West Seattle, Washington

21 Tuesday

43℉

Spotlight Stories

Fundraiser funnyman: Pat Cashman @ SW Youth & Family Services
September 14, 2010 2:08 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Some people just walk into a place and take right over. That’s Seattle funnyman Pat Cashman making himself comfortable in Southwest Youth and Family Services executive director Steve Daschle‘s office this morning. Daschle wasn’t around but truth is, SWYFS really didn’t mind Cashman getting comfortable – he’s the guy who’s going to keep things lively during their biggest fundraiser of the year, the XAFLAD! (Somali for “party”) auction/entertainment gala coming up September 24th (a week from Friday) at the Columbia Tower Club downtown. He was at SWYFS HQ in North Delridge this morning for a briefing – even as volunteers like Nancy continued to toil on the auction items – some of which have been grouped into theme baskets (this one’s easy to figure out):

SWYFS has more than 150 donated items going up for live and silent auction, according to Nanette Westerman, who along with Shayla Simoes stopped to chat while Cashman and SWYFS’s Cara Kroenke strategized for the big night. Most are in storage, awaiting the auction…

…but some items just aren’t shelf material, like a stay in Barcelona, Spain, or two tickets to a fancy dinner and show, and even a sneak peek inside the fabled women’s restroom atop the Columbia Tower (yes, females can go inside for free – but the successful bidder will get a tour even with XY chromosomes, Westerman says). Whatever the auction brings in, SWYFS is going to need it, she notes – she says she’s already getting phone calls inquiring what kind of help the agency will be offering at Christmastime: “Things are fairly dire out there.” (SWYFS wears many hats – public-school classes on site, violence-prevention programs, family-assistance programs, and more – and has a service area that also stretches outside West Seattle.) A few $60 tickets to XAFLAD! are left, and you can buy them online here.

Share This

One more ‘so long, summer’: Last Alki paddleboard event tonight
September 14, 2010 12:44 pm
|    Comments Off on One more ‘so long, summer’: Last Alki paddleboard event tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Greg Whittaker of Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) and Alki Kayak Tours shares two bits of news: First, tonight is the final Tuesday Night Stand-Up Paddleboard Demo Night – try a paddleboard for free, and/or race at 7 pm – it’s the last race of the season in the Northwest, Greg says. He adds, “West Seattle finished strong in the second annual Round the Rock event on Sunday at Seward Park. Local paddleboarder Tyler Hesse won his division for the 13-mile race around Mercer Island.” And Greg says he won his division in the 2.5-mile race, as did Kathy Kingen: “All and all, it is a strong showing for West Seattle for a new sport.” (Full results here.) Tonight’s paddleboarding event starts at AKT’s Seacrest HQ.

Share This

Before Alki Spud celebrates its 75th tomorrow, a chat with Carol
September 14, 2010 10:26 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tomorrow morning, the longtime manager of Spud Fish and Chips on Alki will be at work before dawn.

They’re expecting quite the lunch rush – almost certainly a line, despite the fact it’ll be a Wednesday in autumn. The occasion? Spud turns 75 years old (and is sponsoring WSB to promote the occasion) – and throwing a party.

Manager Carol Kelly – at right with daughters Ashley and Tory, who were on duty with her there when we chatted Monday afternoon – has worked at Spud on Alki for about half the restaurant’s three-quarters-of-a-century lifespan … almost 38 years.

Just kind of happened that way, she explains – she graduated from West Seattle High School, and other members of her family were already working at Spud. “I really like working with the public … and it’s such a well-established place. … I enjoy it down here.”

Quite the view, of course, since from behind the counter – inbetween rushes – you can look right out at Alki Beach and Elliott Bay.

Tomorrow, the view will feature a lot of people, pomp and circumstance, and prizes.

