West Seattle, Washington

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    WS HOLIDAY GUIDE: See what’s in it!

Video: First night for Summer Concerts at The Mount
August 7, 2009 8:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle video | WS culture/arts

As with the rest of West Seattle’s outdoor entertainment slate this summer – Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) series offers more than music. In that clip from tonight’s 2009-debut event on the south grounds of the Fairmount-area retirement center, you see Carol Johnston leading a Charleston dance lesson while her Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band-mates play in the background. And then there was Chuckalou the Clown:

Chuckalou’s balloon stylings captivated the younger members of the audience. The Mount’s concerts are free, 6 pm the next three Fridays, with the grounds opening at 5 pm for food/beverage sales; Maia Santell and House Blend are scheduled next Friday night, and you can see the full-season lineup here.

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Having a yard sale, or looking for one? 5 listed for Saturday
August 7, 2009 6:57 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Just a reminder that the Freebies, Deals, Sales category in the WSB Forums is open to yard/garage sale listings (as well as individual items you or your business is offering at a “deal” price) – free. Five yard sales are listed for tomorrow, so far, including a big group sale at Youngstown Arts Center by the Service Board. See these sales (and the other Freebies/Deals/Sales items) here.

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Seattle Vein Clinic: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
August 7, 2009 3:42 pm
|    Comments Off on Seattle Vein Clinic: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
 |   Health

(from left, Seattle Vein Clinic doctors Dr. Dave Omdal, Dr. R. Torrance Andrews, Dr. Manrita Sidhu)
This afternoon we welcome one of our newest sponsors, Seattle Vein Clinic. Here’s what they would like you to know about their practice: Seattle Vein Clinic specializes in the treatment of painful or heavy varicose veins. Varicose vein sufferers are often not aware that varicose veins are a serious medical condition and tend to get worse over time. They also don’t realize that treating this problem is covered by most major medical insurance. Those who suffer from varicose veins are often less apt to exercise and stay active because of the associated pain and discomfort. Once patients have undergone this procedure, they are often able to remain much more active, which contributes positively to their overall health. We’re a division of Seattle Radiologists and are located just a few minutes from West Seattle on First Hill (Broadway and Cherry; map). We’re offering free consultations for anyone who would like to discuss their varicose vein issues. We also have a free information CD available to help potential patients learn about how we treat this problem. Just visit our Web site or call (206) 292-7734 for more information. Thanks to Seattle Vein Clinic for joining the WSB sponsor team, listed here along with info on how to join the team!

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City proposes furloughs
August 7, 2009 3:36 pm
|    Comments Off on City proposes furloughs
 |   Announcements

News release we received this afternoon:

The city of Seattle has proposed to the Coalition of City Unions a 10-day
furlough program aimed at reducing the number of layoffs required in 2010. If
approved by union membership, the city would extend the same program to
non-represented city employees.

“Over the past several months, we have worked together with our unions and I
appreciate their cooperation in these difficult budget times,” said Mayor Greg
Nickels.

Under the proposal, approximately 6,700 workers, including coalition union members
whose bargaining units ratify the agreement and non-represented employees, would
take 10 furlough days spread across the year. Uniformed police and fire personnel,
and employees represented by IBEW 77 are not part of this furlough proposal at this
time.

The city has seen a continued drop in sales tax and business and occupation tax
revenues, and a revised revenue forecast used for planning the 2010 budget will be
available by the end of the month. The furlough plan would help preserve services
for city residents by reducing the number of city employees who would be laid off in
2010 due to the recession. This plan would save approximately $8 million from the
general fund and a total of up to $20 million from the entire city budget.

The proposal is being discussed with the 20 unions that make up the coalition. Under
the plan, furlough schedules would be assigned so that most city services would
remain open to the public. Some exceptions to the furloughs would be allowed, such
as for employees whose departments have minimum staffing and operational
requirements, and for employees earning less than $18 an hour.

