West Seattle, Washington

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month : 08/2019 302 results

West Seattle church to participate in Healing Day National Bell Ringing on Sunday
August 22, 2019 4:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

This Sunday marks 400 years since the arrival in English-occupied North America of the first ship carrying enslaved Africans, and there is a call for bell-ringing as part of a Healing Day. St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle has announced it’s participating:

The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist will join other churches and organizations across the country and ring our bell for one minute at 12:00 noon this Sunday, August 25 to honor the enslaved Africans who landed in 1619 at Port Comfort in Hampton, Virginia. The site is now part of Fort Monroe National Monument, which is leading the national bell ringing ceremony.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has encouraged Episcopal churches across the country to take part. More on that here.

To learn more about Fort Monroe, and the significance of bells as symbols of freedom, healing and reconciliation, (go here).

The church is in The Admiral District at 3050 California SW. Any others participating? Let us know.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: 59th SW on Sunday
August 22, 2019 2:49 pm
|    Comments Off on ROAD-WORK ALERT: 59th SW on Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

We checked with SDOT after a reader question about why 59th SW is lined with “no parking” signs for this Sunday (August 25), 7 am-5 pm, between Admiral Way and Alki Avenue. The only hint on the signage was attribution to the AAC (asphalt/paving/etc.) division. Here’s what SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson tells us: Crews will be out on Sunday removing the rubber speed cushions on 59th SW and replacing them with asphalt speed cushions.

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Senior Center of West Seattle passed over for major levy funding
August 22, 2019 12:17 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The organization that operates the Senior Center of West Seattle is protesting being passed over for major ongoing funding from the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.

County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office announced the funding earlier this week. The list is highlighted by ongoing funding for 14 proposals, from $885,000 for a senior center in Enumclaw to $1.9 million for four agencies in Seattle to serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. (The application guidelines, the announcement explains, “encouraged regional senior centers and other community groups to form collaborations or ‘hubs’ to better reach specific demographics, or serve a defined geographic area or cultural group.”)

While that major funding will be over the course of the six-year levy, at the bottom of the announced list are 13 agencies/facilities getting one-time-only grants of $90,000 each. That’s where you’ll find the Senior Center of West Seattle – which describes itself as the largest senior center in the city, serving more than 4,500 people a year.

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FOUND BICYCLE: From the ‘dumped, likely stolen’ file
August 22, 2019 11:29 am
|    Comments Off on FOUND BICYCLE: From the ‘dumped, likely stolen’ file
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A reader sent that photo of a bicycle abandoned in the City View neighborhood. Yours? Let us know and we will connect you.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle couple launches Sifted Tea
August 22, 2019 10:47 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We photographed Jeffrey Carlson and Sonia Carlson at the launch party last night for their new business, Sifted Tea. It’s a caffeine-free tea you brew from organic cacao husks, and they’re selling it online – or you can try it at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW), where the party was held last night. The husks are sourced from organic cacao farmers in Ecuador.

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Caspar Babypants @ Hiawatha and 8 more for your West Seattle Thursday
August 22, 2019 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on Caspar Babypants @ Hiawatha and 8 more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(House Finch, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Morning through night, highlights of what’s happening:

CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-11 am, visit and learn about the acclaimed program at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). Find the Culinary Arts Building via this campus map. (6000 16th SW)

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Reach across the miles via mail! Read what it’s about here; drop in at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon. Organizer Kathy Rawle sent this photo of last week’s meetup:

More info here. (5612 California SW)

DRAGONFLY GARDEN’S FUTURE: As reported here last week, community volunteers and the artist who designed Delridge’s Dragonfly Garden/Pavilion are concerned about Seattle Parks’ plan to cover its distinctively shaped planting beds with grass. They’re meeting with Parks reps at the site at 12:30 pm; anyone interested is welcome to be there too. (28th SW/SW Dakota)

CLOTHESLINE GRAND REOPENING: Join the West Seattle Helpline to celebrate the reopening of its Clothesline clothing bank, 5:30-7:30 pm. Tours and more! (4425 41st SW)

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER-HOURS: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly “after hours” networking event this month is at Quail Park Memory Care of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 5:30-7:30 pm, free for Chamber members, $10 nonmembers. (4515 41st SW)

FESTIVAL PLANNING: Last chance to help plan the upcoming World Music Festival at Roxhill Park! Meet at the picnic tables in the park’s northwest corner, 6-7:30 pm. (29th SW/SW Barton)

THE DAN DUVAL GOOD VIBES TRIO: Live at the Pacific Room/Alki Beach, 6-9 pm. No cover. (2808 Alki SW)

CASPAR BABYPANTS @ HIAWATHA: The Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented concert series’ 2019 finale is the everpopular, ever-lively Caspar Babypants, beloved by kids, often earworm-inducing for grownups, 6:30-8 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha. Free! Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic. (Walnut south of Lander)

KIRO SKIRO & FRIENDS: Triple bill at The Skylark, 7 pm, $8, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MORE, FOR ALL AGES! See today’s other listings via our full calendar.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch
August 22, 2019 6:56 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday 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)

6:56 AM: Good morning.

