July 3, there’s a blood drive at West Seattle’s PCC. Here’s the official announcement:

Did you know that nearly 38,000 transfusions are performed daily in the
United States? Volunteer donors are the only source of this precious
gift which can mean life for pre-mature babies, cancer and surgery
patients, accident victims and other ill and injured people.

Each day the Puget Sound Blood Center must collect nearly 900 pints of
blood to support patients within our community. Donors must be 18 or
older (16 or 17 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and
be in good general health. Because blood is separated into and
transfused as components, just one donation can help up to three people.

Hydrating well prior to donation and eating a small meal can help the
donation process if you have never donated before. And remember, you
can donate every 8 weeks -that’s up to 6 times per year! If you have
questions about medical criteria or potential deferrals, please contact
1-800-398-7888 or email our Clinical Support Specialists,
clinicalsupport@psbc.org.

Please help support the PCC Natural Market-West Seattle blood drive!
Walk-ins are welcome!

Date: Friday, July 3, 2009

Where: PCC Natural Market, West Seattle

Address: 2749 California Ave SW

Hours: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm (lunch break from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)

Thank you for your support!

Joe Crookston performs at Youngstown on August 8

| Announcements

Got this from Paul Fischburg:

Our beloved Joe Crookston will make a rare appearance at Youngstown on August 8th – doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30.

Tickets are already on sale and this concert will almost certainly sell out. Seats are limited but the magic and creativity are not! You can pick up tickets at for $15 at Fremont Place Books: 621 N. 35th St Seattle, WA (206-547-5970) e-mail: info@FremontPlaceBooks.com for info.

Or Tickets can be purchased online at: brownpapertickets.com

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West Seattle wildlife: A fine tern of events

| Seen at sea | West Seattle online | Wildlife

Well, that’s all we could think of for a headline, given that Beach Drive Blog already took “Tern, Tern, Tern” (here’s the soundtrack). Great pix on BDB: Terns over West Seattle waters.

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Monitoring the “Whole Foods hole”: Citizen Q, city A

| Development | Safety | West Seattle news

While much of the attention regarding the stalled Whole Foods development at Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th has focused on what will happen to, and in, the huge hole – one WSBer has been worrying about the road alongside the hole. She contacted the city to express her concerns and wanted to share the e-mail she received, regarding how it’s being monitored — read on:Read More

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From the Seal Sitters: Harbor seal dies after West Seattle rescue

June 6, 2009 7:17 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

If you’ve been following the story of the Alki gun incident last night, you know that it included the report (starting with this comment on our original report) that a seal was being harassed by the man arrested for an alleged weapons violation. It’s believed now that it’s the same seal whose death has just been reported by Robin Lindsey of West Seattle-based Seal Sitters, a harbor seal that died today after being rescued from the Harbor Ave waterfront – read on for her full report, including what to do if you encounter a marine mammal in any kind of trouble or being threatened: (Monday update: the Seal Sitters have updated their website – see the update here – their original Saturday night report is what follows)Read More

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Party on Sunday to celebrate “magical” teacher Ingrid Olsen-Young

June 6, 2009 4:40 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

On her last day teaching at the co-op preschool at South Seattle Community College, Ingrid Olsen-Young was holding her ink stamp, ready to place a happy message on the hands or tummies of the tots in her class, a ritual at the end of each day.

Suddenly she stopped and smiled. The little tummies were already stamped — each with a simple “thank you.”

Sunday, the “thank you” will be a little more elaborate as 20 years of preschool students gather to honor Ingrid with a farewell reunion at the Jerry M. Brockey Center on campus from 2 to 5 p.m.

“Losing Ingrid is kind of devastating,” said Margaret Pyfer. “She personally cares about each family. She truly cares about each child.”Read More

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SIFF at The Admiral, day 2 (with more from night 1 party)

June 6, 2009 3:58 pm

| Comments Off on SIFF at The Admiral, day 2 (with more from night 1 party)

| Admiral Theater | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(photo by Christopher Boffoli)
The party’s over but more than 20 screenings are yet to come, as West Seattle makes its Seattle International Film Festival debut — this is day 2, and many are no doubt still recovering from day 1:

Shortly after cutting a ceremonial ribbon last night during the open house/party celebrating the Admiral Theater‘s debut as a SIFF venue, SIFF director Carl Spence (with Admiral entertainment director Dinah Brein-McClellan at the start of the clip) was ceremonially “kidnapped” by the Seafair Pirates. But that was just the conclusion of their visit – as always, they made an entrance that could be heard for miles around:

(They’ll be landing on Alki on July 11th, by the way.) And while at the theater, they helped cut the cake in pirate style:

That photo’s also by WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli, as are all the others you’ll see just ahead – more scenes from the party, and information on the rest of SIFF’s run at The Admiral:Read More

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Safe Futures Youth Center bowling fundraiser June 9

June 6, 2009 2:50 pm

| Comments Off on Safe Futures Youth Center bowling fundraiser June 9

| Announcements

It’s not in West Seattle, but Safe Futures Youth Center is – here’s a chance to help:

Rock & Bowl for SafeFutures Youth Center!

