West Seattle, Washington
06 Saturday
5:07 PM: Matt reports this happened around 3 pm today:
During our CYO Pentathlon event at West Seattle Stadium, two parents were bear-maced when they encountered someone stealing catalytic converters in the parking lot. One car had one taken, one car partially damaged when the theft was interrupted.
911 called for paramedics and police. Parents are both as okay as they can be after being maced in the face. Police are off tracking the truck – they believe they saw it hanging around Alki earlier. Picture of the person and their truck attached.
We don’t have the report # yet but if you think you’ve seen the truck, call 911.
ADDED 5:46 PM: Report # is 23-139719.
Tomorrow – Monday, May 22nd – is a doubly important date in Seattle Public Schools‘ plan to rebuild Alki Elementary.
-Tomorrow at 5 pm is the deadline for filing appeals of the city’s decision to approve nine zoning exceptions (formally known as “departures”) for the project. Our story on the decision explains how.
-Tomorrow night at 7 pm, SPS plans a community meeting with information about the project, which seeks to expand the size and capacity of the school. The meeting will be held in person at the school (3010 59th SW) and online via a link to be posted on this page sometime tomorrow.
The district’s current timeline for the project is to start construction this summer and be ready in time for students and staff to move into the new building in fall 2025.
Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch today:
SHORT-LIVED STANDOFF: Thanks for all the tips about a big police response at 35th and Barton. We heard via police radio that someone was holed up in an apartment, but not why. It was just wrapping up when we got there to find out more. Police say it started as a domestic-violence call – a man allegedly pulled a gun during a “heated argument.” A short standoff ensued; officers arrested him around noon. No injuries reported. MONDAY UPDATE: Here’s the SPD summary of the incident:
At 1116 hours, officers responded to a DV disturbance involving a firearm. The suspect grabbed a handgun, made a threat, and pointed it at the two victims. The suspect eventually exited the apartment and was placed in custody. Officers obtained a warrant and recovered two handguns from inside the apartment.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: While out, we got a tip about this – another Morgan Junction business burglary, this time at Whisky West. So we went there to find out more.
That’s the boarded-up front door – two burglars broke the glass to get in around 3:30 am, WW told us. They subsequently sawed open the safe and stole cash. This security-camera image shows one of them leaving:
A neighbor who saw them break in and called 911 said the burglars got away in a silver Subaru Crosstrek.
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
11:33 AM: By start time this morning, 1,172 people had registered to run and/or walk in the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. Here’s our video of all of them heading out from the start line at 61st/Alki:
(WSB photos and video from here)
Not only was the turnout heartening to the West Seattle PTSA, organizers Athena Frederick and Kelley O’Connor were proud of the other support that’s helping make this an important fundraiser to help WSHS and its students – such as the most local-business sponsorship support ever.
They explained that, for example, the proceeds help ensure “Saturday School” – extra support for students who need it – continues. Now, the top finishers – Matthew Lawrence, 15, was the first to cross the finish line, in 16:55:
Megan Heuer, 41, was the first female runner to finish (as she was in 2017), in 18:16:
All the results are here. Other participants ranged from preschoolers to seniors – race announcer Fred Northup (pictured below with daughter Zola, “a future WSHS student”) noted a 76-year-old woman running the WS5K today to celebrate her birthday.
A big focus for organizers this year was even more school involvement than the past. Even the WSHS Cheer Team was represented.
ADDED 2:37 PM: Here are acknowledgments from the race organizers, with more of our photos interspersed:
Wow, we did it! Bringing this race back post-Covid was a labor of love but thanks to all the organizers in years before us, it was doable! Thanks to all of you, today’s West Seattle 5k was a great success! A big “thank you” to all of our volunteers and sponsors, and the 1,172 runners and walkers who participated! We raised $34,000 for for the West Seattle High School PTSA and students and teachers and staff! The PTSA covers educational programming like Saturday School, Teachers Mini-grants and more!
Yours Truly, 2023 Race Co-Directors – Kelley O’Connor and Athena Frederick
Special shout out to volunteers:
Lori Sherick and Amy Huey for helping get the word out at all the schools and to help when we were overwhelmed and needed a quick errand made, or a document crafted!
