Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN: Amanda is looking for witnesses:

My car was involved in a hit and run last night (3/25) between 9:45 pm and 11 pm on the corner of 42 Ave SW and College Ave.

They didn’t leave info so I’m trying to find out if anyone saw or knows anything. I rang neighbors’ door bells too but no one answered so I’m hoping someone might have a Ring cam or something in the area. Police case # 23-81847.

PACKAGE TAKEN: Another reader report, this one from Jeff:

Here’s a video of someone stealing an Amazon package [Saturday] morning at 6:30 am. 39th Ave SW between Stevens and Lander.

No police report # on this one yet.

P.S. The dumped-likely-stolen tool boxes mentioned here Saturday have been claimed – thanks to both Jessica, who found them and sent us the photos, and the reader who quickly saw the post and knew whose they were.

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HAPPENING NOW: Day 2 of West Seattle Little League season-opening jamboree

March 26, 2023 2:13 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)>

Baseball and softball season-openers continue this afternoon as West Seattle Little League‘s season-opening jamboree concludes, with more than 800 players and 68 teams participating. Saturday we stopped by the softball venue, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); this morning, we visited the baseball venue, Bar-S (64th/Admiral) – the photo above is from a juniors (10-year-olds) game, below is from a seniors (12-year-olds) game:

Baseball is scheduled to continue until about 7 tonight, softball until 4:30.

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NEXT WEEKEND: Seven reasons to visit Fire Station 37 on Saturday

March 26, 2023 12:10 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Safety | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, this year’s chance to visit a local fire station is Saturday, April 1st, noon-2 pm, when Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden) will roll up the doors and host a Fire Safety Fair. Here’s what SFD says you will be able to do:

-Learn about fire prevention & life safety at home

-Meet local firefighters

-Explore a working fire engine, ladder truck and fire station

-Watch CPR demonstrations

-Join Firefighter Story Time with the Fire Chief

-Get creative at the arts & crafts table and more!

-Light refreshments provided

Station 37 is West Seattle’s southernmost fire station, home to Engine 37 and Ladder 13.

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UPDATE: Power outage in West Seattle

March 26, 2023 10:06 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

10:06 AM: Thanks for the tip. Power is out for 122 customers southeast of The Junction, centered near Fauntleroy/Edmunds, according to the Seattle City Light outage map. SCL attributes it to “bird/animal”; a squirrel, to be specific, reports a texter.

2 PM: According to commenter Lauren, power came back on just after noon.

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Remembering Tyler S. Tomaselli, 1985-2023

March 26, 2023 9:55 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Tyler Tomaselli, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Tyler Sinclair Tomaselli
July 24, 1985 – February 12, 2023

Tyler was born and raised in West Seattle, the “Westside Bestside,” and he loved life with a passion. He loved baseball, football, and basketball and was an All Star athlete. He loved animals, was always kind and loving to everyone and was a very humble person. He is survived by his father Paul, mother Cathy, brother Jake, his turtle Melissa, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, as well as many good friends from the West Seattle community. He is now resting at peace with his heavenly family, friends, his dog Jasmine, and the lord. We love you Tywu, we will miss you but will also see you again soon.

Please share memories, photos & condolences with Tyler’s family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Tyler-Tomaselli.

A celebration of Tyler’s life will be held at a future date in West Seattle, please check the obituary page for details.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(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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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 15 notes!

March 26, 2023 6:34 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Oregon Grape at Lincoln Park, on its way to blossoming bright yellow – photo by Ann Anderson)

Here’s our quick lineup of highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Road work just east of the low bridge is expected to conclude today, 7 am-3 pm.

]ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to update these – see today’s lineup here. (Got changes/additions? Let us know!)

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: The season begins! A second day of baseball at Bar-S (64th/Admiral), 9 am-7 pm; softball at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 10 am-4:30 pm.

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS: Second of three days with photo sessions at My Three Little Birds (4736 California SW) in The Junction, 10 am-4 pm. Our calendar listing has info and the signup link.

