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Spotlight Stories

Final days for what began as David T. Denny Junior High School
June 13, 2011 4:10 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If the school at 8402 30th SW were to stay open one more year, it would celebrate its 60th anniversary. David T. Denny Junior High School – named after the first member of the Denny Party to arrive in Seattle – opened in the fall of 1952, with 1,030 students, according to this Seattle Public Schools document telling its story, which says its enrollment peaked at more than 1,600 a decade later, with 22 portables in use.

But now, Denny’s five buildings have only a matter of days left to house students and staff. After the last classes later this month, Denny principal Jeff Clark and his team will move into their new building barely a block east, adjacent to Chief Sealth International High School, and the old buildings comprising the original Denny campus will be torn down.

This Tuesday, an informational meeting about the demolition and ensuing sports field/park construction is planned, mostly for neighbors and other interested community members.

But for the sentimental side of a school about to be turned into rubble, a gathering this weekend packed the punch.

Community members – alums, former staffers, anyone and everyone – were invited in for “One Last Look” on Saturday morning, concluding with memories shared in the cafetorium.

Among those reminiscing – Denny’s renowned music director, Marcus Pimpleton, also a former Denny student, talking about the support he received while studying there – and the support he has worked to give while teaching there:

The “essence” of Denny, Pimpleton insisted, will move with it to its new building. And its co-location with Sealth brings many possibilities, said Aurora Lora, the district’s executive director of West Seattle-region schools:

Many concerns and questions about the Denny/Sealth site-sharing have simmered in the years since the co-location plan surfaced; the schools’ principals answered questions just last month. But as Lora said, the focus now is on the move, and a fresh start. As for the demolition/construction project, the community meeting is at 6 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, June 14) at Southwest Community Center – we have more information on that, and the schedule for the months ahead, here.

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Election 2011: Another candidates’ forum planned in West Seattle
June 12, 2011 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on Election 2011: Another candidates’ forum planned in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The fields are set for the August 16 primary – and another Seattle City Council candidates’ forum is on the horizon for West Seattle. checkbox.jpgAs previously noted, council candidates will be at the WS Chamber of Commerce‘s next monthly luncheon meeting June 22 for a “speed networking” event. And just announced this weekend, the next day – Thursday, June 23 – the West Seattle Democratic Women will host all four candidates for City Council Position 1 – Maurice Classen, Bobby Forch, incumbent Jean Godden, and West Seattleite Michael Taylor-Judd. Though WSDW usually meets for lunch, this will be an evening event – no-host bar at 6:30, dinner at 7, program at 7:15 pm, and the group says “candidate endorsements will be considered.” Dinner is $12 WSDW members, $15 nonmembers (or you can just get coffee/dessert for $5). Reservations or questions: wsdwomen@yahoo.com, 206-935-3216.

SIDE NOTE: All 4 Position 1 candidates participated in the 34th District Democrats‘ forum a month ago – we have it on video here; last Wednesday, the 34th DDs gave a dual endorsement to Godden and Forch.

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West Seattle wildlife takes wing, feathered and fierce
June 12, 2011 8:06 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife


Alki photographer extraordinaire David Hutchinson shared these photos, explaining:

There is always interesting wildlife to see while walking along Harbor Avenue. It can be Sea Lions or Harbor Seals out in Elliott Bay, Canada Geese and their goslings along the shore, or Bald Eagles being pursued by crows. The attached photos were taken recently. The first is a Bald Eagle heading home in the evening to its nest near Salty’s. The second is a Killdeer protecting its nearby nest with a typical distraction display.


For the sake of both the airborne and seagoing wildlife, it’s important to keep our shorelines clean; toward that end, as noted here previously, David and others with the Alki Community Council are involved with beach cleanups; last weekend, those cleanups were featured in this report on KING 5 News (with interviewees including Eilene Hutchinson and Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey).

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West Seattle weekend scene: Also from Alki …
June 12, 2011 6:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Before we have to get back to all the seriousness, as the new week looms, yet more weekend whimsy: Stacy shared the photo, explaining, “Sunny Sunday fun on Alki today.”

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West Seattle weekend scene: Gimme a C! A! R! W! A! S! H! …
June 12, 2011 4:34 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you were at Alki today, among the surrey pedalers, the sunbathers, the volleyball players, and everyone else enjoying the afternoon, you might have noticed … pom-pom-waving cheerleaders. The young women of the Chief Sealth International High School Cheer Squad spent six hours washing cars at Alki Auto Repair. Since the clouds stayed away until late afternoon, they had perfect weather – and by the time we checked in around 2:30 pm, they had already raised $500. (Side note: Last day of school for Sealth and other public high schools in Seattle is still a week and a half away – June 23rd.)

