West Seattle, Washington

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month : 04/2021 324 results

YOUTH WRITING CONTEST: Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s elementary-student winner
April 5, 2021 7:35 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Back in January, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society started accepting entries for its youth-writing contest, welcoming essays on “Women History Makers of the Duwamish Peninsula.” We promised to publish the winning essays. The SWSHS has chosen its winners, and tonight, here’s the first one, from the 3rd-5th-grade category.

A Hero to Washington
By Lillian Stowell

Katherine Smith was a hero to Washington, but no one made a statue or a mural for her, even though she deserved one.

She was born on February 9, 1868, in Pennsylvania. Then when she married George A. Smith she moved to Colorado. Colorado was the second state that women could vote in. However, she lost her right to vote when she moved to Alki, Washington in 1904.

She started a woman suffrage club that 200 people attended. Women gained the right to vote in Washington in 1910. I chose Katherine because she fought for women suffrage fairly. She did not riot, instead she convinced officials to let women vote by talking to them. I think women’s voting is important because women might have different opinions then men. For example, if there was a president that didn’t treat women respectfully then women couldn’t vote for someone\ else.

Without women like Katherine who fought for women suffrage, we might not have Vice President Kamala Harris today.

Lillian is a student at West Seattle Elementary. The SWSHS contest had middle- and high-school winners, too, and we’ll publish those winning essays over the next two nights.

Photo of Katherine Smith from the Seattle Star, February 1911

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West Seattle Food Bank’s history @ Words, Writers, Southwest Stories this Thursday
April 5, 2021 5:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

In our photo above is Rev. Ron Marshall, signing his book about the West Seattle Food Bank‘s first 30 years, at the WSFB’s 30th-anniversary celebration in 2013. Though the food bank has eight more years of history since then, the role it fills remains constant: Fighting hunger – and now after its merger with the West Seattle Helpline, fighting homelessness too. This Thursday night, listen to the author – who is still on the WSFB board – tell its story, in a live online presentation, Here’s the announcement:

‘Words, Writers & Southwest Stories,’ a historically based speaker series of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is excited to announce that it is hosting Ron Marshall for a live Zoom presentation on Thursday, April 8 at 6:00 PM. Marshall will deliver a presentation titled, “Hunger Immortal: The First Thirty Years of the West Seattle Food Bank.” Registration is required. Please register HERE.

The history of the West Seattle Food Bank is no ordinary story. It’s filled with intrigue and sadness, great dedication, and mounds of lucky breaks. Ron will explore the story of the bank from its beginnings in 1983 and its ongoing efforts to meet the needs of a changing, growing community. Ron will also provide a glimpse into both the history of the food bank and profiles of the individuals, including board members, volunteers, donors, and property owners, who worked to guarantee that the food bank had a permanent home.

Ron Marshall has served on the West Seattle Food Bank board since 1996. He’s past president of the West Seattle Ministerial Association and has served on the board of Music Northwest for over 25 years. Ron has been the pastor of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle since 1979. He was raised in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School in 1967, and graduated from Washington State University in 1971. Ron is the author of two books on the religious thought of Martin Luther and Søren Kierkegaard. He’s also well known for his unique, ongoing class on the Koran, which he has been teaching four times a year since 2003.

This series is open to hosting any author or speaker addressing historical issues relating to the Puget Sound/Duwamish Peninsula and/or the general public. Additional information on future presentations can be obtained by contacting Dora-Faye Hendricks, Chair, ‘Words, Writers & SouthWest Stories’ by phone at 206-290-8315 or by e-mail at Dora-Faye@comcast.net.

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FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL: Application time for project advisory group
April 5, 2021 3:57 pm
|    Comments Off on FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL: Application time for project advisory group
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

When Washington State Ferries held public meetings last month (WSB coverage here) to launch planning for its Fauntleroy terminal replacement, creation of a new Community Advisory Group was promised. Today, WSF is inviting interested community members to apply:

Today through April 23, we are accepting applications from community members interested in joining a Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project. The CAG, along with an Executive Leadership Group and Technical Advisory Group, will play a critical role in helping WSF shape plans that address transportation needs while balancing the needs of multiple communities served by and adjacent to the terminal.

The CAG will advise WSF and work collaboratively to generate ideas and provide input on which issues should be addressed in this project. Members also will help identify and provide input about potential alternatives and share ongoing feedback on the broader community engagement process. The CAG will include membership from the three communities served by the “Triangle Route” (Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth) to encourage cross-community dialogue and collaborative solutions.

