West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
Thanks to Judy Waring for the photo! That’s from last night’s “Backyard Bard” edition of condensed Shakespeare at High Point Commons Park, courtesy of GreenStage. After “Merry Wives of Windsor” last night, tonight it’s an hourlong edition of “Measure for Measure,” also at High Point Commons Park (right behind Neighborhood House at 6400 SW Sylvan Way), 7 pm, free. Judy advises, “Easy parking nearby, not crowded, bring cushion for sitting on a rock or a lawn chair for tonight’s play.” GreenStage has other performances – both “Backyard Bard” and full length – coming up this month and next at other West Seattle parks; we have them all in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and you can check out the GreenStage website too.
(FESTIVAL INFO QUICK LINKS HERE … METRO REROUTE LINKS HERE … 1ST FRIDAY REPORT HERE, 2ND HERE, 3RD HERE)
11:02 AM: More to explore as day 2 of West Seattle Summer Fest gets going in the heart of The Junction! Above, Rob Duisberg of the West Seattle Community Orchestras is inside ArtsWest (west side of California, south of Alaska) with the WSCO Instrument Petting Zoo until 2 pm – thanks to Gina for the tip! Here at the Info Booth, you’ll find various organizations and community groups all day, too (as well as us on the north side and Junction Association volunteers on the east side). Right now on the west side of the booth, lots of crime-prevention and safety info from Seattle Police:
Side note: They have candy. Tons of families here already. On our way in just before 10, we spotted State Sen. Joe Nguyen and his family:
Three stages of entertainment, starting up soon – 11:30 am Rockaroke on the main stage on California at Oregon, noon on the community stage (in Junction Plaza Park at 42nd/Alaska and the wooden-instrument stage on the west side of California just before Edmunds). And here in Walk-All-Ways, a martial-arts demo is drawing a crowd.
Counterforce Tae-Kwon-Do demo at Summer Fest! pic.twitter.com/J4glRhR9xw
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 13, 2019
Get here and see what’s up! Also lots of chances to support the people and places that make West Seattle great – here’s one:
That’s the West Seattle Quilters‘ annual fundraising quilt for the Senior Center – buy a ticket for the raffle at the table outside Stop ‘n’ Shop on the east side of California just south of Oregon. Meantime, Summer Fest is also a major freebie zone today – HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) is across from us at California/Alaska and they have free sunglasses, tote bags, pens.
Whole Foods is here today (by the Kids Zone on the west side of Alaska) with free popsicles. In recent years, the business mix here has gotten ever more local – both the year-round merchants with sidewalk sales and the businesses with booths (some “visiting” from other parts of West Seattle), so it’s an excellent place to find out more about the community all in a 2+-block area. Our coverage continues all day and into the night – official festival end time is 8 pm, music continues tonight until about 11.
12:32 PM: All three stages are going now:
Selfdoubt, first act on Wooden Instrument Stage. South end of Summer Fest, California before Edmunds pic.twitter.com/toW7bGwJpb
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 13, 2019
Just south of the main stage, it’s the game zone – free to play, all ages! Caitlin from Outer Space Seattle (the playspace opening soon at 2820 Alki SW) sent this photo of astronauts playing Connect 4:
Also up at the game zone on California north of Oregon, Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor, based in North Delridge). On California south of Oregon, another of our sponsors, Verity Credit Union, has fun stuff in their open storefront all weekend long:
We just confirmed they’ll have GOATS there 1-3 pm Sunday. … Since it’s lunch time, we strolled through the festival food zone (remember that 20+ year-round restaurants have sidewalk cafés and/or outdoor stands to serve you too) and you’ll find more variety than ever, from elotes (roasted corn) to elephant ears, Pho Burritos, squash-blossom pupusas, cotton candy, potato “tornadoes,” barbecue (with the truck from WSB sponsor Pecos Pit) Afghan, Kenyan, Mexican, Salvadorean, Thai food. And if you want to sit down after buying something at a booth, check out the tables at Junction Plaza Park!