Read More

Share This

Wonder how many people are bicycling or walking? Help count!
September 14, 2010 8:58 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from the state Department of Transportation – a call to help with an official count of bicyclists and walkers in early October – read on for the announcement, and how you can sign up to help:Read More

Share This

West Seattle Tuesday: 3 neighborhoods … and more music!
September 14, 2010 6:12 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: 3 neighborhoods … and more music!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(West Seattle Bridge onramp, by smohundro, from the West Seattle Blog Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, tonight’s big events again include chances to get involved in your neighborhood, and a chance to make music:

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION, 6:30 PM, GINOMAI
Agenda highlights: An SDOT transportation planner visits to find out how the parking changes resulting from the city’s Junction parking study are going over. What’s working well? What’s not? What needs to change? JuNO president Erica Karlovits says, “It is important for the city to get feedback from our neighborhood.” Plus, an update on Dakota Place Park.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, 7 PM, ADMIRAL CHURCH
Agenda highlights: A WSDOT rep is expected for an Alaskan Way Viaduct program; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha will be reviewed; the recent rulings on the California SW “upzoning” proposal (here’s our coverage archive) will be discussed, as will the decision not to “rechannelize” Admiral Way north of The Bridge; plus, the ongoing push for a 47th/Admiral pedestrian light.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, 7 PM, THE HALL AT FAUNTLEROY
Agenda highlights: RapidRide update – this has been the hottest topic in recent months for FCA, as they have voiced serious concerns with the proposed design for the RapidRide stops by the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and its potential effects on traffic; also, the upcoming Fauntleroy Fall Festival (which has a fundraising pasta dinner coming up this Friday).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS START REHEARSING, CHIEF SEALTH IHS:
Here’s our original announcement, with contact info if you’re interested in joining as the rehearsals begin.

Share This

Fauntleroy updates: 20 tons recycled! Plus, art deadline ahead
September 14, 2010 2:29 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Fauntleroy Church‘s second recycling event of the year had an even bigger response than the first one – that’s the first of two Fauntleroy updates from Judy Pickens:

Sunday’s Recycle Roundup sponsored by the green committee at Fauntleroy Church relieved West Seattle residents of 20+ tons of recyclables. A steady stream of donors filled five large trucks with everything from computers to bicycles and dishwashers. 1 Green Planet will disassemble everything responsibly for use in making new products.

Now, a look ahead to a big event later this fall:

Judy continues:

Photographer Mark Morgan, shown here with a prospective customer, found last year’s art show at Fauntleroy Church well worth his time. Be among the West Seattle artists and crafters at the 2010 Fine Art and Holiday Gift Faire Nov. 19-21! Details and application form at www.fauntleroyucc.org. Deadline is Sept. 30. (Photo courtesy Enid Havens)

Share This

West Seattle door-to-door alert: Magazine solicitor(s)
September 13, 2010 10:55 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Door-to-door alert | West Seattle news

Received two reports tonight about what may be affiliated solicitors – read on:Read More

Share This

Signs of change: Skylark Café gets ready for new schedule
September 13, 2010 9:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Signs of change: Skylark Café gets ready for new schedule
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

West Seattle’s busy sign-painter Japhy Witte, aka the “Sign Savant,” was at Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) this afternoon, to decorate Skylark’s exterior at 3803 Delridge Way with signs of the changes kicking in a week from today: 7 days a week – no more Monday closures – but no weekday lunches (brunch continues); also, there’s a new campaign to make sure you know you can call ahead to order Skylark dinner for takeout/pickup (convenient if you come off The Bridge at Delridge) – 206-935-2111, as the sign says:

(The menu is online, of course, as is the live/no-cover music schedule.) Skylark announced the changes last week – proprietor Jessie SK told us today that a few people were so excited about Mondays, they showed up today, but she wants to remind everyone, the first Monday is NEXT week, September 20th, doors opening at 3 pm.

(The night after that, incidentally, is Skylark’s very popular monthly Alauda belly-dance showcase.)

Share This

West Seattle schools: Sealth event addition; superintendent visits
September 13, 2010 8:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two notes tonight about upcoming events at local schools: First, there’s an addition to the schedule for the September 25th open-house celebration at Chief Sealth International High School, according to word tonight from principal John Boyd: The event will start with a 9:30 am “early-bird preview” for parents/guardians of Sealth students, before the “all-community celebration” begins at 10 am. Tours will be offered of the new galleria and the renovated gym and main Sealth building.

Second, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson is launching a series of “coffee chats” and regional meetings, and two West Seattle stops are on the list: She’ll be at Sealth Thursday, September 30, with other top district officials, 6:30-8 pm, for a “welcome back” meeting geared toward all public-school families in the WS area. Then as part of a series of “coffee chats,” Monday, October 25, she’ll be at West Seattle Elementary, 6-7 pm. Both of the superintendent’s WS visits are scheduled to have interpretation available in Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese, according to the district announcement.

