West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

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month : 09/2019 313 results

Here’s how Metro’s September 21st service change will affect West Seattle buses
September 11, 2019 1:31 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

September 21st brings the next “service change” date for Metro, with changes to multiple routes, as announced today. The list is now on the Metro website. We went through it and here’s what we’re seeing for West Seattle routes:

RAPIDRIDE C LINE: “On weekdays, three new AM peak and two new PM peak trips will be added to address overcrowding, and schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the new trips. On Sunday, one new trip will be added in the evening, and schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the new trip.” See the new timetable.

ROUTE 21: “On Saturday, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., several new trips will be added to improve service to every 15 minutes, and schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the new trips.” See the new timetable.

ROUTE 22: “Route 22 will no longer operate on 24th and 25th avenues SW between SW Barton St and SW Thistle St. Route 22 will instead operate on SW Barton Pl and Delridge Way SW.” See the new timetable.

ROUTE 60: “On weekends, schedules will be adjusted to provide combined service every 15 minutes on routes 60 and 107, between Beacon Hill Station and Georgetown.” See the new timetable.

ROUTES 116, 118, 119: “Due to several SDOT construction projects, the first southbound bus stop will be southbound on 3rd Ave at Bell St. Route 118 trips will be adjusted for better connections with Washington State Ferry service at the Vashon and Tahlequah terminals.” See the new timetable.

ROUTE 120: “Twelve new trips will be added on weekdays, 20 new trips will be added on Saturday, and 19 new trips will be added on Sunday. These trips will expand the hours when the route operates every 15 minutes, and schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the new trips.” See the new timetable.

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Guitar teacher Richie Jenkin: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
September 11, 2019 12:23 pm
|    Comments Off on Guitar teacher Richie Jenkin: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Today we welcome Richie Jenkin, a longtime West Seattle guitar teacher, as a WSB sponsor.

Richie has been teaching guitar for more than 30 years: “In my teaching, I specialize in beginning and intermediate students of all ages. I like to teach songs and pieces you will enjoy from the very beginning of your learning experience.”

While he works with kids as young as six, Richie says more than two-thirds of his students are adults. His average student is someone who has owned a guitar for some time, but needs someone to work with, to get some structure on how to play. As he points out, it’s structure that’s personalized to each student: “I take my teaching seriously. By that I mean that I take the time to prepare for each lesson. I look at what we¹ve been doing; the pace of things; what you want to be learning; your particular way of learning; and what I think is best for a particular lesson to make sure your playing is coming along in a way you can be confident and enthusiastic about. So it¹s not just about showing you something new every week and then out the door. If the music is going to be rewarding, exhilarating and fun, then I better be doing my part to make it so.”

Richie specializes in beginners and intermediate students. He has teaching slots open for fall, so if you’re interested, contact Richie at 206-799-7432.

We thank Richie Jenkin for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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BIZNOTE: For everyone who’s been asking about Phoenecia
September 11, 2019 11:44 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Perhaps the most-awaited West Seattle restaurant opening this fall will actually be a reopening – Phoenecia, which closed at the end of last year on Alki, reopening in The Junction. After a text last night from someone wondering about a date, we stopped by the new space (4717 42nd SW, formerly Alchemy, as announced last May), a short time ago, and talked to the Khazaal family, as they continue with finishing touches. No date yet but they’re hoping to be open by the end of this month. (Our photo above shows one wall in the new space with a tribute to patriarch Hussein Khazaal, gone a decade now; he founded Phoenecia in The Junction before its move to Alki.)

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8 for your West Seattle Wednesday!
September 11, 2019 10:57 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Killdeer, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BOOKSTORE OPENING: It’s the first day for Paper Boat Booksellers in Morgan Junction, as previewed here. Open until 7 pm. (6040 California SW)

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE: At the Senior Center of West Seattle, 1 pm: “The Reformer and the Redhead.” $1 members, $2 nonmembers, popcorn included. (4217 SW Oregon)

HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: Fresh produce sold by the people who grow it next to the stand! 4-7 pm. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)

SCOUTING BARBECUE: As previewed here, both Scouts and those interested in Scouting are invited to the Cub Scout Pack 284-hosted barbecue (and stomp-rocket-launching!) at Lincoln Park Picnic Shelter 5 at 6:30 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

POETRYBRIDGE: The monthly poems-and-stories event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) features guest readers Erika Michael and Jed Myers. Free. All ages. (5612 California SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy – here’s this month’s invitation:

Join us for for our monthly meeting to observe a special presentation. Representatives of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and the Housing Development Consortia of Seattle and King County will present on state and local level initiatives to address homelessness and affordable housing and how members of the 34th can get involved.

