West Seattle, Washington
02 Monday
Thanks to Robert Spears for the rainbow view from Saturday! Today’s forecast also suggests unsettled weather, though we know many if not most will be indoors watching The Game this afternoon. But you have other options, such as …
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: First market of 2020! 10 am-2 pm in the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
LIBRARIES OPEN EARLIER: Starting today, Seattle Public Library branches open at noon Sundays, an hour earlier than before. (Here’s where to find one!)
EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum is open noon-4 pm today. (61st/Stevens)
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Comments/questions about West Seattle’s only city-supported tiny-house encampment? This is the place to be. 2 pm at the community building on the east side of Arrowhead Gardens. Here’s our report on last month’s meeting. (9220 2nd SW)
FIGHTING HUNGER THROUGH MUSIC: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), Musicians for the West Seattle Food Bank perform 3-5 pm. Bring food and/or money to donate! (5612 California SW)
DAVID FRANCIS: Swing vocalist live at the Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki, 6-9 pm. No cover. All ages. (2808 Alki SW)
Two months ago, we reported on Rebellyous Foods‘ move to the West Seattle Triangle, where the startup is producing plant-based “chicken” as well as inventing new production tech, all in hopes of revolutionizing the nugget world. In that story, we mentioned in passing that the space Rebellyous has leased at 4600 37th SW is so vast, they’re open to subleasing some of it; now they’ve formalized the call for “roommates”:
Rebellyous is renting out some of our HQ space for mission-aligned small businesses in search of a place for food production.
*Flexible space which includes Cold Storage, Production Area & High Bay Warehouse
*Two dock high loading doors
*Racking included
*Short-term, month to month options
Contact info is in the image above.
If you’re a frequent WSB reader, you probably know we frequently feature bird photos with the daily “West Seattle (Today)” highlights lists, thanks to some fabulous contributors. Lately we’ve received several views of bald eagles at Alki Point that deserve a separate showcase, so here goes. Above, Larry Shaw photographed two mature bald eagles; below, Gary Jones caught a juvenile eagle tussling with an older one – and it won:
And another view of the two grownups, from Don Brubeck via the WSB Flickr group:
(Mark Wangerin also photographed two side-by-side, as featured here a week ago.) Think you know all about bald eagles? Here are some fast – and local – facts from Audubon.
P.S. Big thanks to everyone who shares photos – from wildlife to breaking news! Email (westseattleblog@gmail.com) works best but if you’re photographing with your phone, texting our hotline, 206-293-6302, works too.
Chief Sealth International High School also played basketball at home last night, vs. Lakeside. Here’s how the games turned out: The boys’ varsity won 61-59; girls’ varsity lost 45-27. Next up for both is a visit to Bainbridge Island – the Seahawk boys play there at 7:30 pm Tuesday (January 7th), the girls are there at 7:30 pm Wednesday (January 8th).
We continue spotlighting the community organizations that are returning to their regular meeting schedules post-holidays. This Wednesday (January 8th), all are welcome as the 34th District Democrats focus on a spotlight topic, as announced by communications chair Carla Rogers:
The program will be about Hate Crimes in Washington.
Our January meeting (1/8) will be held at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. We start at 6:30 with a potluck and social 30 minutes. The short business meeting will begin at 7 and the program will start shortly thereafter.
Join Nina Martinez from the Latino Civic Alliance and Attorney General Ferguson’s Hate Crimes Working Group, and Kendal Kosai of the Anti-Defamation League of the Pacific Northwest, for a panel discussion on the prevalence of hate crimes in Washington State.
The Hall at Fauntleroy is at 9131 California SW.
Thanks to Mike for the tip: That sign is now posted at the Westwood Village USPS branch (2721 SW Trenton), with advance warning that its lobby will start closing from 7 pm to 7 am as of February 1st. It’s been almost two years since the West Seattle Junction post office made a similar announcement. That news in March 2018 followed a theft incident; we checked and haven’t found any such recent reports for the Westwood branch, but will be inquiring further on Monday.
