Sent by Hillary:

To add to the growing number of vehicle thefts recently, my 2017 Kia Soul was stolen from the NW corner of California Ave SW and SW Hanford St. I parked there at around 12:30 am Friday night/Saturday morning and noticed it gone (and a pile of glass) at 6:30 pm Saturday. She is black with License plate # BOS4455.

We’ll add the police report # when we get it. (UPDATE: 23-269435)

FRIDAY UPDATE: The car’s been found.

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UPDATE: Fireworks off Bainbridge Island startle thousands

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

(Added: Photo sent by Shawn)

9:35 PM: There’s one heck of a fireworks show under way – according to the peek we could get from the end of our street, looks like it’s off south Bainbridge Island. Trying to find out whose!

9:44 PM: On Twitter/X, @westseawx unearthed an announcement from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department that there would be a “private fireworks show” tonight.

(Added: Photo by John Skerratt)

9:54 PM: The BIFD announcement said it would be “south of” the island and out of their jurisdiction, but within the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction.

10:05 PM: The BIFD announcement, and a KUOW story some have linked in comments, note that there was a similar show on the corresponding third Saturday night in September last year. We just checked our archives and it got only a fleeting mention because at that moment on that night (9/17/22) the West Seattle Bridge had just reopened.

10:23 PM: The dogs in our neighborhood are still barking. … We checked the latest Coast Guard Notice to Mariners, but it gave no hint of fireworks – the notation was just “Private Party, 2130-2200, IVO (in vicinity of) Blake Island.”

11:10 PM: For comparison, 10 years ago there was a private fireworks show off a barge off Beach Drive. The local company producing the celebration that included the show circulated an alert three weeks ahead of time.

SUNDAY EVENING: The Seattle Times identifies the fireworks company involved, and the various goverment agencies nominally involved, but still no enlightenment as to who the show was for and why.

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SUNDAY: Walk potential light-rail route with supports of ‘no-build alternative’

September 16, 2023 7:54 pm

| 87 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Tomorrow’s the day that advocates of the “no-build alternative” lead a walk along much of the potential West Seattle light-rail route. Organizers, now under the banner Rethink the Link, have an update on what they plan to discuss. As laid out here:

-You will pass businesses likely to be demolished or affected adversely in some way.
-There will be explanations of the environmental impacts on Pigeon Point, the Duwamish Greenbelt, and Longfellow Creek.
-The Walk will pass where we THINK the route and Delridge Station will go. Walkers will be able to get an idea of the scale of the structure.
-You’ll cross Avalon Way and look back to see where the proposed route will weave its way through the various Transitional Resources buildings.
-At the top of the hill, you’ll see where the proposed route transitions from an elevated track, to tracks at grade, into a “retained cut.”
-You’ll also get a general idea of where the Avalon Station will be, if it remains part of the plan

Organizers say they have one change from the list of speakers mentioned here – Longfellow Creek will be discussed by Pamela Adams of BeaverInsights. Walk participants are meeting at 11 am tomorrow (Sunday, September 17th) at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW).

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TRAFFIC ALERT: West Seattle Junction collision

September 16, 2023 7:08 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:08 PM: SPD says northbound traffic on California at Edmunds/Erskine is being diverted because of a collision. It’s reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian, and the pedestrian will be taken to the hospital. Northbound traffic is being sent down Erskine.

7:50 PM: No further information so far. We’re checking with SFD for more information about the person taken to the hospital.

EARLY SUNDAY: We haven’t heard back from SFD yet, but meantime two commenters who report being there say the victim was a bike rider who was hit by a car door.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen taupe Civic; dumped items

September 16, 2023 4:54 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen taupe Civic; dumped items

| West Seattle news

Two reader reports this afternoon:

STOLEN CIVIC: The report is from Beau: “Taupe/beige 2000 Honda Civic, license plate BLN5706. Taken from the High Point neighborhood, at the corner of High Point Drive SW and Macarthur Lane.” We’ll add the police report # when we get it.

