(SEE THE ONLINE MAP/LIST HERE … DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE PDF MAP/LIST HERE … BENEFIT/NONPROFIT SALES LISTED HERE)

12:19 PM: That pic is from the easternmost sale on the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2019 map – Sale #276 is actually in South Park (8503 10th Ave. S.) but with at least one piece of classic West Seattle memorabilia – a sign from the old Chuck and Sally’s Tavern (hmm, maybe the one in our 2013 coverage of the tavern’s “closing sale”). Lemonade and ice-cream sandwiches too! … In Westwood, lemonade and treats are raising money for Seattle Children’s at Sale #120 (9819 28th SW):

Another fundraiser sent a pic – Sale #90 (3207 45th SW), Girl Scout Troop 45120:

Theirs is a “7-family sale! Furniture, household goods, clothes, stuffed animals, and baked goods!”

12:51 PM: Just in, a “quick pic of what’s left at 3823 42nd SW”:

That’s Sale #268 – “lots of baby gear and clothes, some vintage ’50s tablecloths and other misc. housewares” … Also just in, video of Sale #28 (5902 41st SW), with accordion accompaniment:

Thanks to Jessica for sending that! … Shelby at Sale #144 (6005 Lanham Place SW) promised “wicked humor” as well as a variety of cool items:

Vintage items from a 1964 manual typewriter to a 1938 Singer Sewing Machine to a 1953 “one owner” air rifle (and more) … Looking for bikes? This photo is from Jonathan at Sale #290 (5061 25th SW):

They realized they were going into their sale with “WAY more than we thought!”

1:40 PM: We have just visited Sale #133, 8421 34th SW (just south of SW Thistle, another site with vintage items among other things:

From there to Sale #300, several neighbors in the 9200 block of 20th SW (south of Barton) – including Andrew and Derek:

Our coverage continues (see pics and notes from the first half of WSCGSD here).

2:18 PM: Now into the final hour. Lindsay‘s sale, #188 (3226 42nd Ave SW), is now “everything half-price:

2:27 PM: Alicia at Sale #163 (3226 42nd Ave SW) also has cut prices in half. Check out the Barbies!

2:38 PM: And if you’re more a “Star Wars” person, we hope you made it to the sale that promised R2-D2 photo ops (Sale 119: 3034 Belvidere Ave SW) – via Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Made a new friend at the @westseattleblog community garage sale.

A post shared by Astromeh (@astromeh) on May 11, 2019 at 2:25pm PDT

Though the official sale hours end at 3 pm, you can keep shopping at some sales (see the listings) including the loft at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor):

The photo’s from Click! co-proprietor John Smersh, who says they’re offering “seconds, discontinued, and clearance items, until 6 pm.”

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REPORT #1: West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2019 is on!

May 11, 2019 8:59 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

(SEE THE ONLINE MAP/LIST HERE … DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE PDF MAP/LIST HERE … BENEFIT/NONPROFIT SALES LISTED HERE)

The 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day has begun! Sale #175 (4726 50th Ave SW) is among the first to send a pic. They also have a “vintage working typewriter” among other things. Also just in, from Sale #85 (5941 31st SW):

“Starting strong!” they report.

9:28 AM: We’re out and about and seeing lots of activity. And sellers’ photos keep rolling in:

That’s Clara. The senders report she has “set up shop at her best friend Cameron’s (photobombing) sale” at Sale 198 (3440 39th Ave SW). “Her collection is small but thoughtfully curated.” … In Highland Park, Vanessa is #277 (926 SW Holden):

She notes, “I’m in the driveway of my townhouse complex, not visible from the street, but I’ve got signs and sidewalk chalk pointing the way. I have tons of plant pots and other gardening supplies as well as a complete Pack and Play, plenty of Mason jars for canning and 2 large boxes of FREE items (no purchase necessary).” … We just stopped at Sale #92 (2645 Harbor SW), whose listing noted that “early birds should bring donuts”:

Tom and Danny are running this sale – outside their new auto-detail business (look for the warehousey buildings, we missed it the first time by). … In Westwood, Sale #294 (8654 26th Ave SW) sent this pic:

They’ve added treats – including donut holes and lemonade … At Sale #132 (3035 SW Manning), some interesting decor:

We note this is the “Everything $2” sale (unless otherwise marked).

