West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Shooting

    MAN SHOT TO DEATH: Sixth 2024 WS homicide

  • Salmon

    WELCOME, SALMON: When will they show up?

  • New owner

    NEW OWNER: What’s in this café’s future

BIZNOTE: You asked, so we asked West Seattle’s local True Value store about the national news
October 15, 2024 2:47 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Several readers asked how West Seattle’s Junction True Value store would be affected by national news about True Value’s Chapter 11 filing and sale. Short answer: Not much if at all, store management told us – Junction True Value is a locally owned, independent store, like 4,500 other stores carrying the True Value name. The True Value company involved in the filing and sale has just basically been one of the store’s vendors; until about seven years ago, we’re told, it was basically a buying cooperative. (The co-op was explained when we reported on Junction True Value’s long history in 2013, as the store celebrated its 60th anniversary.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Sportage
October 15, 2024 1:00 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Emily emailed us about her car, stolen in North Admiral:

Gray/silver Kia Sportage, 2017
License plate # CHT 1360
Police report: 24-292722

Please call 911 if you find it.

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FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ‘ghost boat’ will be back Wednesday
October 15, 2024 12:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy dock last Sunday)

12:45 PM: Washington State Ferries has lost a boat to at least a week of repairs – and though that boat wasn’t on the Triangle Route, that route is still caught up in the resulting shuffle. The boat that’s out of service is one of the system’s biggest vessels, M/V Tacoma, which has been on the Bainbridge Island route, and WSF says it’s out for at least a week “due to a serious mechanical issue that was discovered last night.” So the same-size M/V Puyallup is moving to Bainbridge. Here’s where the Triangle Route effects come in: M/V Salish, which has been the unscheduled third boat (nicknamed “ghost boat”) on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth, will move to Edmonds/Kingston to replace Puyallup, so the route serving our dock will only have the regular two boats TFN. (Vessel Watch shows Salish northbound right now in fact, just past Alki Point.)

3:10 PM: Just in from WSF – the expected weeklong repairs of M/V Tacoma took only hours, and the Salish will be back as the unscheduled Triangle Route boat tomorrow.

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UPDATE: House fire at 13th/Cloverdale
October 15, 2024 11:14 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: Reader photo, posted by Mia in comments)

11:14 AM: SFD has a full response going to what’s described as an attic fire in the 8400 block of 13th SW [near Cloverdale]. First arriving crews report “flames from the roof.”

(WSB photos from here down)

11:22 AM: Everyone inside is reported to have gotten out OK. Firefighters say they’re “making progress on the fire.”

11:28 AM: Firefighters report the fire is under control.

11:40 AM: Our crew at the scene reports it’s now “tapped” (out). SFD confirms no injuries; their investigator is on the way.

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New youth-sports training program, dine-out fundraiser, choir tryouts, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
October 15, 2024 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news

(Elliott Bay through turning trees, photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open noon-8 pm today – drop in any time to see what’s on display for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards to be sent to voters in other states, with just three weeks to go until Election Day – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), Program: “Kim Bogucki and Felisa Bryant of the IF Project that assists prisoners writing projects to help change their lives and reduce the cycle of recidivism.”

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

DINE OUT FOR WSHS FOOTBALL: 4-8 pm at West Wings (2329 California SW), both in-person and online orders count toward this fundraiser for West Seattle HS Football.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL: As previewed here, the Boeing Employees Choir (which is actually open to all) is having an open rehearsal at 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska).

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join this online meeting, 6:30 pm, to work on your leadership and speaking skills.

