West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Parade

    WS GRAND PARADE: Scroll our video, photos!

  • Float Dodger

    FLOAT DODGER 5K: See how Saturday began!

  • Incidents

    2 INCIDENTS LINKED: Carjacked, then dumped

West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 pieces of potentially telltale loot
October 30, 2010 5:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

3 West Seattle Crime Watch reports tonight – a car break-in with loot including a child’s prized skateboard, a custom model you would know if you saw; a home break-in with loot including a distinctive cutting board and a wedding video; and a case of gas siphoning. Read on:Read More

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Happening now: 1st annual West Seattle Halloween Ski Swap
October 30, 2010 3:23 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Till 6 pm tonight, it’s the first day of the first annual West Seattle Halloween Ski Swap is under way at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), benefiting the West Seattle Snow Sports Council. Haunted house, too! Mastermind – Mountain to Sound Outfitters proprietor Greg Whittaker, here in Viking garb, with wife Kara Whittaker and their son:

The ski swap continues tomorrow, 10 am-4 pm, if you don’t get there today.

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Happening now: Trick or Treat – and more – at The Junction
October 30, 2010 1:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Trick or Treat – and more – at The Junction
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Never mind the rain, the Halloween show must go on. And so it is, at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) where photo sessions are under way, as a fundraiser for WestSide Baby and the West Seattle Food Bank – Hotwire proprietor Lora just sent that photo. Good place to take shelter, as you can see from this angle:

And come admire the merchants’ Halloween spirit – like the team from Forsythe Studio:

Junction trick-or-treating continues till 3 pm – more photos to come. ADDED 4:18 PM: As promised!

Umbrellas were suddenly the perfect accessory for trick-or-treating!

An angelic sighting at Terjung’s:

As always, costume creativity, and cuteness, abounded:

Two more area business-district trick-or-treat events are yet to come – both tomorrow – White Center 3-5 pm, Westwood Village 4-7 pm.

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It’s playtime again at newly upgraded Fairmount Playground
October 30, 2010 11:57 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Fairmount Playground‘s upgrades are done and it’s open for the serious business of having fun. “Granny Annie Lenssen” shares this photo of someone who already gave it a test run:

Just wanted to send you this photo of my grandson, the official First One To enjoy the newly updated park with the ferry, swings, climbing net, and more. You can tell from his expression that he’s loving it! And this is in pouring rain! The workers had just removed the fence and said he was the first one to visit!

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West Seattle Saturday: Trick or Treat at The Junction…and more
October 30, 2010 8:36 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That’s the Pai’s food truck (Thai/Hawaiian, they tell us) – which you can check out tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm-2 am, even if you are not going to the event that’s drawn it there, Hive Mind Halloween. Another big event on the Halloween schedule today: Trick or Treat at The Junction, 1-3 pm – with lots of special events at various Junction venues, including photos at Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) and Senior Center of West Seattle. Plus, Donna Ryan Photography is again offering their space on SW Alaska (next to Cupcake Royale) for parents of small children:

I will be opening my studio space to parents for feeding and changing on Saturday (trick or treat) from 12-4pm. There will also be Halloween craft activities for toddlers. In short, a rest place and break from the chaos.

Outside The Junction, events include the West Seattle Thriftway Halloween party and Growing Gardeners Appreciation Day at West Seattle Nursery. Plus a fundraiser for Family Promise of Seattle is part of this event at Chief Sealth International High School:

The Associated Student Body (ASB) of Chief Sealth International High School is a hosting a youth Halloween Carnival from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. This event will feature a large bounce house sponsored by the Chief Sealth PTSA and a variety of games run by students with plenty of candy and prizes! Every kid will leave a winner! There is no entry fee although donations are gladly accepted at the door with all proceeds benefitting the Class of 2011 Grad Night activities. In addition, ASB is supporting a local organization, Family Promise of Seattle, and all money that is raised from kid’s face painting will go directly to them. Family Promise of Seattle helps newly homeless children and their families by getting them off the streets and into a stable, supportive environment that moves them toward self-sufficiency. The Halloween Carnival welcomes all children ages 5-12 years and their families to the Chief Sealth International High School Galleria (2600 SW Thistle). Make sure you come in costume and leave the face painting to us!