Our membership meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Hall at Fauntleroy. We begin with a potluck and social period from 6:30-7 and the gavel drops at 7 for the meeting itself.

(9131 California SW)

JAZZ WEDNESDAY: Live music at Whisky West, 7 pm. No cover. 21+. (6451 California SW)

OPEN MIC: The famous fully backlined open mic at The Skylark – signups at 7:30, performances at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … via our complete calendar.

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REUNION: West Seattle High School Class of 1979
September 11, 2019 10:15 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

40th-reunion time for the West Seattle High School Class of ’79! Here’s the announcement:

Hello West Seattle! The Graduating Class of West Seattle high School 1979 is having a Grand Gathering in honor of 40 years!!! It is October 5th, 2019, at The Museum of flight. Time to dress up and join in on all the fun! Tickets may be purchased on line prior to the event courtesy of the Vashon Theater and our fellow classmate who has graciously helped set up the event!

West Seattle High School 40th Reunion
held at the Seattle Museum of Flight
ticket holders have free admission to the Museum, that day 10 am-5 pm
4;30 Group Photo!!!
5:00 pm no-host cocktails in the Skyline room
6:1 5pm full dinner buffet catered by McCormick & Schmick. Dessert to follow. 1970s Music, Dance Floor and on-screen presentations!

Saturday, October 5, 2019
5- 10 PM
Buy now! Prices have to go up on Sept 27th.

Here’s the ticketing page. (Though that page is hosted by a Vashon website, organizers stress that’s not the event’s location, it’s the Museum of Flight as listed above.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch
September 11, 2019 7:06 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   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)

7:06 AM: Good morning!

TOMORROW & BEYOND: The Dearborn Street closure at 1st for Viaduct demolition starts tomorrow. Here’s our coverage of yesterday’s media briefing, also with mention of tunnel closures this weekend.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Mariners vs. Cincinnati, 7:10 pm, again tonight, which means the Water Taxi runs into the late evening.

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Interested in Scouting? This BBQ’s for you
September 10, 2019 11:29 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Weather looks promising for this Wednesday night event – Cub Scout Pack 284 invites you to a barbecue that’s both to “welcome back returning scouts (kindergarten through 5th grade), and to provide info for folks who are interested in Scouting.” Stomp-rocket launching, too! It’s happening 6:30-7:45 pm Wednesday at Lincoln Park picnic shelter #5, by the wading pool. “The Pack will provide burgers, dogs, and fun. All you need to bring is a side or dessert to share and a friend who wants to learn more about Scouting!” Email (updated) seattlecubscoutpack284 (at) gmail (dot) com if you have questions.

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VIDEO: Mayor, police chief back in West Seattle, this time for budget announcements
September 10, 2019 8:48 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Mayor, police chief back in West Seattle, this time for budget announcements
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle politics

For the second time in a week, Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best were in West Seattle this afternoon. They chose Delridge Community Center as the location for a wide-ranging budget announcement involving everything from police retention to human services. Above, our video; the event was followed by two news releases published on the city website. This one is about plans to improve police retention/hiring (based on recommendations in this report), this one is about money to be spent on “new investments in community safety and building opportunity for young people (to) focus on alternatives to arrest and incarceration at every step of the system, from interactions with law enforcement, to diversion programs before a court filing, to reentry assistance after involvement in the criminal legal system.”

So why make these announcements in West Seattle (as you can hear in our video, we asked the chief what’s in the plans for the Southwest Precinct, and the reply was not ultra-specific)? Some community members were invited to be there in support, including Lora Radford from the West Seattle Junction Association, which has launched the city’s first Business Block Watch.

Meantime, the chief and mayor are continuing their budget-announcement tour tomorrow, when they’ll be joined by Fire Chief Harold Scoggins at Fire Station 2 downtown.

