West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

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day : 31/05/2019 12 results

VIDEO: Silversun Pickups at Easy Street Records
May 31, 2019 10:57 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Alternative rockers Silversun Pickups played an acoustic in-store show for a big crowd at Easy Street Records tonight.

The band’s Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger performed to celebrate the release of their new album Widow’s Weeds next week (June 7).

The band, formed in Los Angeles in 2000, was introduced by guest emcee Mark from 107.7 The End:

He also hosted an interview between band members before they met with fans upstairs:

Here are two video clips of the performance:

Upcoming in-store shows are listed on Easy Street’s website, including The Derelicts on June 7 and Duff McKagan (of Guns N’ Roses fame) on June 18.

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New boys’ basketball head coach for West Seattle High School: Dan Kriley
May 31, 2019 9:22 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

By Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

West Seattle High School‘s boys-basketball team, coming off a season that put them in the state tournament, met their new head coach today.

Dan Kriley has been hired as successor to Keffrey Fazio, who announced last month that he’s leaving WSHS after 10 years, headed for a college-coaching gig.

Kriley brings college experience – and pro – to his new job. His three-decades-plus resume includes coaching positions at Seattle University, Pierce College, and Tacoma Community College, as well as Ballard High School, and professional coaching overseas. He’s lived in West Seattle for more than a decade and a half and has been coaching a community program here too. “I’m a big fan of the (WSHS) program and how it’s progressed with Coach Keff,” Kriley told us. Then came news of the opening, and community members asked Kriley if he’d be interested.

He was. And he’s excited to take over a program where “the foundation’s been built … a lot of great players are coming up in the community; my goal and aspiration is to build a fence around West Seattle, keep all the talent here on the island” with no reason to attend other schools. (That might eventually include his own 12-year-old son, a Holy Rosary student who plays basketball.)

Though next season is half a year away, Kriley is ready to get started. He said today’s meeting with players addressed “summer workouts” – the players are “going to be very fit” – as well as a tournament with a few other Metro League teams next week that should give him “an idea of where they’re at.”

And the players will start learning about his style. “Super-detailed and hard-nosed” are the first phrases Kriley uses when asked about that. “My teams have always been known for uptempo defense” and “very structured” offense.

With his longtime West Seattle roots, Kriley also hopes to increase community support for the program, “whether it’s coming out to games, or supporting our fundraisers.” He says he’s planning to be at WSHS “a number of years” and to “build this (team) into a state-championship contender.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary leads to auto theft
May 31, 2019 7:54 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

Received via text: “Our house was broken into today in West Seattle on 12th and Holden. They took laptops, a Nintendo switch, multiple Kindles, and iPods and an iPad while I slept. They stole our red 2006 four-door Toyota Camry.” We’ll add the police-report # when we get it.

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HONK! Fest West 2019’s opening night – and White Center on Saturday!
May 31, 2019 6:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | South Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: One Love)

In three spots around the heart of downtown South Park, you can enjoy bold, brassy bands until 9 pm during the first night of HONK! Fest West, which moves to White Center tomorrow and Columbia City on Sunday. We’re just back from a quick trip to South Park to check out the early going:

(WSB photo: Filthy FemCorps)

This is HONK! Fest’s SP debut; tomorrow’s WC slate (1-6 pm) will be an encore from last year. Maps to the informal “stages” are in the festival guide (PDF); schedules are here.

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FAUNTLEROY CREEK: 1 month, 1,800 fry set free. Next, your turn!
May 31, 2019 3:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(First 2 photos by Patrick Sand)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Salmon releases wrapped up in Fauntleroy Park with 75 fourth- and fifth-graders from Sanislo Elementary this morning. They were among 725 students from 16 West Seattle schools releasing about 1,800 coho fry into Fauntleroy Creek. An additional 315 adults and young siblings came on the 21 releases.

Fourteen schools received eyed eggs in January through the Salmon in the Schools program and volunteer Jack Lawless reared another 500 for the Fauntleroy Watershed Council to offer to two preschools and an elementary that lost most of its fish during a power outage.

The council has about 100 fry left and invites anyone who would like to put a fish in the water to a community salmon release on Saturday, June 8, 1:00-3:00 pm at the big bridge in Fauntleroy Park:

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Volunteers will be on hand to talk salmon, habitat, and stewardship.

