West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
(WSB photo from Seattle Summer Streets on Alki two years ago)
3 weeks from today, we can only hope for this same great weather as Alki’s summer kicks off in a big way – Sunday, May 22nd, starts with the West Seattle 5K, and then segues into Seattle Summer Streets (formerly known as “Car-Free Day”), with Alki Avenue SW closed till 5 pm.
For the 5K (organized by the West Seattle High School PTSA, with co-sponsors including WSB), you have till Thursday to register at the early-bird rate – you can sign up online here; after May 5, the price goes up. For Summer Streets, the Alki Community Council is co-hosting a big slate of entertainment, activities, vendors and community groups (along with SDOT, Children’s Hospital, and Cascade Bicycle Club), primarily between 56th and 63rd SW. We mentioned some of it in our coverage of the ACC’s last meeting, and this weekend, ACC secretary Sandy Payne shared more info:
Plans include live music, a talent show, kids’ games with prizes, face painting, a petting zoo, ultimate frisbee and other demostrations such as magic tricks, dog massage, dance, stand-up paddle board and skating demos, custom T-shirt screening, electric-bike test rides, a surf machine and skate ramp.
There will be opportunities to meet with members of many local community groups such as Seal Sitters, Whale Trail, Sustainable West Seattle, West Seattle Be Prepared, Alki Community Council, Alki Arts Fair, Skate Church, Breathe Deep Seattle …
They’ll have a full list of participants once the registration process is closer to complete – but wanted you to know that the street party will be even more like a party this year than in years past. And of course, all that fun doesn’t happen without a lot of volunteers – if you can pitch in, or participate some other way, here’s an update from the ACC website with information on what they’re still looking for to make the big day happen.
Second story of kindness that we’ve been privileged to receive and share this afternoon. This one’s from Zibby:
This morning I was walking on Alki around 11:30 when I noticed a large, adult glaucous -winged gull sitting in the middle of Alki Avenue, just in front of Pioneer Coffee. Traffic was crazy so I ran into the street and tried to shoo it out of the way – it was obviously injured, so I picked it up and took it down to the water where I watched it wobble and fall over quite a few times before deciding to get it away from the crowds.
I carried it over to Pioneer Coffee where a sweet employee found me a box and a neighbor gave me some material to cover the box with. …
I ended up taking the gull to PAWS wildlife rehabilitation center in Lynnwood. It made it through the long ride in traffic and they said it looked like he/she had likely been hit by a car or injured in some other manner. Anyhow, here’s to hoping the little one makes it and an update for everyone who helped out and was concerned.
From the PAWS website, here’s information on what to do if you encounter injured wildlife.
(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB)
If you drove through 35th/Barton and wondered what the party’s for – West Seattle’s most famous convenience store (better known for connoisseur-level beer than for mini-mart staples like Beer Nuts) is throwing a barbecue/birthday bash today. WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz just stopped by, and reports that Super Deli Mart owner Min Chung is hosting a second-anniversary party to thank friends, customers, and vendors. It’s scheduled to last till 5 pm at 9051 35th SW.
Sarah posted this on our recently relocated West Seattle Blog Facebook page. With her permission, we’re republishing here:
Just saw the BEST good Samaritan act of kindness! A blind man was lost in the middle of California Ave at the bottom of Gatewood Hill. Walking back and forth between all lanes of traffic.
And a man on the side of the road tried to help but accidentally scared the man. So the woman in the car that had stopped opposite of me got out of her car, realized he was scared, put her foot in front of his cane, and helped him to the sidewalk. It was so awesome to see. I just wanted to share. If she happens to see this- thank you!
Hannah acknowledges that the circumstances of her story regarding an acquaintance victimized by a thief are “pretty strange,” but she’s sharing it to ask if any witnesses are out there. Read on:Read More
Results of yet another speeder roundup are on the Seattle Police SPD Blotter this morning – and the Saturday roundup is of note for two reasons: First, it’s not just West Seattle. Second, in West Seattle, the patrols included Highland Park Way, which some WSB commenters have suggested needs attention – details ahead:Read More
Thanks to Meredith for the photo confirming that the West Seattle High School baseball team’s benefit car wash is up and running on this spectacular day. They’re scheduled to be at Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor; 7901 35th SW) till 3 pm – and as previewed here, a $10 donation gets you a ticket to next Thursday’s M’s game!