DUMPED ITEMS: From a reader who wanted to be anonymous:

Found on Frontenac near 42nd SW. Student supplies and personal items.

Yours? Let us know and we’ll connect you.

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ORCAS: Lone whale in the area

September 16, 2023 3:40 pm

| Comments Off on ORCAS: Lone whale in the area

| West Seattle news | Whales

Kersti Muul reports: “One lone male orca (likely T65A5 heading to meet family) is southbound, outer edge of Elliott Bay, past Skiff Point, Bainbridge Island.” (That’s directly across from West Point on the north edge of the bay.)

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No meeting today with your School Board director – but three dates to remember

September 16, 2023 1:06 pm

| Comments Off on No meeting today with your School Board director – but three dates to remember

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Received from our area’s Seattle Public Schools director Leslie Harris:

HUGE apologies – SPS District 6 Community Meeting is cancelled due to unforeseen mistakes in scheduling.

Next meeting (w/ lasagna) is scheduled for the West Seattle Library, October 21, 2023 – 2 – 5 p.m.

Please make sure to attend the online Well Resourced Schools [online] meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26th from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and take the poll that allows narrative answers.

And tune in to the Board Work Session on the Budget on Weds. Sept. 20th, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

seattleschools.org – for sign-in information.

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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Eco-Fair

September 16, 2023 11:02 am

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| Environment | West Seattle news

11:02 AM: As previewed here, the West Seattle Eco-Fair is happening today, presented by by the Care for Creation Ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Holy Rosary Catholic parishes. We dropped by early for a look at some of what you’ll see – including information you can act on, like the plastic-avoidance display featured above, and RainWise (below):

This continues until 2 pm today.

It’s happening in the Walmesley Center at OLG, on the northeast corner of 35th/Myrtle.

2:04 PM: Wrapping up now. Thanks to Tony Fragada for sending this view from when the event was fully up and running:

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: Second-Time Sale at Fauntleroy Church

September 16, 2023 9:51 am

| Comments Off on CONTINUING SUNDAY: Second-Time Sale at Fauntleroy Church

| Fauntleroy | Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

How big is Fauntleroy Church‘s Second-Time Sale? So big that about two dozen people were waiting to get in when we arrived just before the doors opened at 9 am. So much stuff, the Fellowship Hall is brimming – even some items on the stage:

And more outside!

Here’s the overview from volunteer Judy Pickens: “Bargain-priced items range from towels to fine jewelry, books to cookware, and china to furniture, all clean, culled, and well-organized. Proceeds benefit the ministries of this active United Church of Christ congregation.” (That includes community projects like next Saturday’s Recycle Roundup!) The sale is on at 9131 California SW until 4 pm today, with an encore session 11:30 am-3 pm Sunday.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another dumped Hyundai

September 16, 2023 9:37 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reported by Claudia:

Unfortunately, it looks like we found a stolen and dumped vehicle this morning at the intersection of SW Cloverdale St & 37th Ave SW. It’s a black Hyundai Sonata with a WA license plate #AEB1901. The driver’s door has a dent and was left open. The car also looks like it was rifled through with various pens and paper scattered throughout the car and spilling out. I’m guessing the car was likely dumped sometime late at night, 9/15, or early this morning, 9/16.

I reported it to the city as an abandoned vehicle … Whoever this car belongs to, I’m sorry this happened to you.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 25 notes!

September 16, 2023 6:16 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo – Gatewood sunflowers)
Welcome to the last Saturday of summer! Here’s what’s happening:

TRAFFIC ALERT: The paving project on eastbound SW Alaska between 44th and California will resume this morning, with that side of that block closed all weekend – that means some bus reroutes, too.

ORCA HALF: This half marathon between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Ramp will start, in waves, at 7:30 am. No road closures. For people coming from the other side of the bay, an extra early West Seattle Water Taxi run has been added from Pier 50 at 7:30 am.

