West Seattle, Washington

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month : 01/2018 308 results

UPDATE: About the emergency response at Delridge/Holden
January 8, 2018 5:42 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

5:42 PM: Thanks for all the tips on this. A police and SFD response at Delridge/Holden is wrapping up, but so far we’re told that it involved some kind of fight, no major injuries. A private ambulance was called to check out one person who was hurt.

5:54 PM: We went to the (nearby) precinct to seek more details. Police there confirm this was a “fistfight,” involving two men, spotted by a witness at Delridge/Holden who went to the precinct – a block north – to report it.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Ducati Monster Cromo motorcycle
January 8, 2018 4:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The last two stolen vehicles reported in West Seattle Crime Watch were both found by readers – maybe this will be three in a row. Ivana reports a 1999 Ducati Monster Cromo 900 motorcycle was “stolen from the driveway next to the apartment building at 9011 35th Avenue SW [map] between approximately 10:00 PM on 01/04/2018 and 07:45 on 01/05.” Black frame, chrome tank, carbon fiber fairing, Brembo brakes, round mirrors, low mileage. WA license plate 4C7676. Call 911 if you see it – SPD incident # 18-5224.

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C & P Coffee Company’s owners ‘scrambling’ after landlord puts site up for sale as ‘terrific development opportunity’
January 8, 2018 12:37 pm
|      112 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news | WS beverages

(WSB file photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Thanks for all the tips about this – a brand-new real-estate listing that startled a lot of West Seattleites when it went up this morning: 5612 California SW, site of the century-old Craftsman house that is the home of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), has been put up for sale in a listing describing the parcel as “a terrific development opportunity.”

The coffeehouse is far more than a place to get your latte – it’s a beloved community center and hangout, a place that hosts music and meetings, bazaars and bake sales, donation drives, and one-on-one conversations that no doubt have changed some lives.

The building is NOT owned by C & P Coffee’s proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores (shown at right in WSB photo from C & P’s 10th anniversary in 2013) – they are longtime tenants. We talked with Pete minutes ago. They are “scrambling to try to figure out some way to not only save the building but also save our business too,” he told us. Their landlord just told them days ago about the plan to put the site up for sale – and it “hit us like a ton of bricks” – but they were still “staggered” when the $1,250,000 listing went up this morning.

“We still have a lease that gets us through 2020 – so it’s two years-plus before they can boot us out,” Pete said, but that’s not much consolation. The business he and Cameron have built for 15 years – opened on Valentine’s Day 2003 – “has become more than a coffee shop in the neighborhood, it’s become an important part of our community and we want to save that. So we’re reaching out to everybody we know, looking for somebody who might want to partner with us to buy the property.”

Without a partner, Pete says, $1,250,000 is way out of their range. “We’re just a little mom-and-pop business and it’s like we’re up against the big boys. … Our fingers are crossed that somebody can help us.” Or else, another of those “beautiful houses on California Avenue” is going away, Pete laments; the real-estate listing assesses the site simply as “Value in land – 50X150, level, paved alley.” (The 7,500-square-foot site is zoned Lowrise 3.)

If you – or someone you know – might be interested in/able to help them, e-mail candpco@comcast.net. In the meantime, Pete says, they’re just going to “work their asses off and try to figure it out.”

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UPDATE: Demolition, finally, at West Seattle PCC-and-apartments project site
January 8, 2018 10:41 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB video substituted 11:14 am for originally published photo)

FIRST REPORT, 10:41 AM: Seven months after the West Seattle PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) closure at its once-and-future site – demolition is finally beginning. We just went to the site to confirm after a tip, and indeed, the demolition equipment is there and the crew confirmed they are about to get going. (First, they have to haul one last store fixture out.) Though there have been lots of rumors, when we last checked on the project three weeks ago, it was reiterated that they were just waiting for permits. PCC is a tenant at the site owned by Madison Development Group, which is building 100+ apartments as well as the new, larger store.

11:13 AM UPDATE: The building teardown is now under way. Video substituted atop the story.

3:33 PM: This video is from less than an hour ago, right after the two excavators now on site brought down the west wall:

The new building will cover the site of the old store and the parking lot to the south of it, but not the southwest lot west of the alley – that has different zoning and is to be kept as surface parking, in addition to two levels of parking beneath the building.