9:01 AM: We’re receiving multiple reports that the “low bridge” is closed to car traffic, with police presence. We don’t yet know why but are on the way to find out. (Thanks to Bill for the original tip – he says he did get through via bicycle.)
9:23 AM UPDATE: We’re at the low bridge and can confirm, it’s closed to cars. One officer says it should reopen within the next 45 minutes or so. If you approach from the West Seattle side, you’ll be detoured onto Harbor Island. Police at the scene will only say this is “part of an ongoing investigation” – they are clearly looking for evidence of some kind; we’ll keep checking for details.
3:29 PM UPDATE: Still no additional information available, except that it was indeed the CSI team, following up on “an investigation,” and no one can say so far whether the investigation even relates to a West Seattle case. (And yes, the bridge has long since reopened.)
(Goslings! Photo by Robin Lindsey)
The schedule today’s nothing like yesterday (we published 19 stories in 24 hours here on WSB, scroll through when you get a chance!) – here are the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar; have a great day!
FERRY FARE CHANGES: Peak season begins for Washington State Ferries (which means fare changes)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska). Returning vendors today: Langley Fine Gardens (plants) and Skagit River Ranch (meat).
GET YOUR CAR WASHED: West Seattle High School baseball car wash at Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor), 7901 35th SW, 10 am-3 pm, ticket to 5/5 M’s game for every $10 donated (more details here)
WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW, DAY 2: Panned for gold yet? Or spun the wheel (photo above)? Those are among the all-ages activities as the West Seattle Rock Club (WSB sponsor) presents the second and final day of its annual show and invites you in for free, 10 am-5 pm at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), again today. full details here.
FOOD DRIVE STARTS AT PCC: Food drive to feed needy kids during the summer months at all area PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor). Full details here.
DIAPER DRIVE STARTS AT C & P: During the month of May, bring a package of diapers to C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW) to donate to WestSide Baby and get a free coffee drink.
FINAL PERFORMANCE FOR ‘FOOLS’: Seattle Lutheran High School presents *Fools* by Neil Simon, 2nd and final time, 2:30 pm, SLHS gym, 4100 SW Genesee.
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND @ JAZZ SUNDAY: West Seattle Big Band – celebrating its 15th anniversary (read its history, published here Friday night, courtesy of Jim Edwards) – is scheduled for Jazz Sunday at Admiral UCC Church (California/Hill), 7 pm. Free.
SUPER DELI MART’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY: The popular convenience store/beer shop at 35th/Barton is celebrating its second anniversary with a “barbecue/kegger,” according to their announcement on Twitter, 11 am-5 pm.
CERAMIC ART SALE: Mutablefire Studios is having a Mother’s Day sale from 10 am – 4 pm. There will be work from 5 different local ceramic artists available for sale. The studio is located at the corner of Othello SW & 44th Ave SW, one block west of California SW.
STORE’S GRAND OPENING: Hebert’s Den gift shop is scheduled to open at 35th/Henderson, 1-5 pm Full details here – store’s website here.
PICTURE YOUR PET: Professional pet photography shoot, 9-5:30 pm at Stella Ruffington’s Doggy Playcare, with Kathryn Sauber.
TREVOR RAS AT SKYLARK: Trevor Ras at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor), 7 pm, $5 cover. Check out Trevor’s video!
Looks like West Seattle’s YarnCore “yarn-bombing” guerrilla-art collective has struck again, just in time for May Day. Melissa was passing by tonight and spotted them in action (above – she says they made her promise, no faces); then we received an anonymous photo from someone else with a closer-up look at some of the work at the Admiral Way Viewpoint:
One other weekend sight – Eric Shalit shares a photo of old-school BMX (bicycle motorcross) riders who hit Alki today:
(Photo courtesy Eric Shalit)
He tells their full story at his website, Tubulocity.