1:22 PM: If you need someplace to take refuge with your infant or toddler, wander a block west to Nurturing Expressions (4727 44th SW; WSB sponsor), as this handy sign reminds you:
Back along the rows of booths – GoodMed Direct Primary Care (WSB sponsor) is here for the weekend (they’re headquartered in Morgan Junction):
Dr. Ryan Campbell would love to talk with you about their unique, affordable flat-rate health care. … More coverage to come!
3 PM: Warmer than yesterday. If you bring your pup(s) and s/he/they need a break, the Pet Zone is on the west side of California just north of Alaska:
Gabe Cadwell sent that pic of Lilly enjoying the doggie pool. … Another Junction business (based in Jefferson Square) that’s here, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Northwest (WSB sponsor):
In the BHHSBW booth when we stopped by, Debbie Kerns, Alice Kuder, and Nadine Bivins. … UPDATE: Whole Foods is out of free popsicles. Lots of treats here but those have run out. … Here in the Info Booth (heart of Walk All Ways, look for the big INFORMATION banner), new groups at the community tables on the west and south side, including Seal Sitters:
They’re on the south side; on the west side, YearUp and SR3:
As you might notice in our photos, both Seal Sitters and SR3 have show-and-tell items – all ages can touch and explore. The Whale Trail is here too, a few booths north of Walk All Ways. … We’re getting closer to the heart of the music lineup -here’s who’s on the main stage tonight:
4:30 – DYED
5:30 – Jeremy Enigk
6:30 – Spirit Award
7:30 – Night Beats
8:30 – Jenn Champion
9:30 – DJ Mister Moon
10 pm – Blackie (Blondie tribute)
The main stage is on California between Oregon and Genesee; the beer garden is immediately south of it. ….Our coverage continues right after 5 pm with the early-evening report, but first some other stories.
P.S. If you lost your wallet – we just had one turned in at the Info Booth.
The second day of West Seattle Summer Fest tops our highlight list:
(“Live” SDOT cam)
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST DAY 2: The festival’s official hours today are 10 am-8 pm (music runs later). We’re in the Information Booth as usual for as-it-happens coverage starting later this morning (also watch our Twitter feed for festival scenes), but here are the links:
Shopping: 10 am-8 pm – here’s the list of both year-round merchants with sales and visiting vendors with booths
Kids’ area: 10 am-8 pm – here’s info and prices; go here to find out about the Kids’ Pirate Treasure Hunt (TODAY ONLY)
Food: Year-round food/beverage purveyors are offering “extended service,” which for many means outdoor cafés – here’s the list of those businesses plus visiting vendors
Music/entertainment/events: Three stages – main stage on California north of Oregon (schedule here), community stage in Junction Plaza Park at 42nd/Alaska, south (wooden instruments and more) stage on California just before Edmunds (schedules for all three stages are here)
Beer garden: Next to the main stage, open late
Community groups: In the Info Booth and a second “community gathering tent” a bit north on the east side of California – find the list of who’s where and when here
Pet Junction: By Next to Nature, on west side of California north of Alaska – see the vendor list here
Art – You can make it at Summer Fest!
Mothers’ Room – Hosted by Nurturing Expressions (4727 44th SW, WSB sponsor) – a place for changing/feeding babies, etc.
ROAD CLOSURES/BUS REROUTES: All linked here.
Also today/tonight:
COLMAN POOL CLOSED AGAIN Another day without public access to the outdoor pool at Lincoln Park, because of a swim meet.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: 8 am from West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), start your weekend on the move! (2743 California SW)
FAMILY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: 1-4 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center. Creative activities for all ages! (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
ICE CREAM SOCIAL & BAKE SALE: At The Kenney (WSB sponsor)’s Ballymena community, 1:30-4:30 pm:
Come join us for our Husky Deli ice cream sundaes and root beer floats (including sugar-free sundaes) put on by Ballymena residents. Homemade baked goods will also be available for purchase.