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Video: Our Lady of Guadalupe’s pastor wears a new hat for groundbreaking
June 12, 2011 1:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Most groundbreakings involve dignitaries, never-used-before-and-never-will-be-again shovels, and one ceremonial jab at the dirt. Not the groundbreaking at West Seattle’s Our Lady of Guadalupe this afternoon. The parish’s pastor, Father Jack Walmesley, got behind the controls of a backhoe and dug into the future site of OLG’s Parish Life Center and Gymnasium, as parishioners cheered (and, off camera, Tom Hutyler emceed). Earlier in the event, “Father Jack” wore more traditional priestly garb as he spoke about the project – we’ll add that clip laterhere’s that clip:

The new 10,000-square-foot facility will include community meeting space as well as areas for parish events and sports (read all about the project here – and see sketches – here).

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Happening now: West Seattle Rotary’s polio-fighting fundraiser
June 12, 2011 1:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

It’s been half a century since a vaccine breakthrough led to the near-eradication of polio in the U.S. But as the Rotary Club of West Seattle is explaining today in The Junction – the rest of the world is a different story, particularly isolated areas of Asia and Africa. Till 5 pm today, West Seattle Rotarians are by KeyBank with an iron lung – the device that paralyzed polio victims needed to keep breathing. Contributions will go toward the Rotary International campaign to match a nine-digit grant from the Gates Foundation for worldwide polio vaccination, to wipe out the disease once and for all. (P.S. The WS Rotary’s Berry Sale is under way too, supporting all their charity programs including the Christmas Shopping Spree – you can order online; deliveries are just weeks away.)

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-run search, stolen bike, more
June 12, 2011 11:19 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Five West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning – starting with the search for a hit-run driver. Amy sent the above photo and explains:

Our 1997 Toyota Tercel was struck by a hit and run driver Saturday morning (6/11) in the 3900 block of SW Orchard. The car is totalled with front body damage on the right side. The perps lost control coming around the corner at 39th and Orchard, tore up our neighbors parking strip and came to a hard stop against our parked vehicle pushing it backward about five feet. Damage to the car that hit would be the front passenger side. We did not hear the accident but our neighbor heard the crash sometime around 12:30 to 1:00 am. It was not a pretty car, but we had it for 13 years, it ran great, and it was much needed transportation for our family. We did call the police and received a case number-11-187004

After the jump – 4 more reports, starting with a stolen tandem bicycle (photo included):Read More

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West Seattle Sunday: Viaduct’s open again – but why leave?
June 12, 2011 6:43 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Viaduct’s open again – but why leave?
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

As noted overnight, the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure ended much earlier than WSDOT had projected – it is fully OPEN again this morning, and the blank traffic-info sign we photographed at dawn along Fauntleroy Way SW is further proof (absent a live AWV camera). But why leave West Seattle, unless you absolutely have to? From our Events calendar:

FITNESS FOR VITALITY 5K/10K: The last race in trainer Annette Herrick‘s spring series along Alki is at 9 am this morning – you can walk or run, and same-day registration is available – starting at 8 am. More info here.

CHIEF SEALTH CHEERLEADERS’ CAR WASH: Chief Sealth International High School‘s Cheerleaders invite you to come get your vehicle cleaned and shined at their fundraising car wash at Alki Auto (56th and Alki), 10 am-4 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). Market manager Catherine Burke says today’s returnees include strawberries and “live lettuce”; the kids-tent activity will be presented by Woodland Park Zoo.

POLIO-FIGHTING FUNDRAISER: Rotary Club of West Seattle plans to be in The Junction today with an iron lung, demonstrating that the fight against polio isn’t over yet. 11 am-5 pm, by KeyBank at California/Alaska.

TWO CHANCES TO ADOPT A NEW FELINE FRIEND: Friends of the Animals Foundation adoption event with cats and kittens from 11 am – 2 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction … Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor SW) is open for its second weekend of the season, 2-6 pm today.

COOKING CLASS: At West Seattle Produce with Cinnamon Berg: Grilled Pizza, 11 am. We will make the dough, sauce and toppings, then grill up a home-cooked pizza without the hot oven or delivery charges! $30 12 and up, kids under 12 free with paid adult. Register cinnamonberg97@gmail.com (or drop by to see if there’s still room for today).