10:15 AM: We just stopped on Pigeon Point to see Sale #284 (4137 23rd SW), with items a family member had amassed for decades. After we parked, one passing shopper was heard telling another, “Those coasters are bad-ass!” Still much vintage houseware:

Some shoppers show up looking for something very specific – among the ones seen here, record-seekers who showed up right at 8 and scooped up just about all of what was available. Speaking of shoppers:

Meg at Sale #2 (10234 Marine View Dr SW) sent the photo. … Near The Junction, from Sale #200 (4927 Erskine Way SW):

Some of today’s sales are benefits. The Solstice Park P-Patch is Sale #51 (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, by the tennis courts):

Thanks to Kevin Schafer for the photo. … Another fundraising sale is the one we just visited, Sale #235 (3201 61st Ave SW), for the West Seattle High School football team:

Players Christian and Dominic (both juniors) are helping out:

11:07 AM: Steps away from there is Sale #155 (3057 61st Ave SW), which promised among other things “secrets to long and meaningful life.” You can’t miss the wedding dress hanging at the corner:

Plus: “The Entire Book Collection of HISTORY ART ARCHITECTURE from the estate of the late CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND INDUSTRY”:

This sale is closing around 1, though, so hurry. … Heading south from there, we pulled over at Sale #270 (3708 Beach Drive SW), a few doors down from where we rented after our early ’90s arrival in WS. It’s a multi-generation sale team:

And they are set up for credit!

11:49 AM: Above, what we found during our stop at Sale #30 at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), which is hosting multiple sellers on its expansive lawn on the west side of the campus. Among them, Kim and Christopher placed their own listing as WSCGSD Sale #45:

They have memorabilia and collectibles (Ichiro! Star Wars!) – if you don’t spot them, ask to be pointed to The Kenney’s space #4. … Just in via Twitter:

#WestSeattle #WestSeattleGarageSale @westseattleblog Baby not for sale, but nearly everything else is! #179 pic.twitter.com/t0AsrVyGYp

— Hera McLeod (@McleodHera) May 11, 2019

Baby and sale are at 4405 SW Holgate.

11:58 AM: We don’t know which sale it’s for, but Pamela said this is her favorite sign so far today:

In the mood to fish? Jim at Sale #118 sent this pic:

He is at 6936 37th Ave. SW. We are going to launch a new report for the second half of WSCGSD shortly -thanks for all the pics and reports! (UPDATE: Report #2 is here.)

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West Seattle Saturday: WSCGSD and 16 other highlights

May 11, 2019 6:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen on Elliott Bay off West Seattle, photographed by David Hutchinson)

So very much going on! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – plus a few reminders:

STAMP OUT HUNGER: Letter carriers’ annual door-to-door food drive is today. Put out a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox (or wherever your mail is delivered) before you get going for the day.

CRANE REMOVAL: As previewed here a week ago, the tower crane at the Luna/PCC project is scheduled to be removed today, and that means an all-day street closure (as early as 4:30 am and as late as 8 pm) on California SW between SW Stevens and SW Lander.

(Added: Photo by Jim Borrow)

SHRIMP FISHING: It’s open today in Elliott Bay, 7 am-1 pm, and that means Don Armeni Boat Ramp will be VERY busy, early morning until mid-afternoon. (1222 Harbor SW)

FREE FITNESS: Fit4Mom West Seattle offers a free class and fun run, 7:25/7:30 am at Alki Bathhouse, in honor of Mother’s Day weekend. (2701 Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: We’ll cover it as it happens, but if you haven’t already seen the map for the nearly 300 sales registered all over the peninsula (9 am-3 pm, with some starting earlier and some ending later) – find it here!

PANCAKES & AWARDS: The West Seattle Lions Club invites you to all-you-can-eat pancakes 8 am-11 am at the Senior Center, with scholarship awards presented at 9:30 am. $7 suggested donation. (4217 SW Oregon)

FREE SHREDDING: 10 am-noon at the Wells Fargo lot in The Junction, presented by Re/Max and Urban Key. (California/Alaska)

JUMP ROPE WITH THE NINJAS: 10 am-noon at the Salvation Army center in South Delridge:

The event is open to ANYONE who loves to jump rope.

Win prizes, compete against other kids your age (or adults) learn some awesome jump rope skills or try our our double dutch teaching and skills station. West City Rope Ninjas will perform some favorite routines too! The event is a fundraiser for the team. Suggested donation amount is $15.00 and $5 for each additional competing family member.