(7124 47th SW)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Second night for GreenStage‘s condensed Backyard Bard at High Point Commons Park – 7 pm, “Measure for Measure.” Free! (6400 SW Sylvan Way)
SABERTOOTH: 8 pm at The Skylark. $8 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LOCAL ROCK: See KLED, Duwamish Head, Dynamite Nugget. 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
(Photo by Paul Weatherman)
The West Seattle Summer Fest excitement rolled north to the main stage and beer garden as night arrived. Paul Weatherman‘s aerial view shows the crowd during Common Market‘s performance; then came the final band of the night, Polyrhythmics:
(WSB photos/video from here down)
A bit of video:
Tomorrow’s main-stage music is scheduled to run 12 full hours, all the way through Blackie’s 10 pm performance, with other highlights including Jeremy Enigk at 5:30 pm and Jenn Champion at 8:30.
Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, one of more than 100 places around the nation and world where people gathered tonight “to protest the inhumane conditions faced by migrants,” particularly detention and separation at the U.S. border. The movement is called Lights for Liberty, and the West Seattle vigil was one of at least half a dozen planned in the city tonight.
(FESTIVAL INFO QUICK LINKS HERE … METRO REROUTE LINKS HERE … FIRST FRIDAY REPORT HERE)
You can kick back at West Seattle Summer Fest. That’s John Smersh, co-proprietor of Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), demo’ing an air chair they’re featuring. Click! has a “garage-sale”-style sidewalk sale too, plus they’re selling cool local baby onesies (whose creator isn’t vending separately this year). So don’t miss your year-round merchants along the sidewalk. We’d have to say “discover and explore” is a big theme this year. Look around every corner – you might find something special, like this:
That’s the community mural that West Seattle Art Nest is leading in Junction Plaza Park– – by the wind sculpture, near the community stage – until 7. They explain that it – and the two they’ll be leading the next two days – are inspired by features in West Seattle parks. That’s the Schmitz Park crocodile; the next two will be the Whale Tail Park whale and the Lincoln Park griffin. Meanwhile, back on the main stage:
Sweet Jesus, second main-stage band at West Seattle Summer Fest pic.twitter.com/FoDvtZYjoq
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 13, 2019
All three stages’ programming schedules are here. More coverage to come!
6:07 PM: Festival sights. From Tatooine to West Seattle:
And we’ve gotten enough questions about this poster, we have to say, according to festival organizers – IT’S NOT REAL:
We’ve heard from more than a few Gary Busey fans at the Info Booth who are disappointed to hear that. So who IS here? Still to come tonight on the main stage (California north of Oregon):
6:30 pm – West Seattle Soul
7:30 pm – The Grizzled Mighty
8:30 pm – Common Market
9:30 pm – DJ Kurt Bloch
10 pm – Polyrhythmics
The last community stage act of the day, Tekla Waterfield, is on now; on the Wooden Instrument Stage (west side of California just north of Edmunds), it’s Annie O’Neill now, Cami & Co. at 7.
6:33 PM: First lost/found child of the day, quickly reunited. That’s part of what happens at the Info Booth – if there’s a problem, we summon help. The Info Booth winds down around 7 pm – if you need help after that, look for a festival staffer. … Even more music happening now – Kyle Craft in-store at Easy Street Records (as featured in our daily preview today).
7:06 PM: Though shopping/vending time is winding down, music keeps heating up:
West Seattle Soul on the Summer Fest main stage right now pic.twitter.com/cKgYjURzPt
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 13, 2019
Dinnertime for many festivalgoers:
Common question at the Info Booth is whether the east side of SW Alaska is “all the food.” Remember that many of the year-round restaurants offer something special for Summer Fest too – outdoor cafes, and/or street food, like Husky Deli’s stand:
We’re heading out but will be back later tonight for more music!
That’s the advice from Andy, who just emailed to say traffic heading out of downtown is so bad, “I got on the 56 bus 45 minutes ago at 3rd & Seneca and we are only in Pioneer Square. 45 minutes to go 2 miles.” We’ve heard about the delays here at West Seattle Summer Fest, from people who have been waiting for friends to join them here. We’re not seeing any one big incident, just a variety of factors.