BINGO BRUNCH: Brunch at Box Bar (5401 California SW) hosted by drag queen Jolene Granby, 10 am-2 pm, with bingo at noon.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers early-spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

MATZAH AT THE MARKET: Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will be at the WSFM, demonstrating how matzah – the unleavened bread eaten during Passover (which starts April 5) – is made.

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is offering end-of-season deals at its Winter Clearance Sale – details here. Last day today! Open 10 am-5 pm.

FREE PASTA: After four “soft open” weeks, Dué Cucina in The Junction is celebrating its grand opening today, including free pasta for the first 100 people in line when they open at 11 am. (4437 California SW)

TALK ABOUT THE CLASSICS: The West Seattle Classic Novels (and Movies) Club talks about “Light in August.” 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MUSIC AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Alan Sobel 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover.

YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

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

LATIN SUNDAYS: DJ at The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

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

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

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WANT TO HELP? West Seattle Nursery plans ‘Doing Good in the Neighborhood’ volunteer fairs

March 25, 2023 8:44 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We present volunteer opportunities when we hear about them, but some people have yearned for a central opportunity to connect with ways to help. A new one is coming up – West Seattle Nursery plans to present “Doing Good in the Neighborhood” volunteer fairs next month. Here’s how they announced it:

Are you bored? Lonely? New in town? Want to make a difference? Want to make new friends? Become a volunteer!

Come to West Seattle Nursery on weekends in the month of April, meet local organizations that are:

Doing Good in the Neighborhood

And find a place to share your time and talents.

WSN’s Marie McKinsey says a dozen organizations are already signed up to participate, and: “I would welcome inquiries from more local non-profits. Their work doesn’t have to be garden related. We will have a table and chairs set up in our tent on Saturdays and Sundays for them. Organizations have a choice of shifts, 10 – noon or 1 – 3 on a Saturday or Sunday.” You can reach Marie via the WSN contact info at the bottom of their home page.

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HELPING: Rotary Club of West Seattle’s namesake park cleanup

March 25, 2023 6:23 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

47 years ago, the Rotary Club of West Seattle transformed a pocket of land at 35th/Alaska into a park. Members go back periodically to help tend it. They sent photos from their most recent work party:

The Rotary Club of West Seattle recently transformed Rotary Viewpoint Park into a beautiful green space. Led by Community Service Chair Gina Topp, the team weeded the garden beds, cleared out debris, and created an inviting space for both people and birds. Check out the stunning “before and after” photos to see their amazing transformation.

You can read about the park’s history here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Attacker alert; prowler search; dumped-likely-stolen tools

March 25, 2023 3:03 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Four items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ATTACKER ALERT: Reader report via emailer who says this person is likely still in the Junction area right now:
I’d like to report a tip that a woman (white, late 20s, brown straight hair, with a rolling luggage and several bags) has physically attacked several people since Thursday afternoon until just a few moments ago. She has entered and been asked to leave at minimum 3 different establishments near Alaska and California.

She has been talking loudly to herself, and has been seen carrying alcoholic beverages. She is violent and will escalate quickly.

Police reports have been filed, the tipster says..

PROWLER SEARCH: We received a few questions about a police search earlier this afternoon near the 3400 block of 37th SW. The call was for a possible residential burglary; police were told that the residents of the home, while away, got an alert about someone seen at the back door, possibly entering the house, before the video feed abruptly ended. We’ve listened back to police-radio audio but don’t know so far whether this ended with anyone being found, or whether a break-in was confirmed.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN TOOLS: Are you missing tools from a burglary or car prowl? Jessica says the two containers were dumped last weekend in an alley near California/Holgate. “Both boxes contain various tools and look like they belong to a contractor. We are keeping them safe until we can find the owner.”

