West Seattle, Washington
18 Wednesday
Some of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more than what’s highlighted below):
EXPLORE LOW TIDE … with Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists. It’s not a super-low low tide, but low enough to see some interesting sights. Meet the naturalists on the beach at Constellation and Lincoln Parks, 10 am-12:30 pm.
WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: The networking group for local women who own/run businesses will meet at the new West Seattle Women’s Health Clinic in The Junction, noon-1 pm. RSVP via Facebook. (4727 44th SW, Suite 207)
COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: Tour the orchard and join in a work party (we heard something about rhubarb lemonade!), 3-5 pm on the north side of the South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
WOMEN’S HEALTH DISCUSSION: All those topics you have questions about – Highline Family Medicine-West Seattle will have experts on hand to help you find answers. Details in the calendar listing. 6-7:30 pm. (4550 Fauntleroy Way SW)
PURSE PARTY: 6 pm at West Seattle Curves – details in our calendar listing. (3280 California SW)
BUNCO NIGHT: 7 pm at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor), presented by the Westside Rotaract Club, raising money for the American Cancer Society. Details in our calendar listing. (2326 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT: Band, orchestra, and jazz musicians all perform their spring concert in the WSHS Theater tonight at 7. (3000 California SW)
DENNY/SEALTH BAND CONCERT: 7 pm, the two schools’ bands’ spring concert, Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)
Thanks to John Hinkey for today’s featured photo, taken after sunset Tuesday and sent to us late last night. Just so happened that your editor here was on the state ferry M/V Kaleetan from Bremerton a short time later, when it came to a stop in Rich Passage, with no announcement; walking around the outer deck to investigate, we spotted the sub and its escorts – the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Osprey, a smaller USCG vessel, and two tugs. We shared an iPhone photo via Instagram at the time, but were happy to see John’s much-better photo come in later.
Now, on with highlights for today/tonight:
FREE CO-WORKING DAY: Started minutes ago at West Seattle’s only co-working spot, WS Office Junction – details in our calendar listing. (5230 California SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Play it today and every Wednesday, 1-3 pm, at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (California/Oregon)
AFTER-SCHOOL NATURE WALK: 3:30 pm, explore the “Snakes, Beetles and Butterflies of Camp Long” with naturalist Stewart Wechsler – details here. (5200 35th SW)
BICYCLE MASTER PLAN OPEN HOUSE: 6-7:30 pm (with a presentation at 6:30), at City Hall downtown, your first chance to hear about the draft update of the city’s Bicycle Master Plan – more info here. No meetings are planned in West Seattle, but there’s a “South Seattle” edition one week from tonight – follow the aforementioned “more info” link for location/time. (5th/Cherry)
MICROHOUSING ON SW DISTRICT COUNCIL AGENDA: There’s been a change in the agenda for tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting since the first preview we published – while Diane Sugimura, director of the city’s Department of Planning and Development, is still scheduled to speak with the group about “microhousing,” the separate discussion of local school projects has been postponed, and instead, City Councilmember Bruce Harrell will be on hand to talk about the council’s legislative agenda. Meeting’s at 6:30 pm, Southwest Teen Life Center. (2801 SW Thistle)
NATIONAL RUNNERS DAY: Celebrate by joining a pub run (details here) with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm. (California/Charlestown)
POTLUCK DINNER FOR NEW MADISON STUDENTS: Got a student entering Madison Middle School next fall? Come to tonight’s potluck, 6-7:30 pm; details and RSVP link here.
DENNY/SEALTH CONCERT: The next-door-neighbor middle and high schools present their end-of-year vocal and orchestra concert tonight, 7 pm, Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Details (including a pre-concert reception) in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)
Once again this year, we’re making a simple last-minute list of West Seattle summer-camp programs that still have room, to help out families who are still looking, with days left till summer vacation begins. We put out the call on the WSB Facebook page earlier today and appreciate the resulting responses; in case you missed that, we’re asking here too. We hope to assemble the list tomorrow, so please e-mail us the info ASAP (include a website link rather than tons of text, as each mention will be brief) – editor@westseattleblog.com. Thanks!
