West Seattle, Washington

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month : 10/2016 308 results

HIGH POINT LIBRARY REMODELING: Closure ahead, but first, Q&A open house
October 27, 2016 2:20 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news

(High Point Library photo by Architectsea via Wikimedia)

We recently noticed a building-permit application for unspecified work at High Point Library and asked SPL what’s planned. Today, we finally have the official word of the remodeling plan, which will require some closure time later this fall – read on for details plus announcement of an open house for your Q&A in a week and a half:

The High Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St., 206-684-7454, is tentatively set to temporarily close effective Monday, Dec. 5 for refurbishing. The book drop also will close.

During the closure, the Library plans to hold several programs at alternate locations and to open the nearby Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way SW, 206-733-9125, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Alternate services will be confirmed after a firm closure date is set.

The 7,200-square-foot High Point Branch opened in June 2004, thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.

After 12 years of use, the branch needs new carpet. While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will add seating and electrical outlets, expand the holds area, and expand the children’s area to provide a more welcoming space for families. Acoustical panels in the meeting room will be added to reduce the sound of street traffic. Improvements are based on branch usage and projected service needs.

Patrons are invited to learn more about the improvements at an open house at the branch from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7. City Librarian Marcellus Turner and other Library staff members will be on hand to answer questions and explain alternate services.

While the branch is closed, patrons may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold and may return materials to any branch. If patrons don’t select an alternate branch by Friday, Nov. 25, their holds will be sent to the Southwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW,
 206-684-7455.

The construction project is currently out to bid. The Library expects to confirm the closing date in mid-November after bids have been reviewed. The refurbished branch is expected to reopen in January; a reopening date will be set once construction work is underway.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Vehicle thefts; vandalized railings
October 27, 2016 1:12 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR STOLEN TODAY: This white 1985 IROC was stolen from the 9400 block of 8th SW early this morning:

Washington plates ALW8548. Please call 911 if you see it.

CAR STOLEN LAST WEEKEND: Ford F150 truck, red, 2006. Stolen from 55th SW between Charlestown and Dakota. We don’t have the plate on this, but if you see this type of truck seemingly abandoned, please call 911 in case it’s the one.

VANDAL ON CAMERA: At 10 pm last Sunday night, a resident in the 3000 block of SW Avalon Way caught surveillance video of someone “bending walkway rails in front of our home for no good reason.” The actual bending is a little distant in their front-door-camera video but the vandal then walked past the door – we asked for a frame grab:

The vandal had a shaved-sides haircut and was wearing a blue jacket and black jeans. This too has been reported to police, who told the victim that “these crimes typically have a pattern,” so if anything similar happened to you, please be sure to file a report.

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MISSING BANNERS: Seal Sitters seeking 2 that blew away
October 27, 2016 11:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

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David Hutchinson from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sends the photo and this request/reminder:

Each year, Seal Sitters’ “Share the Shore” banners are installed along Alki Avenue SW. This is timed to correspond with our busiest months of responses to harbor-seal pups using our West Seattle beaches – September & October. Unfortunately, during our recent windstorm, two of the banners blew down and have not been found. If anyone comes across one of these banners, please give our hotline a call and we will arrange to pick it up.

Just a reminder – young harbor seals are still in the area and use our local beaches throughout the year. If you see one – or any marine mammal – on the beach, please keep back, keep people and pets away, and call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.

You can read the Seal Sitters’ latest update on responses, from this past weekend, here.

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Memorial service Friday for Marcia Chesterfield, 1937-2016
October 27, 2016 11:14 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are sharing this remembrance of Marcia M. Chesterfield, 79:

Marcia Mage (Chesterfield), beloved daughter of Max and Adele Mage, died at home with her family beside her on Tuesday, October 11, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Seattle in 1937, she attended West Seattle High School, where she met her future husband of 62 years. They raised their family in West Seattle and later became longtime residents of the Shelter Bay community in La Conner.

Marcia was beloved for her cheerfulness and kindness and she devoted herself to a life of service and caring for others. She is survived by her husband John Chesterfield, sons Bob (Diana) and Paul, daughter Leanne (Stephen) Chesterfield Pike, grandchildren, Shanah Pike Walter, Robert Pike, Sarah Pike, Jacob Chesterfield and siblings, Mark (Barbara), Mage, Julia (Terry) Gangon and Merritt Mage.

