West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

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month : 09/2019 313 results

VIDEO: SDOT’s director talks bus lane, Highland Park Way, more @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition
September 30, 2019 6:03 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

That’s our video of SDOT director Sam Zimbabwe‘s return trip to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition at their September meeting. He was brand-new to the job when he last appeared before the WSTC five months ago (WSB coverage here). Since then, he and his family have chosen West Seattle to put down their local roots. And, as he moved on to the hot topic of the night – EB bridge backups blamed on the return of the NB 99 bus lane – he said he’s a bus rider too, most days.

We reported on his comments regarding the bus-lane situation in this WSB story on Friday.

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DEVELOPMENT: Next Design Review Board meeting set for West Seattle Junction project at 4508 California SW
September 30, 2019 4:00 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

One year after its last Southwest Design Review Board meeting, the project planned for 4508 California SW in The Junction has its next date with the SWDRB. As published on the city website, the meeting is set for 6:30 pm Thursday, November 7th. The project is currently described as “a 7-story building with 44 apartment units, 14 small efficiency dwelling units (58 units total), lodging and retail. Parking for 17 vehicles proposed.” It would replace the storefronts that currently hold three restaurants, Kamei, Lee’s, and Naked Crepe. The review meeting will be at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon) and will include a comment period. Also of note, separate from Design Review, the comment period on the project application has reopened – here’s the notice about that (PDF).

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UPDATE: California reopens after gas-leak response
September 30, 2019 1:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

1:40 PM: California SW is closed to traffic in the 3700 block – north of Charlestown – because of a gas-leak response. Avoid the area.

2:44 PM: Thanks for the tip – California has reopened and the SFD call has closed.

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SNEAK PEEK: See inside PCC’s new West Seattle store before Wednesday opening
September 30, 2019 12:37 pm
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) will celebrate both a grand opening and an anniversary at its new West Seattle store on Wednesday.

We got a sneak peek inside the store this morning with Cate Hardy, the West Seattleite who has led PCC as its CEO since 2015.

It was a bookend of sorts – we last interviewed Hardy in May 2017 on the final day of the old store, on the same site (2749 California SW) but half the size of the 24,000-square-foot new one.

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Guns turned over to police after Extreme Risk Protection Order served in West Seattle
September 30, 2019 12:07 pm
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

The photo and report are from SPD Blotter:

Family members of a 91-year-old man with dementia contacted police last month expressing concern about him after he began threatening to shoot anyone that came to his home. The family members knew he had firearms in the house and were very concerned that he might harm himself or others.

A Crisis Response Unit officer took the lead and petitioned the King County Superior Court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). The order was granted. The order was served last week and the man voluntarily turned over eighteen firearms from inside his West Seattle home. The firearms were submitted into evidence for safekeeping.

For more information about Extreme Risk Protection Orders, go to seattle.gov/police/need-help/erpo.

Back in January, ERPOs were explained at a meeting of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council.

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BIZNOTE: Spud-less week ahead
September 30, 2019 9:58 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Kathy for the tip about that sign at Alki Spud Fish and Chips (2666 Alki SW). We subsequently went over last night to find out more. The closure is likely to last through Friday, we learned – the restaurant expects to reopen by next weekend. The work they’re doing includes the rear siding:

Some interior work is planned too.

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6 for your West Seattle Monday!
September 30, 2019 9:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Dark-eyed Junco, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights to start the week, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE VOTING DEADLINE: One more reminder, today is your last day to vote for up to three of 11 West Seattle/South Park safety projects vying for funding from the Neighborhood Park/Street Fund. They’re listed here along with information on how to vote.

AGING WELL: Facilitated discussion at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 1-2 pm – get support and coping strategies, and share your story. (4217 SW Oregon)

FRESH HOP WEEK: 4-9 pm at Ounces, first day of Fresh Hop Week: “The Fresh Hops are coming! For one full week, we’ll be featuring a TON of Fresh Hops on tap! These babies are super tasty and super fresh … so come drink em’ while they last!” (3809 Delridge Way SW)

FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: 6:30 pm at Lafayette Elementary:

Lafayette Elementary welcomes a speaker from The Office of the Education Ombuds who will be presenting to parents and guardians about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan. This is an opportunity to learn more about navigating the IEP/504 process, to address the basics of your child’s right to special education services, to gain the tools to work collaboratively with the school teams, and to answer any questions you may have about these programs.

RSVP here. (2645 California SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Library. Bring everybody! (3411 SW Raymond)

QUIZ NIGHT X 2: Two options! 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm at Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way).

