West Seattle, Washington
23 Sunday
Just announced on KIRO radio (97.3 FM): Barely one full day after chef Tom Douglas and host Dave Ross kicked it off, hours after Seattleites learned that nobody had come forward what had become the city’s last fireworks show, the one on Lake Union, the pledge drive has reached its $500,000 goal – that’s how much longtime promoter OneReel said it would cost to put on the fireworks and accompanying festivities. They asked for donations from local businesses in $1,000 increments; here’s the list so far — WSB contributed $1K, as did West Seattle’s Ventana Construction, a WSB sponsor, as is Merrill Gardens, which pledged a short time ago to cover the “remaining balance.” (If anyone else on the list has West Seattle ties, let us know so we can add a shoutout!) The drive picked up major steam when Microsoft and Starbucks announced late yesterday that they would each contribute $125,000 as a matching donation if other contributions totaled $250,000, which they now have. (7/4/09 Hamilton Viewpoint photo by Gilbert)
One day after the announcement that Seattle was likely to go without a major fireworks display this 4th of July, a pledge drive rocketed to life – spearheaded by celebrity chef Tom Douglas and KIRO Radio talk-show host Dave Ross. Businesses were invited to chip in, in increments of $1,000 (Douglas and Ross kicked it off with $5,000 and $1,000 respectively). We can’t bear the thought of fireworkslessness on the 4th, so WSB threw in for the minimum. (So did our friends who run neighborhood-news sites in North Seattle, Next Door Media.) And more than 80 other Seattle businesses have chipped in so far, according to the running list on KIRO Radio’s website – but the big mo came late in the day, when Starbucks and Microsoft announced they will contribute $125,000 each, if the donations from the rest of the business community total at least $250,000. As of right now, according to the progress bar on this webpage, there’s only a little more than $50,000 to go. (Want to pledge? Scroll down this page.)
(7/4/09 photo shared by Gilbert, showing Lake Union fireworks as seen from West Seattle’s Hamilton Viewpoint)
Even without Elliott Bay fireworks last year – after Ivar’s canceled its longrunning annual 4th of Jul-Ivar’s show – West Seattle viewpoints still drew crowds for views of the Lake Union fireworks, rising high behind the south edge of downtown. This year, though, as of tonight, looks like no fireworks, after the company that produced the Lake Union show posted a letter saying it hasn’t found a sponsor (after taking over WaMu, the previous sponsor, Chase, only committed to last year’s show), and they needed to have one by now (although one company executive told KING 5 they might be able to pull it out IF a sponsor came forward immediately). Some are worried the lack of an “official” fireworks show will result in more illegal fireworks. According to our citywide-news partners at the Seattle Times, the price tag for sponsoring the Lake Union show has been more than half a million dollars. If we indeed turn out to be fireworksless in Seattle this year, you’ll have options elsewhere – Bellevue has a show accompanied by a live symphony orchestra; some South King County cities like Des Moines, Renton and Tukwila have fireworks too, as does Vashon Island, just a ferry ride away.
We’ll be adding more services and brunches, but since the first egg hunt is tomorrow morning (Toddler Eggstravaganza at High Point Community Center), version 1.0 of the West Seattle Easter page is now up and running, with the updated list of egg hunts from tomorrow through Saturday. You can find it here (or from its own tab under the sunset header). Got something to add? Please send it (or comment here) – thanks!
That’s the phrase Luckie used as she shared that photo taken in a kindergarten class at Lafayette Elementary:
Mrs. Bell decided to combine Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2) and St. Patrick’s Day (today) with a reading of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, followed by a banquet of green eggs and ham and a few other green foods. A little green food coloring turned the ham and eggs into a Seussian spectacle! And, just like the protagonist of Green Eggs and Ham, the kids were willing to try them. They polished off pretty much everything!
That photo’s from the West Seattle Thriftway egg hunt last year – always a hugely popular tradition. Just a few hours ago, we got a note that this year’s event is set for 9 am April 3rd, and just now, the city has just sent its list of egg hunts at local parks/community centers – see the full list here. We’re working on our West Seattle Easter page right now; we invite everyone with Easter-related events/specials, from church services to brunches to egg hunts and beyond, to share the info with us so it’ll be on the page (here’s our contact info).
