West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
It’s not summer in South Park without the masked wrestlers of Lucha Libre Volcánica putting on a show. Today was the day.
Their ring has popped up in multiple South Park spots in recent years – from Duwamish Waterway Park to a closed street to, today, the future South Park Plaza. The performances, however, haven’t changed – the luchadores work the ring in the Mexico-born style. Like so many variants of pro wrestling over the years, there are characters – heroes and villains – costumes, stage names. Like Santa Muerte:
Here she is in action against Nick Wayne:
Nick and Jet Knight ended that bout triumphant over Santa Muerte and her partner (accomplice?). The opening bout featured Rey Jaguar, El Tapatio, Alcatan, and Dragon Quetzal:
Here’s Rey Jaguar in mid-air:
And Alcatan from the same bout:
Lucha Libre has a lot in common with acrobatics. Check out these moves from Kid Cuervo, Spartano, and Halcon Negro‘s bout:
All the while, the announcer keeps up the running narration, and if not directly involved at the moment, the luchadores will encourage cheering – this is sport/theater that thrives on crowd engagement.
Today’s show was part of the first-ever South Park Barrio Party, which also included vendors, food, and music. Lucha Libre Volcánica – which is a school as well as a troupe – also performs around the region; you can check their schedule here.
Four weeks from today, you’re invited to a golf tournament to raise money for a project to expand the usability of West Seattle High School‘s south playfield by student athletes. First, some background:
West Seattle is growing! More people using the parks has shrunk access by WSHS student athletes. Seattle Public Schools has a joint-use agreement with the Parks department that limits WSHS access in favor of groups who rent Parks fields (such as Hiawatha). Baseball practices for example used to be 3+ hours; today they are less than 2 hours as non WSHS sports teams claim the field.
In 2017 a group of WSHS parents, booster, coaches, and administrators began a campaign to expand field access by installing artificial turf, covered batting cages, fencing, and other athletic training resources on the West Seattle High School south play field — at one time a parking lot and also a dog park. Our growing movement has achieved great progress — individual matching donors have stepped up, Seattle voters approved the BEX V levy, and a growing alumni network is beginning to engage.
The South Playfield Athletic Resources and Cages (SPARC) project will benefit all WSHS students through enhanced PE curriculum and access by all sports teams. This project will provide a turf practice area, covered cages and equipment for all teams at WSHS, benefiting players of all abilities and across all athletics. Proceeds from the Westside Golf Tournament will go toward the construction of SPARC. Investing in this infrastructure project today benefits the community of kids today and the high schoolers of tomorrow.
Now, about the tournament:
Come support the WSHS booster community in our first annual golf tournament at the beautiful High Cedars Golf Course in Orting. The golf tournament will benefit the construction of the South Playfield Athletic Resources and Cages (SPARC) at West Seattle High School.
September 28th, 2019
Registration at 11:30 am, Shotgun Golf Tournament at 1 pm, Dinner and Auction at 6:00 pmFor more information about the SPARC project, to become an event sponsor, or for online tournament registration please visit:
westsidetourney.orgClick here for secure online registration.
Email WSHSgolftournament@gmail.com if you have any questions, or to discuss sponsorship.
Thanks to Don Brubeck of West Seattle Bike Connections for the report on and photos from today’s Cycle History ride that WSBC sponsored with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Cascade Bicycle Club:
The theme this year was community gathering places that were initiated and build by neighborhood groups in West Seattle, starting with Highland Park Inprovement Club.
Kay Kirkpatrick filled us in with the club’s 100-year history and current life.
Then we visited Puget Ridge Playground and the Puget Ridge Edible Park, where Helen Shampain met us and showed us their neighborhood’s one-acre permaculture food garden and gathering spot.
At the Disabled American Veterans Hall on Delridge, historian Judy Bentley told us about its former life as the Youngstown Improvement Club, and the place of those clubs in local history.
Then on to the Delridge P-Patch and to Greg Davis Park, where the neighborhood successfully blocked expansion of the West Seattle Golf Course (and removal of their houses), and wound up with a nice little park instead.
Finally, we received a warm reception and refreshments at the Vietnamese Cultural Center on SW Orchard.
Many of those places have community events we feature in our calendar and daily highlights list, as we did for today’s ride – for example, you’re invited to visit the Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard) a week from tomorrow for the Children’s Moonlight Festival.