Amy Doll for coordinating the supplies, kids, teachers and staff!
Erik Bell at Bell Fortina for countless hours coming up with our graphics and all the artwork for our shirt design, posters, banner, yard signs, clean up and so much more. And, then to come out and take pictures of runners and families. We so appreciate YOU and all you do for our community in capturing pictures of an events like this.
Dana Margolis @ The Little Gym for help securing sponsorships and prizes – you rock!
Renee Phelps and all the NHS students from West Seattle High School for putting out signage, stuffing bags and working the event!
WSHS PTSA Board members – especially Gina, Holly, Chau, and Heather!!
Lyndsay Aykens and Owen Reese for coordinating our Event Day Volunteers!
James Powell for your love of the sport!
Lori Sherick and Chris OClaire and their FUN Committee (WSHS 5k student led committee) – Bree, William, Esta, Sam, Lilly, Elliott,
Adult Course Monitors – thanks for stepping in this year to have our backs
Lyle at Get Me Registered for all the tech support!!
Alki businesses and residents – thanks for sharing this special beach for the morning so we could hold this fundaiser to make our local West Seattle High School the best it can be for our students and teachers!
Our 70+ volunteers!We doubled our best sponsorship year, raising 20k in funds from our local businesses. That 20K covered the cost of putting on the race.
All our amazing Sponsors:
Portage Bay Cafe
School of Rock West Seattle
Sea Pines Physical Therapy
Dragonfly Pilates who warmed us up
West Seattle Realty
West Seattle Blog who got the word out about the event
Fred from Northup Fundraising for all his great emcee skills today!! Special thanks for reading every finisher’s name, nice touch!
Clif Bar for keeping us fueled on energy bars and bloks!
West Seattle Runner for hosting our packet pickup and top finishers all a new pair of running shoes!
BracePoint Law
Schoeb Chiropractic
We Sweat
Susi Musi Realtor
Dream Dinners
West Seattle Foot & Ankle
Alki Annie realtor
Club Pilates on Mercer Island
Swifty Printing
The Hill Team – Zack and Jody Realtors
Sports Medicine NW
Tram’s Salon
Hotwire Coffee
Ventana Construction
Niederberger Construction
WebCami for all our website needs and many rounds to bring the website back from 2019!!
Cometa Playschool
The Little Gym of West Seattle – yay Teacher Dana
The Fang Law Firm
PCC Community Market
Metropolitan Market
Carmilia’s Boutique
Mission Cantina
West Wings
West Side Music Academy
Alki Kayak Tours
Colburn Law
The first WS5K was on May 31, 2009 (here’s our coverage). P.S. The next community-benefit 5K in West Seattle is the Float Dodger 5K, which West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) will present again July 22nd – before the West Seattle Grand Parade – as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank; you can register here right now!
(Saturday sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
We start with the event that will bring more than 1,000 participants – plus spectators, organizers, and volunteers – to Alki this morning:
WEST SEATTLE 5K RETURNS: The run/walk presented by and for the West Seattle High School PTSA is back for the first time since 2019, and organizers say more than 1,000 people have signed up to run/walk the waterfront route. They’ll head from 61st/Alki to Luna/Anchor Park and back, so Alki/Harbor Avenues will be closed starting around 8 am.
Last-minute registration and packet pickup starts at 8:30 am; pre-race warmups at 9:15 am; then the WS5K starts at 9:30 am. The streets reopen when the course clears, which should be by 11 am.
Another big benefit event today:
BATTLE FOR WEST SEATTLE: The first-ever softball showdown between the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association is a fundraiser for the West Seattle and White Center food banks. You can cheer for local businesses’ latest act of community giving by going to Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd, White Center) at noon. See the rosters here; ticket info’s here.
Other things to know:
MYERS WAY CLOSURE: SDOT expects to keep Myers between Olson and 2nd closed all day as the continuation of repaving work that started Saturday.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm; the market offers spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, plant starts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)
SOUL SPA: Inner Alchemy is hosting Soul Spas on Sundays at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) during Farmers’ Market hours, 10 am-2 pm: “a fun community experience of meeting our talented local healers, makers, and artists right alongside the Farmers’ Market. Mini-sessions, shopping, connecting, and Timmy cooking brunch!”
