Happening now: Classics with a view – Alki Car Show 2010

July 17, 2010 1:05 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Classics with a view – Alki Car Show 2010
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Seems everybody has a story at the Alki Classic Car Show, happening along the waterfront boardwalk, stretching west from the Alki Bathhouse, till 4 pm today. Cars from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s sparked a lot of memories, overheard as we walked by, and discussed with some as we all admired the displays. A few of the cars go back decades further:

That’s a 1929 1/2 Ford, owned by Bob Murray. With many cars, it’s the details – like the fins on this 1958 Dodge Custom Royal, owned by Jane Holtzclaw:

Another memorable rear view, in a photo shared by Clifton:

That one brought back memories of our best friend’s mom’s car (San Diego, mid-’60s). And Kathy Ryerson‘s 1955 T-Bird reminded us of the white, portholed ’56 once owned by an aunt (wonder where that car is now) …

If you’re at the beach at 3 pm, that’s when they’re scheduled to announce the winners – here’s what’s in store for the best of the best:

Again, the show’s scheduled to run till 4, and it’s free. Good appetite-whetter for the big West Seattle Junction Car Show (co-sponsored by WSB), coming up on September 19th (if you want to enter, don’t wait much longer – here’s our latest update).

Happening now: 5th birthday party for Pet Elements

That’s Melanie Wells, proprietor of Pet Elements (6701 California SW) in Morgan Junction, who invites you to come on over and celebrate with hot dogs and birthday cake – her store is marking its 5th anniversary. And to celebrate, they’re encouraging you to reach out and help if you can – if you’re interested in adopting a cat or kitten, visit Kitty Harbor (on Harbor Ave. just north of The Bridge) today or tomorrow; if you adopt one, you’ll get a special adoption flyer to bring to Pet Elements for a free trial bag of cat food, plus a 10 percent discount on anything you buy for your new friend – if you spend $30 or more, you get another $5 off the bill. West Seattle-based Furry Faces Foundation often partners with Pet Elements and has info at the store about its two community programs, “It’s Hip to be Snipped” and “Oliver’s Fund.” Pet Elements is open till 6 tonight.

Happy first ‘birthday,’ Delridge Community Center Playground!

Last night, a low-key celebration included arts and crafts for kids – one year after they got a brand-new playground at Delridge Community Center. The actual anniversary is today – July 17th, 2009, will be marked in Delridge history as the day hundreds of volunteers joined with KaBOOM! to make the playground dream come true.

(WSB photo from July 17, 2009)
Happy birthday!

Luna Park plans its first-ever Block Party! July 29, 2010

Just announced:

1ST Annual Luna Park Block Party

Ola Salon, Located in the Luna Park neighborhood of West Seattle, is hosting the first ever Block Party in Luna Park.

West Seattle, WA. 07/29/2010 5 to 9 pm.

Ola Salon, in conjunction with Luna Park Café, Java Bean Espresso, Avalon Glassworks, Café Revo and West Seattle produce will be hosting this event intended to breathe new life into this historic neighborhood in West Seattle. (Named after an amusement park that was open) from 1907 to 1913, the neighborhood now boasts an eclectic collection of independent small businesses and strives to make a footprint in the Seattle area!

The event will start at Ola Salon, located at 2942 SW Avalon Way, and end at Avalon Glassworks located at 2914 SW Avalon Way. Festivities include:

~Food provided by Luna Park Café (FRENCH FRY AND MILKSHAKES), ELVIS COVER BAND
~Ola Salon
~Beer and Wine from OLA Salon
~Live Music- Acoustic Sets by Sid Law and Nathan Adams
~Tarot Readings
~Chair Massage by healing roots
~Complimentary services and products furnished by OLA Salon
~Java Bean will be offering coffee samples
~West Seattle Produce will have organic fruit and veggie samples
~Avalon glassworks will be doing a glassblowing demonstration and offering discounts

For more information about the event or participating sponsors, please feel free to visit our websites:

olasalon.com, lunaparkcafe.com, avalonglassworks.com, javabeancoffee.com, westseattleproduce.com

West Seattle Saturday: Peace Lutheran & La Leche League sales

July 17, 2010 8:47 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Peace Lutheran & La Leche League sales
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

At Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood (39th/Thistle; map), the big “tag sale” is today, 9 am-4 pm. Above, the crew working to put it together when we stopped by Friday morning. In addition to a variety of items on sale, they’re also having a bake sale, with earnings to “benefit neighbors in need and multiply with matching grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.”

