News

KC Ferry District: Spirit of Kingston begins West Seattle-downtown Seattle service Saturday

Ty Swenson — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:40:07 +0000

Information from King County Ferry Service:

Spirit of Kingston begins West Seattle-downtown Seattle service Saturday
Newest addition to King County water taxi fleet will provide more reliable service

The King County Ferry District’s new vessel, Spirit of Kingston, will make her inaugural trip to West Seattle from downtown Seattle’s Pier 50 at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

The 65-foot catamaran recently joined the King County Ferry District’s fleet of water taxis after being acquired at no cost through an agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The King County Ferry District was able to acquire the FTA funded vessel after its former operator, Port of Kingston, discontinued service to Seattle last fall.

In addition to improved service reliability, the acquisition will help the district reduce operational costs. The district estimates it will save more than $425,000 on lease and rental expenses over the next five years.

“Water taxi riders will benefit from increased reliability as the Kingston sets sail. This is another example of the District’s efforts to work efficiently and provide dependable service for the thousands of riders who rely on the water taxi to get to work, school or play,” said Joe McDermott, chair of the King County Ferry District.

Since acquiring the eight-year old vessel earlier this year, the Ferry District’s Marine Division has been performing crew training and modifying the boarding area to accommodate passenger loading. The vessel also recently underwent a complete U.S. Coast Guard inspection.

The vessel carries up to 147 passengers and will replace the Rachel Marie, an older leased vessel that has been providing service between West Seattle’s Seacrest Park and the downtown Seattle waterfront since April, 2010. The Rachel Marie will now serve as a back-up when other vessels are out of service for maintenance or repairs. A third boat, the Melissa Ann, provides weekday service between Vashon Island and downtown Seattle.

The district contracts with the King County Department of Transportation’s Marine Division to provide passenger-only ferry service. To learn more about the Water Taxi and schedule information visit King County’s website: www.kingcounty.gov/watertaxi

SLIDESHOW: Sold out Taste of West Seattle satisfied a ton of tastebuds

patr — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:55:40 +0000

The annual Taste of West Seattle benefit event was a sell out again as hundreds packed into the Hall at Fauntleroy to sample flavors from 48 restaurants and others around the area. The admission price all went to help the West Seattle Helpline charity.

Monies raised (which we will provide in an update once they have been totaled) will provide the following for West Seattle families facing one-time emergencies:

Rent & Utilities
Clothing at the Clothesline
Metro bus tickets
Back to school supplies
Referrals to other agencies

It's not too late to support the West Seattle Helpline.

You can donate directly.

$25 will buy bus tickets for 55 people for job interviews and medical appointments
$50 will supplement a family’s utility payment during a time of need
$100 will keep a family’s water on while they look for work
$250 will keep the power on for two families as they recover from a financial setback
$500 will insure that several families won’t face eviction while looking for employment

How can you donate?
Send checks to: West Seattle Helpline, PO Box 16738 Seattle, WA 98116.
They also accept credit card donations by clicking HERE.

NOTE: On the photos...We apologize for not taking a photo of EVERYONE! It was simply too busy to get each table free to take a photo in the time we had.

Mayor presents two possible solutions for Nickelsville homeless camp

Ty Swenson — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:54:40 +0000

The residents of Nickelsville are awaiting word from the city on what will happen with their encampment, located in the Highland Park neighborhood of West Seattle.

The homeless camp moved onto city-owned public land in 2011 and their presence has not been well-received by some living near the 7116 W. Marginal Way S.W location. To that end, the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC, a community group) asked Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn to move the camp out by June of this year.

In a letter to Seattle City Council President Sally Clark, McGinn wrote of the situation: “Signs of fatique are obvious and growing. Highland Park residents have identified an increasing number of concerns. A neighboring landowner is preparing a lawsuit, citing decreased land value. Questions have been raised recently about Nickelsville’s ability to govern itself and protect the health and safety of its residents. The current encampment situation is not sustainable.”

With HPAC and the tenants of Nickelsville asking for clear direction from the city, and no religious organization stepping in to host a Nickelsville camp elsewhere (as they have done for other encampments), the Mayor’s letter lays out two potential paths.

First option (and according to McGinn’s staff his preferred resolution) is to facilitate Food Lifeline’s interest in purchasing the parcel of land where Nickelsville resides to build a new facility (Food Lifeline is a non-profit food distribution agency).

“I think that we all agree that Food Lifeline’s proposed development has many humanitarian and economic advantages to Seattle and our region,” McGinn wrote, “But support for the Food Lifeline project means we must also find a way to facilitate the removal of everyone living in the Nickelsville encampment.”

To find a new home, he said, “I believe we need to discuss the merits of providing additional location options beyond those sponsored by religious entities for a properly run interim temporary encampment. To that end, I support Councilmember Licata’s proposed legislation to permit transitional encampments that meet certain criteria for up to a year at non-church owned sites …”

In addition to finding a new site, McGinn wrote “I will also transmit a supplemental budget request to Council to provide additional housing options and services” for Nickelsville residents and other members of the homeless population.

The second option is to “retain the West Marginal Way property to provide space for a properly run encampment to remain on a semi-permanent basis. If we follow this course we will need to first identify problems with drainage and pests. We will also need to provide access to running water and other basic amenities, and establish a relationship with a non-profit provider who can facilitate services on the site.”

McGinn wrote that the first step in the second option is to “conduct an environmental assessment of the property … Accordingly, I am offering an alternative piece of legislation that would provide funding for this initial environmental assessment.”

The City Council will ultimately need to vote on a preferred option.

“I look forward to an open dialogue with you about how to serve a local homeless population that is larger than our shelter system can accommodate and thus includes people who have few options but to continue to sleep outside,” McGinn wrote.

To read more about the Nickelsville Camp, please see our prior coverage here and here.

Friday is Bike to Work Day!

Ty Swenson — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:05:34 +0000

Friday, May 17, is Bike to Work Day in King County and beyond. The Seattle Department of Transportation has a blog post to explain the event (essentially encouraging commuters to try riding to work for the first time) along with tips on how to pull it off (showers, work clothes and other considerations), be safe, and how to pick a route.

Their post is found here.

If you hit the road on a bike May 17, please be safe!

UPDATE: Sustainable West Seattle creating 'Presto Garden' at Westcrest Park; Volunteers needed May 18

patr — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:26 +0000

Sustainable West Seattle is holding a special event on May 18 to create what they call a "Presto Garden" at Westcrest P-Patch located at 8th Ave. SW and SW Henderson. The event will run from 1 to 5pm.

Previous Successful Gardening with Nature forums have resulted in greater knowledge that will be applied to the creation of this Permaculture community oriented garden. It's output will go directly to the White Center Foodbank.
Update 1:30pm May 16

Volunteers are needed for planting the Presto Garden and refreshments will be provided. Contact Sustainable West Seattle if you have any questions at info@sustainablewestseattle.org.

Where:
Westcrest Park P-Patch Community Garden at 9000 8th Ave SW at Henderson - follow the road to the top of the hill and park by the playground. The P-Patch is next to the play area.
When:
Saturday May 18th from 1-5 pm
The following donations are being made to help complete the garden in a single day:

• Perennial vegetables – provided by Village Green Nursery

• Compost – provided by Alki Bike and Board

• Vegetable starts – provided by West Seattle Nursery

• Seeds – provided by Community Orchard of West Seattle

• Gardening tools and equipment – provided by the Mobile Tool Library, West Seattle Tool Library

Original Post
In a post on the Sustainable West Seattle website they write:

"The Presto Garden fulfills many of Sustainable West Seattle’s mission objectives, including:

Social Justice – providing healthy food for everyone in the community goes a long way toward equity;
Building Community – bringing together volunteers, non-profits and businesses to create a garden that produces organic vegetables, fruits and herbs for the White Center Food Bank;
Sustainability – growing food locally for our community is a sustainable activity.
Come join the fun and learn how to do organic gardens for yourself. There will be refreshments at the Saturday preparation and planting party.

