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Spotlight Stories


  • Lowman

    BEACH PARTY: Lowman celebration

  • Charges

    CHARGES FILED: 4 West Seattle cases

  • Bridge

    WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: First traffic stats

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 11 notes
September 25, 2022 6:34 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday night sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: From SDOT:

-We’re paving a section of Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and SW Sylvan Heights Dr from about 7 AM to 4 PM.

-We’ll have traffic control in place around the concrete panels at 34th/Barton that were replaced Saturday, so people do not drive on the new concrete panels while the concrete cures.

-We’re also paving on California Ave SW between Admiral Way SW and SW Walker St. with work starting around 7 AM and ending by 4 PM each day.

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with early-fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, prepared food, and more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.

DONATION DROPOFFS AT ALKI UCC: 11 am-3 pm – our calendar listing explains what they’re hoping to collect. (6115 SW Hinds)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: You can visit the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki today, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens_

BAND IN THE JUNCTION: For a second day, a brass band will play in The Junction. See/hear Filthy FemCorps in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) at 12:30 pm.

CLASSIC NOVELS/MOVIES DISCUSSION: 3 pm, the West Seattle Classic Novels (and Movies) Book Club meets at C & P Coffee Company. “Title to discuss: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.” (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

ROSH HASHANAH: The Jewish New Year observance begins at sundown (7 pm).

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Sights in the sky: Those were Starlink satellites, again
September 24, 2022 9:29 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(Photo tweeted by Yolanda, looking west from Fauntleroy)

Thanks for the tips and pics. Once again, a SpaceX rocket launch deploying Starlink satellites has led to a startling sighting in the West Seattle sky. This time, they launched 52 satellites for more internet connectivity in certain regions of the world. Another launch last month led to a similar sighting. Today’s launch was at 4:32 pm our time; the next one, according to EarthSky, could be as soon as Friday (September 30th).

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VIDEO: ‘This kind of project isn’t supposed to happen!’ Celebrating Lowman Beach’s shoreline restoration
September 24, 2022 9:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photos/video)

At today’s celebration of the shoreline-restoration project at Lowman Beach Park, Duwamish Tribe member Ken Workman shared the area’s historic name: gWal, or “capsize.” That certainly was once a risk for the at-times-controversial project, which took years of building public support and seeking grant funding to become reality. The project was originally centered on removing the crumbling north seawall at Lowman, but expanded to removing its beloved waterfront tennis court and daylighting the end of Pelly Creek.

The creek end won’t really come into its own until the fall/winter rains. But the expanded shore that replaced all but a small northern stub of seawall has been a joy for park visitors since the project’s completion earlier this summer:

Before this morning’s ribboncutting, there were speeches, emceed by Deb Barker, president of the Morgan Community Association, which hosted many community discussions about Lowman – as she observed, “This kind of project isn’t supposed to happen,” and yet it beat the odds:

Other speakers in our video were Workman, deputy mayor Greg Wong, who marveled at Lowman’s natural beauty, longtime acting Parks superintendent (and former West Seattleite) Christopher Williams, and Kathryn Gardow, representing the state agency that provided some of the funding. They were all joined in the ribbon-cutting by two local students, Ken from Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) and Ezra from Gatewood Elementary. The celebration also featured The Whale Trail – Lowman is a great spot for shore-based whale-watching – and Alki Kayak Tours/Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) with stand-up paddleboarding demos. Williams also acknowledged the community:

Not only did nearby residents endure months of work on this project, but as Williams observed, they also had been through years of work on King County’s Murray Wet Weather Facility across the street (dedicated in 2017). His acknowledgment also included the Parks managers who made the project happen – David Graves shepherded it for years, including seeking grants:

And Janice Liang managed the project through its construction:

P.S. Looking into our archives for this story, we found this 2010 WSB clip with a 360-degree view of what Lowman Beach Park used to look like (not only before this project, but before the overflow facility across the street, which replaced a block of residences).

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VIDEO: 8-Bit Brass Band plays in The Junction
September 24, 2022 6:57 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

There’s an old saying that the ultimate way to celebrate something is to have a “brass band” heralding it. Toward that end, the West Seattle Junction’s day of celebrating the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge has just been wrapped by music from the 8-Bit Brass Band:

Online, the band describes itself as “your geeky, mobile brass band specializing in bringing our brand of brassy, bangy, and nerdly to the streets and stages of Seattle. … We put a new twist on old favorites from video games, science fiction, fantasy, cartoons, and more.” And that they did, for the bit we recorded on video – let’s just call it Empire-ical:

At least one 8-Bit Brass Band member lives in West Seattle, Kevin Freitas. And he tipped us that another brass band is playing The Junction tomorrow – Filthy FemCorps will be in Junction Plaza Park at 12:30 pm Sunday.