June 9th, 2009 / 5:30pm

Garage Billiards (Capitol Hill)
1130 Broadway Ave, Seattle

$20 minimum donation requested (includes bowling and shoes rental)
Must be 21+, ID required
Chance to win door prizes!

For more information, call Alex at 206-235-8892

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Happening now: P-Patch progress, plant sale, apartment tour

June 6, 2009 12:53 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | Gardening | West Seattle housing

More work today at the new P-Patch in The Junction: Aaron Hernandez from the Friends of Genesee P-Patch sent that photo from Thursday – a city crew has been by to help clear the garden site, which as we recently reported, is one of four new P-Patch sites in line for city funding from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy (the P-Patch also has received a Small and Simple Grant, according to Aaron). Site volunteers are doing some more work there today; if you’re interested in future involvement with the P-Patch, you can reach Aaron here. No matter what kind of gardening you’re doing, you need something to grow. You’ve got myriad plant-buying options this weekend – for one, Village Green Perennial Nursery has just rejoined us as a WSB sponsor – they’re only open for the season till June 28 – and then there’s the Furry Faces Foundation fundraising plant sale:

Lora Lewis from F3 and Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) sent that petunia photo. The sale — with most plants from $1 to $5, Lora notes — continues till 4 pm, and again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow, at 3809 46th SW (tomorrow adoptable pets will be there too, noon-4 pm). Back in The Junction, till 2 pm today, you can enjoy free treats and get a tour at Mural Apartments (WSB sponsor), which has thrown open the doors to show off in its first month of renting brand-new units in “Downtown West Seattle.” 42nd SW, right across from Jefferson Square. Say hi to manager Rose (posing with some of the aforementioned free snacks):

Again, the full slate of what’s up this weekend is in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.

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Hunger-fighting Tour de Revs to stop at Peace Lutheran in West Seattle

June 6, 2009 12:21 pm

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| Announcements

Here’s the official announcement:

Thursday July 2 Peace Lutheran 3816 39th Ave. SW [39th/Thistle] will host a Potluck/Presentation Block Party from 6-8 pm featuring the Tour de Revs, a trio of Lutheran Pastors travelling cross country on a bamboo bicycle built for three to raise awareness and funds to end Hunger. This will be stop 39 of 65 in their 13,000 mile journey traveling on their custom bamboo bicycle created by Craig Calfee from a design originally created for local production in the developing world.

The cycling Revs will share about their trip, the bike, and their mission to end Hunger. Cycling youth from Peace Lutheran, St. Luke’s in Bellevue, and Our Savior’s in Issaquah will be cycling in that evening from a local cycling and service trip and will also share about their experience.

West Seattle and White Center Food Banks along with other local charities and community agencies will be represented, the grills will be grilling and the people chilling.

Bring a non perishable food item for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks and something to share.

Ride your bike and end the evening with a sunset ride in beautiful West Seattle with the Revs.

All are welcome.

www.peacelutheranseattle.org
www.tourderevs.org

Questions/RSVP Kristie Neklason worldhunger@lutheransnw.org

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Tomorrow: “The Whale Trail” open house at Alki Bathhouse

June 6, 2009 12:09 pm

| Comments Off on Tomorrow: “The Whale Trail” open house at Alki Bathhouse

| How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(February 2008 photo courtesy Jeff Hogan)
Just got word of this (with an eVite) — too late for the original publication of the latest West Seattle Weekend Lineup but we love orcas so wanted to call special attention to it:

The Whale Trail Open House/Fundraiser
Sunday, June 7th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Alki Beach Bathhouse

June is orca month in Washington! Help us celebrate by attending an Open House and Fundraiser for The Whale Trail (www.thewhaletrail.org) at the Alki Beach Bathhouse in Seattle.

Learn more about whales in the Seattle area, and what you can do to help protect them. Mingle with our core team including representatives from NOAA, Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife, People for Puget Sound, the Seattle Aquarium, the Whale Museum and Coast Watch Society. Celebrate the start of orca month, and support a great cause, too!

