July 2014

Hundreds of people including families, kids, and pets came out all decked in festive colors that represent America and to show their 4th of July spirit during West Seattle's 20th annual 4th of July kids parade.

The parade started in the 1100 block of 44th Ave SW and Sunset Ave SW. around 10:00 am and ended up at Hamilton Viewpoint Park which is filled with exciting family style games for everyone to enjoy.

By Ed Shepherd
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

On Thursday, West Seattle manager Isaiah Brent watched his team score 20 runs against a foe for the second straight loser bracket elimination game. This time it ousted Rainier, 20-6, and it is now rebounding handsomely from a first game loss to Seattle Central in the Little League age 9-10 All Stars District 7 Tournament at Pac West Fields.

The first game of the tourney against Seattle Central was a 9-6 loss that included a lot of errors, and it wasn't pretty to watch for West Seattle's players, coaches, or fans. But, now, after having beaten Renton, 20-2, on Tuesday and this big win against Rainier, Brent is saying his team can beat the best District 7 has to offer in All Stars.

"I think we can lose to every team if we show up like we did last Sunday against Seattle Central, or we can beat every team if we show up like the last two games," said Brent. "The kids have to bring it but our chances are really good if they do."

In his public safety address to the Seattle City Council last week, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray detailed a series of ‘Find it, Fix it’ Community Walks, focused on several crime hotspots.

At the walks, community residents, police, and city officials will walk together to identify physical disorder and solve it, hence the find it and fix it theme. The primary areas of focus are graffiti removal, street lighting, litter and garbage clean-up, and trimming overgrown bushes and trees.

The next Find It, Fix It Community Walk:
Tuesday, July 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m., S. Orcas St. and Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
Meet in the vacant RAC parking lot on the southeast corner of the intersection (Map)

7 – 7:15 p.m.
Short program featuring Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole and department representatives.

7:15 – 8 p.m.
Walk commences along the following route:
· East on S. Orcas to 37th Ave S.
· 37th to S. Juneau St.
· West on Juneau to Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
· Stop at the Filipino Community Center (5740 Martin Luther King Jr Way)
· North on Martin Luther King Jr Way S. to S. Orcas St.

Where's Waldo? In Ballard, of course. The famous children's book character
in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-two different
local businesses throughout our community this July. Those who spot him can
win prizes, including books and much more. From Cupcake Royale to Sonic
Boom, from Ballard Blossom to Ballard Market, Waldo figures will be well
hidden in local business establishments. Find Waldo is a great summer
vacation activity, and a wonderful way for residents to support local
business and the Shop Local movement.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a "Find Waldo Local in
Ballard!" passport with the names of all the participating sites, and get
their passport stamped or signed for each Waldo they spot. The first 100
Waldo seekers to get their passports stamped or signed at ten or more sites
can bring their passports back to Secret Garden to collect prizes.
Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will
entitle diligent seekers to entry in a grand prize drawing on August 5, with
top prizes from the 22 participating businesses.

Where's Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining

Mayor Ed Murray issued the following statement after signing the Mount Baker zoning legislation:

“Today I signed the Mount Baker re-zone legislation, a proposal that has been years in the making. However, this is just the beginning. I am determined to continue working with the community and city departments to turn this vision into a reality.

“That reality includes housing of all types: low-income, workforce, and market rate. Along with housing, the reality includes improved transportation. I will work with Sound Transit to leverage the light rail investment and will work with the Department of Transportation to address all modes of transportation.

“But perhaps most important for this community is an economic development and jobs strategy. The Department of Planning and Development, the Office of Economic Development and the Department of Neighborhoods are spearheading an interdepartmental effort. My goal is to strengthen existing businesses and the business mix to enable the district to compete successfully in the market. Actions include:
· Reaching out to local property owners to increase employment opportunities and street-level activation.