More info in our calendar listing. (9050 16th SW)

TRACK MEET: Another big track meet at Southwest Athletic Complex – this time, middle school. 10 am start. (2801 SW Thistle)

COLMAN POOL’S FIRST DAY: Early opening for the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park! Noon-7 pm. See the schedule in the pool brochure. (8603 Fauntleroy Way SW)

PINTS AND PONIES: 1:30-4:30 pm pony rides for kids as Seattle Beer Week festivities continue at Ounces. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

COMMUNITY TEA @ TIBBETTS: 2-4 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor):

Welcome all moms, daughters, grandmas, aunts, sisters, BFFs … you are warmly invited for a lovely Afternoon Tea at Tibbetts! The day before Mothers’ Day is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the special women in our lives. Our women’s group welcomes all to an afternoon of tea, conversation, and music, serving a broad selection of teas and delicious sweets and savories.

More info here. (3940 41st SW)

WESTSOUND REUNION: Taco truck at 6, tunes at 9, Parliament Tavern. $10 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE: West Seattle Food Bank’s fundraising dinner and auction, 6 pm at Seattle Design Center. (5701 6th Ave. S.)

THE MAMA-LOGUES: What better way to spend Mother’s Day Eve than enjoying the newest production of this comedy about motherhood? 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Benefit for WestSide Baby and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

NOT DEAD YET: Local faves are on tonight’s 8 pm bill at The Skylark. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

JOHN STEPHAN BAND: 9 pm at Poggie Tavern, no cover. 21+. (4717 California SW)

AND THAT’S STILL NOT ALL! See our complete calendar here.

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HOURS AWAY: West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2019, one last preview

May 10, 2019 11:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

The signs are made …

(Photo texted by seller #283, which has “tons of kid stuff” plus “cooler full of ice-cold refreshments”)

The merchandise is ready …

(Photo emailed by seller #18, “vintage Singer Limited Edition sewing machine with table, circa 1980s”)

(High-backed kitchen bar stool, photo emailed by seller #197 – discount if you buy two!)

(Photo emailed by seller #281 – lots of snowboarding gear)

The 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day‘s ~300 sales are hours away. Official sale time is 9 am-3 pm – please don’t show up early unless it’s one of the sales that are starting early (as noted in the map listings – clickable/zoomable online map here, printable/downloadable version here). We’ve published some lists in earlier previews (review the archive here) – here’s our “four corners” list:

Northernmost sale, #243 in North Admiral (which promises “everything including the kitchen sink”)
Southernmost sale, #5 in North Shorewood
Westernmost sale, #246 on Alki Point
Easternmost sale, #276 in South Park

Looking for camping gear? It’s in the descriptions for sales #19, #45, #94, #98, #116 #135, #150, #176, #183, #185, #201, #226, #246.

Check back here on WSB starting at 6 am for the usual highlights list of everything that’s happening – including WSCGSD, as well as the crane-takedown closure and Stamp Out Hunger (set out your donation before you head out) – and we’ll have as-it-happens WSCGSD coverage too. Looking forward to an awesome Saturday!

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West Seattle power outage: Just west of 35th SW work zone

May 10, 2019 10:14 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Triangle | Utilities | West Seattle news

Just got a texted tip about a power outage that’s in its fourth hour just west of the 35th SW road work zone. The tipster says the outage – attributed on the City Light map to “equipment failure” – started just after road crews wrapped up for the day. SCL says 130 customers are affected, between 35th and 36th, SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

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BIZNOTE: Funky Janes to celebrate ownership change with Monday event

May 10, 2019 9:13 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Funky Janes)

Set your calendar for Monday to stop by Funky Janes in The Junction to congratulate its new proprietor and wish its former owner well. Their announcement:

Funky Janes has long been a pillar in the West Seattle community. It was opened in Jefferson Square in the ’80s, and has seen two moves (previously located across the street from Husky Deli) under previous owner Angela Nichols. For the last 9 years, it has been located at 4455 California Ave SW.

Maybe you’ve never visited the shop. Maybe you’ve stopped in after brunch at Ma’Ono or on a rainy day because you needed a hat. Funky Janes is still here because West Seattle believes in small businesses. The heart of the store has always been its commitment to the neighborhood and the people whom support it.

At the end of March, this institution changed hands from 20-year owner Angela Nichols to Panida Vilaythong.