The following donations are being made to help complete the garden in a single day:

Perrennial vegetables – provided by Village Green Nursery;
Compost – provided by Alki Bike and Board;
Vegetable starts – provided by West Seattle Nursery;
Seeds – provided by Community Orchard of West Seattle;
Gardening tools and equipment – provided by the Mobile Tool Library, West Seattle Tool Library.

Erich Hoyt: Adventures with Orcas in the North Pacific — From A1 Stubbs to Iceberg, the White Russian Bull ; Speaker coming June 8

patr — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:07 +0000

Erich Hoyt, author of Orca: The Whale Called Killer will make a very special appearance at the Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave. SW on Saturday, June 8 sponsored by The Whale Trail.

Hoyt’s first killer whale expedition to Johnstone Strait sailed from Victoria, BC in June 1973, 40 years ago this June. He then spent parts of the next 10 summers with orcas.

Hoyt went on to study and work on conservation projects related to other whales, dolphins, sharks, deep sea creatures, ants and social insects, working in Costa Rica, Japan, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Argentina, Chile and other countries.

In 1999 he co-founded the Far East Russia Orca Project (FEROP) to find out more about orca pods targeted for aquarium captures and to get Russian students involved in science and conservation of killer whales in Russian waters. Now in its 15th year, FEROP has recorded the Russian pods and photo-IDed some 1500 orcas off Kamchatka and in the Commander Islands — including three white orcas found so far in the study areas.

This the fifth in a series of Orca Talks hosted by The Whale Trail. The event also features updates from Robin Lindsay (Seal Sitters), and Diver Laura James (tox-ick.org and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance), and photography from Judy Lane.

About the Speaker
Erich Hoyt is a noted marine conservationist, whale researcher, lecturer and author of more than 20 books including Orca: The Whale Called Killer, The Earth Dwellers, and Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, the latter recently named as an "Outstanding Academic Title" by the journal Choice.

He is an authority on marine protected areas (MPAs) and sanctuaries, and is currently Research Fellow with WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, leading its Global Critical Habitat MPA Program. He also co-directs the Far East Russia Orca Project in Kamchatka and the Russian Cetacean Habitat Project in the Commander Islands.

He is as an appointed member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Cetacean Specialist Group and the World Commission on Protected Areas, and co-chairs the new IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force. He is a member of the International Committee for Marine Mammal Protected Areas and has helped organize and program its world conferences in Hawaii (2009), Martinique (2011) and Australia (to be 2014).

A former Vannevar Bush Fellow in the Public Understanding of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and twice James Thurber Writer-in-Residence at The Thurber House, Hoyt was awarded the Mandy McMath Conservation Award in April this year by the European Cetacean Society at its annual conference for his body of work including books, papers and work on marine conservation. He is a Canadian-US dual citizen who has lived in Scotland since 1989.

About The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail (www.thewhaletrail.org) is a series of sites around the region where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. 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 the Salish Sea and the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Our goals are to increase awareness that our marine waters are home to orcas and other species; connect visitors to orcas, other marine wildlife and their habitat; inspire stewardship and build community; promote land-based whale watching. Our over-arching goal is to ensure the southern resident orcas do not go extinct.

The Whale Trail provides simple, powerful, and long-lasting reminders to visitors and residents alike that orcas and other whales live in our waters. Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 22 million people each year. Our near-term goals are to add a site in every coastal county in Washington, and around Vancouver Island, throughout the orcas' range. Together, we will turn the tide for the whales!

The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and the Whale Museum. Donna Sandstrom is the Founder and Executive Director. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered in Washington State.

Where: The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW
When: Saturday June 8, 7 - 9 (doors open 6:0)
Cost: $5 suggested donation, kids free.
--Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com
Contact: donna@thewhaletrail.org, 206.919.5397

West Seattle Soccer Club to host free UEFA Champion’s League final viewing at Admiral Theater

Ty Swenson — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:30:16 +0000

Watching two German powerhouse soccer clubs (Bayern vs. Dortmund) battle it out for the esteemed UEFA Champion title with hundreds of like-minded fans in the comfort of a movie theater with a massive screen (while donating food items for charity) ... sound like a good idea?

The West Seattle Soccer Club is sponsoring just such an experience on May 25.

Here are the details from WSSC:

West Seattle, WA - The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is excited to announce that we will be sponsoring the showing of the final match of the 2013 UEFA Champion's League at the Admiral Twin Theater on Saturday, May 25th. Admission is FREE for all of our soccer families and their invited guests. Children under 12 must be accompanied by and adult.

Please bring a kid-friendly food item to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank and help us end hunger in our community!

Pre-game will begin at 11:00 am, with the championship match between the German powerhouses Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich starting at 11:45am.

To make it easier to bring your kids, we will be showing "Kicking and Screaming", a soccer-themed comedy like "The Bad News Bears" in the adjacent theater. The Admiral Twin Theater will offer concessions at a reduced rate and the WSSC will raffle off some great soccer prizes.

Admission is LIMITED, so please arrive early to assure your seat and join the fun. The doors will open at 10:30 am and close when capacity is reached or the match begins.

The WSSC is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Please consider partnering with us to serve the kids and families in our community through soccer. We will have information concerning upcoming events and needs available in the lobby with volunteers available to answer your questions and help you get connected.

Join your WSSC friends at the Admiral Twin Theater on Saturday, May 25th for a family-friendly ticket to see one of the biggest professional soccer matches of the year!

The UEFA Champions League is an annual continental club football (soccer) competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It is one of the most celebrated tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club competition in European football.

The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is the largest youth sports league in West Seattle and has been in existence since 1968. Every year the WSSC hosts a spring league with over 1,400 players, a fall league with over 1,800 players, and multiple coach and player clinics. The WSSC's goal is to create the best possible sports experience for its members.

Gray Whale spotted off Lincoln Park

patr — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:08:54 +0000

West Seattle photographer (and Herald contributor) Steve Shelton whose images as a photographer have appeared in magazines and newspapers worldwide was out walking his dog in Lincoln Park on May 15 and as luck would have it, only had his iPhone when he spotted an amazing sight around 7pm. Others saw it too. Here's his story.

By Steve Shelton

Last time I checked there was no volcanic activity between Colman Pool and Lowman Beach. And underwater geysers have yet to be reported in the 40+ years I've been in this neighborhood.

So what was I to think when a spout of water some 30 feet high erupts 50 yards off shore accompanied by the sound of gushing water? Then as fast as the sound appeared it was silenced as the source slid back into the sea.

I was alarmed, but exhilarated at the same time. Something very special just happened. But I caught only a glimpse.

This was no seal. No otter. And no little fish. But so close to the water's edge. I was thinking, "What on earth?"

I stood on a park bench to get a better view of the wave pattern now coming my way. Like independent pools within a greater Puget Sound, I could see water being displaced at a predictable rate by an unknown current just feet below the water's surface.

The pools were getting bigger as they got closer; the rip of the current became more pronounced.

Then, a defining moment. The unmistakable black back, rhythmically, effortlessly--and with unearthly grace-- breaks the water's surface just in front of me followed by a dorsal fin and magnificent tale. Hollywood couldn't make a scene so serene, so real.

The tale dipped down just in front of Colman Pool and again, the pools of displaced water appeared. I jumped off the bench and ran past the pool along the black asphalt hoping to see that tale just one more time. I was immune to the misting rain.

The grey whale didn't disappoint.

As if to say goodbye, in another 100 yards, the back again rolled out of the water followed by the enormous tale lifting skyward for perhaps two seconds--and was gone.

My iPhone was pathetically inadequate to document the scene. But I thought if I didn't at least try a few seconds of video nobody would believe me.

And just hours before I was cursing the rain as I cut the grass wondering why I live in this place.

