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month : 05/2021 323 results

West Seattle author Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s sixth book debuts tomorrow: ‘Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit’
May 3, 2021 4:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Award-winning West Seattle author Lyanda Lynn Haupt has specialized in a subject close to our heart – the intertwining of wildlife and human life, even in the city. We first spoke with her back in 2009, after her third book, “Crow Planet,” was published. Four years later, “The Urban Bestiary” was published; “Mozart’s Starling” followed in 2017; and now, after another four-year interval, tomorrow is the official publication date for “Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit.” On her website, Haupt describes it as “a book about interconnection, healing, and creating a life of reciprocity with all beings,” and notes that she finished it after the onset of the pandemic. No reading or signing events planned on the peninsula so far (here’s one online), but she tells WSB there’s an incentive for you to buy her book through one of West Seattle’s independent bookstores: “I am happy to personalize books for people through Pegasus and Paper Boat.” Three of Haupt’s previous books have won major awards, including two Washington State Book Awards.

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PANDEMIC UPDATES: More city info on West Seattle hub’s no-appointment-needed status; another school case
May 3, 2021 2:51 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two pandemic notes this afternoon:

(Updated sign at SW Thistle entrance to vaccination-hub lot)

WEST SEATTLE VACCINATION HUB: As first reported here last week (thanks to reader tips), you no longer need an appointment to get vaccinated at the city-run West Seattle hub in the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle). The city made an official announcement today about that status for the WS, Rainier Beach, and Lumen Field sites, including additional detail about what you can get there and when:

Today and tomorrow, Rainier Beach is offering the Pfizer vaccine, and West Seattle is offering the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Beginning Wednesday, May 5, the following vaccines will be available each day of operation going forward:

Lumen Field Event Center: Pfizer
Rainier Beach Vaccination Hub: Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer
West Seattle Vaccination Hub: Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer

The address and hours of operation at these three City vaccination sites are as follows:

Lumen Field Event Center: 330 S Royal Brougham Way; Thursday and Saturday, 11:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Rainier Beach Vaccination Hub: 8702 Seward Park Ave S; Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday, May 4, this hub will be open until 7:30 p.m.
West Seattle Vaccination Hub: 2801 SW Thistle St.; Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. On Wednesday, May 5, this hub will be open until 7:30 p.m.

You can still make an appointment if you would prefer to; start here.

ANOTHER SCHOOL CASE: Thanks for the tips. West Seattle High School has notified its Cohort B families that “a person in (the) group” has COVID-19. The email from principal Brian Vance says in part:

Following the guidance of Public Health — Seattle & King County the person with COVID-19 will not be able to return to class until after their contagious period has passed. This period is 10 days after the start of symptoms and 24 hours after fever and symptoms improve without the use of medications.

The Seattle Public Schools COVID Central team is contacting and instructing individuals who came in close contact with this person to follow Public Health guidelines and quarantine for the entire 14 days from the date of exposure to the person with COVID-19. A close contact is anyone who has spent 15 or more minutes within 6 feet of the person with COVID-19, regardless of whether the individual and/or the person with COVID-19 were wearing a face covering. If you have not been contacted, it has been determined that your child did not have close contact with the Covid-19 positive individual. The team is involved and actively working with me to ensure the safety of our school community.

We’ve previously reported case announcements at Genesee Hill and at Lafayette Elementaries. The district’s dashboard tracks case numbers by region – West Seattle and South Park comprise the Southwest region, with 43 reported cases this school year, 35 students and 8 staff members.

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‘Pandemic People,’ separated by a century: New free ‘digital tour’ offered by Southwest Seattle Historical Society
May 3, 2021 12:52 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘Pandemic People,’ separated by a century: New free ‘digital tour’ offered by Southwest Seattle Historical Society
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

The Log House Museum hasn’t reopened yet, but its parent organization is offering another “digital tour.” Here’s the announcement:

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is pleased to announce its second digital tour experience “Pandemic People: Compare and Contrast Lived Experiences in 1918 and 2020.” Join us for an online tour to experience the enrichment that an in-person field trip experience affords, even while we can’t be together. This tour is open for student groups Grades 6 – 12, and any interested adult groups. Signups are required at least two weeks before your desired tour date. “Pandemic People” is a free experience.