(From Design Review in March 2017: California SW-facing side of the project; rendering by Hewitt Architects)

ADDED 4 PM: Aerial view from WSB’s Christopher Boffoli:

PCC told us last month that they’re expecting to open next year. (Construction of a project of this size typically takes a year to a year and a half.)

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West Seattle Monday: Schools, books, boosters, and more!
January 8, 2018 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday: Schools, books, boosters, and more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

Welcome to the second week of 2018. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, here are highlights of the day and night ahead:

INAUGURATION CEREMONY: West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Lorena González is one of four citywide elected officials who will have an inauguration ceremony at City Hall at 2:15 pm this afternoon. The public’s invited. (600 4th Ave.)

OPEN HOUSE/FAREWELL CELEBRATION: 5-8 pm at Tap Station, stop in for a celebration of new beginnings for the founders and new owners of Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) — backstory here. (35th SW/SW Kenyon)

WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: 5:30 pm-7:30 pm tonight at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Participant list here – includes WSB sponsors Westside School, West Seattle Montessori, A Child Becomes, Our Lady of Guadalupe. (3050 California SW)

TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm, visit K-5 Tilden School (WSB sponsor) to “tour the classrooms, and chat with the teachers and specialists who make Tilden extraordinary.” Tilden is co-housed with, but not affiliated with, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle – “their back door is our front door.” (4105 California SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Two at 6:45 pm – at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” by Amy Tan is this month’s book; at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), where this month’s book is “Sweet Tooth” by Ian McEwan. Everyone’s welcome at both groups.

WEST SEATTLE BOOSTER CLUB: 7 pm at the West Seattle High School library, all welcome: “Your support and involvement makes it possible for the Booster Club to support the students and coaches of the athletic programs, band, and cheerleaders at WSHS.” (3000 California SW)

‘PEERLESS’ FIRST LOOK: Free event at ArtsWest looking ahead to the next production, “Peerless.” 7:30 pm. Though it’s free, tickets are required – our calendar listing has the info. (4711 California SW)

AND THERE’S MORE … on our complete-calendar page! You’re also welcome to send listings – as far in advance as possible – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Monday watch, and a look ahead
January 8, 2018 6:57 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER TODAY: Monday watch, and a look ahead
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:57 AM: Good morning! We’ve checked around and there are currently no incidents in/from West Seattle. Looking ahead:

WEATHER ALERT FOR THURSDAY: Early this morning, the National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement warning that “Very windy conditions are possible Thursday. The wind could be strong enough to cause local damage.”

VIADUCT BATTERY STREET TUNNEL CLOSURE SATURDAY MORNING: 6 am-10 am Saturday (January 13th), as previewed here, the Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed both ways between Seneca and Denny for an inspection primarily involving the Battery Street Tunnel. (Update: WSDOT tells us only the tunnel will be closed – you’ll be able to drive NB to Western during the closure.)

7:03 AM: There’s no SFD dispatch so far, but we’ve just heard on the scanner that SPD is checking out a crash in the 6700 block of West Marginal Way SW.

8:36 AM: Center lane blocked on eastbound WS Bridge by crash, SDOT reports.

8:45 AM: Already cleared!

9:13 AM: Crash on the ramp from the eastbound bridge to northbound I-5, and SFD’s being dispatched.

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CAMP SECOND CHANCE: What its Community Advisory Committee heard during first meeting of 2018
January 7, 2018 11:57 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

(Camp Second Chance’s entrance, photographed December 2017 by Leda Costa for WSB)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

There’s room for more people at West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned encampment, Camp Second Chance.

And for those who are there already, the camp finally has a new case manager.

Plus, the long-running question of whether CSC will be sanctioned for a second year will be answered soon, with a promise of “community input” before a decision is made.

Those were three major updates presented Sunday at the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee‘s monthly meeting, held as usual at Arrowhead Gardens, a few blocks north of the camp, which is at 9701 Myers Way S.

