West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
If you’ve been procrastinating about signing up for this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk – time’s running out. Online registration ends on Thursday (May 18th); after that, you’ll have to sign up during packet pickups at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) next Saturday, or right before the race. It starts from 61st SW/Alki SW at the beach on Sunday, May 21st, at 9:20 am. WSB is a sponsor again this year, as we’ve been every year since the first WS5K in 2009. You can sign up right now by going here, and that also guarantees you a T-shirt with the cool new logo (note that kids 6 and under are free, but no T-shirt), and get ready for a fun morning at the beach, benefiting West Seattle High School!
During today’s shopping and selling, other community events included at least three cleanups. We hope they all went well! Tonight, we have a wrapup on last Sunday’s Morgan Junction cleanup, from organizer Jill Boone:
On Sunday morning, we had nine adults and nine kids of varying ages picking up litter all along California Avenue from Othello to Raymond. The area looks so clean now! We picked up five bags of trash.
Jill says they’re going to do it again on June 17th June 24th – RSVP to her at litterleague@gmail.com –
if you can’t make that date but are interested in helping with one or more during the summer, you can also use that address to join her notification list.
3:10 PM: Here’s who’s welcoming donations in the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day aftermath:
STUFF THE TRUCK AT HOLY ROSARY: Until 5 pm, a truck is on the north side of Holy Rosary School, off 42nd SW north of SW Genesee, collecting donations for St. Vincent de Paul. Here’s what they’re taking.
Meantime, Alki Elementary’s PTA fundraiser is continuing all weekend:
CLOTHES FOR THE CAUSE: Any time through tomorrow, you can drop items off at the Clothes for the Cause trailer on the southwest side of Alki Elementary, off 59th SW. They’re collecting mostly textile items, as listed here.
Also:
STOP ‘N’ SHOP THRIFT STORE: The thrift store at the Senior Center of West Seattle has extended its donation-acceptance hours until 6 pm tonight – just pull up in the alley behind the center (4217 SW Oregon). What they accept is “reusable items, i.e. kitchenware, tools, knickknacks, jewelry, linens, furniture, home decorations, clothing & accessories.”
BOOK DRIVE FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS: No rush for this one – you have almost two weeks to contribute. Details are here. But if you’d like to move those books along today, a truck will be in The Junction until 6 pm, near the Northwest Center truck along the east side of 44th SW between Alaska and Edmunds.
PLANT STARTS: Any seller with leftover peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, cucumber starts can donate them to Solid Ground for local community gardens (including Marra Farm in South Park) – contact racheld@solid-ground.org.
ADDED 7:57 PM: One more place accepting leftovers – Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. “Second Gear Sports is happy to give second life to any sports-related gear/apparel/bikes that did not sell. Money can still be made… open 11 am to 5 pm tomorrow and 10 am – 6 pm Monday.” SGS is at 6529 California SW.
(SEE THE ONLINE MAP/LIST HERE … DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE PDF MAP/LIST HERE … BENEFIT/NONPROFIT SALES LISTED HERE)
9 AM: It’s all in the signage! Above, Dave sent the photo after setting up Sale #56 (3831 44th SW). Below, Sammy sent the sign showing that Sale #159 (5339 SW Manning) is in the rain-or-shine spirit.
So far, the weather’s better than we expected! Just bring a jacket. Send photos to garagesale@westseattleblog.com – we are traveling around for a few stops too.
9:09 AM: Our first stop was Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) – not just because we had to get breakfast, but because they’re having a sale!
Jennifer and Andrea are pointing the way to Sale #256 (9261 45th SW), under canopies right outside the restaurant. They made a sale even before 9 am. Half the proceeds go to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (see our full list of benefit sales here). Lots of refreshments at other stops, like Doree‘s sale, #188 (30th SW/SW Othello):
Ten sales are promising lemonade today.
9:40 AM: Another thing we like about Garage Sale Day – it’s an all-ages event. This young helper invites you to come shop for toys at Sale #69 (3018 60th SW) in the Alki area:
And from Karen at Sale #207, 3437 37th SW:
Our next stop – Pigeon Point, where there are three sales, all on 20th SW.
9:54 AM: As we head toward West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2017 hour 2, here’s our Pigeon Point stop:
Since this is the 13th annual WSCGSD and it’s May 13th, we chose Sale #13 (3849 20th SW), where we met baby Joey and mom. And now from the mailbox, the only sale we know of today that involves a glass artist:
Brad’s work is at Sale #163 (3241 47th SW). On the south side in Seaview, Ashley sent this photo of the foosball table that’s among her sale’s offerings:
She’s at Sale #278 (6047 44th SW). We, meanwhile, are in the Admiral area now, on SW Walnut, site of four almost-adjacent sales just east of Hiawatha. (One has a sign with YARD crossed out and GARAGE written in, instead. But so far the weather remains blissfully dry!) Below, shoppers at 2932 SW Walnut (Sale #73):
And at 2926 SW Walnut (Sale #70), which promised you a chance to meet a golden-retriever puppy … here’s Wisco!