ULTIMATE FRISBEE: West Seattle Family Ultimate Frisbee – today’s the monthly 2nd Sunday event at 11 am, Hiawatha Playfield, southeast corner.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY SOCCER: The adult/big kid soccer pickup game every Sunday morning is at Delridge Playfield (4501 Delridge), all ages and skill levels are welcome! 8 am.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING Final pre-season weekend wraps ups for Colman Pool in Lincoln Park, starting with lap swim at noon (7-day-a-week summer operations start next Saturday).

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE GROUNDBREAKING: The community celebration of the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Parish Life Center and Gymnasium is at 12:15 this afternoon in the lower playfield, followed by a multicultural potluck.

LAST DAY OF SIFF: Final day for the film festival, and four films are screening at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle, starting at 1 pm, concluding with “Flamenco, Flamenco” at 8:30 pm. Full schedule here.

LOVING DAY: Celebration of the anniversary of the court ruling that led to the end of remaining laws against interracial marriage in the U.S., sponsored by MAVIN, 1-3:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, live music and more (details in this WSB preview story).

LIVE MUSIC: Once Minutos, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW) … All-ages show with Brian Wagner of Pablo Trucker, Lowlands, Wes SP8, 7 pm ($5 cover) at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW; note, both C&P and Skylark are WSB sponsors; got a live music listing? send it so we can include it, the further in advance, the better!) …

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Followup: Tornado survivors’ West Seattle family says ‘thanks’
June 12, 2011 5:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Through both pre-sale donations and during-sale shopping, Saturday’s yard sale to raise money for Joplin, Missouri, tornado survivors was a success, reports Steve John, whose relatives were hit hard:

Thanks to the efforts of [neighbors/sale organizers] Leah and Johanna, and the generosity of all who donated items and attended the garage sale, 1,008 dollars were collected! My entire family has been overwhelmed with the support of our neighbors and fellow residents of West Seattle.

We tweeted an in-progress photo; Steve shared the after-sale photos (the one below features Leah, Johanna, and Sam).

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Family Promise of Seattle open again, helping homeless families
June 12, 2011 4:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

During the Saturday night sock-hop fundraiser for West Seattle-based Family Promise of Seattle at Holy Rosary, we talked with board member Lynne Downs about the shelter service’s reopening: She tells WSB they have already helped two homeless families, 11 people in all, just since last Monday, and have met their goal of hiring a case worker.

It’s been a long road back for Family Promise, since their August announcement of a “hiatus” till they could raise enough money to resume operations, but in March, they vowed to reopen in June – and so they have. It’s a nationwide model involving a partnership with organizations (usually churches) that take turns hosting and feeding the families at night, while FP offers a day center and other help so the families can get back on their feet – and in this area, it’s the only place homeless families can stay together (instead of separating to go to men’s/women’s shelters). Miss the fundraiser? You can donate online right now, here.

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Traffic update: Alaskan Way Viaduct closure ends mega-early
June 12, 2011 2:51 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

WSDOT sent word late Saturday night that the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is over: “During the closure crews successfully removed and temporarily replaced two of the structure’s support columns to make room for construction of the new SR 99 southbound roadway through SODO. Crews also tested the automated viaduct closure system.” Both directions are fully reopened. (Above, a photo tweeted by WSDOT, showing one of the columns taken down during the Saturday work.)

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West Seattle summer camps: How about learning rugby?
June 12, 2011 2:45 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Serevi Rugby)
One more addition to our roundup of West Seattle summer camps (initiated after some camp providers sent word they still had room for kids to sign up): 2-time Rugby 7s World Cup Champion Waisale Serevi and his team from Serevi Rugby are teaching “the basics of seven-a-side rugby” in four sessions at Hiawatha Playfield this summer. The introductory camps are for ages 7-18, both genders. More info and online registration at serevirugby.com. (Our previously published list of camps is here – no guarantees they all still have room, but if you’re looking, it’s worth checking!)

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Speaking of the bridge: Bus-lane crackdown brings 51 tickets
June 11, 2011 8:09 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Results are in, via SPD Blotter, from the bus-lane crackdown mentioned on Twitter on Friday (here and here), though it is reported as a two-day effort. Read on for the details (headline – 51 lane violations) plus another crackdown on Highland Park Way:Read More

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Traffic update: Eastbound crash on the bridge now cleared
June 11, 2011 6:39 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:39 PM: A crash that involves several cars is backing up traffic on the bridge. It’s reported on the Spokane St. Viaduct near the 4th Ave exit and one tipster says traffic is being detoured at 1st.

