West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
It’s a mandatory question when you interview someone who’s reached a milestone like their 100th birthday – any secret to your long life?
Gwen Bell thinks that in her case, maybe it’s “because I’ve lived a pleasant life.”
Gwen was two days short of 100 when we talked with her on Saturday at her home east of Fairmount Park. But the celebrating already had begun.
We recorded our chat on video – it’s in two parts below. In the first, Gwen – NOT short for Gwendolyn, by the way (she says her parents decided to be efficient) – talks about her travels and her gardening, and you might even hear a few longevity tips after all.
In the second part, we talk about her jobs and her life in West Seattle – where she lived in Gatewood before she and her late husband (married 66 years, with a wedding three weeks before World War II ended) moved to a neighborhood that felt “rural” when she arrived:
As she told us toward the end of our chat, Gwen’s birthday plans included a celebratory dinner and a “Happy Birthday” serenade from her neighbors. One of those neighbors, in fact, is the person who tipped us to Gwen’s milestone birthday (thank you, Ryan!).
Two weeks ago, Greater Seattle YMCA executives promised a community survey as one of the next steps in determining the future of the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor). This follows last month’s town-hall meeting (WSB coverage here). We checked with the Y today and learned they sent the survey to meeting participants Friday and are now circulating it more widely, including this message:
… We are committed to the Fauntleroy YMCA and look forward to working with the community to determine the best use for the space. We heard a lot of great ideas, and your thoughtful feedback is crucial as we navigate to ensure the continued success of the Fauntleroy YMCA.
We also have collected all your feedback that we have heard so far from emails, conversations online and in person, and our town hall. To further gauge community needs, preferences, and interests, we’ve prepared a survey where you can rank the suggested ideas. Your input will help us prioritize and shape the future of the Fauntleroy YMCA.
Please also share this survey with your community to help us ensure no one gets left out. Let us know if you feel something is missing or if you have another idea that should be included in upcoming communication or questions that should be addressed. Thank you for your patience as we are still gathering other context that was requested.
In the meantime, if you have already signed up for a volunteer committee, we will be reaching out separately to discuss how we move forward with membership, project planning, and fundraising. If you did not have the chance to sign up, you can do so through the survey.
Any time you would like to provide feedback for the Fauntleroy YMCA, please submit it here. For other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at pr@seattleymca.org.
The “other context” refers to a promise of a “high-level plan for moving forward” that also was promised within two weeks along with the survey; town-hall participants also had asked for more information about the Y’s finances beyond what was originally disclosed a month ago. Again, here’s the survey link. It asjs you to rate six possible ways to use what’s labeled the “Fauntleroy YMCA Community Hub” space. There’s also an open-ended question inviting you to describe other way(s) the “community hub space” could be used, as well as questions about operating hours, plus requests for feedback on planning future meetings, plus the aforementioned committee involvement.
Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN PICKUP: Jessica emailed this morning, hoping you can be on the lookout for her pickup:
My truck was stolen from outside my house in the Admiral District. 1989 GMC Sierra 2500, light brown with orange accents. Collector’s plate 6367F. Police report number: 24-33805
Meantime, weekend summaries made available by SPD today include these two West Seattle incidents we hadn’t previously heard about:
ALKI GUNFIRE: SPD says officers were flagged down near 62nd/Alki just after 1 am Saturday by someone reporting this incident, described as: “Four victims were involved in a verbal altercation with a male in a black SUV. Suspect in the SUV fired a single shot and then fled southbound. Evidence of the shooting was recovered.”
ASSAULTED BY INTRUDER: According to the SPD summary, this happened just before 1:30 am Sunday. The original call to the 7500 block of 21st SW was for a burglary; officers say they found someone “that the reporting party wanted removed.” That person was not arrested – until, SPD says, they assaulted an officer, resulting in a call to SFD for medical assistance, after which, the summary continues, “the suspect then assaulted a Medic, an AMR crewmember, and another officer.” We’re following up. ADDED: SFD tells us, “Medics were called in to assist AMR with a patient. One SFD medic and an SPD officer were treated for assault.” The suspect, however, was the only one who had to be taken to the hospital, a man in his late 20s.
(Northwest Seaport Alliance photo)
Last week, a reader asked about a sighting of two car-carrier ships in Elliott Bay. At the time, we only found one via the MarineTraffic.com tracker – Platinum Ray, still anchored in the bay today, but shown as eventually bound for Tacoma, where such cargo is routinely handled. Then today the Northwest Seaport Alliance explained the other one:
Terminal 46 marked a significant milestone on Friday, February 2nd, as it welcomed the arrival of the GLOVIS vessel Silver Sky transporting automobiles destined for Canada.