“Pandemic People” compares and contrasts pandemic experiences on the Duwamish Peninsula in the age of The Spanish Flu and COVID-19. The tour invites participants to reflect on care discrepancies between communities, public safety precautions, and first-person narratives of life in the pandemic in 1918 and 2020. How have our experiences living in pandemic conditions changed over the past century? How have they stayed the same? Join us on a digital tour to find out! To register, please call 206-350-0999, or email museum@loghousemuseum.org. Tours run for approximately 40 minutes. Tour availability is based on docent availability and is subject to change.

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Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee hears about new staff, vaccination plans, more
May 3, 2021 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee hears about new staff, vaccination plans, more
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

For the first time in two months, the Community Advisory Committee for West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment got an update on its operations.

Last month’s meeting had no one in attendance from camp operator LIHI or the city Human Services Department. This time, both were in attendance as the CAC met online on Sunday afternoon. The camp has been on the city-owned Myers Way Parcels on the southeast edge of West Seattle for almost five years.

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: 5 notes
May 3, 2021 9:54 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jen Popp)

The first full week of May begins! Here’s what’s happening:

BLOOD DRIVE: 10 am-5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) – check to see if appointments remain.

PCC BOARD ELECTION: Today is the last day for PCC members to vote in the co-op’s board election. Five people are running for three seats, including two PCC employees. 5 pm is the deadline for votes.

FREE FITNESS CLASSES: In honor of Mother’s Day, FIT4MOM is offering free classes this week.

AUTHOR EVENT: 6 pm online, Seattle Public Library presents David B. Williams discussing his new book “Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound” with Mary Ann Gwinn.

READ THE KORAN IN 4 WEEKS: Rev. Ron Marshall‘s latest series of four classes starts online at 7 pm.

Event ahead, online or in-person? Email us so we can add to the calendar – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: May’s first Monday
May 3, 2021 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: May’s first Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Clouds are in the forecast, maybe rain later.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, and repaving expands to Delridge Way’s north end as soon as today.

35th/Graham – Work continues to remake this intersection, including a signal.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. And now it’s rehiring laid-off drivers.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

406th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-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:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check 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 5/2/2021 roundup, including our weekly West Seattle trend check
May 2, 2021 10:26 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s pandemic news, as May’s first weekend concludes:

THINKING ABOUT GETTING VACCINATED THIS WEEK? The city’s West Seattle hub is open for walk-ups until further notice – but you can still get an appointment easily by going here; thousands are available at that and other city sites. (If you are looking for other options, see the list in last night’s roundup.)

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

*98,941 people have tested positive, 437 more than yesterday’s total

*1,526 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*5,866 people have been hospitalized, 13 more than yesterday’s total

*1,042,548 people have been tested, 2,579 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 96,341/1,503/5,692/1,028,384.

WEST SEATTLE TRENDS: Here’s our weekly check. These numbers are shown in two-week increments via the “geography over time” tab on the countywide 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, 161 positive test results; 158 in the 2 weeks before that; 101 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: 67, which means two people’s deaths were reported in the past week. Adding a look at hospitalizations: 187 total have been attributed to people in the two West Seattle HRAs since the start of the pandemic, 6 in the past two weeks.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 152.5 million cases and 3,199,000+ deaths, 577,000+ of them in the U.S. – see the nation-by-nation breakdown here

GRODERY-STORE COVID CASE: Thanks for the tip via text. Metropolitan Market says a West Seattle employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Along with the online announcement, the texter says it’s posted on the store-entrance door.

ROLLBACK WATCH: Though tomorrow’s the date the state looks at the metrics to determine whether counties will move back or ahead in reopening “phases,” the announcements aren’t planned until Tuesday. As shown here, King County is significantly past the Phase 2 maximums in both key metrics.

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

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WEEK AHEAD: District 1 Community Network to talk about low bridge, crime, development
May 2, 2021 8:59 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEK AHEAD: District 1 Community Network to talk about low bridge, crime, development
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

One of the community meetings of note in the week ahead: The District 1 Community Network, online at 7 pm Wednesday (May 5th). D1CN is an independent coalition of organizations and community advocates from West Seattle and South Park. Three topics of high interest are part of the agenda – an SDOT guest will talk about low-bridge access, now that applications are open for more authorization categories; an SPD guest will be there to talk about local crime trends and concerns; and the project-team member from the proposed mixed-use redevelopment at 6007 California SW who talked to the Morgan Community Association last month is scheduled too. D1CN rotates facilitators month to month, and Randy Wiger from South Park is the May facilitator.If you’re interested in attending, here’s the video link; by phone, it’s 253-215-8782. For both options, the meeting ID is 850 4211 4712, and the passcode is 165919.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Photos, and warnings
May 2, 2021 6:25 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