(FESTIVAL INFO QUICK LINKS HERE … METRO REROUTE LINKS HERE)
11:44 AM: West Seattle Summer Fest got its start decades ago as the West Seattle Junction’s annual sidewalk sale – and that’s still part of the program, including (outside CAPERS, west side of California between Oregon and Alaska) the world-famous WEST SEATTLE T-shirts shown above. Lots of shopping – at year-round merchants and visiting vendors – and all-ages activities. That includes two types of axe-throwing!
The inflatable “axe-throwing” is in the kids’ zone on Alaska west of California; the actual axe-throwing is in the game zone on California north of Oregon. Now that we’re in hour two, everybody’s starting to settle in. And as lunchtime approaches, you’ll find festival food booths on Alaska east of California, plus lots of outdoor offerings from year-round restaurants – even Bakery Nouveau has a sidewalk café1
12:19 PM: Besides playing, shopping, drinking, noshing, Summer Fest is also a place to learn. Got a question about West Seattle’s light-rail plan? Stop at the Sound Transit booth:
They’re on the east side of California between Alaska and Edmunds. On the other side of the same block, you can talk with WSDOT about Highway 99 Tunnel tolling, which is expected to start this fall:
Speaking of transportation, we just got word that Canna West Seattle is offering a shuttle from Summer Fest to their shop about a half mile south. Canna Culture is here at the festival, too:
That’s Canna Culture shop manager Nina Perceful, just south of the Info Booth (our base during Summer Fest) at California/Alaska. You can stop there to find out about in-store sales happening during the festival. And as for the shuttle:
The rides will be offered every half hour, from 10am-8pm Friday and Saturday, and from 10am-5pm on Sunday. Summer Fest attendees can pick it up at SW Edmunds Street and California Avenue (near the 7-11 store).
Festival attendees should look out for this ride:
As for other transportation to/from the festival – note that we have the bus-stop revisions all linked atop this story. Main-stage music is now just three hours away, starting with Razor Clam at 3:30 pm; more coverage to come!
2:30 PM: Sun’s out and the crowd’s growing. A few things that have come up in comments:
-The kids’ area has a different provider this year. They specialize in inflatables, so there’s no mechanical rides.
-Art-making for all ages is spread throughout the festival, including participation in mural creation with West Seattle Art Nest in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), 3-7 pm today, noon-8 pm Saturday, noon-5 pm Sunday. If you’re looking for face painting, The Hill Team had a free face painter in front of Keller Williams on the east side of California north of Oregon.
-Also on California north of Oregon, giant games for all ages.
3:06 PM: Popular question – where to buy water? Answer:
That’s the QFC booth, just north of our side of the Info Booth at Walk-All-Ways. $1 water plus fruit kabobs and coconuts.
3:51 PM: Main-stage music has begun!
Razor Clam on the main stage at West Seattle Summer Fest. pic.twitter.com/rmJPGTaxrt
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 12, 2019
Next up:
4:30 pm – Sweet Jesus
5:30 pm – Stas Thee Boss
6:30 pm – West Seattle Soul
7:30 pm – The Grizzled Mighty
8:30 pm – Common Market
9:30 pm – DJ Kurt Bloch
10 pm – Polyrhythmics
Remember there’s two other stages, too – community stage in Junction Plaza Park, “wooden instrument stage” on the west side of California just north of Edmunds. The schedules for all three stages can be found in this WSB preview.
Happy Friday! Our highlights begin with West Seattle Summer Fest‘s first day:
QUICK LINKS FOR WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST, DAY 1: The festival’s official hours today are 10 am-8 pm (music runs later). We’re in the Information Booth as usual for as-it-happens coverage starting later this morning (also watch our Twitter feed for festival scenes), but here meantime are the toplines:
Shopping: 10 am-8 pm – here’s the list of both year-round merchants with sales and visiting vendors with booths
Kids’ rides and activities: 10 am-8 pm – here are ride hours and prices plus other info; go here to find out about the Kids’ Pirate Treasure Hunt (update: it’s happening SATURDAY ONLY)
Food: Year-round food/beverage purveyors are offering “extended service,” which for many means outdoor cafés – here’s the list of those businesses plus visiting vendors
Music/entertainment/events: Three stages – main stage on California north of Oregon (schedule here), community stage in Junction Plaza Park at 42nd/Alaska, south (wooden instruments and more) stage on California just before Edmunds (schedules here)
Beer garden: Next to the main stage, open late
Community groups: In the Info Booth and a second “community gathering tent” – find the list of who’s where and when here
Pet Junction: By Next to Nature, on west side of California north of Alaska – see the vendor list here
Art – You can make it at Summer Fest!
