‘It just isn’t the same without him’: Five weeks after Full Tilt Ice Cream founder Justin Cline’s death, closure announced

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photo of Justin, Ann, and kids Moss and Ruby last year, when Full Tilt marked 15 years)

Five weeks after the death of Justin Cline, who founded Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center in 2008 with wife Ann Magyar, she just sent us the announcement that their flagship store and wholesale operations will close:

Dear Full Tilt family,

Justin founded Full Tilt with the hope he could work for himself and be part of the neighborhood in a positive, fun way. He wanted a place for music and art and for families to play. We opened on June 20, 2008 and were floored from day one at how much the community embraced us. We met so many people and made so many friends that we still hold dear. We loved watching kids learn to play pinball and Pac-Man and beg to stay just a little longer. So many artists and musicians and chefs have shared our space and we’ve been honored to be part of those journeys. Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream. But now Justin is gone, and it just isn’t the same without him. It’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end.

Our wholesale operations will stop at the end of April. The last day for the White Center shop will be May 26th. The Columbia City shop will remain open but they do not accept gift cards, coupons, or birthday party certificates from other locations. You can find more info about that shop at www.fulltiltcolumbiacity.com.

I’m beyond grateful for the love and friendship and support these past 16 years. It’s truly been the best years of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this craziness. Thank you White Center.

With love,
Mrs. Full Tilt

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PARKS: Planning resumes for long-‘landbanked’ 48th/Charlestown

April 8, 2024 3:01 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo, future park site at 48th/Charlestown)

We’ve heard updates in recent months about two of Seattle Parks‘ three “landbanked” sites in West Seattle, in The Junction and Morgan Junction – but nothing recently about the third, at 48th/Charlestown, aside from a brief mention during last November’s “West Seattle park projects” meeting. Now the city has announced that planning has resumed:

Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to get back to work on the 48th and Charlestown Landbanked Site Park Development after it was paused during the pandemic. SPR is currently working on renewing Osborn Consulting’s contract to complete the Bid Documents and SDOT Street Improvement Permit. A few refinements to the construction document’s electrical design are the last remaining coordination items needed to complete the set for final technical review. SPR anticipates a Bid Opening in late 2024 and construction to run through the end of 2024, with completion in mid 2025. We look forward to bringing the Community’s ideas and vision synthesized during the early design stages of this project to life!

Seattle Parks and Recreation and Osborn Consulting worked with the community on the design for the new park, which will provide a “neighborhood green” for people of all ages to meet, eat, play, and celebrate. The design includes an oval lawn surrounded by a loop path with arching seat walls, imaginative and active play for young children, picnic areas, and a small stage. Native and drought-tolerant plants will express the natural history of this area, and trees will frame the park and provide shade.

Parks says $1.2 million is budgeted for the project, from Park District funding. Site development/planning was “paused” in June 2020; the site was purchased more than a decade ago.

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Water woes in southeast Admiral

April 8, 2024 1:08 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

The photo is from William on 37th SW between Hanford and Hinds, who reports: “Just to let you know water has been on and off today for the last few hours, and it’s still quite brown at the moment. Many neighbors experiencing the same.” That’s apparently related to a water outage this morning in the area – we got a text about it last hour, but when we checked the SPU water-trouble map moments later, it was listed as an “emergency repair” situation that had been resolved. We’re following up with SPU.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Sedona (update: found)

April 8, 2024 12:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

MONDAY: Reported by Lisa:

Our 2016 Kia Sedona minivan was stolen overnight from in front of our house in 5600 block of 41st Ave. SW. We went out to find it missing at 4 am. It is a dark gray van with a mountain decal on the left side of the car above the back tire. The license plate is CJL4195. The police (incident) number is 24-94634.

THURSDAY: Lisa says it was found in Ballard.

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UPDATE: Alice’s solar-eclipse event at South Seattle College – indoors

April 8, 2024 11:15 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

11:15 AM: With unbroken clouds overhead, expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen is hosting her solar-eclipse-viewing event inside Olympic Hall at the south end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, room 105. She’s tuning in feeds from other areas of the nation/hemisphere (so far, Texas, Missouri, Mexico, Canada) that are seeing a total eclipse (even if we weren’t socked in here, we’d be seeing only 20 percent coverage).