We are seeking people to apply who live near the ferry terminal, regularly ride the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth ferry route, or have an understanding of the area’s regional transportation, economic, community, and environmental issues. …

-WSF is recruiting approximately 20 people to serve on the CAG.
-The CAG will meet regularly throughout the planning phase, expected to last through 2023.
-Meetings will last a few hours and could take place during the day/evening and virtually or in person (once it is safe to do so).

Go here to apply.

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BIZNOTE: Sharetea to open in West Seattle this spring
April 5, 2021 2:17 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Though the sign went up recently, Sharetea has had the former Jefferson Square Baja Taco site in its sights for almost a year. A reader first pointed out to us last May that the Sharetea website mentioned it; we tried contacting the company for comment, but got no reply, and saw no sign of activity at the site in subsequent months. But then came the signage. We finally reached someone associated with the new location today, and they told us they’re hoping to open in mid-May, pending permits, but are still finalizing other operational details such as hours/days. Sharetea – founded in Taiwan almost 30 years ago – specializes in Boba Tea, with more than 300 stores in 16 countries.

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SCHOOLS: Landmarks Board to consider Madison MS addition Wednesday
April 5, 2021 12:12 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Next step toward construction of a $10.5 million, 12,500-square-foot addition at Madison Middle School is this Wednesday afternoon (April 7th), when the city Landmarks Preservation Board considers approving the project. Since Madison is a city landmark (here’s the backstory), with its main building dating back to 1929, the board has to approve additions/changes to the campus. Here’s the slide deck prepared for the meeting, showing the design and location features of the addition, which includes a bicycle-parking shelter:

Wednesday’s meeting is online, starting at 3:30 pm with a public-comment period. The agenda includes more documents on the Madison proposal and other items, as well as how to participate in and/or view the meeting.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Accord
April 5, 2021 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Accord
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Delana:

My boyfriend’s car was stolen sometime between Saturday morning (April 3rd around 9 am) to this morning (Monday, April 5th). It was last seen on 60th Ave SW, near Alki. It is a silver 1997 Honda Accord. License plate ARU9091. It has damage on the front driver’s-side door and also the rear driver’s side has a dented tail light. The driver’s-side mirror is shattered and still attached but has a small mirror attached to it.

Call 911 if you see it.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Signs of spring at Highland Park Improvement Club
April 5, 2021 9:55 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Some people got candy eggs … some got chocolate bunnies … and at Highland Park Improvement Club, the Easter present was new signage for SW Holden. The photos and report were sent by HPIC:

The Easter Bunny made a drop-in appearance at HPICto help with the installation of our latest “Burma Shave” roadside signage.

We know our fellow West Seattle drivers are feeling the frustration of increasing traffic levels and commute numbers so we wanted to share some of our favorite signs of spring to brighten your commute and a little poem to bring you home westbound on Holden.

Be well and stay safe to all-

HPIC Board, Membership and neighborhood residents

Pictured are Kelly Lyles (bunny), Monica Cavagnaro (straw hat), and Kay Kirkpatrick (green vest), with help remotely from Judith Caman. Photos are by Peter de Lory. P.S. If you missed the previous display – see it here.

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WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Back-to-schools Monday watch
April 5, 2021 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Back-to-schools Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Sunshine in the forecast today, after a cold night/morning.

BACK TO SCHOOLS

Seattle Public Schools elementary students have the option of part-time in-person learning starting today, so watch for school buses and other increased traffic by schools, as well as the reactivation of school-zone speed cameras. (Here’s the districtwide map of schools.)

ROAD WORK .

Delridge project – Here’s this week’s plan – with the Sylvan Way east-end closure starting as soon as tomorrow.

SW Yancy closure – The closure between Avalon and 28th is because of the housing-construction project and expected to continue this week.

TRANSIT

Metro is on its regular schedule

The West Seattle Water Taxi is using the smaller Spirit of Kingston until tomorrow

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

378th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 13th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily. Here’s a bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: Sunday 4/4/2021 roundup, including our weekly West Seattle trend check
April 4, 2021 10:58 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic news:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the King County Daily Summary Dashboard page, the cumulative totals:

*89,356 people have tested positive, 253 more than yesterday’s total

*1,472 people have died, 1 more than yesterday’s total

*5,372 people have been hospitalized, 12 more than yesterday’s total

*976,899 people have been tested, 388 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 87,382/1,461/5,288/959,558.