The event is open to the public, and will feature light refreshments, educational displays, and a short program. There is no charge but donations to support The Whale Trail are welcome. Please stop by – looking forward to seeing you there!

What’s “The Whale Trail,” you ask? From its website:

Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment by establishing a network of viewing sites along the whales’ trails through Puget Sound and the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest.

P.S. Sounds like some great speakers at the event too, from a phone conversation we just had, including an opening by Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen and a presentation by local orca researcher Mark Sears.

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Alki gun incident update: Armed Army sergeant arrested

June 6, 2009 9:39 am

| 28 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Friday night WSB photo, taken on 63rd just south of 63rd)
Last night, we happened to be driving in Alki when police passed us, rushing to the scene of a report that someone had “brandished” a weapon; here’s what we reported at the time. This morning, in addition to commenters providing more detail following our first report, we now have full details from police via SPDBlotter, which identifies the suspect as a 25-year-old man and tells the story:

On 06/05/09, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a suspect was at 60th AV SW and Alki Av SW with a female friend, when he got into a confrontation with a group of juveniles (young teenagers — middle school students). The suspect hurled profanities at the teens and pulled up his shirt to display a holstered handgun, frightening the juveniles and many onlookers. Officers arrived on scene and quickly located the suspect at Alki & 63rd SW. Officers recovered a .357 magnum revolver from the suspect’s waistband. He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, and was also carrying a flask of whiskey. The suspect, produced a US Army ID, identifying him as an active duty sergeant, and a CCW permit issued by the state of Ohio.

After interviewing victims and witnesses, it was determined that the display of the handgun did not appear reasonable in response to any real or perceived threats from the juveniles. The suspect was arrested without incident and transported the Southwest Precinct. The suspect’s immediate commanding officer was contacted and made aware of the situation. The suspect was booked into King County Jail for unlawful carrying/display of a weapon. The revolver and Ohio CCW card were placed into evidence.

Washington does honor Ohio concealed-weapons permits, by the way, according to data we found online. As for the suspect’s status, while we don’t have his name, the jail register does show one man booked into jail last night on this type of charge, and he’s still in custody right now in lieu of $950 bail.

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Camp sign-ups continue: Volleyball, martial arts, music

June 6, 2009 8:41 am

| Comments Off on Camp sign-ups continue: Volleyball, martial arts, music

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’ve been publishing summer-camp invitations on the new Announced page – including West Seattle High School Volleyball Camp for middle- and high-schoolers (read about it here) and martial-arts camps at Lee’s Martial Arts (read about them here). This morning, Jane Harty from Music Northwest e-mailed to say, “We still have room in our Chamber Music Camp for one more group of students, ages 8-18. The dates are Aug. 18-22, and our coaches are Marcus Tsutakawa from the Garfield Orchestra, Leonid Keylin from the Seattle Symphony and several other outstanding coaches.” The camp’s at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle; the registration form and other info can be found online.

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“Nickelsville” homeless camp returns to eastern West Seattle

June 6, 2009 8:14 am

| 40 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle video

(photo added 10:08 am)
The homeless camp that started at Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way (map) – the site that is still under consideration for future jail construction – says it’s back in West Seattle. “Nickelsville” organizers sent a news release last night saying they would be moving from the Southeast Seattle church property where they spent the past three months; then this morning they sent an update saying they’re at 2nd SW and Highland Park Way SW, “… approximate to the original location where they set-up the first Nickelsville in September of 2008.” We’ll be heading out shortly to have a look. 8:55 AM UPDATE: Just stopped by, and got chased off the site shortly afterward by two “Nickelodeons.” It is almost immediately east of the site where they were rousted for alleged trespassing (charges that were dropped recently); we’ll add a few photos shortly. 10:28 AM UPDATE: The Nickelsville spokesperson who sent the original e-mail apologized for us getting rousted, and confirms this is state land, as we noted with the presence of this sign:

As you can see in the top photo, they are still setting up – in addition to tents, tarps, structures, we saw an electrical generator being brought in – as also shown in this video:

As for how the state will deal with this, the spokesperson’s comment was, “That parcel is state land and Nickelsville plans to stay. At this time I’m not privy to any agreements or negotiations.” We’ll be trying to figure out if there’s an appropriate state spokesperson to reach for comment over the weekend. 11:53 PM UPDATE: From the Nickelsville website:

Nickelodeons need your support! This is State land. Ask the State to negotiate not to arrest the Nickelodeons. Please contact Governor Christine Gregoire and State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond immediately and voice your support for the Nickelodeons. …

Be prepared to stand with us should the State choose to arrest rather than negotiate.