11:27 AM: Alice has sent out scouts to check outside every few minutes. Still “totally socked in.” (If that changes, though, she promises, “we’re going outside.”) The feeds onscreen have varied from totality in Mexico to “just getting started” in Maine (where totality is a little over an hour away).

(Maine feed shown onscreen – this is close to what it peaked at here, above the clouds)

11:45 AM: If you could see through the clouds here, we’d already be more than 15 minutes past the partial-eclipse peak here, so this is definitely remaining an indoor viewing event. Alice, who is an instructor here at SSC, has explained that one of the feeds is from a North Seattle College instructor, Tracy Furutani, who traveled to Missouri to see it and provide a livestream.

12:04 PM: The Missouri location dimmed noticeably on the live feed and is now coming out of totality. (One total-eclipse image also revealed a couple of planets, too, which Alice jumped up to point out.) Other areas are still heading for complete coverage so Alice will be here a while longer; we’re moving on.

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PHOTOS: Two groups of orcas in the area

April 8, 2024 10:07 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

10:07 AM: Eclipse visibility: Iffy. Whale visibility: Good news – Kersti Muul just sent word of two groups of orcas in the area: “Group 1: southbound from West Point. Group 2: west of mid-channel off the north end of Blake Island, unknown direction of travel.” Let us know if you see any!

10:22 AM: Kersti has updated in a comment below. In short, group 2 is headed out of sight (for now) along the west side of Vashon, but group 1 has entered Elliott Bay.

1 PM: Another update below from Kersti; meantime, we’ve added a photo above, sent by Dan Ciske.

6:24 PM: Thanks also to Robin Sinner for the next photo, taken as orcas passed Constellation Park:

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Eclipse-event update and more for your West Seattle Monday

April 8, 2024 9:55 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

First on the list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ECLIPSE EVENT UPDATE: Never one to give up hope, West Seattle’s expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen says she’s still planning to be at the field on the south end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW) campus 10:35 am-12:25 pm in case there’s a break in the clouds allowing a glimpse of the solar eclipse (peaking here with 20% coverage at 11:29 am), but: “If there is a downpour, we may go inside a nearby classroom for a livestream and activities. Look for signage if you don’t see us in the field.”

Now the rest of the Monday list:

(‘Future plums,’ photographed by Gary Pro)

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: For a second week, the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) is soft-opening its newly expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm.

BABY STORY TIME: Bring wee ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome to join free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community welcomes you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE: 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Eclipse Monday

April 8, 2024 6:01 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, April 8, solar-eclipse day whether we get a glimpse or not.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Probably not, since the forecast is for a mostly cloudy sky, then a chance of rain by mid-afternoon, high in the low 50s, breezy too. (But hold out hope for Alice Enevoldsen‘s eclipse event!) Sunrise will be at 6:32 am, sunset at 7:50 pm.

TRAFFIC ALERT

Repaving work is expected to start today on 21st SW between Dawson and 22nd – details here.

SPRING BREAK

It’s break week for Seattle Public Schools and independent schools with similar calendars.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here – lots of trip cancellations this week.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, no service next weekend – April 13-14 – to prepare for the spring/summer season (which adds Friday/Saturday later-in-the-evening sailings starting Friday, April 19).

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: 6-home Upper Fauntleroy project gets tree-removal approval. Advocates hope it’ll show why the rules should change

April 7, 2024 11:59 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The city has given a homebuilder the green light to cut down that evergreen tree in Upper Fauntleroy.

Advocates who hoped to save the tree, nicknaming it “Henry,” consider the approval ironic – new city rules passed last year require so much of a buffer zone to protect the tree, its lot would be unbuildable, so the tree comes down. They hope its removal will be an example of why the city’s new tree rules should be revised.