Services are tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, at 1 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of the Northwest.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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From pumpkins to a play, & more for your West Seattle Thursday
October 27, 2016 9:27 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween (etc.) Guide, which has dozens of events happening between now and next Tuesday:

(WSB photo from a past Pumpkinpalooza)

TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA: At High Point Community Center, 10 am–noon. “Join the High Point Community Center staff and enjoy age-appropriate Halloween games, booths, face painting, arts and crafts activities, and snacks.” $5. (6920 34th SW)

HPES DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: “Please join the Highland Park community for our Dia de los Muertos Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Highland Park Elementary School Cafeteria. This is a potluck event, so bring your favorite dish to share. There will be music, food, dancing, arts and crafts, and many more fun activities.” (1012 SW Trenton)

GLOW IN THE DARK PARTY: Tonight at Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Free! “For ages 12 and under: Come dressed in your best glow-in-the-dark costume, or any costume, and try the glow-in-the-dark ring toss, tic-tac-toe, bowling, and other fun games.” (4501 Delridge Way SW)

LIGHT SHOW BEGINS:: First night of the Halloween Light Show by the folks who bring you West Seattle Yuletide. 5-10 pm nightly through Halloween (probably a little later on October 29th and 31st). New zombies this year: “Larry and Skully will be joining the Wicked Witch of the West, our dancing skeleton, Skelington. And this year our talking pumpkin will be joined by a trio of back-up singers.” (38th SW between Genesee and Dakota)

DESSERT THEATER: First of five nights to see The Cabiri in “Ghost Game X: For Life Eternal” dessert-theater cabaret at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7:30 pm. Tickets, showtimes, details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

And non-Halloween (etc.) events from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STATE FERRIES MEETING: Something to say or ask about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route of Washington State Ferries? Tonight is your chance, 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. (9131 California SW)

ADMIRAL REZONING: Tonight’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Focus Group meeting at City Hall involves the group looking at “medium-density urban villages,” including Admiral – this group’s first meeting since the draft maps for potential Mandatory Housing Affordability rezoning were released last week (WSB coverage here). Public welcome, with a comment period toward meeting’s end – 6-8 pm. (600 4th Ave. downtown)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with an agenda including a presentation about the city’s “Drive Clean” and electric-vehicle initiatives as well as discussions of ongoing issues including the planned bus-shelter removals on the southeast corner of 44th/Alaska in The Junction. All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way)

WSHS PLAY’S OPENING NIGHT: The West Seattle High School Drama Club‘s “Bright Room Called Day” opens at 7:30 pm in the WSHS Theater – here’s a photo from dress rehearsal:

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Full details, including ticket info, in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

MUCH MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT/BEYOND – just take a quick look at our complete calendar.

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UPDATE: Motorcycle rider to hospital after 35th/Juneau collision
October 27, 2016 8:07 am
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

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8:07 AM: Breaking this out from morning traffic watch: A motorcycle-minivan crash on the west side of the 35th/Juneau intersection has sent the rider to the hospital with serious injuries. Juneau is blocked west of 35th. A woman and baby in the minivan were unhurt. A Good Samaritan stayed with the rider until help arrived and, we’re told, became a victim herself when someone ran off with her backpack.

8:46 AM: Just went past the scene again on the way back to HQ from checking out something else. Juneau is no longer closed west of 35th. The minivan had not yet been towed, so that might cause some delays on the southbound side of 35th at some point soon. We will be contacting Harborview this morning to see if we can find out how the rider is doing.

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1:39 PM: So far we haven’t been able to get information from Harborview (without the rider’s name), but I SFD spokesperson Capt. Shata Stephenson tells us the rider is “approximately 19 years old) and that her injuries were NOT life-threatening.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; ferry meeting tonight & other alerts
October 27, 2016 7:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

7:03 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle right now. Though the rain finally stopped, you might still find some standing water, such as “under the Delridge onramp” per a text we just received.

Alerts for tonight:

SOUNDERS FC MATCH & EXTENDED WATER TAXI SERVICE: As announced earlier this week, the West Seattle Water Taxi will be on an extended schedule this evening for the Sounders FC playoff match (7 pm at CenturyLink vs. Sporting KC).