(Hummingbird with coral honeysuckle in the Arroyos; photo by Sonya Capek)
Another beautiful day! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LUNCH/TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISER: Raise money for Seattle Parks‘ Lifelong Recreation programs through this lunch/talent show event at the Senior Center of West Seattle – lunch 11:45 am, talent show 12:30 pm. More info in the calendar listing. (California/Oregon)
DROP-IN CHESS: Chess players of any age are invited to drop by the Seattle Public Library‘s High Point Branch, 4-5:30 pm. (35th/Raymond)
METRO @ WWRHAH: You don’t have to be a Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights resident to come to the WWRHAH Community Council meeting tonight – all are welcome because it’s a topic of West Seattle-wide interest, Metro Transit. Metro reps will be there to provide updates and answer questions, as detailed on the WWRHAH website. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm, and it’s NOT the usual WWRHAH location – it’s at the Chief Sealth International High School Library. (2600 SW Thistle)
DENNY PTSA MEETING: Last one of the year – details on the Denny International Middle School home page. 7 pm, school library. (2601 SW Kenyon)
(A migratory black-throated gray warbler, photographed in Lincoln Park by Trileigh Tucker)
Three highlights for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OVERFLOW OPTIONS: 4:30-6:30 pm at City Hall downtown, you’re invited to an open house with more information about the options Seattle Public Utilities is exploring for reducing pollution in local waterways from combined-sewer overflows. More details in our Sunday preview, including how to offer your opinion if you can’t make it to this event. (4th/5th/Cherry/James)
DELRIDGE GROCERY: “The store opening is now a year away and we need volunteer support more than ever!” says the team putting together a cooperative grocery store to open on Delridge next year. 6:30 pm tonight at Delridge Library, it’s your next chance to offer that support. From the meeting announcement:
On the agenda:
– Background/update on Delridge Grocery
– Website
– Potential community partnership/volunteer opportunities
– Accounting/finances
– Member/owner pledges
– T-shirts and buttons
– Intro to co-ops material
– Future tabling events
(5423 Delridge Way SW)
REAL CHANGE: 6:30 pm, you’re invited to the High Point Library to discuss the Real Change News vendor program with the people who run it. The preview we published here last week led to energetic discussion, and tonight’s the night you can hear from, and speak with, Real Change reps in person. (35th/Raymond)
P.S. You can find nightlife listings, and more, by going directly to the calendar.
Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
Before the Alki Point Lighthouse opened for this year’s summer season of weekend public tours Saturday afternoon, which also happened to be the 100th anniversary of the day the building officially opened, one of the people who live on its grounds presided over a commemorative ceremony: Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard‘s 13th District.
Not only did he speak about the lighthouse and its history, he told us in a conversation afterward, but also about the watch that is kept around the clock by the USCG in this region, and about his pride in the people who keep that watch. In relating the past – including the U.S. Lighthouse Service and the Revenue Cutter Service (here’s an official USCG historian slide deck) – to the present, RADM Taylor says he likes to say, “We helped the Pacific Northwest grow up.” (Lighthouses became part of the USCG’s accountability in 1939.)
This month has significance for RADM Taylor far beyond the lighthouse centennial: Before this month is over, he will turn over command of the 13th Coast Guard District to his successor. He’s retiring, 30 years after he began his service following graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and two years after becoming commander of this 4-state district.
The district includes 4,400 miles of coastline, more than 600 miles of inland waterways, and a long list of stations and vessels that you can peruse here, as well as on the official fact sheet (which reveals this is the centennial year for the district itself). Hundreds of thousands of vessel journeys, dinghys to cruise ships and beyond, are made in the region’s waterways each year.
One datapoint of potential interest to sky-watching West Seattleites: No Coast Guard helicopters are based in Seattle; they’re based in Port Angeles. You may see the distinctive mostly-orange helicopters here fairly often, but when they head home, they’re flying northwest to the shore of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. Aviation, by the way, figures prominently into Adm. Taylor’s background; his past assignments include serving as commander of the USCG’s Air Station Miami. He also has served as the Coast Guard’s Chief Financial Officer and in other USCG-wide leadership roles.
For decades, it has been tradition for the USCG 13th District’s commander to live on the Alki Point Lighthouse grounds (the last lighthouse keeper retired in 1970). Adm. Taylor has kept with that tradition; he told us he and his wife hope to stay in the Seattle area after his retirement. The other residence at Alki Point also is usually home to a USCG officer and family; its next residents are moving in soon, Admiral Taylor mentioned.
As for the lighthouse itself, he says it’s vital to the safety of local waterways and he doesn’t see that changing any time soon.
The District 13 change of command ceremony, he said, is scheduled for Friday morning, June 28th, at the USCG station at Pier 36 on the downtown waterfront; we’re expecting more information as it gets closer.
Meantime, free lighthouse tours are scheduled to continue at Alki Point 1-4 pm each Saturday and Sunday through the end of August.
Sunday sunshine! Your options include:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm today and every Sunday in The Junction. (44th/Alaska)
OPEN HOUSE: While you’re in The Junction, today’s the day for the 10 am-3 pm open house at the new West Seattle Women’s Health and Midwifery, as mentioned here (second item) (4727 44th SW, Suite 207)
FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: Again today, 10 am-4 pm, the animal-advocacy group’s plant sale offers hundreds of plants of all types. More info in this WSB Forums post; you can also take part in a pet-food drive (food or cash). (3809 46th SW)
HAIRCUTS FOR HEALTH CARE: 10 am-3 pm benefit at VAIN salon in The Junction – details in our calendar listing. (4513 California SW)
BENEFIT CAR WASH: Relay for Life‘s Team Bulleavers are raising money 11 am-2:30 pm at Alki Auto. (2504 Alki SW)
FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS’ CAT ADOPTION EVENT: Noon-3 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction, Friends of the Animals Foundation has cats and kittens available for adoption – details in our calendar listing. (4543 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Open today and every Thursday-Sunday, noon-4 pm, for you to enjoy and explore local history. (61st/Stevens)
SEA LIFE, FROM GLASS: Watch artist Justin Bagley at work! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks – details in our calendar listing. (2914 SW Avalon Way)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Didn’t go on centennial day yesterday? Free tours continue 1-4 pm today, and every weekend afternoon through August. (Just north of where Alki Avenue and Beach Drive meet)
FREE BIKE REPAIRS: DIY Bikes is teaming up today with the West Seattle Tool Library – bring your bike for free repairs. 1-5 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
GRETCHEN’S GRAINS: This West Seattle-founded company (featured here last year) is demonstrating how to use its frozen, organic, pre-cooked grains – see for yourself at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) 4-7 pm today. (California/Stevens)
(Male rufous hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
A fun Saturday ahead, as a new month begins – full lineup is on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, including these highlights:
TRAFFIC REMINDERS: The Delridge/Holden intersection is closed until Monday morning, and the 520 Bridge is too.