Two flags flew high Sunday afternoon over West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center (next to Tug Inn): The U.S. Stars and Stripes, and the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag. Until April 1975, it was the flag of South Vietnam, and while it is banned in modern-day Vietnam, it is cherished by those who left in search of freedom. Earlier this month, the 34th District Democrats passed a resolution recognizing the flag and urging the City of Seattle to do so; that resolution was read and applauded as part of Sunday’s New Year’s celebration at the center. Representing the 34th DDs, state committeewoman Marcee Stone, who also is now running for State House of Representatives:
The event also commemorated the Lunar New Year – with the GDPT Van Hanh Lion Dance Team and hundreds of firecrackers (which you will see and hear about halfway through this minute-and-a-half clip):
The crowd of about 100 also paid tribute to historic heroes:
That artwork commemorating one of the great battles against Chinese invaders was placed at the outdoor altar:
This group of women in traditional costume waited to place flowers at the altar:
Memories of more-recent battles remained fresh, as high-ranking veterans of the South Vietnam military were there, in uniform, as they have been at other events we have covered here:
The VIetnamese Cultural Center is the second-largest such center in our state – after its counterpart in Tacoma. As the 34th DDs’ resolution noted, about 50,000 people of Vietnamese descent live in King County. (We took a closer look at the center in this July 2008 story.) Its distinctive statue – visible to passersby along SW Orchard – pays tribute to the 13th-century hero, General Tran Hung Dao.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT:
Schools are closed (for public schools, it’s Midwinter Break all week)
Most government offices are closed
Banks are closed
City-run community centers are closed (Southwest Pool too)
City and county libraries are closed
Metro Transit is on the “When No UW” schedule
No regular-mail delivery
Parking’s free on city streets with pay stations/meters
WHAT’S NOT DIFFERENT:
Trash/recycling/etc. on regular schedule
Sound Transit service is on the regular weekday schedule
State liquor stores are open
WEST SEATTLEITE’S WEBBED WEDDING: One of the most interesting netizens we’ve met along the way during WSB’s four-plus years is Jerry, proprietor of the eclectic site JetCityOrange. Saturday night, he tweeted the news that he and his beloved are going to get married at noon today, and you’ll be able to watch live at JCO – www.jetcityorange.com/wedding – with the webcam going live about an hour ahead of time.
DINING GUIDE REMINDER: If you still haven’t decided where to dine, check the listings in the West Seattle Valentine’s Day Dining Guide we published earlier this week (and have since updated several times) – the fun starts early, with brunch specials at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor), including the debut of the mimosa carafe, which proprietor Jessie SK told us the other day will become a regular feature.
VALENTINES AND ELVIS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: Special events today at West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska) – “Elvis” reportedly might just be out and about with a “hunka hunka burnin’ love” between 11 am and 1 pm; meantime, market managers write in e-mail, “We have a Make-Your-Own-Valentines workshop set up at both markets. Paper, lace, hearts, glitter, glue – everything you and your sweetie need to say I Love You through low-tech honest art.” Meantime, today’s full Ripe and Ready List is here.
ART WITH A HEART, FOR HAITI: Two events today – West Seattle artist/entrepreneur Stephanie Hargrave is hosting an art sale 11 am-6 pm, 3234 California SW, proceeds to Haiti relief – read the details here; Alki resident Angela Williams‘ “Collage for a Cause” event in the International District is 1-4 pm (previewed in a WSB interview here; full event details are here).
SERENADED AT THE STORE: Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in Admiral will have live harp music 1-3 pm today (and plans to chocolate-dip strawberries for the second consecutive day, noon-4 pm).
WORK OUT TO HONOR A HERO: This afternoon at 3 pm at CrossFit West Seattle, the Behind the Badge Foundation is the beneficiary of a Hero Memorial Workout paying tribute to Seattle Police Officer (and onetime West Seattleite) Tim Brenton, murdered in the line of duty last Halloween night. Full details here.
Lots more! (For example – how about “Love Song” at ArtsWest, to show your love? or the first of 2 shows this week of “Vagina Monologues” at Youngstown) – see the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.