FREE GROUP RUN: If you’d prefer to run a shorter distance, you can get your weekend off to a good start with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

SECOND-TIME SALE: Fauntleroy Church‘s mega-sale starts today in the Fellowship Hall. Tables and tables and tables of curated, clean, lightly used items. 9 am-4 pm. (9140 California SW)

CRAFT SHOW: Local artists are selling their work at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury), 9 am-4 pm. Overflow parking at Summit Atlas, kitty-corner across the intersection.

MORE SALES: See local sale listings on the WSB Community Forums‘ Freebies/Deals/Sales board.

TAKE A HIKE! Meet at the South Seattle College Arboretum (north end of 6000 16th SW campus) for a 9;30 am guided hike into the West Duwamish Greenbelt.

WEST SEATTLE ECO-FAIR: 10 am-2 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle), meet reps of local groups that can help you figure out how to respond to the ecological emergency.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The weekly farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is open for shopping 10 am-2 pm, prioritizing vendors of color, presented by African Community Housing & Development.

ANNIVERSARY SALE: The Discovery Shop – West Seattle (4535 California SW), which raises money to fight cancer, is having a 25%-off sale today, 10 am-4 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

(added) BATMAN DAY: From Tails to Astonish (4850 California SW):

Today is Batman Day! And Tails to Astonish will be passing out free Batman comics for all ages. Plus, we are having a sale of 20% off all Batman back issues and toys. Come celebrate the caped crusader!

Open 11:30 am-7 pm.

FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE: The parade celebrating Latin American cultures is back! 11 am in South Park, from 10th/Henderson east to 14th/Henderson, north to 14th/Cloverdale, west to 8th/Cloverdale, ending slightly north on 8th.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SATURDAY COOKOUTS: Highland Park Corner Store is grilling, 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays through the end of the month. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP ON THE RIVER: Noon-3 pm, bring your own boat and join in a Duwamish River cleanup. Meetup location and registration link are on this page.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See what’s new at the home of West Seattle’s history – visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

AT THE SKYLARK: Emerald City Kings Ball at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

‘MATT & BEN’: Second weekend for the season-opening play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

AT KENYON HALL: Jack Williams performs at 7:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? Get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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About that line of lights in the sky

September 16, 2023 3:58 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

The photo is from Nick, one of several people who emailed/texted late Friday night about that sight in the sky. It was another Starlink sighting. SpaceX launched another 22 internet-service satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida, just after 8:30 pm our time Friday, and that was the fourth Starlink launch this month. However, that’s not what we were seeing here, according to FindStarlink.com – this “satellite train” was from Starlink 104, launched a week ago.

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ELECTION 2023: City Council Candidate Chats, round 2 – Rob Saka

September 15, 2023 11:35 pm

| 22 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

King County Elections will send out ballots for this fall’s general election a little more than a month from now, so voting time is fast approaching.

Voters in West Seattle and vicinity will elect a new City Council District 1 representative; after eight years, Lisa Herbold, the first and only person to hold the seat since seven of the nine councilmembers started being elected by district, decided not to run again. The top finishers in an eight-candidate primary to succeed her are Maren Costa, who received 33 percent of the August vote, and Rob Saka, who got 24 percent.

As we did before the primary, we sat down with them for half-hour-ish interviews, recorded on video. We recorded each conversation at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Saka talked with us on Thursday, September 7th. The main topic for both conversations was public safety, and that’s where we began:

If you can’t or don’t want to watch the video, here’s our summary of the conversation:

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ELECTION 2023: City Council Candidate Chats, round 2 – Maren Costa

September 15, 2023 11:32 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Less than five weeks remain until King County Elections mails ballots for this fall’s general election.