Morgan Junction’s own rock ‘n’ roll lounge/restaurant is rocking harder than usual tonight, since the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW) is celebrating its second birthday. We dropped in looking to get a celebratory shot of proprietors Jeff Gilbert and Matt Johnson and … well, next thing you know, half the party was in the picture. As their latest newsletter explains, the “calendar birthday” was actually this past Monday, but they moved the bash to Saturday. Jeff tells us much excitement is ahead in Year 3 – details soon. In the meantime, Matt is previewing a cocktail dubbed the “Thousand-Yard Stare” tonight; a new drink menu is in the works, and The Feedback just launched a new lunch/dinner menu this past week (from Banh Mi to Bourbon Walnut Chicken – see the new menu here [PDF]). Still time to join the party – or drop in some other time (the newsletter lists a long roster of upcoming events, from Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day to a Sinatra tribute).
(Collection boxes at the Admiral Way Viewpoint dropoff station)
Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Two West Seattle drop-off locations were part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day today, a chance to get unused/unneeded/expired drugs out of your home for safe disposal, no questions asked.
First up, the Admiral Way Viewpoint, where Washington Poison Center staffer Jan Binks said that, pending final numbers, it appears that they were collecting more unused prescriptions than last year. Staff from the Seattle field division of the Drug Enforcement Agency were on hand to collect the bottles, bags and blister packs from the steady stream of cars that rolled through the ‘drive-through’ station. Also on hand, Mr. Yuk:
Drivers honked and waved at the mascot as they drove by, and goggled at the bright blue HumVee from the Drug Enforcement Agency – a vehicle formerly owned by a drug dealer who saw it seized before he “went away for a loooong time.”
9:06 PM: Avoid Avalon Way in the Luna Park area for a while – police are investigating a crash that, according to the scanner, involves a car and motorcycle. Scanner traffic indicates the motorcyclist has injuries including broken bones. We’re on our way to the scene to find out more.
9:11 PM: Traffic is blocked on Avalon at Yancy, south of the crash scene.
9:20 PM: The crash happened right by Luna Park Café. We don’t know the circumstances (who hit who and why), but there’s further indication the motorcyclist is expected to recover – the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, which investigates major crashes, is NOT being called out, and police at the scene tell us that once tow crews get the scene cleared, the street will reopen.
9:48 PM: Police have just announced (via scanner) that Avalon is reopened through the crash scene.
11:31 PM UPDATE: According to Lt. Alan Williams from the Southwest Precinct, the man who was driving the car was cited; Lt. Williams says he “made a left turn in front of the motorcyclist.” He adds there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played any role in the crash.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
Whether they heard about it via Facebook (which is where we got and shared the word, after a WSB’er tip), or just happened to be on the boardwalk at the time, a delighted crowd paused to watch a dancing ‘flash mob’ this afternoon – at 4:30 pm on 4/30. Its organizers Stephanie Gaebel and Karen Klebs had explained it, amid laughter, on YouTube:
(The choreography was shared via that same YouTube channel too.) Ahead, photos of the dance as it happened this afternoon:Read More
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
From the annual spring champagne brunch/auction fundraiser at The Kenney today: Former Mayor Greg Nickels keynoted, and posed with (from left) State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Kenney CEO Kevin McFeely, and City Councilmember Sally Clark. More after the jump:Read More
Almost two months ago, we reported on Ho-Win Chinese Restaurant‘s decision not to renew their lease after 12 years at 5905 California SW. They hadn’t set a closing date at the time – 
but last night, we got a tip via Twitter, and today its proprietors (who had to be coaxed to pause ever so briefly for a photo!) confirmed to WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison that TONIGHT is their final night. Unless business is very slow (call first if you’re considering going in mid- to late evening), they expect to be serving until 10:30 pm. First on the agenda post-shutdown – a well-deserved vacation, including a visit to China. Then maybe – a new restaurant, back here in West Seattle! But not in this space; it reportedly has been rented (we’re checking on that). Their message to you: Thanks for your years of support.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports today – one is a break-in via an unusual method, with the victim wondering if anyone else has ever heard of it; another, a prowler scared off early today; the third, another motorcycle theft. Read on for all three:Read More
A postscript to the West Seattle shoots for “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas” – Alki last weekend and Beach Drive yesterday – two photos just came in from Avalon proprietor Mary Palmer, who says: “We thought we would share a couple of photos with you. David DeLuise came into our restaurant to relax after a day of filming ‘Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas’ and to celebrate a crew member’s birthday.” That’s Mary at right, with Avalon partner Deborah Breuler at left. If the name sounds familiar, yes, he’s the 39-year-old son of the late comic legend Dom DeLuise, and couldn’t resist a bit of clowning at Avalon:
Avalon’s been open four months now, in the Luna Park business district. (Driving by this afternoon, we noticed it looks like their patio’s open – a few tables of diners were out in the sunshine!)