Mothers’ Room – Hosted by Nurturing Expressions (4727 44th SW, WSB sponsor) – a place for changing/feeding babies, etc.
See you at Summer Fest! P.S. Metro reroute details are linked here
Other West Seattle highlights for today/tonight:
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Another swim-meet closure today.
BINGO! Yet another reason to come to The Junction – weekly bingo at the Senior Center, 11 am-2:30 pm. 18+. (4217 SW Oregon)
KYLE CRAFT: And even MORE in The Junction – live record-release performance, in-store at Easy Street Records, 6:30 pm. (California/Alaska)
BACKYARD BARD: “Stripped-down” Shakespeare with GreenStage at High Point Commons Park, 7 pm – “Merry Wives of Windsor.” Free! (6400 SW Sylvan Way)
‘PATRINELL: THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE’: New documentary about Rev. Pat Wright, longtime leader of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, where she and the choir rehearsed for years. (7904 35th SW)
LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY: Vigil at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, 8 pm, part of nationwide protests against asylum-seeking families/children being held in border detention. (2701 Alki SW)
MUCH, MUCH MORE … see it all on our complete calendar!
Another reminder that the streets in the heart of The Junction are closed for West Seattle Summer Fest through late Sunday night – the festival ends at 5 pm Sunday, but breakdown/cleanup usually continues for several hours beyond that.
-California SW is closed between SW Genesee and SW Edmunds except for SW Oregon, which remains open to east-west traffic
-SW Alaska is closed between 44th SW and 42nd SW
Bus reroutes (each route links to the Metro PDF explaining that specific reroute, with stop revisions):
–C Line
–Route 22
–Route 37
–Route 50
–Route 55
–Route 57
–Route 128
–Route 773 (Water Taxi shuttle)
–
3:05 AM: Texters reported feeling an earthquake, and indeed there was one, 4.7 magnitude – here’s the map. Epicenter was east of Everett. If you felt it, you can tell the USGS about it here.
3:17 AM: The USGS has revised the magnitude of the 2:51 am quake to 4.4.
3:25 AM: 4.4 isn’t huge but certainly the strongest in the region in quite some time. Here’s the page showing recent Puget Sound quakes. First quake of at least 4 magnitude since February 2017. (Here’s the list of other 4-or-greater quakes in our region, going back half a century. This was the second-strongest since the 2001 Nisqually quake.)
3:42 AM: Scientists have revised the magnitude again, now to 4.6. If that holds, it’s the highest-magnitude quake since Nisqually.
4:02 AM: One more link before we go back off watch for a while – the aftershocks are shown here.
Thanks to Mark Hofkes for the video of the All-City Band marching at Seattle Center tonight, getting ready for a busy parade-and-more season that includes the July 20th West Seattle Grand Parade. Six days after the parade, you’ll see them in West Seattle again – the All-City Band Jam returns to Southwest Athletic Complex at 6:30 pm Friday, July 26th, after SWAC work sent it to an off-peninsula venue last year. It’s a showcase/tune-up the night before the Seafair Torchlight Parade, with local and regional marching bands. First gig of the year for ACB, which includes student musicians from all over the city, is this Saturday at the Redmond Derby Days Parade.
(2016 Mini-STP group; photo courtesy Don Brubeck)
Once again this year, West Seattle Bike Connections is leading the Mini-STP bicycle ride on Summer Fest Sunday (July 14th), and you’re welcome to join. The family-friendly ride rolls at 9:30 am (arrive at 9:15) from SW Seattle St. in North Admiral, heads to SW Portland St. in Gatewood, and then back north to end in The Junction at West Seattle Summer Fest. You can pre-register here, or just show up. See more details in our calendar listing!