Two more reader reports of car prowls, starting with one in which someone else’s stuff was left behind:
ARBOR HEIGHTS: From Morgan:
Someone broke into my car last night in Arbor Heights (police report filed) and, in addition to stealing a bag of items to go to Goodwill, left us a stereo faceplate and bike. I’d love to reunite these items with their owners, if possible. Stereo faceplate is a Kenwood; bike is a metallic blue Magna.
If one or both of those might be yours, contact us.
MORGAN JUNCTION: From Ranny: “I would like to report a car prowl in my vehicle on the night of August 28th. I was parked on SW Graham St and California Ave, pretty close to the main road. No windows were bashed in, but petty change and an Apple cord was stolen. Please be careful!”
(WSB photos)
Thanks to Todd for the tip! He forwarded this email announcement from West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW):
After 35 years, Mark Smith, owner and founder of West Seattle Nursery, is retiring.
His last day on the job will be September 30th.
This business has come a long way from the Christmas tree lot where it began, back in 1984.
Mark has been a great boss and we will miss him. We hope you will stop by this month and wish him well.
We caught up with Mark Smith at the nursery this morning.
He confirmed the announcement and stressed that WSN customers will NOT see a change in operations – he’s working with staffers on a plan for them to take over the nursery. Meantime, he’ll be on the job for another month. Watch for word of a retirement celebration.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Junction Association)
Here’s a reason to get to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market right at the start tomorrow: Your last chance to get a free “swag bag”! The last 100 bags, full of freebies and coupons from local businesses and organizations. The bags were created through a grant-funded collaboration of the Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce. They’ll be available starting at 10 am Sunday at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth at the south end of the market, right at California/Alaska, until they’re gone.
(Fishing at Lincoln Park, photographed earlier this month by Lars Lindblad)
Welcome to the holiday weekend! The highlight list is shorter than many summer Saturdays, but we do have these events of interest:
HISTORY RIDE: Meet at Highland Park Improvement Club at 9:30 am to get ready for the 10 am “Cycle History 2019: The Places of Community” ride. Details on the official ride page. Presented by West Seattle Bike Connections and the Log House Museum. (1116 SW Holden)
SOUTH PARK BARRIO PARTY, WITH LUCHA LIBRE: Noon-8 pm at South Park Plaza:
The Lucha Libre masked-wrestling show is set for 3-5 pm. (14th Ave. S. & S. Dallas)
LOW TIDE: -1.5 feet at 12:09 pm isn’t mega-low, but it’s still a good opportunity for beachwalking.
ANIMAL-RESCUE BENEFIT: 1-3 pm at Ounces, drink beer and buy raffle benefits to support Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
CARRIE AKRE: The well-regarded local singer is live in-store at Easy Street Records, 7 pm, celebrating the release of her first new album in more than a decade. Free, all ages. (California/Alaska)
DOG HOUSE PRAYERS: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
‘THE BEST YOU’VE EVER SEEN: “Curated evening of music, film and visual effects,” 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
From the “fireworks or gunshots?” file, several explosions heard in Gatewood a short time ago were definitely fireworks. At least one person called them in to 911 as gunshots, but they were close to our HQ and we heard them. In addition, a nearby resident said she found “tubes” from the fireworks – apparently placed/tossed by someone in a vehicle – along SW Thistle.
(WSB file photo of Colman Pool)
The Labor Day holiday weekend marks the end of outdoor Colman Pool‘s seven-day-a-week summer season – but remember that extra postseason weekends will extend operations into late September. This year, after local swimmers pushed for a longer season, and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold got extra funding for it, the pool opened for two preseason weekends before Memorial Day, and it will be open for three postseason weekends after Labor Day: September 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22. Here’s the full schedule.
9:55 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to the 8800 block of 13th SW.
10:03 PM: The incident log shows all but one unit has been canceled.
The Southwest Design Review Board considers two mixed-use projects on Thursday (September 5th) at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). The design packets for both are available to preview.
(Rendering from packet by Sazei Design Group)
8854 DELRIDGE WAY SW: The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with what could be the last review for this proposal on the NE corner of Delridge and Henderson. Here’s our report on the previous review two years ago. See the packet here (PDF) or below:
This proposal is described as “a new 4-story building over a below-grade parking garage level with 32 apartment units, retail (cafe) space, and 14 enclosed parking stalls.” The site previously held an auto shop that has already been torn down. Thursday’s review will include a public-comment period, as will the next one:
(Rendering from packet by Cone Architecture)
4401 42ND SW: At 8 pm, the board will take its first look at this proposal for West Seattle Christian Church-owned property on the SW corner of 42nd and Genesee. See the packet here (PDF) or below:
This is an Early Design Guidance review, which means it centers on size/shape and placement on the lot, not design details. The project team’s “preferred option” would include 72 Small Efficiency Dwelling Units (microapartments), 6 live-work units, and 36 offstreet parking spaces, replacing a building that has in the past held classrooms and artist studios.