DONATION DRIVE: Men’s work clothing is a priority for today’s 11 am-3 pm donation drive at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):
Most of the men we assist are in day labor through the Millionair Club, Casa Latina, Labor Ready, or pickup jobs. Help us help them support their families through your donations of clean, wearable, and seasonally appropriate work clothing: pants, hoodies, T-shirts, socks, boots, shorts, tanks, as well as new underwear, belts, hats, all kinds of shoes (except dress shoes!).
Donations of food, clothing and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Good enough for beachwalking again today, -2.4 feet at 12:40 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm.
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm monthly gathering at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for this month’s topic.
PUPPIES VS. KITTENS: All-ages event at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) with adoptable fuzzballs and local rescuers as part of the beer garden’s slate of events during Seattle Beer Week.
THEATER: Matinee for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Tickets here.
END THE WEEKEND PEACEFULLY: Inner Alchemy offers Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Breath Work, and Gong Bath from 7-8:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). RSVP/fee info is in our calendar listing.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
1:02 AM: SPD and SFD are headed to an apartment in the 7500 block of 24th SW for a report of a robbery and gunfire. Officers told dispatch the victim reported being pistol-whipped but responders aren’t sure yet if they also were shot. Updates to come.
1:08 AM: The victim apparently was not shot, but was assaulted, responders have determined. They’re calling in a K9 to help search, so people in the area may hear the obligatory PA warnings police use to let a suspect know a dog is after them.
1:26 AM: They’ve confirmed gunfire in the apartment, finding at least one shell casing so far.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Grueling but ultimately thrilling day for the West Seattle High School baseball team. After winning their first two games in the state 3A tournament – both played today – they’re in the final four. As noted earlier, Matthew Henning pitched a no-hitter in the morning victory over Stadium High School from Tacoma, 4-0, and then Miles Gosztola (#13, below) allowed just one run for the win in the afternoon quarterfinal game vs. Edmonds-Woodway, 3-1.
Hitting stars for the second game were Bobby Trigg (#2, below) and Sabin Tomlinson, both going 2 for 3, plus Caden Fahy, who had 2 RBI while going 1 for 3.
Both of today’s games were at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where WSHS plays its home games. For the final rounds of the state tournament, head coach Dylan Mclauchlin and team head to Everett Memorial Stadium, playing Lincoln (also from Seattle Public Schools) at 10 am Friday (May 26th). The other two teams in the semifinals are Lake Washington and O’Dea. If they win Friday, the Wildcats will play for the championship at 4 pm Saturday. (Here’s the full tournament bracket.)
Were you among the estimated 4,000+ volunteers who pitched in for “One Seattle Day of Service“ today? We have pics from two West Seattle sites. First, Sally Heit tells us about the cleanup at the former Seattle Lutheran High School campus on the north edge of The Junction:
On the One Seattle Day of Service, a bunch of volunteers and I spent the morning really cleaning up the Landscaping around the former Seattle Lutheran High School campus and parking lot.
Craig Bowen, parishioner of Hope Church, provided a Cedar Grove Composting truck so we could take down some overgrown trees as well as other debris.
The truck holds 25 yards and we filled it! We still have more to do but hopefully we have made the area around the campus more open and friendly to the neighborhood and those who walk.
It was exciting to see the progress!!
In High Point, one of the “opening acts” for today’s West Seattle Bee Festival was a neighborhood cleanup with a swarm of volunteers. We saw a couple still on patrol during the heart of the festival:
And we noticed the results of volunteers’ work:
If you missed the chance to help today, there are many other opportunities throughout the year – we put them in our Event Calendar when we get word of them, and you can also connect with the prolific group A Cleaner Alki, for one.