FERRY MEETING: 5-6:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), Washington State Ferries continues its weeklong series of meetings to listen to concerns about the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. (Added midmorning) Format: The meeting will start with Assistant Transportation Secretary Lynne Griffith, who leads WSF, speaking for several minutes “recognizing the issues on the route and the need for public input,” and then, WSF tells us, “The following hour will be open house-format listening sessions. During this time, members of our executive team will host three listening stations, where attendees can post ideas, concerns, and questions on maps of each terminal. These notes are what we will collect, assemble, and report back, from the meetings. We’ll close out the meeting with a group Q&A so folks can ask questions or share insights about what they’ve heard from neighbors.”

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way), WSTC’s agenda includes the city’s Drive Clean and Electric Vehicle initiatives, as well as the plan to remove two Junction bus shelters, the city budget, and the newest SODO arena proposal.

Special-event reminders (from the WSB West Seattle Halloween [etc.] Guide):

ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING FRIDAY: Take extra care in The Admiral District 3-6 pm tomorrow, when hundreds of kids and their families will be trick-or-treating in the business district.

JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL SUNDAY: 10 am-2 pm Sunday, the usual street closures expand for this year’s Harvest Festival – California between Edmunds and Oregon, Alaska between 42nd and 44th.

7:48 AM: Just got word of a crash at 35th/Juneau. Car/motorcycle. We are approaching – looks like it’s on the southbound side, blocking outside lane.

8:08 AM: We have published a separate story about the crash and are now on the way to check out the water under the Delridge intersection.

8:25 AM: That appears to be clear now.

8:43 AM: Downtown note – we’ve received Metro alerts about delays downtown because of a crash at 3rd and James (all we know is that it was a “heavy rescue” call). Also, Juneau has reopened west of 35th – we went by that crash scene again on the way back to HQ; the minivan had not yet been towed.

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UPDATE: Road flooding following West Seattle downpours
October 26, 2016 11:08 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

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11:08 PM: Thanks for the photo and the tips – Fauntleroy and Raymond [map] is one of the spots that has flooded worse than usual during tonight’s deluge. (We’ve already advised one person who called about it to report it to Seattle Public Utilities, whose 24-hour dispatch is 206-386-1800.) We’re also hearing about deep water at spots including Harbor/Spokane. So if you’re headed out any time soon, be extra careful, and if you see what looks like a totally flooded roadway ahead, you’re advised not to drive/ride through it.

\11:30 PM: And just five minutes after we published that, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for areas including Seattle, until 2:15 am. Meantime, Darlene mentions in comments that the Delridge ramp to the bridge is swamped too.

12:15 AM: Michelle reported in comments that her husband and neighbors cleared the Fauntleroy/Raymond drains, and she sent a photo:

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Meantime, another “standing water” report on the scanner – 9200 block of 35th SW.

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‘They saved his life’: Family of child hurt in windstorm shares ‘positive news’
October 26, 2016 9:13 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle weather

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(WSB photo from October 14th)

Twelve days after a little boy was rushed to the hospital with a serious injury suffered during the October 14th windstorm, we are hearing for the first time from his family. We had a short followup last week, and then today received this:

Dear West Seattle Community,

We are a local family and the parents of the 4-year old boy who was injured by the falling tree in Fauntleroy Park on October 14. We have so appreciated the kind words and thoughts on the West Seattle Blog and from our local community that we wanted to update you all on his status. We have tried to maintain his confidentiality, but we felt compelled to share more information, especially since we now have positive news to share.

Our boy suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, brain injury and broken femur. He was stabilized by the Seattle Fire Department, transported by Medic One, treated at Harborview Medical Center ED and Pediatric ICU, and is now in in-patient rehabilitation at Seattle Children’s. Thanks to the fantastic care of numerous providers, and to the love and support of his family, friends and community, he has made great strides in his recovery. He is a sweet, tough, energetic little boy and we are happy to report that he is talking, eating, smiling and playing. We are hopeful that, in time, he will make a full and complete recovery.