WEST SEATTLE TRENDS: Time for our weekly check. These numbers are shown in two-week increments via the “geography over time” tab on the daily-summary dashboard; to determine WS status, we combine the totals from the West Seattle and Delridge “health reporting areas” (HRAs): For the past two weeks, 103 positive test results; 97 in the 2 weeks before that; 66 in the two weeks before that. … We also are noting WS death totals each week. The total deaths for the entire pandemic in the two HRAs comprising West Seattle: 65, one more than last week.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 131.2 million cases and 2,852,000+ deaths, 555,000+ of them in the U.S. – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here.

BACK TO SCHOOLS: Seattle Public Schools elementary students return to part-time in-person learning starting tomorrow.

LOOKING FOR VACCINE? Here are links to try:

*Check for West Seattle city-run site appointments (updated) here; sign up for the city’s notification list for all four of its sites here.
*Health-care providers (particularly bigger ones like UW Medicine (one reader specifically recommends Valley Medical Center), Franciscan, Swedish, Kaiser Permanente, etc.)
*covidwa.com (volunteer-run aggregator) – you can also follow its tweets for instant notifications
*The state’s Vaccine Locator (as mentioned above)
*The CDC’s Vaccine Finder
*Pharmacies big and small – Safeway, Rite Aid, QFC, Pharmaca, Costco
*Sea Mar clinics

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Purse-snatching; catalytic converter taken; gun arrest; another alert about repeat mail-theft suspect
April 4, 2021 7:24 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

PURSE SNATCHED: According to the police-report summary, an officer at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) noticed a “disturbance” in the parking lot around 2:15 pm today and went over to investigate. A 56-year-old woman told police her purse had been stolen; she fought the robber but he shoved her to the ground and took her purse. They found a suspect, “who still had the victim’s property,” according to the report. He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of robbery. The victim suffered neck injuries.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER STOLEN, AGAIN: We got a call this afternoon from a woman who reported that her Honda Element’s catalytic converter had just been stolen. It happened in the parking lot of Bridge Park (3204 SW Morgan), while she was there visiting her mom for Easter.

GUN ARREST: A man was arrested for unlawful gun possession after an incident in the 9400 block of 18th SW just before 11 am today. The police-report summary says a 911 call came in from a woman saying she had been threatened by someone with a gun. Police say the victim and suspect, who know each other, got into a fight about a jacket. The suspect got mad and pulled a 9mm handgun from his fanny pack, then walked toward the woman. She fled and called police. They found and arrested the suspect, discovering he had a felony criminal record and so could not legally possess a gun. He was booked into King County Jail.

MAIL-THEFT SUSPECT ALERT, AGAIN: A week and a half after repeat mail-theft suspect Jason A. Turner‘s most-recent release from jail – seventh time this year – North Delridge residents say he’s still stealing mail and packages. We got a text from one person last night, and today we heard from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman, who says he’s been hearing from upset residents. He says, “I’d like to encourage people to call 911 if they see him stealing mail. SPD will respond and arrest him — again. We are just as frustrated with Mr. Turner’s continued criminal behavior as the residents of West Seattle, and we will continue to work with the King County Prosecutor’s Office to persuade the judge to keep him in custody.” Turner is tentatively set for trial in May on the four counts of felony stolen-mail possession filed against him in February. (Here’s the original police alert we published in February, including a police-provided photo.)

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 9 views
April 4, 2021 5:29 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

“Bey” the rescued Bald Eagle, photographed by James Tilley as she fended off competition for food, starts our gallery of readers’ West Seattle bird photos. Staying on the shore, we have two from Lawrence Heeren – Sanderlings in flight:

And Brant:

Two forest birds from Mark Wangerin – a Downy Woodpecker:

And a Dark-eyed Junco:

Trileigh Tucker sent this photo to show that the Rufous Hummingbirds are back:

A Spotted Towhee, photographed by Mark MacDonald:

Matthew Olson sent this photo of a Finch:

Theresa Arbow-O’Connor calls this Steller’s Jay “Bluebell”:

Thanks again to everyone sharing bird photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com is our best address for non-breaking news.