KIDS’ FISHING POND: 8 am-11 am this morning at Seacrest, the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club presents the annual chance for kids to try fishing in a pop-up pond stocked with trout. Meet the West Seattle Hi-Yu royalty, too! Free. (1660 Harbor Avenue SW)
SCHOOL SALE: 8:30 am-4 pm, it’s Shorewood Christian School‘s second day of a big rummage sale to raise money for computer equipment. (10300 28th SW)
MASTERS’ TRACK MEET: Competition in a wide range of athletic events, 9 am-5 pm, as noted in our calendar listing; West Seattle Stadium. (35th SW just south of Avalon Way)
FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: 10 am-4 pm, it’s the first day of the second weekend of the animal-advocacy group’s plant sale. Hundreds of plants of all types. More info in this WSB Forums post; you can also donate to a pet-food drive (food or cash) while stopping by. (3809 46th SW)
RAINGARDEN EVENT IN HIGHLAND PARK: 10 am-1 pm, three big hours with a variety of opportunities – help plant the new raingarden at Highland Park Improvement Club; tour neighboring gardens; find out more about how you can do something similar at your house. Here’s our preview. (12th/Holden)
‘MINI SWAP MEET’ IN WHITE CENTER: Just over the line, 10 am marks the “soft open” of a new place to buy and sell items – vendors wanted, they tell us. Here are details from our partner site White Center Now. (9800 14th SW)
ENDOLYNE CHILDREN’S CHOIR IN CONCERT: 11 am, it’s the choir’s spring concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – details in our calendar listing. (California/Hanford)
LIGHTHOUSE CENTENNIAL, TWO-LOCATION CELEBRATION: Today when the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) opens at noon and the Alki Point Lighthouse starts its summer season of weekend tours at 1 pm, both will be celebrating the lighthouse’s centennial. Be sure to visit both, particularly the museum for its newly expanded exhibit about the lighthouse, and for today’s special activities, including coloring sheets for children and special handmade lighthouse cookies as treats (explained/shown here), and a 2 pm program; at the lighthouse itself, tours are the central attraction.
DON’T FEED THE TOX-ICK MONSTER! Learn about how to help solve Puget Sound’s worst pollution problem – something with which you can make a big difference. Noon-12:45 pm at MaST, West Seattle’s “Diver Laura” James will show you how. (In Redondo, but also the home of the Arroyos whale skeleton, worth the drive – here’s a map!)
KITTY HARBOR OPENS: Noon-6 pm, it’s the first day of adoption season at Kitty Harbor – find out all about them online. (3422 Harbor Avenue SW)
FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 pm, tour Fire Station 32 in The Triangle and find out more about its future rebuild; there’s more info in our preview from last month. (37th and Alaska)
MEET THE ARTIST: 1-3 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, meet Nytom at the Makah Visions art exhibit – details in our calendar listing. (4205 West Marginal Way)
ARBOR HEIGHTS CARNIVAL: 3-6 pm, everybody’s invited to the Arbor Heights Elementary carnival – and it’s also a donation drive for Northwest Center – bring your donations! Details in the calendar listing.
TRIO LEXICON AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, “A Delectable Evening” features Trio Lexicon – two singers and a pianist – presenting songs about food and drink – details in the calendar listing, including how to get reservations. (7904 35th SW)
7TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT SKYLARK: The “Seven Deadly Sins” are the theme – come dressed as one! – party starts at 8 pm, guest DJs plus headliner Eighties Invasion; details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
No, this isn’t everything – you’ll have to check out the calendar to see the rest!