The Admiral 4th of July Kids Parade, begins at 10:00 am at the intersection of 44th Ave SW and Sunset and ends at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

Kids are encouraged to decorate strollers, scooters, wagons, and bikes. Following the parade old fashioned games will be on at Hamilton Park (3-legged race, wheelbarrow races, and gunnysack races). Games will be cancelled if there is rain (no rain allowed). The ANA (Admiral Neighorhood Association) will be providing popsicles. Holy Rosary Parish has generously made the parade possible with underwriting the liability insurance and handling the permits. Dave Weitzel of Weitzel Construction is again providing the very important port a potties.

Admiral Neighborhood Association volunteers raise funds for the ANA by donning Uncle Sam hats, waving American flags and selling popsicles, baked goods and ANA apparel at this popular Admiral neighborhood event. Local businesses like Little Rae’s, Metropolitan Market, and others have donated baked items to support the ANA’s efforts, and over 800 people participate.

The parade is followed by a community picnic at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

First inning fireworks fueled the tank for a Pac West 11-1, four-inning victory against previously unbeaten West Seattle in the District VII Little League baseball 10-11 age All-Star baseball tournament held at the Pac West complex in SeaTac on Tues., July 1. By avenging a first round loss to the West Siders, Pac West forced a provisional championship face off on Wed., July 2, at the same location.

"We just hit the ball well," said Pac West manager Mitch Stone. "West Seattle had an off day. When we played them the first time, we gave them six runs in the first inning. I think we definitely have the momentum, now. Our pitching is in good shape."

By Ed Shepherd
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Great expectations sometimes don't turn out great, as South Highline National found out.

After being involved in two previous nail-biter games against West Seattle in the Little League All Stars Intermediate Tournament Saturday and Monday, SHN just didn't have a great game in this one that decided it all as they lost, 14-1, in the if-necessary championship game that crowned West Seattle champs at Pac West Fields Tuesday.

This game was necessary because the top team entering the championship, National, lost, 12-11, in the first championship game, in a bottom of the seventh rally way to West Seattle on Monday. That was after having previously beaten West Seattle, 5-4, to knock them into the loser's bracket Saturday.

So, close games there, those two, and also during the season mostly, not counting one 10-run win for West Seattle, as the other two games were a win by one run by West Seattle and a win by a couple runs by National.
But this game that started decent for National did not end that way. And for that gets this from the West Seattle manager:

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

Seattle Central stole the show against South Highline National Wednesday.

National scored six times in the top of the sixth and final inning to break a 4-4 tie and lead 10-4, but Seattle scored seven times in the bottom half of the frame to wrest away an 11-10 win.

Seattle advanced to Saturday's 10 a.m. championship game of the age 9-10 District 7 Little League tournament with the victory, while knocking National into the loser's bracket final to be played at 10 a.m. Friday.
National needs to win that game against West Seattle or Rainier to earn a trip to championship play, then would have to beat Seattle two games in a row on Saturday.

"We're going to have to win three in a row to make it to state," said National manager Chad Parker. "It's tough to do."

Tuesday's loss at the Pac West complex where the tournament is being played was tough to take.

"It's terrible," Parker said. "We didn't come ready to play the whole game. It's tough, but it's a lot of pressure for kids."

By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Superb pitching owned the night for Pac West in a 4-2 if-necessary championship game victory at the 2014 Washington District VII Little League 10-11 age All Star tournament held at the Pac West complex in Sea Tac. This completed a comeback through the loser-out bracket.

"We had great pitching," Pac West manager Mitch Stone said. "We were confident all day long."

Following two complete scoreless innings, which included a bases loaded scenario for Pac West in the second inning, the Pac West stars broke through in the third inning. From his leadoff spot, Tyler Gilpatrick legged out an infield single on a hit deep into the shortstop area.

Teammate Ryder Leahy then reached first on a fielder's choice ground out that was misplayed. One out later, Zeek Pastana singled to right field. The throw home sailed over the catcher's head, allowing a run to score.