But not in that order:
OPENING: Last month, we reported on the plans for Larry’s Tavern at 3405 California SW. The proprietors have announced they plan to open on Saturday, September 14th.
VACATION: A few blocks north, proprietor Kim at The Swinery wants you to know, “We will be closed for vacation from Sunday, September 1st, and will reopen on Tuesday September 10th, whereupon we will be ready to take Thanksgiving orders for hams and turkeys.”
CLOSURE: Not West Seattle, but of note: Alki Bakery‘s SODO location is closing. Marlo sent this photo of the sign:
It’s been almost 9 years since Alki Bakery closed its 61st/Alki location, also with a sign thanking patrons for “25 great years.”
We’ll admit we were getting a little worried after a stretch without a West Seattle Turkey sighting report. And then Lauren Bissett sent this photo, explaining: “If anyone’s been missing the West Seattle Turkey, he/she’s been spending a few days off and on in my backyard, hanging out with my chickens and ducks! We’re near 40th and Hanford.” It’s been four months now since The Turkey turned up in West Seattle.
If you missed the mentions in Monday’s tunnel-toll-date announcement and Thursday’s bus-reroute announcement … here’s another full-on reminder from WSDOT: The section of Alaskan Way Viaduct still straddling Dearborn – right where downtown-bound vehicles now exit 99 – is two weeks away from demolition:
As crews removed the viaduct along Alaskan Way this spring and summer, two small sections were left standing at South Dearborn Street. WSDOT and our contractor Kiewit left these two sections in place in order to coordinate the timing of their removal with our partner agencies.
With demolition in its home stretch, we are ready to remove the viaduct over South Dearborn Street. On Thursday, Sept. 12, crews will close South Dearborn Street and narrow First Avenue South to two lanes on either side of the intersection to create a safe work zone. South Dearborn Street will be closed for up to ten days while crews remove the viaduct overhead.
We and our partner agencies are very aware of how critical First Avenue South and South Dearborn Street are for bus riders and drivers heading to and from SR 99 and points south and west of downtown. Some King County Metro buses will reroute while South Dearborn Street is closed and our contractor Kiewit will pull their work zone back from Alaskan Way so the street has its full four lanes open during this closure.
This closure will cause unavoidable disruptions to traffic and we ask drivers to make a plan for their trips: consider alternate routes or ways of getting around, including exiting SR 99 at Spokane Street, using transit or taking the King County Water Taxi. Next month will also bring demolition to the section of viaduct around Marion Street and changes for passengers arriving at Colman Dock. This construction is just one component of the #SeattleSqueeze as Seattle updates its transportation infrastructure to match the city’s mobility needs.
The temporary bus-reroute plan for this phase of demolition was included in Thursday’s announcement.
This year’s next 5K in West Seattle is just one week away (Friday, September 6th), and we’re reminding you because it’s a first – the first-ever Alki Beach Sunset Run. Organizers say more than 1,000 people are registered already. The race course is mapped here; they won’t be closing the full road, organizers say, but do be aware that between the race start at 6:20 pm and the course closure at 7:30 pm, things will be more congested than usual for a late-summer Friday night on Alki. There’s still room to register right now – you can do it online here.
(Pacific Slope Flycatcher, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm daily operating hours continue for the Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale).
LEARN ABOUT BUTTERFLIES: Youth science program at Southwest Library, 11 am-noon. Free. (9010 35th SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.1 feet again today, at 11:22 am.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE: 1 pm, this week’s “Greatest Movie You’ve Never Heard Of” at the Senior Center of West Seattle is “Along Came Jones.” $1 members, $2 nonmembers. (4217 SW Oregon)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The season starts with Chief Sealth International High School hosting a jamboree at 4:30 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
COSMO’S DREAM: Live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW).
FRIDAY NIGHT ROCK: The Tripwires, The Yes Maybes, Head at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
As schools reopen for a new year, other educational programs launch their new seasons too. Among them, historic Kenyon Hall‘s longrunning Kindermusik program:
For the past 25 years Kenyon Hall has offered Kindermusik, for families with children birth to seven, to the Seattle community.