(WSB photo)
Six weeks after 20-year-old Ka’Don Brown was found shot to death on the southwest end of the Chief Sealth International High School campus, his murder remains unsolved. His family and friends remain anxious for answers. Holding signs reading “Justice for Ka’Don” and “Who Killed Ka’Don?”, they walked to the SPD Southwest Precinct this afternoon for a streetcorner demonstration. The most recent update from police, as reported here, is that they were “waiting on search warrants” – but there have been no public updates in the week-plus since then. If you have any information, the SPD tip line is 206-233-5000.
(WSB photo)
Lucia, Shelyenne, and Lilly are helping with packet pickup for tomorrow’s West Seattle 5K – if you’ve registered, you have until 5 pm to go get yours at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) and avoid the pre-race crush tomorrow. Might be a record-setting turnout, according to Athena from the West Seattle High School PTSA, who sent this photo earlier:
(Photo sent by Athena)
The WSHS PTSA presents and benefits from the WS5K, which has more than 1,000 runners and walkers signed up so far. It starts at 61st/Alki at 9:30 am tomorrow; late registration/packet pickup is on site starting at 8:30 am. Alki/Harbor Avenues will be closed for the WS5K starting at 8 am, and that’s why “road closed” signs are already staged along side streets.
High Point Commons Park and Lanham Place to its west [map] are a hive of activity for this afternoon’s West Seattle Bee Festival. At the WS Bee Garden, north end of the park, Puget Sound Beekeepers are selling honey and answering lots of questions.
The entertainment is in keeping with the theme – Ella Bella Bee and the Pollinators performed in the first hour.
Not far from the Amphitheater, toward the south end of Lanham, we found Chance (below) and Blue, Seattle Police horses (based in West Seattle, on the southwest side of Westcrest Park):
Other city departments and services are there too – including the Seattle Public Library Bookmobile:
You can find out about local nonprofits, too – among those with booths/tables are the West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Cooperative Preschools, and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (whose work includes lots of nature stewardship). The festival continues until 3 pm.
12:15 PM: The West Seattle High School baseball team will play its second state-tournament game later today after winning the first one. Matthew Henning threw a no-hitter as the Wildcats shut out Tacoma’s Stadium HS, 4-0 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. That’s also where they’ll play game two against the winner of a 1 pm game between Edmonds-Woodway and Southridge. We’ll add the time/opponent when that info’s available (it should also appear here).
3:34 PM: The Wildcats will play Edmonds-Woodway, who just scored a come-from-behind win over Southridge (from the Tri-Cities) at NCSWAC. We don’t yet know the start time.
4:09 PM: That game is now under way, scoreless in top of the 2nd per the GameChanger app (we’ll be headed back to the stadium shortly). Miles Gosztola is starting on the mound for WSHS.
5:53 PM: WSHS won that game, 3-1, and heads to the state semifinals. Full story separately, later.
The South Delridge Farmers’ Market is back for a third season, and now it’s weekly! Thirteen vendors are there for the first week – Amanda and family make and sell Ma&Pops, frozen treats with three flavors today, Hibiscus Tea, Strawberry, or Spicy Watermelon:
Ma&Pops’ philosophy is “inspired by our Caribbean and Southern roots to make flavors that provoke a nostalgia and connection to the African diaspora.” Also at the market today, another family-run small business – Wayde and Joey are from Ube Overload, which she founded from “my love of ube and Filipino flavors that I bring from my childhood”:
Their ube-centered treats include mochi bites, cookies, and crinkles. The market, presented by African Community Housing & Development, is happening 10 am-2 pm every Saturday through October in the courtyard at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW).
Jose sent this for a friend who is the latest to have a Kia Soul stolen:
“My Kia Soul (orange) was stolen sometime last night. The car was parked on 59th Avenue SW near Alki Beach around 8 PM. This morning, around 8:30 AM, the car was nowhere to be found. Broken window glass was found where the car was last parked.
Information about the vehicle –
2018 orange Kia Soul
License Plate Number: CES6093
Police Report Number: 23-138415Please keep an eye out.
The photo shows the back of the car, with stickers.
(Friday photo from Lincoln Park, by Anjanette Nelson-Wally)
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Myers Way will be closed all weekend between Olson and 2nd SW for repaving … Lanham on the west side of High Point Commons Park will be closed 8 am-5 pm today for the West Seattle Bee Festival (see below) plus setup and breakdown.