7:46 PM UPDATE: Multiple commenters say the scene is cleared, and the bridge cams seem to bear that out. (Thanks to everyone who e-mailed and texted about this.)

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West Seattle family asks for help finding runaway teenager
June 11, 2011 4:33 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

A local family is hoping you can help find their runaway son – even though that may mean he gets arrested. We talked with the mom of 16-year-old Brody Webster. He ran away more than two weeks ago, and they reported it to police shortly afterward; his mom explains he has a history of running away, but this time, they are more worried than ever about his safety, who he’s with, what he’s up to, and have decided to put up posters and ask widely for help in finding him. He has an arrest warrant, she explains, because he violated terms of a “Youth At Risk” petition (explained here); she says they just want to get him the help he needs. As you can see on the full poster his family is distributing, they ask that you call 911 if you see Brody or know where he might be. He is 5’6″, 110 pounds, brown-haired and blue-eyed, and a West Seattle High School student.

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Return to Delridge: 2 councilmembers from ‘problem properties’ tour return for ‘improvements’ tour
June 11, 2011 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Return to Delridge: 2 councilmembers from ‘problem properties’ tour return for ‘improvements’ tour
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

More than two years ago, City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Tim Burgess were part of a city delegation joining Delridge activists on a “problem properties” tour. Today, they and fellow councilmember Tom Rasmussen followed a different Delridge trail, as neighborhood advocates led an “improvements” tour. Above, we photographed the group (with North Delridge Neighborhood Council‘s outreach chair Holli Margell speaking) not far from the under-construction Delridge Skatepark. From there, they headed toward the Community Center – you can see the two-year-old community-built (with help from KaBOOM!) playground off to the left:

On the other side of the community center, they stopped by the newly resurfaced Delridge Playfield, updated with money from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy the council had backed (Rasmussen chaired the Parks Committee at the time; Delridge advocate Pete Spalding, also on today’s tour, now chairs the levy’s Oversight Committee):

We had to leave the tour after that, but their full planned itinerary was detailed here; Want to get involved with helping Delridge improvements continue? The NDNC’s next meeting is just two days away – this Monday night, 6:30 pm, at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Then on Wednesday, the Delridge District Council meets at 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), following an hourlong “Strategic Delridge” discussion at 6.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Amanda Leonard from NDNC has posted a thorough report on the tour, its stops, and their backstory, here – it’s a don’t-miss!

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Saturday at the supermarkets
June 11, 2011 2:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scenes: Saturday at the supermarkets
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle supermarkets with outdoor events this afternoon: Above, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) is celebrating its 40th anniversary with special offerings all month, and today the Admiral store had a Cupcake Royale cupcake-sprinkling party. Checking it out while we were there, that’s Kent Sadow from Admiral toys/candy/retro store Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys Shop-O-Rama, and the shop’s co-namesake, son Quinn. What else is on the MM anniversary calendar? Check out the Admiral schedule here.

Meantime, on to Morgan Junction:

West Seattle Thriftway is well into benefit-barbecue season, and Michele was grilling and grinning today as the store raised money for Pencil Me In For Kids. Miss today’s benefit-b-q? No worries, they’re doing it again (also for PMIFK, which helps students who need school supplies) NEXT Saturday, 11 am.

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The WSBeat: Alleged prowler punched; cranky caller; road rage…
June 11, 2011 1:47 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WSBeat

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:

*The victim of a car prowl took matters into his own hands around 1 a.m. last Saturday, when he came outside (in the 2300 block of Barton Pl.) and punched a man who he said was breaking into his car. When officers arrived, the 55-year-old suspect (who lives in the neighborhood) was on the ground, bleeding from a cut near his eye. He was taken to Harborview for treatment and then booked into King County Jail for investigation of theft.

*A man using the business phone at a Junction grocery became loud and belligerent. When the manager told the man to hang up, he was threatened and shoved. A nearby witness happened to be a police officer, who held the intoxicated suspect down until uniformed officers arrived. The suspect, a Beacon Hill resident, was booked into jail for investigation of assault.