Annual action shot. Farewell, motor vehicles, until Sunday night! pic.twitter.com/C14EYSC5hO
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 12, 2019
6:34 PM: The barricades are up and the fun is on. The streets in the heart of The Junction have just closed so West Seattle Summer Fest setup can begin – along with sidewalk cafés, entertainment, and middle-of-the-street strolling between West Seattle Art Walk venues, like Click! Design That Fits (4540 California; WSB sponsor):
Brooke Westlund is at Click! until 8. Full list of Art Walk venues, with previews, is here, or just come to The Junction and start wandering. On California just south of Alaska, Bubbleman‘s performance is about to start. Updates to come!
7:20 PM: Bubbleman is just wrapping up.
What a crowd! He clowned around with an umbrella before even starting with the bubbles, and the countless children on hand were delighted. (“He’s so FUNNY!” one told her grownups.) Yes, all the while, setup is happening too:
The first sidewalk sale is in progress outside Pegasus Book Exchange. And steps away, the Dance Powered fitness “flash mob” just started.
Around 8 pm (later than earlier noted), the VAIN (WSB sponsor)/Lika Love Boutique hair-and-fashion show should be unfolding a little further north. And here’s the night’s official motto:
That’s in the window at Click! (do stop in and meet Brooke the artist).
9:13 PM: We’ve left The Junction after three hours. A few more Summer Fest Eve scenes:
The Summer Fest Eve fashion 'flash mob' headed for @VAINBeautyWorld pic.twitter.com/8XSgElktKO
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 12, 2019
VAIN has a lot going on for the festival, by the way, including a big bright paper-flowers selfie backdrop and “in-store and sidewalk specials including a blow-out sunglasses sale!” (Added) Victoria from VAIN with a paper flower, hinting at things to come:
On the same block, Yada Yada Blues Band had an all-ages crowd in a bluesy mood:
Yada Yada Blues Band has fired up at @Westfive pic.twitter.com/wCLW9g7591
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 12, 2019
Revelry – and setup – continues into the night. (And we have a bit more to add above now that we’re back at HQ.) Official festival hours Friday are 10 am-8 pm, with main-stage music running later. We’re in the Info Booth again this year – see you at Summer Fest!
(WSB photos of candidates @ West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade)
By this time next week, ballots should start arriving for the primary, and you can vote anytime up until the 8 pm August 6th deadline. While the City Council District 1 race isn’t all that you’ll be asked to vote on, it’s the highest-stakes race in our area. We’re three days away from the next side-by-side comparison of the candidates – L-R above, Phil Tavel, Brendan Kolding, Lisa Herbold. The first is at noon Sunday in Junction Plaza Park during West Seattle Summer Fest, and your WSB co-publishers are moderating. With so many issues in the city’s purview, we’re wondering, what have’t you heard the candidates address yet? You’re welcome to suggest a question, either in comments here or via email (westseattleblog@gmail.com). Hope to see you in the park on Sunday!
SDOT has announced what’s next for the Avalon/35th repaving-and-more project. Two more water shutoffs are part of the plan. Here’s the update:
We are scheduled to pave the west side of SW Avalon Way from SW Charlestown St to south of SW Andover St as soon as July 12, weather permitting.
Zone A: We are continuing work on the west side of SW Avalon Way between SW Charlestown St and SW Andover St, including:
*Water utility work at SW Charlestown St
*Paving the west side of SW Avalon Way south of SW Charlestown St to south of SW Andover St as soon as July 12. This work is weather dependent and subject to change.