We’ve reported before on the site where “Henry” stands – at least until Tuesday, the first day it can be legally taken down. It’s at 8822 38th Avenue SW, where six new residences are planned – two single-family houses, each with two accessory dwelling units, one detached and one attached – plus 10 offstreet parking spaces. Five months ago, before the house on the site was demolished, it was used for Seattle Fire Department training. One month after that, the house was torn down. The site’s been idle through the winter while permit reviews continues. And now the Department of Construction and Inspections has granted the permit for taking down the tree, which is described in project documents as a red cedar, though Sandy Shettler of Tree Action Seattle contends it’s a Lawson cypress.

Shettler asked SDCI about the reason for the removal approval; a reviewing arborist replied via email that “it met Code requirements, particularly SMC 25.11.070.A.1.a.” You can see the code here. Here’s what Shettler says is the problem: “The new code mandates a very large, inviolable tree protection area which uses this formula: 1-ft diameter tree protection area per each 1″ of trunk. So for a 41″ diameter tree, a circle 82 feet in all directions needs to be set aside. Obviously that makes the lot unbuildable, (and even makes the neighboring lots unbuildable!) Since this absurdly rigid tree protection area cannot be excavated into by even one inch, the tree gets removed.”

She’s not calling for a protest, but advocating for future change: “Seattle needs to revise its tree ordinance to plan for trees — not just the ones we have, but to have space for new ones since we are cutting 4,000 per year. The new projects are all hardscape and heat.” The new tree rules require replacement plantings after removal, but not necessarily on the same site, according to this explanatory city post: “When a tree must be removed, a property owner can choose to either replant onsite or pay the equivalent value into the One Seattle Tree Fund. This added flexibility allows for trees to be planted more equitably and spread throughout neighborhoods or public spaces with historically less tree canopy.” The current tree rules were passed before a majority of city councilmembers left office; Shettler says she’s hoping to work with newly elected members to save more “Henry”-size trees.

SIDE NOTE: As with so many other types of data, the city has a map for tree-removal/tree-work permits, past and present.

TUESDAY NOTE: “Henry” was cut down this morning, as commenters’ photo and video show; we just went by to check, and only a stump remains.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update: 160+ sales registered!

April 7, 2024 9:37 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

After six days of registration, we have more than 160 sales on the list for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 – one day of selling and shopping all over the peninsula, on Saturday, May 11, 9 am-3 pm. Whatever you’re looking for, somebody will probably be selling it – we’ve been browsing the sale descriptions, and making note of some unique items. One example: a “large pristine fake Christmas tree.” Another seller is offering an “elevated dog-wash tub.” Multiple sellers are promising plants, just in time for the heart of gardening season. Love art? Pottery, glass, woodwork … and this is just part of it. Are you thinking about having a sale, but haven’t registered yet? You still have two and a half weeks to decide – but then we’ll have to close registration so we can make and circulate the map and list (available one week before WSCGSD). If you’re ready now (including the verbiage for your 20-word sale listing), here’s where to go!

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See who’s, and what’s, cooking inside West Seattle ‘virtual restaurants’ hub Distinguished Foods

April 7, 2024 6:35 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Triangle | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

From milk tea to soul food to vegan burgers, dozens of choices are on the menu at West Seattle’s Distinguished Foods.

Actually, that’s “menus” – this longtime commercial kitchen facility at 4611 36th SW is home to a dozen “virtual restaurants” and other food businesses, as Distinguished Foods owner Claiborne Bell describes them. (His own Seattle Sorbets is one of them.)

It’s not just a place where food is prepared – it’s also a place where you can order it and/or pick it up. We hadn’t visited in a long time, until Claiborne invited us recently to come tour and see who’s new.

He explains that Distinguished Foods is also an “incubator” helping tenants learn and grow – and that means some inevitably “graduate” to their own locations. When we were there a little over a week ago, he was about to say goodbye to the latest “graduates” – Aroy Mak Thai Food, opening a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Greenwood after two years at Distinguished Foods.