Panida, previously a millinery apprentice and aspiring fashion designer, has dreamed of owning & running a women’s consignment boutique since her early 20s. When learning through a friend that Funky Janes might be on the market back in January, she knew this was her chance! She is a former West Seattle resident, but her heart remains in the community and protecting the essence of Funky Janes. At its core, the shop is about community-motivated business and economics at work on a small scale in our lives. A place we can gather and share. The community has always meant the world to the ladies of the store, from 25-year consigners to the ladies who walked in for the first time. Panida will continue to carry the torch that has burned so bright in West Seattle for many years. The only change to Funky Janes is the ownership.

In celebration of Angela’s semi-retirement, Panida’s takeover and all the wonderful customers who contribute to the success of Funky Janes, they will be hosting a happy hour event Monday, May 13th from 4 PM to 7 PM. Please stop in, hang out with Angela, meet Panida, and share cake, beverages, and stories of Funky Janes’ past. Let’s give Angela a warm sendoff toward her new & exciting endeavors!
Angela adds, “I am very excited to start the next chapter in my life but very sad since I have worked at Funky Janes / Kathy’s Kloset – the original name – since 1990… It was a job I started my senior year in high school … worked on and off through college and managed it for the second owner who changed the name to the current name … I will truly miss my customers which I call my store friends. I look forward to seeing them around West Seattle. My kids grew up at Funky Janes and now that my oldest is in college and my youngest is wrapping his freshman year of high school I felt it was the right time to move on. I feel so blessed that the legacy of Funky Janes will continue to live on and thrive. I will continue to help out at the store and I would love to see and catch up with my friends!”

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In case you wondered too: About the warning signage on Longfellow Creek

May 10, 2019 7:42 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

The photo is from Mark, who asked us Thursday about the “contaminated water” signage that he spotted along Longfellow Creek at the SW Yancy footbridge near the West Seattle Athletic Club. Researching it today, we first checked with Seattle-King County Public Health, whose logo was on the signage. They said it was related to “a small sewage spill (about 100 gallons) at the West Seattle Golf Course. Our understanding is that the spill had gone into a catch basin and some likely spilled into Longfellow Creek,” and that Seattle Public Utilities had put up the signage. SPU told us, “Approximately 100 gallons were released on Wednesday evening, but it was determined that most of the spill was absorbed into the soil,” so the signage on the creek was removed.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Admiral attacker Kierra Ward found not guilty by reason of insanity

May 10, 2019 5:18 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(October 2017 photo by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)

A year and a half ago, that was the scene in Admiral before police arrested Kierra M. Ward, 27, after she attacked a woman who was walking along the street with her baby. Today, the case against Ward was resolved with a ruling that she was not guilty by reason of insanity, and she has been committed to Western State Hospital. Ward had been charged with two counts of assault – first degree for attacking the mother (who was seriously hurt; her baby was unharmed) and second degree for threatening a man who came to the victim’s rescue. Last July, Ward was found not competent to stand trial and sent to Western State Hospital for attempted restoration of competency; in December, we reported, she was found competent, and her lawyer indicated the insanity defense would be pursued. With today’s ruling, according to court documents, Ward acknowledges committing the crimes but is acquitted because, the court finds, she “was insane at the time of the commission of the act(s) charged.” The order finds that “detention in a state mental hospital” is called for because she is a danger to herself and others. What the documents don’t say is how long that commitment might last or what the criteria would be for its end, so we’ll be following up.

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TOMORROW! Updates for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2019

May 10, 2019 3:33 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Among the unusual items you’ll find at the nearly 300 sales on the map for tomorrow’s 15th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day:

That’s a wooden toy ferry, dating back to 1980, and you’ll find it at sale #162, on Alki. Then there’s sale #122, in Gatewood, where a professional stager is selling a house full of furniture, art, and decor including these items:

So many sales, so many items – browse the map and listings if you haven’t already! Meanwhile, with temperatures forecast to hit the 80s again tomorrow, you might need refreshments. As is a WSCGSD tradition, there are lemonade stands among the 16 sales mentioning food and/or beverages – #35, #117, #204, #274. Shave ice is promised at sale #84. Baked goods? Five places and they’re all being sold as fundraisers – #90, #120, #186, #230, #241.

We could go on but we hope to get one more preview in tonight. So for now, get ready to enjoy a glorious day of person-to-person recycling. If the official 9 am-3 pm sale hours just aren’t enough, check the map for some open early, some staying open late, some even continuing Sunday! And if you find yourself with buyers’ remorse (or seller leftovers), note that WSCGSD is also accompanied by a donate-a-thon of sorts, with five ways to donate items – all listed here.

P.S. Remember that we have one traffic alert tomorrow – California SW closed at Stevens for takedown of the Luna/PCC crane.