Read More

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TUESDAY: Your city councilmember @ Admiral Neighborhood Association
January 7, 2018 9:35 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: Your city councilmember @ Admiral Neighborhood Association
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Last week, our area’s City Councilmember Lisa Herbold brought updates on many issues to the Southwest District Council (WSB coverage here); your next chance to bring up a question or concer is next Tuesday, wen she’ll be at the Admiral Neighborhood Association. The full ANA agenda is in our calendar listing; they’ll also be launching planning for this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (which ANA presents). You’re also welcome to be at the meeting (7 pm Tuesday, The Sanctuary at Admiral, 42nd/Lander) to answer two calls for volunteers: Leading the area’s Emergency Communications Hub, and chairing a new committee to plan Admiral District holiday decorations.

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Services next Saturday for Dorothy ‘Dotty’ Spadoni Hughes, 1952-2017
January 7, 2018 7:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Services next Saturday for Dorothy ‘Dotty’ Spadoni Hughes, 1952-2017
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Over the holidays, we reported the sudden passing of Dorothy “Dotty” Spadoni Hughes, and now, with services next Saturday, here’s the full remembrance being shared by her family:

Dotty was born in Seattle on January 5, 1952 to Henry and Dorothy (Barbour) Spadoni. She was the seventh of ten children. Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jim and Dick (Carol) Spadoni, and her sister Colleen Gannaw. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years Daniel Allen Hughes, her daughters Amy (Andy) Zottman, Bridgett (Ron) Cabiles, son Joseph Hughes, and “children by choice” Pamela Mead and Jamie Edwards. Also survived by her siblings and in-laws Jeanne (Ray) Dondanville, Kay Spadoni, Don (Judy) Spadoni, Marianne (Dan) Harden, Irene (Doug) Garvey, Betty Spadoni, John Gannaw, Steven Spadoni, Gary Hughes, Kevin (Fae) Hughes and Brian (Helen) Hughes. Dotty has six grandchildren – Malia and Eliana Zottman; Leila and Vanessa Cabiles; Ysun Mead and Rosalina Woods – as well as 19 nieces, 11 nephews, and 31 great-nieces and nephews.

Dotty attended both Holy Rosary Elementary and High School in West Seattle. Although Dan and Dotty attended the same elementary school and lived within blocks of one another, they happened to meet on the shores of Birch Bay in 1966. They fell in love and were married on June 23, 1972. The real and lasting love of Dan and Dotty laid the foundation for their beautiful family. Dotty began her West Seattle banking career in her early 20s. Honest, hardworking and intelligent, she progressed from teller at Westside Federal to Vice President at Washington Federal. Along the way, she developed lasting relationships with her clients who would loyally follow her wherever she went. Dotty was long active in the community as a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of West Seattle.

Dotty was a devoted wife, a generous mother and treated everyone as if they were family. The essence of her being was to show all she encountered love, compassion and support. Famous for hosting showers, birthdays and holiday parties, Dotty was at her happiest when her home was full of people and chaos. She loved to cook and entertain, burn her candle on both ends, and only allowed herself to relax when she travelled to her favorite place, Lake Chelan. After working all week, Dotty chose to spend her free time doting on her grandchildren and cooking elaborate Sunday dinners for her family.

Dotty passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2017, after a brief illness, leaving a hole in her family that can never be filled. Although taken too soon, we take comfort in the fact she happily lived life exactly her way.

Services will be held Saturday, January 13, at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle. A Rosary will be said at 10:00 am; the Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am; and a reception will follow immediately in Holy Rosary’s Lanigan Center. A private family internment will be held at Forest Lawn Mausoleum at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medic One.

(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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BIZNOTES: Admiral Baskin-Robbins mystery; plus, what’s going into Junction ex-computer-store space
January 7, 2018 6:16 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two biznotes:

ADMIRAL BASKIN-ROBBINS: We’ve been getting questions daily all week people wondering about the Admiral Baskin-Robbins ice-cream store’s status, saying they’ve gone by only to find it closed and dark, no explanatory note or sign. That’s what we found on a visit just before dusk today, and while the fixtures remain inside, the menu boards are blank; the phone goes unanswered, no voicemail. As we’ve mentioned to those who contacted us, the business has been up for sale for a long time – more than a year and a half, according to the listing on the Commercial MLS site (which links to this flyer). We also note that the Baskin-Robbins website doesn’t list this location, whether you search for 98116 or for Seattle in general. Will it reopen, under current ownership or someone new? We’ve checked business license, real-estate, and permit databases, no hint, and we’ve also sent a note to the broker with whom the business has been listed. We’ll update if/when we find out anything.