Six more summaries, plus new details on an incident recently covered in WSB Crime Watch, ahead:Read More

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Video: Seattle firefighters face off at ‘Battle of the Bravest’
June 11, 2011 12:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Some fire calls seem relatively simple: Food on the stove, out before engines arrive. But when the alarm goes off, firefighters don’t know what they’ll face, and they have to be ready for the worst – ready to push themselves to the max, racing up stairs, lifting heavy equipment, wielding tools to break through roofs or walls or windows or cars to get to victims and/or fire sources – and rescuing people. Some of those particularly demanding skills were showcased in a competition this morning at the city’s Joint Training Facility, on the southeastern edge of West Seattle (9401 Myers Way). Our clip shows one competition sequence from the first-ever “Battle of the Bravest: Seattle Firefighters Intramural Combat Relay Challenge” was a team relay, with proceeds going to Seattle’s Bravest Charity. The Seattle Fire Department communications team says SBC “benefits victims of fires, helps elderly residents through a Home Rescue Program, and donates bike helmets to children in need.” (They promise to let us know who won, so we’ll add that when we get word!)

12:54 PM: Just got word from SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore that the team from Station 32 in The Junction won! (Their time was 1:45, beating Station 33 by six seconds, and Moore says the six teams collectively raised $3,088 for SBC.)

3:12 PM: A photo of the winning Station 32 team, courtesy of SFD:

In the photo: Dean Ronhar, Jake Bange, Tom Hofland. Congratulations!

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West Seattle Relay for Life 2011, report #2: The last laps
June 11, 2011 11:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Relay for Life 2011, report #2: The last laps
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

When you’ve been going all night – it takes a final push to make it through those final hours. At West Seattle Stadium this morning, a team captain blew bubbles to keep spirits high as the 2011 West Seattle Relay for Life reached its final hour. On the other side of the field, a throwing game had takers:

And special visitors drew attention – Ladder 11 (off-camera, its stationmate from Station 32 in The Junction, Engine 32, was on hand as well):

As we reported last night, organizers say this year’s Relay was bigger than ever – we’ll check in the days ahead for final fundraising totals. At the heart of it all, the fight against cancer – on a large scale, and on a very personal scale, as West Seattle survivor Wendy Weeks told participants just before the Survivor’s Lap launched the event last night:

She has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer for 10 months but is a longtime Relay for Life participant; she said that last year, as she walked past the luminarias lit after dark on Relay night, she could never have imagined that this year, her name would be on one of the bags.

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West Seattle Saturday: Fundraisers, celebrations, and more!
June 11, 2011 7:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Fundraisers, celebrations, and more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo added 9:45 am, from the tornado-survivors-fundraiser yard sale at 4726 50th SW)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:

TRANSPORTATION/TRANSIT NOTES: Alaskan Way Viaduct closed … Sound Transit service changes now in effect, including cutbacks on Route 560 from West Seattle to Sea-Tac (as previously reported here)

RELAY FOR LIFE: The overnight cancer-fighting fundraiser (co-sponsored by WSB this year) has been under way since 6:30 Friday night at West Seattle Stadium and concludes with closing ceremonies at 10 this morning.

BENEFIT YARD SALE #1: 8 am-5 pm, 4749 51st Place SW, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, details in this WSB Forums post.

BENEFIT YARD SALE #2: West Seattle neighborhood yard sale to help victims of Joplin, MO tornado, hosted by neighbors of a family with Joplin ties (and who have visited to help their relatives cope with the aftermath). 9 am-3 pm today, 4726 50th SW (and they say thanks for a mountain of donated items!).

SEACREST GARDEN WORK PARTY: Seacrest Garden Work Party – Help is needed to maintain the beautiful native plant garden on the shore of Elliott Bay! Weeds need to be pulled and mulch needs to be spread. All tools and gloves will be provided, plus some snacks and beverages to keep you fueled up! Meet at Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), 9 am – 12 noon

BARTON STREET P-PATCH WORK PARTY: Starts 9:30 am (details here), 34th/Barton.

‘ONE LAST LOOK’ AT DENNY MIDDLE SCHOOL: Demolition is scheduled this summer, since Denny’s new building is ready. Today, take “one last look” between 10 am and noon (details here), 8402 30th SW.