P.P.S. Whether you’re shopping or selling tomorrow – send a photo! (Please include the sale #.) westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – we’ll be out covering the day, of course, too.

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WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: Mystery bird still moving east

May 10, 2019 2:28 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news | Wildlife

FRIDAY REPORT: Thanks to Lynn Hall for the newest photo of the “West Seattle turkey,” two weeks since we started hearing about sightings and receiving photos. It seems to still be headed north/east – Lynn spotted it along Alki Avenue this morning; that’s where Jan Pendergrass saw it on Thursday:

Sighting reports started in Seola, moved through Arbor Heights and Fauntleroy, along Beach Drive, to Alki Point, and now north/eastward along Duwamish Head. Still no word of anyone looking for a missing turkey. We’re checking with the Seattle Animal Shelter to see if they’ve had any reports from elsewhere in the city; three years ago, SAS speculated the turkey seen around town then might have escaped from a “private flock.”

SATURDAY UPDATE: Still headed east – but now south, with sightings in Fairmount Ravine and Belvidere:

That photo is from Catherine, who says, “Just saw the turkey this afternoon while walking through our neighborhood. Made me smile. Up on 38th Ave SW in the Belvedere neighborhood.”

SUNDAY REPORT: A photo from 10:30 am at 38th SW/Olga:

Thanks for sending the updates!

MONDAY UPDATES: Jody spotted it on “37th Ave SW between Stevens and Olga.”

Then it turned up in Tim‘s garden int the 2700 block of 38th SW:

After garden mayhem, Tim reported, the turkey took a nap.

TUESDAY UPDATES: The reports we received today were from the same general area. From Michael Ross:

From Regan:

There might be a reason the turkey’s lingered there. Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing said she invited it to visit. She finally got to see it:

Tonight, around 7:30 p.m. I heard the very loud and distinct sound of a turkey gobbling! I looked out my front window which faces 39th and Lander, and there he is in all his puffed up glory, strutting down the street, gobbling away, and headed right toward my house. It is definitely a he, since only the males gobble. He is issuing a call to any lady turkeys in the nearby vicinity. Poor guy, I sincerely hope he finds a lady love.

He is definitely wild. As soon as I opened my front door he hightailed it in the direction of the greenbelt that runs behind the houses across the street from me. The neighbors have seen him fence hopping from yard to yard.

I did not see him again, but heard him gobbling away for a little while longer. I am so grateful that he came to call (literally), and I hope that he finds the female turkey of his dreams …

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UTILITY WORK ALERT: North Delridge sewer project starts Monday

May 10, 2019 1:24 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Utilities | West Seattle news

Received today from Seattle Public Utilities, word that work starts next week on a sewer-system project in North Delridge. The notice:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is making improvements to a sewer-system flow control station located in the Delridge neighborhood. This project will enable SPU to optimize use of the sewer system with the goal of reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the Duwamish River.

LOCATION: Construction will take place in the Delridge neighborhood at the intersection of SW Andover Street and 26th Avenue SW. See map for approximate location of work.

SCHEDULE: Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, May 13, and it will take about 3 to 5 months to complete the work. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but weekend work may be required. Please note that weather and other factors may impact start date and duration of this project.

ANTICIPATED IMPACTS: During construction, you can expect:
• Construction noise, dust, and vibrations.
• Increased construction traffic and staging of large equipment in the area.
• Slowed vehicle traffic and intermittent lane closures near the construction area.
• Parking in or near the work area may be prohibited. o “No Parking” signs will be posted in advance of work. Please park in an alternative area, if needed.
• Pedestrian traffic on the north side of S.W. Andover Street near the work area will be restricted throughout construction. Pedestrian detours will be in place.
• Restoration of pavement and vegetation will occur following construction.

To receive construction updates via email, please sign up for our listserv by emailing SPU_DelridgeGateRetrofit-subscribe-request@talk2.seattle.gov.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Josh Campbell, Project Manager, at (206) 684-5257 or josh.campbell@seattle.gov
James Barnett, Construction Engineer, at (206) 396-5278 or james.barnett@seattle.gov

For interpretation services please call (206) 684-5257
如需要口譯服務,請撥電話號碼 (206) 684-5257
통역 서비스를 원하시면 (206) 684-5257
으로 전화하세요 Wixii turjubaan afka ah ku saabsan, Fadlan la soo xariir taleefoonka (206) 684-5257
Para servicios de interpretación por favor llame al (206) 684-5257
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Về dịch vụ phiên dịch xin gọi (206) 684-5257

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VIDEO: Hazmat response at 35th SW apartments after woman found dead, police officers sent to hospital

May 10, 2019 9:55 am

| 37 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos)

9:55 AM: If you’re wondering about the SFD/SPD response in the 8800 block of 35th SW, Seattle Fire says they’re “investigating a possible chemical substance in apartment building” and advising people to stay away from the area. Updates to come.