10:20 AM: More from the mailbox – Machel sent this photo from the arts/crafts fair at C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California SW, WSB sponsor, and Sale #239 on the map:
Any cool finds? Let us know, now or later – garagesale@westseattleblog.com (or in the comments).
10:46 AM: Near Madison Middle School, Lara is heading up Sale #92 (3446 45th Ave SW):
45th SW also is a hive of shopping activity so far as we’ve seen. And as we head toward Hour 3 – sunshine! … Just in from Sale #243, 7702 44th SW in Gatewood:
They’re selling birdhouses and planter boxes as a fundraiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
11:11 AM: Hour three, and the weather gets better and better. Good day even to just walk to your nearest sales. You can see the sun in our photo from the courtyard at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, a multiseller site along with the West Seattle Christian lot across the alley to the east:
They are Sale #42. Also in the courtyard, look for Sale #35, with figurines, “mostly elephants.” … From there, we continued our zigzag across the peninsula, now checking out the northernmost sale on this year’s WSCGSD map, Sale #145 at 1503 42nd Ave SW in North Admiral, promising “no junk!”
Seller Brian posed with the jaguar that’s part of the merchandise. … Also in North Admiral, Sale #156 (2007 Ferry SW) is raising money for West Seattle High School baseball. Lots of gear, as well as refreshments.
Thanks to Delia for the photo.
11:37 AM: In the south – Sale #224 at 9252 35th SW sent photos including this one:
Here’s what they’re offering: “We have great furniture, slot car track, mini pool table and shoes! And we accept Venmo! Free beer!” … Or maybe you are more in the mood for lemonade. Another stand today is at 5002 51st SW, southwest of The Junction, Sale #242:
Lynda sent the photo of Sidney and Sawyer Sullivan, who have: “Mint Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Plain Lemonade and Chocolate Chip Cookies at 51st & Hudson.” … In the mood to make your own treats? Here’s what we found at Sale #115 (2436 55th SW) on Alki:
On to Upper Alki, Sale #157 at 5806 SW Spokane. A few raindrops as we checked to see if their “raining lamp” had sold (yes). But here’s Nigel Charles with the signage:
12:10 PM: Hour four, and we’re in The Junction, with a few more raindrops. Here is where Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is having a business garage sale – “Offloading years of accumulation. Vintage Guitars, amps, pedals, speakers, tubes, books, parts, amp covers, cases, etc. Great deals, low low prices!”
Proprietor Frank Gross told us they’re doing very well. Sale #55 on the map, 4736 California SW – open until 6 pm … Back to the south end, Katie just sent this photo from 10440 42nd Ave SW, where “all clothes are $1!”
They are Sale #310. By the way, we’re currently south of The Triangle and the sun is out again after a fleeting, fairly light rainshower.
12:37 PM: May showers, of course, might bring June flowers. So we’re checking on some sales next with plants. First, Sale #169, 7118 32nd SW, just south of High Point, where we met Naomi and Matthew:
Plant starts are part of what you’ll find there. And next, we’re headed to the Solstice P-Patch plant sale near Lincoln Park. … First, a photo just sent by Matt at Sale #132, at 3227 45th SW:
Matt’s summary: “Vintage bike, LCD TV, designer lamp, and tons of baby stuff! Great finds!”
12:59 PM: Headed into hour five. Baby stuff is big this year – here’s another site with both accessories and clothing, Sale #154, 2701 51st SW:
Several sales promised boating-related items. This one, Sale #216, even started the day WITH a boat:
3525 SW Kenyon in Gatewood. … Feeling like a snack? Treats on sale at Sale #194, 3870 35th SW:
While you’re out, if you’re ready for a break before one last round of shopping, check out our full activity list for today – everything from car-washing to wine.
1:30 PM: Finally made it over to Solstice P-Patch. They reported they’re almost sold out of plants! But if you’re looking for Mother’s Day gifts …
They’re right by the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, across from the north end of Lincoln Park, Sale #233 on our map. If you’re still looking for plants, you might also look at Sale #250, 7558 44th SW in Gatewood:
That’s their presale photo. … Some sales slash prices in the late-going, like this one:
Sale #67 is at 3912 California SW.
2:16 PM: Final hour, already, and the weather just keeps getting sunnier, which is why Vanessa at Sale #30 decided to extend her hours:
She and Bond, James Bond (unless he finds a buyer sooner), will be at 9009 13th SW until 5 pm.