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DEVELOPMENT: Construction starting soon at 1250 Alki SW
September 10, 2019 5:50 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)(WSB photo, October 2018)

Almost a year after that house was moved from the future-development site at 1250 Alki SW, the project has yet to begin, with graffiti and weeds marking the rest of the site. But that’s about to change – the developers have just sent official notice that they’ve received their building permit. According to Ming Fung of Vibrant Cities, they expect to start construction within 45 days and “In the meantime, we will move as quickly as possible on the demolition.” The site originally held five houses (another one was moved in January 2018) and was proposed to become a 125-unit apartment building but that has since morphed into a 40-condo project to be called Infinity Shore Club Residences;

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COUNTDOWN: Less than 2 weeks until ‘A Grand Affair’ to help West Seattle Food Bank
September 10, 2019 4:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(2018 WSB photo)

Got your tickets yet? Here’s a chance to enjoy a well-deserved night out while supporting a vital community nonprofit:

Only 10 days left until the West Seattle Food Bank’s fun party and fundraiser A Grand Affair Cocktail Benefit at the Sanctuary at Admiral (on 42nd across from Admiral Safeway) on Friday evening, September 20th at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are $75/person until Thurs., 9/19 or $85 at the door. This is a fun Roaring ’20s-themed cocktail party featuring casino style gaming with a chance to win prizes (you get $10,000 of play chips with your ticket), hosted wine, beer & food, themed cocktails by Peel & Press and The Bridge, and Husky Ice Cream, served by Jack Miller himself, with a drizzle of Bourbon if you choose.

You can get your pictures taken in the photo booth, get your Tarot Cards read, buy raffle tickets with a chance to choose anything from the live auction, and bid on some fun experiences like a private dinner prepared by the owners of Bakery Nouveau or a tequila tasting and dinner at The Matador! All to help the 12,700 individuals the West Seattle Food Bank serves in our community.

To purchase tickets or check out all the rest of the auction items, click here!

Community co-sponsors of the event include WSB.

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BIZNOTE: Crowfoot Café on the way to Highland Park
September 10, 2019 2:34 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(King County Assessor’s photo)

A new tenant for the old market at 7789 Highland Park Way – Crowfoot Café. We noticed an early-stage permit filing, and then before we could even rev up our research, Harvey sent a tip with the restaurant-to-be’s name and website! We contacted proprietors/founders Steven Baird and Maureen Clark and asked for some backstory on what they’re planning. Here’s what they sent:

Maureen and I are both transplants to Seattle. I got to Washington via the Navy and after getting out of the service moved to the Seattle area in 2004. Maureen attended Boise State University and worked at KBSU, the city’s NPR affiliate, before making a change and landing in Seattle. Shortly after meeting each other we moved from the Fremont area to West Seattle, around 2009. We chose West Seattle because we liked the family feel and we were looking for our own nest. We settled in this cozy little neighborhood of Highland Park.

We were disappointed when the Country Deli Grocery store closed last year, as it was our go-to spot for ice cream and drinks.

We had been dreaming of opening our own cafe or restaurant for several years but, with a busy schedule, (school, soccer and work), the launch of this idea seemed impossible. Meanwhile I was conquering another challenge in life, perfecting my pizza!! I have been making pizza from “scratch” my entire life and it wasn’t until about 10 years ago when I started my own family that this passion for making pizza became stronger as I wanted to pass these skills on to my own family. The thought of watching my kids and possibly even grandkids making pizza really makes me happy!! On this mission to perfect my pizza, the key stone was our patio wood-fired pizza oven. This oven allowed me to make professional pizza consistently enough that it led to us hosting several backyard pizza parties. Afterward, I told Maureen “we should just do this, we should make our pizza for everyone to enjoy.” We started making some small plans here and there but everything really was at a standstill until we saw that the old convenience store was available for lease. Returning from our vacation, we saw the sign from the window of the truck and immediately jumped on the opportunity.

Since we are pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, we decided the best course was to start with a setup where we can make and sell pizza right away. We are starting out small, operating a pizzeria kitchen on wheels from the parking lot with outside covered seating, while we are securing the (change of use) permit to allow people to sit inside the building. As soon as we have the permit, we will have real inside seating! After a year or two we will build a kitchen and while celebrating the history of the building, transform the space. We are working through the kinks getting the trailer finished and submitting our plans to Labor & Industries and Department of Health. We plan for a soft opening – “The Pizza Tasting” – in early November.