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Last week for small nonprofits to apply for Verity Credit Union microgrants
September 24, 2022 3:55 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Some West Seattle organizations have received them already – and yours might be next. Verity Credit Union (WSB sponsor) is offering microgrants “for organizations whose work benefits historically underserved communities within Washington State.” These microgrants are $2,500 each and are intended for small nonprofit organizations, with assets of no more than $250,000. The deadline for applying for this cycle of consideration is next Friday (September 30th); find out more about the program, and get the application link, by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Admiral Station Apartments’ grand opening
September 24, 2022 1:15 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The first major mixed-use project to be built in The Admiral District in several years is now open. A grand-opening celebration is happening through 4 pm today at Admiral Station Apartments (2715 California SW) – all are welcome to drop by for food (catered by Husky Deli and Puerto Vallarta), a raffle, swag, and tours through 4 pm.

We visited Admiral Station, which has 49 apartments – 12 already leased – earlier this week for an advance tour. Here’s what we saw:

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UPDATE: Here’s why Junction TrueValue was unexpectedly closed this morning
September 24, 2022 11:41 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

11:41 AM: Thanks for the tip. We went to Junction TrueValue after a texter said it was unexpectedly closed for “a medical emergency.” When we got there, we found a responder from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, which handles death investigations. TrueValue staff told us that a customer came in this morning and collapsed; medics were called and tried to revive him but could not. That’s all we know so far; the store is expected to reopen at some point this afternoon.

11:55 AM: Just got word that the store has reopened.

2:40 PM: TrueValue clarifies that the person did not come into the store – he was found just outside before they opened, and they called 911; the emergency response kept them from opening until the ME responder subsequently completed their work. SFD tells us the man who died was 29 years old.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Drop-off recycling in Fauntleroy
September 24, 2022 9:49 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

No waiting in the lot at Fauntleroy Church when we went over to check on the early turnout at today’s Recycle Roundup. Just drive/ride/walk into the lot at 9140 California SW, and the crews from 1 Green Planet will assist you in getting your recyclables into one of their big green containers..

This is free (though you can donate to help them cover the costs if you want to). The list of what they’re accepting, and not accepting, this time is here.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 19 things to know
September 24, 2022 6:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday night sunset, photographed by Lynn Hall. Tonight the sun sets at 7:03 pm)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here are events and notes for your Saturday:

ROAD WORK: From SDOT:

-We’re paving a section of Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and SW Sylvan Heights Dr from about 7 AM to 4 PM.

-We’re replacing concrete panels at the intersection of 34th Ave SW and SW Barton St. We expect to start this work around 7 AM and conclude by 3 PM.

-We’re also paving on California Ave SW between Admiral Way SW and SW Walker St, with work starting around 7 AM and ending by 4 PM.

RECYCLE ROUNDUP: 9 am-3 pm, bring your non-curbside recyclables to Fauntleroy Church‘s lot, for free (donations accepted) recycling with 1 Green Planet. Here’s the list of what will/won’t be accepted. (9140 California SW)

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See (and post) listings in the WSB Community Forums.

‘CARE FOR THE STRANDED’: 9:30 am-12:30 pm “walkshop” in Lincoln Park, explained in our preview.

LOWMAN BEACH CELEBRATION: 10 am-noon, celebrate and learn about the seawall-removal/beach-restoration project completed this summer. Activities plus a ribboncutting ceremony (10:15-10:40ish). (7017 Beach Drive SW)

SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP: 10 am-noon, Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW) hosts this workshop for women (ages 13 and up)_ Register here; pay what you can.

SALE AND BARBECUE: 10 am-6 pm, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is having a one-day sale to celebrate the bridge reopening, open 10 am-6 pm. TRG and co-housed The Bass Shop (also a WSB sponsor) are also hosting a barbecue noon-3 pm. (6400 California SW)

WESTFEST, DAY TWO: 10 am-10 pm, the festival on the campus of Holy Rosary School offers games, entertainment, food, and fun. Free admission. The entertainment lineup is in our calendar listing. (42nd between Dakota and Genesee)

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The twice-monthly farmers’ market centered on BIPOC growers and makers continues into the fall at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW), 10 am-2 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION SIDEWALK SALE: All day, shop The Junction to celebrate the bridge reopening – our preview includes some of the participants and what they’re offering. (Anybody else? Comment below!)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is open (61st/Stevens).