We took a few dozen photos at the Lunar New Year lion dance in White Center, outside Pho My Loi restaurant (10439 16th SW), this morning, and while you can also see half a dozen of them inline at partner site White Center Now, we’re sharing them here too as a slideshow from the West Seattle Blog Flickr group. Starting tomorrow, it’s the lunar Year of the Tiger.
In addition to Valentine’s Day shopping at West Seattle businesses … Valentine’s weekend dining at West Seattle restaurants (here’s our updated guide) … here’s one other uniquely local suggestion just out of the inbox:
There’s less than a week to go to Valentine’s Day! Why not give a Valentine that will endure through the coming years? The Alki Community Council still has engraved bricks for sale. You might want to include an appropriate symbol on your Valentine Brick. Symbols depicting a single heart or a pair of interlocking hearts are available. You can download an order form at www.sealady.org or from the ACC’s AlkiNews.com site at alkinews.wordpress.com.
All orders placed before the end of February will be installed this spring in the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza by Seattle Parks & Recreation. Orders placed after that date will be installed in the fall. Please visit the listed websites for additional information. Funds raised through this sale will be turned over to Seattle Parks & Recreation and used to maintain the statue and plaza.
David Hutchinson
ACC Brick Sales
libertyplaza@msn.com
(P.S. We asked; the brick in the pic features the date David and wife Eilene Hutchinson wed.)
(UPDATED 2/14/10) Now that the Super Bowl’s under way, you’ve got just a week to look ahead to Valentine’s Day: There are decisions to be made, if you haven’t made them already. Here’s the updated version of our West Seattle Valentine’s Day dining guide – including Friday and Saturday. (Check out the heart-shaped pizza mentions!):
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
JaK’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”) $7.99
(206) 932-8880
==================
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Blue Willow Catering & Luncheonette
4310 SW Oregon
Valentine cookie decorating class for kids
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$22 per child
(425) 802-6189 (Emma’s Delights) to reserve
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fish”
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts” Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
=================
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Angelina’s
2311 California SW
Special fresh sheet; all-day happy hour today (and every Sunday)
(206) 932-4550
Amante Pizza & Pasta
3239 California SW
15% off orders all day (delivery or dine-in)
(206) 933-7555 or
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
The following entrees include your choice
of a Bamboo House Salad or a Cup of
Clam Chowder, and a glass of Champagne*
FILET MIGNON
8 oz. Grilled to Preference Filet.
Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
and Fresh Asparagus.
$24.95 $46.95 for 2
GRILLED SALMON
Grilled and served with a Pineapple Butter
Rum Sauce and Topped with Toasted Macadamia
Nuts, with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
CHICKEN PICCATA
Served with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
DESSERT
ESPRESSO TORTE
Decadent chocolate cake served with
Espresso Chip Ice Cream
$5.95
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE
Topped with a Strawberry Melba sauce.
$4.95
CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE
$18.00 per Bottle
* Must be 21 years of age or older.
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Charlestown Street Café
3800 California SW
Valentine’s Day specials will include top sirloin, rib-eye, and fish (TBD)
(206) 937-3800
Buddha Ruksa
3520 SW Genesee
Dinner specials
(206) 937-7676
Circa
2605 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$50
Reservations required
(206) 923-1102 or circaspecialevents@gmail.com
Duke’s Alki Chowder House
2516 Alki SW
Special dinner menu
Call for reservations
(206) 937-6100
Easy Street Records & Café
4559 California SW
No special menu, but record store will be having a huge vinyl sale on Valentine’s Day
(206) 938-3279
Endolyne Joe’s
Taking a limited amount of reservations all day on Valentine’s Day.
For Dinner we will be featuring the following Specials:
From the Bar-Flaming Cupid and Prosecco by the glass
Appetizer Special will be a Panzanella salad with bacon, chicken, basil and kalamata olives.
Entrée Specials are Honey Glazes Sea Scallops with creamy risotto, purple kale and a sage puree.
Grilled NY strip loin with duck fat fried red potatoes, grilled brocolini, smoked tomato butter and a veal balsamic glaze.
Special dessert is a chocolate Mascarpone cheese cake with dueling sauces of cinnamon cream and orange cherry.