Also happening 9 am-4 pm, a big benefit sale for La Leche League of West Seattle, whose volunteers help local families with coaching and advice for breastfeeding moms. Its local leaders need to raise money for advanced training, according to Betsy’s post about the sale in the WSB Forums, where you’ll find many more details. 5281 45th SW (map).

For other sales this weekend, check the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Forums, where you’re always welcome to post your own yard/rummage sale – benefit or not – free.

1st meeting set for West Seattle Golf Course driving-range project

Thanks to Fairmount Community Association‘s Sharonn Meeks for the heads-up: The date’s set for the first community meeting about the driving range scheduled to be built at the West Seattle Golf Course. Though a media announcement hasn’t gone out about it yet, postal-mail alerts have, and it’s confirmed on the project webpage: The meeting is set for 7 pm August 4th at the golf course. The $3.4 million driving range is an element of the city’s Golf Master Plan, with design under way now and construction set to start next year.

Alki Community Council highlights: Offleash dogs; beach parking

From Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting: At left, that’s animal-control officer Brandi Homeier from Seattle Animal Shelter, invited to discuss concerns about offleash dogs on the beach. Instead of a prepared presentation, she opted for Q&A. Homeier reminded those in attendance that dogs aren’t supposed to be on Alki Beach, whether on or off leashes. Offenders, she said, are cited immediately – no “first warning.” So what if you see a dog on the beach? she was asked. Answer: Don’t confront the owner – call the SAS. Or even 911 in an emergency if you can’t reach SAS; animal-control officers respond to all calls, she said, but emergencies take priority – such as injured animals, or reports of dogs left in hot cars. And, she explained, there are relatively few officers available citywide – 7 days a week, somebody’s on duty, but there’s a lot of territory to cover. Also at Thursday’s meeting, the ACC got a crime update from Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James – read on for his toplines:Read More

Big weekend for West Seattle Little League teams: State tourney!

(WSLL Juniors: Izac Bauer, Alex Coats, Sam Cook, Michael Danilchick, Jack Irwin, Spencer Keating, Joe Mitchell, John Roach, Vinnie Sposari, Joey Werlech, Corey Wukelic, Geoffrey Wukelic – Manager: Vinnie Sposari, Coaches: John Coats and Harvey Bauer)
Two West Seattle Little League teams are in state tournaments this weekend, Cami MacNamara reports – while also sharing the WSLL Juniors’ photo, and these updates:

Over the 4th of July weekend, the West Seattle Little League Juniors competed in the District 7 All-Star Tournament. After finishing their regular season 20-2, this team was ready to compete. On July 3rd they lost their first game to Renton Little League All-Stars 3-2. That pushed them into the losers bracket where they faced having to win 3 games straight to make it to the semi finals. After winning all 3 games in a row they faced Rainier District Little League who was undefeated so far in the tournament. After getting down 7-6 in the second inning our boys came from behind to win that game 16-11. They faced off again the next night (7/9) in the Championship game and WSLL beat RDLL 9-4!

Now the WSLL Juniors are headed to the state tournament in Medical Lake, WA beginning on Saturday, July 17-25. Best of luck boys!!!!

.

The WSLL Little League 10-11 team is also heading to State in Selah, WA this weekend. To see updates and scores for both teams, go to http://www.westseattlelittleleague.com.

More for tomorrow: MedFest, Alki cars, Log House Museum art …

Thanks to Dina Johnson for sharing that photo from last year’s Mediterranean Fantasy Fest, with dancers Lisa Yasmine (a West Seattleite) and Katia Sahar. Tomorrow and Sunday, 11 am-7 pm, MedFest takes over Hiawatha once more, inside and out, with more than 275 dancers from all over the West Coast – more info here. (11:10 pm note, a commenter points out a discrepancy between these hours, which we received as a submitted events-calendar announcement, and what’s on the MedFest website – we’d go with the latter – here’s the schedule of performances.) It’s one of tomorrow’s headlines that we’re previewing tonight – plus, a lot is going on at the beach:

alkibestofshow.jpg

(2008 Alki Car Show photo by David Hutchinson)
8 am-4 pm, the annual Alki Classic Car Show will line the boardwalk …here are the details from an earlier preview. You should be able to enter a car same-day if you’re not already signed up. Also on Alki:

(Photo by Joe Mabel, from Wikimedia)
At Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) it’s a first-ever event – the Painted Garden Art Festival, tomorrow and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. Artists from a multitude of mediums will be at the historic museum, some of them working while they display! Admission free – and if you drop by at 2 or 4 pm, a 30-minute Alki history tour will be available.