ADDED 1 AM SUNDAY: Avalon sends word another of the movie’s stars, Elliott Gould, came in Saturday night:
Maybe the sunshine has you in the mood for golf. Here’s a chance to play in a month for a local cause – reservations have just gone on sale. From the Chief Sealth International High School Athletics Department, the official announcement:
– Rainier Golf and Country Club will host the first Chief Sealth Athletics Golf Tournament on June 3, 2011 with all proceeds benefiting the student-athletes at Chief Sealth International High School. Reservations for foursomes and individuals are now on sale and can be purchased here.
More after the jump:Read More
The sun came out late this morning just in time for the Myrtle Reservoir Park dedication! Above, the ribbon was cut by an all-ages group – with acting Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams looking on from background/left, and the scissor-wielders including, at right, Terry Holme from the Seattle Parks Board, Pete Spalding (who chairs the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee – a different levy, Pro Parks, funded Myrtle), and Cindi Barker from the Morgan Community Association. Music was courtesy of the Jacob Lakatua Quartet – check the park’s city-skyline view in their background:
They’ll be playing tomorrow night at 8 at Locöl, a little ways south on 35th, not far from new Fire Station 37 (which itself was dedicated just last December), which sent Engine 37 to the event:
The park actually opened last October. Its creation was made possible when the once-open-air Myrtle Reservoir was covered, also includes a playground and viewpoint with interpretive features – the reservoir is near the highest spot in Seattle, 520 feet above sea level, so markers in the park point out Seattle’s other highest hills.
More of what’s happening around West Seattle this afternoon:
Inside the Alki Masonic Hall, you can pan for gold during the West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual Rock and Gem Show, admission free, continuing till 5 today and running again 10-5 tomorrow. The hall’s at 40th/Edmunds on the east edge of The Junction. Not far away, at 4540 California SW just steps north of Walk-All-Ways –
That’s metal artist Erica Gordon, presiding over a trunk show of her wearable art – handmade belts and buckles — at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction till 5 pm. It’s also a benefit for Lettuce Link – Click! is donating 10 percent of proceeds from sales during the trunk show, in honor of the “Urban Farming” theme from Gordon’s new line.
And if you just have to be completely outside – amble over to Arbor Heights Elementary School:
An AH parent volunteer sent us that photo from their Spring Cleanup, under way right now, and says you’re still welcome to come join the folks who are working to make their campus sparkle.
Around the metro area today, Rebuilding Together Seattle has more than 1,000 volunteers out restoring and repairing more than two dozen homes whose owners are unable to do the work, or hire someone to do it, themselves. And one of the worksites is in West Seattle’s Highland Park neighborhood.
RTS’s Margie Thirlby explains that today is “National Rebuilding Day,” with hundreds of other RT affiliates around the country joining forces to fix up more than 3,000 homes in all. The volunteers at this site were so busy, they couldn’t stop to share specifics of the homeowner’s situation, but RT’s mission is to help more people stay in their own homes longer than they’d be able to do if repairs and maintenance went undone. Look at everything they’ve cleaned out at this particular site:
Thirlby says they would love to see more people apply for help from, or be referred to, RTS – their website explains how. (And if you would like to volunteer – here’s how to do that.)
11:02 AM: Per the Orca Network‘s e-mail and Facebook alerts, several orcas have been seen this past hour in Elliott Bay – the sighting reports are closer to downtown, but that still means you might spot them from Alki/Harbor Avenues. Let us know if you do! Since the residents don’t usually come this far south this time of year, it’s believed these would be the “transients” that have been in the area.
1:25 PM UPDATE: Sounds like they have headed back out of the bay, according to comments on the Orca Network FB page.
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