Dessert in a glass of Chocovine=a liqueur of Dutch chocolate and fine red wine.
(206) 937-JOES
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor)
6451 California SW
Regular Sunday ribs special, plus a ribeye and grilled shrimp special – “black cloths and tablecloths included.”
(206) 453-3259
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd Ave SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Kokoras Greek Grill
5245 California Ave SW
No special menu, but will be open for dinner
(206) 913-0041
La Rustica
Dinner for parties of two to four
4100 Beach Dr SW
Call for reservations
(206) 932-3020
Mashiko
4725 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$60
Two-hour seatings (approx. 4:30-4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.)
Reservations required
(206) 935-4339
Mission
2325 California SW
Dinner specials
(206) 937-8220
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Pegasus Pizza and Pasta
2770 Alki Ave SW
No special menu but will take reservations for parties of 8 or more
(206) 932-4849
Phoenecia
2716 Alki SW
Taking reservations for Valentine’s Day
3 seatings: 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30
Fixed menu of 5 courses including salad, artisan cheese and charcuterie plate, either soup or fiery prawns, choice of filet of lamb or Chilean sea bass, and a VERY special dessert
(206) 935-6550
Porterhouse
2329 California SW
Food, wine, and champagne specials
(206) 932-2575
Red Star Pizza
7514 35th Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizza on request at no extra charge (excluding 24”)
(206) 923-0555
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fish”
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts” Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
Third annual Valentine’s evening
Dinner for two
$40
Starter salad
Spaghetti and meatballs family-style
Dessert from Shoofly Pie Company in West Seattle
Bottle of Cycles Gladiator Syrah
5-10 p.m. while supplies last
Live music: Indie folk band Lemolo, 8 p.m.
Down-tempo electroacoustic band The Deepsleep Narcotics Company, 9 p.m.
Call for reservations for eight or more
(206) 935-2111
Spring Hill Restaurant & Bar
4437 California SW
Special menu
Appetizer, entrée, dessert
Reservations required; seating already very limited
(206) 935-1075
Table 35
Selection of four-course meals at pre-set prices of $30, $40, $50 and $60 per person
Includings complimentary glass of wine or champagne
(206) 407-3474
The Thaitan Restaurant
5258 California Ave SW
10% off dine-in orders
(206) 932-1945
West 5
4539 California Ave SW
Champagne brunch all day
(206) WE5-1966
Thanks to Mary for the mega-research! Got something to add/change? Let us know, any time!
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog/White Center Now
A joint event between the Southwest Boys and Girls Club, the Red Cross and HOPE worldwide at Greenbridge (map) combined messages of civil rights and disaster preparedness to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.
The event was kicked off by the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder drummers and an opening speech by North Highline Fire District Fire Chief Scott LaVielle. Chief LaVielle spoke about fire safety— which is being highlighted by the Red Cross — and quoted from speeches by John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy to highlight the importance of caring for our communities.
Red Cross Coordinator Beth Jusino notes that MLK Day is viewed by her organization as “A day on, not a day off” in service to the community. After the event, volunteers dispersed into the Greenbridge neighborhood to place door-hangers regarding fire safety and earthquake preparedness at the surrounding homes. The information is printed in both English and Spanish. (In case you’re not in the area flyered – here’s the Red Cross’s infopage on fire safety.)
Jusino adds that in light of the Haitian earthquake, people have opened their hearts to the world community; today, people are focusing on opening their hearts to their local community – and the volunteers who are spreading the word about helping each other, locally and globally.
Thanks to Scott Durham from our fellow online-only community-collaborative news service Central District News for sharing that photo from the MLK Day Rally and March that’s under way in his neighborhood (that’s Garfield High School in the photo) – he spotted the contingent from West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice. Go here to follow CDN coverage of the event.