REAL ESTATE REPLACING COMPUTERS: Two months after West Seattle Computers and Mobi Repairs vacated 4522 California SW and moved to The Admiral District, we know what’s going into its old space: Neighboring West Seattle Windermere is expanding into it, confirms branch manager Larry Johnson, Jr. He tells WSB, “As the West Seattle real estate market continues strong, our market share continues to grow, and we are expanding to meet the needs of our agents and clients.” Details are still being worked out, but there’s an early-stage permit application for some remodeling.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: ‘How a Bad Bird Saved a Good Place’
January 7, 2018 4:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

You might recognize that owl – Wollet the barred owl, born in Lincoln Park, photographed in 2009 by Trileigh Tucker. A few years later, in 2012, concern over Lincoln Park wildlife like Wollet factored into the community challenge to Seattle Parks‘ attempt to allow a commercial “adventure attraction” to take a chunk of the park without significant public discussion. Now, Trileigh tells the – complicated! – story, in an essay just published in Cold Mountain Review, “Love in the Time of Extinction: How a Bad Bird Saved a Good Place.” In case you’re looking for Sunday reading, we’re sharing the link – find it here.

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YOUTH LEAGUE SPORTS: Winter-session signup time for Littles Roller Derby
January 7, 2018 2:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy Eric Von Flickr)

A “flag roller derby” league for kids ages 4 to 8 – The Littles – is about to launch its winter session, with the first practice on Tuesday (January 9th) so if you have a young skater in the family and might be interested – here’s the announcement from “Coach Betty,” herself a longtime derby skater:

The Littles Roller Derby league is for newer and the youngest of skaters to learn the fun sport of roller derby. We play an adapted version of “FLAG ROLLER DERBY” created by Krista Williams, better known as Betty Ford Galaxy. For the younger minds, this is a much easier version of the game to play. Grabbing flags is an easier concept than offense and defense and power jams and and and…

Also, blockers and jammers earn points so that all the kids are motivated to participate in play. The game is meant to be fun. The league is just one league. At this time we only play ourselves. We split into two teams for practice scrimmages and games. Kids are required to have two league shirts and bring to each practice and games. One is green and one is orange. The kids are ages 4-8 and the league is co-ed.

Your child must be able to skate on their own, meaning they do not hug the wall or need someone to hold their hand. We can teach them the rest but we do not have the staff to be hand holding skaters. If your child is a wall hugger, please take them to some open skates and get them to where they can move on their own. If you are unsure about your Littles level, email bfgsports@gmail.com and we can discuss placement.

Practices are most Tuesdays starting this week through late March at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), with doors open 4:45 pm, use of the floor 5-6 pm. You can sign up at this Brown Paper Tickets link, which is also where you’ll find more details, including what kind of equipment is needed.

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Dedicated Seahawks fan? Senior Center of West Seattle has something for you
January 7, 2018 11:51 am
|    Comments Off on Dedicated Seahawks fan? Senior Center of West Seattle has something for you
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s the first post-Seahawks-season Sunday of 2018. Disappointing year, but if you are a dedicated super-fan, here’s something you can do to help your community: Bid on an official game-worn Seahawks jersey that the team donated to the Senior Center of West Seattle. It was worn by #19 Tanner McEvoy; it’s framed and on display at the Senior Center while they conduct a silent auction through 8 pm Friday, January 26th. Opening bid started at $300 – which the center’s Mary Beth Ingersoll says is the value of the frame alone. If the center raises $2,000 for the jersey, for example, she explains, that would pay for:

·80 homebound individuals’ dinners from our Meals on Wheels program for a week
·The gift of membership to the Senior Center for a year to 40 low-income seniors
·240 seniors’ delicious hot lunches in our Junction Diner
·Power to keep our lights on and our activities lively for 2 months

(As reported here, the center has to raise most of its annual budget through donations.) Want to put in a bid? Contact the center’s front-desk receptionist – 206-932-4044, extension 1. (The center is at 4217 SW Oregon in The Junction.)