“I’m very proud of them,” Claiborne smiled. He says the kitchens can be a place to learn how to sell food profitably, to get going with your business without “mortgaging your house” from the get-go. Another recent “graduate” is Taste of Mumbai, which now has a restaurant in The Admiral District.

The co-housing of multiple businesses also provides some synergy – maybe you came to pick up food from one, and while you’re waiting, you discover the menu of another, and order from them next time. It’s an eclectic lineup – also in house during our visit, Dada’s Plant-Based Burgers & Breakfast:

David’s business – there for about six months now – is the first vegan restaurant at Distinguished Foods, Claiborne notes. “Amazing food,” including a popular crispy “chik’n” sandwich.

Also among the newer tenants, Seattle Soul Kitchen, with fare including catfish, chicken, smoked stuffed turkey legs, jambalaya, sides including mac and cheese, yams, and greens.

They’re even serving “old-school Kool-Aid” if you’re thirsty.

Another beverage option – the teas (including boba) that Nhu makes at TAB (Take a Break):

“Authentic tea, no powders,” mind you. And TAB serves up authentic pho, too.

Winding our way through the building, we also drop in on Chef Michael Poole, who we mentioned a decade ago – he combined a Seattle Fire Department career with candymaking, and the result was Hot Chocolat.

He’s also leading team-building exercises these days – teaching classes.

Meantime, Distinguished Foods is also home to the growing business Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, run by Tony Wilson (pictured below with Claiborne Bell).

Need a frosty treat after something savory? Claiborne’s Seattle Sorbets come in flavors such as mango sunset and raspberry merlot. He introduced us to Dora, who’s been making ice cream and sorbet for more than 20 years:

Dora’s roles are many, Claiborne notes, including helping manage the kitchen business. It’s been rebounding from the pandemic years – 17 companies operating in the kitchens pre-pandemic, down to five at the low point, “and things are just now coming back.” (The March 2020-September 2022 West Seattle Bridge took a toll too.) The “virtual restaurants” aren’t all open the same days and hours; most, Claiborne says, are open six days a week. But that’s part of the education he says they get from Distinguished Foods as an incubator – “be consistent with your hours and food. … Make money and do well.”

Haven’t tried any of the Distinguished Foods offerings? You can go to the north side of the building, peruse menus, press a button to alert the business, and place an order – or order online and go there for pickup. (Some work with delivery services too.) Here’s the directory by the door (but remember Aroy Mak has since moved – speaking of which, id you’re looking for a kitchen, Distinguished Foods has space):

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white mountain bike

April 7, 2024 4:27 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

4:27 PM: Just sent by Gary:

My bike was just stolen from the bike rack at West Seattle YMCA. Between 3:10 and 3:50 pm 4/7/24.

Description: white mountain bike, no name brand. Has a black bag/rack over back tire. Front suspension. ~~Seat has a tear on one side.~~ (added) Also, the stolen bike has (large) wheels so it’s extra tall.

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: Gary sent a photo (and adds that the bike has “straight black handlebars”):

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CLOSURE ALERT: High Point Library closed today because of ‘insufficient staffing’

April 7, 2024 2:38 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| High Point | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Thanks for texting the tip and photo. The Seattle Public Library‘s High Point branch is normally open 10 am-6 pm on Sundays, but is closed today – its webpage blames “insufficient staffing.” Also noted online: “The book return will remain open and holds will be extended.” Checking around the SPL site, we see our area’s other branches all appear to be open, until 6 pm as usual.

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In case you wondered too: About the ex-crane yard on Harbor Avenue

April 7, 2024 1:03 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

It’s been a while since the Heko Services crane yard cleared out of the property known as Pier 1 at 2130 Harbor Avenue SW, just southeast of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Several readers asked if we know anything about its future – maybe a redevelopment plan? Nothing new in online records, but the site is currently listed for lease, described as:

154,076 SF available, 3.5 acres land
$0.40/SF per month, NNN
Zoned UI U/85
Fenced and graveled

That’s from the flyer; the listing page on the Commercial MLS site also notes that this is “yard only” because “existing piers are not usable.” (Online records show a proposal four years ago for “a commercial grade pier and an adjacent marina facility.”) The listing page suggests the site might be a “great contractor yard, truck storage yard.” The site has a long backstory, including efforts to rezone it away from industrial use. The “UI” in its current zoning stands for “urban industrial,” a revision that was part of a zoning overhaul last year.