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia options for Tuesday – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: One 7 pm home match – West Seattle HS vs. Ballard. (3000 California SW)

NEW TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TEEN ATHLETES: Open house tonight, 7:30 pm, at Seattle Strength and Performance (2942 SW Avalon Way; WSB sponsor):

We are so excited to announce the launch of our Youth Athletics program at SSP West Seattle. Our programs include mobility, power, speed/agility, strength, and conditioning training to help our athletes in every aspect of sports. These skills improve performance in team and individual sports, and how we train at SSP builds comfort in an athletic weight room environment so our athletes are prepared and ready for the next level and for a lifetime of healthy habits! We’re kicking things off with an Open House on Tuesday, October 15th, at 7:30 p.m. This is a chance for parents and athletes alike to learn more about our program, meet our coaches, see the facility, ask questions, and sign up for our special founding-member trial offer! For the time being, we are kicking off our program by welcoming our athletes 13 and older.

RSVP here if you’re going.

WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: Monthly meeting at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 7:30 pm.

Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering David W. Kappel, 65
October 15, 2024 8:59 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Friends and family are remembering David Kappel and sharing this remembrance with his community:

David William Kappel died on October 4 at the age of 65. He was much too young to die. He had suffered a massive stroke about a week before, and was also dealing with muscular dystrophy and complications of diabetes.

Before being hospitalized, Dave had lived in West Seattle for more than 30 years and especially loved Lincoln Park.

David was born in Detroit and raised in suburban Oak Park. He graduated from Michigan State University and was a lifelong fan of Michigan State sports. One of his most thrilling memories was attending MSU Spartans basketball games when soon-to-be superstar Magic Johnson was playing.

Dave also had a lifelong love of animals. As a child, he rescued an injured baby robin, whom he named Peter, and nursed him back to health. He said he was almost sure Peter revisited him each spring for several years. He also was best friends withh his family’s lively, rambunctious dog, Snoopy. As an adult, he adored his smart, affectionate conure parrots: Pickle, Verdi, and Danny. The first two passed away, but Danny is thriving and is right by my side. As Dave was taken away to the ambulance, he asked about Danny.

I had the pleasure of visiting numerous national parks with Dave – Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, Grand Tetons, Olympic, Redwood, and many others. Another highlight was driving up the California coast, including Big Sur.

Astronomy was another favorite pastime. Despite the light pollution in Seattle, he was able to point out many constellations and spotted dozens of meteors over the years.

We appreciate the care he received at Swedish Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to the American Bird Conservancy, World Parrot Trust, BirdLife International, Earthjustice, or any related animal/environmental organization. More importantly, please vote. That would be his final wish.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Tuesday begins
October 15, 2024 6:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, October 15th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rain expected, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:29 am, while sunset will be at 6:19 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, which SDOT now expects will happen around October 28th. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*The south Beach Drive gas-pipeline project continues.

TRANSIT

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

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

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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SPORTS: Cross-peninsula volleyball battle as league-leading West Seattle HS hosts Chief Sealth IHS
October 14, 2024 11:59 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand. Above, WSHS #6, junior Jas Daily)

The big high-school sports excitement on the peninsula this fall is on the court, not the field. West Seattle High School‘s volleyball team is leading the Metro League. Chief Sealth International High School is right behind them. The two met tonight for the first time this season, at the WSHS gym. Big draw on both sides:

The Wildcats took the match in three straight sets.

(Above, WSHS #2, senior Sadie Miller)

(Above, CSIHS #8, senior Allison Ohta)

Scores were 25-12, 25-11, and, with the Seahawks trying to rally for a comeback, 25-18.

(Above, CSIHS #2, senior Charlotte Lindow)

(Above, WSHS #5, sophomore Zoe Hanson)

Also seen on the court – dinosaurs:

No, it’s not early Halloween; WSHS has launched student dino racing at home matches, to win free pizza. WSHS (9-0), led by head coach Scott Behrbaum, plays again at home tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 15), vs. Ballard; Chief Sealth (12-2), led by head coach Lorraine Toilolo, is on the road tomorrow, at Seattle Academy, also at 7 pm,

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From park to politics, here’s what Morgan Community Association will hear/talk about Wednesday
October 14, 2024 8:23 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

This week brings several community meetings of note – including the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly gathering, 7 pm Wednesday (October 16), in person at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s lower-level community room (7141 California SW) or online.
This meeting is always wall-to-wall with important community info, so if you’re interested in Morgan Junction (and often lower Gatewood) matters, be there. The agenda says discussion topics will include what’s next for the Morgan Junction Park expansion, where contaminated dirt was recently dug up, and plans to add an “all-wheel area” to the park (here’s our most-recent update). Traffic safety, police updates, and a new business will get some time too, as will the race for City Council citywide Position 8 beteen Tanya Woo and Alexis Mercedes Rinck. All are welcome, no RSVP or membership required – just show up or click in!