BREAKFAST BENEFIT: 8-10 am, have breakfast with and for the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Online ticket sales are over so you’d have to buy yours at the door.
EMERALD WATER ANGLERS FLY FEST: New location this year, a bit south of West Seattle – The Cove at Normandy Park (1500 SW Shorebrook Drive) – Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) promises it’s a bigger and better venue for their daylong festival where you can try rods, check out other gear and apparel, and celebrate fly fishing.
WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: 9:30 am, meet at the Arboretum on the north end of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL: The Bee Festival is back! See the schedule here. Highlights are a fun run for youth at 9:30 am, a community cleanup as part of One Seattle Day of Service at 10:30 am, Ella Bella Bee performing at noon, bee-hive demonstration at 1 pm, and Soul Line Dancing at 2 pm. Vendors and community organizations have activity/info booths on Lanham, west of the park, noon-3 pm. It all unfolds north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 9:30 am-3 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, selling a vast variety of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
BASEBALL: 10 am at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), West Seattle HS plays Stadium in a state tournament opener. It’s a must-win game; if they do, they play a second game (time/opponent TBD) later in the day, also at NCSWAC.
LONGFELLOW CREEK TRAIL LEGACY WALK: 10 am, take this walk with Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks. Meet at 26th/Yancy.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET, OPENING DAY: Back for a third year, this farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) will be weekly this year, starting today, 10 am-2 pm, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:15-10:45 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Get info about Marco’s music here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
‘JUSTICE FOR KA’DON’ MARCH: From the inbox late last night:
The family & friends of Ka’Don Brown will be having a protest walk for “Justice For Ka’Don” 5-20-23 at 12 (noon) starting at Southwest Community Center in West Seattle going down to the precinct on Delridge by Home Depot. You can bring posters, pictures, your voice & your presence.
Mr. Brown was the victim of an unsolved murder exactly six weeks ago.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
WEST SEATTLE 5K PACKET PICKUP: Noon-5 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – the return of the WS5K is tomorrow!
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: You’re invited to visit the home of West Seattle’s history noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE: Should be good enough for beachwalking, -2.4 feet at 12:04 pm.
VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)
COCKTAIL CLASS: Learn from the best at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 1 pm.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Taste, sip, buy student-produced wine at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor; 6000 16th SW), 1-6 pm.
CHORAL CONCERT: Seattle Metropolitan Singers at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), 3 pm.
JAZZ NIGHT AT OUNCES: Special events for Seattle Beer Week continue, with live jazz 6-8 pm, plus beer and food. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
AT KENYON HALL: Tom Collier and Marc Seales, doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm. Piano/vibraphone duet. Benefiting the West Seattle High School Alumni Association. (7904 35th SW)
THEATER: Third weekend for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Tickets here.
AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, for “curated covers” with Festival of Friends Bandmixers, $10 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘AGAINST THE CURRENT’ PREMIERE: Community premiere of Puget Soundkeeper‘s short documentary, plus a discussion of ways you can take action for clean waters. 8 pm at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW).
If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two more people filed today to run for Seattle City Council District 1, as King County Elections’ Filing Week concluded, and the fields for our three major no-incumbent races are finalized – unless somebody withdraws by the Monday deadline. From the KCE list, here are the lineups, linked to candidates’ websites if available:
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1 – 8 candidates
Preston Anderson (Wednesday)
Lucy Barefoot (Friday)
Stephen Brown (Monday)
Maren Costa (Tuesday)
Jean Iannelli Craciun (Monday)
Mia Jacobson (Friday)
Rob Saka (Monday)
Phil Tavel (Wednesday)
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DISTRICT 6 – 3 candidates
Rosie McCarter (Monday)
Gina Topp (Tuesday)
Maryanne Wood (Wednesday)
KING COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8 – 3 candidates
Sofia Aragon (Tuesday)
GoodSpaceGuy (Tuesday)
Teresa Mosqueda (Monday)
Since each of these races has three or more candidates, they’ll all be on the August 1st ballot – unless a withdrawal takes one of the races down to two. Your chances to see candidates in person include two forums coming up – we’re presenting one to which all the City Council D-1 candidates will be invited, in the evening on June 6th; the 34th District Democrats plan an afternoon double bill on June 10th, with the D-1 candidates and the County Council D-8 candidates. We’re also contacting all this week’s new entrants to find out more about them.