2:44 PM: And a final offer from Sale #188:
@westseattleblog we are still here at 30th Ave SW between Othello and myrtle and look we have this fabulous kegorator $30.00 pic.twitter.com/bGCqmcTECY
— It's me Doree (@DoreeLouise) May 13, 2017
And we just got an update from benefit sale #243, mentioned in our 10:46 am update above:
Thank you so much for sponsoring the WS Garage Sales. Sold out of bird houses — even sold three to order. Total sales of over $600 — all of which will be donated to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Love West Seattle!
Anna and Al
Thanks to everyone participating today – shoppers, sellers, helpers … Next up, we’ll be reminding you about the donation drives that welcome “leftovers” that sellers don’t want to keep, and/or items that shoppers bought to give away, etc.
ADDED 7:36 PM: One more benefit-sale report:
Planned Parenthood Donation from Sale #154
We’ve now totaled our sales and we raised $226.25 for Planned Parenthood! This includes $33 in cash donations. Thank you, West Seattle!
Bruce & Stacie
Anyone else? We’ll continue to check garagesale@westseattleblog.com for a few days before it goes dormant until next year.
ADDED 6:34 PM: Another seller just e-mailed us to say she’d had a great day but couldn’t post here because comments are now closed on this story. We apologize – that wasn’t intentional; some technical trouble lately is leading to the comment function – which otherwise is programmed to stay open until two weeks after the story is published or two weeks after the last comment, whichever comes last – shutting down on some stories. We usually can fix it but the fix doesn’t work on stories with many updates – like this one (30 updates counting this one), and a couple others earlier in the year.
Whatever the weather … this is a big day. The highlights begin with a big event for hundreds of sellers and thousands of shoppers:
(Photo sent Friday night by Sale #284 – three generations, one century, one garage!)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Yes, many of today’s 300+ listed/mapped sales ARE in garages, or carports, or under canopies – the 13th annual WSCGSD is a rain-or-shine extravaganza. Official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm; see the clickable online map/list here, and/or get the downloadable/printable list/map guide here (17 pages, 4 MB). We’ve been reading (and proofreading) the listings for weeks and can confirm, SO MUCH COOL STUFF. Updates throughout the day here on WSB **and** on the official WSCGSD site, westseattlegaragesale.com.
SHOP TO DONATE – OR DONATE SALE LEFTOVERS: It’s a WSCGSD tradition – donation drives synergizing with Sale Day. Five have contacted us this year – collecting items from clothing to books to plant starts – see the list here.
STAMP OUT HUNGER: USPS carriers’ one-day door-to-door food drive is today! Leave your bag of food out in the morning, by your mailbox or wherever your mail is picked up. Questions? Here are answers!
GIRL SCOUTS’ CAR-WASH BENEFIT: 9 am-3 pm, Girl Scout Troop 40890 is having a fundraiser car wash at the Les Schwab Tires lot – stop by between garage sales, and/or to get Mom’s car clean before Mother’s Day! $7 donation (and they will take VISA/MasterCard). More info here. (3801 SW Alaska)
DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: 9 am-noon, volunteers of all ages are welcome – details here. (California SW/SW Dakota)
FREE CHILD-DEVELOPMENT SCREENING: 9 am-noon, Leaps and Bounds is scheduling free, short screening sessions – check to see if appointments are still available. (6965 California SW)
SOUTH DELRIDGE COMMUNITY GROUP CLEANUP: 10 am-11 am – monthly event coordinated by the South Delridge Community Group; see full details here. Meet at 17th SW/SW Henderson.
5400 DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CLEANUP: 10 am-noon. Meet outside Delridge Library. Details in our calendar listing. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
EXPERIMAC GRAND OPENING: The newest retail store in Morgan Junction celebrates its grand opening with a 10 am ribbon-cutting and party until 1 pm. (6040 California SW)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY’S GARAGE SALE DAY EVENT: Open noon-7 pm, Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor) says, “We’re having a BIG Syrah sale and pouring fresh Semillon from the keg. And selling some good stuff!” Stop by the tasting room for an afternoon break! (3804 California SW)
COMMUNITY TEA: Another refreshing event this afternoon – 2-4 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor):
Calling all moms, daughters, grandmas, aunts, sisters, besties … you are warmly invited for a lovely afternoon of Tea! The day before Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the special women in our lives. Tibbetts welcomes all to an afternoon of tea and conversation, with a broad selection of teas and delicious sweets and savories. We have juice for our younger guests and coffee for those who prefer. Tickets are $9 each at the door.