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Who needs sun? We’ve got fun: What’s up today/tonight

June 6, 2009 7:20 am

| Comments Off on Who needs sun? We’ve got fun: What’s up today/tonight

| Fun stuff to do | Gardening | West Seattle news

Full slate of today’s events can be found in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup. Gardeners in particular have much to choose from – GardenFest at SSCC, the Furry Faces Foundation plant sale, and the Garden Party at Transitional Resources – but there are indoor events too, such as the Mural Apartments (WSB sponsor) open house, more Seattle International Film Festival screenings at the Admiral, and the Community School of West Seattle auction. We’ve also got an update on the “Great Duwamish Clothing/Book Swap” at Duwamish Cohousing (6000 17th SW; map) – it’s happening 10 am-2 pm.

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West Seattle scenes: West Seattle HS Prom Night @ Cafe Revo

June 5, 2009 11:45 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle restaurants

(photos by Christopher Boffoli)
Prom Night often starts with a nice dinner … and tonight, more than 40 people headed to the West Seattle High School prom chose to have theirs at Cafe Revo (WSB sponsor) in the Luna Park business district.

There was a surprise twist, according to what Cafe Revo’s Sofia Zadra Goff had told us earlier: “2 of the students are bussers at our restaurant, so we are going to make it a really fun night. All of the staff working tonight are dressing up in prom attire from the ’70s and ’80s (when our proms would have taken place) to surprise Diana and Holly, who work for us.”

The prom, by the way, was at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club. Tonight also was the WSHS All-School Reunion; next week, it’s graduation time on Thursday.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Car break-in; duck theft on cam

June 5, 2009 9:44 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two Crime Watch stories to share. First, from Tara:

… my truck (was) broken into tonight at the junction. I was having dinner and was parked in the lot behind West 5. One hour later, I returned to our truck and the driver’s side lock was broken into and my backpack was stolen. I’m a teacher and my classroom keys were inside, along with my Seattle Public Schools badge. I’m so upset. Since there wasn’t anything valuable, I’m thinking the thief/s will probably get rid of it quick and I’m hoping everyone could keep an eye out for it.

Tara says it’s a gray backpack. Meantime, Ron at Lowman Beach wrote to call attention to his latest post in the WSB Forums — it links to what he says are surveillance photos and video of someone who was caught not only stealing something from his famous duck display by the park, but also prowling cars in the area. Here’s his post with those links.

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Happening now: Skylark’s 3rd birthday celebration

June 5, 2009 8:34 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge, just south of The Bridge, where tonight is a birthday party, marking the club/restaurant’s third anniversary. The bands start at 9; good dinner crowd here now, including Team WSB, and some DJ’ing … that’s Charlie at the board (below left), husband of proprietor Jessie SK, who we asked to pose out front (right)with the sign that marks the momentous birthday in three different ways. Momentous because it’s not easy to be a small businessperson these days, let alone one that not only runs a restaurant, but also hires live bands four nights a week. Actually, some live music just started — DJ Baba Jamess on tabla, accompanied by a violinist; at 9 pm, it’s Deepsleep Narcotics Company; at 10 pm, local faves Stevedore; then at 11 pm, it’s Apple War. Jessie tells the story of the first three years’ highlights in this post on the Skylark “blog”; if you haven’t checked out the main Skylark website lately, the calendar’s just been redone – see it here. We have a soft spot for Skylark not just because they sponsor the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, but because to our knowledge, it remains the only restaurant to mention WSB on its menu (we get a nod on the tater tots because of this semi-legendary WSB post from almost two years ago, in which we asked folks for their idea of “West Seattle dishes to die for”). Anyway, the party goes till closing time — happy birthday, Skylark! ADDED LATER: DJ Baba James using Washington place names as lyrics – didn’t you just know Walla Walla has always belonged in a song?

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Police action on Alki: Report of someone “brandishing weapon”

June 5, 2009 7:23 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

We happened to be barely a block away when the police cars passed us, lights flashing, motors gunning. They’re on 63rd just south of Alki, right behind Cactus. Not sure yet what’s up – Patrick is out of the car and checking, we’re about a block west. Will update as soon as we have news. UPDATE: Here’s what’s happening – police responded to a report of someone “brandishing a weapon.” No one’s been hurt, no report of shots fired, but somebody said they saw someone with a gun, so the police rushed here fast. They’re still searching.