On the grownup side – WSB sponsor Skylark Café and Club‘s annual “Come as You Aren’t” bash is tonight:

The premise – bands pretending to be someone else, visually and musically. 3803 Delridge Way SW, be there.
Again, the Halloween stuff is all on the WSB West Seattle Halloween list – have a great day/night!

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Traffic alert: Northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure today
October 30, 2010 6:14 am
|    Comments Off on Traffic alert: Northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure today
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

One more reminder – the 1st Avenue South Bridge, northbound only, is scheduled to be closed today, 7 am-3 pm. Here’s the original announcement. We’ll publish an update if we get word of an earlier reopening.

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West Seattle Halloween: Tibbetts celebrates All Hallows’ Eve
October 30, 2010 5:45 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Halloween: Tibbetts celebrates All Hallows’ Eve
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

The photo and explanation are from John Van Lierop, Jr., organist at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor).

This year, All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) falls on a Sunday. At Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle, the minister, Rev. Dr. Joanne Carlson Brown, is encouraging her members to dress in costume for that Sunday. Even though Halloween originated as a pagan holiday, it also has Christian roots as churches celebrate All Saints’ Day the next day. Oct. 31 also happens to be Reformation Sunday, when the Protestant churches mark the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg church. Rev. Brown, who will be dressed in costume, believes in a God who delights in us and loves laughter and fun as well as praise.

In the photo are John, “dressed as he will be on Halloween Sunday,” with two of his piano pupils, Kira and Nicholas Branch, who also attend Tibbetts (which is at 3940 41st SW).

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West Seattle Halloween: The pumpkin parade continues
October 30, 2010 3:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks yet again for sharing so many great pumpkin photos this past week – This round begins with one from Chef Jason Todd Rice at The Bohemian, who also wants to make sure you know they have a special cocktail with proceeds going to help Sofia Goff from now-closed Café Revo – just ask for “La Sofia.” Meantime, Meredith shared this group:

And two from Todd:

If you have a pumpkin pic to share for the final two roundups tonight and Halloween night – please use this address: westseattleblog@gmail.com … our main one’s having a few technical challenges at the moment and might not be fixed till later Saturday. Thanks and have a great time this weekend!

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‘Walk FROM School’ event for Walk to School Month @ Roxhill
October 29, 2010 11:59 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘Walk FROM School’ event for Walk to School Month @ Roxhill
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

You might say this event and a Monday morning tribute to the school librarian “bookended” this week for Roxhill Elementary School. Some students dressed up as literary characters today – like the “Go, Dog, Go!”-inspired outfit above – for a “Walk From School” event concluding Walk To School Month. Even the chicken who showed up on Monday reappeared for this event:

Students, parents and teachers were encouraged to sing Roxhill’s school song as they paraded down 30th Avenue SW. Some waved signs. King County Food and FItness Initiative reps helped put this together

. Students who couldn’t walk home got to at least walk to a school-bus staging area at Roxhill Park.

(Earlier today, we covered a Walk to School event with King County Executive Dow Constantine in White Center – see that coverage here.)

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High-school football: Tonight’s SLHS game
October 29, 2010 9:58 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school football: Tonight’s SLHS game
 |   West Seattle news

Just one high-school football game tonight: Seattle Lutheran lost to Tacoma Baptist, 35-0. (Tomorrow night, West Seattle High School plays Eastside Catholic, 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown.)

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Think you know everything about Schmitz Park? Check this
October 29, 2010 6:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Remember this MOHAI Minute video about what lies beneath Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor)? The team’s come back to West Seattle, this time to tell the story of Schmitz Park, and e-mailed us with news of the clip. (It’s actually a three-minute “minute.”) P.S. Want an up-close-and-personal look while doing a good deed? Tomorrow happens to be a work-party morning at Schmitz Park, 9 am-noon – details on the Green Seattle website.