Just received these notices from SDOT:
-This weekend, SDOT will be paving Myers Way S between Olson Place SW and 2nd Ave SW. The road will be closed to all vehicles except transit from 7 a.m. Saturday, May 20 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.
-On Saturday, May 20, SDOT will be performing sidewalk construction at Chelan Ave SW and W Marginal Way SW to build a new curb ramp.
(File photo)
Got a student in your household who’s interested in robotics? Two teams that meet a bit south of here – but have, and welcome, West Seattle participants – sent this announcement of an event that’s just a few days away:
Two local robotics teams will be hosting an information night for students and their families on May 23rd, from 6:30 to 8 pm. Tekerz Robotics and Skunk Works Robotics are competitive robotics teams based in the Highline area. They are affiliated with 4-H and accept members from any school, including homeschoolers. The teams share a workspace graciously provided by Highline Public Schools.
Skunk Works and Tekerz have been in the Highline area for 17 and 13 years respectively and have won numerous awards as part of FIRST robotics. Both are looking for new members who want an opportunity to develop and utilize skills in CAD, programming, graphic design, statistical analysis, marketing, wiring and parts fabrication. The teams function as businesses and learn marketable skills and teamwork under the supervision of mentors.
Students are welcome to visit with either team or both. The Tekerz plan to compete in FTC and FRC. The Skunks focus solely on the FRC division. FTC competes on a 12’x12′ field and builds robots that must fit into a 18″ cube. FTC is for students from 7th to 12th grade. FRC competes on a 54’x27′ field and builds robots that weigh less than 125lbs. The size requirements vary each year. FRC is primarily for 9th to 12th grade.
We ask that a parent or guardian attend as well. Interested students may fill out the Google form and the teams will contact them with additional information regarding the programs and the location prior to the event. You may also contact the teams directly via email at tekerzrobotics@gmail.com or coach@skunkworks1983.com
Congratulations to the four local students announced as the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s latest scholarship winners:
On May 9th, West Seattle Rotary awarded the 2022-23 West Seattle public high school Student of the Year (SoY) and Gambriell scholarships.
Will Fralia of West Seattle High won the $6,000 1st place SoY scholarship. He will be attending Washington State University. Drew Atkinson of Summit Atlas High won a $1,000 co-2nd place SoY scholarship. He will be attending the University of Washington. Evelyn Alfaro of Chief Sealth Int’l High won a $1,000 co-2nd place SoY scholarship (she could not attend due to an International Baccalaureate exam conflict). She will be attending the University of Washington. Each awardee was chosen by their high school to be their school’s SoY nominee from among their Student of the Month awardees. A SoY Evaluation Team of West Seattle Rotarians then made the final determination, a job made very difficult by the nominees’ extraordinary qualifications.
George Barron, a West Seattle High graduate and graduating South Seattle College student, won the $6,000 Gambriell scholarship. He will be attending Western Washington University. Ashton Sawade, a West Seattle High student, won the $1,500 2nd Place Gambriell Scholarship. He will be attending Washington State University. A Gambriell Evaluation Team of West Seattle Rotarians made the determination from among 10 applicants, once again a job made very difficult by the nominees’ extraordinary qualifications.
The SoY awards are made possible by donations to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit operated by West Seattle Rotary volunteers. Donations can be made online (go to westseattlerotary.org) or by attending its fundraisers, such as the recent Rainbow Bingo and the May 20th Breakfast Fundraiser.
The Gambriell awards are made possible by an endowment made to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation in memory of Vern Gambriell, which is also operated by West Seattle Rotary volunteers.
Your next chance to support the Rotary Club’s community work is by joining them for the aforementioned fundraising breakfast at 8 am tomorrow (Saturday, May 20th) – details are in our calendar listing.