Share This

Looking ahead: Bingo & skating return to Alki; trick-or-treat dates
September 13, 2010 5:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo added 10:44 pm, from first post-summer edition of Bingo on Alki)
Three quick notes, two involving weekly activities resuming after summer hiatus: First, Fran e-mailed to say that Monday night Bingo on Alki resumes tonight, 6:30 pm at Alki UCC – you’re welcome to play any Monday night. Second, Mary Pat from Alki Community Center sends word that Friday night skating is back this week:

Come start off school in a fun way! Bring your family to Alki Community Center for Friday Night Skate. Enjoy free hamburgers, chips and lemonade. Cost is $3 per person. (Skaters & nonskaters) You may bring in your own clean skates or borrow them from us. Come enjoy our new sound system. Time is from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m. For more information please call 684-7430. Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens St. Skate Night will continue every Friday, excluding October 8th, November 12th & 26th, December 24th & 31st.

Finally: Seven weeks to go till Halloween. We mention that only because the dates are set for two big trick-or-treating events (and we are already starting to get inquiries!): Admiral Treats and Treasures is set for 3-6 pm, Friday, October 29, according to Parris from Max and Quinn’s Atomic Boys; the West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating event is set for 1-3 pm Saturday, October 30th. We’ve got a message out to see what’s planned at Westwood Village this year. This’ll all be on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, where we already have other fall events, even the West Seattle schedule for the Christmas Ship!

Share This

West Seattle’s ‘Green Bikes’ get a citywide spotlight
September 13, 2010 4:22 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

We’d heard a bit about West Seattle’s “Green Bikes” but hadn’t come across one for a WSB photo-op till Jason Grotelueschen photographed the one shown in our photos – then today, they got a citywide spotlight on Slog (read the story here; thanks to Max for the link). They’re donated and fixed-up bikes you can borrow (if you come across one); Guy Olson is leading the West Seattle Green Bikes effort and has a Facebook group for it here if you want to find out more.

Share This

In case you’re wondering: Police training at Genesee Hill School
September 13, 2010 3:04 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Just got a few questions about this, and they coincided with a heads up from the Southwest Precinct: Police training is under way at the vacant Genesee Hill Elementary campus, continuing till late tonight. ADDED 3:33 PM: You can see why, if you drive by and don’t see the sign, you might think something had happened – long stretch of yellow tape. From SW Genesee, you will also note that at least one entrance to the playfield below is blocked off. SW Precinct’s Lt. Norm James, by the way, says the neighbors did get advance warning.

Share This

City budget crunch: Dept. of Neighborhoods seeks support
September 13, 2010 1:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Two weeks from today – 2 pm September 27th – Mayor McGinn will unveil what is by all accounts expected to be a bleak budget – cuts at many turns. When the summer “midyear” budget ax loomed, you heard a lot of pleas from parks and libraries workers and patrons. But we haven’t heard much from the Department of Neighborhoods. Among programs including the popular P-Patches, it runs two Neighborhood Service Centers in West Seattle, where you can do everything from pay a city bill to borrow a wagon full of paint to get rid of graffiti – and a lot more. The Delridge District Coordinator, Ron Angeles (photo right, with graffiti-paintout equipment last April), has just shared this with his mailing list, headed “DON and I Need Your Support”:

Dear Friends
Today is the time to take action! Please urge the Mayor and City Council to minimize reductions to the budget for the Department of Neighborhoods.

As the 2011/2012 biennial budget is being created, the Mayor and City Council are facing a $67 million budget shortfall. Cuts ranging from 9-15% are anticipated for most City Departments.

Community building and civic participation are at the heart of the mission of the Department of Neighborhoods. In difficult economic times it is more critical than ever that we have programs and services, such as the Neighborhood Matching Fund, P-Patch, Neighborhood District Coordinators, and Neighborhood Service Centers that bring people together to look out for and support each other.

Please think about the value of the programs with DON and the impact they have on the city and your neighborhood and share your experiences with the Mayor and City Council. For example, if you’ve been part of a Neighborhood Matching Fund project describe how it has changed your neighborhood, brought people together and created relationships as well as leveraging the City’s investment in itself. The same story can be told for your experience with a P-Patch community garden or your interaction with a Neighborhood District Coordinator. Let the Mayor and City Council know that you value citizen engagement, community building and the resulting strong connected communities. Working together these services and programs bring efficiencies to government, provide proactive solutions to problems and bring together groups in the community. For many, the Department of Neighborhoods is the face of City government and the liaison to other parts of the city.