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WATER TAXI: Doc Maynard’s return to West Seattle run
April 4, 2021 3:35 pm
|    Comments Off on WATER TAXI: Doc Maynard’s return to West Seattle run
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

The latest fill-in stint for M/V Spirit of Kingston on the West Seattle Water Taxi route is almost over. It’s been filling in these past two weeks while regular, larger vessel M/V Doc Maynard has been out for annual maintenance. Metro spokesperson Al Sanders tells WSB that Doc Maynard is scheduled to get “picked up” at the shipyard tomorrow, and to return to the West Seattle run on Tuesday. While we’re talking about the Water Taxi, a reminder – we’re just two weeks away from the spring schedule, adding midday and 7-days-a-week service starting April 19th.

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Stay Healthy Streets, Keep Moving Streets, and now School Streets: 1 launching in West Seattle
April 4, 2021 2:08 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With Seattle Public Schools‘ elementary students returning to classrooms starting tomorrow, West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary is one of the first four schools to pilot a new SDOT no-through-traffic program, School Streets. These are similar to Stay Healthy Streets – explained by SDOT as “closed to most cars and open to people walking, biking, and rolling to school (to) provide more space for social distancing at school pick-up and drop-off.” This will affect the block of 34th SW in front of Roxhill, between SW Holden and Kenyon, in effect stretching the existing Stay Healthy Street one more block south.

Here’s an SDOT flyer explaining the plan. The Roxhill block is the only School Street in the first four to launch citywide, but SDOT says it will work with other schools interested in requesting one.

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FOLLOWUP: Beach Drive crash victim identified as retired fire captain
April 4, 2021 11:52 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo, Friday)

Two days after a collision on Beach Drive killed a scooter rider, he has been publicly identified as a retired Kirkland Fire Department captain. The Kirkland Firefighters union posted this:

Your Kirkland Firefighters are so sad to announce the sudden and tragic passing of one of our own. Retired Captain Keith Adams was killed [Friday] in a motor vehicle accident in West Seattle. Captain Adams served the citizens of Kirkland for 37 years until his retirement in May of 2018. It isn’t possible to capture how we are all feeling at this moment, but we can say that we are grateful to have known Captain Adams and his family. Please say a prayer for his wife and three daughters who are now struggling to figure out how to move forward without their husband and father. The family requests privacy at this time. Captain Adams loved his career of service to this community and it only felt appropriate to tell you of his passing.

(In addition to that announcement, we have separate confirmation of the crash victim’s identity.) Police say he was riding northbound on Beach Drive in the Me-Kwa-Mooks vicinity when a driver parked on the east side of the street pulled out into his path to attempt a U-turn. The online case record does not yet show whether that driver has been or will be cited.

ADDED MONDAY: From Mr. Adams’ family: “In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Medic One Foundation. Donations can be made here: mediconefoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate-online.”

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FOLLOWUP: Nantes Park improvements and artistic options – your input needed
April 4, 2021 10:36 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Additions and improvements with an artistic focus and international flair are coming soon to a small park in west Admiral.

At an online “community review” meeting on Tuesday night (as we previewed here), attendees discussed the proposed plans for Nantes Park (5062 SW Admiral Way), which was established in 2006 in honor of Seattle’s “sister city” relationship with Nantes, France. The launch of the Nantes Park Beautification Project this year will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Seattle/Nantes partnership, with a goal as follows: “The project will transform a small, rarely used pocket park… into something that is fun, family-friendly, accessible, and reflective of the sister city relationship with Nantes, France.”

Project organizers want to hear from you: In case you missed the meeting, this online survey is still open, but closing soon.

On Tuesday, the plans for temporary art installations and permanent walkway improvements were presented by Susan Kegel, president of the Seattle-Nantes Sister City Association (SNSCA), with assistance from project manager Pam Kliment from Seattle Parks. Go here to see the presentation.

Read More

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ORCAS: In Elliott Bay
April 4, 2021 9:19 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Quick note for would-be whale watchers – Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch says the transient orcas that passed West Seattle headed southbound yesterday are in the area again, seen in Elliott Bay by the grain silos as of about half an hour ago.

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Easter services and more for your West Seattle Sunday
April 4, 2021 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on Easter services and more for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Retired art teacher’s creations in Upper Fauntleroy, 36th/Trenton)

It’s Easter Sunday and the conclusion of Passover. Here’s what’s on the schedule:

EASTER SUHDAY SERVICES: Our list features local churches with online and in-person services.

EASTER EGG HUNTS: At least four are planned today, as noted here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, entrance at California/Alaska.