PREVIEW THE REST OF THE WEEK … via our complete calendar!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
September 30, 2019 7:29 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   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)

7:29 AM: Good morning! No incidents/alerts reported so far.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Nursery owner’s retirement celebration highlighted by mayoral proclamation
September 29, 2019 10:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Tomorrow is Mark C. Smith Day in the City of Seattle, honoring the retiring owner of West Seattle Nursery.

The proclamation by Mayor Jenny Durkan was read tonight by one of her predecessors, Greg Nickels, during a retirement celebration for Smith held in the nursery parking lot, just before that vivid pink sunset decorated the sky.

Smith spoke briefly, giving credit to his staff: “I am constantly amazed that people want to give me credit for this nursery. It’s never been me.” The party crowd was full of employees present and past:

Some of them took to the microphone to thank Smith for being the kind of boss who let them express their creativity. “I got to be me,” one said.

We first reported a month ago that Smith planned to retire. His family shared more backstory:

The announcement marked a major transition at a small business that has served the West Seattle community for almost four decades. The Nursery has sold a wide array of annuals and perennials, garden supplies, gifts, Christmas trees and wreaths, and more.

Throughout its history, the Nursery has donated resources to programs for children and youth, as well as local gardening. In 1995, the business founded the West Seattle Garden Tour, originally to benefit a burgeoning community group now known as ArtsWest.

“We were community activists before we launched the Nursery,” said Irene Stewart, who co-founded and operated the business with Smith until 1996. “We made an early commitment to support children and youth, as well as gardening, in West Seattle. After 35 years, the Nursery still works to make this community stronger.”

The Nursery began as a seasonal lot in the spring of 1984. Smith and Stewart set up shop first on SW Barton Street, across from Westwood Village. They moved around West Seattle until 1987, when they opened year round on land that is now a park by Beveridge Place.

In 1990, they moved to the current location at California Ave and SW Brandon St. And in 1992, they received a Mayor’s Small Business Award presented by then Mayor Norm Rice in recognition of their creativity and community reinvestment.

The Nursery has continued to grow in recent years. In 2017, it underwent a major expansion, opening a greenhouse on the adjacent property where Smith had lived for about 15 years. He offered to give his house to anyone who could haul it away (there were no takers).

“This has been an amazing journey. There have been some challenges but many more pleasant surprises,” said Smith. “Ultimately I think the Nursery has become a resource in the West Seattle community, and I am most proud of that achievement.”

Smith says he will miss the customers who enjoy shopping at the Nursery, especially in springtime when the lot overflows with flowers in bloom. He says he will also miss the Nursery’s staff, some of who have worked with him for decades.

“I have asked every manager at the Nursery to hire people who do the job better than me, and they did,” he said. “We have a fantastic team.”

The Nursery will remain open under new ownership to be announced in the coming weeks. For his part, Smith intends to stay active in retirement. Some plans include taking classes at South Seattle College and learning the Chinese martial art tai chi. He also wants to stay engaged.

“This is a new phase,” Smith said. “I look forward to trying new things and also finding new ways to give back to the West Seattle community that helped the business grow.”

P.S. Former Mayor Rice was at tonight’s party, too, so we took a photo of the city’s last two 2-term mayors:


Here, meantime, is the full text of the proclamation:

While Smith expressed appreciation tonight for the honor, his warmest words went to his staff and customers: “I am very, very proud of this business … I am proud that the community loves this business.”

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Colorful curtain falls on autumn’s first weekend
September 29, 2019 8:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by Robert Spears)

What a way to wrap up the first weekend of fall! Thanks to everybody who sent photos.

(Photo by Kanit Cottrell)

This view reveals the moon:

And a panorama:

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

One more closeup:

(Photo by Tom Stoner)

The National Weather Service says some clear weather is on the way – if the Olympics indeed are in full view, you’ll see fresh snow!

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VIDEO: City Council District 1 candidates’ second post-primary forum
September 29, 2019 6:34 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The latest faceoff between the two candidates for Seattle City Council District 1, like the previous one, didn’t yield any major points of disagreement. Both incumbent Lisa Herbold and challenger Phil Tavel said multiple times that they agreed with wht their opponent had just said. The two answered questions for more than an hour Saturday afternoon at Neighborhood House High Point, with an audience of ~20. We have it all on video you can watch above.

District 1 Community Network presented this event, as well as the one two weeks earlier (WSB coverage here); Aley Thompson of the South Park Neighborhood Association welcomed attendees. The questions asked by moderator Greg Kusumi dealt with, in order, transportation, homelessness, the mayor’s report on city-owned golf courses, keeping campaign promises, supporting small businesses, affordable housing, illegal dumping, neighborhood safety, school funding, adult education.