January 15 – last Friday – was the 81st anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. This Wednesday marks the 24th anniversary of the first time King Day was celebrated as a national holiday (Jan. 20, 1986). Dr. King’s only visit to Seattle happened in November 1961 (here’s the HistoryLink.org story about it). Today (presidential proclamation here), here’s some of what you need to know about the holiday:
WHAT’S DIFFERENT:
Schools are closed
Most government offices are closed
Banks are closed
City-run community centers are closed (Southwest Pool too)
West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor) facilities are closed
City and county libraries are closed
Metro Transit is on “reduced weekday” service
No regular-mail delivery
Parking’s free on city streets with pay stations/meters
WHAT’S NOT DIFFERENT:
Trash/recycling/etc. on regular schedule
Sound Transit service on regular schedule (except for Sounder between Everett and Mukilteo because of a mudslide)
State liquor stores are open
HOW TO HELP:
Two MLK Day of Service opportunities for volunteering in West Seattle/White Center:
*Nature Consortium welcomes volunteers for its Pigeon Point Park work party, 9:30 am-3 pm (map; more info here)
*WestSide Baby needs volunteers to help sort, 2-5 pm (full details here)
Ready for a new year even better than the old one? Here are a few notes for the holiday that’s kicking it all off:
West Seattle coffee shops: List of who’s open today
West Seattle grocery stores: New Year’s Day hours
Metro Transit today: Sunday schedule (today’s also the 1st day of some permanent changes including fare increases)
Trash/recycling/yard waste Friday collections will happen tomorrow instead
More restaurants are open New Year’s than Christmas, so we don’t have a full open/closed list for them, but a few notes: Some popular weekend brunch spots are offering brunch today too, like WSB sponsor Skylark Cafe, open at 9 am. And Redline Music and Sports in The Triangle is offering freebies at a “customer appreciation night” starting at 9 pm, including free pizza/pool/jukebox. Places keeping regular hours include Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 11:30 am-2 am as always.
Events today include the annual Polar Bear Swim, 10 am, on Alki across from Duke’s, and 5K/10K walks with Emerald City Wanderers, leaving St. John the Baptist Church any time between 9 am and 1 pm (full details here).
It wasn’t quite a downpour, but certainly a drenching mist, but that didn’t get in the way of a good time as Highland Park kicked off one of West Seattle’s two-dozen-plus New Year’s Eve extravaganzas tonight. Above, a two-minute spectacle outside Highland Park Improvement Club before the Highland Park House Party that’s just getting under way inside (you’re welcome to go join – details here) and after the HP neighborhood parade (video of that, to be added shortly). It was billed as the “Sage Comet” performance (watch the clip and you’ll get the “comet” reference) — but one of the performers explained afterward, sage is tough to get this time of year, so what burned was “rosemary from local farms”! ADDED 8:28 PM: Just before the “Rosemary Comet,” the first-ever HP parade returned to the luminaria-ringed HPIC, after about half an hour doing a mile-or-so loop through neighborhoods to the south:
As you can see in the video, most of the balloon lanterns had trouble staying lit – smaller fires don’t win the battle with rain – but paraders young and old whooped and cheered, drummed and thumped, all along the way; we trailed them for the first few blocks, and saw neighbors along the way coming to the door or the window, often returning the shouts of “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Indeed.
Be safe tonight – and know there’s someplace to get your first coffee of 2010 tomorrow. Here’s who we have confirmed, in person or by phone, is open tomorrow, and when:
UPTOWN ESPRESSO (both Junction and Delridge) 6 am-6 pm
STARBUCKS/MORGAN JUNCTION – 6 am-9 pm
STARBUCKS/ALKI 6:30 am-7 pm
TULLY’S/MORGAN JUNCTION 7 am-2 pm
PIONEER COFFEE 7 am-5 pm
STARBUCKS/TRIANGLE DRIVE-THRU 7 am-8 pm
STARBUCKS/ADMIRAL 7 am-9 pm
C & P COFFEE 8 am-1 pm
BIRD ON A WIRE 8 am-2 pm
EASY STREET CAFE 8 am-3 pm (coffee AND food)
RED CUP ESPRESSO 8 am-3 pm
DIVA ESPRESSO 8 am-6 pm
JAVA BEAN 8 am-6 pm
TULLY’S/ALKI 8 am-6 pm
CUPCAKE ROYALE 8 am-7 pm
HOTWIRE COFFEE (WSB sponsor) 9 am-6 pm
WESTBAY ESPRESSO (drive-thru) 10 am-3 pm
DUBSEA COFFEE 10 am-7 pm
(added) BARNES & NOBLE CAFE open store hours, starting @ 11 am
CAFE ROZELLA noon-6:30 pm
New Year’s tends not to bring as many store-hour changes as Christmas, but just in case you’re wondering, we checked anyway. First: Most state liquor stores – including the ones in West Seattle and White Center – are OPEN tomorrow, 11 am-7 pm (and open till 8 tonight as usual). Now, for the grocery stores – this goes for tonight AND tomorrow – only one West Seattle store has a holiday schedule:
PCC Natural Markets/West Seattle (WSB sponsor)
Closing 10 pm tonight (New Year’s Eve)
Closed New Year’s DayMetropolitan Market (WSB sponsor)
Regular schedule (24 hours a day)West Seattle QFC stores:
Regular schedule (24 hours a day)All 3 West Seattle Safeway stores
Regular schedule (24 hours a day)West Seattle Thriftway
Regular hours (5 am-midnight)
Coming up, the New Year’s Day coffee list.