Crowfoot Cafe’s Mission: To provide great pizza in a family-oriented environment where everyone feels welcome. To give back to our community that has nurtured us, we want to extend a discount to Seattle Public Schools employees, First Responders, and contribute to West Seattle Soccer Club.

A cafe in our growing neighborhood has been long in coming and we are excited to step up and give back.

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Getting around south end of downtown: Viaduct-and-more briefing
September 10, 2019 12:52 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just back from a media briefing that was held steps away from that view of the section of Alaskan Way Viaduct that will be demolished starting Thursday. Also discussed: Getting around in south downtown.

That’s Heather Marx, SDOT’s downtown mobility director. She says Alaskan Way will be temporarily opened to two lanes each way for the Dearborn demo period, Thursday through September 21st. You’ll still be able to get off northbound 99 there, but since Dearborn will be closed, you’ll have to take Alaskan – your first opportunity to turn into downtown will be Alaskan to King Street. 1st Avenue will remain open during the demolition but will be narrowed in the Dearborn vicinity to one lane each way.

That’s Bill Bryant of Metro. He reiterated that NB buses will be temporarily rerouted during the Dearborn closure. He and Marx (a West Seattleite who rides the bus) stressed the importance of keeping up on announced bus stop moves. We asked Bryant about early reviews on the new SB reroutes that started Monday; he said the first day looked good (Marx said her 21X ride went well) but it’s only one day, so they’ll be watching closely for the next few weeks.

As for the Viaduct – WSDOT before-and-almost-after photos above – demolition is now 92 percent complete. Teardown is expected to be over by early October, with cleanup continuing the rest of the month.

P.S. – TUNNEL CLOSURES: Also coming up this weekend, both directions of the Highway 99 tunnel will be closed 10 pm Friday to 8 am Saturday; the NB direction will close again 10 pm Saturday, reopening by 8 am Sunday.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: 4th Ave. S. exit blocked from EB West Seattle Bridge
September 10, 2019 12:18 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:18 PM: Thanks for the tip – a truck incident has closed the 4th Ave. S. exit from the EB West Seattle Bridge.

1:20 PM: Just passed the ramp a few minutes ago; a tow truck’s now onscene.

2:43 PM: Open.

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BIZNOTE: Signage going up for West Seattle’s Whole Foods Market
September 10, 2019 10:38 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   4755 Fauntleroy | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo (and also to Mel, who sent a photo from just before it went up). Signage is going up for West Seattle’s Whole Foods Market, which WFM has said will open next month (exact date TBA) at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s been 13+ years since WFM first declared West Seattle intentions (originally for the site that now holds LA Fitness across the street), 7 years since the announcement it would be part of what became The Whittaker.

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4 for your Tuesday, featuring The West Seattle Turkey
September 10, 2019 10:03 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

In the spirit of alliterative social-media spotlights, we’re declaring this #TurkeyTuesday, with two cool recent pics sent by readers. The one above is courtesy of Lauren; the one below, from Evelyn. Now, four highlights for today/tonight:

NURSING INFORMATION SESSION: Find out about the nursing programs at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) by attending this 11 am session in Cascade Hall Room 202. (6000 16th SW)

DINE-OUT BENEFIT: The Sanislo Elementary PTA will help students with a share of the proceeds from tonight’s dine-out benefit at The Skylark, 5-8 pm. Kids’ talent show, too! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Meeting at 6:30 pm at Admiral Congregational Church. Agenda info’s in our calendar listing. All welcome. (4520 SW Hill)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Board meeting at 7 pm in the conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Agenda info’s in our calendar listing. Community members always welcome. (9131 California SW)

MORE! See our complete calendar here.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Another stellar BMX season for West Seattle’s Colton Fukano
September 10, 2019 9:46 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle’s Colton Fukano has been riding BMX since he was 3; we first featured him when mom Shawnda Fukano sent word of his championship at age 4, and he’s still succeeding in a big way three years later. Her latest update:

Colton Fukano earned second place overall in the Washington State BMX Championship for the 2019 season in the 8 expert category. We are so proud of all of his hard work this season as he moved up to racing in the much more difficult expert category.