FOR WATER TAXI RIDERS: The downtown traffic-flow changes also mean changes for those on foot near the dock, as announced last night.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Scooter stolen; home burglarized
August 22, 2019 1:46 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

SCOOTER STOLEN: From Ann:

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS SCOOTER? DO YOU KNOW WHO THE THIEF IS? PLEASE CONTACT POLICE.

Stolen right out of the locked garage @ West Water condos, 6900 block of California Avenue SW, sometime in the late hours of Monday evening 8/19 to early morning 8/20.

Mini Sport Scooter
Make: ZLMI
Model: ROMA 150
Year: 2014
Color: Green with Black trim

HOME BURGLARIZED: A reader west of The Junction reports, “We had a break-in at our home (Wednesday) during the daytime. Appears to have removed screen on open backyard window. Trashed the bedroom and bathroom, taking money and a few bottles of prescription medication.”

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SATURDAY: The Great Cross-Sound Race to/from Alki
August 21, 2019 9:24 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

The sun is due back just in time for this year’s Great Cross-Sound Race, expected to bring dozens of rowers and paddlers to Alki on Saturday (August 24), along with their cheering sections. The Sound Rowers and Paddlers club organizes the race, starting at 9 am off the boardwalk, heading west to Blakely Rock off Bainbridge, and back. The top finishers are usually back within an hour (here are last year’s results).

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Ride the Water Taxi? FYI for downtown on Thursday
August 21, 2019 7:47 pm
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 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Last night, we published WSDOT‘s update of south-downtown traffic-flow changes related to the shifting Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition work. Tonight, an alert is just in for King County Water Taxi riders:

Thursday morning, Yesler Way will be open across Alaskan Way. Pedestrians will need to be on the north side of Yesler in order to cross Alaskan Way. Also, tonight, South Jackson street at Alaskan Way S will be closed.

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About the SWAT sighting on 35th SW
August 21, 2019 5:19 pm
|    Comments Off on About the SWAT sighting on 35th SW
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks to Chuck Edgin for the photo taken as police, including SWAT officers, wrapped up an arrest operation at 35th SW/SW Holly about an hour ago. Officers advised dispatchers afterward that it was a “warrant arrest” and that if anyone in the area reported hearing an explosion (as did Chuck), it was related to their operation. We haven’t yet been able to find out what the suspect was being sought for.

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PLAN AHEAD: 1 month until fall Recycle Roundup
August 21, 2019 4:23 pm
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 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, April 2019)

The rain’s one reminder that fall isn’t far away. Also, we have another reminder: Fauntleroy Church‘s Recycle Roundup, 9 am-3 pm Sunday, September 22, is now one month (and a day) away (and yes, we know that’s technically the last day of summer). On behalf of the organizers, Judy Pickens just sent the updated one-sheet (PDF) of what their partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t be accepting this time around. Judy notes one point of special emphasis – if you’re recycling a gas-powered tool (mower, trimmer, etc.), please be sure the fuel’s been emptied. Recycle Roundup is free and happens in the church’s lot at 9140 California SW.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash at Alki/Harbor
August 21, 2019 1:44 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:44 PM: Big emergency response headed for what’s reported to be a flipped-car crash at Alki/Harbor. Updates to come.

1:49 PM: This is right at Duwamish Head. Reader photo added (thank you!). SFD says two vehicles were involved, everyone is out and being assessed for injuries. Avoid the area – road is currently blocked both ways.

2:08 PM: SFD says two people have minor injuries.

2:16 PM: Our photographer has arrived and sent photos of both vehicles – the one that flipped (above) has already been turned right-side up by the towing crew. They report one of the injured people is being taken to a hospital via private ambulance. Police say they’re investigating whether this is the result of one driver crossing the line into opposite-direction traffic.

If you are wondering about the helicopter, just TV. This should be cleared before too long.