Now is the time for you to speak up on behalf of the Department of Neighborhoods as the Mayor’s budget is being formulated. He will announce his budget on September 27th. We’re hoping you will join us in supporting the vital work being done by DON by contacting the Mayor and City Council now through letters, phone calls, or meetings. Also, public hearings will be held on September 29, October 13 and October 26. The hearings are an opportunity to offer public comments of no more than two minutes and a chance to voice your priorities and concerns. For more information about the City budget process and upcoming public hearings, please see:
http://www.seattle.gov/council/newsdetail.asp?ID=11035&Dept=28

We recognize that all Departments will have to help meet the budget deficit and are not suggesting that the Department of Neighborhoods is untouchable. However, we are suggesting that the Department offers essential services and that reasonable reductions be made with minimal impact on the public. Thank you.

(Ron’s counterpart at the Neighborhood Service Center in The Junction is Stan Lock. They are often the unsung heroes of many events, programs, and citizen-assistance actions large and small.) As we reported here last week, one of the City Council’s budget hearings will be here in West Seattle, at South Seattle Community College on October 13th.

Share This

Crime Watch: 2 West Seattle charges added for smash-grab suspect
September 13, 2010 11:24 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Checking on a court appearance scheduled today for Stephen Hayes Kirk, the suspect who’s been in jail since his arrest a month ago after a wave of so-called “smash-and-grab” burglaries, we discovered prosecutors have now charged him in two of the West Seattle cases: Uptown Espresso (Delridge) on July 29th, and Luciano’s Pizza on August 8th (photo at right). Though Seattle Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office had been investigating more than two dozen of the smash-and-grabs, mostly in West Seattle and points south, he initially was charged only with three Burien cases (prosecutors have added a fourth Burien case now too). According to the additional court documentation, a man believed to be Kirk (photo left) was caught on surveillance video in both of the West Seattle break-ins; detectives already had him under GPS surveillance (detailed here) by the time of the Luciano’s burglary, which netted loot described as a tip jar with about $20 cash/coins. At Uptown, which was hit twice, the cash register was taken, and then dumped in a bank parking lot 21 minutes later – where surveillance video also caught what authorities believe was Kirk’s distinctive red truck – one in which he also was known as a customer of West Seattle Recycling, which the court papers note also was hit by a smash-and-grab during the spree. Kirk pleaded not guilty two weeks ago to the first three charges filed against him, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says he’s being arraigned on the new charges this morning. (We started reporting on the smash-and-grabs July 16th, when we got word of this one at The Swinery; police first confirmed to us August 2nd that eight West Seattle smash-grabs were all believed linked.)

1:58 PM UPDATE: KCPAO spokesperson Dan Donohoe says Kirk pleaded NOT guilty to the new charges, with his bail increased to $150,000 (what it was for a short time after his arrest, before being cut to $25,000), and is due back in court October 4th.

Share This

West Seattle traffic alert: Junction crosswalk work
September 13, 2010 10:25 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle traffic alert: Junction crosswalk work
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems in The Junction for sending along that photo of the crew that’s working on the crosswalk at California/Oregon right now. That’s not the only new paint you’ll see along local roads – we also got a weekend tip from WSB’er “Jack Loblaw” that the West Seattle Bridge was getting some stripe-painting attention too. Typical for this time of year, as crews try to get work like this done before the weather turns for the worse.

Share This

West Seattle’s Swedish Automotive starts final week at old site
September 13, 2010 9:58 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

On Friday morning, Swedish Automotive owner Dave Winters looked out the front windows of his almost-finished new location at 7901 35th SW, as Seattle City Light crews hooked up the power – another milestone on the way to move-in day.

It’s been under construction six months (here’s our report from when the work began), but Swedish (a longtime WSB sponsor) has had this on the drawing board a lot longer.

This coming Friday, Winters and his team are scheduled to do their last work at their long-outgrown old site a few blocks north, before a weekend of moving. We visited him the other day to take a look at the new space, which you’ll be able to tour during a community celebration/open house on September 25th (that coincidentally is after the same day’s morning open house at the new campus of Chief Sealth International High School, which happens to be Winters’ alma mater).

He was one of three tour guides with us on Friday – joined by Sören, who’s handling parts, and daughter Farleigh, who was about to head back to the University of Oregon, where she’s studying architecture (while home for the summer, she’d done some work with project architect Curtis McGuire).