In the Fellowship Hall. (3940 41st SW)
CAPOEIRA BRASIL OPEN HOUSE: After shopping the garage sales, this new Morgan Junction business invites you to stop by its open house, 3-6 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6965 California SW)
HIGHLINE PREMIER FC TRYOUTS: High-school girls from birth years 2002-1999 are invited to Highline Premier FC (WSB sponsor) tryouts tonight at Walt Hundley Playfield, 6-7:30 pm. More info here. (34th SW/SW Myrtle)
‘THE MAMA-LOGUES’: Yes, motherhood can be funny … and this show proves it. 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, benefiting WestSide Baby and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Details in our calendar listing. 13+. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
PIANOMANIA AT KENYON HALL: Peter Mintun and Lou Magor! 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
ALL YOU CAN EAT + EXTRA NOODLES: “Hard blues rock” at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
LEANNE WILKINS AND THE WEATHERED: Live at Whisky West, 9 pm. No cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)
AND THERE’S MORE ON THE CALENDAR! See it all here.
Festive Friday night at Our Lady of Guadalupe School (WSB sponsor) – more than 200 people gathered for a cultural celebration. Thanks to Brian Callanan for sharing photos. Above is the Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team, one of five groups that performed.
Brian says OLG parent Joy Gonzalez coordinated the event, which spotlighted more than a dozen cultures, including foods.
The event’s theme was “One World, One Night.”
ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:16 PM FRIDAY: When Veronica saw this small wheelchair apparently abandoned in the Southwest Library area, near 34th SW and SW Henderson, she felt sure someone is looking for it – stolen? somehow lost or misplaced? If it’s yours, or if you think you know whose it might be, please contact her.
UPDATE, 10:51 AM SATURDAY: We’ve removed Veronica’s phone number because she’s returned the wheelchair to its owner, who saw the photo here. We know lots of people were working to help make sure there was a reunion – thank you all!
Family and friends will gather May 20th to remember Capt. Delbert Kelly, Jr. Here is the remembrance being shared with the community:
Capt. Delbert J. Kelly Jr. peacefully went home with the Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years of age and a resident of Tacoma.
Capt. Kelly was born on September 17, 1940 to Capt. Delbert Sr. and Hazel Kelly at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. He was an only child. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958 and soon after began his career as a professional mariner, following in the footsteps of his father. He spent his early career transiting along the west coast from Alaska to California before settling down in Puget Sound where he worked for the WA State Ferries and then Crowley Maritime. Capt. Kelly became a Puget Sound Pilot in 1979 and reluctantly medically retired in 2002. He remained actively involved in the industry by transitioning into the role of an educator at Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, WA. He was a mentor to a great many in both his personal and professional life.
Capt. Kelly took great pride in his career and lived other areas of life to the fullest. His greatest joy was staying busy helping others; placing himself second to his family and loved ones. In his free time, he was an avid golfer and Seattle team sports fan. Attending the Mariners’ spring training in AZ was one of the highlights of his year. He also loved spending time at Emerald Downs where he had an owner partnership of several race horses. His beloved life companion, an Amazon Parrot, Meka, was the light of his home. Capt. Kelly’s relationship with the Lord was very important to him and he was an active member of Highline Christian Church for several years.
He will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his charm, his intelligence, and his pocket full of witty phrases. He brought a smile to so many faces so often and many will dearly miss him.
Capt. Kelly is survived by his children: Capt. Patrick Kelly (Brynne), Lani Witherby (David), and Kristi Sacco (Scott). Grandsons: Tim, Ryan, Shaun Jr., Dylan, JT, and Blake. Granddaughters: Kenzie, Faith, Kali, and Moriah. He was preceded in death by his parents in 1981 and his son, Shaun Kelly, in 1997.
Memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, on Saturday, May 20th, 2017, at 1 PM.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(WSB photo from late this afternoon)
So far, it looks like the city does not plan any immediate action about the new, unauthorized RV camp in east West Seattle. We checked back there late today, one day after getting word it was setting up on vacant state-owned land toward the east end of the original 2008 “Nickelsville” encampment site, off 2nd SW between West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW. We were told five more RVs had arrived today, bringing the total there to about 15, and that some government entity had dropped off trash bags for them to use. Their status, they said, remains unclear.
This morning, we had updated our original story with information from Julie Moore, a spokesperson for the city’s homelessness-related efforts. She had told us the Navigation Team was out at the site assessing the situation. This afternoon, she reiterated that the city had not directed campers there, and that it’s a site WSDOT intends to use this summer as “the staging area for the critical I-5 resurfacing project.” She also reiterated that if any of these RVs’ owners were told to move, it was a parking-enforcement issue, not a camp sweep.