(Dark-eyed Junco, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Welcome to the first day of the first weekend of the first year of the ’20s! First, a traffic reminder:
35TH/ALASKA INTERSECTION CLOSURE: Second day of this scheduled three-day closure – remember that if you’re heading south on 35th, you’ll be detoured at Morgan unless you live in the area. Full detour detalls are in this Thursday preview.
Now, highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘GET FIT, WEST SEATTLE’ KICKOFF RUN: Be at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) for the first run in a free training program to get you from couch to half-marathon! (2743 California SW)
RACING PIGEON CLUB SHOW: Organizers say all are welcome at this event at the White Center Eagles‘ HQ, with bird registration at 9:30, judging at 10:30 am, talks at 11:30 am. (10452 15th SW)
FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers. Free. (6040 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES:’Three videos about climate change – all welcome. Doors at Neighborhood House High Point open at 6:30, screening at 7 pm. Free, though donations are always welcome. More info in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
PUGET SOUND MEDICINE SHOW: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), “a trio bringing a mix of blues, folksy tunes, and rock and roll to life on guitar, ukulele, bass uke, mandolin, harmonica, and other instruments.” No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
AT THE PACIFIC ROOM: Clipper Anderson Quartet, live jazz, 8-10 pm at the Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)
LOOK FURTHER INTO THE FUTURE … with our complete calendar!
Going into tonight’s home game against Garfield, the West Seattle High School boys had jumped out to a hot start – tied for the Metro League lead with their visiting opponents, both undefeated in league play. It was the toughest test yet for first-year head coach Dan Kriley and his team.
Though they kept the Bulldogs in check for half of the first half, the Wildcats couldn’t keep going at that level and lost 70-46. Scoring leader was #1 Isaiah Watts with 14:
Watts was first to put WSHS on the scoreboard:
First WSHS points, a three by Isaiah Watts. Now Garfield 5, WSHS 3. pic.twitter.com/OOK9yxCkSq
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) January 4, 2020
Next with 13 points, #13 Vladimir Salaridze:
And #3 Sage Nelson (top photo) scored 10 points. The stretch of the game that churned Wildcat fans into a cheering frenzy encompassed the second half of the first quarter and the first half of the second quarter. It started with two baskets by Salaridze – one a dunk – putting WSHS ahead, and seeing them build to an 8-point lead early in the second quarter. But then Garfield launched a comeback, retaking the lead with about 3 minutes to go in the half, and never letting go. The Bulldogs were ahead 28-23 at halftime and 50-39 after the third quarter, during which WSHS got within nine points, but no closer.
The WSHS boys (7-3) play at home again Saturday night, 8:30 pm vs. O’Dea.
Just tweeted by Seattle Police, who say they do NOT have a photo:
Missing: Mario Sanchez, 71 years old
Last seen in the 6300 block High Point Dr SW.
Wearing blue striped shirt, khaki pants, black jacket and black shoes.
May have taken Metro bus from the area. Please call 911 if seen.
8:50 PM: In the first of two big games tonight at West Seattle High School, the girls-varsity basketball team lost to league-leading Garfield, 65-36. Leading the Bulldogs was a former WSHS star, Meghan Fiso, with 27 points. Top scorer for the Wildcats, Jadyn Watts with 11. Photos and details later!
ADDED EARLY SATURDAY: The WSHS girls fought hard on the floor.
(WSHS #21 Julianna Horne)</em>
Rebounding wasn’t too much of a challenge but cold shooting was a problem for WSHS. The Wildcats were down 13-1 at the end of the first quarter, while the Bulldogs already had netted three triples by then.
WSHS showed a lot of ball-handling hustle, though.