Double Festival Celebrates Treasures of Chinese Horticulture Saturday & Sunday, May 18-19

patr — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:11:43 +0000

— 10 am to 4 pm / FREE Admission

The Seattle Chinese Garden is presenting a double festival May 18 and 19 focused on two prized plants in Chinese horticulture.

They will celebrate the first blossoms on more than 200 tree peonies recently donated by China’s “peony capital” — the City of Luoyang, where the treasured plants have been cultivated for 1,500 years. The garden has nineteen varieties of Luoyang peonies, ranking it as one of the most diverse collections in any public garden on the West Coast.

The double festival features plant displays, a raffle for Luoyang peony plants, bamboo sales, horticultural talks and tips for planting and caring for bamboo and peonies, educational and cultural displays, artist demonstrations, and more. On display and, possibly for sale, will be blossoms of 1,000 cut peony stems shipped from Luoyang.

A complete schedule of all talks and demonstrations will be available by May 16 at www.seattlechinesgarden.org

You can download the current schedule at the link above.

Cosponsors:
American Bamboo Society, Northwest Chapter
American Peony Arts and Culture Association

Location: The Seattle Chinese Garden is at South Seattle Community College in West Seattle, 6000 16th Avenue SW. Free parking is available at the SSCC North Entrance lot. More detailed driving directions are at: seattlechinesegarden.org

Garden Office: 206-934-5219 / info@seattlechinsegarden.org

GiveBig event has plenty of local options; Donors could win a golden ticket

patr — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:57:55 +0000

The GiveBIG event today, May 15, has a number of West Seattle and White Center based non-profit organizations who hope to get some financial assistance from donors. All credit card donations made through their website until midnight will be "stretched" thanks to $850,000 in support for GiveBIG from the Seattle Foundation and GiveBIG sponsors.

Donors will be chosen at random throughout the day to have additional funds given to the charity that they chose. These are worth $1,000 with additional prizes awarded for both the organization and the donor. The organizations can win roundtrip airline tickets courtesy of Alaska Airlines and donors can win $100 Starbucks gift cards.

You can dine out tonight and help too. White Center 2013 Dine Out participants include: Zippy's Giant Burgers, Proletariat Pizza, Meanders and Company. These establishments will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the White Center Foodbank via GiveBIG.

Café Delia (inside Proletariat) and DubSea Coffee (in Greenbridge) will be hosting donation stations so you can donate easily.

Here's a list of locally based non profit organizations that are part of GiveBIG:

West Seattle Helpline
The West Seattle Helpline’s primary focus is assisting the working poor of our community. The West Seattle Helpline assists these families and individuals by providing financial aid, a referral system designed to align demonstrated and verified needs with available resources, clothing, school supplies for children, and bus passes. The goal is to minimize the negative impact of unexpected circumstances on families and help them meet basic needs. Our office is located in the Highpoint area of West Seattle, one of the highest need neighborhoods in King County.

Mission Statement
The West Seattle Helpline is a non-profit social service agency dedicated to helping members of the West Seattle community. We provide information, referrals, and limited financial assistance to help working families in need. We strive toward a strong community of "neighbors helping neighbors."

Make a credit card donation right now.

West Seattle Food Bank
The West Seattle Food Bank has been serving this community since 1981 when local volunteers started distributing food to families in need. In 1989 the agency was incorporated and in 1999 changed its name to the West Seattle Food Bank. The agency works to eliminate the root causes of hunger by partnering with a range of community members. In addition to providing quality food, we invite other agencies to provide services and information to our clients to improve their access to the Basic Food Program, local health clinics, other basic social services, employment opportunities and more.

Mission Statement
The West Seattle Food Bank is committed to providing food security and community connections to our neighbors in need.
We envision a strong and connected community in which all people have access to safe and nutritious food and the essential necessities fo living.

Make a credit card donation right now.

West Seattle Junction Association
The Junction Association is an organization of Junction businesses that aims to develop, promote and participate in activities that enhance a healthy social, economic and environmental climate for the West Seattle Junction community.

Mission Statement
The Junction Association is an organization of Junction businesses that aims to develop, promote and participate in activities that enhance a healthy social, economic and environmental climate for the West Seattle Junction community.

Make a credit card donation right now.

Twelfth Night Productions
Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) has been providing performing arts experiences to the Seattle area for more than 20 years. Each year, TNP offers volunteer opportunities for over 200 community members, both on stage and off. We encourage artists, professional educators and other nonprofit organizations to collaborate with us on our high-quality productions, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together (including those not typically exposed to the performing arts) and providing much needed artistic and cultural experiences for our West Seattle and White Center communities.

Mission Statement
Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) is dedicated to building an inclusive, strong, artistically sound West Seattle community through the performing arts. The TNP ensemble provides a home for local artists to develop and practice their craft, an environment for students of all ages to learn about the performing arts, and a place for community members to participate in the arts in a variety of ways.

Make a credit card donation right now

Southwest Seattle Historical Society
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society, founded in 1984, is dedicated to education, preservation and advocacy for the Duwamish peninsula, including West Seattle and White Center. In 1995, a 1904 log building built as a carriage house was purchased by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, restored and converted into its storefront, the Birthplace of Seattle Log House Museum. The museum has been open since November 13, 1997, the 146th anniversary of the landing of the Alki party on AIki’s beach. The landscaping is all done with native planting. A granite and marble donor circle adorns the courtyard in tribute to the many people and organizations helping to make this heritage project an award-winning facility and community treasure.

Mission Statement
To promote heritage within our local community through education, preservation and advocacy.

Make a credit card donation right now.

ArtsWest
ArtsWest is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts organization with programs in theater, visual art, and education. Since November 1988, ArtsWest has presented over 1,100 theater productions and art exhibitions. ArtsWest’s mission is outward-facing, one that measures success by response and not by the simple production of art. Requiring conversation from the production of art constructs a perfect confluence of tolerance, understanding, and intellectual growth.

Mission Statement
ArtsWest produces artistic events that are so fiercely compelling that they require conversation, improve the imagination, and promote cultural vibrancy as a core value for the communities of Seattle.

Make a credit card donation right now

Seattle Chinese Garden Society
SCG is a cultural and horticultural education center that enhances the environment and expands the city's open park spaces. Perched on the ridge of the Delridge Neighborhood in West Seattle, the Garden and its mission complement the goals of the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association: inclusiveness, access to art, providing a gathering place, and expanding and preserving open space for its diverse population, including low and moderate income residents. The Garden draws visitors from all over Seattle and the region, plus visitors from abroad.

Mission Statement
The Seattle Chinese Garden Society (SCG) is creating a traditional Chinese garden as a "coming together space" for all people and organizations interested in China or in horticulture and the integration of nature and culture. The Garden also enhances appreciation for the contributions to our region by our citizens of Chinese and Asian heritage.

Make a credit card donation right now

Museum of Flight
The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting 513,391 visitors in 2012 to experience exhibits, participate in educational and public programs. In 2012, 151,423 K-12 students and teachers were impacted through 1,909 educational programs making it one of the largest educational institutions in the state and delivering on the heart of its mission. Through support of numeroous corporate and community foundations the Museum aggressively pursues opportunities to provide financial assistance to underserved individuals and schools to create learning opportunities for all young people regardless of their resources.

Mission Statement
The Museum's mission is to acquire, preserve, and exhibit historically significant air and space artifacts, which provide a foundation for scholarly research, and lifelong learning programs that inspire an interest in and understanding of science, technology, and the humanities with the vision of being the foremost educational air and space museum in the world.

Make a credit card donation right now.

Southwest Youth and Family Services
SWYFS makes a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families, individually and communitywide. Youth and families increase their self efficacy and self-sufficiency, and improve healthy relationships among their family members, their peers and friends, and among communities. As a result, community violence is reduced, more children are ready for school, immigrants and refugees get the practical help they need, and youth and families improve their mental health and general well-being.