That said, Moore added:
While the site is not authorized for camping, nor is it an appropriate place to do so due to WSDOT’s use and activity there, the City prioritizes encampment removals based on several issues, including health and safety. The City has been focusing its efforts on mitigating the most hazardous encampments, particularly those:
Where individuals are sleeping outside in tents.
In locations that are physically unsafe for the individual or surrounding community (e.g., along busy roads, ledges, sidewalks).
That have become so large that trash, hazardous structures and negative behavior become too problematic.
Where there is a public health threat to the campers or surrounding community.
With those priorities in mind, the City is spending the next two weeks focusing on addressing the extensive illegal encampments along I-90/Rainier Avenue/Dearborn Street. More on those efforts, including the outreach efforts underway since May 1, can be found (here).
While a WSDOT rep was looped into our e-mail exchange with Moore, we have no direct comment from the state yet on whether they will allow the vehicle campers to stay on the site. We did ask a camper how they entered it; they said the chain-link fencing at the entrance was not locked, and had numerous openings. Both the state- and city-owned sections of the site were ringed with chain-link fencing after the last encampment there was evicted in 2013.
Eight days ago, we reported that demolition equipment finally arrived at 9029 16th SW, the scene of at least three fires in five years, including one this past February. After that, the city had finally ordered its owners to do something about it, eventually extending the deadline to April 21st; when the demolition equipment arrived on Thursday, May 4th, we actually had an inquiry out to the city about what would happen if nothing happened. SDCI told us they had been informed the fire-gutted house would be torn down the next day.
That was a week ago. We’ve gone by daily. No activity. A new complaint is still pending. So we will renew our inquiry with the city on Monday.
Meantime, we’ve noted in our previous followups on this property that the city is considering new rules regarding what owners of structures like this can be required to do. They’re going before the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee at 9:30 am next Tuesday (May 16th). The slide deck for the hearing contains a lot of alarming stats – and photos of derelict properties that actually look better than 9029 16th SW.
(Seattle Channel video from this morning’s committee meeting; Vision Zero briefing is first item, after public comment)
Earlier this week, we reported that a document prepared for the City Council Sustainability and Transportation Committee meeting today included a bit of information we’d been seeking for a while – what’s up with 35th SW Phase 2.
We monitored the meeting via Seattle Channel to see what would be said. When SDOT’s Darby Watson presented the “Vision Zero” program update this morning, she had two notes of West Seattle interest: One was about 35th – she said the report on Phase 1 (a precursor for Phase 2) is expected next month. So if you’re watching for what’s next on 35th, sounds like we’ll find out in June.
The other was about Harbor Avenue SW – Watson mentioned its speed limit would be cut from 35 to 30 mph “soon.” It’s been more than two years since Harbor and four other West Seattle arterials were announced in the original Vision Zero plan as destined for lower speed limits. As reported in our February 2015 coverage, SDOT said it expected to make all of those cuts by the end of 2015. But the timeline has lagged; Fauntleroy Way was lowered in February 2016, and Delridge in December 2016.
P.S. The Sustainability and Transportation Committee meets again next Tuesday with an agenda including a report on the first full year of the Move Seattle levy and a briefing about bicycle theft.
Just announced by Seattle Public Schools: After the school year ends, Gatewood Elementary principal Constance Aleman will be moving across the peninsula to take the newly created position of assistant principal at West Seattle’s most populous elementary school, Genesee Hill. She has been principal at Gatewood for four years. Letters have gone out to both schools’ communities – here’s what Aleman said in her announcement:
It is with mixed emotions I am writing to inform you this will be my last year at Gatewood Elementary School.
After four amazing years and careful consideration, I have decided it is the right time for me to pursue a new leadership opportunity. I have accepted a role at Genesee Hill Elementary; I am excited to stay within the West Seattle community and to work more closely in the areas of Special Education, social-emotional learning, and family engagement. As difficult as this is for me, I feel confident I am leaving this school in great shape and ready to continue the amazing work of providing academic excellence for each student.
While seeking new opportunities brings some excitement, I want you to know this was not an easy decision for me. I’m indebted to so many incredible friends and colleagues who have made my experience here a lifelong memory. At Gatewood there are positive, innovative, and hardworking staff, and a supportive and positive group of families. I cherish the brilliant, caring, and committed students. It has been an honor serving all of you the past four years. As much as I will miss this community, I will cherish the memories and reflect fondly upon them as I move forward in both my professional and personal life.
As we wrap up the year, I am hopeful you continue on the path we have laid together. Together we have worked toward the mission of fostering a school climate of compassion, academic excellence, problem solving, creativity, and cultural awareness. It inspires me to see the school, families, and the community working together for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each student. This mission lives with you. Your relentless commitment, drive, and compassion for our students will ensure that our mission of excellence continues on!