That image is from the WSDOT webcam focused on the launch pit of the future Highway 99 tunnel, just south of what’s left of the Alaskan Way Viaduct – the bright green “cutter head” of the tunneling machine is being lowered into it today. Meantime, here are some peninsula highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
VILLA HEIDELBERG ‘ESTATE SALE’: Second day (third and final day is Sunday) of the sale to clear out much of what owner Judy Burbrink has amassed over 14 years of operating the century-old home as a B&B. Till 6 pm today; here’s our story from Tuesday. (4845 45th SW)
SEATTLE POLICE MEMORIAL CEREMONY: 1 pm today, Forest Lawn in West Seattle again hosts the annual ceremony in memory of Seattle Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Here’s the preview published here Thursday. (6701 30th SW)
DINNER THEATER: 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, the Seattle Shakespeare Company presents “Julius Caesar” while guests enjoy a Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes-catered dinner – check to see if reservations remain. (9131 California SW)
FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: 6:30 pm, you’re welcome at a free showing of “The Lorax” at Westwood Christian Assembly – details in the calendar listing. (9252 16th SW)
EARTHRISE CHAMBER CHOIR: In concert at 7:30 pm @ Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation – details in the calendar listing. (7141 California SW)
ROLLERGIRLS’ FUNDRAISER: At 7:30 pm, the Rat City Rollergirls’ Throttle Rockets have a fundraiser at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – “dress as your favorite superhero,” and enjoy bingo, trivia, more. (6451 California SW)
(Male spotted towhee, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
Four highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for the rest of today/tonight:
VILLA HEIDELBERG ‘ESTATE SALE’: As noted on Tuesday when we reported the sale of the longtime B&B, now to revert to family-home status, a big sale of furniture, decorations, serving ware, and more is under way today (till 6 pm), tomorrow, and Sunday. (4845 45th SW)
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY PTA: At 6 pm tonight, it’s the last meeting of the school year, including a look ahead to next year. (3701 SW 104th)
WESTSIDE UNICYCLE COLLECTIVE: As announced here last week, it’s the first meetup for any and all local unicyclists, 6:30 pm, Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st/Alki)
apertureSTOP! Check out the monthly spoken word and photography event, 8 pm tonight, Twilight Gallery/Boutique in The Junction. (4306 SW Alaska)
It’s a controversy that has flared from time to time over the past few years – concerns about unauthorized people selling Real Change News and causing trouble while doing it. The organization shared with us this announcement about an upcoming meeting to discuss where the situation stands:
Thank you all for your continued support of Real Change News. Last year we contacted you all about few individuals in your community who have misrepresented themselves as Real Change vendors. We have continued to build a relationship with West Seattle business owners and police to address this problem.
Again, these individuals are not authorized to sell the paper due to noncompliance with our Code of Conduct, which requires that vendors show respect to store owners and customers and refrain from drinking or drug use while selling the paper. We are anticipating a rise in activity with the upcoming summer months, and would like to gather together to answer any questions that community and business members may have.
Please join us at the High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond Street) on Monday, June 3 at 6:30pm for a community discussion.
The announcement continues after the jump – with Real Change’s own suggestions for helping curb the problem:
(Photo by Michelle Riggen-Ransom, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
The low-low tides captured in today’s featured photo (and others we’ve published) are gone until next month … but here’s what IS happening today/tonight, including highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HONORING VETERANS AT SSCC: South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) is honoring veterans with special events all week. 1 pm today at the campus bookstore, join a discussion of veteran-themed poetry. (6000 16th SW)
DUWAMISH CLEANUP HEARINGS AND RALLY: As previewed here earlier this week, the EPA’s two final official hearings on its proposed Duwamish River cleanup plan are at 2 and 6 pm at Town Hall downtown. Inbetween, there’s a rally at 5 pm. And the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition is offering free shuttles to the 6 pm hearing from South Park and Georgetown, but you need to make a reservation – that information is on our partner site The South Park News. (1119 8th Street downtown)
SCHOOL BOARD: No public comments at this session, but the public is welcome to sit in as the School Board gets its first look at proposals announced last night and reported here – including the proposal for K-5 STEM to be permanently housed at the current Schmitz Park Elementary once that school moves to the new Genesee Hill building in 2016, and the proposal for Fairmount Park Elementary to be a neighborhood school when it reopens in 2014 (seven years after the district closed it). The meeting’s at 4 pm at district HQ. (2445 3rd Ave. S. in SODO)
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL PARENT SOCIAL: 7-8:30 pm at Alki Arts, the WSHS PTSA is hosting a social event, “because we want to build our parent community, get to know each other and have fun! Light refreshments and beverages will be served.” (2820 Alki SW)
NIGHTLIFE: Music, trivia, open mike, more … see the listings on our calendar!
Four notes for tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK WATCH CAPTAINS TAKE ON 911: Seattle Police communications Capt. Sean O’Donnell comes to the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network tonight, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, to talk about how 911 works “behind the scenes” – and answer your questions. (Webster west of Delridge)
LINCOLN PARK SAFETY WALK: 7 pm, join the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council and SPD/Seattle Parks reps in the north lot of Lincoln Park to head out on a “safety walk” in the park. (Fauntleroy/Rose)
LOW TIDE: Last day of low-low tide – 2 pm, it’ll be out to -2.8 feet; not as low as the past few days but still very good for GENTLE tidewalking. 11:30-3 pm, you’ll find Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.
SEALTH OPEN HOUSE FOR INCOMING NINTH-GRADERS: Know someone going into 9th grade at Chief Sealth International High School next year? Tonight’s the special open house, 6-7:30 pm in the Galleria, previewed here recently – a chance to talk about sports at the school, whether the student already plays one or more sports, or is just thinking about it! (2600 SW Thistle)
More on the calendar!