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Happening now: Costumes and candy for Admiral Treats & Treasures
October 29, 2010 3:48 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Till 6 pm tonight, masquerading merchants and boo-tiful businesspeople are awaiting trick-or-treaters at participanting Admiral District businesses, for Admiral Treats and Treasures. (Recognize those two?)

Here’s the map link, if you don’t have it already. Tomorrow 1-3 pm, it’s Trick-or-Treat in The Junction (with lots of bonus events, from photo sessions to costume contests – check the WSB West Seattle Halloween page), and 4-7 pm on Halloween, you can scare up some candy by trick-or-treating at Westwood Village. ADDED 5:04 PM: More photos from this afternoon’s Admiral event:

That’s your Admiral Neighborhood Association, with a table along the north side of the cleaners at California/Admiral. Lots of creative costumes all over the neighborhood:

That’s 2-month-old Leo in the pot. Then there’s the double-bagged duo we spotted:

And throngs everywhere:

Next it’s on to tonight’s carnivals and other events … WSB West Seattle Halloween all here. ADDED 11:06 PM: One last thing – video of trick-or-treaters encountering the famous Alki Bike and Board spider:

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Can you help the Denny International Middle School yearbook team?
October 29, 2010 3:14 pm
|    Comments Off on Can you help the Denny International Middle School yearbook team?
 |   Denny-Sealth | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From the WSB inbox: Denny International Middle School yearbook adviser Kathy Saxon is asking for your help if you have anything to say about Denny’s half-century-plus history. This is the last year that the old building is scheduled to be in operation as a school before getting torn down (if you missed our coverage the past few years, the replacement is explained here), so they would like to hear from anyone who has “a note or quote to say about their years at the old Denny … it would be a tremendous help toward the outcome of our yearbook, which is going along the theme of the architectural features of Denny and saying goodbye to the past. Denny has been around for over 50 years, and there are so many stories that other generations could share with the current generation of Denny; we would love to include these aspects in our yearbook this year.” E-mail your “note or quote” to kmsaxon@seattleschools.org.

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More West Seattle Halloween: Haunted House at The Kenney
October 29, 2010 2:24 pm
|    Comments Off on More West Seattle Halloween: Haunted House at The Kenney
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

They’re getting ahead of Halloween celebrations at The Kenney; its Activities Department is putting on a Haunted House today; they shared this photo from the first “showing,” and they’re getting ready for one more at 3:30 pm in Community Room 3, in case you’re in the neighborhood (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW). Remember, lots of other Halloween activities in the hours ahead – and tomorrow and Sunday – see our list here.

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Another update on help for shooting victims’ family: Dropoff site
October 29, 2010 1:00 pm
|    Comments Off on Another update on help for shooting victims’ family: Dropoff site
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

This has been unfolding over the past few days – first an open letter from Southwest Youth and Family Services‘ Cara Kroenke about an urgent need for community help for the family rocked by last month’s quadruple murder-suicide shootings – then a followup last night, and today another update from Cara:

Thank you for the kindness and support to the Phan/Harm family in response to the letter which is included below.

We have rented a temporary storage space and will have it open this Saturday from 11-4 for you to be able to drop off donations for the family.

The family is no longer in need of a couch/sofa, but we still need beds, furniture and whatever gently used household items that you can spare. From drinking glasses to tables to lamps to spatulas, we can use them!

Here is the address of the storage unit:
7133 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, 98106

If you would rather make a financial contribution, or drop off the items at the agency, that is wonderful to!
SWYFS 4555 Delridge Way SW, 98106

Today the agency is open from 9-3 and will re-open on Monday from 9-7. Please call 206-937-7680 if you have any questions.

If you would like to help other families in crisis, trauma and other difficult situations that aren’t so public, please donate directly to SWYFS by designating “for the agency”, otherwise all donations will go directly to the family.

Thank you again for your generous and kind spirits.