David Hutchinson‘s view of a Great Blue Heron nesting on Pigeon Point gives wing to a warning as we start this gallery of bird photos contributed by West Seattle photographer/birdwatchers. The warning actually comes from Trileigh Tucker, along with this photo of a Killdeer:

She told us:

Yesterday’s low tide brought a nice encounter with a Killdeer, who posed for some portraits. But it also reminded me to ask folks to please be especially careful this time of year, on dry gravelly areas above high tide. From the sounds these killdeer were making, I could tell there was a nest nearby. (Photos are with a long zoom lens.) These nests are just shallow scrapes in gravel and very vulnerable to being accidentally kicked or purposefully harassed by crows and other predators. They can also be very difficult to see if you’re walking nearby.

So if people hear a Killdeer calling loudly, back off. And if you see one displaying its orange back and looking injured, it’s actually trying to distract you from a nearby nest—you should back far away as quickly as possible. Don’t try to “help” it.

The nesting alert covers many birds … whether you’re exploring the beach or the forest or doing work in a yard. Here’s a nesting Bushtit photographed by Mark Wangerin:

Back to shorebirds – here’s a Gull with a skate, photographed by Mark MacDonald at Alki:

Also with a snack, a Caspian Tern photographed by Kersti Muul:

She notes that the terns returned right on schedule, two weeks ago. (You’ve probably heard their raspy call.) Which leads us to another warning/reminder: As noted here on Friday night, it’s migration time for millions of birds. Tonight thousands are expected to fly over Seattle. Do them a favor and leave your outdoor lights off. As for the birds who are already here – Vlad Oustimovitch got a bird-bath visit from a Cooper’s Hawk:

Swimming in a somewhat larger body of water – Seola Pond – this baby waterfowl photographed by Jim Clark:

Seen in saltwater, Pigeon Guillemots – Lawrence Heeren sent the photo:

Two from Gentle McGaughey – a Bewick’s Wren:

And a Song Sparrow:

Also singing, a White-crowned Sparrow photographed by Cindy Roberts:

And last but by no means least, West Seattle’s famous Bald Eagle “Bey” demonstrating, as photographer Jerry Simmons described it, “air superiority”:

Thanks to everyone for continuing to share photos of local birds and other interesting sightings – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 more catalytic-converter thefts; car prowlers
May 2, 2021 5:09 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports today:

2 MORE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS: From Scott:

My much-loved Honda Element lost its catalytic converter to despicable thieves (Friday) night. As did my fellow Element owner the next block south. I’m in the 2600 block of Belvidere. It is an expensive problem, not just the cost of the replacement part itself but they cause collateral damage which also must be fixed. Found vehicles are lining up for these repairs at shops.

Though a variety of vehicles are vulnerable, Elements are among the most-popular targets these days, as we learned firsthand in February.

CAR PROWLS: From Karen in Hansen View:

One of our neighbors discovered this morning that car prowlers hit several vehicles in our neighborhood overnight. They broke out a streetside-facing window on two vehicles that were parked on SW Dawson where it dead-ends just west of 36th. They unlocked our older Subaru, rifled through the glove box, and left a large straightedge screwdriver behind. Another neighbor had his van prowled, but doesn’t think anything was taken. As neighbors here compare notes, what we know so far is that this happened around 2 o’clock this morning and that they were in the alley between 36th and 37th – both north and south of Dawson – the 5000-block and 5200-block.

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NEXT WEEKEND: South Seattle College Garden Center opens
May 2, 2021 2:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

Big news for gardeners – the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open this season! First opening is next Saturday (May 8th), 10 am-3 pm. The Garden Center sells plants raised by SSC Landscape Horticulture students, including “unusual perennials, broadleaf and deciduous shrubs, some small trees, natives, and house plants.” This event is cash/checks only. The Garden Center is on the north end of the SSC campus, 6000 16th SW.