(Saturday low-low-tide south of Alki Point, by Annika Bowden)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FARMERS’ MARKET: Open Sundays year-round, even holiday weekends, so you’ll find it in The Junction today, 10 am-2 pm, as usual. Back today, according to market managers, “Kittitas tomatoes and early Lyall cherries.” Also on hand: Master Gardeners to help you solve problems. (44th/Alaska)
MEMORIAL POPPIES: 10 am-2 pm, you’ll find them offered by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), California/Fauntleroy, in addition to VFW members at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) 9 am-11 pm – more information here.
FOOD SWAP: 10-11:30 am at Village Green Perennial Nursery – details in the calendar listing. (10223 26th SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE: 12:23 pm, it’s even lower than Saturday – -3.6 feet. From 10:30 am until 2:30 pm, Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out at Constellation Park south of Alki Point and Lincoln Park near Colman Pool.
PHILIP MARICONDA: Singer/songwriter with live music 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
ROO AND THE FEW: Live music – originals and covers, 7:30 pm at Locol. (7901 35th SW).
HOLLY FIGUEROA: All-ages 8 pm show at Skylark Café and Club, admission free. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
(Got all your ducks in a row? Photo by Dianne Reeves, taken recently on Longfellow Creek)
Slow pre-holiday Saturday? Of course not! Here’s just some of what’s happening:
MEMORIAL POPPIES: As previewed here last night, West Seattle American Legion Post 160 and Auxiliary Unit 160 members are out with the traditional memorial poppies this morning, till 2 pm in The Junction, and tomorrow too (schedule’s in the linked preview).
SOCCER AT THE ADMIRAL: The big West Seattle Soccer Club event is this morning at the Admiral Theater! 10:30 am doors open, 11 am pregame excitement, 11:45 am Champions League match, and more. Free but please bring a kid-friendly nonperishable food item for the West Seattle Food Bank.
MASSAGE ENVY GRAND OPENING: The newest business at Westwood Village, Massage Envy (WSB sponsor, welcomed earlier this week), celebrates its grand opening today with a ribboncutting at 11 am and, until 1 pm, free chair massages, healthy treats, and a water bar. (2513 SW Trenton: East side of Westwood Village, west of Staples)
MOBILE COMPUTER LAB: 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays, you can find it at the Neighborhood House High Point Center – if you have a friend who needs access to technology, let them know! Details in the ongoing listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
CUTS TO HEAD START PROGRAMS: Sisters Organize for Survival invites you to a public meeting at 2 pm, Delridge Library, to talk about recently announced cuts and what you can do to take action – full announcement in the calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL GOES FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP! 4 pm today, the West Seattle High School Wildcats baseball team plays for the state 3A championship in Pasco, against Auburn-Mountainview. Follow Twitter play-by-play here; live video feed here.
AND GOOD LUCK, TYEE SOCCER! West Seattle resident Janae tells us there’s a big local cheering section for Seatac’s Tyee High School, playing for the state 2A soccer championship in Sumner, also at 4 pm.
ROLLER DERBY TONIGHT: 6 pm at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center, Rat City Rollergirls‘ Derby Liberation Front vs. Jet City‘s Pink Pistols. Tickets at the door. (9646 17th SW)
WESTSIDE BURLESQUE REVUE: 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club in North Delridge – this month’s lineup in the calendar listing.
MORE NIGHTLIFE — live music, etc. – on the calendar!
(Mark Wangerin photographed the violet-green swallow “in the rain along Longfellow Creek”)
Heading for a 4-day holiday weekend? Many are this year, particularly since school is out Friday through Monday for Seattle Public Schools and others that follow its calendar. Meantime, another busy news day is under way but we’re taking a moment to mention four things from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: Every Thursday, 3-5 pm, you are invited to come join in work parties at the orchard, north end of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) campus – details here. (6000 16th SW)
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY DESIGN TEAM: The group that’s been meeting to shape the new Arbor Heights Elementary before construction begins is scheduled to meet at the school again today, 4 pm. (3704 SW 102nd)
DUWAMISH RIVER IN 3-D: Another unique event that’s part of the final weeks of your chance to have a say in the future of Seattle’s only river – 6 pm tonight at Sandbox Sports, 5955 Airport Way S. in Georgetown – details here.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: As previewed here last night, the board reviews the 150-or-so-apartment project 4745 40th SW for the first time, 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle; see the meeting “packet” (renderings, info) by going here. (California/Oregon)
NIGHTLIFE: Multiple listings for live music, karaoke, and more tonight – see them in today’s section of our calendar.