7:38 PM UPDATE: The police have all cleared the 63rd/Alki scene. We’re heading north/east on Alki Ave now and haven’t seen where they moved on to (or maybe they just dispersed).

SATURDAY MORNING NOTE: In comments, “Arborheightsdad” says the person who “brandished” (showed, according to his story and what we also had heard unofficially) the gun was found. We don’t have information so far regarding what if any charges that person will face but will be checking. ***Minutes later – police have published a full report at SPDBlotter; we’ll publish a separate update atop the page.

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Skillet update: They will NOT be in West Seattle this Sunday

June 5, 2009 6:36 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Seems to be part of the upshot of the situation on which we reported earlier, but we’ve just confirmed it – since their backup trailer was the problem, they’re taking their main setup to the Mariners’ game instead of bringing it over here. So again, NO Skillet in West Seattle this Sunday; we’ll check on subsequent Sundays later.

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West Seattle SIFF party at Admiral Theater, report #1

June 5, 2009 5:48 pm

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| Admiral Theater | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That’s the nautically themed cake that Junction-based Vertu Cakes has created for the informal open-house-style party under way right now – till 6:45 – at the Admiral Theater, on the first night of the first-ever West Seattle screenings for the Seattle International Film Festival. Film #1 is getting out in about 20 minutes, and #2, “The Admiral,” starts at 7, but even if you’re not going to the movies, the doors are open and there are appetizers, sweet treats (in addition to the cake), and general festivity here at West Seattle’s historic moviehouse. SIFF director Carl Spence (a West Seattleite) has just arrived and is talking with Admiral operator Jeff Brein and entertainment director Dinah Brein-McClellan, and we’ve heard there’s been a sighting of the Seafair Pirates (who we spotted preparing their invasion plans over in one of the old Huling lots). More to come. 5:56 PM UPDATE: The pirates are invaded and are promoting the “Seafair Pirates Film Festival.” Mysteriously absent an actual date, time and venue, however.

ADDED 6:17 PM: Oh dear, the Pirates have just absconded with Carl Spence. Video/photos shortly. But at least the ceremonial ribbon-cutting happened first. Here’s a shot of their arrival:

So if you hear or see the Pirates plundering some other area of West Seattle, you know where they came from. Party continues till 6:45.

ADDED 6:39 PM: Before we make our getaway (headed next for the Skylark third-anniversary party), video of the Pirates making their getaway — last seen westbound on Admiral toward Alki.

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Mayor signs tax break for live-music venues

June 5, 2009 3:59 pm

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| Announcements

News release from the city:

Mayor Greg Nickels this week signed legislation authorizing
an admissions tax exemption for live music venues in Seattle. The
exemption becomes effective in July. The current admissions tax is 5
percent on every dollar of ticket sales. The exemption will benefit
venues that have live music on a regular basis.

“Seattle has a great tradition of cutting-edge music that gives our
city its soul. But in the past few years, we’ve seen six of our live
music venues close and only one open. With this legislation, we are
making it easier for live music venues to not only get started, but also
thrive in Seattle,” said Nickels.

The tax exemption will provide an incentive for business owners to
offer live music in Seattle, enhance the city’s cultural appeal, and
bolster economic development in a variety of neighborhoods.

The city estimates that up to 65 live music venues will take advantage
of the admissions tax exemption. To be eligible, a live music venue
must:
● Have an established certificate of occupancy of less than 1,000
people;
● Host or present live music on average at least three times per week
on a regular schedule;
● Hire on average at least 16 musicians per week; and
● Have committed no more than three violations of any one or more
civil or criminal laws concerning public health, noise, licensing,
taxing or permitting in the calendar year preceding or during the date
the admission tax is due.

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: SIFF and Skylark Birthday edition

June 5, 2009 3:50 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle Weekend Lineup: SIFF and Skylark Birthday edition

| Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

Last reminder – 5:30-6:45 pm tonight, be at the Admiral Theater for the (free!) party celebrating West Seattle’s debut as a Seattle International Film Festival venue – free treats and fun – full details here, along with details on the Skylark Club and Cafe (WSB sponsor) third birthday party tonight. Other weekend highlights include the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s bike tour, fundraising fun for ArtsWest, Transitional Resources and the Community School of West Seattle … GardenFest at SSCC … Holy Rosary‘s centennial begins with the Homecoming Mass and Lunch … the big Open House at Mural Apartments (WSB sponsor) … a weekendlong Plant Sale to raise money for Furry Faces Foundation with pet adoption added on Sunday … more than FIFTY events ahead in the full West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More