This time, top of the ticket for West Seattle and vicinity is electing a new City Council District 1 representative. Lisa Herbold has held the job for the eight years since the city started electing seven of the nine councilmembers by district, and she decided not to run for a third term. After an eight-candidate primary, two finalists remain in the running to succeed her: Maren Costa, who received 33 percent of the August vote, and Rob Saka, who got 24 percent.

Before the primary, we sat down with them and four other candidates for half-hour interviews, recorded on video. With the election approaching, and in advance of an intense schedule of forums and debates – including one we’re presenting on September 25th – we asked them to talk with us again. We recorded each conversation at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Costa talked with us this past Monday, September 11th. The main topic for both conversations was public safety, so that’s where we began:

If you can’t or don’t want to watch the video, here’s how the interview went:

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HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth remains undefeated after low-scoring win over Franklin

September 15, 2023 10:06 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

3-0 was doubly meaningful for Chief Sealth International High School‘s football team tonight. That’s the score by which they defeated Franklin at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex – and that’s their record so far. The three points came on a field goal in the final second of the first half by #26, sophomore kicker Ogi Petronijevic (above). Otherwise, it was mostly a defensive contest – one busy tackler was #11, junior Xavier Nguyen:

During the offensive attempts, #3, senior Jeylen Pham-Alejaga, did a lot of carrying:

Another highlight of the night – the Chief Sealth cheerleaders were joined by younger protegés from their fundraising cheer camp earlier this week:

Next up for head football coach Daron Camacho and the Seahawks, the annual Huling Bowl game against West Seattle High School – that’s next Friday night, September 22nd, 7 pm, at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Chef Korea Miso revises opening date (update: and another delay)

September 15, 2023 8:09 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

That photo shared by RG in a comment shows what just discovered after going over to 16th/Holden to check – Chef Korea Miso, the new restaurant in the old Wanna Burger/Teriyaki spot, has pushed back their opening a bit. It was supposed to be today; now the sign on the door says they’ll open next Wednesday (September 20th). They told us last month the menu will be “K-food.”

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 20: We just went over; they’re not ready to open yet. They tell us they’re waiting on deliveries of the ingredients needed for their dishes. Could be tomorrow, or Friday …

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: 2 brunch notes for this weekend

September 15, 2023 5:44 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thinking about weekend brunch?

SKYLARK BRINGS BACK BRUNCH: The restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue at 3803 Delridge Way SW is bringing back brunch starting this weekend:

It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally ready to start slinging eggs and pouring those mimosas again!

Starting this Saturday and Sunday, 10:00-3:00, we’ll be offering our house-smoked meats, house made gravy and hollandaise, breakfast tacos, Benedicts, Smoked Bloody Marys, 7 Roasters Coffee, breakfast cocktails, Macrina Bakery Bread and plenty more, all made with the love that you’ve come to expect from us!

We’ll also have the SEAHAWKS on the BIG SCREEN this Sunday. Plus there’s gluten-free and veggie options, as well as something for the kiddos!

It’s sort of a soft re-launch, according to the Skylark announcement: “We’ll have a whole new staff for this so please be patient and feel free to share your feedback. We will be limiting modifications for the first few weeks as well as not doing online ordering while our crew gets things dialed in, but will always do our best to accommodate our guests’ needs.”

CIRCA SKIPS SATURDAY: No Saturday brunch at Circa in The Admiral District tomorrow because, co-proprietor Gretchen tells us, Team Circa is running in the Orca Half half-marathon – and afterward, they’ll have a staff party. But Circa WILL reopen for Saturday dinner.

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Surveys and pumpkins @ Fauntleroy Community Association

September 15, 2023 2:25 pm

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| Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Two toplines from this week’s monthly meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association: The organization is getting ready to launch its periodic community survey. Homes and businesses in the “greater Fauntleroy area” will get postcards inviting them to answer the survey online. Questions will include opinions of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement (as reported here last month, the timeline for that project has now moved back) and assessment of community awareness of FCA projects and events. … Speaking of which, one update: FCA’s annual community pumpkin hunt is set for October 21st, 1-3 pm. About 200 pumpkins will be hidden in the general Endolyne business district area, and some gifts will be up for grabs, including a glass pumpkin from Avalon Glassworks. … The FCA board meets second Tuesdays most months, 7 pm, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse; watch fauntleroy.net for updates between meetings.