More than 2,500 automobiles discharged at Terminal 46, in The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) gateway, where they will await transport to Canadian KIA and Hyundai dealerships later this month.
Terminal 46 is on the downtown waterfront. The NWSA announcement refers to this as “the first automobile vessel in more than 20 years to call the North Harbor [Seattle],” but our archives note that one unloaded at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 in 2015. (Update: NWSA has updated to say it was the first such call at T-46 in 20+ years.) As for whether more such deliveries are ahead, the NWSA says it “hopes (Terminal 46) will be utilized to support additional cargo movement in the coming months.”
(Kite-surfing off Alki – Sunday photo by Javier Fosado)
Here’s what’s on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for this afternoon/evening:
SEED GIVEAWAY SURVEY: Today’s the deadline to reply to this quick survey for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s program to give away seed packets to parents and teachers, so kids can learn about growing food.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Also planned today: An introduction to this year’s budget process. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
TODDLER GYM PLAYTIME: Free indoor drop-in playspace 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center. (9050 16th SW).
‘PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING 101’: Join parents, teachers, and others from around West Seattle at this free educational event starting at 6 pm at Genesee Hill Elementary (5013 SW Genesee), as previewed here. Child care available.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three options tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE: 9 pm, Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(File photo, courtesy Seattle Parks)
Spring is now just six weeks away. If you’re thinking of volunteering during this year’s warm season, here’s an opportunity – the annual call for Seattle Urban Nature Guides, which we were asked to share with you:
Become a Seattle Urban Nature Guide! Seattle Parks and Recreation Environmental Engagement Unit is offering free volunteer guide training. Inspire change through education, enrich the experience of park visitors, teach families and school students in nature, and share with your community. Applications are due March 15th; training begins April 12th.
Apply online at seattle.gov/parks/volunteer/environmental-education-volunteering#SUNG
If you have questions about the program, PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov is the address.
6:01 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Monday, February 5.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, breezy, chance of rain, high in the 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:30 am, sunset at 5:16 pm.
(Saturday sunset from Constellation Park – photo by Jen Popp)
TRANSIT NOTES
Sound Transit note – The 1 Line is back to normal starting today, after 3 weeks of work.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge:
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!
Reported tonight by Jenny via email – this van was taken overnight from an apartment parking lot off Fauntleroy Way north of Fairmount Park:
It’s a white Chevrolet van, with ladders on top when taken; plates BFB7562, SPD report number 24-32912. Call 911 if you see it.
Lori wonders if this is happening to anyone else tonight: “Started noticing brown water at our house, near intersection of Erskine & 46th SW.” Nothing on Seattle Public Utilities‘ map so far; if you have water trouble, including discoloration, be sure to report to SPU at 206-386-1800.
Three biznotes:
MORE VALENTINE’S FOOD: The latest venue to send word of a special Valentine’s menu is Camp West in The Junction (4539 California SW). They’re offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu (see it here) for $60/person. On Valentine’s Day, 4-9 pm, that’s all Camp West will offer; it’ll also be an option for the subsequent four days, February 15-18. They recommend reservations, which can be booked online. (Anybody else with Valentine specials? Let us know!)
SEAFOOD SALES: Planning a home-cooked Valentine meal? Or Super Bowl or Lunar New Year or … hey, no special occasion necessary. WSB sponsor Seattle Seafood Center (717 S. Michigan in Georgetown) has extended sales on crab, lobster, and ahi tuna.
HOMESTREET SPOTLIGHT: Every month, HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) spotlights another local business/nonprofit, with a display and an invitation to customers to enter a drawing. Last month’s spotlight was on Sports Medicine Northwest:
(HomeStreet’s Joyce Leslie, center, with Sports Medicine NW’s Alicia Pond and Dr. Skylar Pond)
Sports Medicine NW’s co-proprietors stopped by HomeStreet on Friday for the monthly drawing. This month’s spotlight at the bank is on Mighty House Construction.
From bake sales to galas to levies to basic property taxes – how does public-school funding work, and how can parents, teachers, and others advocate for what their local school(s) need? Monday night (February 5) everyone’s invited to learn and talk at “Public School Funding 101,” presented by more than half a dozen local PTAs/PTSAs/PTOs, including the PTA at Genesee Hill Elementary, which is hosting the meeting (5013 SW Dakota). Scheduled guests for the discussion are Seattle Public Schools Board president Liza Rankin and Seattle Council PTSA advocacy/policy manager Vivian van Gelder. It starts at 6 pm and on-site child care will be available.