I will finish out the school year at Gatewood and my first day with Genesee Hill will be July 1. The formal search process for hiring a new principal is underway as we look forward to the next school year. The process will include an opportunity for Gatewood staff and the community to provide input. Executive Director of Schools, Helen Joung, will communicate updates to the staff and community.
Thank you all for your kindness and support. I have appreciated it more than you can imagine. And thank you all for your continued commitment and dedication to our school, staff and students. It is because of you that I know Gatewood will continue to be the very best school ever!
With admiration,
Constance Aleman, Principal
Gatewood Elementary School
You can read the message sent by Genesee Hill principal Gerrit Kischner to his community here.
One by one, the newer Admiral commercial spaces are getting takers. Just found this one in the city permit files: Domino’s Pizza is pursuing a spot at Springline (3220 California SW) for its second West Seattle location. The site plan on file with the city shows the pizza storefront is proposed for the space south of the building’s north garage entrance.
(If you can’t spare 3 minutes, the stop-sign-running is particularly prolific in the final minute-plus)
That video was recorded in November at 17th SW and SW Trenton by area resident Darryll Wolf. He sent it to various city reps then – and sent it again yesterday, after a close call. This time, we were on the CC list. His e-mail:
Dear SDOT, SPD, and Councilmember Herbold,
(Thursday) morning, as I was running to catch the bus to work at 7:53 am, a driver accelerated into and through the intersection at SW Trenton Street and 17th Ave SW, refusing to stop at the stop sign while I was in the lane! She did this as I was in front of her car, forcing me to run backward to avoid being hit. I’ve reported rampant violations at this intersection before and was even hit by one car (hit and run) and nearly hit by several others in the past several months. I shared this 3-minute video in this same email thread in November showing fully 85% of drivers fail to stop or yield right of way at this clearly signed intersection.
The incident this morning felt like a deliberate attempt by the driver to threaten or injure me with her car. I am very worried about my own safety as well as the safety of my family and neighbors who live, work, and play along the 17th Ave SW greenway.
In 2016, the Seattle Greenways project team created this new sanctioned pedestrian and bicycle greenway on 17th Ave SW north of SW Henderson Street and then placed stop signs at each of the east-west intersections along the greenway where no stop signs had ever existed for likely near 100 years. But they and SDOT failed to do any awareness campaign or enforcement follow-up to ensure the safety of those who use the greenway. I am disappointed that after having reported the frequent violations and one known hit and run at 17th and Trenton in the past few months to SPD, CPT, and the Greenways project team, we have only seen about an hour of SPD enforcement at this intersection with no ticketing for violations, and the Greenways team and SDOT have been a complete no-show here.
I have been documenting the continued pattern of violations at the 17th and Trenton intersection since last November and will continue to report this problem to SPD. I have reported similar incidents of speeding and aggressive or threatening driving through school crossing zones, and the general failure to yield to pedestrians along 16th Ave SW, and along SW Trenton Street from Delridge to 16th Ave SW. But I have seen zero SPD presence in those areas during rush hour and have never seen a single person ticketed for this blatant and common recklessness.
As the increased densification under HALA upzoning increase car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic in our area, it is my hope that SPD, SDOT, and the City will take this seriously and do real traffic calming, enforcement, and ticketing before we see people killed by reckless drivers. Throughout the area from 16th Ave SW to SW Delridge, between Holden and Roxbury, there are many children and public transit users who are vulnerable to death and disfigurement by reckless drivers every day. And these drivers must be shown that traffic laws are not optional and that drivers cannot threaten and maim pedstrians with their cars with impunity. We need your help to send this message!
I look forward to hearing from SPD, CPT, SDOT, and the City in the near term on how each of you plan to address this very real public safety issue in our area. I am happy to discuss this in person or over a phone call if it will result in quick action.
From the list to whom Wolff sent the video, the first response (at least, the first to the entire CC list including us) was from Councilmember Herbold:
I watched your video and I’m aghast that of a dozen cars going through that intersection over the 3 minutes you filmed, only two cars made a complete stop at the stop sign. By the way of this message, I’m asking that Chief Davis consider an enforcement at this intersection. Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of pedestrian safety.
As mentioned here Thursday morning, SPD’s Traffic Unit chief, Capt. Eric Sano, is the scheduled guest for the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council next Tuesday (7 pm May 16th), so if you have neighborhood concerns, it’s a good time to bring them up.
By this time tomorrow, it’ll be big-time shopping time at 300+ garage, yard, courtyard, parking lot, business, etc. sales all around the peninsula – Saturday is the 13th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (our 10th year coordinating it), showers or shine.