We are enormously fortunate to live in a city with quality emergency care. SFD and Medic One were quick to arrive and professionally assess, stabilize and transport our boy. HMC was hands-down exceptional from start to finish; we now understand why it is a nationally renowned Level 1 trauma center. And Children’s is, well, Children’s – we could not ask for a better place for our boy to recover and improve. Collectively, they saved his life, his body, his brain and his spirit.

Our boy has a long way to go, though, so we appreciate the continued hopes, thoughts, prayers, meditations, words, rays of light and all other ethereal forms of support the people of West Seattle have so kindly shared. Please know that, even if you do not know his name or address, he and we receive them all.

We remain deeply grateful for the love and compassion of our wonderful community.

Thank you.

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REZONING: ‘Focus group’ looks at draft maps, with dots but without a deep dive
October 26, 2016 6:19 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Less than a week after the city went public with proposed rezoning maps for the city’s “urban villages,” the feedback process remains diffuse.

Last night, for a firsthand look at how part of it is working, we went to one of the “focus groups” that have been meeting monthly on related matters involved with the initiative known as HALA, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (We wrote about the recruitment process last winter.) This group has been focused on areas including the West Seattle Junction. More on that shortly, including an alternative way to comment if you are having trouble with the site the city set up at hala.consider.it.

And today, the city announced that Mayor Murray will preside over a live Q/A about HALA via the mayoral Facebook page tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10:45 am. Since it’s not a two-way video connection, you are asked to post questions now, either via this “event” page or via your Twitter account, with the hashtag #AffordableSeattle.

Now, to the background. Read More

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APOLOGIES: Mega-outage for our otherwise-reliable longtime server-management company
October 26, 2016 5:51 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Please accept our apologies for WSB being inaccessible for three-plus hours – if you missed our explanation on social-media channels, our server-management company WiredTree suffered some kind of catastrophic outage. It affected many sites as well as ours – we were able to see by monitoring Twitter mentions that we were far from alone. WiredTree hasn’t fully explained it yet, but the company is usually spectacularly reliable and responsive, and has been for the 8+ years we have been with them. We do have backup sites that we would have deployed if this had gone on any longer, or if there had been a major breaking story (luckily it was a quiet afternoon aside from the downpours) – including our White Center site, whitecenternow.com, whose server is with a different company, and the westseattleblog.wordpress.com backup site we used during our technical transition last winter. But now we’re back, so we’ll be publishing the stories we were working on when the site became inaccessible, soon as they’re ready – thanks again for your patience.

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CITY BUDGET: South Seattle College contingent campaigns for 13th Year Promise scholarship expansion
October 26, 2016 1:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle schools

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(South Seattle College photo: 13th Year scholar Blanca Olivera speaking to City Councilmembers last night)

Two major events at City Hall last night. While we were covering a Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda “focus group” meeting talking about proposed rezoning (story to come), the City Council was listening to public comment about the budget. Among those commenting: A South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) contingent there to ask the city to contribute to expansion of the 13th Year Promise scholarship program. SSC communications director Ty Swenson shares the photo and report:

It was democracy in action at a Seattle City Council public hearing at City Hall as South Seattle College students, faculty, and leadership spoke to the council about the impact of our college’s 13th Year Promise Scholarship, and encouraged passage of a proposal to expand the program to three more high schools.

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell has submitted a budget proposal that would expand the 13th Year Promise Scholarship to additional high schools over 2017 and 2018 with city support.

Currently offered to all Rainier Beach, Chief Sealth International, and Cleveland high school graduating seniors, the 13th Year Promise Scholarship provides one year of tuition-free college at South along with support services. It has increased access to higher education for area youth, particularly those from underrepresented groups including first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color. The program began in 2008, and to this point has been funded by donations to the college’s foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the proposal to city council were South Seattle College President Gary Oertli, South Foundation Chair (and West Seattle resident) Catherine Arnold, Mathematics Instructor Heidi Lyman, and students Ken Bert and Blanca Olivera, both attending college through the 13th Year Promise Scholarship.

The potential expansion schools include West Seattle High School. The program expanded to Chief Sealth in 2011; CSIHS was the second school, and Rainier Beach was added in 2014.