Their first non-foul-shot points finally came midway through the second quarter, with a basket by #1 Ciera Jorge. That brought the score to 22-5, and at halftime the Wildcats trailed 28-11. In the second half, they never got close, but there were bright spots, like the aforementioned rebounding hustle, and a strong performance by #21 Julianna Horne (the team’s second-highest scorer for the night, with 10 points).
While head coach Darnell Taylor is back, none of last year’s front line is, so it’s a year to work on gelling,. Next up, they play Holy Names at home tonight (Saturday) at 7.
Reminder for the weekend ahead – that sign at 35th/Morgan is part of the detour related to the 35th/Alaska intersection closure that began this morning, despite the distance. As spelled out again in the update we published Thursday, the goal is to keep drivers from using side streets as cut-throughs. And here’s a reminder of why:
That reader-texted photo is from a crash at 36th/Raymond late this afternoon. The texter described it as a “broadside” crash. No medic unit was sent, and the small SFD response closed quickly, so apparently no serious injury. We do NOT know whether anyone involved was “cutting through” BUT this is a reminder to take great care – all the time – on residential streets, too. Meantime, the 35th/Alaska closure is scheduled to end by early Monday; as usual, we will be checking on Sunday in case it ends early.
Another update on the California sea lion found dead this past week on West Seattle’s shore – the photo and newest info are from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network is happy to report that the California sea lion carcass that had been on the beach at Constellation Park was successfully removed today. The carcass was towed by Mark Sears from that location over to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where a limited necropsy was performed by Casey Mclean, Executive Director of SR3. Samples were taken for x-ray. At this point no cause of death can be confirmed.
This was a cooperative effort and Seal Sitters would like to especially thank Mark for his assistance. Also, we greatly appreciate the part played by Seattle Parks & Recreation. Parks’ staff coordinated with Mark and provided the equipment needed to move such a large, heavy animal. They will also be responsible for final disposal.
Previous reports: Here (Thursday) and here (Tuesday).
Thanks to Kevin Freitas for the photo and to everyone who messaged about a big emergency response at Terminal 5. We missed hearing the dispatch so inquired with SFD – spokesperson David Cuerpo replied:
Firefighters responded … for a loaded excavator that tipped over on a dock, partially landing in the water (the stick/bucket part of the excavator). The driver of the excavator was able to self-extricate prior to SFD arrival (the driver never fell in water), and was transported in stable condition via AMR to Harborview. He is an approx. 60-year-old male. When the excavator tipped over, an adult male on a nearby vessel fell in the water, and was able to exit on his own. He is wet, but uninjured. Rescue boat 5 and Fireboat 2 were taking turns in managing traffic in the waterway…
Thanks to the texter who sent word that the Vietnamese restaurant Hoang Kim (9418 Delridge Way SW) has closed. We went over for a look – here’s the note on the window:
Hoang Kim had been there for about two years, taking over what had been 88 Restarant. In a social media post about its closure, Hoang Kim said, “Hope to see you all again at a new better location!”
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
ANOTHER AUDI THEFT: Audis seem to be a favorite target of local car thieves lately. From Derek:
Our car was stolen late evening the 2nd or early morning the 3rd, before 4:00 am.
1985 Audi 4000S quattro. Blue with gray/black interior. Dents and dings on every panel. Washington plate AFV7909. Taken from the 6500 block of 18th Ave SW. Police incident number 2020-002643.
APARTMENT-GARAGE CAR PROWLS: An anonymous reader sent word that the “Junction 47 apartments on the corner of Alaska and California has had three mass car break-ins in the secure garage in the last two months, two of which involved vandalism of and theft from the cars (smashed windows and stolen items).” The most recent, police confirm, was overnight New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, with three vehicles prowled. Incident # 2020-000414.