Volunteers Dennis Hinton (above), Pete Draughon, and Shannon Ninburg dipped fish, looked out for safety, and guided students in exploring native habitat in the park. Peggy Cummings and Mark Ahlness were on-call exploration volunteers. Many of the students also had lunch and a Q&A session in the lower creek with project coordinators Judy Pickens and Phil Sweetland.

(Photo by Kersti Muul)

The fry will use their year in fresh water to grow into fingerlings and then smolts. Those that survive will leave the creek next spring for their two years in saltwater before the survivors return to spawn.

Since 2003, volunteers have been documenting smolt survival by briefly trapping them as they leave the park and reaches downstream of there. Between March 15 and May 26 this year, 22 smolts left for saltwater – half last year’s total. After a preliminary assessment by volunteers, the watershed council called on city and state specialists to help determine why only four of those smolts exited Fauntleroy Park.

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JUST REVEALED: Music lineup for West Seattle Summer Fest 2019!
May 31, 2019 1:00 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Just six weeks until West Seattle Summer Fest 2019 (July 12-14)! The music lineup has just been revealed – here’s the announcement:

Music is once again taking center stage with a stellar line-up that includes some of the best bands in the Northwest. Big names for this event also include Night Beats, Jeremy Enigk, Spirit Award, and Stas THEE Boss. West Seattle’s Ben Jenkins and Troy Nelson, co-founders of Killroom Records, booked the event lineup and had this to say:

“We had a lot of fun rounding up the artists for West Seattle Summer Fest 2019. Showcasing artists that are making a significant impact in our city is something we focused heavily on this year. We also wanted to represent all genres from our vibrant music scene. We’re excited to see this line-up come together!”

In addition to the headliners, festivalgoers can catch more than 24 artists performing on the California main stage Friday through Sunday. The diverse lineup includes artists like Boss Martians, Dyed, Actionesse, and West Seattle Soul.

This FREE 3-day party in the streets celebrates West Seattle as a thriving music and arts community.

In addition to the main stage, check out the Community Stage located in Junction Plaza Park, The Community Stage features local Seattle artists and musicians who are brimming with a wide-variety of talents. At the South end of the festival, the totally unplugged Wooden Instrument Stage will offer buskers, kids’ music and local singer songwriters. Sidewalk cafes, local arts and crafts shopping, gaming tents, kids’ rides, and a beer garden next to the festival stage, means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more about the music lineup on the official Summer Fest website.

Friday, July 12

3:30 Razor Clam
4:30 Sweet Jesus
5:30 Stas THEE Boss
6:30 West Seattle Soul
7:30 The Grizzled Mighty
8:30 Common Market
9:30 DJ Kurt Bloch
10:00 Polyrhythmics

Saturday, July 13

11:30 Rockaroke
12:30 School of Rock
1:30 Mr. Dinkles
2:30 Pom Pom
3:30 Actionesse
4:30 DYED
5:30 Jeremy Enigk
6:30 Spirit Award
7:30 Night Beats
8:30 JENN CHAMPION
9:30 DJ Mister Moon
10:00 Blackie (Blondie Tribute)

Sunday, July 14

11:00 Dance Powered
12:00 Mode Studio Kids
1:00 Projections On A Wall
2:00 FIX
3:00 Frond
4:00 Boss Martians

Not familiar with them all? Want to preview their music? Here’s a YouTube playlist!

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VIDEO: Lou Cutler’s 16th annual Make-A-Wish laps at Pathfinder K-8
May 31, 2019 11:11 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Pigeon Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

11:11 AM: After those words of gratitude and encouragement, Lou Cutler got going this morning on his 16th annual run/walk for Make-A-Wish. The students at Pathfinder K-8 – where he was the longtime PE teacher until retiring a few years ago – led the way:


Every lap gets marked off on the field-side easel:

Yes, that’s 68 laps – one for each year of the birthday Lou will celebrate in June. We’re headed back up to Pigeon Point shortly to see how he’s doing on the planned 11-plus miles. You’re welcome to join in at any point – the school’s at 1901 SW Genesee – and of course donations to make ailing kids’ wishes come true are welcome here. Lou doesn’t just raise money for the organization – he’s also been a volunteer, directly involved in wish-granting, for more than 20 years!