(December 28th sunset photo by Stephanie Moores, featuring Sam)
If your plans for tonight (which might be soggy) aren’t quite finalized, check the West Seattle Holidays page for our New Year’s Eve list. Local restaurants and lounges are throwing parties galore. So are other venues and groups – even a parade, where you’ll find these deployed:
Those are some of the balloon lanterns made last Sunday at Highland Park Improvement Club, where the neighborhood parade begins at 6:30 pm, followed by the Sage Comet performance in the HPIC parking lot, and the HPIC party at 8 (details here). Want to take a walk? Emerald City Wanderers are launching 2 routes from St. John the Baptist Church between 4 and 7 pm. Beach walk, we mentioned yesterday; Kenyon Hall, Admiral Theater, ArtsWest, Alki UCC and Bridge Park are all unique venues with events tonight – here’s that list again. If you’re thinking of going downtown for the Space Needle fireworks, our partners at the Seattle Times have some info that might interest you. (If you’re watching from West Seattle – join the discussion in the WSB Forums.) And remember some places are closing early – like the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) and Seattle Public Library branches, all of which are closing at 6 pm tonight.
Jenny at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) asked to share this message of thanks, “letter to the editor” style:
The West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our members and to the West Seattle community for supporting our 2009 Giving Tree program. Hundreds of wishes were thoughtfully and generously fulfilled for more than 90 families who struggle just to meet basic needs.
We have special gratitude for WJE (Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.), The Boeing Company’s Spirit of the Holidays Drive, and Windermere West Seattle for adopting entire YMCA families and making their holidays especially bright. Thank you to The Charlestown Street Café for hosting wish tags on their own tree and accepting donations on behalf of the YMCA.
At a time of great challenges, your generosity demonstrates the spirit of community continues to thrive.
Jenny Bradbury
Volunteer Giving Tree Coordinator
West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA
Happy New Year’s Eve-Eve! The West Seattle Holidays page is keeper of our New Year’s Eve list – more than 20 options, and another event’s been added – 9:30-11 pm tomorrow, you can join a Camp Long-sponsored Low Tide Beach Walk across from Me-Kwa-Mooks along Beach Drive. If you’re interested, you need to call to preregister today – 206-684-7434 – or preregister online by going here. Meantime, Camp Long has gone public with its full list of January/February highlights – read on to see it – we’ll be adding them to the WSB Events calendar too:Read More
A table full of lantern-makers worked busily at Highland Park Improvement Club when we visited to see how the New Year’s Eve parade-prep project was going. The lanterns are papier-mache over balloons, to be carried during the “Not-So-Silent Night” neighborhood parade Thursday night:
Everyone’s welcome during the parade; meet at HPIC (11th/Holden) at 6:30 pm Thursday – it’ll be followed by a parking-lot performance around 7:30 and the HPIC New Year’s Eve house party indoors. (More West Seattle New Year’s Eve options here.) Meantime, nature put on its own beautiful show one more time today:
Chas Redmond shared that iPhone photo from along Beach Drive; David Rosen shared the view from West Seattle’s downtown-facing waterfront:
Looks like the clouds will hold centerstage for the next few days, though.
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