Earlier, we previewed West Seattle Outdoor Movies‘ debut tomorrow night; later, we’ve got a few more events to preview! In the meantime, see the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for more of what’s happening – including Sunday’s marquee event, the West Seattle Garden Tour (co-sponsored by WSB).

West Seattle wildlife: Coyote sighting, and raccoon-vs.-dog alert

Two wildlife notes this Friday evening. First from Sue:

Just a FYI, I saw a coyote this morning (7/16) 4 am at 35th and Manning [map].

And from WSB’er “Buddsmom“:

Coyotes aren’t the only wildlife that pet owners need to look out for. Last night at approx. 5:45 PM in the 108th block of Arbor Heights, our dog was bitten by a mama raccoon in our fenced back yard. Apparently, mama and babies were making their way across the yard when spotted by the dog and a chase ensued. Fortunately for both sides ,the raccoons got away and our dog suffered only superficial puncture wounds.

We often share the coexisting with coyotes link; here’s similar information regarding raccoons.

2010-2011 West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court crowned at Hiawatha

From left, Princess Riley Fredricks, Queen Taylor Nichols, and Princess Kaitlin Lindell – your new West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Junior Court, coronated this afternoon during the Fun Fest at Hiawatha Community Center (which continues till 3 pm, by the way – pix of that, later). The new queen is the daughter of Angela Nichols, who runs Funky Jane’s in The Junction:

(With proud mom Angela, that’s Junior Court organizer Diane Szender at left, official Hi-Yu photographer Joanne Murray at right.) Queen Taylor and Princess Kaitlin are both 10-year-old Holy Rosary School students; Princess Riley is 11 and going into Madison Middle School. Today’s event included, as is traditional, greetings from the previous Junior Court – Princess Kaitlin Morgan, Queen Kailin Jo Alexander Spencer, and Princess Isabella Carufel – in the next photo with all eight of today’s candidates (the other contenders were Issabella Brown, Sadie Botuchis, Katie Taisey, Alina Guyon, and Madison Milojevich):

The 2009-2010 Junior Court also performed a short dance routine to the Hall & Oates oldie “You Make My Dreams Come True,” apropos to this year’s Hi-Yu theme, “Dreams Do Come True.” Three of this year’s Senior Court candidates appeared as well – from left, Victoria Ferrulli, Rosemarie Unite and Kelsey Porter:

And from the current Senior Court, from left, Princess Veronica Pupava and Queen Georgia Mitchell:

Afterward, photo op for everyone – today’s emcees, past Hi-Yu royalty, joined them – at left, Veronica Szender; at right, Danica Tongol:

The Senior Court coronation, an evening event, is coming up a week from Monday – 7 pm July 26 at West Seattle High School Theater. But before then, you’ll get to see the Hi-Yu contingent in the West Seattle American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade (which many still call the Hi-Yu Parade), which rolls down California SW from SW Lander (Lafayette/Safeway) to Edmunds (south end of the main Junction business district) starting at 11 am Saturday, July 24, just one week from tomorrow – more about the parade in the next few days (we’re excited to be in it again this year too).

West Seattle traffic alert: 16th SW paving to start July 26

Just got word from SDOT that the next segment of repaving on 16th SW, from Brandon to Dawson (map), is set to start on July 26th. SDOT’s Marybeth Turner says that detour information will be available next week, but it’ll be “similar to (last year’s project).” (Here’s the infopage on the SDOT website.)

West Seattle Crime Watch: Swinery smash-grab theft

Thanks to Brenda and to John Moore of Northwest Insurance Group (WSB sponsor) for sending in the tip after seeing the broken glass – Someone smashed The Swinery‘s front window overnight and made off with its cash register. We talked to The Swinery’s Garrett Doherty, who said there appeared to be a scattered trail of small change leading southbound. We’ve also checked with Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James, who says the thief/thieves didn’t actually go into the shop – they managed to grab the register through the broken window. Though sometimes commercial burglaries come in waves, he says there hasn’t been an unusual number lately. (Last night he told the Alki Community Council that crime overall has been quieter in West Seattle lately; our report on the ACC meeting’s coming up later.) No arrest in this, yet.

West Seattle Outdoor Movies return tomorrow night – with history!