Best,
Cara Kroenke

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West Seattle Halloween: Skeleton Theatre 2010 sneak peek
October 29, 2010 11:34 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

After two years with a pirate theme, West Seattle’s famous animatronic outdoor Halloween production is going rock ‘n’ roll for Halloween 2010. Last night we dropped by the 36th/Hanford (map) headquarters of Skeleton Theatre for a peek at what’s in store. Behind the scenes, it looks a little like a mad scientist’s workshop:

The stars of this year’s show – “The Death of Rock” – is Bonaparte, “famous rock band from the ’60s,” performing their greatest hits. Between the sets, we’re told, it’s something like a “Behind The Music” video. Here’s Chris Walker tinkering with one of the band members as spouse Maia Low looks on:

We rolled video as Chris continued working to get ready for the show:

You can catch Skeleton Theatre playing continuously in the front-yard stage (you’ll be standing on the sidewalk, or maybe across the street) 6-9 pm Sunday night (Halloween) and Monday night (November 1st). Chris and Maia say a lot of people have tried to donate $ – it’s free to watch – on site in past years, and while appreciated, it’s been a little challenging to deal with, so they ask that if you are so moved to offer something for all the work that goes into Skeleton Theatre, you donate online (the button’s on the home page).

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King County Executive joins ‘Walk to School Month’ celebration
October 29, 2010 10:02 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photo by Ellen Cedergreen)
“Walk to School Month” is going out in style – and this morning at White Center Heights Elementary, in the Greenbridge neighborhood that starts just across Roxbury from West Seattle, the style was a blue school sweatshirt for King County Executive Dow Constantine. We’ll have more photos, and video, up shortly at partner site White Center Now; later today, Roxhill Elementary School has its own Walk to School Month celebration – but (as mentioned here during our Monday coverage of librarian Pat Bliquez’s special honor) it’ll be a Walk *from* School event!

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Read it, then have your say: Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel report
October 29, 2010 9:00 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Newly released WSDOT video)
As reported when we covered the Alaskan Way Viaduct South Portal Working Group meeting last week (story here), this week is concluding with two milestones for the proposal to replace its Central Waterfront section with a tunnel: First, the two remaining potential design-build teams presented their proposals yesterday – and Governor Gregoire promises to go public later today with more information on those proposals. Second, the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement is officially published, and the state wants to hear what you think. “Environmental impact” means a lot more than “ecological” impact – it includes an assessment of potential traffic effects and much, much more. You can see the report here; you can ask questions and offer comments in person during the West Seattle open house on November 16th; or you can offer your thoughts any of the ways listed here, till December. ADDED 10:43 AM: The governor has announced that both tunnel proposals are within budget. Here’s the WSDOT announcement.

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West Seattle Friday: Admiral Treats & Treasures; carnivals; more
October 29, 2010 8:06 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Admiral Treats & Treasures; carnivals; more
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lashanna for that photo from last night’s annual Pathfinder K-8 Pumpkin-Carving Party – taken as the masterpieces were displayed. That’s a glowing prelude to what’s basically, this year, a three-day Halloweekend. The full list of Halloween-related events is on the WSB West Seattle Halloween page. Today’s centerpiece is Admiral Treats and Treasures, the first of four West Seattle/White Center business-district trick-or-treating events – 3-6 pm, here’s the updated official map. Community-center carnivals, a free family swim, and lots more on the docket too. Also: Tonight it’s time for the first-ever West Seattle Halloween Ski Swap gear dropoff, at VFW Hall, 3601 SW Alaska, 4-7 pm – this is a benefit for the West Seattle Snow Sports Council. Also tonight, it’s Halloween Rainbow Bingo at Senior Center of West Seattle (doors open 6, bingo at 7). Lots of live entertainment, like most Friday nights – among the special events is Sweet, Sweet Music with a lively lineup of performers at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm – full details on this Facebook event page.