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

ADMIRAL STATION GRAND OPENING: The newly built mixed-use apartment complex at 2715 California SW invites you to visit 1-4 pm as they celebrate its grand opening. Husky Deli ice cream!

WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

8-BIT BRASS BAND: See and hear the band live on the southwest corner of California/Alaska at 5:30 pm.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: In-store show at 6 pm, Ten Miles Wide. Free, all ages. (California/Alaska)

EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Citizens of Earth, 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Free, all ages.

DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: West End Girls, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. $15 at the door. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS reclaims Huling Bowl trophy from West Seattle HS
September 23, 2022 10:09 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos/video by Patrick Sand, unless otherwise credited)

10:09 PM: This year’s cross-peninsula bragging rights have just gone back to Chief Sealth International High School, after they won the annual Huling Bowl football game against West Seattle High School, 34-8. The Wildcats won resoundingly last year after four consecutive Seahawk wins, but tonight Chief Sealth had the upper hand on the field. Details and photos later.

3:10 AM: We’ve added more toplines and photos/video from the game, which drew a sizable crowd to Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, bigger than we can remember in most years (weather might have been a factor – the game is often later in the season, and last year it was raining). Both schools had robust cheering sections:

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SATURDAY: Self-defense workshop at Combat Arts Academy
September 23, 2022 9:02 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Late add to the lineup for tomorrow: Combat Arts Academy (5050 Delridge Way SW) sent word that they’re hosting a self-defense workshop for women, 10 am-noon Saturday. Ages 13 and up, by donation, pay what you can. Sign up in advance here.

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REMINDER: Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church on Saturday
September 23, 2022 6:37 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from April’s Recycle Roundup)

Reminding you one last time because this is happening on Saturday (September 24th) instead of the traditional Sunday – tomorrow’s the day you can bring non-curbside-friendly recyclables to Fauntleroy Church. The fall Recycle Roundup is set for 9 am-3 pm in the church lot at 9140 California SW [map] – drive up, ride up, walk up to drop off your item(s). Here’s the list of what the church’s recycling partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t accept this time. It’s free, but if you want to donate something to help cover the cost, they’ll welcome it. And one more request, they hope to avoid a last-minute jam, so if you can possibly bring your recyclables in before the last hour, that’s appreciated too.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Charges filed in 4 cases
September 23, 2022 5:00 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, four West Seattle cases in which charges were recently filed:

UNLAWFUL GUN POSSESSION: 26-year-old Antonio E. Ortiz of West Seattle was already wanted on a half-million-dollar warrant for robbery and other charges when he was arrested for this. Police who knew he was the subject of that warrant spotted him in the Westwood area on September 10th, driving a red BMW near Westwood Village. They followed him to the Roxbury Safeway gas station. Police converged on him there and took him into custody. Inside the car, on the front passenger seat, court documents say, they subsequently found a “Glock handgun with a high-capacity drum magazine.” It turned out to have been stolen from Auburn. Ortiz was ineligible to possess any gun, stolen or otherwise, as he has a robbery conviction on his record. So a first-degree unlawful gun possession charge has been added to what he already was facing, and 13 days after his arrest, Ortiz remains in jail, bail set at $610,000.

ANOTHER GUN POSSESSION CASE: Earlier this week, we mentioned that police arrested a 28-year-old man, after he was found in a car on Harbor Island with a handgun, despite being ineligible to possess one since he is a convicted felon, Now John J. Kyllo of North Seattle is charged with first-degree unlawful gun possession. Court documents say he was found in the crashed car last Sunday, unconscious, with the loaded 45-caliber Ruger handgun in his waistband. It turned out to have been stolen in Tacoma. Kyllo has six felony convictions on his record, including robbery, burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. King County Jail records show his bail was set at $10,000 and he was released the day after his arrest.

STOLEN CAR: An auto theft in Admiral factors into charges filed against a 26-year-old woman. Prosecutors say Destiny R. Sweeney of Bothell acknowledged driving a Nissan Sentra stolen from the 2600 block of 42nd SW sometime between September 11th and 13th. Court documents say this is what happened: On September 14th, state corrections officers noticed the car, without plates, in South Seattle, and tried to pull it over. Instead, it sped away. They lost it briefly but found it, unoccupied, nearby, and soon found the woman they had seen driving it, identified as Sweeney. She has a record including theft convictions and is now charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude. Nine days after her arrest, she remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $5.000 bail.