(WSB photos)
High-school softball season is still about a month away, but some of West Seattle HS‘s team members were on the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this morning for a special event – mentoring younger players.
The clinic was for West Seattle Little League softball players in two groups – first the Rookies and Minors (League age 7-10 or for beginners), then Majors and Juniors (league age 11-14 or for advanced players):
Participants got to practice hitting, throwing, catching, fielding, and running:
The clinic was created three seasons ago by Kamil Ygnacio, now a senior, to help raise softball’s community visibility:
Clinic participation has doubled over the years – 60 players this time around. The clinic was free of charge for WSLL players but donations were welcome to help the WSHS softball program (you can chip in here – specify that it’s for softball).
Thanks for the tips! We just caught up with West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen finishing this new signal-box portrait, on the southwest corner of California/Frontenac south of Morgan Junction. It’s a portrait of Mike Starr, original Alice in Chains bassist, who died in 2011 at age 44. Hansen estimates he’s painted about 75 boxes – in and outside of West Seattle – since starting in 2018 with Jimi Hendrix at California/Fauntleroy. You can see many of them, and some of his other work, on his website. We asked him what’s next; nothing specific yet, but he said there’s a lot of maintenance to be done this spring.
A reader reports their home was broken into between 3:30 and 4:20 pm Thursday, February 1. It happened in the 2400 block of Myrtle, a block off Delridge. The victim explains, “Our neighbor’s security camera caught this footage of 3 men walking out of our driveway (his footage is about 28 minutes behind the actual time) … The gray/silver minivan was waiting for the 3 men, all dressed exactly the same.” They appear in the distance in the upper left of the video around :16 in:
The minivan then headed west on Myrtle toward Delridge. The victim adds, “They used a crowbar to open the front door and stole cash and jewelry, mostly family items not replaceable. I am usually home during this time and ran a random errand, so it seems like they were really watching as the window was very small, or they had a stroke of great luck with timing!” The SPD report number is 24-30292.
Family and friends will gather February 17 to celebrate the life of Tom Slattery, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:
Tom Slattery, 74, died the morning of January 22, 2024, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle against lung disease.
For his children, grandchildren and community, Tom leaves a legacy of advocacy for children, education, racial justice, and nature preservation.
Tom was born December 4, 1949, to Joseph and Helen Slattery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He grew up an active and curious kid in Columbus, Ohio developing an early love for books and cars. Tom attended and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1971 with a degree in education.
Following college, Tom moved to San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, Tom would meet his wife and best friend, Pat Reh, and they would welcome two of their three sons, Rob and Reed. Dale would arrive after the family settled in Washington state.
Tom enjoyed sharing music with others nearly as much as he enjoyed listening to it himself. Nothing would make him happier than turning someone on to a new favorite song or artist. He also had a gift with words and could easily evoke laughter through his quick wit and clever turn of phrase.
Throughout his adult life, Tom was never far from a camera. The result is literal volumes of photos of his family, friends, places he traveled, cars he admired, plants and birds. Oh so many photos of birds. He loved the minute details that differentiated them and the wide range of colors displayed on their feathers. He also felt this way about his four grandchildren that continuously delighted him and kept him young.
Tom spent the second half of his life in White Center with a backyard that yielded the many vegetables he would grow, sanctuary for the many birds he would photograph, and a place for his children and grandchildren to gather and play. It was in White Center that his commitment to community, specifically to the safety and wellbeing of children, would take root and grow. He served 16 years on the Highline School Board and worked for several non-profits toward these ends.
In retirement, he turned those countless photographs into books that he would gift to family and
friends. He would spend hours building intricate and different birdhouses he would display throughout the house. Together with his wife Pat, there were numerous trips to places such as Costa Rica, Belize, Palm Springs, San Miguel de Allende, and a final trip taken in the fall of 2023 on a riverboat cruise north on the Mississippi River, surely evoking the tales of his beloved author, Mark Twain.Tom is survived by his wife Pat; his sons Rob (Marissa), Reed (Roxanne), and Dale (Jean); his grandsons Isaiah, Marcos, and Lucas; his granddaughter Izzy; and his brothers Bill, Ed, and Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents and many dear friends.
A memorial gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, at 3:00 p.m. at Mount View Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Kubota Garden Foundation.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Photo by Dan Stegner)
Sunday’s here, and our calendar has these 10 highlights for the hours ahead:
ANIMATED ANNIVERSARY, DAY 2: The Animated Café pink coffee-and-more trailer is celebrating two years in business all weekend, with balloons and “$2 off for anyone who comes dressed up in a fun animated-themed outfit.” Open 9 am-3 pm today. (4518 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Caffe Ladro (7011 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN NEEDS YOU: 10 am-noon, help out as the Bee Garden looks ahead to spring! (Graham/Lanham)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering winter vegetables and fruit as well as cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
SUNDAY SMALL BIZ POP-UP MARKET: While you’re at the Farmers’ Market, detour into Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) 10 am-2 pm to browse small local businesses selling their creations.