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HALLOWEEN 2024: Around-the-clock haunt
October 14, 2024 6:34 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Halloween | West Seattle news

As we continue spotlighting West Seattle Halloween decorations, here’s a haunt to see day or night!

Thanks to the texter who sent day and night views of that house on SW Andover just west of 42nd SW. Want to show us yours (or a display you’ve admired)? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (See what we’ve published already by scrolling through our Halloween-coverage archive here.)

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HOLIDAY PREVIEW: Christmas Ship scheduled for two West Seattle stops this year
October 14, 2024 4:43 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Thanksgiving is still six and a half weeks away, but yes, we’re ready to talk (a bit) about the holidays – with seasonal calendar listings starting to come in. One that might interest you for early planning: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is making only two West Seattle visits this year, both on the same night – its first night of the year, Saturday, November 23. On that night, the Pacific Sound Chorus will be on board to serenade both passengers on the ship and spectators onshore. The Christmas Ship will visit Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) 5:35-5:55 pm that night, and Alki Beach Park (2665 Alki SW), 8:35-8:55 pm. Weather permitting, a bonfire is planned at Alki, with Seattle Parks.

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Young performer in the family? Or anyone seeking inspiration? ‘Call Me Dancer’ benefit screening for theater at Chief Sealth IHS
October 14, 2024 2:56 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

“The show must go on!” That’s the timeless motto for performers – even when they’re faced with adversity such as lack of resources – but they’re never without hope. The theater program at Chief Sealth International High School will get to ensure shows keep going on, if you lend a hand – by attending the upcoming benefit screening the award-winning film featured in the trailer above, “Call Me Dancer.” In case you haven’t already seen this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement:

Friday evening, October 25th, at the Chief Sealth International High School Performing Arts Center: ‘Call Me Dancer’ is truly an amazing film, and anyone who wants some inspiration and lifting up will adore it.

A truly great film is always interesting in itself, but soars above the subject matter as well — to astound and
inspire, to draw out strong emotions from the viewer and, ultimately, to make us look at our own lives in a
different way. The true-life adventure Call Me Dancer does all of this and more, winning it prizes and accolades
all over the world. It soars and twirls and summersaults and inspires, while telling the story of Manish Chauhan, a young Indian street dancer pursuing his unlikely but burning passion to become a ballet dancer. Shot in India, UK, Israel and the US, we get to experience Manish’s incredible charisma and talent, as well as his wonderful family and some of the extraordinary people who help change his life. The film is directed by Leslie Shampaine and Pip Gilmore, and features music from legendary singer/songwriter Jay Sean and hip-hop artist/rapper Anik Khan, with a sublime score by Nainita Desai and Nina Humphreys.

The non-profit BAYFEST Youth Theatre runs the drama and performing arts program at Sealth, but we have recently suffered an almost total funding cut from Seattle Public Schools, due to their current huge budget crisis (and of course the arts seem always to be one of the first things to go…) But the Show Must Go On, and we have gotten exclusive rights to hold a screening of the film Call Me Dancer, which has won awards all over the world in the past year, as a fundraiser for the program, which we are very excited about. Besides being VERY anxious to sell as many tickets as we can to raise program funds, this is a rare opportunity for people to see this wonderful and inspirational film.