2:44 PM: Texter reports the street has reopened.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s next for mayor’s proposal to encourage heating-oil phaseout
August 21, 2019 1:42 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Two weeks ago, we reported on the mayor’s proposal to speed up phasing out of oil heat in the ~18,000 Seattle homes that still use it. Above is video from last Friday’s City Council Sustainability and Transportation Committee briefing on the proposal – you can watch it starting 1 hour, 22 minutes into the meeting. The committee did not vote on the proposal, which would include a new 23.6 cents/gallon excise tax on heating oil, as well as covering conversion costs for low-income households, and expanding existing rebates for other households. They were told that about 1,300 Seattle households are transitioning out of oil heat each year anyway, so this is just meant to accelerate that. Committee and full-council votes will be scheduled at future TBA dates – the former, probably in the first half of September. By the way, though this proposal only involves heating oil, the committee’s chair Councilmember Mike O’Brien said they’re “working on” a future proposal to address natural gas.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Mural-restoration updates
August 21, 2019 1:11 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE ART: Mural-restoration updates
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Looking for a splash of color on this gray day? Restoration work is complete on the “West Seattle Ferries” mural on the west side of the building on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. Now that Bob Henry is done with that, he’s moved on to “Press Day,” on the north wall of 4727 44th SW:

Some of its lower panels have been removed for the start of work. Meantime, crowdfunding continues to help cover the costs of the restoration work, only part of which is funded by philanthropy and grants – here’s where to donate.

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9 for your West Seattle Wednesday!
August 21, 2019 10:57 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Some Elliott Bay traffic this morning, photographed by Jim Borrow)

Despite a little summer rain, there’s a lot going on!

LIBRARY LAB – GIZMOS & GADGETS: 1-3 pm, all ages are welcome to drop in at Delridge Library for this Summer of Learning activity. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle, 1990’s “Alice” is this week’s movie. (4217 SW Oregon)

TOUR THE SSC CAMPUS: Fall quarter is still a month away so you have time to find out more about South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), starting with today’s 3 pm campus tour! (6000 16th SW)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Seventh week for this year’s weekly farm-stand sessions, selling fresh produce and flowers, all grown by local residents, at the mini-farm that’s adjacent to the stand. 4 pm-7 pm. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE HIRING EVENT: Interested in joining the Child Development team at Neighborhood House? 4-6 pm hiring event today in High Point. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

FESTIVAL PLANNING: Last chance to help plan the upcoming World Music Festival at Roxhill Park! Meet at the picnic tables in the park’s northwest corner, 6-7:30 pm. (29th SW/SW Barton) (This actually happens Thursday!)

BUSINESS LAUNCH PARTY: You’re invited:

The launch party for Sifted Tea, owned and operated by West Seattle locals Sonia and Jeffrey Carlson, will be held on Wednesday, August 21st from 7 pm-10 pm at West Seattle Grounds. We will have samples of our cacao tea — 100% sifted organic cacao husks — as well as raffle prizes, including artwork and artisan coffee mugs.

(2141 California SW)

JAZZ NIGHT: Every Wednesday, 7-10 pm at Whisky West. No cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)

PUNK/JAZZ … with The Suffering F-heads at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … by browsing our complete calendar.

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Lucha Libre returning to South Park
August 21, 2019 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, July 2018)

It’s not summer without a Lucha Libre (Mexican-style masked wrestling) show in South Park, and this year’s date has finally been announced: 3-5 pm Saturday, August 31st. If you’ve never seen Lucha Libre, it’s more theater than sports, with costumes, characters, and plotlines (heroes vs. villains). It’ll be part of a daylong open-air market festival (noon-8 pm), with vendors and other entertainment, at the future home of South Park Plaza, on the west side of the 14th Avenue South/Dallas intersection just before the South Park Bridge.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Rainy Wednesday watch
August 21, 2019 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Rainy Wednesday 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)

7:02 AM: Good morning. It’s been raining so take care on the roads, paths, and sidewalks.

VIADUCT DEMOLITION: As noted here last night, south-downtown traffic flow is changing again.

BACK TO SCHOOL: First school to start classes for the year – Summit Atlas at 35th/Roxbury begins today. Here’s our list of all local start dates.

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VIADUCT DEMOLITION: More traffic changes on south end of downtown
August 20, 2019 9:54 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

More changes to traffic flow in the south end of downtown as Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition continues. Since that area’s become an increasingly important pathway to/from here, here’s the newest WSDOT update:

The viaduct is shrinking along Seattle’s waterfront and the work zone is changing this week as the contractor Kiewit shifts their work zone. …

Alaskan Way in Pioneer Square: Yesler and King reopen, Jackson closes
Map showing traffic control changes on Alaskan WayCrews are removing the viaduct through Pioneer Square from both ends. See the map at right (click to enlarge). Here are traffic control changes to expect this week:

Today: South King Street reopens at Alaskan Way.
Tomorrow: Yesler Way reopens at Alaskan Way
Tomorrow: South Jackson Street closes at Alaskan Way.
Uniformed police officers will help direct traffic this week at key intersections during the evening commutes.