It’s the West Seattle mantra on those beautiful sunny (but not too hot) summer days – “This is why we live here.” And on six usually-clear-and-pleasant summer nights, something else that makes West Seattle special: Free Outdoor Movies on the wall next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Tomorrow (Saturday) night’s season opener is extra-special for a variety of reasons. The photo above hints at one: It’s the 100th anniversary of the screening site – the buildings where Hotwire and neighboring Drs. Wolff/Horwitz are housed was built in 1910 as the home of Seattle Lighting Company (later Seattle Gas Company), later a WPA office, then West Home funeral home till 2001. You can read all about the site’s history in this document shared by Hotwire proprietor Lora Lewis. Now back to the movies:

Mamma Mia” is the main feature. In honor of the site’s centennial, the W.C. Fields short “Trip to the Dentist” will also be shown, along with the famous YouTube clip “David After the Dentist.” And before the screen fires up at dusk, there’ll be a dance party led by Therese from the nearby Body Bar, one of the night’s sponsors. You might want to join in to work off calories from free cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream (not a regular feature – special for the big anniversary!) – there also will be fundraiser concessions sold by West Seattle Christian Church (candy and soda) as well as Coffee to a Tea cupcakes, and hot dogs. Come early to ensure your spot in the courtyard – bring your own chair(s)/blanket(s), and money for fundraising raffles. The entire season slate is on the official West Seattle Outdoor Movies website – a week from tomorrow, WSB co-sponsors what’s shaping up to be an ’80s night of sorts, with “War Games” as the main feature!

Happening now: Firefighters need your help to ‘Fill The Boot’

Thanks to the tipsters who shared the news that West Seattle firefighters are out by 35th/Fauntleroy in The Triangle, near the bridge entrance and Starbucks drive-through, taking donations for the annual “Fill the Boot” Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser campaign. They’re from nearby Station 32 – that’s Ladder 11’s Capt. David Pagan in the photo – and tell us they’ll be out till about noon. ADDED 11:07 AM: One more photo – MDA rep Alaina Miller with SFD’s Paul Hansen – and Ladder 11 itself!

Restoration work under way for stolen West Seattle totem pole

Inside a hangar-size building in Renton, the totem pole stolen last November from West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park lies under a ladder-suspended fan, looking for all the world like a hospital patient, which it is, in a way. The “hospital” is the secure – Department of Homeland Security seals and all – facility of Artech, which not only is a premier restoration business, but also, we learned, staffed by a team including more than a few West Seattleites. They are working on the pole, with repairs and paint, to prepare it for return to West Seattle and a rededication ceremony on August 10th. More photos ahead:Read More

West Seattle Friday: Hiawatha Fun Fest; Junior Hi-Yu; Delridge…

(Last Wednesday’s sunrise, photographed by Susan DuTemple)
The sun will show up later, the forecasters promise. Today’s big events are outdoors: The Fun Fest at Hiawatha Community Center/Playfield runs 11 am -3 pm with carnival games, refreshments, dunk tank, children’s entertainment, face painting, more. Entertainment starts at 11:15 and carnival games at 12 noon; $5 for an all-day carnival bracelet. … During the noon hour @ the Hiawatha festival, the West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court will be coronated … Tonight at 6, celebrate the first anniversary of the Delridge Community Center Playground, built in a day by local volunteers with the help of KaBOOM! … This afternoon, it’s raspberry pickup for the Rotary Club of West Seattle Berry Sale (WSB sponsor), and that means some available for walkup purchase, 2-6 pm today (and 9 am-3 pm tomorrow) behind Admiral Safeway … 7 pm tonight at Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, Stage Struck summer campers present “Oliver” (donation at the door) … Swimmers take note, Colman Pool is scheduled to be closed to the general public today through Sunday for swim-meet competition.

Meet the summer 2010 West Seattle Volunteer Recognition winners!

Tonight, we’re announcing the latest list of twice-yearly West Seattle Volunteer Recognition Award winners! The awards are sponsored by the Southwest and Delridge District Councils (representatives of community groups and organizations from all over the peninsula) and WSB; you do the nominating, reps from the two district councils do the judging. Drum roll …

Community award – Dennis Ross, longtime activist/advocate in the Admiral neighborhood

Youth award – Arthea and Ronda Barber, volunteers at Highland Park Elementary School

Environment award – Scott Blackstock, volunteer caretaker for Roxhill Bog/Park

Group award – Furry Faces Foundation, animal advocates and providers of compassionate assistance for animals’ human companions

Come give these hardworking volunteers a hearty cheer and much-deserved applause next Tuesday, as they are introduced and honored during the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Concert in the Park (7 pm on the Hiawatha East Lawn, free, starring the fabulous West Seattle Big Band).