Mission Statement
Southwest Youth and Family Services works to create communities in SW Seattle and King County in which culturally and economically diverse families, youth and children thrive and prosper. We promote healthy family functioning, early childhood learning, student academic success; and youth development.

Make a credit card donation right now.

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association
DNDA takes a holistic approach to community development, tailored to meet the current challenges of our community, while honoring and celebrating our rich environment and collective cultures. Like many Community Development organizations, the preservation and development of affordable housing and community facilities has been a core strategy. Increasingly, DNDA has invested in emerging strategies focused on building community through arts and culture, and on organizing the community to address health disparities.

Mission Statement
Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association is an integrated community agency whose mission is to engage residents, businesses, and institutions in building a thriving Delridge.

Make a credit card donation right now.

The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a series of sites around the northwest to view orcas and other marine mammals from shore.

Our signs and programs reach a broad and diverse public. By connecting human impacts to orca survival, we motivate people to become engaged.

Mission Statement
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.

Make a credit card donation right now.

White Center Food Bank
White Center Emergency Food Association, dba White Center Food Bank (WCFB) provides emergency food assistance in West Seattle, White Center and Burien. In 2012 WCFB served 64,148 individuals / 20,476 families;95% of our families qualify as very-low income (less than 30% of median income for King County, WA). White Center Food Bank serves a highly diverse client base: 28% Caucasian, 25.3% Hispanic, 16.8% Asian, 3% American Indian, 1% Pacific Islander, 10.7% African American, 15.2% Multi-Racial. Over 36% of our clients are under age 18 while 14.6% are over age 55. Last year we saw a steep increase in seniors and children in need of food.

Mission Statement
The mission of the White Center Food Bank is to minimize hunger, while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity.

Make a credit card donation right now.

Navos
Navos ensures that vulnerable people in our community have access to quality health care. Every year Navos, and our 18 Navos Consortium partners, help 9000 children and adults with mental illness. Services are targeted to those in poverty. Navos is expanding facilities and investing in innovative programs so we can provide people with the best opportunity for success. In 2010 Navos merged with Ruth Dykeman Children's Center and July, 2012, Navos merged with Seattle Children's Home. Pooling our resources together enabled us to become stronger and more effective in extending our services to children and families in King County.

With Navos’ help, people draw upon their own strengths and work to recover from the challenges of their psychiatric symptoms.

Mission Statement
The mission of Navos is to improve the quality of life of people vulnerable to mental illness by providing a broad continuum of care.

Make a credit card donation right now.

WestSide Baby
hrough partnerships with more than 100 established social service agencies in King County, WestSide Baby provides the material items many families desperately need.

Mission Statement
WestSide Baby, in partnership with our community, provides essentials to local children in need by collecting and distributing diapers, clothes, toys, books and equipment.

Make a credit card donation right now.

Rainbow Bingo will offer a Tropical Paradise on May 17

patr — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:16:03 +0000

What if you could visit a tropical paradise AND play bingo at the same time plus contribute to a fundraiser? You will get very close to that on May 17 at the Senior Center of West Seattle when they present Rainbow Bingo.

Open at 6pm with Bingo beginning at 7pm the event costs $15 prepaid ($20 at the door or $10 prepaid for SCWS members - $15 at the door) and is restricted to those 18 or older. Cash prizes will be awarded.

There will be music, entertainment, guest bingo callers, and plenty of food on hand with burgers, hot dogs, chips, popcorn and cold drinks offered.

You can reserve your seat by calling 206-932-4044 ext. 4. Reservations are taken with payment or credit card number.

The Senior Center of West Seattle is located at 4217 SW Oregon Street.

Rainbow Bingo is sponsored by Park West, and Trader Joes.

Learn from a burglary detective with West Seattle Crime Prevention Council on May 21

Ty Swenson — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:56:50 +0000

The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council will learn how to better safeguard homes from burglars and how to recover stolen items from burglary detective Jill Vanskike at their May 21 meeting, which is open to the public.

The meeting is held at the Southwest Precinct community room (2300 S.W. Webster St.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Here are the details from WSCPC:

Our guest will be burglary detective Jill Vanskike, she will discuss factors that attract burglars to specific homes, the most common points and methods of entry, target hardening and the protective devices that are the most effective at preventing burglaries. Also, tips that can aid in the recovery of stolen property and the use of Craigslist, Ebay, pawn shops, and flea markets in the recovery of stolen items. Next meeting June 18th, 2013. Our safety walk at Lincoln Park will take place on May 28th and begin at 7:00pm, we will meet by the North parking lot. All are welcome at both events.

K-9 finds West Seattle youth’s stolen firearm; Off to juvy he goes

Ty Swenson — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:17:45 +0000

Carrying a stolen firearm is never a good idea. Carrying a stolen firearm while smoking marijuana in public as a juvenile is an even worse one.

Seattle police arrested three juveniles in West Seattle on May 13 after they were spotted smoking marijuana near Westwood Village, leading to a K-9 unit finding a stashed stolen gun belonging to one of the youths.

According to SPD Det. Renee Witt, officers responded to 25th Ave. S.W. and S.W. Trenton St. shortly after noon to reports of four juveniles smoking marijuana. One of the males ran away when police arrived and they were able to catch him within a few blocks.

Witt said officers knew the juvenile, who was found with four bullets in his pocket, to be armed and brought in K-9 “Boomer” to sniff around. He was successful in his hunt.

Another complainant told police two of the males associated with the male in custody had threatened him with a gun, and they were also arrested after being positively identified by the victim.

Witt said the gun was reported stolen from a burglary on April 30, and the owner came to the Southwest Precinct to retrieve his stolen property.

The 16-year-old male associated with the gun was booked into the Youth Service Center for investigation of violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, harassment and possession of a stolen firearm.

Another 16-year-old was booked for investigation of harassment, and the third, a 15 year old, was released to his father’s custody.

REMINDER: West Seattle Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Breakfast coming up June 6

patr — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:05:31 +0000

Update May 14 11:50am
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is still looking for nominations for this year's awards. If you have not had an opportunity to nominate your favorite business, non-profit or community leader, you have just 36 hours to do so (Deadline Midnight tomorrow May 15th)

Nominations are accepted on-line at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BestofWestSeattle. You do not need to be a Chamber Member or business owner to nominate.

Westside Business of the Year – This nominee has been in business at least 3 years and demonstrated business excellence and success.
Westside Emerging Business – This nominee business has been in operations for less than 3 years but is meeting the challenges of a growing business through leadership.
Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – This nominee non-profit is making our community a better place to live while contributing to community benefit through their mission.
Westsider of the Year – This nominee is making a lasting impact on our community and the lives of others or is an up-coming community role model.

Update May 8 3pm
The deadline to nominate businesses and people for "Westside Business of the Year, Westside Emerging Business of the Year, Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year, and Westsider of the Year has been extended to May 15. Nominations are accepted on-line in the categories below through the Westside Awards Nomination Form. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BestofWestSeattle).

Original post
Information from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with Nucor Steel as Presenting Sponsor, will host the 2013 Annual Westside Awards Breakfast to celebrate the incredible business environment and community involvement found only in West Seattle. The Westside Awards Breakfast honors three local businesses and one individual who demonstrate success and innovation that contribute to this thriving economic region. The Keynote address will be delivered by Randy Gardiner, 2012 Seattle Business Magazine Manufacturing Executive Award Winner and CEO of Red Dot Corporation. Please consider attending, sponsoring and/or nominating for an award.

We invite Chamber Members and the public to attend the Breakfast to celebrate the honorees, learn more about the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and network with other business owners and community members.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for the West Seattle business community, building strong inter-organizational and public-private relationships, networks and resources. We focus on the sustainable economic growth of a diverse, viable business community on the Greater West Seattle Peninsula. Chamber members enjoy benefits including networking opportunities, a voice in governmental affairs that impact our business environment such as transportation and regulations and informative programs.

Sponsorships
Local business support is what makes this celebration possible! Your business can be featured at our event through Sponsorships ranging from $500/$1000/$2500/$5000.   Contact Nancy Woodland, nancy@westsidebaby.org for more information.