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What’s on the list for your West Seattle Sunday
January 7, 2018 6:30 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here are highlights for the last day of the first week of 2018, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES SCHEDULE CHANGE: The winter WSF schedule starts today. (See the PDF version here.)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in the street in The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

‘SUDDENLY IN COMMAND’: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary presents emergency-preparedness class for inexperienced boaters. 1:30-3:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – more info in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm at the community room at Arrowhead Gardens, all are welcome at the monthly meeting of the community advisory committee for city-sanctioned encampment Camp Second Chance in southeast West Seattle. (9200 2nd SW)

JANET AND THE CURMUDGEONS: Swing and jazz with this trio at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

ALL-AGES SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: Featuring DJ Cosmo Rossi, Sam Jenkins, Brennen, Esai. 5-10 pm, $5, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SOUND BATH: An hour of “crystal sound bliss” at Bikram Yoga in The Junction, 7:30 pm. More info here. (4747 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar, here.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Burning Christmas trees at Alki Beach
January 7, 2018 2:11 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

It’s an unofficial holiday-season-ending ritual at Alki Beach – rounding up dozens of Christmas trees for a big bonfire. It happened last night, and David Christensen was rollerblading past when he stopped for the photo. Another part of the tradition – somebody usually calls 911, since this is beyond what the rules allow for the fire rings. So Seattle Fire and Police were dispatched; we don’t know what happened from there, but the online incident log shows SFD was there for all of six minutes.

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Possible gunfire heard in Highland Park, South Delridge
January 7, 2018 12:53 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | West Seattle news

We’ve heard from residents of Highland Park and South Delridge about possible gunfire heard around 12:30 am. 911 calls were made. This time, so far, no word of any shooting victims, and we haven’t heard whether any casings or damage turned up either.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Boren STEM K-8 hosts robotics competition
January 6, 2018 9:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos/video)

Historic day at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge – the school hosted its first robotics competition today!

17 schools were there for the VEX IQ Challenge. Working in pairs, students had to get their robots to haul more plastic rings than their opponents’ robots. Here’s a bit of video:

If you drove, rode, or walked past the school during the competition, you might have noticed the Seattle Police bomb squad’s vehicle – a texter asked us about it. They were there for a demonstration toward the start of the event:

According to the awards list (scroll down this page and you’ll find the tab to click), the STEM K-8 Bots won the Design Award, which qualifies them to move on in state/regional competition – congratulations! This is the third year of robotics at STEM K-8; last year, you might recall, a team went to worlds.

Thanks to Lisa, Kristin, and Mark for letting us know about this! If something cool is coming up at your school (or business, or community center, or …), we would love to hear about it – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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Mystery boom/shake in northeast West Seattle
January 6, 2018 7:56 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Via e-mail and text, we’ve received multiple reports of something loud that shook homes in northeast West Seattle just after 7:30 pm – North Delridge, Luna Park, east Admiral/south Harbor Ave. areas. Reports were like this one from Steph: “Our house shook so hard things moved a little.” We’ve checked around and there were no SFD emergency responses for explosions, fires, crashes; also, no earthquake reports. So far, officially a mystery, but we’re mentioning it in case you wondered too.

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SUNDAY: Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee meets
January 6, 2018 5:41 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY: Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee meets
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

(Camp Second Chance entrance, photographed December 2017 by WSB’s Leda Costa)

If you’re interested in the city-sanctioned encampment on the southeast edge of West Seattle, Camp Second Chance, you’re invited to the next monthly meeting of its Community Advisory Committee, 2 pm tomorrow (Sunday, January 7th) at Arrowhead Gardens (9200 2nd SW). The city-mandated committee gets updates on what’s happening at the camp and what’s happening with its operator (which changed last fall to the Low-Income Housing Institute), which has a contract with and funding from the city for basic camp operations. The camp’s been on city-owned Myers Way Parcels land for a year and a half, but the city approval and funding didn’t start until about a year ago, and could be extended for another year. As of last month’s report, the camp had about four dozen residents.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Duwamish Head yacht race – plus northbound orcas!
January 6, 2018 12:21 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

12:21 PM: Thanks to Mark for the photo from Upper Fauntleroy – the sailboats are part of the Three Tree Yacht Club‘s Duwamish Head Race, which started this morning in Des Moines.

(Photo by Gary Jones)

Speaking about points south – Kersti Muul has been keeping us updated on resident orcas (K Pod) seen south of here, heading this way. Orca Network commenters have seen them off north Vashon as of a few minutes ago, still northbound, so if you’re interested in whale watching, you might grab binoculars soon and head to the west-facing West Seattle shore. It’s murky out there but on the other hand, the whales stand out even more against silver water.