To reach Colman Dock: Vehicles can still enter the drive-on entrance at South Jackson Street by taking a left or right off Alaskan Way. Entering the holding area by driving straight west on South Jackson Street will be unavailable while viaduct demolition occurs overhead. Please allow extra time to reach your ferry as traffic congestion remains high on Alaskan Way.

People walking and biking: When South Jackson Street closes, your new east-west options between Alaskan Way and Pioneer Square will be South King Street and Yesler Way. South Dearborn Street and Columbia Street also remain open to bicycles and pedestrians.

Railroad Way South: This street will become northbound-only from South Dearborn Street, with northbound vehicles forced to take a right on South King Street. Vehicles can also turn onto southbound Railroad Way South from South King Street, but the southbound lane terminates mid-block at the 505 Western Avenue building parking garage.

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COUNTDOWN: 3 days until 2019 West Seattle Beer and Music Festival!
August 20, 2019 8:28 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Three days to go until the West Seattle Beer and Music Festival this Friday and Saturday at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction, and that video is another invitation for you to be part of the fun. Before summer ends, it’s one last big party, celebrating – what else? – beer and music. WSBMF also celebrates and strengthens the West Seattle Food Bank, which benefits from part of the proceeds, especially a new feature this year, the .5K Run for Food at 2:45 pm Saturday. Here’s the festival lineup – what you’ll drink and who you’ll see/hear 5-10 pm Friday, 3-10 pm Saturday (with 1:30 earlybird entrance if you get a VIP ticket), plus the #NotDoneYet afterparty both nights. Don’t have your ticket(s) yet? Go here!

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PRIMARY ELECTION 2019: Final results, and what’s next
August 20, 2019 5:47 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgTwo weeks after voting ended in the 2019 primary, the final results have been certified. In the three races that were local to our area:

Seattle City Council District 1 – 40.42% turnout – 27,528 voters out of 68,102 registered
Lisa Herbold – 13,405 – 50.62%
Phil Tavel – 8,558 – 32.32%
Brendan Kolding – 4,435 – 16.75%

King County Council District 8 – 35.86% turnout – 53,813 voters out of 150,071 registered
Joe McDermott – 41,743 – 83.89%
Michael Robert Neher – 5,487 – 11.03%
Goodspaceguy – 2,250 – 4.52%

Seattle School Board District 6 – 40.59% turnout – 27,228 voters of 67,088 registered
Leslie S. Harris – 12,580 – 54.56%
Molly E. Mitchell – 7,872 – 34.14%
Crystal S. Liston – 2,390 – 10.36%

The top two in each race advance to the general election, with voting ending on November 5th. The first candidate forum in West Seattle that we’ve heard of so far is for City Council District 1, Saturday, September 14th, 6:30 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), presented by the D-1 Community Network. (Planning a forum or debate, or non-fundraiser candidate meet-and-greet? Please let us know ASAP – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Tree down on Orchard
August 20, 2019 3:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

3:30 PM: A tree is reported to be down across Orchard/Dumar, east of Delridge, so avoid that area TFN.

3:53 PM: Photo added. Tree came down on a City Light truck. No injuries. It’s blocking the left side where Orchard/Dumar forks east of Delridge but the street is open through to 16th via Austin. Crews say this may take a few hours to clear.

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UPDATE: Firefighters rescue man from ravine on Puget Ridge
August 20, 2019 2:31 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added – photo courtesy Ryan, via comments)

2:31 PM: Seattle Fire has a “rope rescue” callout in the 4700 block of 21st SW [map] right now. It’s described as “a male who fell down a ravine around 4 a.m. this morning, and needs assistance getting out.” SFD is working on a plan for that.

2:50 PM: SFD is using Rescue 1 for a “low-angle rescue.”

3:25 PM: The operation is wrapping up. We are hoping to find someone still at the scene so we can get an update on the rescued person’s status.

(Added – photo courtesy Seattle Fire Dept.)

3:43 PM: The last crews were leaving as we arrived so we just got details from SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley. She tells us the man, 30ish, fell ended up in the ravine while out for a walk. He managed to climb a tree. Neighbors heard him yelling for help this afternoon. Police responded and called in SFD, which pulled him 50 feet upslope in a basket. He was taken to Harborview in stable condition.

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