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Emphasis patrols, graffiti vandalism, and a one-block crime study @ West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network
October 26, 2016 11:45 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

From last night’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting @ the Southwest Precinct:

WHERE POLICE ARE FOCUSED: Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis says their current emphasis patrols to get a step ahead of car prowlers include The Junction and Morgan Junction. As he has said at earlier community meetings, they made progress in former hotspot Highland Park over the summer. Data helps them figure out the hotspots – so if it happens to you, even if nothing is taken, please report it. And, he reiterated, please reduce car prowlers’ incentive by keeping stuff out of your vehicle.

Capt. Davis also said police are patroling Roxhill Park and some other area parks, as well as keeping an eye on certain people and places. He made mention of last week’s arrests near South Park, after officers spotted a stolen car linked to multiple West Seattle robberies.

By the way, court documents show that the adult suspect arrested in that incident, 19-year-old East Admiral resident Ayub M. Rage, is now charged with one count of second-degree robbery and one count of attempted second-degree robbery for two incidents last Thursday – a holdup at the Admiral 7-11 and an attempted holdup at the 41st/Admiral Chevron. His bail is set at $75,000, though prosecutors had requested $200,000.

Also discussed last night: Read More

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BIZNOTE: Work begins for Ulta Beauty at Westwood Village
October 26, 2016 10:14 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

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(WSB photo)

A few people are asking about the work that’s now under way at the former Pier 1 Imports space in Westwood Village. In case you missed our original story back in June: It’s being remodeled into an Ulta Beauty retail-and-salon location. Back when we discovered that in building-permit files, Ulta wouldn’t confirm it, but not only has the permit been granted and work started, they’re even advertising for help at the new store. We’re checking on a projected opening date.

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7 options for your West Seattle Wednesday
October 26, 2016 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on 7 options for your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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(Engine 37 firefighter with Fauntleroy Fall Festival-goer last Sunday)

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: 11:15-11:45 am at Delridge Library, bring preschoolers to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety during a fun special story time. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

ENTREPRENEUR MEETUP: Noon-1:15 pm, it’s free meetup day at West Seattle’s only coworking center, WS Office Junction (WSB sponsor). Bring your lunch if you want to and go meet new people! (6040 California SW)

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: 3-4:30 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle, talk with others who know exactly what you’re going through. (4217 SW Oregon)

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT HOMELESSNESS: Come to tonight’s Highland Park Action Committee-presented panel discussion (in place of the regular monthly HPAC meeting) ready to learn, listen, and talk, 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th SW/SW Holden)

POEMS AND STORIES: The monthly Poetrybridge event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) features Rayn Roberts and Chris Jarmick, plus a community microphone. (5612 California SW)

SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: Live music at Whisky West in Morgan Junction, 7-9 pm. No cover; 21+. (6451 California SW)

KNATHAN RYAN: At Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm, Knathan Ryan of The Bruised Hearts Revue celebrates a night of acoustic sounds. No cover; 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

P.S. This is the ONLY day/night of the week with nothing in the WSB West Seattle Halloween (etc.) Guide – but check it out when you can, as we’ve added even more to the list of what’s up (for all ages!) between now and next Tuesday. And if we’re missing something, there’s still time for us to add it – e-mail the info (plain text in your message) ASAP to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates, alerts, previews
October 26, 2016 6:59 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates, alerts, previews
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:59 AM: Good morning! The rain’s back. No incidents reported right now in/from West Seattle.

Reminders/notes:

SCHOOL’S OUT EARLY: 2-hour early dismissal for Seattle Public Schools today.

FERRY MEETING TOMORROW: If you use the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, your chance to talk with Washington State Ferries about problems/solutions is 5-6:30 pm Thursday at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: This is the last week of 7-day operation – the weekday-only schedule starts Monday (Halloween). Meanwhile, the WSWT will be on an extended schedule Thursday night because of the Sounders FC playoff match.

NEW METRO BOSS: Rob Gannon, who has been interim general manager of Metro Transit since March, is now its official GM.

HARVEST FESTIVAL ON SUNDAY: The Junction’s Sunday road-closure pattern will be expanded on Sunday (October 30th) because of the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, 10 am-2 pm – closer to the Summer Fest footprint, with California closed to motorized-vehicle traffic between Edmunds and Oregon, and SW Alaska closed between 44th and 42nd. Look for an updated preview later today.