BURGLARY: 35-year-old Darius J. Thomas of South Seattle is charged with first-degree burglary for a September 1st incident at a home on Olson Place. Prosecutors say he broke down the door of the house and assaulted a 16-year-old boy, a friend of Thomas’s son, who had been visiting there a short time earlier. Thomas also allegedly held the victim at knifepoint and made threats. Court documents say he has a felony drug conviction and four domestic-violence protection orders. He was not in custody at the time the charge was filed and jail records show he hasn’t yet been booked.

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SURVEY: Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance has questions for you
September 23, 2022 3:32 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If you can spare a few minutes to answer questions about your views on youth substance use, the Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance would appreciate your help. Here’s the announcement:

The SW Seattle Youth Alliance, a school and community coalition formed to address the high rates of youth substance use in Southwest Seattle, would like your help in learning more about community concerns related to drugs and alcohol.

This optional survey asks about one’s perceptions of drug and alcohol use and abuse in youth and in the community. The data from these surveys will be used to implement evidence-based prevention programs in middle and high schools in the community. Adults ages 18 and over, who live, work or frequent the Southwest Seattle area are eligible to take this survey.

ONLINE SURVEY, ENGLISH

ONLINE SURVEY, SPANISH

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SATURDAY: Here’s how to join West Seattle businesses in celebrating the bridge’s comeback
September 23, 2022 12:47 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

This will be the first full weekend since the West Seattle Bridge reopened, and businesses invite you to celebrate. Here’s what’s happening tomorrow (Saturday, September 24th):

SIDEWALK SALE: All day in The Junction, participating merchants will be having sidewalk sales on Saturday. That includes deals – according to the West Seattle Junction Association, for example, the American Cancer Society-benefiting Discovery Shop will have a 25 percent off sale, FJ Consignment will be offering 30 percent off. Fleurt Collective is participating and offering a free gift with purchases this week. CAPERS is in the midst of its Fall Sale and will add more specials, including scratch-and-dent furniture, under a tent on Saturday. Other participants include Carmilia’s, with discounts on summer apparel.

LIVE MUSIC, OUTDOORS AND INDOORS: Right about the time your day of shopping segues into evening dining, the 8-Bit Brass Band will perform live at KeyBank Plaza (southwest corner of California/Alaska), 5:30 pm. From the WSJA announcement: “Our music reflects our diverse fandom from Star Wars to Marvel to Pokemon — all while cosplaying and goofing off with our fans when we play.” Then at 6 pm, right across SW Alaska, Easy Street Records hosts Ten Miles Wide at 6 pm.

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS SALE & BBQ: In Morgan Junction, the reopening festivities are at Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 10 am-6 pm with a one-day sale, featuring a barbecue noon-3 pm.

‘REUNITED,’ THE BEER: Don’t let the moment pass without trying the special collaborative beer we first told you about two weeks ago – tomorrow’s the last day it’s scheduled to be on tap at Good Society, Beveridge Place Pub, Ounces, The Beer Junction, and Best of Hands Barrelhouse. (Update – sold out in some places, per this comment from Allison at The Beer Junction.)

More festivities Saturday? Let us know so we can add to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! We’ll be spotlighting other dates separately.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: 99-cent gas promotion causes backup at 35th/Henderson
September 23, 2022 12:20 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks for the tip. Via text and tweet, we just heard about the reason for traffic backups around 35th/Henderson – the gas station is hosting a KZOK Radio promotion with 99-cent gas until 1 pm.

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WestFest, Huling Bowl, Silent Disco, more for your West Seattle Friday
September 23, 2022 10:53 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Flower season hasn’t ended yet! Photo from Waikikigirl)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) until 5 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!

JUNCTION WINE WALK: Sold out so if you don’t have a ticket, this is just an FYI – 5-9 pm, Junction businesses are hosting local wineries.

SILENT DISCO: 5:30-8:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, dance to music only you can hear – free!

WESTFEST: 6-10 pm, it’s the first night of Holy Rosary School‘s community festival of fun, on campus, off 42nd SW between SW Dakota and SW Genesee. Our calendar listing has the entertainment lineup for tonight and tomorrow.

(added) MUSIC AT WSG: Camille Watson performs 6-9 pm at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW). Free.

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT: Free screening of “Jurassic World: Dominion,” 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – this flyer has info on advance registration.

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tonight is the annual Huling Bowl cross-peninsula matchup for the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks and the West Seattle High School Wildcats, playing at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7:30 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), Brittany Collins performs live, free, all ages.

MUSIC AT C & P: Alan Ehrlich performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, free, all ages.