10:06 AM: Our crew reports 35th is blocked between Henderson and Trenton; this is happening in an apartment building nearer to Henderson than Trenton. SFD confirms one person was found dead in the building.

10:24 AM: The Medical Examiner has arrived at the scene but before they can handle the death, SFD crews are still working on the unspecified hazardous-materials situation. While 35th remains blocked, police are allowing buses through.

10:42 AM: SFD is still dealing with the scene, with hazmat gear and washdown stations. SFD’s public information officer Kristin Tinsley is there so we should get some updates soon. And the helicopter, if you’re wondering, is a TV station.

11:01 AM: Just briefed, by Tinsley and SPD PIO Det. Mark Jamieson. (video added)

This started – as a commenter noted – as a “welfare check,” a call for police to check on someone who hadn’t been heard from in a while. Officers who found the dead person had clearly been exposed to something – hazmat crews are in the unit still trying to figure out what. The two officers have been taken to a hospital to be checked out. Nearby residents aren’t believed to be in danger but for now they’ve been asked to keep their doors/windows closed as a precaution.

11:22 AM: More information. The substances were primarily ammonia and chlorine bleach. The person found dead was a woman.

The response is mostly wrapping up now. That’s the other TV helicopter over the area now, by the way.

12:02 PM: SDOT says all lanes of 35th SW have reopened.

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6 for your West Seattle Friday

May 10, 2019 9:45 am

| Comments Off on 6 for your West Seattle Friday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Common Merganser, photographed by Mark Wangerin near Kellogg Island on the Duwamish River)

We are about to start a spectacular weekend! But first, some Friday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SNACK, CHAT, SOLVE: New program for ages 11-14 at Southwest Library, 3:15 pm. (9010 35th SW)

BINGO #1 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle (10:45 check-in), $6 buy-in. Must be 18+ to play. (4217 SW Oregon)

BINGO #2: Benefit for Admiral UCC, at Fauntleroy UCC, 5:30 pm – bingo with a “French picnic” dinner. Doors at 5:30 pm. (9140 California SW)

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), monthly showcase. No cover; all ages. (5612 California SW)

ART LOUNGE: Hang out at Highland Park Improvement Club and get creative, starting at 7 pm. Bar’s open. 21+. (1116 SW Holden)

TAVERN TUNES: The Eiffel Power, Jeff Greer, Shagnasty at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $7 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE THE FULL CALENDAR … here!

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Celebration of Life planned May 18th for Cal Bannon, 1921-2019

May 10, 2019 9:00 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather May 18th to celebrate the life of Cal Bannon, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Calvin Frederick Bannon passed March 7, 2019, reaching 98 years of an active, productive, and charmed life.

Born February 15, 1921, he resided his entire life on the shores of Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Cal was a World War II “Hump” pilot, flying C-47 (DC3) cargo planes on China-Burma-India routes. After his stint, he had a three-month tour of the world on his way home.

Cal was an Electrical Engineering graduate of University of Washington compliments of the GI Bill. During his 30 years at Seattle City Light, he initiated a new higher-voltage system for all of Seattle. At work, he met the love of his life, Lavon (Bonnie) Hall. They both were pilots, ice skaters, sailors, and dancers and loved to travel the world with dance clubs and attend military reunions. They were avid skiers, passing the skills to their two sons, Paul and Phillip. Cal and Bonnie spent their winters at their second home in Arizona, where they enjoyed tennis, golf, and many friends.

Cal’s best friend Leon Harmon encouraged Cal to join the Lincoln Park impromptu tennis players. There, he met his constant companion, Flora Belle (Frankie) Key. They sailed the sound, especially enjoying Blake Island. Calvin was a celebrated ballroom dancer, never without his dance hat. Invited to China, Cal was treated as royalty for helping win WWII. He danced on the Great Wall of China and Yangtze River!

Cal lived a full, busy, and exciting life. He skied well into his 90s and was playing tennis and dancing up until the end. He refused to quit climbing ladders to trim trees! He gardened and made homegrown pumpkin pies.