Nominations
We need community input to choose the honorees – please nominate your favorite business, non-profit or community leader by May 8 in one of the categories below. Nominations are accepted on-line in the categories below through the Westside Awards Nomination Form. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BestofWestSeattle). Please take a few minutes before May 8 to submit the form and help us recognize your favorites. You do not need to be a Chamber Member or business owner to nominate.

• Westside Business of the Year – This nominee has been in business at least 3 years and demonstrated business excellence and success.
• Westside Emerging Business – This nominee business has been in operations for less than 3 years but is meeting the challenges of a growing business through leadership.
• Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – This nominee non-profit is making our community a better place to live while contributing to community benefit through their mission.
• Westsider of the Year – This nominee is making a lasting impact on our community and the lives of others or is an up-coming community role model.

Past Award Winners have included:

2011 Business of the Year - AmericanWest Bank
2011 Not for Profit - West Seattle Garden Tour
2011 Emerging Business - The Grove
2011 Westsider - Pete Spalding, WS Food Bank Board, various neighborhood and district councils and much more.

2010 Business of the Year- Salty's
2010 Not for Profit - West Seattle Farmer's Market
2010 Emerging Business - Mountain to Sound Outfitters
2010 Westsider - Rick Jump, White Center Food Bank

2009 Business of the Year - West Seattle Blog
2009 Westsider - Coach Colin Slingsby
2009 Community Hero -Nancy Woodland, WestSide Baby

Contact Lynn Dennis, Interim Staff at info@wschamber.com or Nancy Woodland, Board Member at nancy@westsidebaby.org with questions about Sponsorship or Membership.

When:            Thursday June 6   7:30-9:00am
Where:           Salty’s on Alki
                        1936 Harbor Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98126
Tickets:          $50 per individual or Table of 10 for $450 (by May 20)
Award Nominations:     Due by May 8 thru the on-line form

West Seattle Food Bank fundraiser brought in nearly $100,000

Ty Swenson — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:12:17 +0000

The West Seattle Food Bank's 6th Annual Instruments of Change fundraiser event, held on May 3 at the Hall at Fauntleroy, was a roaring success with nearly $100,000 raised.

Judy Yazzolino, the food bank's new development director, shared the story:

The West Seattle Food Bank, dedicated to providing food security and community connections, welcomed 200 guests for their 6th Annual Instruments of Change held at the Hall at Fauntleroy on Friday evening, May 3rd. Thanks to the generosity and community spirit of the attendees, the event raised almost $100,000.

Instruments of Change hosted a happy hour, fun games like the Wheel for Foodies and the Wine Toss as well as a silent and live auction. Prizes included certificates to great restaurants, fine bottles of wine, date nights in Downtown Seattle, hand-blown glass floats from Avalon Glassworks and a fabulous trip to Umbria, Italy. Sozo Wine was on hand to sign up individuals for their wine club, proceeds from which will be donated back to the food bank or other charities of the individual’s choice. A popular live auction item was a dinner for 10 that will be prepared and served at the West Seattle Food Bank by the staff and volunteers. The ingredients will reflect the type of food distributed by the Food Bank and the wine will be provided by Board President Ben Viscon of Viscon Cellars.

The evening included two special guest speakers, both West Seattle residents. Kristen Corning Bedford, co-founder of The Ruby Room, a non-profit organization that provides formal attire to teens in need so that they may participate in more formal event like proms. Kristen spoke about the meaning and concept of philanthropy and how it has positively impacted her life. She went on to explain how everyone can become a philanthropist by engaging in informed, intentional and joyful giving.

The second speaker shared a touching personal story of how the West Seattle Food Bank helped her through a difficult, stressful time. With no family support and two adolescent boys, she exhausted her savings and turned to the West Seattle Food Bank for assistance. She is so grateful to all those who helped her access basic needs so that she could focus on building a brighter, more hopeful future for her family.
Last year the West Seattle Food Bank distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food. Families received food over 38,000 times and 3,404 children relied on our services. In addition to food the Food Bank distributed books, baby supplies, pet food and many other items to help families live a healthy life.

We offer a special note of thanks to our Instruments of Change Sponsors: Community Humanitarian Jackson, Morgan and Hunt, PLLC; and Community Benefactors Friedman Development, First Lutheran Church, and the CoHo Team of Windermere Agents. Please visit our website www.westseattlefoodbank.org for our full list of generous sponsors and more information on the evening.

The support of many individuals, organizations and businesses is how we develop our resources and improve our services. We would like to thank all who helped make this event such a success. This will make a difference in our work to end hunger in this community.

Mayor McGinn joins with SPS to invest in arts education

Ty Swenson — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:20:58 +0000

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, in a meeting at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in Delridge on May 14, announced that every student in the Central Pathway of SPS will “receive a minimum of two hours per week of arts education programming, as well as support for the purchase of instruments and other arts supplies for classrooms,” according to a press release on the plan.

The $500,000 investments comes from “higher than expected admission tax revenue, primarily due to the new cultural facilities Chihuly Gardens & Glass at Seattle Center and the Great Wheel on the waterfront,” McGinn’s office said.

“This investment will allow us to deepen our existing partnership with Seattle Public Schools to improve access to arts education for all students in our community,” McGinn said. “Arts education has been consistently shown to improve educational outcomes, increase attendance rates and decrease discipline rates.”

Here is the full press release:

Mayor announces $500,000 investment in arts education
Higher than expected tax revenue allows city to advance partnership with Seattle Public Schools

SEATTLE – Today the Mayor announced that the city of Seattle will deepen their partnership with the school district to invest in arts education.

Investment dollars will ensure that every student in the Central Pathway of Seattle Public Schools receive a minimum of two hours per week of arts education programming, as well as support the purchase of instruments and other art supplies for classrooms. The Central Pathway, which consists of schools in and around Seattle’s Central District, was chosen due to strong existing partnerships with community-based arts education organizations. The eventual goal of the program is to expand the program each year until all students at Seattle Public Schools receive two hours per week of arts education programming by 2020.

This investment was made possible by higher than expected admission tax revenue, primarily due to the new cultural facilities Chihuly Garden & Glass at Seattle Center and the Great Wheel on the waterfront. City bylaws require that 75 percent of admissions tax funding be dedicated to arts-related programming, allowing the city to invest $500,000 in arts education programs over the next two years.

“This investment will allow us to deepen our existing partnership with Seattle Public Schools to improve access to arts education for all students in our community” said Mayor McGinn. “Arts education has been consistently shown to improve educational outcomes, increase attendance rates and decrease discipline rates.”

Studies have found that Seattle students do not have consistent access to arts education, and access can be predicted based on ethnicity, English-language-learner status or free-and-reduced-lunch status.

This investment builds on the innovative partnership between the city of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools (SPS), now called The Creative Advantage. In 2011 the city and SPS received a Wallace Foundation planning grant of $1 million, which provided for the creation of a comprehensive K-12 arts plan that ensures that every student will receive 120 minutes of arts instruction per week. This investment kick-starts the implementation phase of the Creative Advantage.

“Our community has spent the last two years developing and writing this plan, and the time is now to make it a reality,” said Superintendent Jose Banda. “Our first investment area is the Central Pathway.”

“Furthering our work in arts education is the most important thing I can do in this job,” said newly appointed Director Randy Engstrom, Office of Arts & Culture. “This initiative will change the way nearly 50,000 of our city’s young citizens engage with their community and think about the world. This investment is a major turning point.”

Mayor McGinn proposes safety improvements for West Seattle bike commute

Ty Swenson — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:53:30 +0000

May 1 was a tragic reminder of the dangers West Seattle bicyclists face in their daily trek downtown as a 54-year-old cyclist from Federal Way lost his life in a tangle with a semi-truck along E. Marginal Way S. in SoDo.