In May, the mayor made $13.3 million in mid-year cuts from the general fund budget
while preserving funding for public safety and direct human services. To reduce the
number of layoffs in 2009, full-time employees at the Seattle Public Utilities call
center went to a 38-hour-a-week schedule, and employees at Seattle Public Libraries
will take a one-week furlough this month. In 2009, the mayor also implemented
furloughs for professional staff in several departments and rolled back salaries for
100 senior managers to 2008 levels. In 2010, those salaries will remain at 2008
levels.

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Don’t dump it, e-cycle it: A note from Councilmember Rasmussen
August 7, 2009 2:42 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen took that photo in the Alki alley that runs just west of 61st, south of Alki (map). He asked if we would share the photo and this message:

This is a photograph that I took this morning of what I am seeing around West Seattle. These computer monitors were dumped in the alley behind the Homestead Restaurant. Please let people know that there is free drop-off at authorized locations, and television and computer monitors will be picked up at your residence for a fee. Here is where you can get more information:

RCW 70.95N (passed in 2006): “sets up a third party organization called the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority to be funded and run by the electronics manufacturing industry for the purpose of collecting and reusing, recycling or disposing of certain electronics products at their end of life. The products included are TVs and monitors, CPUs and laptops.” As a result, a system allowing consumers to drop off these “covered electronic products” was in place Jan. 1, 2009.

There is free drop-off at authorized locations, and fees for television and computer monitor pickups at your residence. Relevant links:

From the .pdf link below, King County has a noticeable increase in electronics collected compared to last year.
(http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/docs/2009Collections.pdf)

Links:

E-Cycle Washington
(Washington State site describing program)

Search results for Television Pick-Ups

SPU Look-up-your item for televisions

King County’s Take it Back Network

Seattle Goodwill

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Mount concert, UFO singalong …
August 7, 2009 1:02 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Mount concert, UFO singalong …
 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

That’s the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band last night at The Kenney‘s annual barbecue – tonight, you can see and hear them at Providence Mount St. Vincent in the first of four Summer Outdoor Concerts at The Mount. (Bring a sweater, it’ll be fun.) Then make music with us and a few hundred of your closest friends tomorrow night in the courtyard next to Hotwire Coffee (which, like The Mount’s event, is a WSB sponsor):

Singing along to those five famous notes from “Close Encounters to the Third Kind” (practice up!) is part of the preshow fun before CE3K takes the big screen at tomorrow night’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies on the Wall. And if you’d rather have fun indoors – here’s a highlight tonight:

That’s Manooghi Hi, playing Admiral Theater tonight, as part of a double bill that includes a movie, too. Also on tap – though it’s in South Park, the Duwamish River Festival tomorrow is all about the body of water on West Seattle’s eastern border, so be there … these are among more than four dozen events ahead in this edition of the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club … here goes!Read More

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Reform health care? Rep. McDermott headlines 34th DDs’ forum
August 7, 2009 10:53 am
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

It’s the hottest topic in coast-to-coast politics at the moment – will our health-care system change? Are the proposed changes for the better or for the worse? Our area’s biggest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, will take on health-care reform at next Wednesday’s meeting (7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy), headlined by Seattle’s U.S. House Rep. Jim McDermott (who is a physician as well as a politician). The forum also will include Lisa Plymate, M.D., who’s active not only with the 34th DDs but also with Doctors for America. See who else is on the roster (and what else is on the agenda) by going to the 34th DDs’ website at 34dems.org — where you’ll also find information about their big annual fundraiser one week from tonight, the Garden Party.