Shown after a practice earlier this week are some of the players you’ll see at this Sunday’s “Battle for West Seattle” softball game between the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We asked for their rosters – the grids below are what they sent. First, WSJA:
Next, the Chamber:
Proceeds from the game go to the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank (whose coverage area includes south WS). They’ll be playing at 12:05 pm Sunday (May 21st) at Mel Olson Stadium in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd), and you can buy tickets right now online – just go here.
P.S. Shortly after publishing this, we received the Chamber’s announcement of one business’s extra boost:
Mission Cantina Seattle is MATCHING all ticket sales for the Battle for West Seattle, so get your tickets now to support the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank! Tickets are $12 — even if you can’t attend the game, you can still support our local food banks by purchasing a ticket.
The fun doesn’t stop there – get a Battle for West Seattle ticket to take 10% Off Your Mission Cantina Seattle Tab! Bring your digital ticket for the Battle for West Seattle into Mission Cantina for 10% off your bill from now until June 30th.
Mission Cantina is at 2325 California SW.
Four West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
STOLEN SILVER SOUL: WSB readers continue spotting stolen cars, so maybe this one is findable too. From Derek;
Looks like my 2019 silver Kia Soul, license plate number CAK0984 ,was stolen last night on a residential street by my apartment complex, 4500 40th Ave SW.. Hoping people can keep a look out for it; it has a crack in the windshield. Police report # 23-137078.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: The mini-mart in Morgan Junction just got burglarized, two months after reopening. The police report says the burglar(s) broke a large window to get in early this morning, and got away with “a large number of tobacco products.”
After obtaining that report, we stopped by for the photo, and store staff confirms that’s what was taken – no cash – and that no one was hurt.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES: Seen in the city permit files this week – the South Delridge 7-11 proposes “installing approximately 22 bollards at the front of the parking stalls so cars cannot drive into the storefront.”
CAR PROWL ON VIDEO: Sent by E:
On California Ave near Myrtle, 5/16 2 AM. Damage to rear door window, no items stolen. Male wearing white shirt walks directly to the car, briefly scopes out, walks around to street side, breaks window, attempts to jump in through the broken window, gets startled by something, starts running away, drops phone, returns to pick up phone, then starts running again. Police report # 23-908233. Also reports of 2 other car prowls in the last 4 days up on Fauntleroy, according to neighbors.
Plenty to cheer for in the West Seattle High School athletic program this year. Cheer itself is a sport – and the team is looking for a co-coach! Coach Nadine Nguyen asked us to share the announcement:
West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team is looking for a New Coach to join their award-winning cheer team.
He/She will assist in coaching student athletes in competitive cheer techniques to prepare them for events and competitions. Preferably with stunting and competition experience.
If interested, please contact Coach Nadine Nguyen at nmnguyen@seattleschools.org
(Photo by Chuck Jacobs)
This is just some of what’s on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today/tonight!
COFFEE BENEFIT: As previewed here, Genesee Hill Elementary PTA is urging support today for Hotwire Coffee (4426 California SW), which usually gives the PTA a portion of proceeds on third Fridays. Open until 6 pm.
GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need more plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of plants, until 3 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)
JAPANESE STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), Sayoko is bringing back Japanese-language Story Time! (Not library-sponsored, so it’s not on the SPL calendar)
SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open for visits at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
UNITED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE: 3-8 pm at the Georgetown Steam Plant (6524 Ellis Ave. S.), infrastructure fans unite!
VISCON CELLARS: Stop by Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).
WINE WALK: Sold out, so we’re just noting that The Junction will be busier tonight with more than a dozen venues participating in the spring Wine Walk.
DICK’S DRIVE-IN TRUCK: Back in West Seattle for the second time in a week! 5-8 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), where live music will also be happening 6-8 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE AFTER HOURS: 6-9 pm, hang out, chow down, have fun. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
MUSIC AT TIM’S TAVERN: Deal (celebrating the Grateful Dead) takes the stage tonight. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. (16th/98th, White Center)
MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Alan Ehrlich performs, 7-9 pm (5612 California SW).
THEATER: Third weekend for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Tickets here.
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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