*As early as next week, crews will begin working in the center lane of SW Avalon Way between SW Yancy St and SW Bradford St to build a new bus pad
*SW Bradford St and SW Andover St are closed to SW Avalon Way to excavate and rebuild the road base. *If paving takes place, SW Bradford St and SW Andover St will be open as early as next week.Zone E: We are continuing work on the new water main and drainage utilities on 35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Alaska St, including:
*Excavating for a new water service pipe on the westside of 35th Ave SW from SW Avalon Way to SW Snoqualmie St
*Connecting the new water main at SW Avalon Way and SW Snoqualmie St
*Demolishing the west side of 35th Ave SW
*Storm drainage work at SW Oregon St and SW Snoqualmie StSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) has two upcoming water shutoffs scheduled for next week:
*July 16 for customers on 35th Ave SW from SW Alaska St to SW Avalon Way from 9 PM to 6 AM
*July 17 for customers on SW Avalon Way from SW Orleans St to south of SW Andover St; SW Andover, SW Bradford, and SW Charlestown streets; and SW Andover St to mid block on 32nd Ave SW from 9 PM to 6 AM
Crews will use a temporary noise permit to complete this work and you can expect this work to be noisy as SPU crews cut and install pipes throughout the course of the evening and backfill the charged main. SPU is doing this work at night to minimize the impacts of the water shut off. If you are impacted by one of these shut offs, SPU will notify you.
If you have questions about, or experience problems with, your water service, contact SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800.
The entire project is to be complete sometime by mid-2020.
It’s gone now, but lots of texts about a helicopter over south West Seattle, with nothing showing on radar, so we had to set out on the ground to sleuth it. Found a police officer who explained it was indeed Guardian One, helping search after a report of a possible burglary in the 8800 block of 8th SW. The report eventually turned out to be unfounded. (G-1 tweeted that they had been helping the South Precinct, which led to some further confusion, but it was Southwest Precinct after all.)
Summertime is peak season for reunions. Organizers of this year’s Chief Sealth all-class reunion want to remind you that it’s now just 2 weeks away: Friday, July 26th, at Lincoln Park. They add, “Food will be available from Dante’s Inferno Dogs for $10 per person, which includes a gourmet hot dog or burger, chips, and a drink.” 5-9 pm, alums from all years welcome!
Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:
KEYBANK VANDALIZED AGAIN: For the second time in a month, somebody broke the glass at KeyBank in The Junction. We heard the dispatch on this one late last night; witnesses reported it and police responded quickly but on followup today tell us the vandal was not found. No attempt to break in was reported – the rock thrower walked away. One witness who called it in also emailed us and described the vandal as “white, male, 5′ 9″, small/medium build, 40ish, black shirt, tan pants, short haircut, w/ a necklace.” If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 2019-252988.
BIKE STOLEN AT SCHOOL: A reader sends this report and photo:
On Tuesday, July 9th, at 1:56 pm, a person walked into the Chief Sealth IHS main office and stole a bike. After review of security cameras, the person had been inside the building and watching the office for almost 15 minutes. They walked into the office, grabbed the bike and walked out. If you know who this person is, please call the Sealth main office, 206-252-8550. A police report has been filed.
The bike is a K2 ZED Mountain Bike, black with gold, gel seat.
(2014 US Army Corps of Engineers photo of failing seawall)
One of West Seattle’s favorite spots for watching everything from orcas to sunsets has construction in its future. The long-planned seawall replacement for Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive SW is getting closer, and Seattle Parks has an event planned next week for info and Q&A:
Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Army Corps of Engineers invite the community to an Open House on Tuesday, July 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens St. This Open House is an opportunity for the community to learn about the Emma Schmitz Seawall Replacement project located at 4503 Beach Dr. SW in West Seattle.
The project will replace the existing 500-foot-long seawall constructed in the 1920s that has experienced significant erosion and damage from storm events. Please join us for a short presentation followed by an Open House.
The new seawall will be a “soldier pile” (system of vertical piles spaced at a regular interval with material in between to create a wall) design, built a few feet seaward and a few feet higher than the existing seawall, and equipped with safety handrails that the current seawall lacks. This design will minimize the impact on the beach, address rising seawater concerns and create better contours for the restoration landscaping on the landward portion of the overlook area. We anticipate construction in mid-2020.
The project website says this open house will include a “short presentation,” so it’s not strictly a drop-in open house.