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Local law-enforcement initiative takes on “open-air drug markets”
August 7, 2009 9:34 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway

At community meetings and in WSB comment sections – as recently as this week – we have seen and heard complaints about open drug dealing in some neighborhoods. SPD just issued a news release about a just-complete operation which targeted a so-called “open-air drug market” in the Central Area, with others in the city potentially to follow, and while this isn’t West Seattle-specific (yet) we thought you might be interested in reading about it —Read More

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Opening tonight: Twelfth Night Productions’ “The Music Man”
August 7, 2009 6:07 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

It’s big, it’s bold, it’s brassy, it’s a classic, and it’s playing in West Seattle the next three weekends: “The Music Man,” presented by Twelfth Night Productions at West Seattle High School Theater. Twelfth Night is returning as a WSB sponsor to get the word out; here’s the official news release about the show:

Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) is pleased to announce its next offering, Meredith Willson’s ode to Americana, The Music Man, an affectionate tribute to small town USA of a bygone era. The Music Man follows a fast talking traveling sales man, Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. This despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

TNP is excited to partner with the All City Band for this cherished musical. Expect surprises, laughter, fun and an old fashioned good time this summer as Twelfth Night Productions presents The Music Man. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the All City Band.

TNP is a non-profit performing arts organization located at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. This production features several artists from the West Seattle community as well as the greater Seattle area.

The Music Man runs in a special limited engagement at the West Seattle High School, 3000 CALIFORNIA AV SW. Show times are: August 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22 at 7:30 PM, with matinees at 3 PM on August 9, 16 and 23. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students & seniors, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com), and at West Seattle High School two hours before each performance.

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“Photography is not a crime”: Open letter from West Seattleite
August 7, 2009 1:47 am
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle people

Longtime WSB’er Kevin McClintic cc’d us on this letter earlier this morning, and we asked to publish it as an open letter. He had told us a few months ago about being hassled on a state ferry for taking photographs, and while we’d thought about writing a story then, we never got around to it. Now that he’s been hassled again, it seems worthy of further light. He is sending this to various government officials:

Thursday evening (8/6) I finally decided to take my first ride on our new light rail system. I parked my car at the Mount Baker Station and took two small pocket cameras and a monopod with me. I purchased a round trip ticket and boarded a train to Westlake Station.

I had a delightful time at Westlake with one exception. If you have not yet been, you should! It is beautiful, and there is SO much to see and photograph. I will have to return when I have more time. Public art everywhere! I was a little concerned about leaving my car on the street in the Mount Baker area after dark, so I cut my Westlake visit a bit short.

Upon arrival at Westlake Station, I put one of the cameras on the monopod (similar to a handicap cane) and proceeded to walk all over the station, taking pictures of buses and trains. After a few minutes of that, I took the escalator to the upper level and took more pictures on the mezzanine level. There were plenty of security officers around and some of them walked right past me. Not one even said hi to me.

Metro might just want to take a clue from the banking industry on this one. If someone “looks” suspicious, take a moment and say hi to them – perhaps take a moment and suggest a good place to get great pictures or a particular item of interest?

I even approached one security officer with my camera in hand, and asked him if there was a time limit on my round trip ticket. His answer was “good all day” and that was the end of that conversation.

After I had been shooting all over the mezzanine area, a security officer finally approached me and told me that “this is a sensitive area” and I need to “STOP taking pictures.” Hmm… where did I least hear that line? On a Washington State Ferry, and that issue has since been resolved. Their head of security personally invited me to return often, and take ALL the pictures I want.

I told the Metro security officer that as far as I know I have the right to take pictures ANYWHERE in a public place. He did not like that answer. I was polite, but I was not going to back down, and he did NOT like it.

Kevin’s letter continues after the jump:Read More

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Summer Concerts at Hiawatha tonight: Not just about the music
August 6, 2009 11:09 pm
|    Comments Off on Summer Concerts at Hiawatha tonight: Not just about the music
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Tonight’s hot-ticket (but still free) special offering: Face painting. As Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Katy Walum explained as the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series she spearheaded made its debut last month, they procured grants to offer facepainting twice during the series; tonight was #1, and artist Lynn from Wild Smiles Face Painting estimates she had up to 40 takers. That would be about one of every five showgoers, by our estimate of the crowd peaking at 200:

No video – technical difficulties with our camera – but we did get pix of the acts on the double bill, Cajun/Zydeco specialists Swamp Soul (find out more about them here):

… and Neil Young tribute specialists Ragged Glory (find out more about them here).