Cal leaves his two sons, daughter-in-law Sonja, grandson Tomas, and granddaughter Sofia.

Cal’s special sweet smile, politeness and positive outlook are lessons to us all. Thank you Cal.

There will be a celebration of life at Cal’s house on Saturday, May 18th, any time after 1:00 pm. 9030 39th Ave SW.

(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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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch plus Saturday reminders, including crane closure

May 10, 2019 6:55 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch plus Saturday reminders, including crane closure

| 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)

6:55 AM: No incidents or alerts so far. One reminder for today:

AVALON SHIFT: If you travel Avalon and/or 35th, be sure to read the update we published last night.

Reminders for tonight/tomorrow:

NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 99 TUNNEL: Scheduled for maintenance closure 11 pm tonight-early Saturday

CRANE REMOVAL: California SW is scheduled to be closed at Stevens all day Saturday for removal of West Seattle’s only tower crane.

SHRIMP FISHING: Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) will be very busy Saturday early morning through early afternoon, with a 7 am-1 pm shrimp fishing opening

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: 9 am-3 pm Saturday, sales all over the peninsula (here’s the map).

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: To ‘prefer’ or not to ‘prefer’

May 9, 2019 11:32 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Sound Transit video of today’s entire committee meeting. WS-Ballard briefing/discussion starts at 1 hour, 50 minutes in)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Today brought the last stop for West Seattle to Ballard light-rail before a key Sound Transit Board vote to decide which routing/station locations will go into environmental studies.

But the board’s System Expansion Committee declined to recommend a complete “preferred alternative” routing/station-location plan, after hearing opposing opinions on whether to do so at all.

Before the committee’s vote late today – near the end of a 4-hour meeting with other major agenda items – it heard those opinions from two ST board members who are not committee members. Phoning in from an overseas trip, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott (a West Seattle resident) advocated for not identifying a preferred alternative, saying there’s just not enough information. Meantime, committee chair King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci read email from board member Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers insisting that a preferred alternative must be identified and that environmental studies should not include options discarded in the first two levels of advisory-group review – such as the so-called “purple line,” a two-tunnel West Seattle plan that the Stakeholder Advisory Group wanted to keep but the Elected Leadership Group did not. ST staff’s very preliminary estimates suggested it could require more than $1 billion “third-party funding,” but various meetings have included some suggestions that panicking over price tags should wait until more design/engineering work has been done.

Before we get into what preceded that, here’s what the committee gave its blessing to – the West Seattle language from the motion that members approved:

West Seattle (Avalon/Junction)
Preferred alternative (To be determined)
Potential preferred alternative (To be determined)
Other DEIS alternative (To be determined)

West Seattle (Delridge)
Preferred alternative
N of Genesee station – Elevated guideway runs south adjacent to Delridge Way SW to an elevated Delridge station on a diagonal between Delridge Way SW and 26th Avenue SW north of SW Genesee Street. Continues west on an elevated guideway along SW Genesee Street.

Additionally, the Board directs staff to explore refining the Delridge station location, prioritizing a further south location and looking for opportunities to minimize potential residential impacts, create a high quality transfer environment, optimize TOD potential and reduce costs.

Other DEIS alternatives
S of Andover station – Elevated guideway follows Delridge Way SW south to an elevated Delridge station south of SW Andover Street. Continues south along Delridge Way SW and then runs west along SW Genesee Street.

The Board directs staff to conduct an initial assessment of the following alternatives, which were suggested during the scoping period, to establish whether further detailed study in the Draft EIS is appropriate:

Yancy/Andover alignment – An alignment along the Yancy/Andover corridor with a Delridge Station serving Youngstown.

Pigeon Point Tunnel – A refinement of the Pigeon Ridge Tunnel alignment that was previously evaluated in Level 1 and Level 2 screening. This alignment would include a refined Duwamish crossing location that includes a tunnel through Pigeon Point with a further south Delridge station location.

The assessment and recommendation for further study shall be brought back to the Sound Transit Board for review and potential action.

Duwamish Crossing
Preferred alternative
South crossing – Elevated guideway crosses over the Spokane Street Viaduct, curves west and parallels the West Seattle Bridge on the south side. Crosses over the Duwamish Waterway on a high-level fixed bridge on the south side of the existing bridge, then rounds Pigeon Point and heads south along Delridge Way SW.
Other DEIS alternatives
North crossing – Elevated guideway curves west and parallels the existing West Seattle Bridge on the north side. Spans the Duwamish Waterway on a high-level, fixed bridge on the north side of the existing bridge, then crosses over the West Seattle bridge ramp, passes over the Nucor Steel property and runs south along Delridge Way SW.