GET YOUR TICKET(S) HERE

Some tickets might be available at the door, but the price is lower in advance; a share of the proceeds also will benefit West Seattle Performing Arts. The film is just under an hour and a half, in English and (subtitled) Hindi. The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Sandwich truck Aimee Owenz opening in ex-Tony’s lot
October 14, 2024 11:59 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Photos courtesy Aimee Owenz)

After Tony’s Market announced its impending closure in August, we learned a food truck with Cuban sandwiches was on the way to its lot, which already hosts a Mexican-food truck. The sandwich truck’s owner then turned up in a comment thread on another food story, and promised to update us when she was ready to open. Now, after soft-opening last weekend, the Aimee Owenz truck will officially open tomorrow. Proprietor Jenn tells WSB, “We are tentatively planning to be open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am-7 pm. We are working on our website and will be adding DoorDash too.” In the meantime, here’s the menu. And here’s a photo of their Cuban sandwich:

The Aimee Owenz truck is on the east side of the lot at 35th/Barton.

P.S. We asked Jenn about the truck’s name: “It’s mine and my brother’s middle names and while we were waiting for the city approval for our truck, our mom unexpectedly passed away. We feel even more proud to honor her. She liked the way Aimee was spelled and Owenz is a family name, so in a serendipitous way she named it.”

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VIDEO: Fauntleroy Creek awaits salmon, after the annual gathering to welcome them
October 14, 2024 10:41 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photos, video)

It is now the season of suspense for those who care for and about Fauntleroy Creek: When will coho salmon spawners show up? Wondering about questions like that is what concluded this year’s gathering to welcome them, with singing, drumming, and more. Some of the ~100 people who showed up visited the creek after ceremonially placing stones on a banner in the center of their circle:

The gathering was just yards from the creek, in a courtyard outside the home of creek stewards (and Salmon in the Schools volunteers) Judy Pickens and Phil Sweetland. Judy told the crowd she was “delighted you all are interested in this little creek of ours.”

More than a quarter-century has passed since Judy and other volunteers led the restoration that brought salmon back into the creek. Now, each year the work to keep it accessible includes clearing logs from the creek’s mouth near the ferry dock (that was done three weeks ago). Now it’s time to watch, wait, and count – Dennis Hinton told the gathering that while the high tides are high enough now for salmon, there’s not enough water in the creek for them until we get more rain.

(Even that might not bring immediate results, he noted, since the first spawners didn’t show up until early November last year.) Learning about the creek and fish was a lesson for all ages in attendance:

The music-making was again led by Jamie Shilling:

She was joined this year by Chaz Hastings, a tabla drummer who Judy also noted is a “newly minted creek volunteer”:

The gathering was, as always, brief, with a few familiar songs paying tribute to the creek and the fish, and a chance for the kids to imagine what it might be like to be a fish:

Dappled late-afternoon sun came through the creekside trees, as organizers observed they couldn’t remember the last time this mid-October gathering was greeted by 70-degree warmth. Likely it’ll be colder, and muddier, by the time the fish make their appearance; as Judy told the gathering, once that happens, volunteers will likely host an “open creek” day so you come down to creekside to try to see them yourself (watch for announcements here on WSB). It’s impossible to predict how spawning season will go – last year, watchers counted 34 coho; the year before, 254.

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Our West Seattle list – including holiday closures/changes – for today/tonight (updated)
October 14, 2024 8:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photographed on 26th SW south of Roxbury by Gill Loring)

Here’s our highlight list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CLOSURES/CHANGES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY/COLUMBUS DAY: Libraries are closed … many Seattle Parks programs/facilities are closed … It’s a postal holiday and banking holiday … Street parking is free today in Seattle neighborhoods where the city charges for it.

COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Multiple artists’ cup creations are on display all month at Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th SW), open until 2 pm.

CUPCAKE ROYALE’S LAST DAY: After 19 years, today is closing day for Cupcake Royale‘s West Seattle café at California/Alaska, 10 am-5 pm.