Click ahead for a look at some of Swedish Automotive’s new features, with a sustainability focus – plus what we’ve learned about who will move into its old site (when we first reported the lease-signing in late July, the tenant wasn’t ready to go public):Read More

Share This

West Seattle Monday: North Delridge Council; a chance to sing…
September 13, 2010 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: North Delridge Council; a chance to sing…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

After a very busy weekend in West Seattle (just scroll down the WSB home page and see the proof), today/tonight are relatively low-key: For everyone who started school last week, it’s the start of the first full week of classes. … On the neighborhood-meeting calendar (here’s our preview of the entire week), North Delridge Neighborhood Council previews its new website and gets an overview of two city $ programs during its meeting at 6:30 tonight, Delridge Library … Weekly rehearsals for Seattle Glee Clubs‘ no-audition, male-and-female Prelude group start in West Seattle tonight – contact info’s in this preview … And on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, you’ll find all the regular Monday night excitement, including Bingo at Alki UCC.

Share This

More West Seattle alley dumping: Tire pile turns up
September 12, 2010 11:13 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | Westwood

The last time we published a debris-dumping report, a little over two weeks ago, much discussion ensued, along with some potential clues. We don’t know if the source was ultimately traced – but tonight we have a new dumping report, from Val in Westwood, who also shared the photo:

Found this pile of tires today after getting home from the Football game; I don’t believe they were there this morning. Garbage is next to the tires but appears to have been there a while. This is in the alley between 35th Ave SW and 34th Ave SW, and between Trenton and Cloverdale, closer to Cloverdale. Not that big of a deal but they do kind of block the alley. Is this kind of thing becoming more common? I have filed an illegal dumping report.

You can file those reports online, as one commenter pointed out in last month’s report, by going here.

Share This

Alki Family Fun Day, report #2: The entertainers; the organizers
September 12, 2010 9:18 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Family Fun Day, report #2: The entertainers; the organizers
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Our first Alki Family Fun Day report, including the dog parade, can be seen here)

Seattle bluegrass band Dysfunction Junction closed out the first-ever Alki Family Fun Day with a concert this evening at Statue of Liberty Plaza. The free afternoon/evening slate of activities and entertainment began with a dog parade (video’s in our first Family Fun Day report) and continued almost nonstop for 7 hours. At mid-afternoon, the plaza filled with people watching the children’s talent show – with participants including 10-year-old Lafayette Elementary School student Mackenzie, a showstopper with her a cappella rendition of “Reviewing the Situation“:

The talent show was produced and emceed by Antonio Fernandez, who got to show off his own special skills – including the no-tech sound-effects production known as beatboxing:

There was a magic show, too – all of this free, thanks to the Alki Community Council. ACC’s presentation of Family Fun Day was led by organizers Libby Carr and Paul Carr, who we interviewed briefly toward day’s end:

The Carrs led the campaign to raise money for Liberty Plaza, which was dedicated two years ago this month. Will there be a second annual Alki Family Fun Day? That’s likely to be among the topics when the ACC has its next monthly meeting – everyone welcome – this Thursday at 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds).

Share This

Update: Chevy Silverado commercial shooting in Gatewood
September 12, 2010 5:53 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news

We previewed this here yesterday after receiving multiple notes from neighbors – and today, we’ve received more notes and calls now that it’s under way, so we went over to check it out: Scenes for a commercial promoting the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck are being shot today/tonight in the section of Gatewood between SW Morgan and the north side of Myrtle Reservoir. As with any kind of film shoot, there’s plenty of cool gear in use – note the setup atop the Mercedes:

And portable facilities to take care of whatever needs may arise:

Oh, and as for the star(s) of the show:

According to the flyer received by neighbors – who sent us a copy – the commercial will tell a “story played out every day as America goes to work.” Note the wardrobe-in-waiting (with that same man in the background):

The same flyer also makes it clear the neighborhood – near the highest point in Seattle – was chosen in large part for its skyline views, which would figure into the commercial. Neighbors were told the shoot may continue as late as 1 am tonight (tomorrow morning). Thanks again to those who e-mailed/called with tips about this! Shoots like this are coordinated with/through the City Office of Film and Music, whose website has interesting offshoots to explore, like the Insider’s Guide to Seattle Film Locations.