By the way, there’s also word a whale was seen in the area a few hours ago – swimmer Melissa was out and said her group thought it might have been a humpback – if you saw that one, let us know!

12:55 PM ORCA UPDATE: Kersti says they are moving fast, now north of Vashon.

1:04 PM: We can see them from north end of Emma Schmitz Overlook, with binoculars.

1:16 PM: Lost track of them and we’re moving on. Some of the racing yachts are still out there, and the weather has cleared somewhat, so it’s a nice view anyway if you want to try your luck.

(Added: Photo by Monica Zaborac)

2:57 PM: Orca Network commenters say the whales are north of West Seattle now – so our viewing time is probably over. Thanks also to Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail for calling earlier to be sure we’d heard.

(Photo by John Saalwaechter)

And thanks to those who’ve sent more photos of the sailboats – we’re adding a few more above. Some of them must have had a great view of the whales!

5:50 PM: Thanks to Kersti for posting orca photos in comments – and to Monica Zaborac for e-mailing some, including this one showing the research boat you might have noticed today:

Researcher Mark Sears talked at last month’s Whale Trail gathering about what they do while out with the orcas.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Trouble on eastbound West Seattle Bridge from Fauntleroy
January 6, 2018 11:57 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Trouble on eastbound West Seattle Bridge from Fauntleroy
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:57 AM: Thanks to the texter who let us know about a crash on the eastbound bridge, not far from the Fauntleroy entrance. While there’s no SFD dispatch or SDOT traffic alert yet, we have just heard via scanner that police are reporting two incidents in that area – a crash and a vehicle “with a broken axle” – so if you’re outbound any time soon, you might want to plan to get onto the bridge east of there.

2:17 PM: While there’s been no official update, the closest cameras – including this one – and the traffic-flow indicators on the city map suggest that this has cleared.

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WEST SEATTLE DEVELOPMENT: Tower crane going up at Fauntleroy/Edmunds
January 6, 2018 11:26 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Photo from Brian)

11:26 AM: Thanks for the photos and tips! The tower crane for The Foundry on the northeast corner of Fauntleroy and Edmunds is going up right now.

The crane is going up two months after work began at the 4754 Fauntleroy Way SW site, planned for 100+ apartments, ~10 live/work units, and ~100 underground parking spaces.

2:37 PM: Here’s how the crane-in-progress looked when we went by about half an hour ago:

By the way, this will be the second tower crane currently up in West Seattle. The other one went up last February at Upton Flats (35th/Graham) and won’t likely be up too much longer.

SATURDAY NIGHT NOTE: We drove by the site tonight – the crane installation appears to be complete. We’ll add a photo on Sunday.

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What’s up for 2018’s first West Seattle Saturday
January 6, 2018 7:38 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Robin Sinner, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

Here are ways to spend some of the first day of the first weekend of 2018:

GET FIT WEST SEATTLE: First group run for this beginner-to-half-marathon free training program – meet at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) at 8 am to run one mile. (2743 California SW)

KING TIDE: Water-watchers will see a 13-foot high tide at 8:39 am.

CHRISTMAS TREE DROPOFFS: Ready to get the Christmas tree out of your living room? Take it to the Masonic Center parking lot in The Junction and drop it off with the West Seattle Rainbow Girls, 9 am-1 pm. It’s a fundraiser for the youth group, by donation. (4736 40th SW)

WEST SEATTLE LINUX USERS GROUP: 9 am, regular biweekly meeting, at the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor). More info here. (9140 California SW)

THE HOLY YOGA EXPERIENCE: 9 am-1 pm at West Seattle Christian Church in The Junction. (4400 42nd SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

BASKETBALL: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s varsity teams play at home this afternoon, both vs. Evergreen Lutheran. 2:30 girls, 4 pm boys. (4100 SW Genesee)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: “Dr. Strangelove” is this month’s movie, presented for WSMM by West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice. Doors open 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House High Point; movie at 7, followed by discussion. (6400 Sylvan Way)

LIVE MUSIC: At The Skylark, 8 pm, with The Science of Deduction, The Almost Faithful, and Smooth Richard. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MORE … on our complete calendar.

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