ART SALON: Monthly “safe space for creative people to gather,” 4-6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

(per commenter, every other week now, next one is October 21) FOOD TRUCK IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Rotating weekly food-truck visit, 4000 block of SW 107th, 4 pm.

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

D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.

SPORTS: The undefeated West Seattle High School volleyball team hosts Chief Sealth International High School, 7 pm. (3000 California SW)

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: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – tonight, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

SING! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Monday notes
October 14, 2024 6:00 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, October 14th, Indigenous Peoples Day in our state and 16 others, Columbus Day federally.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rain expected by afternoon, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:27 am, while sunset will be at 6:21 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, which SDOT now says is expected to happen around October 28th. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*The south Beach Drive gas-pipeline project continues.

TRANSIT

No changes for Indigenous Peoples Day:

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

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

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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UPDATE: Admiral Way hit-run crash
October 13, 2024 9:32 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:32 PM: Thanks to those who’ve sent photos of this crash at Admiral Way/57th SW this past hour. No major injuries reported. But police are looking for the driver of the Honda Fit, who reportedly walked away from the scene, which is what makes it a hit-run. Police told dispatch the car is registered to someone who lives nearby. They also reported that a gun was found/seen inside. The car will be impounded. An SDOT crew is being summoned to clean up a fluid spill.

10:16 PM: Police just told dispatch that Admiral Way has fully reopened. We’re checking with SFD re: injuries.

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UPDATE: Man shot and killed at gas station in southeast West Seattle
October 13, 2024 8:11 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photos)

8:11 PM: SPD and SFD have converged on the 7800 block of Detroit SW – at or near Shree’s Truck Stop – to investigate a reported shooting. The ~50-year-old man who is reported to have been shot is or was in a car – police don’t know yet whether he was shot there, or driven there after being shot elsewhere.

8:14 PM: Police just told dispatch the shooting happened at the scene where the victim was found.

8:16 PM: Officers have just told dispatch the victim has died.

8:49 PM: We are at the scene. Police say no one is in custody and they have no information on suspects. Adding scene photos.

10:32 PM: Police have just posted about this on SPD Blotter but the only new detail is that the victim was 53. If you have any information, they ask that you call 206-233-5000.

NOTE: This is the sixth non-vehicular homicide in West Seattle so far this year, after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Center in January, 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara‘s shooting death on Duwamish Head in June, 53-year-old William Tappe‘s beating death in the east Junction area in June, 32-year-old Laupule Talaga‘s shooting death in The Triangle last month, and 57-year-old Tammy Towers Parry‘s shooting death south of The Junction on October 1.

ADDED: We just went through the archives; six was the West Seattle homicide total for all of 2023. And one of those was a deadly shooting at the Delridge Shree’s gas station – the victim was shot there, drove away, and died exiting the West Seattle Bridge.

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HALLOWEEN 2024: Daylight sights
October 13, 2024 7:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Halloween | West Seattle news

We’re continuing our spotlight on West Seattle Halloween decorations, with photos sent by readers. These are from Amanda:

Our wonderful, Halloween-loving neighbors have outdone themselves again. Located on the NE corner of 42nd Ave SW and SW Hudson. Plenty to see on both sides of the yard during the day.

Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos/video so far – you can scroll through our Halloween-coverage archive (including past years) by going here. And if you have a display to suggest we showcase, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Love chili? Three West Seattle cookoffs ahead
October 13, 2024 6:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Chili flight from 2022 West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival cookoff)

The weather may not yet be chilly … but the food forecast is chili. Three upcoming events in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar feature fundraising chili cookoffs, so we’re spotlighting them in case you haven’t yet heard.

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH/Y CENTENNIAL CHILI COOKOFF: The first one is coming up this Wednesday (October 16, 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church‘s fellowship hall (9140 California SW), part of the centennial celebration. Organizers say, “We will be donating all proceeds from this Chili Fest Cookoff to a shared campaign to eliminate medical debt for families in need in the Seattle area.” $15/person, kids under 10 free. If you’re a chili cook, you can even register to compete. RSVP – whether you’re a prospective chili consumer or cook – by going here.

WESTSIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK: Next Saturday (October 19) at 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), this coalition of faith communities is raising money for its social work via its first-ever chili cookoff. Tickets for this one are also $15, and you get chili, cornbread, and salad, plus additional donation/purchase opportunities to support WIN’s projects such as the weekly Welcome Table for people in need. Buy your ticket(s) here.

JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: West Seattle’s premier chili cookoff is back this year during the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, starting at 11 am Sunday, October 27. Restaurants and other pro food purveyors compete to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank; you buy a flight of chili (while they last) in the festival zone at California/Alaska, and vote for your fave. (No advance ticketing for this one.) We’ll be checking in with the WSFB soon to see who’s competing this year (and to see what the pricing will be)!

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NEXT SUNDAY! Three ways to be part of this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival
October 13, 2024 4:00 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(A few of the cakes from 2022 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)

Bake a cake for the cake-judging contest/cakewalk! Volunteer to help ensure the festival is fun for all! Or – just show up and enjoy it! Those are three ways to be part of this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, 2-5 pm next Sunday (October 20) on both sides of the 9140 block of California SW [map]. Besides the cakes (participation details to come), the festival will include pumpkin-painting, birdhouse-building, bunny-petting, raptor-watching, salmon-hat-making, inflatable-bouncing/climbing, live music, and more. It’s not just kid stuff – all ages will find fun. Free except for food concessions, but if you come, donations are always welcome to help cover the costs (look for opportunities near the entrances) – this longrunning festival is entirely powered by donations and volunteers. See you there!

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READER REPORT: West Seattle screening celebrates women’s soccer
October 13, 2024 2:25 pm
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 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(First and third photos by Matthew J. Clark)

Local youth soccer players, families, and supporters gathered one week ago for a special screening celebrating women’s soccer. Event organizer Christine Clark sent this report:

Last Sunday (Oct 6th), Highline Soccer Association hosted a free film screening at the historic Admiral Theater to help raise funds for scholarships for their HSA Select players. The featured film was COPA ’71, a documentary about the long-forgotten story of how Mexico City hosted the first-ever Women’s World Cup Soccer tournament in 1971.

It’s an incredible and important documentary of how these pioneers helped create women’s soccer today. Interviews from players along with a historian bring this true event back to life thanks to Directors Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine and Executive Producers Serena and Venus Williams and Alex Morgan.

Over 200 people of all ages packed the Admiral. Jessica Pierce from Junction FC was also in the audience and made a very special announcement after the film – saying that Junction FC has big news in the near future that will further empower women in soccer in our community!

(Christine Clark and Jessica Pierce)

HSA Event Promoter Christine Clark said that “After seeing this film a year ago at SIFF, I knew it would be important for many more to see. I am a huge supporter of girls and women in sports and happy to help keep that movement moving forward. COPA ’71 has such an important message, so I was thrilled with our turn out and hope, in turn, all will tell their friends to see.” If you’d like to view the film, you can stream it on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV.

HSA would like to do a big shout-out to the Admiral Theater for their kindness and help with this event. Danny Ramos and partner Shoshana were fantastic.

If you’d like to make a donation to support youth soccer and give athletes a chance to play, you can donate to HSA via Venmo: @HighlineSoccerAssociation

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CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth slowpitch-softball team wins Metro League championship
October 13, 2024 12:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio sent the photo and report:

Congratulations to the Chief Sealth Slowpitch team for defeating Ballard 15-9 in the Metro Championship yesterday at SWAC. They will play Holy Names in the 1st round of the Sea-King District Tournament.

Here’s the bracket – the tournament is also at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), next Thursday and Saturday (October 17 and 19). The Seahawks’ first game is at 5 pm Thursday. Chief Sealth slowpitch softball has a history of success, including back-to-back league championships in 2019 – with a trip to the state tournament – and pandemic-rescheduled 2020-2021.

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