The incident rallied cyclists across the city together in calling for improvements to bike safety on the West Seattle route and elsewhere.

On May 14, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced a proposal to commit $3.25 million in transportation investments (saved from the Spokane Street Viaduct project) to be used to improve rider experience and safety along E. Marginal Way and Lower Spokane Street, along with other projects throughout the city.

City Council approval will be needed to make these improvements a reality.

“We have heard from the public that they want safety improvements on our roads,” McGinn said in a statement. “These improvements will help protect safety for people on these busy corridors whether they’re in their cars and trucks, on foot, or on a bicycle.”

From the Mayor's Office:

The $3.25 million in funding will be used for the following projects:
·
Improvements to East Marginal Way in SoDo

o $700,000 for pavement maintenance, restriping, and exploring interim cycle track options to provide further separation of bicycles and auto traffic.

o $200,000 will be included for conceptual planning and pre-design for a permanent reconstruction to the road, which will also include a long-term design of separated bicycle facilities such as a cycle track.

$500,000 for Lower Spokane Street Safety Improvements. Project elements will be developed with input from the community, the Port, and other stakeholders and may include:

o Improving pavement conditions along the pathway.

o Improving crossing at Port driveways

o Improving crossing for bicyclists at Chelan (5-way) intersection.

o Improving crossing for bicyclists from the path to SW Avalon Way/SW Admiral Way.

o Increase separation for bicyclists on SW Admiral Way.

o Improving Delridge to Andover connection to the bicycle path.

Westlake Avenue Cycle Track

o $1.2 million for final design and construction of this project to improve separation between bicycles and vehicles and link the Ship Canal trail to South Lake Union. When combined with previous funding from the City and Puget Sound Regional Council, this project will have $2.3 million of funding which may be enough to build the facility depending on final design.

$400,000 for implementation of the Pedestrian Master Plan

$250,000 for transit-oriented design in multiple neighborhoods:

o Study at Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr. Way South to identify alternatives, conduct a traffic analysis, conceptual design, develop conceptual cost estimates and conduct public outreach

o New transportation analysis near Roosevelt light rail station, assessing station area access issues including evaluation of the Roosevelt/11th one-way couplet

o Station access and transit-oriented design near Othello Station

This is in addition to the previously announced $11.75 million in transportation investments from Spokane Street Viaduct savings. That funding was included in the First Quarter Supplemental Budget, and includes:

· $4.5 million for major road improvements on Northgate Way, closing the funding gap for this approximately $14 million project. This project includes paving, sidewalks and curb ramps, traffic signals, and lighting.

· $1 million in new funding for Pedestrian Master Plan implementation

· Design work on pedestrian projects currently being identified through the Lake City Way Traffic Safety Corridor Project and other community processes, and additional pedestrian mobility improvements along the length of the corridor and intersecting streets.

· Planning for intersection improvements at Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr. Way South, which was identified as a high priority in the Southeast Transportation Study.

· Installation of a special pedestrian flashing beacon at 47th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Admiral Way. We will also work with the community to begin the technical design process for a permanent traffic signal at that location, and are working to identify funding sources for its construction.

· Installation of safety improvements on Northeast 75th Street near Nathan Eckstein Middle School. In April we described these improvements in greater detail. They include a flashing school zone beacon, evaluation of this site for a school zone speed camera, remarking of crosswalks, evaluation of Northeast 68th Street and 25th Avenue Northeast for a traffic signal, and new pedestrian countdown heads at existing traffic signals in the area. We have also been working with the community to examine possible physical changes to the roadway to reduce speeds. SDOT is currently analyzing this feedback and will develop a proposal in the coming weeks.

Update: Detour of southbound Delridge Way SW at SW Holden starts May 15

patr — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:45:53 +0000

Information from SDOT
Beginning May 15, southbound traffic on Delridge Way Southwest in West Seattle will be detoured at Southwest Holden Street and the currently detoured stretch from Southwest Thistle to Southwest Trenton streets will be reopened. The closure will allow the contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation to reconstruct the roadway and install storm drains. The new detour, from Holden to Thistle streets, is expected to remain in place through mid July. This work is Phase 3 of the project that is rebuilding much of Delridge Way Southwest.

Traffic will be redirected (see attached map):
· West on SW Holden Street
· South on 35th Avenue S
· East on SW Thistle Street
· South on Delridge Way SW

Delridge will remain open to northbound traffic except for intersection work. Local access to businesses and residents will be maintained.

This is a five-phase project. At the end of the Phase 3, construction activity will move north to Phase 4, between SW Orchard and SW Holden streets.

The Delridge Way Southwest Paving Project is funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

On the Go - Week 5-13-13

patr — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:59:02 +0000

West Seattle Garden Club at Daystar Retirement Village
2615 SW Barton St. Bldg # 1
206- 932-2540
FRI.,May 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration ($5 Donation) with half hour Social Time. Morning Program begins with Business, Past Presidents Honor Day, Presentation of Outgoing Officers and Installation of new Officers, Commentary follows on Designs and Horticulture exhibits. Lunch at noon, by reservation or bring your brown bag, with dessert and beverage furnished. (206-932-8921) information.

Afternoon Program will be given by Marsha Bruno, from West Seattle Nursery, she will be sharing with us every thing we ever wanted to know about "Container Gardening"! Plants Pots, placement and more. Gardeners welcome.

3rd Women, Wine & Wellness Event
Roxbury Spine & Wellness Clinic
2656 S.W. Roxbury St.
Fri., May 17, 7-10 p.m. Free to the public and ladies only. Many local vendors will showcase their products and services. The event will be catered with plenty of food and drinks, and include a DJ, raffle prizes, and the first 50 women will receive swag bags filled with samples, coupons and deals around Seattle. Any monies collected on behalf of the Clinic will be going to WestSide Baby, a local West Seattle charity. More information at www.wellnessevent.eventbrite.com or call 206-937-2000.

Bee Festival Picnic and Parade
High Point Common Park
Lanham Pl. S.W. between 31st Ave. S.W. & S.W. Graham St.
Sun., May 19, 11-3 p.m. The High Point Neighborhood Association is hosting a celebratory picnic and parade in honor of the opening of the West Seattle Bee and Pollination Garden. The Sound Wave Marching Band is leading the parade, which will involve bringing the beehives to their new home and there will be bees and flowers on stilts. Students from all local schools are invited to participate in the parade. For the picnic there will be games, music, food, craft projects, education and fun.

Etz Chayyim He: It is a Tree of Life - Torah Restoration Project
Kol HaNeshamah
6115 S.W. Hinds St.
Sun., May, 19, 4:30-6 p.m. Kol HaNeshamah, West Seattle’s Progressive Synagogue Community launches its year-long project to repair and restore our Torah Scroll, including opportunities to learn about how a Torah is written, about Hebrew calligraphy, and celebrate our 10th Year Anniversary. Come learn “How a Torah is Written,” presented by Rabbi and Sofer (Scribe) Simon Benzaquen. Information: www.khnseattle.org or 206-935-1590.

Taste of West Seattle
Here's our coverage of the event
Coming up May 19, 48 restaurants and others will fill the Hall at Fauntleroy with an incredible array of tastes from around the entire peninsula. All proceeds benefit the West Seattle Helpline. Get your tickets here.
Doors open at 6:30pm at 9131 California Ave. SW.

Multicultural Day Fundraiser
Breath of Life SDA Church
9807 26th Ave. S.W.
206-762-0333 or 206-462-5866
Sun., May 26, 2-4 p.m. Come join us as we celebrate and learn about each others uniqueness. We will share music, songs, food, laughter and love. If you would like to present your country and culture please contact us to register.

Coworking Meetup
Office Junction
5230 California Ave. S.W., Suite B
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month, Noon--1 p.m. These are free, informal brown bag lunches for freelancers, independent business professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs working from home or coffee shops. We discuss business ideas, share skills, get feedback on projects, collaborate and network. Read about our past meetings at www.wsofficejunction.com. Come join us!