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Gathering of Neighbors 2010 in West Seattle: Signed up yet?
October 29, 2010 6:47 am
|    Comments Off on Gathering of Neighbors 2010 in West Seattle: Signed up yet?
 |   Gathering of Neighbors | West Seattle news

One week from Saturday, Gathering of Neighbors 2010 brings dozens of West Seattle organizations and businesses to Chief Sealth International High School so that you can find out more about who’s doing what to help strengthen and energize our community – and meet more of our peninsula’s amazing people – with just one visit to one place. If you have a business, organization, or service, and aren’t signed up for a table yet – why not? Our reports from Gathering of Neighbors 2009 are here, here, and here, if you need to know more about what to expect – but this year, as organizers have explained, it’ll be even livelier, with workshops plus the keynote talk by former Mayor Norm Rice, who’ll be introduced by Sealth principal John Boyd. Today’s the deadline to register; the form’s online here (PDF). See you at GON, 11 am-3 pm Saturday (November 6)!

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West Seattle Runner’s peninsula-wide challenge for 2011 fitness
October 28, 2010 11:42 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

With two months left to go in 2010, West Seattle Runner‘s Tim McConnell is looking ahead to 2011 – with an invitation for you.

Ever wanted to run or walk a 5K? A 10K? A half marathon? Or all 26.2 miles of the Seattle Marathon? Ever wondered how you would get in shape for one of these and didn’t know where to start? Maybe you have never run before or just want to get in better shape? Well, then this is the program for you! A fully supported, free training program that takes you from never running or from low mileage running to running/walking a full marathon in 48 weeks. This program will allow you to miss some weeks and still be on track to run/walk the Seattle Marathon in November of 2011. It starts very slow and builds gradually, ensuring you don’t get discouraged with your progress and trying to keep injuries down to a minimum. There will be races added along the way to keep it interesting, including a 5K (or 2, or 3), a 10K, the Rock and Roll Half Marathon (based on availability) and ending with the Seattle Marathon. (All race entry fees will be paid for by the participant).

It will also introduce you to others from the area, as there will be weekly group runs. There will also be information nights were you will learn about nutrition, injury prevention, stretching, cross training ideas, proper footwear and apparel, and others we will add along the way. So come out, enjoy yourself, get healthy and meet your neighbors! Let’s all Get Fit in 2011!

And did I mention that all of this (except race fees) is free?

Come out and see if this is something you would be interested in. Our first info night will be November 5th at 7:00 p.m. at West Seattle Runner. 3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2A. That’s on the corner of California and Charlestown, upstairs next to Anytime Fitness. Check it out on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/39zexyo. Any questions call Tim at West Seattle Runner, 938-0545. See you then!

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More West Seattle Halloween: Another round of creative carvings
October 28, 2010 9:54 pm
|    Comments Off on More West Seattle Halloween: Another round of creative carvings
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’re featuring West Seattle pumpkins through Halloween, and tonight, three more examples of creative carvings – first, Megan carved half a dozen pumpkins, both in honor of her two Admiral workplaces (including WSB sponsor Shanti Salon and Spa) and “just for fun.” Next, Bill Schrier – who among other things is webmaster for the 34th District Democrats – has some political pumpkins in this picture:

From left, that’s Alexandria, Ryan, Lara, and Bill. And from MargL‘s three-member family, a three-pumpkin family:

Sent your pumpkin photo yet? We’ve got room for more the next three nights! Here’s how to send ’em.

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West Seattle Halloween: Toddler Pumpkinpalooza at High Point CC
October 28, 2010 6:19 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Ellen Cedergreen)
The Halloween wave is rolling in … and first to arrive, Toddler Pumpkinpalooza in two sessions today/tonight at High Point Community Center.

Other city-run community centers in West Seattle have celebrations tomorrow (and HPCC has another one)- but this one ushered in the festivities:

They got to show off costumes – like Clarabel above – and decorating skills:

Not only is High Point CC doing a second round of Pumpkinpalooza right now, they’ve also got a Freaky Fall Festival planned tomorrow night (Friday) at 6, same time as Halloween Carnivals at Alki and Hiawatha Community Centers; also tomorrow night, Southwest Pool has a free Halloween Family Swim at 7 pm. (Tons of other activities for all ages at multiple West Seattle venues, all listed on the WSB Halloween page.)

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