LOCAL COMPANY AT REMODELING EXPO: If you’re going to the Northwest Remodeling Expo downtown (11 am-5 pm at the Convention Center, 705 Pike), look for longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction.
‘BORN WITH TEETH’: First matinee for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm – tickets here.
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-5 pm, music at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – bring money and/or nonperishable food to support their donation drive for the WSFB.
DRAG BINGO: 5:30 pm at The Locöl (7902 35th SW), free, 21+.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: See and hear the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Planning something that belongs on our calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:49 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to what’s described as an abandoned house near 36th/Oregon. Updates to come.
6:55 PM: The exact location is difficult to discern from descriptions – the dispatched address is 4500 block of 35th SW, nearest hydrant was described as 36th/Oregon, and then crews said they were accessing from 34th SW. We’re on the way to find out more. … The fire’s been declared “under control.”
(Added: Photo sent by Kevin Freitas)
6:58 PM: SPD assisting with traffic control say they have “36th and Genesee closed in all directions.”
7:10 PM: Our crew is there, reporting the fire is out and that indeed, no one was in the house. As for location, SFD has not updated the logged address yet (even though SPD told them it was wrong) – our crew says 36th and Oregon is a better location – it’s on the dead end of Oregon a little ways east of Tom’s Automotive.
(Added: WSB photo)
7:14 PM: Checking our files, the address may technically be correct – we believe it’s the “shack” referred to in this report we published two months ago about a potential redevelopment project.
7:22 PM: SFD’s investigator is calling for SPD. We noted a “dumpster fire” call just after 6 pm outside nearby Habit Burger (35th/Avalon) and hope to ask if they think it’s related.
(WSB photo)
7:28 PM: The incident commander confirms they are indeed looking into whether the two fires are related.
MONDAY UPDATE: SFD says the fire was ruled “deliberately set,” so SPD is investigating.
Police are at Global Smoke and Vape (35th/Roxbury) right now, after the store was robbed for the second time in less than 24 hours. So far tonight police are saying they don’t have much to go on – officers have told dispatch that the store staff has only described the robbers as “three males wearing masks,” at least one with a gun. The robbers who hit the store around 7:30 last night were described as three white men around 20 years old, 5’4″, one in a white jacket, two in dark jacket, all in masks, one with a gun. No injuries reported in either holdup. In addition to other robberies at the store, it was hit by crash-and-grab burglars five times in less than a month last fall.
As that WSDOT camera view shows, there’s plenty of snow in the mountains (today Stevens Pass reported a four-foot base). Taking care of your skis and/or snowboard will keep them in good shape, so that’s why Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is offering another class:
Unlock the secrets to maintaining peak performance on the slopes with our “Intro to Waxing Class!” on Wednesday, February 7th at 6 pm. Led by our expert shop manager, Chia, this workshop will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to keep your gear in top condition. The class includes:
Expert Demonstration – Our skilled shop manager will guide you through the art and science of ski and snowboard waxing. Learn essential techniques and gain insights into the importance of proper waxing for maximizing your equipment’s performance.
Understanding Wax Types – Dive into the world of waxes! Learn about different types of waxes and their specific applications based on snow conditions, temperatures, and your skiing or snowboarding style. Discover the right wax for your needs and preferences.
Equipment Maintenance Tips – Beyond waxing, our expert will share valuable insights into general equipment maintenance. Discover how small adjustments and care can make a big difference in your overall experience on the slopes.
Community Connection – This class is not just about waxing; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow shredders in the community. Share your passion for winter sports, swap stories, and make new friends who share your love for the mountains.
Register here. The $10 fee can be used as a credit toward buying your own waxing supplies at M2SO, which is in The Triangle at 3602 SW Alaska.
Lots of youth-sports news as spring approaches – including this announcement from West Seattle Baseball:
Last Chance to Sign Up for West Seattle Baseball 2024 Spring Season!
Registration for West Seattle Baseball closes on Monday, February 12th. Don’t miss out on the fun-filled season for Spring Baseball.
West Seattle Baseball is offering Baseball for five different divisions. Registration is open now through February 12th. Also available are scholarship assistance and multi-sibling discounts.
