimated at $10,000.

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Friday night’s high-school football: Losses for WSHS, Sealth
September 16, 2011 10:39 pm
|    Comments Off on Friday night’s high-school football: Losses for WSHS, Sealth
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School both played varsity football games on the peninsula tonight – though technically, WSHS was the “visitor” at West Seattle Stadium, facing O’Dea, which plays its home games there. O’Dea defeated WSHS 52-8; at Southwest Athletic Complex, Sealth lost a nailbiter to Cleveland, 20-19. Seattle Lutheran plays Northwest Christian at WS Stadium tomorrow night, 7 pm.

ADDED: Details from the Friday night games:Read More

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West Seattle Junction Car Show update: Celebrities cancel
September 16, 2011 8:50 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Junction Car Show update: Celebrities cancel
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

From Liberty Bell Print and Design‘s Michael Hoffman, organizer of the West Seattle Junction Car Show, which is coming up this Sunday, a change in plan:

Hi there, We will NOT be having cast members from the Deadliest Catch present at the show. We had members from the Time Bandit scheduled. However, they had to replace both engines on the boat and are having complications. They need to have the boat up and running to go out crabbing on the 26th. Therefore, they are unable to make it.

The cars will be there, though – along California SW, which will be closed from Oregon to Edmunds for the occasion, 8 am-4 pm Sunday (and note the parking restrictions – for which signs are up – kick in sooner).

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Delridge Day tomorrow: Bring money for the BIG bake sale!
September 16, 2011 4:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Tomorrow’s Delridge Day and Delridge Skatepark Grand Opening festivities are free – but if you can, be ready to spend some $ on what promises to be one heck of a pro/am bake sale as part of the festival. Among the rookie bakers – the children of Great Start Preschool, whom we photographed this morning as they helped make cookies to contribute to the sale. (Above, that’s Spencer watching Matthew as they do prep work; below, parent volunteer Susan supervises.)

Organizer Francesca Ennis says they’ll take cash, checks made out to the City of Seattle, and credit cards. Here’s a partial list of the specific treats they expect to have available:

• Bakery Nouveau: classic chocolate cake
• Sugar Rush Baking Co: cupcakes
• Eats Market Cafe: cornbread
• Zatz a Better Bagel: assorted bagels
• C&P Coffee Co: coffee

The youth programs:

• Great Start Preschool: snickerdoodles
• School Age Care Program: Rice Krispie Treats (includes Froot Loops & Cocoa Krispies)
• Teen Program: Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Other donors include The Original Bakery, Great Harvest, Manderin Cookie Company, Starbucks, Safeway, Metropolitan Market, QFC and PCC. Francesca adds, “If someone is interested in a specific item (such as the chocolate cake) they can contact me to make arrangements ahead of the bake sale.” She can be reached at at keekai@comcast.net. Proceeds of the bake sale are going to youth-scholarship funds.

Again, Delridge Day – organized by the North Delridge Neighborhood Council this year! – is 11 am-3 pm, at and around Delridge Community Center (on Delridge Way SW just south of SW Genesee), and there’s entertainment, vendors, games, all sorts of fun on tap.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Have you seen this stolen kayak?
September 16, 2011 2:33 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The photo is from Mark, who’s asking you to be on the lookout for his kayak, stolen early this morning:

Sometime after midnight (early today), my sea kayak was stolen from the roof rack of my Audi, parked in front of my home on the west end of Alki Ave. In the process of taking the kayak they also scratched my car’s roof and hood as they dragged the kayak off toward the street instead of lifting it off, which would have been far easier, unless they were really weak.

The kayak is a composite Necky Chatham 18 with a blue deck and white hull joined at a yellow stripe. It also has a navigation compass built into the bow. The thief took my blue & yellow tie down straps too so it may be tied down to some other car roof or pickup bed now. If anybody sees an 18 foot kayak show up in a new place in the area, or for sale on some bulletin board, please let me know. There are very few 18′ Chatham’s around so this one should be pretty obvious when they try to sell it. … My contact phone # is 206-937-6308.

And yes, Mark says he has alerted Mountain 2 Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) to be on the lookout too. Another reminder: the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes monthly meetings next Tuesday, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), all welcome.

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Tonight in West Seattle: Movie, WestFest, “nerdprov,” more
September 16, 2011 1:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Missed our window for the standard morning preview again, but there are a few things tonight you might want to know about if you hadn’t heard yet (and there’s even more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar page):

OUTDOOR MOVIE: The 4th grade class at Schmitz Park Elementary is hosting an outdoor movie night, featuring the movie “Rio” (trailer above), to benefit their trip to Islandwood. On the playground (unless it rains, in which case it’s in the cafeteria) at 5000 SW Spokane, doors at 5:30, movie at dusk around 7:30 pm, $3/person, kids 3/under free. Pizza will be available for purchase by the slice, along with drinks, popcorn and other snacks. All items will cost $2 or less. Bring a blanket, sleeping bag, pillow or something comfortable to sit on and plan to join us for dinner and a movie!

WESTFEST AT HOLY ROSARY: The 2-day festival kicks off with fun 6-10 pm more info here – food, beer garden, bingo, kids’ bouncy rides, entertainment (see the schedule here). 42nd/Genesee.