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BIZNOTE: Belli Capelli plans to close, seeks successor salon
May 2, 2021 12:06 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That’s Maria Taylor, outside her salon Belli Capelli. She is announcing that the salon will close – but she is hoping to turn it over to a successor. Here’s her announcement:

Belli Capelli says, “Thank you, West Seattle!” It has been a pleasure to serve you over the last 30 years.

When I launched Belli Capelli (Beautiful Hair) in 1991, I had no idea of the blessings, rewards, and happiness that it would bring me.

Belli Capelli has been an amazing experience and it has allowed me to cultivate some of my most cherished relationships and memories. I love my clients and appreciate all of the talented stylists that I have been fortunate to work with along the way. It has been hard work but great fun! I truly am blessed.

In recent past I have considered partial retirement but was undecided and uncertain as to how to structure a plan that met everyone’s needs. My objective? To spend more time with family while still remaining loyal to my clients and my craft. What can I say? “I love cutting hair!”

But you know what THEY say … “Timing is everything” …

… and with all the changes in 2020, the stars appeared to align.

COVID, shutdowns, and the extra free time that it gave me, forced me to reevaluate the plan I was already working on. A partial exit strategy was in the works.

I am excited to announce that I am looking to lease the Belli Capelli space, with the hope of Robert, Kenzie, and myself staying in the space. I look forward to continuing to work with my clients, and pursuing the passion that I have as a stylist.

Thanks again, West Seattle.

Maria Taylor

She tells WSB, “I don’t have any date set to close till I find the right person to take it over.” You can reach her through the salon (3902 California SW, 206-932-6910).

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Remembering Gregory Curtin, 1949-2021
May 2, 2021 10:42 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Greg Curtin and sharing this remembrance with the community:

On Sunday, April 25th, 2021, Gregory Curtin, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

Greg was born on October 20th, 1949 in New Westminster, BC, Canada, to Clement and Gladys (Woodward) Curtin and emigrated to the United States in 1952. He spent his early life on Vashon Island and received an AA degree from South Seattle Community College after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He married Pamela Ryan in 1973 and they raised a son and daughter, Daniel and Buffy, in West Seattle.

Greg worked for General Construction Company for over 25 years and then Walsh Group until he “retired” in 2016. He loved building bridges up and down the West Coast and was especially proud of his work overseeing the pouring of the caissons on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. He was an incredibly hard worker, diligent, and meticulous at his craft. He enjoyed mentoring new engineers and cared deeply for his colleagues over his career.

Greg was a devoted friend and neighbor, and was often the go-to guy for advice when it came to DIY carpentry, electrical and drywall. He lived life in abundance, had a tool or joke for everything, and always had his notepad and pencil ready to scribble down notes and calculations that only he could understand.

Greg was a proud father to Daniel and Buffy and a doting grandfather to his seven grandchildren. Nothing made his eyes shine like talking about his family.

Greg was preceded in death by his father Clement, mother Gladys, and siblings Anne and Michael. He is survived by his son Daniel (Calista), daughter Buffy, grandchildren Lauren, Evan, Liv, Nathan, Winnie, Christian, Morgan, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be postponed until we can all be together in person, just as Greg would have liked. In lieu of flowers or donations, please take time to tell those you love how much they mean to you and give them a Grandpa Greg hug whenever you can.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 9 notes
May 2, 2021 6:34 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(South Seattle College Arboretum – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, as May’s first weekend continues:

TRAFFIC ALERT: Again today – as previewed here – work is scheduled to continue on sidewalk improvements along the west side of West Marginal Way, between the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and SW Idaho.

TODAY’S ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES: As we do every week, we’ve updated our list of more than 20 local churches’ online Sunday services (some offer in-person options too), with the newest links – see it here.

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY FESTIVAL: 10 am-4 pm – info here. The garden is on the north end of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, the market’s open. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska; pickups for online orders are at California/Oregon)

DOLL PARTS COLLECTIVE’S NEW LOCATION: 11 am-4 pm, second day for Doll Parts Collective‘s new location, 4448 California SW, as previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)’

TOWN HALL: 1-2:30 pm online, the 34th District Democrats are presenting a Town Hall with State Sen. Joe Nguyen, State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State Rep. Eileen Cody, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. You can send questions in advance via this link; no RSVP required for the event itself – here’s that link.

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 2 pm online, get updates and ask questions about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment. Participation information is in our calendar listing.

FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center. (9600 15th Ave SW)

Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 5/1/2021 roundup
May 1, 2021 11:42 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s where the pandemic stands tonight, locally:

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

*98,504 people have tested positive, 409 more than yesterday’s total

*1,526 people have died, 1 more than yesterday’s total

*5,853 people have been hospitalized, 26 more than yesterday’s total

*1,039,969 people have been tested, 1,678 more than yesterday’s total

ONE WEEK AGO: Last Saturday, those numbers were 95,878/1,503/5,664/1,024,410.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 151.1 million people have tested positive, and more than 3,192,000 people have died; U.S. deaths exceed 576,000. Most cases: U.S., India, Brazil, France, Turkey (which passed Russia this week). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

VACCINATION SITUATION: The city has been taking walk-ups but still advises appointments, and has plenty of them, including the West Seattle hub (2801 SW Thistle) – go here. … If you can’t get to a vaccination site because you are mobility-challenged, you may be eligible for a vaccinator to come to you.

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

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WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: Still lots of room
May 1, 2021 9:18 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

This is the second weekend the West Seattle Water Taxi has been on its spring/summer schedule, which adds not only Saturday and Sunday runs, but also weekday midday service. Last year, because of the pandemic, the WT never moved to the spring/summer schedule, and for months ran on a scaled-back timetable. A reader contemplating giving it a try recently asked us if it’s crowded. We noticed the Water Taxi website didn’t have updated ridership stats, so we asked King County Metro – which manages the WT – for an update. Spokesperson Al Sanders provided these numbers

2021 – first week of summer [service] = Monday-Sunday

4/19 – 386
4/20 – 484
4/21 – 477
4/22 – 357
4/23 – 603
4/24 – 364
4/25 – 384

2020 – for comparison – Monday-Friday

4/20 – 62
4/21 – 34
4/22 – 40
4/23 – 32
4/24 – 18
4/25 and 4/26 – no service

The vessels are still running at limited capacity for distancing; Sanders says that’s 153 passengers for the West Seattle run’s regular boat M/V Doc Maynard and its twin on the Vashon run, M/V Sally Fox; 57 for the backup boat M/V Spirit of Kingston. Even with that, he says, “Highs for a sailing haven’t been above 40 on any given departure, with most being 10-20.” Though the numbers are a big increase from last year, there’s a long way to go to meet the mode-shift targets the city laid out in the Reconnect West Seattle plan – 950 added trips per day – and also, to get close to pre-pandemic ridership (see the “data” tab here).

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FOLLOWUP: Vandalized West Seattle Junction art restored
May 1, 2021 7:46 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Following up on the West Seattle Junction public art that was defaced by racist vandalism:

(WSB photo)

Artist Desmond Hansen, commissioned by the West Seattle Junction Association to paint this box and then to fix vandalism, has repainted it with a new look. Now it’s a portrait of Dick Gregory, civil-rights activist and humorist, with a quote on the south side, and a fist – originally part of the street-facing side of the box – on its east side:

(WSB photo)

The restoration cost was $750 and donations covered the cost, WSJA executive director Lora Radford tells WSB. That same fund is covering the cost of Bob Henry‘s work restoring the Hi-Yu Parade mural on the south wall at the Junction Post Office:

(This photo and next, courtesy WSJA)

A vandal attempted to paint out Black and brown people in the crowd, as reported here last winter; Henry’s work restored them:

He also cleaned that mural and gave it a vandalism-resistant treatment. While the signal-box mural dates back to last year, the Post Office mural was one of the original West Seattle murals created ~30 years ago.

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MUSIC: West Seattle band Aurora Avenue chosen for regional showcase SOUND OFF!
May 1, 2021 5:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(L-R, Sam Llanillo, Gabi Meredith, Michael Smithgall, Dominique Ocaña, Koh Casaba, Henry Parker, Neizer Olivera, Peyton David Smith. Photo by Nate Watters)

Above are the members of Aurora Avenue – a band that’s not quite a year old but recently was chosen to perform in the annual regional showcase SOUND OFF! Founder Koh Casaba says it’s for “the top 12 under-21 musicians/bands in the greater Pacific Northwest.” Five members of Aurora Avenue are West Seattle High School students, and the band practices in Koh’s North Admiral front yard:

(2020 photo from Aurora Avenue’s first rehearsal)