If they’re yours, or you know whose they might be, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Season-opening, two-site West Seattle Little League Jamboree

March 25, 2023 12:24 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

This is the second year that West Seattle Little League has included softball as well as baseball, and that means this weekend’s season-opening Jamboree is happening at two sets of fields. We stopped by Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) this morning while 7- and 8-year-olds were playing softball, joyfully celebrating their first game of the year:

Everyone’s welcome to come show their support, for the softball and/or baseball players, who are playing at Bar-S Fields (64th/Admiral) in Alki. Softball games continue today until 5:30, and baseball until 7; tomorrow, the schedule is 10 am-4:30 pm for softball, 9 am-7 pm for baseball, same locations. (Concessions too!) And on Sunday, the Mariner Moose is expected to visit Bar-S – more on that and other Jamboree details here.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Helping West Seattle Food Bank keep pets fed

March 25, 2023 11:11 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | Pets | West Seattle news | Westwood

Did you know the West Seattle Food Bank helps pets as well as people? That’s why WSFB development director Breanna Bushaw is hoping people will fill that barrel (and more!) today, as Pet Supplies Plus in Westwood Village has a pet-food drive happening right now, until 2 pm. Bring food to donate, or buy some at the store. They’ll accept bags of kitty litter, too, for the WSFB’s Pet Pantry. P.S. You can help WSFB any time with monetary donations, too.

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BIZNOTE: Kayaks arrive at Mountain to Sound Outfitters

March 25, 2023 10:28 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Triangle | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Spring’s here and get-out-on-the-water season isn’t far away. On one recent sunny day, in fact, kayaks arrived at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), where their winter clearance sale continues through this weekend, too. Here’s the announcement and photo sent by the shop in The Triangle:

Hey there sun-seekers,

Spring is here and kayaks have landed! Mountain to Sound has just received a shipment of new kayaks, including top brands such as Eddyline, Old Town, Current Designs, Epic, and Ocean Kayaks. These kayaks are perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect kayak for your needs.

We invite you to visit our store locally or online to get the first spring picks of our kayaks as this first shipment won’t last long. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you choose the perfect kayak for your needs and answer any questions you may have.

We also offer kayaking accessories and rentals, so you can make the most of your time on the water. As always, thanks for all the support!

Don’t forget, we are still doing our winter clearance until 3/26/23!

See you out there,
Mountain to Sound Team

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 22 notes

March 25, 2023 6:34 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Bob Burns)

We’ve arrived at the last weekend of March, and it’s time for a look at highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: Two for today:
-7 am-1 pm, two lanes are closed on the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge.
-7 am-3 pm, SDOT is working just east of the low bridge again.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD REMINDER: As previewed here, you might have received a doorhanger about the annual door-to-door food drive; if you can donate, set out your bag early.

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: The season begins! Baseball at Bar-S (64th/Admiral), 9 am-7 pm; softball at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 9 am-5:30 pm.

EGG HUNT: First of the season! Community’s welcome to bring kids to the West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW) for egg hunting and cookie decorating.

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: 10 am-5 pm, the garden’s centerpiece courtyard is open, while the rest of the garden’s grounds are accessible dawn to dusk. More info here. (5640 16th SW)

GRIEFSHARE RECOVERY GROUP: Continuing at 10:30 am today, “Grace Church will host a 13-week GriefShare recovery support group for those who have lost a loved one by death. There is a one-time charge of $20 for the GriefShare journal.” Meeting in the church basement. (10323 28th SW)

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

GEORGETOWN BITES: Your neighbors to the east invite you to come sample the flavors of Georgetown’s food purveyors – buy tickets 11 am-4 pm at the Trailer Park Mall (5805 Airport Way S).

PLANT SWAP, REPOT, POTLUCK: Noon-3 pm at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), stop by, bring a potluck dish, bring plants to pot/repot, seeds to swap, and celebrate spring.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: You’re invited to visit the home of West Seattle’s history noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)

BASEBALL: 1 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Highline visits Chief Sealth International High School.