GOT THE MAP/LIST YET? You can download/print the PDF version of the list/map (17 pages) for a topline version of who’s selling what and where. And here’s the interactive online version. (Each individual listing you open by clicking a marker or list line is printable too.) Even if you want to keep your browsing low key, there’s probably somebody within walking distance – go say hi to your neighbors!
BLOCK SALES AND MULTI-SELLER SITES: While more than a few sites mention that multiple households have joined forces, here are the ones officially registered as block sales/multi-seller sites:
SALE #42, HOTWIRE ONLINE COFFEEHOUSE COURTYARD/PARKING LOT SALE: Every year you’ll find dozens of sellers in the Hotwire courtyard and the parking lot across the alley to the east, 4410 California SW.
SALE #137, C & P COFFEE COMPANY: This year C & P is hosting an arts/crafts fair with multiple vendors, 5612 California SW.
SALE #90, BLOCK SALE: 47th SW between Stevens and Lander
SALE #137, BLOCK SALE: 2620 Walnut Ave SW
SALE #182, BLOCK SALE: 7300 29th Ave SW
SALE #215, BLOCK SALE: 5648 38th Ave SW
SALE #55, BUSINESS SALE: Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor), 4736 California SW
SALE #256, BUSINESS SALE: Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor), 9261 45th Ave SW, donating half the proceeds to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
We listed the benefit/nonprofit sales earlier this week – see them here. And we have the donation drives tied into this year’s WSCGSD listed here (just updated with another addition) – not just for sellers with leftovers, but also for shoppers who can buy stuff to donate!
Official sale time is 9 am-3 pm tomorrow (Saturday, May 13) – a few sales are opening earlier and/or staying open later, so read through the list to look for that. We’ll be out and about stopping at some sales for photos, but also will appreciate pics from sellers and buyers – e-mail garagesale@westseattleblog.com or tag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook … we are at /westseattleblog on them all. More updates ahead!
Seven highlights for your Friday, starting with music!]
WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY: The video above from West Seattle Community Orchestras – parent organization of West Seattle Symphony – features Chris Blakely, winner of WSCO’s second-annual concerto competition, who will be featured during tonight’s 7:30 pm concert “Love Stories and Dances” at Chief Sealth International High School. The program includes Saint Saëns’ Morceau de concert for Horn and Orchestra, during which you’ll see Blakely, who has played with WSCO for more than two years. Tonight’s concert, led by conductor James Pham, is free – donations welcome, of course. (2600 SW Thistle)
Also in the hours ahead:
ALCHEMY OPENS: As previewed in our story earlier this morning, the new bar in The Junction opens at 3 pm. (4717 42nd SW)
ROSE TASTING: As in rosé wine; tasting at Sound & Fog in The Junction. Details in our calendar listing. (4735 40th SW)
GARY BENSON AT C & P: Gary Benson will be joined by Nelson Wright and Jenaige Lane at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
‘THE MAMA-LOGUES: A COMEDY ABOUT MOTHERHOOD’: 7 pm tonight (and tomorrow!) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, ages 13 and up – if you’ve seen it before, see it again, lots of new stuff! Benefits WestSide Baby and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
ROLLER DERBY: Rainier Roller Girls‘ fifth bout of the season starts at 8:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink. (9646 17th SW)
3 BANDS AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: 9 pm-midnight at Parliament Tavern, the lineup is Hostile Makeover, The Viking Surfers, The Paper Dolls. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
LOTS MORE ON OUR CALENDAR … see it here!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At 3 pm today, The Junction’s newest drinking/eating establishment, Alchemy, officially opens its doors.
It’s the first of two venues that the partnership F2T Hospitality is opening in Junction 47, as first reported here last July.
And that’s where we sat down earlier this week to talk with the trio behind it – bar director Tony Larson, executive chef Larkin Young, and marketing/operations director Matt Mead.
The photos in our story are from last night’s “soft open” – right up until then, Matt explained, they had a “whole squadron of people building furniture.” They had also “gone antique shopping” for some of the decor, from chandeliers to “a tea kettle from the 1800s.” Alchemy seats 45.
Tony is the West Seattleite in the group – more than a decade here, including a few years working at Matador just up the street. Read More
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle right now, but a texter says the East Marginal truck backup is spilling onto the bridge again today.
Advance alerts for the next few days:
CITYWIDE ALERTS: Here’s the city’s list of major events for the next four days. …
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY TOMORROW: 9 am-3 pm Saturday, all over the peninsula; the maps and list are here.
FAUNTLEROY FERRY TOLLBOOTH TEST NEXT WEEK: Another reminder that Monday-Thursday next week, Washington State Ferries will test new tollbooth procedures at Fauntleroy to see if that relieves backups.