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FOLLOWUP: New permanent ‘no parking 11 pm-5 am’ signs going up on Harbor Avenue

September 15, 2023 12:22 pm

| 41 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Thursday evening)

12:22 PM: Thanks for the tip! The residents’ group that’s been long campaigning for changes on Harbor and Alki Avenues is getting another of their requests granted: SDOT has started installing “No Parking 11 pm-5 am” signs on Harbor. The request was reiterated at a community meeting with city officials back in June (WSB coverage here), and one of the group leaders, Mike Gain, says he’s been in continuous contact with the city in the ensuing months. According to his correspondence with SDOT, the department sent notices of the impending sign installation to 500 residential/business addresses “along the Harbor Avenue SW corridor” in late August. Gain says SDOT plans to put up the signs in four “segments” and what’s up now, toward the southern end of Harbor, is just the start. He says, “Hopefully this will eliminate the overnight parking of the RV’s, trailers, and vehicles that have been parked and lined up on Harbor Avenue for years.” (Last time we checked, just a few remained.) We have an inquiry out to SDOT to find out more about the signage plan, including locations – in his collaboration with the city, Gain had recommend the signs be “strategically placed.” We’ll add whatever we hear back.

8:18 PM: Here’s the postcard SDOT says it sent to nearby addresses. It says the restrictions won’t affect areas adjacent to commercial/residential properties but does not specify exactly where that’s referring to.

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WHALES: Transient orcas headed this way

September 15, 2023 10:53 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Just texted by Kersti Muul: “We’ve got transients coming at a good clip from West Point, Seattle side, southbound. The 65As.” Let us know if you see them!

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No, that was NOT the West Seattle troll on a truck!

September 15, 2023 10:05 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Seen around town | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Shannon for the photo – and to John for the first word via a comment with a screengrab of the ferry-dock camera! That was NOT “our” troll being trucked out of West Seattle this morning – it was the future Ballard troll, after arriving via ferry from Vashon Island. It will be placed at the National Nordic Museum for an unveiling on Monday – the last of the six trolls that artist Thomas Dambo is placing around the Northwest.

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Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Friday

September 15, 2023 10:02 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thursday morning fog bank, photographed by James Bratsanos)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor gym for kids 5 and under and their caregivers, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

JAPANESE STORY TIME: Sayoko invites you to High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 10:30 am.

SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOTBALL: High-school season continues, with one local team playing a home game – Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin at 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). At West Seattle Stadium, Seattle Prep plays Garfield at 7 pm.

FLUTES IN THE FOREST: Free classical-music concert in Schmitz Park (enter at Admiral Way/Stevens), 5 pm.

OPEN MIC: Monthly event at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), signups at 6, music at 6:30.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Art Frankel at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET: Keith Lowe at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm.

‘MATT & BEN’: Second weekend for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Emerald City Kings Ball drag event, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle High School collecting food and other items

September 15, 2023 9:04 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle High School collecting food and other items

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School‘s care coordinator Stacey Fernandez asked us to share this with you:

I serve students and families that are in need of basic needs resources, and over the years the number has drastically increased. This week, I have officially kicked off the first food drive of the year. All food and hygiene products collected will benefit WSHS students. The food drive will go on until September 29th. Food items could be dropped off at the front office, Monday – Friday 8 am – 4 pm. I will hold two after school collection times where I will be accepting donations at the school’s historical entrance (the entrance that directly faces Hiawatha). The dates for the after-school collections are: Tuesday, September 19, 4 pm – 6 pm, and Tuesday, September 26, 4 pm – 6 pm.