Intermediate Tap Dance Class
Alki Community Center
5817 S.W. Stevens
Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. If you have any experience tapping give this class a try. It is a great way to exercise, learn tap patterns, and have fun doing it. Please contact Mary at 935-2162 for the pro-rated fee

Stop ‘N Shop
4504 California Ave. S.W.
Volunteers Needed:
Weekend volunteers needed to cashier at the Stop “N Shop thrift store. You will meet new people, gain a sense of achievement and give back to your community. Shifts on Saturday and Sunday are from 10-1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Volunteer consultant, computer lab assistant needed. Network experience needed (Microsoft server), maintain eleven lab computers and security system. Hours can vary.
Contact Margie at 206-932-4044 x8 or margiew@seniorservices.org.

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave. S.W.
206-937-7169
Our Card Event continues, featuring a huge selection of new greeting cards for all occasions, through May 19. All items with yellow tags are half price through May 20, then are $1.00 until the end of the month and all men's wear is half price every Sunday. Every day we put out gently used, upscale resale merchandise so check often. Early bird shoppers get double stamps on their customer cards Mondays from 10 to noon, seniors get 20% off their entire purchases all day Tuesday and high schoolers with student !.D. all day Saturday. And remember -- you get 20% off on your birthday, in keeping with our motto "A world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays." When you volunteer, donate and shop with us you help fund cancer cure research.

King County Master Gardener Plant Clinic
McClendon Hardware
10210 16th Ave. S.W.
Saturdays, through Sept. 28 (except May 25, July 6, Aug. 31), 10-2 p.m. Free gardening advice and plant diagnosis from Master Gardeners.

West Seattle Lion’s Club Events
Senior Center of West Seattle - 2nd floor
4217 S.W. Oregon St
Thursdays, Noon--1:30 p.m. for lunch & speaker unless otherwise noted.
Call Harvey Rowe at 206-762-1221 for reservations by prior Tuesday evening. Lunch $7.

West Seattle High School Class of “63” 50th Reunion
Friday Evening, June 7, 5 p.m. at West Seattle High School to celebrate our 50th Reunion.
Saturday, June 8, 6 p.m. Register in advance for a fantastic buffet dinner at The Rainier Golf & Country Club. Registrations forms: janicemclayton@hotmail.com.

New Book Club
High Point Community Center
6920 34th Ave. S.W.
Third Thursday of each month, 1-2 p.m. If you are interested in reading and discussing books, look no farther. The Seattle Public library provides the books for this group. More Info: Mary 206-935-2162.

Overeaters Anonymous Meetings
Peace Lutheran Church
8316 39th Ave. S.W.
Every Thursday evening, 7-8:15 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of women and men who meet to help solve compulsive overeating (obesity, anorexia and bulimia). The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. OA is a non-profit international organization patterned after the Twelve-Step Alcoholics Anonymous program. All are welcome. For more info 206-979-6665 or www.seattleoa.org.

Culinary Volunteers Needed
Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-932-4044 x8
Great volunteer positions to utilize culinary talents. Friendly people and great atmosphere. Working with seniors and members of the community. Café assistants: 8:30-12:30 p.m. or 10:30-2 p.m., M-F. Kitchen Assistant: 9:30-1:30 p.m., M-F. Call Margie: 206-932-4044 x8 or email: margiew@seniorservices.org.

Join the West Seattle Lion’s Club
Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-762-1221
Meets every Thursday, noon-1:30 p.m.

Stop ‘N Shop
4504 California Ave. S.W.
Remember to donate reusable items ie kitchenware, tools, knickknacks, jewelry, linens, furniture, home decorations, clothing & accessories to the Senior Center’s Stop‘n Shop. Our thrift shop runs on the generous donations of folks like you!!! All donations tax deductible! Hours are 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grief Support Group
Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastoral Center
7000 35th Ave. S.W. (just north of the Parish Center under construction)
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet weekly for 6-8 weeks. Anyone in the community who has suffered the loss of a loved one is welcome. Led by a pastoral counselor and staff member. Questions or RSVP John at 935-0358 ext. 110.

West Seattle Senior Center Needs Volunteers
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
Make a difference by getting involved! For info 206-932-4044 or email at margiew@seniorservices.org.

Daystar Toastmasters
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton
Come as a guest to grow your communication and leadership skills. Second and fourth Mondays of each month, 12-1:00 PM. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for orientation. See http://daystarclub.toastmastersclub.org Email questions to :tm4u@comcast.net or call 206-932-6706.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meetings
Mount St. Vincent-2nd floor, Peps West Room
4831 35th Ave S.W.
Every Tuesday, 5:45-7 p.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. Info: Jan 206-762-7844 or Bunkyjanjan@yahoo.com

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment or
Manicure/Pedicure Volunteers
Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
425-443-1484
Leave a message. yuliyam@u.washington.edu

AARP Defensive Driving Workshop
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton St.
First Saturday of every month, ongoing, 9-5:30 p.m. $12 for members, $14 non-members. Call 206-937-6122 for info or to RSVP.

At Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 SW Oregon St.
206-932-4044

Rainbow Bingo - ‘Tropical Paradise”
Fri., May 17, doors open 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bingo starts. Caller Sylvia O’Stayformore will offer many prizes, auction items, fun games, etc. Donation in advance/$15, at the door/$20. Reservations encouraged - 206-932-4044.

Fundraising Dinner to Help with Broken Front Door
Tues., May 21, with full course turkey dinner at 5:30 p.m. Donate what you can to help fix the door ($2,800). Reservations encouraged - 206-932-4044.

Footcare & Manicures
Mondays, ongoing. Cost: Foot care $20 member/$22 non-member; Manicures w/polish $20 member/$22 non-member and no/polish $15 member or non-member. Cancellations must be made by 4 p.m. Friday prior to appointment to avoid being charged. Call 206-932-4044 ext. 1 for appointment.

Homestyle Lunches Daily
11:45-12:15 p.m. daily. FDA approved full meals for suggested donation of $3-$6. Reservations 206-932-4044.

The Cafe
9:30-1:30 p.m. daily. Nominally priced homemade soup, sandwiches, salads, and cookies.

Chair Massage
Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. 15 minute appointments at $7/members or $9/non-members. Appointments with Eric LaSeur at 206-932-4044.

Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays, 9:15-10:30 a.m. Drop-in, $5 mem/$7 non-mem. Chair and standing postures (no floor sitting). Improve breathing, posture, flexibility, balance and peace of mind. Postures can be adapted to your abilities or limitations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Enhance Fitness Exercise Classes
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, on-going, 8-9 a.m. & 9-10 a.m. (2 sessions). Free to Group Health members or $30 for 5 weeks. Innovative and fun strength-training classes, using wrist & ankle weights, aerobics, balance and stretching.

WSHS Host Families Needed
Host families are needed for foreign exchange students who will attend West Seattle High School for the second semester. Host families do not need to have teenagers of their own; young families as well as empty nesters are excellent high school student hosts. For info: 360-661-0552 or j.henderson33@hotmail.com.

Old Clothes = New Opportunities Donation Station
Northwest Center ‘Big Blue Truck’
Diamond Parking Lot
44th Ave. S.W. & S.W. Edmunds St.
Fridays - Sundays, 9-5 p.m. Clean out your closets and drop off your reusable clothing and household items at the donation station. List of donations accepted visit bigbluetruck.org or (800) 992-2060. Donations are tax deductible and donors receive a $3 off coupon to Value Village.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Guadalupe Church-Pastoral Care Center
7000 35th Ave. S.W.
Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. For info at 206-932-2621.

Irish Dance Lessons
West Seattle VFW Hall
3601 S.W. Alaska St.
Mondays & Tuesdays in the late afternoon & early evenings. Open to children and adults. Information at 206-935-3225.