West Seattle scene: The vessel that caught eyes off Alki

If you were in the Alki area tonight, you may have noticed that vessel – the 231-foot Mt. Mitchell – spending a long time just offshore. We received a few notes about it, and Mike shared that sunset photo. We don’t know exactly what it was doing – here’s the data from MarineTraffic.com – but we do know it’s a research vessel, once in service for NOAA, but now privately owned (here’s the infopage on the website of the company that owns it), and specializing in underwater mapping. We’ll see if we can find out tomorrow exactly what it was up to (if someone who knows doesn’t happen by here sooner).

Race for the 34th: Candidate conversation – “Mac” McElroy

(EDITOR’S NOTE: With less than two weeks till ballots are mailed for the August 17th primary, we’re taking a closer look daily at the candidates in two contested local races. This week, we are bringing you stories about WSB conversations with the four contenders for 34th District State House, Position 2. We began Tuesday with Joe Fitzgibbon (story here); continued Wednesday with Mike Heavey (story here); tonight, Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Do something different,” exhorts the white lettering on the back of Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy‘s campaign uniform, a black T-shirt.

After all, he did something different.

For one, the 46-year-old entrepreneur filed to run as an “independent” in the heavily Democratic 34th Legislative District (map), running against three D’s.

For two, instead of more classic campaign activities, he’s focused on one that’s led us to bump into him multiple times each week for the past few months: He’s been attending neighborhood council and association meetings around the district.

When it came time to sit down and do an official interview for our series of candidate conversations, though, we wound up on his turf – Mac’s Triangle Pub, feet from the West Seattle/White Center line.

Read More

West Seattle Bowl restaurant change: 2 updates

2 quick updates on the restaurant change at West Seattle Bowl, previously reported here when owner Andrew Carl confirmed last month that the Terrace West Chinese Restaurant would be replaced by a new food/beverage operator. Carl tells WSB that Terrace West is closing after tonight, and confirms the future restaurant’s name, as noted here when WSB’er Diane spotted a help-wanted ad – Highstrike Grill. (We’re using its logo with permission.) Any more information to share about what Highstrike will be like? we asked. Not till next month, Carl says.

Who’s having fun where: This weekend’s citywide traffic alerts

This weekend’s big events in West Seattle – the Alki Car Show on Saturday, the West Seattle Outdoor Movies debut Saturday night (“Mamma Mia!”), the West Seattle Garden Tour on Sunday (latter two co-sponsored by WSB – aren’t blocking streets. But elsewhere around the city, this weekend’s big events might land you in the middle of some changes. Read on for the latest list from SDOT:Read More

Updates: West Seattle house fire, northwest of The Junction

(Scroll down for newest info)

(top photo added 5:15 pm, thanks to Patty, who called 911 after seeing the smoke – next photo was our 1st one in, thanks to LeeAnne, who saw it from blocks away)

ORIGINAL 4:33 PM REPORT: On our way to the 4500 block of 48th SW (map), where crews are on the scene of a house fire. More to come. We’re told at least one helicopter (likely TV news) is in the area – so if you’re wondering about the chopper, that’s what it’s about. 4:46 PM UPDATE: Still fighting the fire. No word yet if anyone hurt. We’re on scene. They’ve called for a few more engines. The scene is close to Ercolini Park. Still smoky. A public-information officer is on the way to gather details for us and other media crews. 4:55 PM: Still lots of smoke – this is as close as media is being allowed – the house you see is immediately south of the one with the fire:

No indication of any injuries. A medic unit is on scene, as is SOP for fires, but there’s no indication they’re treating anyone. 5:03 PM: Sarah sent this photo taken behind the house:

Our crew on the scene has checked out that same angle from an alley where you can see the back of the house – you can see a hole burned through the roof, but the smoke has stopped, so crews are making progress. The PIO has arrived so we should have more official info soon. 5:14 PM UPDATE: According to SFD’s Dana Vander Houwen, the house was empty – nobody was living there, no furnishings, so nobody hurt. Major damage to basement, attic, rear of house. (video added)

Investigators will work into the evening to figure out the cause.

(Thank you VERY much to EVERYONE who texted, called, tweeted, FB’d and e-mailed to let us know about this and/or share photos and info as we rolled out – we cover breaking news 24/7/365, and your tips are vital.)

ADDED 9:27 AM FRIDAY: Vander Houwen says investigators traced the fire to overheated electrical wiring, so it was ruled accidental, damage totaling $90,000. Also, we wanted to add one of the photos taken by Ilona Berzups showing the firefighters “behind the scenes,” so to speak – at one point more than 50 were on this scene, and the support work done to make sure they can safely do their job is always interesting to watch:

10/ House fire 48th Ave SW, West Seattle