Share This

Followup: Got musical instruments to donate? 2 schools in need
September 12, 2010 5:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Earlier this week, we shared two requests on behalf of the Chief Sealth International High School Band: A couch for a band room, and instruments for at least four students in need of them. Marcus Pimpleton, who directs the Chief Sealth Band and the entire music program at nearby Denny International Middle School, added a comment to that item this weekend – saying Denny students need instruments too:

Actually both Denny and Sealth are in need of instruments. The high school band is in need of larger instruments – trombones, baritone saxes, sousaphones (like someone just has one of those in the garage). The middle school is in need of clarinets, alto saxes, french horns, oboes, and trombones.

The greatest need is at the middle school, but the high school will need more and more as more students continue to move up to the high school level. I can be reached at mjpimpleton@seattleschools.org with donations for either program and live in West Seattle so I can pick them up if that is more convenient.

Thanks,

Marcus Pimpleton
Music Department Head, Denny International Middle School
Band Director, Chief Sealth International High School

The acclaimed Denny and Sealth music programs both have their own websites – Denny here, Sealth here.

Share This

More Sunday scenes: This little piggy went to West Seattle …
September 12, 2010 2:30 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

We detect a theme here … though the following is half planned coverage, half “hey, look what we happened onto”: The former, is the pig roasting outside Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) in Fauntleroy. Since the Calle Ocho Parking Lot Pig Roast starts serving at 5:30 tonight, we figured the pig had to be on the spit hours ahead of time. Little did we know how MANY hours – turns out they started roasting it at midnight! (That’s Mary, tending it when we stopped by.) It’s a 65-pound pig and getting a share of it will cost you $15 (adults), $7.50 kids (side dishes included), 5:30-8:30 – tables are being set up in the lot:

Now, the unscheduled sighting:

Passing by Roxbury Safeway after visiting the Endolyne Joe’s parking lot, we spotted one of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles right out front. Specific schedules aren’t listed on the Oscar Mayer website or the Wienermobile “blog,” but there’s a NW-placed icon on the “where are (the Wienermobiles) today?” map.

Share This

Alki Family Fun Day, report #1: Dog parade, python, and people!
September 12, 2010 1:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Family Fun Day, report #1: Dog parade, python, and people!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Our 2nd Alki Family Fun Day report, with video from 3 performances, can be seen here)

We’re at Alki for the first-ever Alki Family Fun Day, which continues till 7:30 tonight with family activities, food, entertainment, and more, centered around the 2-years-old-this-month Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. Our video shows the dog parade that kicked off the festival – the dogs drew lots of attention, but so did this woman and her non-canine pet:

That’s Jessica and Albie the 11-foot albino python. Family Fun Day, by the way, is a production of the Alki Community Council, so be sure to stop by the ACC table while you’re there:

From left, Larry Carpenter, Randie Stone, and Eilene Hutchinson – today’s event was spearheaded by Libby Carr and Paul Carr (not pictured – we’ll catch up with them later!), who led the plaza project. (ACC’s next meeting, open to the public, is this Thursday, 7 pm, at Alki UCC.) Lots of other booths and groups to check out too – Karen Berge is here on behalf of West Seattle Be Prepared – with winter coming, it’s time to think preparedness! – and the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network (which meets September 28th):

We’ll have more coverage later, including the kids’ talent show, and the bluegrass concert that’s scheduled to cap off the day at 5:30 pm. The sun just broke through for a few minutes, so the weather’s a lot nicer than it might look from through your window, if you haven’t been outside today!

ADDED 3:33 PM: The performances have begun – just watched the final two performers in the children’s talent show (no awards – “everyone’s a winner” – but everyone did get prizes, including a complimentary brick in the plaza!) and talent show organizer Antonio Fernandez‘s beat-boxing – will substitute video when back at HQ:

That’s the same stage where Dysfunction Junction will play a free bluegrass concert starting around 5:30. Earlier, we dropped by the authors’ table, which has rotated West Seattle authors interested in talking about their book – from left, Conrad Wesselhoeft, author of the upcoming “Adios Nirvana,” and Peter Stekel, whose “Final Flight” is out:

They were sharing the table earlier with Moreah Vestan, whose books include “Pleasures and Ponderings: From Nun to Nudist to Now”:

You’ll find food concessions by the Alki Bathhouse, too – including barbecue, corn on the cob, crepes, and ice cream, as this all continues into the early evening.

Share This