GOVERNMENT PROCESS TRAINING WORKSHOP: Don’t know how to use the government process? Want to know how you can make a difference? Come to a free training program. 10 am – 1 pm at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW, corner of Lanham). At this workshop, we will:
* Explore the concepts of advocacy, direct action and public leadership.
* Give a brief overview of the government agencies.
* Meet other community organizers in your neighborhood.
* Practice different approaches for communities to make positive change at the neighborhood or city level
-Bring your action project idea, such as 35th Ave Safety, HP Pedestrian Safety, community building.
Training is Free. Refreshments provided. Child care is available.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library celebrates its 1st anniversary with special events all weekend – starting with a “community welcome” at 10 am today – schedule of events in this WSB story

SEOLA PARK NEEDS YOU: EarthCorps Volunteer Event at Seola Park (10 am – 2 pm).

DELRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS WALK: Delridge Improvements Walk – Meet at Uptown Espresso (3845 Delridge Way SW), 11 am. Bring a water bottle and wear comfy shoes (walking for a couple hours). Have you ever wondered how a street gets speed bumps, or thought about the need for a cross walk around your neighborhood? Learn what neighbors have done to improve the neighborhood, and see how you can make a difference. City councilmembers expected to be on hand. Full list of stops here, in case you have to join in progress.

TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REP: Informal discussion with Steve Sundquist (sundquist4schools.com). 11 am -12:30 pm at the High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

SSCC GARDEN CENTER: Puget Ridge Garden Center at South Seattle Community College doesn’t have regular hours for the public – but today, it’s open 11 am – 3 pm, selling a wide variety of plants. North end of the South Seattle Community College campus at 6000 16th Ave SW.

FUNDRAISING BARBECUE: Get lunch at West Seattle Thriftway (look for the barbecue tent outside the store) starting at 11 am – proceeds go to Pencil Me In For Kids

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, METROPOLITAN MARKET: 40th anniversary celebration at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor, 2320 42nd Ave SW), today featuring a Cupcake Royale sprinkle party for kids, noon-2 pm

SWIM OUTDOORS! Another pre-season weekend for Colman Pool in Lincoln Park, starting with lap swim at noon.

KITTY HARBOR: West Seattle’s only animal shelter, Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor SW) open for its second weekend of the season, noon-6 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Northwest Wine Academy event at South Seattle Community College: 12 – 6 pm with Wine Barrel Toasting Demonstration (12 – 3 pm): Watch professional coopers toast wine barrels AND Dare to Pair Competition! (3 – 5:30 pm). Six teams from SSCC’s Culinary School go up against each other to pair our wines with their artistry.

SECOND TO LAST DAY OF SIFF IN WEST SEATTLE: The film festival concludes tomorrow, and four films are screening at the Admiral Theater today, starting at 1 pm, from the US, UK, and Norway. Full details here.

BENEFIT BOOK FAIR: Sanislo Elementary School Fundraiser at the BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK FAIR. Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) Barnes and Noble is hosting a Sanislo Fundraiser 5 – 8 pm. In addition to Sanislo students and staff reading, at 6 pm Frances McCue will read from her book The Car That Brought You Here Still Runs, and more. After 7 pm, Sanislo alum Aaron Counts will slam a few rhymes of his own, and maybe one with his son Azai. If you can’t come, take your support online! Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 6/11/11 to 6/17/11 by entering Bookfair ID# 10483899 at checkout.

FAMILY PROMISE FUN-DRAISER: Sock hop dinner, dance and auction to benefit Family Promise of Seattle and celebrate its reopening, 5 – 10 pm, Holy Rosary‘s Lanigan Gym, call 206-937-2703 for ticket info.

ARTSWEST FUN-DRAISER: ArtsWest’s annual gala, at Museum of Flight, 6 pm.

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West Seattle schools: Waitlist information, school by school
June 11, 2011 12:08 am
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Earlier this week, after hearing from a West Seattle parent concerned about the waitlist situation at local Seattle Public Schools, we asked the district for school-by-school waitlist information. They said they’d try to make it available by the end of the week – and they did. Here’s the current breakdown, school by school, grade by grade, district-wide. The waitlist is for students whose families asked that they be assigned to that school, though it’s not their “neighborhood” school. There’s usually a fair amount of movement on the list before (and shortly after) school starts, but for now, here are the five longest West Seattle waitlists:

Chief Sealth International High School, 9th grade waitlist – 83
Pathfinder K-8 kindergarten waitlist – 48
Gatewood Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 28
Lafayette Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 28
Schmitz Park Elementary kindergarten waitlist – 20

The Sealth 9th-grade list is the second-longest districtwide, eclipsed only by the 88 waiting for 9th grade at Garfield High School. If you have a student on a waitlist, you can check her/his status here (the district says it’s usually updated on Fridays).

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