The Board directs staff to conduct an initial assessment of the following alternative, which was suggested during the scoping period, to establish whether further detailed study in the Draft EIS is appropriate:
Pigeon Point Tunnel – A refinement of the Pigeon Ridge Tunnel alignment that was previously evaluated in Level 1 and Level 2 screening. This alignment would include a refined Duwamish crossing location that includes a tunnel through Pigeon Point with a further south Delridge station location.
The assessment and recommendation for further study shall be brought back to the Sound Transit Board for review and potential action.

Here’s the full motion (PDF), including other sections of the West Seattle to Ballard extension. Now, what preceded it:

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AVALON/35TH PROJECT: New phase of paving starts Friday; signage added

May 9, 2019 9:27 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

After three weeks of work on Avalon, a new phase for the first segment of paving work starts tomorrow. Tonight we have the latest official update – followed by new information on traffic issues resulting from the 35th SW segment of the project that started this week. First, SDOT’s update:

We have wrapped up base paving on the east half SW Avalon Way! Tomorrow, May 10, we plan to move traffic to the east side of SW Avalon Way as we shift work to the west side of SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to SW Yancy St (Zone B). As part of this work, we will be demolishing the west side of SW Avalon Way all the way to the centerline.

Starting Friday, May 10, we plan to close the west side of the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St to conduct utility work and pavement reconstruction. Similar to the previous closure on the east side of the intersection, crews will need to work across multiple lanes of traffic in the intersection for a few weeks.

Potholing has begun on 35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Alaska St (Zone E) to prepare for water main work. 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. See below for more information about what to expect.

Heads up for future travel: SW Alaska will be closed to 35th Ave SW from Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, May 19. This will allow crews to conduct maintenance on the water main.

Businesses are open! Please continue to visit businesses on 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way during construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Things we’ve heard from the community

Each week, we’ll plan to address a few common questions we’ve heard from your neighbors.

Where will my bus stop be?

We’re working with King County Metro (Metro) to coordinate temporary bus service reroutes and stop relocations during construction. On Metro’s website, you can find more information about construction reroutes and sign up for Metro Transit alerts. If a stop is going to be relocated, Metro will post signs along the corridor.

(WSB editor’s note: Metro’s “alerts” webpage still does not include this informatinn. We called this to Metro’s attention yesterday and again today.)

It’s difficult to bike along the corridor

We recognize that construction makes biking along the corridor difficult, especially when bike and vehicle traffic merge. We also recognize that the geography of the area makes it difficult to find alternatives. We will continuing to assess the safety of people biking through our work zone and work with West Seattle Bike Connections to identify future alternative routes during construction.

How long construction will last:

Construction in Zone B is anticipated to wrap up in mid-June. Work in Zone E is anticipated to continue through November. Thank you for your patience as we strive to complete this work safely and efficiently!

Also addressed by SDOT today – a resident’s concern about the 35th SW constraints and backups resulting in cut-throughs on narrow nearby side-streets south of SW Alaska. Kevin cc’d us on his original note and SDOT included us in today’s reply:

Thanks for your email and letting us know about the cut-through traffic on 36th Ave SW and 37th Ave SW. We’ve included details below about a few changes we’ve made to signage onsite today. In addition, we’ve also included a few options that we can offer for your specific side streets if cut-through traffic continues to be an issue.

Signage adjustments on 35th Ave SW
Crews evaluated signage onsite this morning to ensure the messaging on the boards and the closure was as clear to people driving as possible.

(WSB photo – we were headed SB; the messaging faces NB traffic)

They added a message board about the closure at 35th Ave SW and SW Myrtle St in center-turn lane, and kept the current message boards in place at SW Snoqualmie St and SW Alaska St. We will continue to evaluate traffic and the best locations for these message boards as the closure continues.

Additional mitigation options

We are looking into speed mitigation tools and will get back to you soon.

We will be adding a note to our email updates to let people driving that we have heard from neighbors about speeding and concerns around safety on side streets. Particularly as we head into sunny, warmer weather, we’ll highlight a reminder to slow down and watch for people biking, people walking, and kids playing and walking to school.

In addition, if you do not already have vision zero signs for your street, we would be happy to bring you some reminding people driving through that “20 is plenty.”