Next week is the fourth of six Thursday night shows (all listed here), free of charge thanks to a big team of sponsors (all listed here) including WSB, and you’ll see and hear the Elizabeth Carpenter Trio that night on the Hiawatha east lawn.

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West Seattle jail-site fight: New city study out today
August 6, 2009 9:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle jail-site fight: New city study out today
 |   West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news

The planning process for a potential new municipal misdemeanor-offender jail to serve Seattle and several other King County cities has been proceeding fairly quietly, but proceeding nonetheless. West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way remains one of the sites on the list. Now, the City Council has released results of a study they ordered on whether drug treatment and other diversions could reduce the need for jail beds – read on for their news release, plus links to two documents related to the report itself:Read More

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West Seattle scenes: The Kenney’s annual barbecue
August 6, 2009 6:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | The Kenney | West Seattle news

Later this month, The Kenney‘s century-old Seaview Building will be considered by the city Landmarks Preservation Board for designation as a city landmark – but tonight, it’s a stately backdrop for the retirement center’s annual barbecue. What’s for dinner, you ask? Salmon and hot dogs, among other things:

And though “green” may not be a color you associate with sizzling barbecue, The Kenney’s been making headlines for its Green Team (as reported here last year), and that led to some showcasing tonight as well:

Tonight’s music is being provided by the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band, who you can catch tomorrow night at Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s first show in this year’s Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) series (6 pm, free):

The Kenney’s guest list for tonight included hundreds of residents, neighbors, family and friends, and they’re scheduled to continue the celebration till about 7 pm.

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West Seattle man charged with child-pornography possession
August 6, 2009 6:05 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A Westwood man is charged with possessing and dealing in child pornography, according to King County Superior Court documents. The charges filed within the past week against 23-year-old Chas Voelckel result from a search of his home last October, in an investigation that began in June 2008, when police received a complaint about child-pornography images uploaded to a photo-sharing site. Investigators found 1,600 photos and more than 50 videos on computer equipment linked to Voelckel, according to court documents, which say he did not deny possessing child pornography. Some of the children in the photos are described in the court documents as “known victims” as young as 8 years old, though there is no indication that Voelckel took any of the photos himself. In addition to possession, he also is charged with dealing in child pornography, because of records showing that he transferred files to other people. Prosecutors asked that his bail be set at $25,000, saying investigators found online chat records in which Voelckel expressed a desire to sexually abuse a 10-year-old, and noted that:

“While the defendant may wish to be released to the custody of his mother, it’s important to note that his mother was fully aware that he was downloading and viewing child pornography and saw no problem with it because she believed that the children who were being sexually abused were from other countries.”

The mother’s address is listed as the same as the suspect’s. Meantime, in addition to the charges, court documents also indicate authorities were seeking a warrant for his arrest as of a week ago; there is no indication that he has been booked into King County Jail, so we will be checking tomorrow on his status. (Note: This story was first reported earlier this afternoon at seattlepi.com; we subsequently obtained the court documents, from which we gathered all the information reported in our story.) ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe tells WSB that Voelckel is scheduled for arraignment next Thursday, though he has not yet been booked.

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Followup: Guilty verdict in Stewart Manor stabbing
August 6, 2009 5:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

wardpic.jpgYou might remember the mugshot at left from last October, when police asked everyone to be on the lookout for Daniel P. Ward, wanted for stabbing his girlfriend multiple times with a box cutter at the Stewart Manor building at 34th/Morgan. He was arrested in November, and a tipster told us this afternoon that his trial just ended. King County Prosecuting Attorney‘s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe confirms that Ward was found guilty on all charges: Attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and felony harassment. Donohoe says the sentencing range is 20-30 years in prison, and Judge Michael Hayden is scheduled to sentence Ward on September 4th.