Business Network with Westside Professionals
The Kenney - meeting room 2
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Wednesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. Build your business through referrals and networking. For info, contact sfelix@quidnunc.net

Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
206-938-3276

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment
Every second Thursday, 12:45-1:45 p.m. We need someone to play piano or entertain seniors for an hour or so during Birthday Celebrations.

Volunteers for Sign Language Communication with Deaf
Come in once or twice a month to speak with a senior deaf resident. This would be very beneficial for us to have an opportunity to interact with them as well as provide practice to volunteer who studies or wants to practice using sign language.

BNI West Seattle Champion Meeting
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Thursdays, 7:45-9:15 a.m. Learn how to grow your business with quality referrals. $10 includes breakfast.

Seeking ESL tutors
Volunteers 18+ and fluent in English. Application, interview and background check are required. Training and on-going support are provided. Info www.stjames-cathedral.org/esl or 382-4511 or email cwalsh@stjames-cathedral.org

District Council Meetings
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
Third Wednesday, 7–9 p.m. Representatives from neighborhood councils and other community organizations provide reports on what issues and concerns they are working on and announcements about up-coming community meetings and events.

Stay-at-home dads
Hiawatha Playfield Playground
2700 California Ave. S.W.
Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. A resource and community for stay-at-home dads, fathers who are primary caregiver in their family, and other involved dads are welcome. All fathers are invited.

Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball
12U
West Seattle Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball is looking for athletes with a good attitude and desire to play tournament softball this spring and summer. For tryout, call Greg at 669-6881 or email gkormanik@comcast.net

Volunteers Needed
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave. S.W.
Volunteers for hair salon, gift shop, child care, field trips, one-on-one visits with elderly residents. For info 937-3701 ext. 28170 or www.providence.org/themount

Deadline for receiving items for On The Go is Noon Friday for the following week’s Herald/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space availability. Email event submissions to: calendar@robinsonnews.com.

Items can be accepted from nonprofit groups and government agencies only.

Mayor McGinn to make arts education announcement at Youngstown on May 14

Ty Swenson — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:12:21 +0000

City press release:

Mayor and school district to announce new investment in arts education

Please join Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle Public Schools tomorrow afternoon for an announcement about a new investment to build on their existing partnership on arts education.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013
WHERE: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Harbor Ave. S.W. crash sends four to the hospital

Ty Swenson — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:41:55 +0000

In the early morning hours of May 12, the driver of a convertible lost control of his vehicle traveling nortbound on the 2700 block of Harbor Ave. S.W. in West Seattle and hit a tree, ejecting the occupants and resulting in serious injuries. Police are investigating whether the driver was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Here are the details from Det. Jeff Kappel with Seattle Police:

Preliminary investigation indicates that on May 12th at approximately 3:31 a.m. a 21-year-old male driver was travelling northbound in the 2700 block of Harbor Avenue SW in his maroon 1997 Chrysler Sebring convertible. There were three adult passengers in the vehicle, two females and one male. For reasons yet to be fully determined, the driver lost control of his vehicle, struck a tree and overturned. As a result of the rollover, both female passengers were ejected from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Fire department medics responded to the scene and treated all four occupants of the Chrysler for injuries sustained in the collision. Medics transported three of the occupants to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) with life-threatening injuries. The fourth was transported to HMC via ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers responded to HMC to evaluate the driver of the Chrysler for indications of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Signs of impairment were detected and a blood draw was performed. The results of that blood draw are pending laboratory analysis.

Northbound lanes of travel were closed and re-routed for approximately four hours while officers and detectives conducted their on-scene investigation.

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.

High winds bring down tree, blocking Ambaum Blvd.

patr — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:29:58 +0000

A portion of a large tree that stood outside the Chandeleu Apartments just south of 116th Street SW and Ambaum Blvd, blew down in high winds on Monday afternoon. The southbound lanes of Ambaum were completely blocked and King County Sheriff's deputies arrived and detoured traffic northbound at 120th SW and southbound at 116th.

Removal crews showed up with a front loader, dump truck and chain saws and went at it removing the tree debris. The road was blocked for more than 90 minutes.

Superintendent Banda makes decisions on MAP Testing for Seattle schools

patr — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:30:42 +0000

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda has shared a letter that outlines decisions he has made regarding the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing that has been under review for the past few months. Here is the Superintedent's letter:

Good afternoon,

In February we formed a Task Force on Assessments and Measuring Progress to review our testing policies and explore concerns about the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. This group, comprised of principal, teacher, student, family and community representatives, met eight times and developed a list of recommendations for the 2013-14 school year.

I want to thank this group for their time and efforts. This proved to be an effective and productive opportunity to work together to develop constructive solutions that put students first while addressing the concerns raised by some of our staff. I look forward to ongoing discussions about the use of assessments to support teaching and learning in our district.

Based on this Task Force’s feedback, I am making the following decisions regarding the MAP assessment for the 2013-14 school year:

· Continue the use of MAP in kindergarten through 8th grade in 2013-14.

· High schools may opt out of MAP in 2013-14, but must provide evidence of a way to assess and monitor progress of students who are below standard in math and reading. In addition, the high school must follow their typical school-level decision-making process (which might include a school committee or staff vote).

· Administer the MAP assessment twice a year, with mandatory MAP assessments for fall and spring, but optional for winter.

· Use MAP in conjunction with other data points in making programmatic decisions for students. Do not use MAP data in isolation for placement in programs.

· Look beyond the next school year to explore new assessments. We will create a smaller working group/task force to evaluate future assessment options and make recommendations for testing starting in the 2014-15 school year.

The Task Force also provided a list of guidelines for the future, which we are taking into consideration. You can read the full report online here: ATF Final Report. In addition, you can read the detailed plan moving forward online here: MAP Implementation Plan

Using data is important in our work as educators. Across Seattle Public Schools, we use multiple forms of data to help guide classroom instruction and measure progress. For many of our teachers and principals, the MAP assessment provides critical data to help screen the most vulnerable students for additional academic support and more personalized attention and to measure their growth and improvement over time. We cannot abandon this important data. But we can do a better job making sure our teachers are trained, the technology is in place for our students and that our families understand when and why we are conducting assessments.

In a survey administered by the Seattle Education Association, our teachers union, the majority of K-12 Seattle teachers said they believe the MAP assessment is effective or somewhat effective in identifying students for additional support, interventions or accommodations. A majority of teachers also said the MAP assessment is effective or somewhat effective in measuring and charting student progress over time.

Moving forward, we will work together to determine the most effective way to assess our students and how we use that data. I will create a new ongoing working group to monitor our assessments and work on recommendations for the 2014-15 school year and beyond.

Again, I want to thank the task force for their work, which included members taking the MAP test themselves. I am looking forward to our continued partnership with staff, families and the community in developing a plan that outlines how we use and administer assessments in the future.

Sincerely,

José

José Banda
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools

West Seattle based Black Dahlia Films launches performance series shot here

patr — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:46:13 +0000

Jamie Chamberlain, who has made a national name for his cinematic efforts on behalf of ZZ Top and Duff McKagan is diving deeper into the northwest talent pool with a series of live performance films.

On April 25th his company http://www.blackdahliafilms.com hosted a live video shoot at SALON 08 in West Seattle. Intimate performances by The Dolly Rottens, Mark Pickerel (Screaming Trees), Travis Bracht (Second Coming/Post Modern Heroes), Paul Passarelli (Flight to Mars), and Andrew McKeag (PUSA) were documented over the course of the evening.

This was the first chapter in a series of performances the company is planning to shoot in 2013. Chamberlain said, "I have at least 12 other acts that we will potentially shoot in the same space or possibly at different West Seattle businesses."

Clips from first film LIVE FROM SALON 08 will premiere every Tuesday at www.blackdahliafilms.com starting May 14, 2013.

Chamberlain offered special thanks to all the artists, Owl House and Triple One Productions for camera support, everyone at Salon 08, Dan Infecto , Jesse Scherr and Stephanie Ryan-Savoia.