Sign up at: westseattlebaseball.com
Pricing:
Shetland/T-Ball (6U) – $130
Baseball:
Pinto (8U) – $185
Mustang (10U) – $195
Bronco (12U) – $250
Pony (14U) – $300Registration costs include a ballcap and team jersey for each player, in addition to a full season of baseball with events three times per week from mid-March through early June.
West Seattle Baseball believes that every child deserves to benefit from the games of baseball. For families needing financial assistance, we offer reduced-fee league registration through the West Seattle Baseball Scholarship Assistance program. If you wish to apply, please contact wsbbregistrar@gmail.com
(WSB photo: Councilmember Rob Saka at Monday’s protest rally outside Chief Sealth IHS)
One month after District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka took office, what are his plans, and how is he responding to community issues? The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle invites you to hear firsthand this Wednesday (February 7), 6 pm, during their meeting at Great American Diner & Bar in The Junction (4752 California SW). Just RSVP by Tuesday to president Denis Sapiro, via email at sapirodenis@hotmail.com or by calling 206-601-4136. He adds, “Please give your name and number attending. Guests are expected to order off the menu prior to 6 pm” (that night).
The high-school basketball season is close to the end, but first, a cross-town showdown last night.
The gym was packed as West Seattle High School hosted Chief Sealth International High School last night. The first varsity game of the night featured the girls:
The Wildcats got out to a fast lead, 4-0 in the first half-minute, and never looked back. Final score was WSHS 73, Chief Sealth 34. Leading scorer was Sealth’s #24, junior Fahima Mohamed, with 25:
For West Seattle, #21, junior Alyssa Neumann, had 17:
And the total for WSHS’s #4, senior Carmen Cruz, was 15:
Both teams have postseason games Monday at 7 pm: Head coach Mario Martinez‘s Seahawks (9-10) play Nathan Hale at home.
And head coach Darnell Taylor‘s Wildcats (11-10) will play at Seattle Prep.
WSHS also took last night’s nightcap, the boys’ varsity game, 73-45. We were there for the first half. Early standouts included West Seattle #3, senior Bo Gionet:
And Chief Sealth’s #2, senior AJ Williams Bradley:
Both boys’ teams also have postseason games at 7 pm Monday – head coach Dan Kriley‘s Wildcats (12-9) play at Rainier Beach:
And head coach Richard Stephens‘ Seahawks (3-17) will play at Ingraham:
(Photo by Gary Jones, who explains, “Recently at Alki Point – crow trying to dislodge perceived intruder to no avail”)
The first weekend of February is here, and so is the list of today/tonight possibilities in West Seattle, mostly from our event calendar:
OLYMPIC TRIALS WATCH PARTY: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) is opening early for this, 7 am. Come watch, then join the 8 am group run (or stay at the shop and keep watching)!
FREE! GROUP RUN: Even if you’re not coming early to watch the Olympic trials, start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
ANIMATED ANNIVERSARY: The Animated Café pink coffee-and-more trailer is celebrating two years in business today – proprietor Melanie (“Ana”) “is going to have balloons and as always doing $2 off for anyone who comes dressed up in a fun animated-themed outfit.” Open 8 am-5 pm today. (4518 Fauntleroy Way SW)
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event but registration required.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open today:
We are open 10 am-2 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! We have all your indoor plant needs, with pots, advice and more! Plus, any last-minute winter outside plants you might need. The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects.The selection includes perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, as well as indoor plants. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW)
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
EZELL’S ANNIVERSARY: The famous-fried-chicken company, with a location in Morgan Junction (Fauntleroy/California, open 10:30 am-7 pm today), celebrates its 40th anniversary, having opened its first restaurant on February 3, 1984, in the Central District. (Added: Learn more about Ezell’s in this video made by local documentarian BJ Bullert when Ezell’s opened its West Seattle restaurant.)
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
MATADOR ANNIVERSARY: All Matador locations including West Seattle (4546 California SW) are celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary today, with deals “including $5 house margaritas and a special $5 happy hour menu, available from 4-6 pm and 10 pm-close.” The restaurant/bar is open 11 am-2 am today.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open 1-6 pm, north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WOMEN’S RETREAT: 1-6 pm sangha – details in our calendar listing.
FREE MUSIC AND FOOD: Community meal with TheHomeSkillit.com, 3-7 pm at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) – everyone welcome.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Circle of Songs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
‘BORN WITH TEETH’: Third night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm – tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Punk show with Pink Steam, Me and Who?, Gender Envy at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $12.
BEATS: Saturday night DJ at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, Hot ‘N’ Spicy Disco spins. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm, with Michael Van Fleet.
Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s welcome, get your event on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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