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Party like it’s 1999: West Seattle High School 10-year reunion
August 6, 2009 3:04 pm
|    Comments Off on Party like it’s 1999: West Seattle High School 10-year reunion
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

Were you in one of those photos? An entire decade has passed since the year that sounded so far in the future when Prince sang about it in the ’80s … but passed, it has, and now West Seattle High School Class of 1999 reunion organizers are trying to get word out to their classmates. Jessica Seeley shared the photos, along with the invite:

West Seattle High School Class of 1999 Reunion
Location: Alki Beach Bathhouse
When: Saturday, September 26, 5:00 PM
Cost: $52 per person

Join us in celebrating the West Seattle High School Class of 1999 10-year reunion at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle.

Tickets are $52 via PayPal. Prices include:
-Appetizers
-Non-Alcoholic Berverages
-Beer and Wine
-Desserts
-Entertainment
-Spending time with the Class of ’99

Act quickly as ticket prices will go up if you buy them at the door!

We’re trying to get the word out to everyone any way we can, but we are still missing e-mails and mailing addresses. If you know of someone who … hasn’t heard about the reunion, please forward this to them! We want everyone to be included.

Thanks,
Jessica Seeley

You can use the Share This link below to e-mail this item, or to share it via Facebook or Twitter, among other services. And you can make your reservation by e-mailing the organizers directly: wshs1999@gmail.com

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Followups: 2 West Seattle fires might remain mysteries forever
August 6, 2009 1:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Some fire and police investigations wrap up fast – some don’t. For the ones that don’t, we check back with the investigating agency from time to time. Here’s what we found on two such checks:

That was the aftermath of the fire that tore through an Arbor Heights house near 35th/108th on May 25 (original WSB coverage here), seriously injuring one man. Information on his condition was never been made available to media; privacy laws were invoked while he was in the hospital. We asked Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen if the fire’s cause was ever found – short answer, no. It will remain on the books as “undetermined.” That’s also the result of the investigation into this one, another fire in May:

A neighbor shared that startling photo from the May 3rd early-morning house fire in the 1700 block of 44th SW (original WSB coverage here). The house was empty and listed for sale; no one was inside; no injuries were reported. Vander Houwen says investigators ultimately could not find the cause of this one either, and it will remain on the books as “undetermined.”

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The Subtle Body: Welcome to a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
August 6, 2009 12:54 pm
|    Comments Off on The Subtle Body: Welcome to a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses

Today we welcome a new sponsor, The Subtle Body, a West Seattle Ayurvedic center located on the second floor of 3620 California SW (map). As always, we offer new sponsors the chance to tell you about their businesses, and here’s what The Subtle Body wants you to know: Ayurvedic comes from Ayurveda, which means the “Science of Life,” a 5000-year-old system of health care originating in India. Ayurveda addresses each individual, and seeks to bring you back to your own state of balance. Your consultation will include recommendations on diet, daily routine, herbs, yoga and seasonal cleanses. We also offer a rejuvenation program consisting of Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic steams and Shirodhara. The center is run by Nickole Thornton (left) and Bethanie Sand (right). Nickole has practiced Ayurveda since 2000, traveling across the U.S. providing Ayurvedic lectures, Consultations, and Panchakarma Detox Therapy. In addition to her Ayurvedic expertise, she specializes in Deep Tissue Massage and NeuroMuscular Therapy with Therapeutic Stretching. Bethanie has been studying, teaching and working with Ayurveda since 2003. She’s involved in the Washington chapter of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, bringing practitioners of Ayurveda together in community and for the advancement of Ayurveda in Washington. In addition to offering Ayurvedic consultations and treatments, Bethanie specializes in CranioSacral Therapy — a gentle, yet effective way of releasing pain, tension and old holding patterns in the body and nervous system. For an appointment or consultation, you can reach Nickole at 206-799-0718 or Bethanie at 206-949-8442. Thanks to The Subtle Body for choosing to grow their business by sponsoring 24/7 local news, information and discussion on WSB; the entire sponsor team is listed here, with info on how to join!