Led by Lou Magor, hundreds of families have taken advantage of this revered curriculum, and both parents and former students tell us that Kindermusik sparked an interest in music that led to an appreciation of—and in some cases a profession in—the field.
The Kindermusik curricula draw on the latest research in brain development, and provide a weekly dose of musical fun. Kids learn to sing, dance, listen, and play instruments, and lessons are fast paced and age appropriate.
Classes begin the first week of September. To enroll, e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net
Haven’t been to Kenyon Hall? It’s at 7904 35th SW.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Remember the Seattle Parks survey asking what you’d like to see in city parks?
Wednesday night, when Parks Superintendent Jesús Aguirre met with HPAC, it was a sort of in-person roadshow version of that survey.
One attendee, in fact, offered the observation that the experience was a bit like a “marketing pitch.”
But Parks facilities play a big role in the area – including sprawling Westcrest Park and youth-sports hub Riverview Playfield – so the ~20 at the meeting participated wholeheartedly, including small-group breakouts.
The meeting opened with HPAC chair Gunner Scott reminding everyone that HPAC now represents the South Delridge and Riverview communities too; the meeting was held at “historic Highland Park Improvement Club,” celebrating its centennial. (It was pointed out later to Aguirre that HPIC is a privately owned community hub – the area does not have a city-operated community center.)
After introductions, Aguirre explained Parks’ pursuit of a new strategic plan meant to span 12 years. We recorded his overview:
Three more West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
GARAGE BREAK-IN #1: Just texted:
Our garage was broken into this evening on SW Bradford St (near 55th SW; map). I pulled up and I thought it was an Amazon delivery. It was a newer model, very clean bright cherry red Chevy smaller truck. It was a white male and white woman. The woman ran from the garage carrying a brand new generator from our garage – nobody was harmed, police were called. There was much stuff in the back of their truck.
GARAGE BREAK-IN #2 & BICYCLE THEFT: From Laura – “Last night our locked garage was broken into. A black Fuji bicycle, circa 2013 or so, was taken. Sorry, no pic available. We are at SW Barton and 22nd Ave SW [map]. Lots of recent car prowls here also.”
AND ANOTHER CAR PROWL: From Eric:
I would like to report a car prowl in the Morgan Junction, on 40th and Morgan [map] last Sunday. I must have forgotten to lock my truck, and when I got in my truck Monday AM someone had been through everything and stole my sunglasses and jumper cables. They also tried to get into the back of my truck (I have a canopy). I filed a police report today.
The weekly SDOT update on the Avalon/35th repaving-and-more project includes a reminder that a major intersection closure is ahead. Here’s all the latest:
Crews are busy on the SW Seattle Paving: 35th/Avalon Project. Crews have, or are planning to complete, the following construction activities:
· Crews have wrapped up road base repairs, curb ramps, and utility work in zone A and B
· Today, Thursday, August 29, crews are paving the south side of Zone C.
· From 9 AM on Friday, September 6 through 6 AM Monday, September 9, we will be closing the SW Avalon and 35th Ave SW intersection for the first of up to three weekend closures to rebuild the concrete roadway.
· From August 28 through September 13, crews will be placing high-friction surface treatments on SW Genesee St and Charlestown Ave SW
· In mid-September, crews plan to return to zones A through C for final grinding and paving
You can read more about each activity in their respective sections below.
35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way Intersection:
To rebuild the concrete roadway, we will be closing the intersection of 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way.
· The intersection will be closed from Friday, September 6 at 9 AM to Monday, September 9 to 6 AM
o This intersection closure is weather dependent and subject to change
· Metro buses will be allowed southbound on 35th Ave SW from Fauntleroy between 3 PM and 7 PM on Friday, September 6 to assist with the evening commute
· No-parks on 37th Ave SW and 38th Ave SW to accommodate detour traffic
· This work will take up to 3 weekends
· Please visit our website for more information
· Please follow posted detour routes, see map
The 35th Ave SW and Avalon Way SW intersection must be rebuilt because the existing pavement is nearing the end of its useful life. The project will also make utility upgrades and improvements for people walking, bicycling, driving, and riding the bus. Closing the intersection is necessary for the safety of the traveling public and it will allow us to complete this work as quickly and safely as possible
Information by Zone
Zone C (SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to 35th Ave SW)
Today, Thursday, August 29, we are paving the road base on the south side of the road. This work is weather dependent and subject to change. Please note:· There will be no driveway access on the day of paving from 7 AM to 7 PM
· You will not be able to use your driveway for up to 4 hours while the pavement cures
Zone A – C (SW Avalon Way from SW Spokane St to 35th Ave SW)
Once crews have wrapped up this phase of work in Zone C, crews will begin preparing for final paving in Zones A–C. The first construction activity you will see is crews grinding the top layer of pavement as soon as September 12 and 13. Please expect:· No parking signs to be seen along the corridor as early as Friday, August 30 that will be effective starting after the holiday. Please read the permits on the signs for effective no parking dates.