12:30 PM: Just went back to Pathfinder to check in:

This is the lonely stretch – but Lou’s expecting company shortly when it’s school-lunch time:

And the sun’s just emerged!

2:11 PM: Just before 2 pm, surrounded by exuberant younger helpers, Lou finished that last lap:

“Good job, Lou,” we heard a tiny voice say, after the crowd broke off and Lou headed for the tote board. A few more pics to add later!

7:51 PM: Thanks to Pathfinder parent and photographer Holli Margell for these next two:

Those are former students who returned to cheer Lou on. And here he is with his longtime #1 sidekick/cheerleader, teacher Andy Darring:

More cheering – this video clip is by Lisa Li:

And our final two photos:

What’s that donation link? you asked. Here!

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AVALON/35TH PROJECT: SDOT’s update on what’s happening and what’s next, including first water shutoff
May 31, 2019 11:02 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

That’s the newest map from SDOT, accompanying the weekly update just in for the Avalon/35th repaving-and-more project:

Work on SW Avalon Way from SW Yancy St to SW Genesee St (Zone B) is substantially complete until final paving! Please stay tuned for updates on the final paving schedule for Zone B. 

Crews continue to work on base repairs on the west side of SW Avalon Way from SW Manning St to SW Charlestown St (Zone A). Additional base paving is scheduled for the week of June 3. During construction, we will maintain access to SW Orleans St. 

Current side street closures in zone A:

SW Manning St is temporarily closed between 30th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way

SW Charlestown St is closed at SW Avalon Way to complete drainage and water main work and eventual preparation for paving. Local access will be maintained to the alley (30th Ave SW). Businesses are open. Follow signs for Avalon Business District parking off SW Avalon Way. 

SW Andover St will be closed at SW Avalon Way as soon as Monday, June 3 and up to a few weeks. This will allow crews to conduct utility work and pavement reconstruction. Crews will need to work across multiple lanes of traffic in the intersection for a few weeks. We will continue to maintain one lane in each direction on SW Avalon Way. 

Crews continue to trench and lay the new water main on the east side of 35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Alaska St (Zone E). We will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on 35th Ave SW between Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Alaska St through approximately November 2019.  

Our first water shutdown will take place the evening of June 4 from 9 PM to 6 AM. If you are impacted by this shutdown, SPU should have notified you with a door hanger or flyer. If you have questions about, or experience problems with, your water service, contact SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Driver arrested; bed stolen; shopkeeper’s warning
May 31, 2019 10:36 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

DRIVER ARRESTED: We briefly mentioned a crash that shut down a block of Delridge late Wednesday/early Thursday. SPD sent out Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives and we’ve finally found out why. Police tell us a driver hit an 18-year-old woman who was crossing Delridge at/near 21st. The 35-year-old man who hit her was arrested on suspicion of “impairment” and is in the King County Jail for investigation of vehicular assault. SFD tells us the victim was in “stable condition” when taken to the hospital.

STOLEN BED: This may have been an honest mistake but somebody stole Tina’s bed frame from outside her home in west Admiral (near 47th/Admiral) and it was NOT left outside as a freebie. How it wound up outside is a long story but Tina’s husband made the frame 20 years ago and it has sentimental value. She’s looking for a photo so we can add, but in the meantime, if you happened to pick it up or know of somebody who is excited they found a free bed frame … please return it.

SHOPKEEPER’S WARNING: Alair proprietor Shandon Graybeal wants to warn other store owners about a group of teenagers who harassed her late in the day Thursday and tampered with her security camera – which was, ironically enough, recorded on video:

She says two of the teenagers cornered her so she couldn’t move while another looked in the back room and cased the register, in addition to tampering with the camera. She says they were scared off when a customer emerged from an out-of-sight corner of the store. A police report has been filed – # 19-195886.

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West Seattle Friday: Calendar highlights, plus turkey sightings
May 31, 2019 8:55 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thursday photo of The West Seattle Turkey by Peter Trueblood)

If you regularly check these highlight lists, you know we usually highlight bird photos – today, our spotlight bird is The West Seattle Turkey, still hanging out in what we could call southeast Admiral. As for the highlights:

LAPS WITH LOU: Starting just after 9 am on the field at Pathfinder K-8, retired PE teacher Lou Cutler is set to start his annual birthday run, one lap for every year of the age he’s about to turn – 68 this time. He is a longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer and his run is a fundraiser in which you can participate by donating here. You’re also welcome to show up and run, walk, or cheer! (1901 SW Genesee)

COUNCILMEMBER’S DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS: District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s monthly in-districtc “office hours” are 2-7 pm at South Park Community Center. Just show up – last meeting starts at 6:30 pm. (8319 8th Ave. S.)