MUSIC4LIFE FUNDRAISER: 2-4 pm, go downtown and support a young West Seattleite helping other kids make music (you can also donate with a click):

My name is Dominic Caudle and I am an 8th grader at Hope Lutheran School, and I attend the West Seattle School of Rock. I am doing a service project to raise funds for Music4Life, a non profit dedicated to getting musical instruments into the hands of kids in need at various public schools throughout the greater Seattle area. I have started a GoFundMe page and the West Seattle School of Rock will offer opportunities to donate at a benefit concert that will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe [116 Pike St.] on March 25 from 2:00-4:00.

I am passionate about this because I’ve always loved music, and a lot of that was due to the people who were kind enough to donate instruments to me. Since the musical community was so kind to me, I wanted to give back. I would love it if you consider donating. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.

HELP RESCUE DOGS: Visit Whisky West (6451 California SW) for a benefit today – raffle and more! – helping Bulldog Haven NW.

MUSIC AT C & P: 7 pm, see and hear acoustic duo Burgundy Pearl at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST END GIRLS’ 6TH ANNIVERSARY: Doors 7 pm, SHOW 8 pm, as West End Girls –
West Seattle’s drag extravaganza – celebrates 6 years at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

SILENT DISCO: 7-9 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), headsets first-come first-served – dance to music only you can hear!

OPEN MIC AT THE SPOT: 7-10 pm, do your thing! (2920 SW Avalon Way)

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: West Seattle High School‘s spring musical continues tonight at 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has details and ticket info. (3000 California SW)

If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FOLLOWUP: What’s happened since Wednesday morning’s deadly West Seattle Bridge crash

March 24, 2023 10:12 pm

| 72 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(SDOT camera image from shortly after crash)

On the third night since the early-morning West Seattle Bridge crash that ended the lives of two 18-year-olds, here’s what we know, after various followup inquiries:

The driver accused of hitting them, described by police as believed to have been “impaired,” is apparently still in the hospital. On Wednesday afternoon, police still didn’t know his name, but they do now, SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan told WSB today. In most cases, though, police don’t release a suspect’s name until and unless they are booked into jail, and because of the suspect’s condition, that hasn’t happened yet. We’ve asked the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office whether charges might be filed while he remains in the hospital, but haven’t yet received an answer yet. If and when charges are filed, that is likely the first time we will get more details on what investigators have found. There have been various reports that people saw him as far away as Roxbury and called him in; we have listened again to archived dispatch audio, and there is one mention of a possibly DUI driver, no vehicle described, near 35th and Roxbury 11 minutes before the report of a wrong-way driver in a white truck on the bridge; an officer from the Ocean sector in South Seattle was headed up to check that out when, two and a half minutes later, she happened onto the crash and radioed that in.

Meantime, crowdfunding pages have been launched for the families of both victims, who are from Snohomish County: The one on behalf of Khalea Thoeuk, who was in her senior year at Snohomish High School, is here; the one on behalf of Riley Danard is here. Finally, in addition to the suspect driver’s “impairment,” some have wondered if bridge entrances need better signage or markings to deter wrong-way entries. That question hasn’t landed on SDOT’s radar yet, according to spokesperson Ethan Bergerson.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

March 24, 2023 7:32 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:32 PM: After multiple 911 calls about suspected gunfire, police are in the area of 29th/Morgan and have told dispatch they found “multiple holes” in the windows of a home. No word of injuries so far. Updates to come.

(Added: WSB photo)

7:35 PM: Officers tell dispatch they’ve also found “a couple rounds in front of the residence.”

7:54 PM: No additional information at the scene aside from that this does not appear to have been random.

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FOLLOWUP: Answers to three questions about Seattle City Light’s EV chargers, future and current

March 24, 2023 7:27 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

As reported here Thursday, Seattle City Light has confirmed the locations of 31 new on-street electric-vehicle-charging stations around the city, including five in West Seattle. A few questions arose, and we took them to SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang. First – a clarification: The one location we hadn’t already reported, the 6000 block of 16th SW, is not actually on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus – Strang says it will be on the “west side of 16th Ave SW, opposite the South Seattle College campus. It will be located near the walkway leading to the Duwamish Cohousing complex.” Readers, meantime, asked what’s being done to deter thieves from hitting the new chargers’ cords, as they have with others. Strang says, “The curbside Level 2 chargers have charging cables that automatically retract.” And that led t the question, what’s going on with the still-not-back-in-service chargers on 39th SW south of West Seattle Bowl? Strang explains, “In early March we installed two cables on the chargers at 4535 39th Ave SW, and our technician was unable to get the chargers to deliver a successful charge. Following various attempts to troubleshoot the issue with the manufacturer, it was determined additional parts are needed. We are waiting on the delivery of parts to continue troubleshooting the issue with the 39th Ave SW chargers and to complete repairs on the other chargers that had cables stolen.”