(Wednesday sunset photo by Marc Milrod)
Tonight’s the night! Two big multi-event happenings to start with
SUMMER FEST EVE: 6 pm is when California (Genesee to Edmunds) and Alaska (42nd to 44th) close for Summer Fest setup and the pre-festival street party begins! Bubbles, fashion, music, more. Details are in the preview we published last night. We’ll be there for as-it-happens coverage starting around 6 pm (you can check our Twitter feed, too).
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Part of the Summer Fest Eve fun is this month’s Art Walk, 5 pm until late, but remember that there are Art Walk venues outside The Junction, too! The venue list/map – where you’ll find art, as well as where you’ll find food/beverage specials – is here along with previews.
Here’s what else you should know:
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: Today is the first of five days this month during which Lincoln Park’s outdoor pool will be closed to the public because of swim meets.
HIRING EVENT: Neighborhood House High Point invites people interested in working in its Early Childhood Education program to a hiring event 4-6 pm today:
Neighborhood House is a non-profit agency dedicated to building community and helping families achieve their goals for health, education, and self-sufficiency. We are especially interested in meeting potential preschool teachers, home visitors, and supervisors at this event where candidates can learn about positions and have a short interview so we can get to know each other.
(6400 SW Sylvan Way)
WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 6 pm at Southwest Library, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society co-presents WWWS: “Join us to hear Bainbridge Island educator Roberta Newland and her co-author (and son) John Newland-Thompson discuss their book The Cle Elum Fire of 1918 from Images of America series.” Free. (9010 35th SW)
CRIME/POLICING FOCUS GROUP: 6:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, people who live/work in (or visit!) the Alki area are invited to this focus group on its Microcommunity Policing Plan. How are police doing? What should they be focusing on? Here’s your chance to speak up(2306 42nd SW)
AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Modern Daze, Brianna Skye & the Dark Clouds, and Dream Logic, 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
FUNK/JAZZ JAM: It’s Parliamentality Presents tonight, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MUCH MORE! It’s all on our complete calendar.
After Brendan Kolding entered the race for City Council District 1, he left the Seattle Police Department, where he had worked for 10 years and risen to the rank of lieutenant. Last night, The Seattle Times reported that when Kolding left SPD, he was facing disciplinary proceedings. The Times cites unidentified sources in reporting that Kolding “was investigated by the police department’s Office of Police Accountability (OPA) over a complaint that he had harassed (an)other officer.” The Times report says Kolding “denied the allegations, saying he was the victim of retaliation.” We contacted him via email with questions after seeing the story last night, and he has responded. We asked for comment on what led to the investigation reported by The Times; he replied, “I will not comment at this time. Sadly, I may end up suing the City over a pattern of bullying and retaliation that I experienced, so I need to keep things confidential for now.” He said The Times’ story “is an accurate representation of the conversation I had with their reporter”; the newspaper also reports, “Even though he has left the force, Kolding has a July 25 meeting scheduled with the department in which he can seek to have his name cleared.” We asked if he had any prior disciplinary action; Kolding replied, “No. In more than a decade of service to the SPD I did not have so much as an oral reprimand.” Finally, we asked what he would say to a voter who was concerned by the report: “The residents of District 1 are welcome to contact me directly if they have any concerns. My e-mail address is Kolding34@gmail.com.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:55 AM: Checking in for the last hour of the commute – no alerts or incidents. But remember what starts tonight:
SUMMER FEST ROAD CLOSURES/BUS REROUTES: Tonight (6-ish) through Sunday night (late), streets in the heart of The Junction will close for West Seattle Summer Fest – SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th, California SW between SW Genesee and SW Edmunds (with SW Oregon staying open for west-east traffic). Bus reroutes are linked here.
8:34 AM: Crash reported at Delridge/Holden, per dispatch – 2 vehicles, at least partly blocking, possible injuries.
9:18 AM: NB 99 alert:
The blocking incidents keep stacking up. A new one involving a disabled truck is blocking the bus lane on the SR 99 northbound off-ramp to S Dearborn Street in #Seattle. pic.twitter.com/z9OdWxAKGO
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) July 11, 2019
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