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COUNTDOWN: Six weeks until you can walk/run along the water during 2024’s West Seattle 5K

April 7, 2024 10:35 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Sunday, May 19, is the day for this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki – a spring tradition dating back to 2009 – and you can register now if you haven’t already. The season’s first big 5K is coordinated by the West Seattle High School PTSA, which provides the profits to fund a variety of programs, including a staffed Saturday Study Hall, classroom-supply needs, and student-led initiatives. In addition to general registration options, this year, for a second year, the West Seattle 5K will offer a friendly grade-level competition among WSHS students. The grade with the most registrants gets out of homeroom early for a special treat and gets a cash contribution ($250) to their grade-level ASB. Also, the “Sleep In” – just donate and skip the running/walking! – and “sponsor a student runner” options are available to all. Go here to see the registration options and race-day schedule, and to sign up! P.S. Community sponsors are on board too, including us (media sponsor since the first year).

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14 ways to spend your West Seattle Sunday!

April 7, 2024 6:16 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Gosling, photographed by James Tilley)

Good morning! Here are the Sunday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S 14TH ANNIVERSARY: The store‘s anniversary sale continues; plus, a 10 am special event today – Runner Relay: “Join in for fun, silly running-related tasks and come back to the shop afterward for beverages and snacks.” (2743 California SW)

ALL THE BEST PET CARE’S GRAND OPENING: Open 10 am-7 pm today, 10 percent discount to celebrate the grand opening of the West Seattle store (WSB sponsor) at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW. Free parking in garage behind the building.

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Bel Gatto (9253 45th SW).

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: End-of-season sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska) – today, “40% off your ENTIRE purchase of winter gear!”

SMALL-BIZ POP-UP MARKET: Shop a variety of vendors inside Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering early-spring vegetables and fruit, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: 10:30 am family-music concert featuring Eli Rosenblatt at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.

BEAVERS & BREWS: 2-5 pm, support BeaversNorthwest, learn about beavers, and have fun at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW). Live music with Sue Quigley at 3:30 pm!

MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: They perform to encourage you to support the WSFB, 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FIRST MATINEE FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The new play continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Ticket link in our calendar listing.

CONCERT TO BENEFIT WESTSIDE NEIGHBORS SHELTER: Enjoy the Boeing Employees Choir and support the Westside Neighbors Shelter, 4 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – no ticket needed; donations accepted at the door.

READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Another chance to start down the path to preparedness by spending just half an hour with Alice Kuder of Just in Case Disaster Preparedness Services (a new WSB sponsor), 7-7:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury), free – our calendar listing explains (with RSVP info)!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Wrap up your weekend with music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Woman robbed, assaulted at Westwood Village (updated Monday)

April 6, 2024 11:51 pm

| 42 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL SATURDAY NIGHT REPORT: Firefighters treated a 58-year-old woman for minor injuries after what was reported to police as a strong-arm robbery and assault at Westwood Village tonight. We don’t have full details of the circumstances, but it was reported to have happened near the Rite Aid store just before 5:30 pm. The victim told police that at least five teenagers – some boys, some girls – attacked her, taking her purse and wallet, according to dispatch. Officers found suspects a few blocks away and made at least one arrest. We’ll be following up.

MONDAY UPDATE, 11:37 AM: We asked SPD for the report narrative. Here’s their reply in its entirety:

On April 6 at about 5:20 p.m., Seattle police were called to a pharmacy in the 2600 block of Southwest Barton Street for reports of a strong-arm robbery. A woman (the victim) reported an employee confronted a group of teens inside the store for not paying for items and she also commented on the situation. She told police one of the teens, a 13-year-old boy, approached her and took her purse before running toward the exit. The woman chased after him. She told police she caught up to him at the store entrance and he grabbed her shirt and threw her to the ground. As she got back up and chased him, he punched her in the face. The suspect and the group ran eastbound on Southwest Barton Street. The victim called police. Officers found the suspect and two other teens near 18th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Barton Street. The 13-year-old boy was arrested and booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center for investigation of robbery. The two others were identified and released. The victim was treated by Seattle fire crews on the scene.