ALKI CAR PROWL: The image and report are from Allen, who says this happened in the 3600 block of 61st SW:
12/31/2019 @ 8:16 am. Man in 20s. Dark jacket, hoody underneath. small backpack and white tennis shoes with reflectors above heel area and zig-zag black manufacture markings on side of shoes. Entered unlocked car in carport stole tire chains and misc. items after getting in thru backseat to trunk. Left carrying dark bag containing chains south on 61st Ave. SW. @ 8:19 am. Police report: T19014832 [temporary tracking #] if you can help identify thief.
Thanks to Anne from longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction for the lovely view of Lincoln Park on this partly sunny Friday morning. Four highlights for the hours ahead:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is a great place to visit on the last day of winter break. Regular hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays. (61st/Stevens)
BASKETBALL: Big night for high-school home games. Chief Sealth International High School hosts Lakeside, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30 (2600 SW Thistle); West Seattle High School hosts Garfield, girls’ varsity at 7, boys at 8:30. (3000 California SW)
SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: CD-release show at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki, 8 pm. Cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)
VIDEO PREMIERE PARTY: 8 pm at The Skylark, “The Light” video premiere from Jim Marcotte Music, along with performances from his band, Xolie Morra & The Strangekind, and Jesse Gallaway. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
10:38 AM: Thanks to Mike Monteleone for the photo! Those Seattle City Light crews are working “in alley between 35th and 36th near Fauntleroy.” That’s the trouble spot that took out traffic signals and eventually 282 residential and business customers nearby. We’d been covering it in this morning’s traffic watch, but since the commute’s over, we’re publishing this followup, where we’ll add any updates, including the restoration of power.
10:44 AM: Moments after we published this, Kathy told us the power had just come back on. We had a crew on the way to check 35th/Avalon anyway – and they’ve just verified it’s all restored.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
5:36 AM: Good morning. Starting early after multiple reports that the signal at 35th/Fauntleroy is out; one report says a power line’s down in a nearby alley. Remember that a broken signal = all-way stop!
5:40 AM: We also have an email report that 35th/Avalon, Fauntleroy/Avalon signals are out too.
5:54 AM: That report was from Kory, who says SPD is directing traffic at 35th/Fauntleroy.
6:07 AM: Seth says the signals are still out.
6:46 AM: Kory reports the outage has spread to nearby businesses including Alki Lumber, Taco Time, Starbucks. It’s showing on City Light’s map as well (but was not previously), with almost 300 customers out:
Per scanner, police are also directing traffic now at 35th/Avalon.
9:06 AM: Teo crash reports – west end of WB West Seattle Bridge and NB 1st Ave S Bridge.
10:50 AM: As we’ve updated in a separate story, the outage is over.
=========================
(from original report) Meantime, today’s reminders/FYIs:
35TH/ALASKA INTERSECTION CLOSURE: SDOT says this will start at 9 am. The full detour plan is here. Bus changes are linked here. While the closure is scheduled to last until “early Monday,” as usual we’ll be checking Sunday for signs of early reopening and will update if that happens.
WATER TAXI CHANGE: Starting today, the smaller Spirit of Kingston will handle the West Seattle run on Friday mornings TFN.
IF YOU USE LIGHT RAIL … some changes start today.
Going back to before last year’s vote on the Seattle Public Library levy, much discussion focused on its inclusion of a plan to end overdue-material fines. That just kicked in, but it’s not the only change that’s taking effect. From the library’s announcement:
… The Library continues to urge residents to return their library items. It will send reminders via email, text and phone. Patrons will receive notices to remind them when materials are due, as well as when they are past due. Patrons will still be responsible for paying replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Outstanding fees for lost and damaged items will not be waived. …
As part of the new policy:
· Patrons will now be able to renew items up to three times if no one else is waiting for them
· The Library will change its notification schedule to help borrowers remember to return their items, and patrons can now sign up for text-message reminders
· Patrons who do not return an item within 14 days after it’s due will have their Library account suspended until they’ve returned the item or paid the replacement fee
· The Library will consider an item lost if it is not returned after 31 days past its due date, and a replacement fee will be added to the account
· Patrons can find details on the new policies at spl.org/NoLateFines
The change means the reinstatement of about 51,000 accounts, SPL says. Meantime, the levy also is adding hours of operation, starting this Sunday, when all branches will open an hour earlier, noon instead of 1 pm. Delridge Library also soon will be open on Fridays because of levy funding, which is expanding hours at High Point and South Park too.