SOUND OFF! is presented by MoPOP, which plans to stream the show two weeks from tonight – Saturday, May 15th, starting at 7 pm. Pay-what-you-can tickets are available at this link. Koh hopes West Seattleites will tune in: “I owe our success to the amazing community I was able to grow up around.” Before SOUND OFF! you can hear a sample of Aurora Avenue’s music – described as “J-Pop influenced” and “bright” – on the band’s Instagram page.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School over Kennedy in lacrosse
May 1, 2021 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle High School over Kennedy in lacrosse
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Andrew for the photo and report from Friday evening: “Hard-fought 12-8 victory for West Seattle over Kennedy, at North SeaTac Park. Way to go, Wildcats!” Here’s a bit more about local high-school lacrosse; the WS team’s schedule is here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Robbery attempt with gunfire; storage burglary; car break-in
May 1, 2021 2:04 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ROBBERY ATTEMPT WITH GUNFIRE: After a tip, we have obtained the preliminary police report about this incident that happened just after 7:30 last night in the 2100 block of Harbor Avenue SW. Police say:

The victim stated as he was traveling northbound, another vehicle was attempting to parallel park. As he drove past, he honked his horn at the suspect vehicle. The victim parked up the roadway and shortly after without warning the suspect entered the passenger side door of his vehicle. He demanded money; the victim stated he didn’t have any. As the suspect exited the vehicle, he fired one round into the passenger seat (unknown if intentional or accidental, according to the victim). The suspect then fled the scene with an unknown subject in a separate vehicle. Officers impounded the suspect vehicle …

The witness who tipped us about the incident says the vehicle that was parking was a black Tahoe, and the vehicle that the would-be robber left in was a dark silver Saturn. He described the would-be robber as white, male, 5’10”, bald, orange construction shirt, tan hat, and faded blue jeans. If you have any information, the case number is 2021-105563.

GARAGE BURGLARY: Ian reports this happened Friday afternoon at his building in the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW:

A man broke into our building’s storage area and opened up about a dozen of the unit’s storage lockers. Ultimately he made away with two (stolen) suitcases (visible in the second photo) full of our property.

SPD case number is 2021-105338.

CAR BREAK-IN: Texted reader report:
Kblockquote>Car Prowler broke into our Ford truck on the corner of 41st Avenue Southwest and SW Austin Street. Car prowler is routinely hitting the Gatewood neighborhood. This is at least the 3rd time the truck has been broken into. They took everything in the truck (which wasn’t much and mainly old CD’s that don’t work). They made a mess inside, broke door parts, and muddy shoe prints all over the seats as if they were crawling everywhere inside. Please, we implore the Police to start patroling Gatewood for car prowlers.

We are following up for the case # on this one.

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Know someone who needs a ramp?
May 1, 2021 12:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Know someone who needs a ramp?
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

(Potter Construction ramp-building site during 2019 Rampathon)

Just about every year, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties organizes the Rampathon – local builders helping people in need of better access to their homes by building ramps, for free (500 since 1993). Longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction participates each year and asked us to help get the word out that applications are open: “It is an amazing program that helps individuals and families in the community. Its purpose is to provide our neighbors the freedom to move about.” Applications need to be in by June 21st; here’s how to apply.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash on 35th SW
May 1, 2021 10:23 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:23 AM: Big emergency response for a crash on 35th SE between Graham and Raymond. Avoid the area.

10:36 AM: Thanks to Matthew for the photo. At least one person is reported to be injured.

12:10 PM: Scene’s clear.

12:56 PM: SFD says the person who was injured is a 61-year-old woman assessed to be in stable condition when transported by AMR ambulance.

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MOTHER’S DAY: Lafayette Elementary’s flower fundraiser
May 1, 2021 10:08 am
|    Comments Off on MOTHER’S DAY: Lafayette Elementary’s flower fundraiser
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We continue spotlighting school (and other) fundraisers – here’s one from the Lafayette Elementary PTA:

Treat the special someone in your life to a beautiful Mother’s Day flower bouquet from a local farmer. In addition to helping a local flower grower, a portion of your purchase will support Lafayette Elementary PTA. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school. For this fundraiser, we have partnered with a local Title 1 school and will be sharing our fundraising from this event.

Pick up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW. NO-CONTACT PICKUP.

PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THURSDAY, MAY 6, 3:30 pm.
PICK UP SUNDAY, MAY 9, 8:30-9:30 am

Place orders here.

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