The photo is courtesy of Patty, featuring some of the more than 50 Our Lady of Guadalupe School students who visited Fauntleroy Creek earlier this week to release school-raised salmon fry. Creek stewards and volunteers led by Judy Pickens are wrapping up the spring salmon-release schedule today. Here’s some of what else is happening around West Seattle and vicinity:
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE DISCUSSES NICKELSVILLE, ENCAMPMENT RULES: The council’s Housing, Human Services, Health, and Culture Committee meets at 2 pm at City Hall, with two proposed ordinances that are likely to affect the future of the West Seattle encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” – one expanding where in the city encampments would be allowed, one specifically calling for a study costing up to $150,000 as a step toward making the current site semi-permanent, both linked in the agenda. Public comments will be taken at the start of the meeting. (City Hall is on 5th between Cherry and James downtown)
NICKELSVILLE ON HPAC AGENDA: Then at 7 pm tonight, during its regular monthly meeting, Highland Park Action Committee will follow up on the afternoon’s meeting and discuss the claim it has filed as a possible precursor to suing to get the city to take action. The meeting’s at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th/Holden)
Two school events tonight:
POETRY SLAM AT DENNY: Student poets and their work are in the spotlight during the annual 8th-grade poetry slam at the Denny International Middle School Galleria, 5:30 pm. (2601 SW Kenyon)
‘FINAL AND MOST IMPORTANT’ WSHS PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR: That’s how the announcement of tonight’s meeting is headlined in the latest Westside Weekly newsletter, edited by Bev Corey, who reminds us this is happening tonight:
Please come to the last PTSA meeting of the year … at 7:00 pm in the school library. Come to recognize the wonderful volunteers and educators who’ve won Golden Acorn awards. And, we’ll be adopting next year’s budget and voting for officers. We’ll have important updates on the West Seattle 5K and auction. And some other good stuff too.
(3000 California SW)
Exploring your career future? One event tonight:
CAREER NIGHT AT PRUDENTIAL: 6 pm at the Jefferson Square offices of Prudential Northwest Realty (WSB sponsor), find out if a real-estate career is for you. Details in the calendar listing. (4700 42nd SW, Suite 600)
To find all tonight’s nightlife listings, check the calendar. Here’s an event that happens just once a month:
POEMS AND STORIES: The fourth-Wednesday poetry/storytelling showcase at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) is tonight, 7-9 pm – details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)
(Ducklings at Lincoln Park; photo by Patrick McCaffrey)
Even if you’re not much for meetings, there are two tonight that might give you reason to reconsider. They’re on our list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOOD DRIVE: Puget Sound Blood Center‘s Bloodmobile is at Chief Sealth International High School till 2 pm (closed 10:30-11:30 am) – walk-ins usually welcome if you are interested in donating. (2600 SW Thistle)
BABY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – parents/caregivers, bring your 4-to-12-month-old(s)! (2306 42nd SW)
BENEFIT DINNER @ SENIOR CENTER: “Pay what you can” turkey dinner tonight at 5:30 at the Senior Center of West Seattle, to help raise money to repair the front door. (California and Oregon)
MEMORIAL WALK: Just got word while writing this; there’s a 5:30 pm walk in memory of Surinderpaul Basra, hit and killed last week at 1st and Findlay in Georgetown:
A family and community were torn apart by a horrific collision on Tuesday, May 14 as Surinderpaul Basra crossed at the intersection of First Avenue South and South Findlay Street right after she left after work at Essential Bakery. It’s the sort of tragedy we hear about all too often.
Please join us Tuesday, May 21st at 5:30 p.m. in front of Essential Bakery, 5601 1st Avenue South in Georgetown. We will walk where Surinderpaul Basra walked to pay our respects to her family and friends, and we will walk to send the message that we want safer streets for everyone in Seattle. These tragedies don’t need to keep happening.
More information here and here.
SEATTLE PARKS’ FUTURE – YOUR TURN TO SPEAK UP: 7 pm tonight in the renovated historic building at Dakota Place Park, it’s the biggest West Seattle meeting about the roadmap for Seattle Parks‘ future, the Legacy Plan. Have a favorite park? Something you’d like to see fixed up or changed? Or added to the system? That’s just some of what you’re welcome to talk about. (California and Dakota)
BURGLARY DETECTIVE @ CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct meeting room, SPD burglary Det. Jill Vanskike talks with the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council. You’ll also hear about area crime trends, and get a chance to bring up neighborhood concerns. (SW Webster, just west of Delridge Way)
BELLY DANCING: The monthly Alauda freeform-belly-dancing showcase at Skylark Café and Club is tonight, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Click that map for a larger version, showing the plan along Alki for this morning’s West Seattle 5K, followed by the Summer Streets festival. That’s where we begin today’s highlights, which include TWO parades!
WEST SEATTLE 5K: If you’re not registered, you can still get down to the Alki Bathhouse starting NOW and join more than 1,000 people walking and running to raise money for the West Seattle High School PTSA – it’s the fifth annual edition (WSB is proud to have co-sponsored it every year). The race starts shortly after 9 am.
‘SEATTLE SUMMER STREETS’ ON ALKI: After the race, Alki Avenue SW remains closed between 56th and 63rd SW for the annual SDOT-presented festival originally known, and still unofficially known, as “car-free day.” The activity list/schedule is here, with more entertainment and activities than ever, highlighted by the Alki Beach Creeps-presented Costumed Bike Parade at 1 pm (meet at 12:45 pm near 63rd/Alki). We’ll be reporting live from the “orange zone” between 62nd and 63rd, kicking off another season of on-site festival coverage; hope to see you there.
WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL AND PARADE: Today’s the day to celebrate the new West Seattle Bee Garden at High Point Commons Park (Lanham/Graham) – with a festival starting at 11 am, and a parade at 11:30 from West Seattle Elementary to bring in the bees; as noted in our preview last night, you are welcome to be part of the parade – costumes encouraged at this one too!