We’re also following up with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to find out what happens next with the 13-year-old suspect.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: First cruise ship of 2024

April 6, 2024 8:28 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lynn Hall for the photo of Norwegian Bliss, sailing in Elliott Bay this morning as the first cruise ship to arrive in Seattle this year. Cruises between Seattle and Alaska started in 2000 (four years after downtown Pier 66 opened), the Port of Seattle notes, calling this the 25th year (although technically it’s the 24th because of the pandemic hiatus in 2020). The schedule for this year, running through October 28, includes 275 sailings (more than seven times the 36 sailings that first year), 800,000 unique passengers, and close to $900 million in economic impact, the port calculates. As mentioned here back on Wednesday, Pier 66 – where this ship docked – is expected to be shore-power-capable by midseason; the other two cruise berths, in Magnolia, already are. Meantime, after its late-afternoon sailaway, Norwegian Bliss – which can carry up to 4,000 passengers and 1,700 crew members – is now outbound, approaching Port Angeles; its return next Saturday will be the season’s second cruise-ship call here (see the full season schedule here).

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COUNTDOWN: 3 weeks until West Seattle recycling, shredding events

April 6, 2024 6:13 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | Westwood

Three weeks to go until your next opportunities for free drive-up/ride-up recycling and shredding – this time in two separate events, Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28.

FREE RECYCLING: That’s the list of what Fauntleroy Church‘s next Recycle Roundup will and won’t take, 9 am-3 pm April 27 in the church lot. (You can also see it here in PDF.) Just drive up or ride/walk up and Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will take your item(s). The lot is at 9140 California SW.

FREE SHREDDING: The next day, 9 am-noon April 28, John L. Scott Real Estate Westwood (WSB sponsor) offers free shredding, while accepting food/money donations for the White Center Food Bank. Look for the canopy and truck that morning in the northwest lot at Westwood Village (west of the former Bed Bath and Beyond, north of the future Daiso).

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SURVEY: Councilmember Saka seeking D-1 opinions on proposed transportation levy

April 6, 2024 3:49 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

When the mayor introduced his transportation-levy proposal Thursday (WSB coverage here), that opened a three-week period for feedback to further shape it before he formally sends it to the City Council. The councilmember who will lead the council’s review, District 1’s Rob Saka, is asking for your opinions too, in a survey. It’s short, asking you to rank 10 potential spending areas in the order you’d want to see them prioritized – and also asking if you have a priority you don’t see on the list. Here’s where to find Councilmember Saka’s survey.

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ECLIPSE: If the weather cooperates, here’s where to watch – safely – in West Seattle

April 6, 2024 1:26 pm

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| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

Current forecast for midday Monday is mostly cloudy – but things can change, so here’s the place to be for guided viewing of the partial solar eclipse, if there’s a break in the clouds. Educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen – who gave away eclipse-viewing glasses at her spring-equinox sunset event (photo at right) – will be at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), in the grassy field near Olympic Hall on the south end of the campus. She’s planning to be there 10:35 am-12:25 pm Monday (April 8), with the maximum eclipse – 20% coverage – expected at 11:29 am. See the eclipse page on her Alice’s Astro Info website here. And wherever you’re looking from. remember, do it safely (Alice’s page explains how).

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: What you need to know about why dead sea lions aren’t quickly removed from beaches

April 6, 2024 11:29 am

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| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Even with a sign like that in view, people have asked about a dead sea lion that’s been in view on the beach at Constellation Park for a while. Though removal is not in the scope of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, we asked what they know about its status. That led to this explanation:

Many of you have seen Seal Sitters volunteers guarding vulnerable young harbor-seal pups resting onshore throughout the day. We also have the responsibility of responding to reports of deceased marine mammals that wash up on our local beaches.