CURBSIDE LIBRARY SERVICE: Available noon-6 pm today at High Point (3411 SW Raymond) and South Park (8604 8th S.) branches.

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 4/3/2021 roundup
April 3, 2021 11:59 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

A quick look at tonight’s pandemic notes:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here are the cumulative totals from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:

*89,039 people have tested positive, 253 more than yesterday’s total

*1,472 people have died, 1 more than yesterday’s total

*5,366 people have been hospitalized, 12 more than yesterday’s total

*976,357 people have been tested, 388 more than yesterday’s total

ONE WEEK AGO: Last Saturday, those numbers were 87,112/1,461/5,256/959,118.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 130.7 million people have tested positive, and more than 2,846,000 people have died; U.S. deaths exceed 554,000. Most cases: U.S., Brazil, India, France, Russia (same as last week). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

LOOKING FOR VACCINE? If you’re eligible now, here are links to try:

*Check for West Seattle city-run site appointments here; sign up for the city’s notification list for all four of its sites here.
*Health-care providers (particularly bigger ones like UW Medicine (one reader specifically recommends Valley Medical Center), Franciscan, Swedish, Kaiser Permanente, etc.)
*covidwa.com (volunteer-run aggregator) – you can also follow its tweets for instant notifications
*The state’s Vaccine Locator (as mentioned above)
*The CDC’s Vaccine Finder
*Pharmacies big and small – Safeway, Rite Aid, QFC, Pharmaca, Costco
*Sea Mar clinics

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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UPDATE: ‘Major rescue’ response for 2-car crash at Sylvan/Delridge
April 3, 2021 9:48 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

9:48 PM: A two-vehicle crash at Delridge/Sylvan has drawn a “rescue extrication” response, with people reported trapped in the vehicles. At least two people are reported to be seriously injured. At least part of that intersection is blocked.

10 PM: Added photo sent by Lori. The response was upsized to a “major rescue” because people needed to be extricated from both vehicles. As you can see from Lori’s photo above, firefighters had to remove the roof from one vehicle.

10:14 PM: Another photo above from Lori. Meantime, the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is arriving. Sylvan is blocked up the hill and this will be closed for several hours while they investigate. Two people have been taken to the hospital.

10:35 PM: Above is our photo of the wrecked cars. That’s the north side of Home Depot in the background. Waiting for SFD info on the conditions of the two people taken to the hospital.

19:49 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley says a man in his mid-20s was transported in serious condition, and a man in his early 20s was transported in stable condition.

11:00 PM: Police now say the two were the vehicles’ drivers and no one else was in either car and that one driver is being investigated for DUI. Sylvaan Way remains closed between High Point Drive and Delridge.

12:24 AM: Still closed.

9:13 AM: Additional information from police this morning – they now say the male driver of the red Chevrolet was westbound and “crossed the center line in the 7200 block of Sylvan Way and struck a blue Hyundai, driven by an adult female, which was coming down the hill.” The male driver is under investigation for suspected DUI.

ADDED MONDAY: In this comment, a family member says the blue Hyundai’s driver is actually a man in his mid-30s and is in stable condition.

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UPDATE: 2-alarm fire at 3295 SW Avalon Way damages roof and apartments, with black smoke visible for miles
April 3, 2021 6:27 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:27 PM: Big Seattle Fire response heading for 3295 SW Avalon Way. That’s a mixed-use building on the southeast corner of 35th/Avalon. SFD says the fire’s on the roof. Updates to come.

6:34 PM: Kevin Freitas shares this image:

6:39 PM: Firefighters report the fire is under control. No word yet if anyone’s hurt. The smoke’s visible for miles around – we have reports from Beacon Hill to Bainbridge. This photo is from Hollie:

Video from Tomasz:

This photo is from a texter, in case you can’t place which building it is – it’s the one with the unoccupied commercial space (formerly a dental office) at ground level.

6:47 PM: The smoke has dissipated now, according to our crew at the scene, as firefighters continue working to finish putting it out. SFD meantime called a second alarm to help. (added) Cindy Gammon recorded what it sounded like as reinforcements rushed in:

Kevin Freitas has a time-lapse of the smoke dissipating:

7:02 PM: While the fire is all but out, firefighters still have a lot to deal with – such as sprinklers. Here’s a closer view *from earlier* emailed by Finnegan Liddell:

Thanks again to everyone who has texted, emailed, and tweeted photos. Here’s an aerial (drone) view from Eddie:

=

An SFD public-information officer has arrived at the scene so we should have some additional information soon.