7:17 AM: SDOT’s traffic center reports a crash at Myers Way and 1st Ave. S., at the east end of the Roxbury corridor.

7:35 AM: Texter reports a fenderbender on the EB high bridge. No SFD dispatch.

8 AM: SDOT says it’s a stall in the center lane.

8:20 AM: Bridge incident is clear.

8:30 AM: Crash blocking right lane in NB Battery St Tunnel.

8:39 AM: And SDOT says that has cleared.

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FAUNTLEROY CREEK COHO: Singing and drumming Sunday, after a preview
October 25, 2016 11:11 pm
|    Comments Off on FAUNTLEROY CREEK COHO: Singing and drumming Sunday, after a preview
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(October 2015 WSB photo)

Even before this Sunday’s annual gathering at Fauntleroy Creek to call the coho home with singing and drumming, there’s hope of spawners – creek steward Judy Pickens reports that “we saw 5 coho in the spawning reach late Wednesday (October 19th) but nothing since. Our cadre of watchers continues to monitor for more and we could well get them, as their usual arrival time is about October 30th.” And that is Sunday, when you are invited to join the 5 pm gathering at the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Two stolen-car cases
October 25, 2016 8:21 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch – two stolen-car cases:

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15TH/ROXBURY: This one unfolded over the past hour or so, on the city side of the 15th/Roxbury intersection – thanks to everyone who texted about it. The van in our photo above was stolen, police say; when they tried to pull it over,its driver and passengers jumped out and bolted, leaving the van on 15th, just north of Roxbury. So far, no luck finding the suspects.

FAIRMOUNT PARK: We got a note this afternoon mentioning a green Civic, damaged and seemingly abandoned, at the end of the alley that runs along the west side of Fairmount Park Elementary:

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The e-mailer asked if we had heard about a stolen car like this one. No – but we found it on the SPD Twitter feed @getyourcarback, and advised them to call it in to police, which they did, reporting back later that SPD and the owner had arrived. We do not know where it was stolen from, because @getyourcarback does not cross-reference to case numbers or addresses, but it was taken somewhere in Seattle.

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WEST SEATTLE FOOD/DRINK: New Luck Toy is open
October 25, 2016 5:11 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

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This fall’s most-awaited West Seattle food/drink opening has arrived: The new New Luck Toy (5905 California SW) is open as of about an hour ago. October was the target for co-proprietor Chef Mark Fuller (also known for Ma’Ono in TheJunction) when we checked in a month and a half ago, and he and NLT partner Patric Gabre-Kidan have made it with a week to spare. As Fuller described it to us in September, it’s not a restaurant with a bar – it’s “a bar that will offer a small menu (16-20 items) of classic Chinese-American dishes. 50 seats, and a private karaoke room that will accommodate up to 8 people, cozily.” 4 pm-2 am nightly. The previous venue in the space, Chopstix, closed back in February; the plan for New Luck Toy (named after a longtime Junction restaurant/bar) emerged in March.

P.S. New Luck Toy’s menu isn’t online yet but we got a sneak peek at a test version last month, if you just have to look before you go. And the NLT Instagram page has previewed some slushy cocktails.

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2 WEEKS TO ELECTION DAY: Vote notes
October 25, 2016 4:57 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

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Two weeks until Election Day arrives, and the vote-counting begins. With King County Elections having sent out ballots last Wednesday, you should have yours by now, and KCE wants to hear from you if you don’t – 206-296-VOTE.

If you do, and you’re ready to vote, a few reminders:

*The new dropbox on SW Raymond outside High Point Library (photo above) is open for business, 24/7. A reader asked us how often it’s emptied; we checked today with KCE, and spokesperson Kendall Hodson replied, “Ballot drop boxes are picked up at least daily. For some higher-volume locations, we’ll actually pick up even more frequently than that.”

*One thing Hodson wanted to add: “Let people know that if they are mailing their ballot they only need a single stamp (there’s been a lot of confusion around this).”

If you’re using postal mail, make sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day (November 8th). If you are using a dropbox – here’s the full list of locations – you need to get yours there by 8 pm November 8th. Don’t start marking it at 7:55 that night … you have more than three dozen races/issues to decide!

P.S. Voted already? Use the online Ballot Tracker to ensure yours is received.