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West Seattle notes: “Dog Days”; outdoor shows; pie war; more
August 6, 2009 10:56 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Pets | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

cohen.jpg“DOG DAYS OF SUMMER”: Michele at West Seattle Thriftway just sent word that CityDog Magazine is coming back for its next cover-dog search, Sunday, August 16th – last year, the winner was one of the dogs “discovered” at WST, Cohen (left)! This is part of the store’s “Dog Days of Summer” promotion, including barbecues the next four Saturdays to raise money for local animal-advocacy groups. Plus, on cover-dog-search day 8/16, as well as the following Sunday 8/23, the Humane Society’s MaxMobile will be at Thriftway with adoptable pets.

HIAWATHA CONCERT TONIGHT: One more reminder, two acts for the price of one – actually there’s no price, because it’s free! – at tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show: Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory and Cajun/Zydeco band Swamp Soul. It’ll be chillier than last week but the forecast still calls for the sun coming out before showtime, 6:30 pm, east lawn of Hiawatha.

AND MORE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY/SATURDAY: Same basic forecast – cooler than usual – for those nights, but don’t let that keep you inside: Friday night is the first Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) show (also free), with the Duwamish Dixieland Jazz Band (gates open at 5, music at 6) and Saturday night is the next West Seattle Outdoor Movies on the Wall screening, with the ’70s classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (so many scenes in that one are perfect for the big screen), ALSO free, gates open at 7, movie at dusk, courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor).

CROSS-BAY PIE WAR: Our friends at fellow independent neighborhood-news site Magnolia Voice are thinking a Magnolia-vs.-West Seattle pie war might just be in the works. Here’s why.

COOKING WITH CLASS: (added shortly after we first posted this roundup) Just got the news that registration is open for Cooking With Class, the annual event at Salty’s on Alki that’s a nonprofit fundraiser, a cooking class and a gourmet food/wine dinner all in one. It’s set for September 15. Full details here.

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West Seattle scenes: TP explained: 1 more Night Out; beach ball
August 6, 2009 5:11 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | Seen around town | West Seattle news

“Ca” sent that photo, describing this house only as being on Admiral Way, and noting it’s not a prank, but rather a celebration:

Everyone keeps asking us why our house was TPed the other day. My son qualified for All City Swim with Arbor Heights pool.

And here’s the proud qualifier himself:

Congratulations! We drove past a TP’ed house in the early moments of Night Out on Tuesday but seem to recall it was in a neighborhood south of Admiral; funny, hadn’t seen that phenomenon in years. Speaking of Night Out:

P and C McCormick shared photos of the Ocean View neighborhood Night Out party, pointing out it’s sponsored by Dot Beard (right, by the sign):

Over forty neighbors showed up to enjoy refreshments and the summer evening. A long-time activist and member of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, Dot has kept all of us neighbors in line for years. Just in case, Capt Joe Kessler and Lt. Steve Paulsen from the SW Precinct came by to make sure our new Block Watch signs were installed to specifications (!) and to schmooze Ocean View Community Beach Club presidential candidate “Murphy” (in the striped red sweater). Our quiet neighborhood, bound by Marine View Drive, 35th Ave SW and SW 112th St [map], has annual events including an Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Picnic and Christmas Caroling/Hot Buttered Rum parties.

Here’s Capt. Kessler with Murphy.

(We published three previous photo reports on Night Out block parties around West Seattle – see them here, here and here.) Last but by no means least, Chas Redmond caught the early-evening sun in all its glory, shining on the Sound off Alki last night:

Thanks as always to everyone who shares photos and info with their West Seattle neighbors via WSB – e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com – or share your photos with the West Seattle Blog Flickr group (where we just noticed some great recent additions, including this spectacular Lincoln Park sunset).

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“Summer Splashtacular” this Saturday at West Seattle wading pools
August 6, 2009 3:52 am
|    Comments Off on “Summer Splashtacular” this Saturday at West Seattle wading pools
 |   Announcements

Just announced by the Parks Department:

On Saturday, Aug. 8, Seattle Parks and Recreation will host Summer Splashtacular featuring free swimming, free activities, fun and games at select pools and beaches. The program is intended to highlight drowning prevention and safe swimming practices.