SPELLING BEE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, as announced last month, Friday nights bring Spelldown After Dark – an adult spelling bee. Check to see if there’s room for participants/spectators tonight! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: Supply chain loosens for Alki Bike and Board
September 23, 2022 9:41 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) in The Admiral District is sharing some good news for bicycle shoppers:

After seeing a huge impact on bike supply due to COVID, we are happy to say that we have and are getting some of our favorites back in stock! We received a large shipment of Surly, Kona, Salsa, Haro, and more! We are working hard to get them built up for you all. Come on in and take a test ride; we are here to help you find your dream bike!

The shop is open 10 am-6 pm today and Saturday, noon-5 pm Sunday, noon-6 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, closed Mondays.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: First morning of fall, fifth weekday with reopened West Seattle Bridge
September 23, 2022 6:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 23rd, approaching one week since the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge.

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – clouds this morning, then partly sunny, high in the upper 60s.

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are back on the high bridge, and today is the last day we’ll remind you of trip cuts in the twice-yearly service change; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).

ROAD WORK

TODAY: Just south of the city-limit line, King County is repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.

THIS WEEKEND: From SDOT:

*Paving on Sylvan Way SW between SW Myrtle St and SW Sylvan Heights Dr on Saturday and Sunday from about 7 AM to 4 PM. Traffic will be maintained in both directions.

*Replacing concrete panels at the intersection of 34th Ave SW and SW Barton St on Saturday from about 7 AM to 3 PM. We’ll still have traffic control on Sunday while the concrete is curing.

ALSO: Tree-removal work might happen this weekend at Morgan Junction’s future electric-vehicle-charging station (4118 SW Morgan).

BRIDGES

High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.

Low Bridge: All restrictions ended with the high bridge’s reopening, so it’s open to anyone who wants to use it.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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AUTUMN ARRIVES: Equinox sunset with Alice
September 23, 2022 1:59 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

For the first sunset of fall, the sun glowed between the Lincoln Park trees, and Solstice Park‘s equinox marker sparkled.

These were all among the sights at Alice Enevoldsen‘s change-of-seasons sunset watch, along with Alice’s interactive explanation of what happens at the equinox moment (which this time happened less than an hour before sunset):

As a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador and professional educator, Alice has been leading these events quarterly for more than a decade. You never know who will show up. Kristina, an artist, was capturing the moment this time:

And with the sun fully visible, that meant a chance to view how it lined up with the designated equinox-aligned park path:

If you want to plan ahead for winter-solstice sunset watch, that’s already on Alice’s website – 3:45 pm December 21st, which will be about two hours after the solstice moment.

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FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL: Two replacement alternatives remain; Cove Park spared
September 22, 2022 10:08 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The idea of widening the Fauntleroy ferry dock over the small public beach to its north that’s known as Cove Park is no longer under consideration.

That was the biggest news from last night’s meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy dock/terminal-rebuild project, the group’s first meeting in four months.

WSF said the second level of screening had narrowed the options down to two – rebuilding the dock/terminal with its current footprint, or expanding it, mostly by building it out further over the water. Here’s how the meeting went:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Pride-flag thieves
September 22, 2022 9:39 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Anthony:

Someone pulled down our PRIDE flag hanging in front of our home around 6:15 am (and banged on our door and woke us) Tuesday morning, and this morning (Thursday), the same two perps struck our neighbor’s home as well as multiple other neighbors (based on our own and our neighbor’s RING video and because the young men were holding multiple PRIDE flags this morning). We live in Roxhill. I figured we should let our neighbor’s know, and I figured you might be a good place to start. I reported to the Seattle PD hate crime detective, although they have not gotten back to me.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: First post-reopening traffic stats; nighttime lane closures
September 22, 2022 7:49 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Bridge post-reopening notes tonight:

TRAFFIC STATS: While speaking with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition at tonight’s WSTC meeting, new SDOT director Greg Spotts shared a few traffic stats from the first few post-reopening days. He said the bridge traffic on Monday and Tuesday was 66 percent of comparable pre-closure days. Low-bridge volumes are down by half. Detour-route traffic is down 30 to 50 percent. But some other streets have seen an increase, Spotts said, such as 35th SW – at 35th/Raymond, traffic rose 12 percent.

NIGHTTIME LANE CLOSURES: SDOT had said there’d still be some work going on post-reopening, and the past few nights, there’s been work that led to lane closures on the bridge. Joseph sent this pic while noting the inside lane was closed each way.

We asked what specifically is being done. Here’s the reply from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:

These nighttime single-lane closures are to allow crews to finish installing lighting for the inspection platforms inside the bridge. We won’t be doing any more closures this week, and expect to perform some similar overnight work next week.

Once we’ve completed installing the lighting, we’ll use these new inspection platforms for monitoring the structure over the coming months and years. Most routine inspections will not require a lane closure.

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