When our hotline receives a report of a marine-mammal carcass on a public beach, a Seal Sitter first responder goes to the location. They take measurements, photos, and perform an external examination. This information along with the species type, degree of decomposition, and GPS coordinates will be entered into NOAA’s online national database. It is very important for scientific purposes that these deceased animals be reported. In some instances, a necropsy (animal autopsy) can be performed, depending on its condition and available resources. Seattle Parks and Recreation is always notified of the carcass’s location.

It is important to understand that NOAA’s stranding network, of which Seal Sitters is a member, is not responsible for the removal of these carcasses. Please note that it is illegal for anyone to push a dead animal back into the water once it has landed onshore. Towing and releasing or sinking requires a valid permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. Private property owners have a couple options. They can bury the carcass above the high tide line. They also can arrange for removal of the carcass by a company such as QAR (Quiet Animal Removal) for a fee.

Almost all California Sea Lions in our area are males and can reach up to 7.5 feet in length and weigh up to 700 pounds. Heavy equipment is required to remove them from the beach. Seattle Parks has the equipment to do this, but the carcass needs to be in an accessible location. Two CSL carcasses are currently on West Seattle public beaches. They have been reported to Seal Sitters and we have passed their location along to Seattle Parks, but they remain on the beach because they cannot be reached with the appropriate equipment. Seal Sitters’ first responders marked each carcass with biodegradable paint and placed informational signs nearby. The paint is applied for ID purposes, so if it floats to a different location on a high tide, it does not get double-counted. The signs inform passersby that the network is monitoring these dead animals’ locations and cautions against touching them for health reasons.

Seal Sitters wants to thank the West Seattle community for their support, and please continue to report both dead and live cases to our hotline at 206-905-7325.

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21 for your West Seattle Saturday!

April 6, 2024 6:16 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(West Seattle tulips, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Welcome to April’s first weekend! Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FIRST CRUISE SHIP: If you have eyes on Elliott Bay, you might notice NCL’s Norwegian Bliss, first cruise ship to visit Seattle this season, as previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S 14TH ANNIVERSARY: The store‘s anniversary sale continues all weekend; 8 am special event today – Group Run with donuts and chocolate milk afterward, sponsored by Superfeet, and they will be giving away a pair of semi-custom inserts valued at $150. (2743 California SW)

ALL THE BEST PET CARE’S GRAND OPENING: Open 9 am-7 pm today, 10 percent discount to celebrate the grand opening of the West Seattle store (WSB sponsor) at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW.

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: End-of-season sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska) all weekend – today, “30% off your ENTIRE purchase of winter gear, first dibs!”

COLLEGE BEACH VOLLEYBALL ON ALKI: Day 2 of the UW-hosted tournament, starting at 9 am; here’s our coverage of Day 1.

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open 10 am-2 pm today: “The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers.” (6000 16th Ave SW, north lot)

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

MEET THE ARTISTS AT ALKI ARTS: 5-7 tonight at the gallery (which is a WSB sponsor):

Mix & mingle with artists Vanessa Lanza, Andy McConnell, Lisa Sweo Eul, Kassie Hennessey, Ricardo Duque, Debbie Bianchi, & David Harrison. Talk with the artists about their artwork, inspiration, & their process. Light nibbles & sparkling wine will be served-This event is a great first look at the new exhibit for April!

(6030 California SW)

THIRD NIGHT FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The new play continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Ticket link in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT C & P: Unplugged “Circle of Songs,” 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.’

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: “Festival of Friends, Bandmixers Roulette events feature curated cover bands showcasing select songs from some of rock music’s most iconic bands and artists” describes what’ll happen tonight at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) – doors at 6:30 pm, show at 7:30 pm, $10 cover, 21+.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ OV1 is at the Room. (4547 California SW, alley side)

KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

Planning a pop-up, concert, open house, show, sale, event, walk, run, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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