Highlights came in the audience-asked questions that comprised the final third or so of the event. The first one: With 40,000 district voters not casting ballots in the primary, what would the candidates do to change that, “besides doorknocking,” for the general election? Answering first, Herbold noted that primary turnout was better than four years ago, but said going door-to-door is effective. Tavel said he was particularly concerned about young voters’ extremely low turnout and said he was planning an “event” with spoken word, art, and music to encourage them. He also said he was working to meet voters in places such as bars and restaurants.

Other community-asked questions included one about this week’s big transportation controversy, the bus lane returned to NB 99. Herbold said she’d heard from dozens of constituents and is asking SDOT to review the situation, which she said also came up when SDOT presented its budget at a council meeting Friday; Tavel said he would like to see the data that preceded the bus lane’s return.

While the candidates are also appearing in multi-race forums outside D-1, four more are scheduled in West Seattle: October 10, October 14, October 17, and October 19.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Crash closes West Marginal Way SW
September 29, 2019 5:51 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:51 PM: SDOT reports West Marginal Way SW is closed both ways in the 4500 block – that’s north of the Duwamish Longhouse – because of a crash. No major injuries are reported but apparently a pole was hit.

6:58 PM: SDOT says the road has reopened.

7:55 PM: Readers say via text and comment that it’s still closed. So for now best to avoid the area.

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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Finding of the True Cross gathering at Camp Long
September 29, 2019 4:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle religion

We’ve received a few questions about what’s up at Camp Long. As noted this same weekend last year, it’s the annual religious gathering Finding of the True Cross, according to the city Special Events Office‘s calendar. (Here are 2016 photos of the gathering by Seattle Times photojournalist Erika Schultz; here are EYM-TV video highlights from 2015.)

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VIDEO: From Olympia to West Seattle, Senator Nguyen’s chat with AG Ferguson
September 29, 2019 3:28 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

West Seattle’s C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) has been the setting for countless conversations. This one had an audience, as 34th District State Sen. Joe Nguyen hosted State Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Saturday afternoon. Their half-hour chat was a fundraiser for the senator but it wasn’t a rally or pep talk – instead, he interviewed Ferguson, with many questions centered on the attorney general’s dozens of lawsuits against the Trump Administration, including what it was like to file the first one:

Taking on the White House landed Ferguson on TIME‘s 2017 most-influential list. He talked about that too.

They also discussed how the AG’s office interacts from the Legislature, and how there’s more bipartisan work in Olympia than you might think. (Both are Democrats.) We counted about 30 people in attendance:

Among those on hand: Sen. Nguyen’s mom, who prepared food for the occasion:

The senator joked that his mom’s cooking was probably a bigger draw than the chance to watch two elected officials chat.

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VIDEO: Riley Nachtrieb’s 82 miles on the Olympic Discovery Trail
September 29, 2019 2:57 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Back in August, we reported on cross-country athlete and West Seattle High School senior Riley Nachtrieb‘s attempt to run the 138-mile Olympic Discovery Trail. She made it 82 miles before an injury ended her run. Today her 10-minute minidoc has just been published on YouTube – you can watch it above or here.

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WEST SEATTLE FALL FUN: 4 weeks until 2 festivals
September 29, 2019 12:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The countdown begins! Four weeks from today – on Sunday, October 27th – two of West Seattle’s biggest fall events are back to back.

(WSB photo, Harvest Festival 2018)

First, 10 am-2 pm, it’s the Junction Harvest Festival, including the traditional 11:30 am costume parade led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band, trick-or-treating at noon, the Chili Cookoff to support the West Seattle Food Bank, and a hot-cider-and-cocoa garden. That’s all concurrent with the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, which stays in its usual block that day, but for the festival, the road-closure footprint expands southward oto the Alaska-to-Edmunds block of California, as well as onto Alaska on both sides of Walk-All-Ways.

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy Fall Festival 2018)

Then, 2 pm-5 pm, it’s the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, spanning both sides of the 9100 block of California SW (the church, Y, and schoolhouse, indoors and out) with activities including pumpkin-painting, birdhouse-making, cakewalking, entertainment, and much more.

BONUS: Pre-festival – at 1 pm Caspar Babypants performs at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, launching its new Kindie Fest concert series – watch his site for ticket info.

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Sound Transit at West Seattle Farmers’ Market, with 5 days left in latest comment period
September 29, 2019 10:34 am
|    Comments Off on Sound Transit at West Seattle Farmers’ Market, with 5 days left in latest comment period
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

Got a question or comment about the latest information on West Seattle light-rail planning, the “initial assessments” of two more options that might be added to the first round of environmental studies? (Here’s our coverage from earlier this month.) You can talk with Sound Transit reps right now, as they are boothing at today’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market (until 2 pm). The ST Board will decide next month whether to study either or both, a required step toward any further consideration. Until next Friday (October 4th), you can review the alternatives and comment via this “online open house” – choose the tabs for Yancy/Andover Elevated and Pigeon Point Tunnel.