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CREATIVE CAREGIVING: Free workshop at Senior Center of West Seattle next week

March 24, 2023 5:04 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’re a caregiver, creative expression might help you cope. The Senior Center of West Seattle has several spots still open in a free workshop next week. We just got the announcement:

Creative Workshops for Caregivers
Wednesday, March 29, 1–2 pm
Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon St.)

Creative Aging at the Frye Art Museum is excited to launch the first in a series of creative workshops for caregivers. Presented in partnership with Sound Generations and led by teaching artist Carmen Ficarra, the workshops are designed to give caregivers an opportunity to create in a fun and relaxing manner. While the session will focus on how caregivers can turn to art in their own leisure time, participants will also explore the possibilities of these projects being done with those in their care. No prior experience as an artist is necessary. The workshop is free and art materials are provided. For more information, or to register by Monday, March 27, email brittanybl@soundgenerations.org or call 206-727-6261.

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FOLLOWUP: Construction also starting soon on West Marginal Way protected bicycle lane

March 24, 2023 2:39 pm

| 51 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photo of Green Lake bike lane like the one to be built on West Marginal)

Another “construction starting soon” notice just in – this time, for the permanent protected bicycle lane on West Marginal Way SW. It’s a two-way lane that will run just under half a mile on the west side of the street between the bridge and the Duwamish Longhouse. (The temporary bike lane installed during the low-bridge closure is still in place there.) Along with building the permanent lane, SDOT will be “updating all 17 Duwamish Trail / driveway crossings on the east side of the corridor with signs and pavement markings.” All this is expected to start in early April – weather permitting, SDOT hopes to finish the bike-lane construction over the first two weekends of the month. Here’s the construction notice, which notes: “Construction will be on weekends for the bike lane and on both weekday and weekends for the Duwamish Trail driveway crossing treatments. Trail detours in short sections will be noted on signs. Please dismount bikes and walk around wet paint near driveways.”

BACKSTORY: SDOT first unveiled the bike lane as an option in January 2021. Various rounds of discussion ensued (including a February meeting at which attendees were invited to begin with a “moment of meditation and reflection”). Then the department told the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force in July 2021 that it would go ahead with the plan. Here’s the design they showed then:

SDOT promised at the time that construction wouldn’t start until after the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge (which has now been back in service for 6 months, following its 2 1/2-year closure). The department says the change will add a few seconds at most to travel times. Other changes will follow as part of the corridor safety project, as noted on its webpage.

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FOLLOWUP: White Center Food Bank starts construction of new HQ

March 24, 2023 12:36 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(Rendering of new WCFB HQ)

The White Center Food Bank – which also serves south West Seattle – has announced a milestone in its journey to a new headquarters: Construction is beginning at the site (10016 16th SW; map), six months after the location was revealed. WCFB spokesperson Jefferson Rose says a construction wall went up today, and explanatory banners are expected to go up on Monday. The WCFB has to move from its longtime home at 8th/108th because a new building, to include affordable housing and a community “hub,” is going up at that site. At the new site, Rose says they’ve already done some demolition, and what starts now includes “mostly interior work to build out the grocery store, offices, and lobby area” as well as getting the warehouse space ready to use. All that is expected to take about six months. You can read more about the new WCFB headquarters – and donate to the project and/or the WCFB’s plan for a new site for its giving garden – by going here.