P.P.S. Not registered? You still have until next Monday (October 31st) to register – but you have to do it in person.

BY THE WAY: That’s an image of suffragist/abolitionist Elizabeth Cady Stanton taped by someone to the front of the box.

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HOMELESSNESS: Panel @ Highland Park Action Committee tomorrow; mayor’s plan; councilmember’s context @ Alki CC
October 25, 2016 3:07 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

Three notes on what remains the most-discussed issue of the day:

PANEL DISCUSSION AT HPAC TOMORROW: Wednesday night at 7 pm, the Highland Park Action Committee‘s monthly meeting will be devoted to a panel discussion about homelessness. From HPAC’s website:

This panel is being created in response to local concerns, creating a common understanding of homelessness, the challenges some may face accessing housing, and ways we can help. Speaking on the panel will be Ruth Herold, Executive Director, Elizabeth Gregory Home; Polly Trout, Ph.D., Founder, Patacara Community Services; and a member of Camp Second Chance’s leadership team. The panel is moderated by Gunner Scott, Chair of HPAC.

Goals for the discussion include dispelling stereotypes, demystify homelessness, and to lay the groundwork for greater communication, understanding and involvement between all neighbors – housed and unhoused. There will be time for Q & A.

Everyone is welcome.

(Camp Second Chance is the encampment just inside the entrance to the Myers Way Parcels.) HPAC meets at Highland Park Improvement Club, 12th SW/SW Holden.

MAYOR’S PROPOSALS: As the City Council tabled its discussion of changing the “protocols” for encampments – when and where they can and can’t be removed – Mayor Ed Murray went public last Friday night with details on his interim plan. If you haven’t yet read about it, here’s the news release; here’s the plan. Some details are still pending, such as what locations will be proposed for the four sanctioned encampments the mayor wants to set up to get hundreds of people out of unsanctioned ones.

COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD’S THOUGHTS: Last Thursday night, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold was a late addition to the agenda at the Alki Community Council. She talked extensively about the ongoing budget process, and then was asked about the encampment-legislation controversy, which she acknowledged was a “flashpoint.” Our notes: Read More

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MISSING TEEN: Have you seen Will?
October 25, 2016 1:13 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Family and friends are looking for your help in finding Will, 16 years old and reported as missing:

From Will’s aunt:

Friends, especially those in West Seattle and Tukwila, please help us locate my nephew Will. He was last seen October 5th and we last heard from him October 9th. His family is desperately searching for him. A police report has been filed In both Tukwila and Seattle. He has been known to hang out at Westwood Village, Castle Skate Park, White Center, Lincoln Park, High Point, and along Roxbury in West Seattle. Again, please let us know if you see or hear from him – any information is helpful! He is 16 years old, 6’4″ and approximately 140 lbs.

Refer to Seattle Police report #16-372774.

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Peel & Press: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
October 25, 2016 11:44 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Joining us today as a brand-new WSB sponsor is Peel & Press in Morgan Junction, with an anniversary celebration all week. Here’s what they would like you to know:

Peel & Press is excited to celebrate our two-year anniversary on October 29th. We have had a great first two years, with our pizza, pasta, and cocktails well received, including a great review in the Seattle Times. As a thank you to all our customers who have supported us on this adventure, we would like to extend a free appetizer or dessert for your table when you join us this week (through Sunday, October 30th).

The support of West Seattle residents has allowed us to continue to update and expand the restaurant. We are thrilled to be adding an additional covered outdoor seating area for private parties and overflow seating on our busy nights, and yes, there will be heat lamps. We also have a plan to expand our bar seating (without removing any of our current family dining) that should take place over the next year.

Your patronage at Peel & Press has allowed us to support many local charities, schools, and community groups. We whole-heartedly believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to us. Please stay tuned as we pair with local leaders to restore the mural on the back of our Morgan Junction building. We will be hosting a benefit night in the near future and have been working hard on gathering donations and grants to help restore this 1989 piece from the Murals of West Seattle project.

Thank you again for the last two years. We are proud to call West Seattle home and look forward to many anniversaries to come.

Peel & Press is at 6503 California SW, 206-937-1457, open for lunch and brunch as well as dinner and drinks.

We thank Peel & Press for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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