HONK! FEST WEST: First of three nights/days for the free street-music festival, 5-9 pm in South Park. See the locations/bands here. (14th Ave. S./S. Cloverdale)

SILVERSUN PICKUPS: 6:30 pm at Easy Street Records – details here. (California/Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 7 pm concert at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium – program details in our calendar listing. Here’s featured vocalist Dr. Dawn Padula rehearsing:

Free; donations always appreciated (2600 SW Thistle)

BOBCAT BOB: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), ever-popular Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice is back. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

SWEET, SWEET MUSIC: Concert with David Yanacek on French horn and Bronwyn Edwards on piano at Fauntleroy Church, plus dessert! 7:30 pm. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

(Thursday photo by Lauren Bissett)

MUCH MORE! Just check our complete calendar here.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch
May 31, 2019 7:55 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:55 AM: Good morning. Checking in late today for the last leg of the morning commute. Metro has just sent two belated transit alerts about Water Taxi shuttle 773, saying the 7:23 am run to The Junction and 7:38 outbound run from there both didn’t run.

STADIUM ZONE: 7:10 pm, Mariners host the Rangers. “Star Wars” fireworks night too.

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VIDEO: Mayor acknowledges Duwamish Tribe, answers community questions @ South Park town hall
May 31, 2019 1:24 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photos. Above, mayor with Duwamish Tribe member and local historian Ken Workman)

Once word got out two days ago that Mayor Jenny Durkan had scheduled a pop-up town hall/resource fair in South Park, the Duwamish Tribe sent a request to supporters:

Come and stand in solidarity with the Duwamish Tribe and add your voice to those requesting Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan support the Duwamish Tribe and acknowledge them as the first people of Seattle.

The mayor did just that, twice, while speaking and answering questions at the South Park Community Center. We recorded her entire appearance on video:

No open-mic questioning at the town hall – city staffers invited attendees to write questions on cards, and chose which ones to ask the mayor, who spoke with Spanish interpretation. We estimated at least 100 in attendance.

The subject of affordable housing came up multiple times. The mayor acknowledged concerns about displacement, insisting that she wanted to ensure that redevelopment “doesn’t push people out of the community … we want to help keep the community here and be your partners.” She invoked the plan to include “community preference” in some housing developments as an anti-displacement tool. (She also acknowledged the presence of two city councilmembers who have led on the issue, Lisa Herbold – whose district includes South Park – and Kshama Sawant.)

The mayor said that while “we want to build as much (housing) as we can, we wan it to be for the people in this community in a way that doesn’t add to gentrification and displacement.” She also said it’s important to have a “pathway for the community to own property in South Park.”

Asked about improving bus service to South Park, she acknowledged the concern but made no commitments, noting only that she had met a day earlier with new SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe to discuss how to “improve transit, biking, pedestrian” conditions “in every part of the city.”

What about a police precinct for South Park (which is served by the Southwest Precinct)? The mayor said that wasn’t anything she had discussed with SPD Chief Carmen Best, but she agreed a “consistent presence” mattered. Asked a bit later about a specific unsolved murder, she brought up Deputy Chief Marc Garth Green (at left in our photo with SW Precinct Capt. Pierre Davis):

Garth Green said the case in question was mostly awaiting DNA-evidence analysis and noted that some other cases already had resulted in arrests.

Community concerns were the subject of other questions, such as the hopes for a community-centric plaza and uncertainty about the South Park Neighborhood Center‘s future. Again, acknowledgments from the mayor, but no promises.

She repeated the Duwamish Tribe acknowledgment while answering a question about South Park’s pollution challenges, particularly air quality, saying air and water had been clean before their lands were taken away.

After a few more questions – including one about “missing middle” housing, which she said could be encouraged in a variety of ways – she wrapped up, cheerily declaring, “Let’s have a great summer!”, then lingering a while for one-on-one conversation.

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