WINE, WOMEN, AND BIN: Weekly wine tasting at Bin 41 wine shop in The Junction with Mary Tuuri Derby from DaMa Wines, 6-7:30 pm, described by Bin 41 as one of Walla Walla’s “premiere female winemakers.”

GEEK GIRL CON IMPROV: Support Seattle’s upcoming Geek Girl Con with a night of improv theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 8 pm – full details here.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Two 7 pm games scheduled, West Seattle HS vs. O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium , Chief Sealth IHS hosting Cleveland at Southwest Athletic Complex.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FEEDBACK: One of those rare nights for live music at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, 9 pm.

P.S. ALL WEEKEND – CHEERING THE 3-DAY WALKERS: The Susan G. Komen breast-cancer-fighting 3-Day Walk isn’t going through West Seattle this year, but many West Seattle women are walking, and if you’d like to go to an official “cheering station” to root for them – here’s the list of times and locations.

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Video: West Seattle Community Orchestras in city spotlight
September 16, 2011 1:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle video | WS culture/arts

Several proud members of the West Seattle Community Orchestras e-mailed to share the news that WSCO is featured in a current show on Seattle Channel – and we just got the code for the specific story, so you don’t have to watch the entire program to get to their spotlight. Check it out above (or, here’s a direct link to the entire show). As noted here a few days ago, WSCO’s new season starts next Tuesday – but we just received word of a few changes to the schedule/locations, so if you are a new or returning member, or planning on checking it out for prospective membership, PLEASE click ahead for the new information:Read More

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Congratulations to Jack Miller, Chanda Oatis, and Teresa Klein!
September 16, 2011 10:54 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Three rounds of congratulations are in order:

KIWANIS HONORS ‘EVERYDAY HERO’: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle has given its “Everyday Hero” award to Husky Deli proprietor Jack Miller, noting his “significant ongoing support of the West Seattle Community,” including “slicing the ham for the annual Kiwanis Community Pancake Breakfast, set for Saturday, December 3rd, 2011.” (Mark your calendar!) You can read the complete award announcement here.

ANOTHER AWARD FOR DENNY’S CHANDA OATIS: Last February, we shared the news that Denny International Middle School assistant principal Chanda Oatis was honored by the Principals Association of Seattle Schools as Middle School/K-8 Assistant Principal of the Year. Today, there’s word that she’s won a statewide award – the Association of Washington Middle Level Principals has chosen her as the Washington State Assistant Principal of the Year.

ROXHILL’S “HERO IN THE CLASSROOM”: Roxhill Elementary principal Carmela Dellino sent word that 4th-grade teacher Teresa Klein has been chosen as a Symetra Hero in the Classroom. Prizes include 2 tickets to a Seahawks game, and a celebratory visit to the school, plus classroom supplies. The principal included the nomination letter she sent – read on:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 1st sentencing in Bushaw murder
September 16, 2011 9:52 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Bryce Huber, found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2009 West Seattle shooting death of 26-year-old Steve Bushaw (right), was sentenced this morning. Our partners at the Seattle Times report that King County Superior Court Judge Joan DuBuque ordered a 31-year sentence – the high end of the sentencing range – for Huber, who testimony indicated had coordinated the plan to get Bushaw to Talarico’s that night and to lure him outside, where two other men shot him. Those men, John Sylve and Danny O’Neal, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and are to be sentenced on September 30th. The jury that found Huber guilty in a trial that took most of last month (our coverage archive is here) were not able to reach a verdict for Brandon Chaney, the alleged getaway driver; the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has not announced yet whether it plans to seek a new trial for Chaney. The murder motive involved a belief that Bushaw had planned a home-invasion robbery targeting a friend of Huber’s, but neither he (nor anyone else) was ever arrested, charged, or publicly described as a suspect.

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South Transfer Station: Why it looks like it’s being taken apart
September 16, 2011 9:24 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | Utilities | West Seattle news

If you have driven by the South Transfer Station project just southeast of West Seattle, and wondered why it looks like it’s being taken apart – you’re not seeing things. After tips via e-mail and Twitter, we checked this morning with Seattle Public Utilities, and spokesperson Susan Stoltzfus acknowledges, yes, “there is some disassembly.” She explains that a more-durable paint was found during construction – after some of the framework had already been painted – and, “once we found we could save $3 million in maintenance costs over the life of the structure, we decided it was worth the upgrade.” She says the overall project will still be finished on time and within its budget, and they are “using three different paint shops” to accelerate the process of sandblasting off the original paint and applying the new paint. The reason paint matters so much, she says, is because the transfer station is considered a “wet environment.” (Our photo at right is from this July story; we plan to go by this morning to see how much “disassembly” is visible.)

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Delridge Skatepark: Fences down; grand opening tomorrow
September 16, 2011 3:55 am
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s been years in the making … and is now just a day away from opening. A drive by Delridge Skatepark very early this morning revealed that the fences are down (except for a section on the south side). We got a quick tour the other day, as crews continued to put finishing touches on areas including the viewing zone to the east (above, with art by youth from the Service Board) and rolled out the sod, getting ready for the 11 am-3 pm grand-opening celebration on Saturday (concurrent with the Delridge Day festival). Click ahead for not just a closer look before the skaters permanently move in, but also, if you don’t skate, a bit of a primer as to what you’re looking at:Read More

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