9:32 PM: In case you wondered about the sirens too: A mid-size Seattle Fire response has arrived in the 2200 block of Sunset Avenue, checking out smoke inside the house. So far, radio exchanges indicate, they’re focusing on a “malfunctioning heater” as the likely source.
9:36 PM: The response is being downsized.
9:54 PM: The last unit has left and the call is closed.
David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo and an update on the most-recent dead sea lion found on the West Seattle shore:
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network would like to thank those of you who have been contacting our Hotline and reporting on the most recent dead California sea lion to wash ashore in West Seattle. Our volunteers have been keeping track of its location since it was first reported much farther south on private property along Beach Drive on Christmas Day. After a brief stop at the Emma Schmitz Overlook, the carcass is now on the beach at Constellation Park. Seal Sitters has posted an informational sign at the site.
Removal is not a simple process. Seal Sitters has been coordinating with Seattle Parks, SR3 and NOAA on the best way to deal with the situation. Burial on site is not an option, and towing offshore and sinking requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. We have the beginnings of a plan in place which would include an examination and the taking of samples by Casey Mclean of SR3. Seattle Parks & Recreation will be handling the final disposal.
Reports that the animal has been shot are not confirmed at this time. Until a limited necropsy has been performed, there is no sure way of determining cause of death, much less if it was due to shooting. That said, any time a robust sea lion shows up dead, there is suspicion the animal has been possibly shot.
Once again, thanks and be sure to report any new sightings of a marine mammal, alive or dead, on West Seattle beaches to Seal Sitters Hotline (206-905-7325)
When the Seattle City Council starts its year next Monday, they’ll take care of some internal business, from swearing-in ceremonies to new committee assignments. That means some changes in committee names, too. The new lineup – barring any last-minute changes before a vote on Monday – is here (along with a description of each committee’s responsibilities).
District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) Councilmember Lisa Herbold, about to start her second 4-year term, has a big change – she’ll chair the Public Safety and Human Services Committee. She’ll be vice chair of the Finance and Housing Committee, chaired by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. Herbold will also be a member of the Transportation and Utilities Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Alex Pedersen, and of the Public Assets and Native Communities Committee, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Debora Juarez, as well as serving as an alternate member of the Community Economic Development Committee, chaired by new Councilmember Tammy Morales. (The other three committees are Governance and Education, chaired by Councilmember Lorena González; Land Use and Neighborhoods, chaired by new Councilmember Dan Strauss; and Sustainability and Renters’ Rights, chaired by re-elected Councilmember Kshama Sawant.) Also of note: That’s one fewer committee than the current lineup. This will all get finalized – plus, the council will choose its new president – 2 pm Monday at City Hall downtown.
(Spirit of Kingston – WSB file photo)
For the rest of the winter, the King County Water Taxi‘s backup boat Spirit of Kingston will have a regular spot – Friday mornings on the West Seattle route. KCDOT spokesperson Torie Rynning tells WSB that this starts tomorrow, January 3rd. The regular West Seattle boat, Doc Maynard, will in turn handle the Vashon run on Friday mornings. Rynning cites three reasons for the change:
*Allows the Spirit of Kingston to not sit idle
*Doc Maynard can “get some exercise” on the longer trip to Vashon
*More routine maintenance can be conducted on the Sally Fox
SoK has a little more than half the DM’s passenger capacity, and a lower bicycle capacity too. The 7-day-a-week spring/summer schedule starts March 23rd on the West Seattle run; Vashon service is 5 days a week year-round. (Update: Rynning adds that this might continue past the start of the 7-day schedule.)
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