7:22 PM: SFD’s Kristin Tinsley confirms no one was hurt. The fire was confined to the roof and top (6th) floor. Fighting it was complicated by the fact the standpipe they would normally tap into was right in the fire area. No indication of the cause yet. Only “hot spots” remain. We have her briefing on video and will upload that when our crew’s back at HQ (update: here it is:)

7:35 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch that 10 units are “uninhabitable.”

(WSB photo)

8:41 PM: 10+ units are still on scene dealing with the aftermath.

(Another aerial view from Eddie)

ADDED 9:33 AM: From SFD spokesperson Tinsley via email: “Fire investigators have ruled the cause of the West Seattle 2-alarm fire ‘undetermined’ due to multiple possible ignition sources. Total estimated loss is $500,000 from fire damage to the roof and heavy water damage on roof and top floor.”

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EASTER WEEKEND: West Seattle egg hunts
April 3, 2021 5:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Those are some of the Easter Bunny’s helpers in The Junction this afternoon, at the check-in table for today’s sold-out, socially distanced egg hunts. Volunteers scattered eggs around Junction businesses between sessions, trying to place them where little participants would spot them.

The West Seattle Junction Association hasn’t done egg hunts in the past – usually this pre-Easter weekend would bring the more traditional free-for-alls at venues including local community centers. But this year, WSJA has created seasonal offerings to try to make up for that while generating more income for independent local retailers, who contributed items for special spring tote bags, as they did for Hometown Holidays and Harvest Fest boxes.

This isn’t the only egg-hunting opportunity this weekend, though. A few local churches are offering them to kids in attendance for Easter Sunday services – including Eastridge Church (39th/Oregon; WSB sponsor), indoors during the 9:15 and 11 services, and St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), 10 am. And WSJA says some “low-key” egg hunting might be happening during tomorrow’s Farmers Market

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New life for old flour mill: TV/movie production at King County Harbor Island Studios
April 3, 2021 3:33 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(King County Executive’s Office photo)

Call it Hollywood on Harbor Island. Part of the former Fisher Flour Mill – now county-owned – has become a TV/movie-production facility, and King County Executive Dow Constantine showed it off today. From the county announcement:

The 117,000 square-foot sound stage is King County’s first major public investment to bring back a once-thriving film industry and hundreds of family wage, creative economy jobs as the region rebounds post-pandemic.

King County crews and contractors re-wired and built interior sound-proof walls in the former Fisher Flour Mill, purchased by King County 18 years ago to potentially ship solid waste. The work, which cost about $1.5 million, has already attracted a creative economy tenant.

A Hollywood episodic production is preparing to use the space as a sound stage, hiring hundreds of local crew members with family-wage jobs.

As part of his 2019 Creative Economy Initiative, Executive Constantine called for supporting the regional film industry by reducing film permit fees and timelines on King County property, and seeking new ways to promote regional productions. Executive Constantine convened his Film Advisory Board to work with industry veterans to craft the best strategies. The Advisory board quickly identified the need for a regional sound stage to compete with Portland, Vancouver, B.C., and other cities and states.

Attention turned to the former Fisher Flour Mill on Harbor Island.

Film production is classified light industrial for zoning, and a production facility is best suited to be in a commercial or industrial area. Harbor Island’s location is ideal – close to the urban center, but relatively isolated.

The condition of the Fisher Flour Mill warehouse, the height of the ceilings, and the integrity of the structure all make it perfect for long-term film production use. The production currently using the sound stage wishes to remain anonymous. The film industry typically seeks to downplay its presence in a community for a variety of reasons, including security and marketing.

The goal of King County Harbor Island Studios is to create the infrastructure needed to land a wide variety of projects – from feature films to commercials – which pay union wages to carpenters, electricians, prop masters, costume designers, and other trades.

The announcement also notes that the “last major episodic television production in Washington was ‘Northern Exposure.’ (which) set up shop in a warehouse in Redmond and produced six seasons starting in 1990.” King County bought the ex-mill site in 2003.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash on 35th SW
April 3, 2021 3:00 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash on 35th SW
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks for the tip. SFD and SPD have responded to a 2-vehicle crash on 35th SW near SW Southern. Texter says it’s a rear-end crash involving a van and a Prius. Avoid the area for a while.

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