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Harbor Avenue, police updates @ Alki Community Council

March 24, 2023 11:54 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

This month’s Alki Community Council meeting included updates on two ongoing topics:

HARBOR AVENUE RVs: Since the most-recent city attempt to clear the street, some RVs have returned (we counted three on Thursday afternoon). An outreach worker at the ACC meeting said that area is “a priority” now – as outreach for the 2nd/Michigan encampment was wrapping up at the time of this meeting last week – and that more people “are accepting offers” than used to be the case. SPD Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Dorothy Kim added that parking-enforcement officers are going through the area twice weekly to tag vehicles: “We’re not letting it be stagnant.”

OTHER POLICE UPDATES: Updating crime trends from SPD data, Lt. Kim said that in the Alki area, property-crime reports are down, except for auto theft, which continues on the rise citywide. Violent crime is unchanged. So far, as of meeting time, the Alki area has had one verified shots-fired incident since the start of the year (at Hamilton Viewpoint Park). The new SPD schedule “seems to be working,” Lt. Kim said, with a three-hour overlap during the first two watches of the day enabling some officers to be spared for “directed patrol” in areas that need more attention. She also mentioned that staffing issues are improving, saying that they “just got two officers back from the vaccine mandate” (which ended recently) and others returning from parental leave or “limited duty” constraints. She also noted that the department has been developing more officers as “field trainers” for new hires, which requires them to go through special training of their own; a new class of trainers is starting up.

GET INVOLVED: If you live/work or have some other interest in the Alki area, the ACC needs more participation – it’s been operating at a bare-bones level for a long time. A little help can make a lot of difference. You can send questions or suggestions via this page on the ACC’s website.

The Alki Community Council meets 7 pm third Thursdays most months, in-person (at Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds) and online.,

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 10 things to do

March 24, 2023 10:20 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Rainbow glimpsed from Alki on Thursday – photo by Tom Trulin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday

SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Second and final free spring concert, 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

AT KENYON HALL: Second edition of the all-ages Kenyon Hall Cabaret drag show, doors at 7, show at 7:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

BASEBALL: 7 pm home game for West Seattle High School vs. O’Dea, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Gary Benson & Ellen Reed at 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

DJ AT THE SPOT: 7-10 pm, DJ Sang-Do spins at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way).

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: West Seattle High School‘s spring musical continues tonight at 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has details and ticket info. (3000 California SW)

SOUND BATH: “For peace and relaxation,” 7:30 pm with Maari Falsetto at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

AT THE SKYLARK: Sun King, Urban Achievers, tribute bands (The Cult and Led Zeppelin), doors 7:30, music 8:30. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Highland Park Elementary PTA crowdfunding to add staff

March 24, 2023 9:16 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From the Highland Park Elementary PTA:

Highland Park Elementary needs our support more than ever to raise 200K to add a classroom teacher and fund the Youth Services Assistant. This is a direct ask of our Highland Park Staff to support our school the way they see best fit.
Please share this Go Fund Me with anyone you know!

https://gofund.me/ee5640ff

The 150k is not just the salary, it includes the benefits of the teacher.

The Youth Service Assistant helps with social emotional support/development at HPE full time and our current HPE budget can only afford half time for this position; we want to raise the funds to have this support all the time for our growing students.

Even a small donation could help Highland Park PTA reach our fundraising goal. And if you can’t make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.

More information can be found on our website or send us an email if you would like your company to match your donation. hpemustang@gmail.com

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes + weekend alerts

March 24, 2023 6:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 24th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Mostly cloudy, chance of showers, breezy, high around 50. Sunrise 7:04 am, sunset 7:28 pm.

WEEKEND ALERTS

–WSDOT says that you’ll want to avoid Highway 509 northbound at the 1st Ave S Bridge on Saturday morning – 7 am-1 pm, 2 right lanes will be closed for grid-deck repairs.

–SDOT is expected to continue work that began last weekend east of the West Seattle low bridge.

TRANSIT

Metro – First week continues for RapidRide H Line replacing Route 120, and for added trips on C Line and Route 50.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule, with added runs as of last week; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

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

Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

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