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8 for your West Seattle Sunday!
September 29, 2019 6:07 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Saturday ended on a beautiful note – as reflected by the sunset photos we’re featuring – but now, Sunday’s here! Some possibilities from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you’ll find even more:

HURRICANE DORIAN BENEFIT: Taquitos Feliz is donating today’s proceeds to hurricane survivors. The truck is open 10 am-9 pm. (7413 Fauntleroy Way SW)

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, WITH LLAMAS: Alki UCC is having a Blessing of the Animals service at 10 am; all welcome to that and/or a chance afterward – around 11 am – to pet three participants, a congregation member’s llamas, as previewed here. (6115 SW Hinds)

SOUND TRANSIT AT FARMERS’ MARKET: Got questions about the newest info on West Seattle light-rail planning, with less than a week left to comment via the “online open house”? Go see Sound Transit reps at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

(Photo by Victoria Gnatoka)

BENEFIT CAR WASH: The Chief Sealth International High School Cheer Team is washing cars by donation today at Les Schwab in Burien. (13609 1st Ave. S.)

‘SUNSET BABY’: 3 pm matinée today to conclude the first weekend of the new production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), by Dominique Morisseau. Ticket info is here. (4711 California SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: At The Skylark. Signups at 3, performances start at 4. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

(Photo by Marc Milrod)

ART & MUSIC: 6 pm at Brace Point Pottery. (4208 SW 100th)

BLUEGRASS JAM: All welcome – sing, play, both. 6:30 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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UPDATE: Man hit, seriously hurt in southeast West Seattle
September 28, 2019 10:07 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

10:07 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police say a man was on foot when hit by a driver at Highland Park Way and 2nd SW tonight just before 8:30. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center by medics from Seattle Fire, which tells us he is 31 years old and was in critical condition when transported. SPD officers at the scene wouldn’t comment on details such as the driver’s status, so we may not find that out until Monday.

10:27 PM: A reader who was at the scene even before emergency responders says it was a hit-run and witnesses described the car as a white Prius last seen westbound going up the hill into Highland Park.

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Transportation dominates discussion @ HPAC
September 28, 2019 8:49 pm
|    Comments Off on Transportation dominates discussion @ HPAC
 |   Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

This past week’s HPAC meeting – for the group that now includes South Delridge and Riverview as well as Highland Park but is keeping the acronym – was something of a small-group discussion, no guests, just updates, with transportation dominating the discussion:

HIGHLAND PARK WAY IMPROVEMENTS: Following up on the mayoral budget announcement earlier in the week, Michele Witzki – who has long worked on advocacy for Highland Park Way/Holden – provided some backstory. She and HPAC chair Gunner Scott had met with SDOT and mayoral reps.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen business van, SUV
September 28, 2019 6:42 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen business van, SUV
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Julia is asking for your help in finding two of the three vehicles in the photo, both stolen – though from different locations. The white 1997 Chevrolet G2300 van in the background, with the Sound Carpentry logo, was stolen early Friday from the 9700 block of 32nd SW. A phone in the vehicle last pinged from 35th SW and SW Cambridge. Meantime, the taupe SUV also is missing, stolen in Burien, she says. Call 911 if you see either one.

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SUNDAY: Llama-petting at Alki UCC after Blessing of the Animals
September 28, 2019 5:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

It’s that time of year – several local churches offer Blessing of the Animals services around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. One of them tomorrow will be followed by a special extra availability featuring three of the participants. As announced by Alki UCC:

Sugar, Mary, and Peggy … three llamas owned by Alki UCC member Charley Rosenberry, will be back by popular demand for Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals service. The 10:00 am service (as always) is open to everyone and the llamas will be available afterward for neighborhood kids to come pet.

Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.

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Weekend scene: First-ever West Seattle Rust Buster youth cross-country meet
September 28, 2019 3:24 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekend scene: First-ever West Seattle Rust Buster youth cross-country meet
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Hundreds of young cross-country runners from around the region took to the trails in the heart of Lincoln Park today for the first-ever West Seattle Rust Buster meet, presented by the West Seattle Road Runners.

9 groups of runners, from 6-and-under to 15-18, ran short courses, 800 meters to 1K, to start their season. The meet was scheduled to wrap up a little more than an hour ago with a one-mile run for parents/coaches. Among the organizers, Rebecca Ross, Raegan Powell, and Hadley Rodero:

This was the first Junior Olympics USTAF-sanctioned meet that the Road Runners hosted.

The Road Runners have sent athletes to the national championships every year since 2015. (P.S. Today’s races had girls’ groups too – we just happened to stop by when a boys’ group was running, and that’s who our photos show.)

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