FRIENDS OF LINCOLN PARK WORK PARTY: It’s your next chance to give some TLC to Lincoln Park – starting at 9 am; details in our calendar listing.
FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: It’s day 2 for the 14th annual round of plant sales benefiting the animal-advocacy group Furry Faces Foundation, 10 am-4 pm at 3809 46th SW. Details in our calendar listing.
PIE AND COFFEE OPEN HOUSE: Stop by The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) 1-3 pm today for pie, coffee, and an open house – details here.
CISCOE VISITS: 1 pm today, gardening personality Ciscoe Morris returns to Village Green Perennial Nursery (10223 26th SW) – details on the Facebook event page.
CENTER FOR MOVEMENT AND HEALING OPEN HOUSE: 4-6:30 pm, healing/helping professionals are invited to the center, at 7901 35th SW, for a special open house – explained in the calendar listing.
BINGO BENEFIT: Bailey-Boushay House is the beneficiary of tonight’s Drag Bingo event at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), starting at 5 pm – details on the FL website.
Find yet more on the calendar!
Lynn‘s photo from early this morning shows how busy Elliott Bay was as the day began – a ferry, a cargo ship, and the first day of the season with three cruise ships (one’s out of view). Speaking of traffic – here’s an important reminder about what’s happening on land all weekend long:
(“Live” image from WSDOT camera looking southward over 99 – approach to NB Western ramp is at left)
HIGHWAY 99 ALERT: Thanks to WSB reader Lynne for suggesting a reminder this morning about this weekend’s closure on 99 from the Battery Street Tunnel northward to Valley Street, as noted by WSDOT here. It’s part of the ongoing Mercer project, and continues all weekend.
DELRIDGE DETOUR REMINDER: The Delridge Way repaving project shifted northward three days ago, so some people will be encountering the new detour this week for the first time. Southbound drivers will be detoured between SW Holden and SW Thistle; see the map in our story from earlier this week.
NEW WATER TAXI’S DEBUT: One more transportation note. The Spirit of Kingston is finally on the West Seattle Water Taxi run as of this morning, per our Friday report.
Here’s what else is up – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
TWO BIG GARAGE/YARD/RUMMAGE SALES! The season continues – till 5 pm today, the Ocean View neighborhood’s big sale is on in the vicinity of 11408 Marine View Drive SW; and till 4 pm at Greenbridge Plaza on 8th SW just south of Roxbury, the White Center Kiwanis‘s big rummage sale benefits three local nonprofits. P.S. For smaller sales, see the WSB Forums‘ Freebies/Deals/Sales section.
LOVE ANTIQUES? Providence Mount St. Vincent has an “Antiques Roadshow”-style event/community fair under way today till 2 pm – details in the calendar listing. (4831 35th SW)
GRAFFITI PAINTOUT: The more helpers, the better – meet at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 10 am. Here’s our earlier report with more info. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FURRY FACES FOUNDATION PLANT SALE: More than 1,000 plants on sale as the 14th annual round of plant sales benefiting the animal-advocacy group Furry Faces Foundation gets under way today, 10 am-4 pm (tomorrow too!). Details in our calendar listing.
SPRING BOOK SALE AT TIBBETTS: Love to read? You’ll love the spring book sale at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 10 am-1 pm. (3940 41st SW)
FREE LUNCH! West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor)’s Saturday barbecues are usually charity fundraisers but today, come get a free grilled hot dog 11 am-4 pm – while supplies last – in appreciation of YOU. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)
BUY AND CELEBRATE PLANTS @ SSCC: 11 am-2 pm at the garden center on the north side of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), you can buy student-grown plants – tomatoes and veggies are ready, they remind us, and some flowers too! – more info here. And while you’re there … enjoy the Seattle Chinese Garden Peony and Bamboo Festival next door! (6000 16th SW)
STORYTIME: Westwood Village Barnes and Noble‘s Saturday storytime, 11 am, features tea time, Melissa tells us: “Inspired by the story ‘Tea with Rex,’ we’ll be having … tea and biscuits (AKA juice and pretty cookies). Formal dress is not required, but if dressing up for tea is your thing, please feel free!” (Southwest side of Westwood Village)
HANDS ACROSS THE SAND: Show your support for sustainability and environmental protection by joining this annual event on the beach at Alki at noon – details here.
WEST SEATTLE 5K PACKET PICKUP/SIGNUPS: If you want to avoid the last-minute rush on West Seattle 5K (co-sponsored by WSB) day tomorrow, be at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) noon-6 pm today – to either pick up your packet/T-shirt (if you are registered already) OR to sign up if you’re not. (NW corner of Charlestown/California, upstairs)
‘PRESTO GARDEN’: One more reminder – if you can spare some time between 1 pm and 5 pm, come to the Westcrest Park P-Patch in Highland Park and help Sustainable West Seattle plant a new organic garden to help feed people served by the White Center Food Bank (whose service area includes southern West Seattle, as well as WC). Full details on the SWS website.