Racing is still happening at the North SeaTac BMX track on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons if anyone wants to try it out. The Halloween costume race is especially fun!

Here is a link to one of Colton’s favorite races this season. He is in navy blue with a white helmet.

(Find out more about the BMX park here.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Soggy Tuesday watch
September 10, 2019 7:02 am
|      3 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)

7:02 AM: Good morning!

BUS REROUTES: Second day of the south-downtown SB reroutes.

DEARBORN CLOSURE STARTS THURSDAY: The section of Alaskan Way Viaduct that remains over Dearborn, by 1st, will be demolished starting Thursday, and that means a week-and-a-half closure. We’ll be covering a media briefing about it later this morning.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Mariners vs. Cincinnati, 7:10 pm, so the Water Taxi runs into the late evening.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire reports
September 9, 2019 11:20 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Multiple texters report gunfire heard less than an hour ago in east West Seattle, from Westwood to Highland Park. No gunshot victims reported anywhere, so far, and we haven’t heard any radio discussion of evidence found.

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What’s next for the now world-famous Easy Street Records discoveries?
September 9, 2019 10:01 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

More than a few readers emailed in recent days to say they’d seen national/international coverage of Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan‘s discoveries of unique grunge-era souvenirs – a few items from the early days of legendary Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, like this receipt:

Vaughan also found a $26 royalty check made out to Cobain (that Instagram link isn’t working, so we can’t show it to you too). After some days in social-media circulation, the finds made their way out to national/international news outlets, even CNN. We caught up with Vaughan over the weekend to ask what he’s going to do with the items. He said he doesn’t have a plan yet but thinks they ought to be displayed somewhere. He does plan to talk about the discoveries at this fall’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society brunch gala, as he’s a featured speaker. (Easy Street’s own history goes back 30+ years!)

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Colman Pool’s after-hours visitor
September 9, 2019 8:39 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Thanks to Kelly for the photo and caption! The big blue cover at Colman Pool gave a Great Blue Heron a spot to hang out tonight. While the pool wasn’t open today, it has two more post-season weekends to go – September 14-15 and 21-22.

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SAVING RAINWATER: Learn how to harvest it!
September 9, 2019 7:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Photo by Jon Elliot)

With our recent rain comes rainbows…

(Photo by Mike Siddall)

… and thoughts of rainwater conservation. West Seattleite Neal Chism is leading a class on Saturday that will show you how to store rainwater, move it, and use it. Save on your utility bills, too! He’s teaching the class at the Burien Community Center (14700 6th SW). Free, with an optional field trip to see Neal’s system afterward. No RSVP required but appreciated – you can email gracestiller (at) comcast (dot) net. See the flyer here (PDF).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Seal Sitters’ alert about canister thefts
September 9, 2019 5:14 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

An urgent alert just in from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

Seal Sitters is suspending its canister collection program immediately. There has been a rash of canister thefts this month; we believe that thieves are putting the canisters in other businesses and collecting the money for themselves. If your business currently has a Seal Sitters canister, please remove it from your counter and call our hotline at 206-905-SEAL.

Thank you to everyone who dropped a few coins (or many) into the canisters over the years. Seal Sitters depends on contributions to further our educational outreach and help protect marine life. The canisters may be gone, but you can still donate by going to sealsitters.org/you_can_help/donate.html

Seal Sitters also thanks these businesses that have sponsored our program: Coastal Surf Boutique, Easy Street Records, El Chupacabra, Elliott Bay Brewing, Fatburger, Husky Deli, M2S and Alki Kayak, Merryweather Books, Next to Nature, Pegasus Book Exchange, Pegasus Pizza & Pasta, Tiffany’s Hair Design, Tully’s Coffee, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

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DEVELOPMENT: Townhouses proposed to replace apartments at 2330 Alki SW
September 9, 2019 4:25 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(King County Assessor’s photo)

Just filed with the city today: An early-stage proposal to replace the 66-year-old single-story apartment complex at Alki SW/54th with a 16-townhouse complex. The site plan (PDF) shows 7 units facing Alki Avenue, 5 facing 54th, and 4 behind the Alki-facing units; 15 would have attached garages and 10 more parking spaces would be provided on-site (the Alki Parking Overlay requires 1 1/2 spaces per residence).

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