Free public swimming, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
· Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave. S
· Meadowbrook Pool, 10515 35th Ave. NE
There will be fun water activities for kids and families, including lifejacket relays.

Free diving instruction, 2 – 5 p.m.
· Madison Beach, E Madison Street and E Howe
Enhance your swimming skills with free diving instruction.

Oodles of Noodles, 12 noon – 6 p.m.
· Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
· Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. NE
· Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
· West Green Lake Beach, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
Kids can enjoy water play in shallow water with lifeguards present while playing with oodles of noodles. A noodle is a brightly colored floatation aid that kids find irresistibly fun for playing. Come by and try swimming with a lifejacket.

Wading pool toys and activities, 1 – 4 p.m.
There will be toys and activities at 14 wading pools, including:
· Bitter Lake Playfield, 13035 Linden Ave. N
· Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
· Dahl Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE
· Delridge Community Center and Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
· E.C. Hughes Playground, 2805 SW Holden St.
· East Queen Anne Playground, 1912 Warren Ave. N
· Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
· Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
· Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
· South Park Community Center and Playground, 738 S Sullivan St.
· Van Asselt Community Center and Playground, 7200 Beacon Ave. S
· View Ridge Playfield, 4408 NE 70th St.
· Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E
· Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave. N

Summer Splashtacular is co-sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State Drowning Prevention Network, Associated Recreation Council and seattlepools.org. For more information about Summer Splashtacular, visit http://seattle.gov/parks/pools.asp.

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North Delridge Neighborhood Council: Elections ahead, and more
August 6, 2009 3:49 am
|    Comments Off on North Delridge Neighborhood Council: Elections ahead, and more
 |   Delridge | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Toplines from last night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting:

ndncsign.jpg*Officer elections are coming up in October. But first – nominations will be sought; look for that announcement on the NDNC e-mail group.

*Adopt-A-Street cleanup: You’re invited to pitch in and help out on August 29th. As usual, volunteers will meet up that morning at Delridge Community Center and take off after coffee/snacks. Watch for more details. Separate cleanups may be scheduled for area traffic circles.

*Future meeting speakers: When this topic came up, a popular suggestion was Al Poole, the city’s director of “homelessness intervention” – group members have been talking about the seasonal return of makeshift homeless mini-camps in the greenbelt along 26th SW, and this type of speaker might help educate everyone on how to handle such situations, as well as dealing with the chronic problem that the NDNC has fought in recent months (notably including the tour given to city leaders four months ago) – rundown, vacant houses, often taken over by squatters.

*Location change for next month’s meeting: Watch for an announcement – the library isn’t available that night (September 2) – suggestions included Olympia Pizza, but nothing’s final yet.

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Another festival for your calendar: Holy Family School street fair
August 6, 2009 1:17 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | White Center


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Add another festival to the August calendar, which already has the Duwamish River Festival this Saturday and Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long (August 22-23). From just south of the city/county line, we received this invitation to share with all WSB’ers – we’ve of course published it on partner site White Center Now, too, but West Seattleites get a special shoutout:

Hello Friends of the West Seattle Blog:

My name is Frank Cantwell, and I am the Principal of Holy Family Parish School located at the intersection of 20th and Roxbury in White Center. I would like to invite you to “El Carnaval” that we are holding on August 29 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and August 30 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 2009. We are planning to close 20th Street from Roxbury for one block between the Parish and the School, and open this area to the entire community for an opportunity to meet our neighbors. We plan to have bands, a variety of food, and a beer garden. We will have our school open to everyone. We are also planning to have lots of fun and games for the children.

Holy Family Parish School has a rich history, having served the White Center community for over 80 years. We are a very diverse community and we are welcoming everyone to come together to have a lot of fun. We would love to see the entire West Seattle community come together to meet each other and have fun.

Thank You, Frank Cantwell

It’s on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar now too.

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