o No parking signs must be placed up to 72 hours before enforcement. Due to the holiday weekend, signs are being installed this Friday.
· Temporary driveway closures as the grinding machine passes. We encourage you to speak with our crews about when work will take place in your area.
· Loud noise, dust and vibrations
· Rough pavement and steel plates on the roadway once base paving is complete
· A single lane of traffic to be maintained in each direction
We anticipate completing final paving as early as September 18 and 19. This work is expected to take place at night to reduce the impacts to traffic as the pavement cures. All driveways and side streets will be closed to SW Avalon Way until crews re-open them. We will provide more information as we get closer to paving.
Zone E (35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Alaska St)
We are continuing work in Zone E, including:· Concrete paving on the west side of the street from SW Alaska St to SW Oregon St this week. This work is weather dependent and subject to change.
· Beginning demolition on the east side of the street as early as the week of September 9
· Continuing the closure of SW Snoqualmie St for staging
High Friction Surface Treatments
In the next few weeks, crews will also be placing high friction surface treatments on SW Genesee St and Charlestown Ave SW. Work is expected to take place (now through) September 13 from 9 AM to 3 PM but is weather dependent and subject to change.· Crews will be working on SW Genesee St from SW Avalon Way to 30th Ave SW. One lane of traffic will be maintained, with flaggers present to direct traffic in each direction.
· Crews will be working on Charlestown Ave SW from 46th Ave SW to 47th Ave SW. Charlestown will be closed to through traffic from 45th to 48th. Please follow posted detour routes.
Questions? The project team’s contact info: avalonpaving@seattle.gov or 206-900-8734.
Thunderstorms are rolling through the region. A texter says outdoor Colman Pool has closed early as a result. Right now, just light rain and dark clouds, but we’ll keep watch in the hours ahead.
(File photo)
When Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre met with HPAC last night (full report to come), he was asked about a long upcoming closure of West Seattle’s only off-leash area, at Westcrest Park. Aguirre didn’t have details but said he’d look into it. We hadn’t heard about it either, but found some information on the Parks website, which elaborates:
There have been ongoing drainage and erosion concerns at the Westcrest OLA, since at least 2016. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is proposing to undertake maintenance activities in and around the Westcrest Park OLA to address these problems. SPR will also be taking this opportunity to bring the north parking lot into compliance with current accessibility standards.
SPR is in the process of refining the design and acquiring the necessary permit. The revised design will solve the drainage and erosion issues while providing a better user experience for all users.
Construction will begin in the spring of 2020 and we anticipate completion by fall. Due to safety for all and the scope of the project, the north parking lot and the entire OLA will be closed for the duration of construction. We understand the impact this will have on the OLA and are endeavoring to keep the shy/small dog use area open for everyone’s use during most of the construction.
The project page has more specifics on exactly what will be done; Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin says the exact start date hasn’t been finalized yet. She also followed up for us on an attendee’s mention of a September 18th hearing related to the project; a nearby resident has appealed the determination (PDF) that the project doesn’t need an environmental-impact report, and the city Hearing Examiner will consider the case on that day. The appellant says the closure of the off-leash area will be a hardship unless an temporary substitute is available.
When the Community Advisory Committee for city-sanctioned West Seattle encampment Camp Second Chance met earlier this month (WSB coverage here), they expected the city would call a wider community meeting about C2C’s future, so they canceled the September committee meeting. But now it’s back on – a week later than usual – because the city so far hasn’t organized a wider community meeting. So the CAC meeting (usually on 1st Sundays, but that falls during the holiday weekend) is set for 2 pm Saturday, September 7th, with this focus: “This month we will have representatives present from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Human Services Department providing a status on the permit for Camp Second Chance.” (Its previously announced six-month extension is about to expire.) The committee will meet in the usual location, the Arrowhead Gardens (9200 2nd SW) community room, all welcome.
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