WSHS BASEBALL @ STATE TOURNAMENT: This afternoon in Mount Vernon, the West Seattle High School baseball team starts state play with a game against Ferndale.
BOSTON BENEFIT AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: From Matt Johnson:
On Saturday, we’ll be serving Sam Adams Boston Lager as part of a whole ‘help out Boston day’ with 10 other bars throughout the city. We’ll also be, miracle of miracles, actually showing the Boston Red Sox game at the bar @ 4:00, with donation buckets, as well as donationg a portion of the proceeds from the Sam Adams beer sales back to the Greg Hill Foundation. Facebook page and information is here.
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) is at 6451 California SW.
‘WILLY WONKA JR.’ FINALE: The Lafayette Elementary production will be staged one last time tonight at the West Seattle High School Theater, 7 pm. Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)
WEST SIDE GLORY: Variety show at Skylark Café and Club, 8 pm, details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Looking for something to do tonight? Five highlights!
(Photo courtesy Edgar Riebe)
‘WILLY WONKA JR.’: 106 Lafayette Elementary students are in the production, performing their hearts out, under the direction of Melia Scranton with choreography by Aaron Swartzmann, and you have two chances to see it at the West Seattle High School Theater – 7 pm tonight, or 7 pm tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets are free but donations are encouraged. (3000 California SW)
WOMEN, WINE, WELLNESS: Free event at 7 pm tonight at Roxbury Spine and Wellness Clinic (WSB sponsor), but you have to RSVP ASAP! Details are in our calendar listing. (2656 SW Roxbury)
MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: It’s this month’s free-movie night at Highland Park Improvement Club! 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) – details in the calendar listing. (12th/Holden)
PEARL DJANGO AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm tonight, the local legends play historic Kenyon Hall – details in the calendar listing.
SECOND-TO-LAST WEEK … to see “33 Variations” at ArtsWest. Curtain tonight: 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)
Check the calendar for nightlife listings.
(Photo by Flickr member “old desolate,” shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happening today/tonight (and you’ll find more on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar):
4755 FAUNTLEROY MEGAPROJECT BACK @ DESIGN COMMISSION: 1:30 pm today at City Hall, the city Design Commission takes its third look at the project, this time for “public benefit.” The Design Commission’s role in this project’s review involves the approval needed for the “alley vacation” that’s involved. The meeting’s in the Boards and Commissions Room. (600 4th Avenue)
FRANK FEST: Tonight’s that special night of the year when the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) celebrates Frank Sinatra – with food, music, and more. Starts at 6 pm. (6451 California SW)
TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE UPDATE: We’re told a “very limited number of tickets” will be available at the door for tonight’s fundraiser featuring almost 50 food and drink purveyors from around West Seattle and White Center, all to help the West Seattle Helpline. It’s at 6:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)
POETRY READING: Joseph Aprile reads tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). (5612 California SW)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The agenda for the 7 pm meeting includes a review of housing developments in the area, including 2414 55th SW (covered here earlier this month), and a presentation on the Alki Point Lighthouse’s centennial year. The meeting’s at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)
(Male black-headed grosbeak photographed in Fauntleroy Creek area by Mark Wangerin)
Highlights ahead for today/tonight (with even more on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar):
GIVEBIG TO LOCAL NONPROFITS: The link is atop the WSB sidebar – but if you see this first, go here to see which West Seattle, White Center, and South Park nonprofits are participating this year and eligible, depending on how much is given, for “stretch” funds! Deadline for making your gift count: 11:59 pm tonight.
LAST FULL DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR SUNDAY’S WEST SEATTLE 5K: Tomorrow, online registration closes for the 9 am Sunday (May 19th) benefit run/walk on Alki – and it costs less than same-day signups. So don’t procrastinate – register here right now.
SEALTH TEAMS IN TOURNAMENT PLAY: First, it’s district-tournament softball, 2 pm at Lower Woodland Park, where the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks play Mercer Island. If they win and then defeat Blanchet at 4 pm, it’s on to state. Meantime, for the Sealth boys’ soccer team, state play starts at 6 pm at Snohomish High School, vs. Glacier Peak. (P.S. As announced a few days ago, CSIHS is launching a new soccer camp for younger students this summer – details in this story.)
SANISLO ELEMENTARY PTA MEETING: Last one of the year and, as explained in the calendar listing, it’s a biggie. 6:30 pm.
DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP PLAN MEETING EN ESPANOL: At 5:30 pm at the South Park Community Center, the Environmental Protection Agency makes history with its first-ever public hearing in Spanish, taking comments on its proposed Duwamish River Cleanup Plan. Simultaneous English translation available. Details here, via the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. (8319 8th Ave. S.)
DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: On the agenda for tonight’s 7 pm meeting of reps from community councils and other major organizations around eastern West Seattle: City Council President Sally Clark discusses public campaign financing, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center’s director David Bestock has an update on its status, and DNDC chair Mat McBride, along with Pete Spalding, will have an update on the Delridge Corridor proposal, after feedback from recent neighborhood meetings. The DNDC meeting’s at Youngstown, 4408 Delridge Way SW.
P.S. Not a highlight so much as a reminder – Seattle Public Schools are out 2 hours early today.
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