8:38 AM: If you are headed south, or up from the south, on 16th/Ambaum, a caller warns of a crash at 16th/112th on the south edge of White Center.
We’ve heard from multiple people in the past hour who reported suspected gunfire east of Fairmount Park, near 36th/37th/Brandon. 911 is reported to have received multiple calls, and police were sent to investigate; we haven’t heard yet if they found evidence of gunfire – casings and/or property damage – but so far, no victims are reported. One person tells us a neighbor reported seeing gunfire exchanged between people in two cars.
(WSB photo: West Seattle C of C CEO Lynn Dennis, left; SDOT’s Fauntleroy Boulevard project manager Norene Pen, right)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
No new information emerged about the Fauntleroy Boulevard project at today’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch briefing, but Q&A did bring some concerns into sharper focus – particularly, whether Sound Transit light rail might go along this route and lead to the project zone being torn up a second time.
The city team acknowledged that’s possible – but not a reason to put this safety-and-beautification project on ice. We also checked with ST later in the day regarding the current level of collaboration. But first:
Today’s briefing in the lower-level community room at The Kenney began with an extensive recap of the project’s backstory and where it stands, including a reminder that it wasn’t city-originated, but rather community-originated, with discussions dating back to the turn of the millennium. (If you’re just tuning in, its route will be along Fauntleroy Way, from Alaska to 35th.)
The briefing slide deck was basically the same as what was presented to the Fauntleroy Way Business and Neighborhood Association at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) on April 19th: Read More
Still some time to get over to Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction to meet West Seattle-residing, nationally acclaimed cookbook author and food educator Kim O’Donnel. Her newest book “PNW Veg” has just been published; she calls it her “edible love letter to the Pacific Northwest,” where she has lived for nine years. If you know that this is O’Donnel’s third book of vegetarian recipes – after “Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations” (2012) and “Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook” (2010) – you might guess she’s vegetarian. But you’d be wrong; she’s just living a “less meat” lifestyle. Until 9 pm, she’s at Click! (4540 California SW) signing books and offering tastes of highlights from “PNW Veg,” including desserts and potato/onion/stinging-nettle frittata as well as black bean and beet burgers.
FIRST REPORT, 5:53 PM THURSDAY: Just yards from where the city almost set up an “RV safe lot” last year before scrapping the idea, an unofficial RV camp is taking shape right now. We just visited the site on the east end of the land twice inhabited by the tent camp that called itself “Nickelsville,” after finding out about the RVs’ move via e-mail sent to us and other media outlets. That e-mail said that the RVs headed this way after “Seattle Police provided a 3-day notice to random RVs [in industrial areas of SODO] that their RVs and vehicles – and personal belongings inside them – would be towed and impounded today, 5/11/17.”
The site is state-owned; we counted about 10 RVs during our short visit to find out what was happening. A camper named Rebecca told us more are expected, and that police and state troopers were at the site earlier. The vehicles are parked just inside a gate off 2nd Avenue SW, between Highland Park Way SW and W. Marginal Way SW (south of the marker on this map).
The city’s proposed “safe lot” – a plan officially scrapped in March 2016 – would have been to the west along West Marginal, on a paved lot adjacent to the city-owned encampment site that was cleared three years ago. The announcement of the new unofficial camp notes, “The City of Seattle’s 2016 plan to assist homeless people living in RVs has largely been abandoned. This is an independent effort to find a safe site.” We won’t be able to find out anything from SPD or WSP until tomorrow.
ADDED 9:18 AM FRIDAY: We just heard back from Julie Moore, spokesperson for the city’s homelessness-related efforts. She tells WSB: “The City did not direct people to this site.” They first heard yesterday that “an unauthorized encampment had set up at that property.” She also says that regarding RV campers allegedly being chased there from SODO, “There was no encampment cleanup effort going on in SoDo this week. Any notices about RVs needing to move would have come from SPD parking enforcement.” Meantime, the Navigation Team is “visiting the site to assess the situation this morning.” It’s “not appropriate for camping,” she added, because “it will soon be used for staging for critical I-5 construction work this summer.”
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After the flyers went up on Sunday, announcing a new restaurant/bar for what was briefly Shelby’s at California/Edmunds, we only came up with a bit to report – but promised a followup.
And now we have it, after sitting down Wednesday evening with the proprietors of the coming-soon Great American Diner and Bar.
Meet Singh Biryah and Glen Quadros, partners in the new operation.
They have decades of experience in the restaurant/hospitality business and say they’re up for the challenge of the corner some call cursed. “We know what’s been happening, we’re taking it up as a challenge,” Glen declared. Read More
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