day : 16/07/2021 12 results

(WSB photo – SPD car on Alki Avenue early this evening)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With a deadly shooting and the chaotic “kickback” throng, it’s been a summer to remember – or eventually try to forget – on Alki.

But those weren’t the incidents that took up most of Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting. Attendees at the online meeting wanted to talk about what they say they hear and see daily/nightly – racing, drinking, fighting, noise. They also were resolute about not just complaining, but taking action.

Guests at the ACC meeting included a lieutenant, sergeant, and officer from the Southwest Precinct, and a manager from Seattle Parks. The SPD contingent talked about the staffing challenges they’ve outlined at countless community meetings; the Southwest Precinct remains down about a third, because of departmentwide attrition.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 reader reports

July 16, 2021 9:04 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| Crime | Seaview | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox:

MAILBOX PROWLER: The video is from Ryan, who explains: “Sharing video of attempted porch pirates operating pretty brazenly on 48th in Seaview. Sent in to SPD but sharing for awareness.”

ABANDONED CAR: Kate says two stolen cars have been dumped in front of her house and wonders if this is the third:

She says, “This Honda Accord is haphazardly parked on the 3200 block of 44th Ave SW. It’s been here a couple weeks and doesn’t belong to any of the neighbors we’ve talked to. Also looks like the front end is damaged.”

Got something for Crime Watch? Report it to police, and then let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Looking for work? Jobs, jobs, jobs in West Seattle

July 16, 2021 8:26 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If you’re looking for work – and want to stay on the peninsula – we’re reminding you tonight about the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of the WSB Community Forums. Local businesses with job openings can post for free, and there are 13 jobs posted in just the past four days – health care, education, retail, food/beverages, banking, more.

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WEST SEATTLE LOW BRIDGE: Big rise in camera citations

July 16, 2021 5:37 pm

| 58 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(Low bridge as seen from SDOT camera, 5:17 pm today)

With the West Seattle Bridge briefing this week including low-bridge access updates, we – and some WSB readers – wondered about a stat that wasn’t part of the latest briefing: How many drivers are getting ticketed for using the low bridge without authorization during the restricted hours (all times except 9 pm-5 am Sunday night/Monday morning through Thursday night/Friday morning, 9 pm-8 am Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning)? That information is kept by Seattle Police, not SDOT, so that’s where we went with the request. Here are the numbers we received from SPD today. Note the big jump in June:

EB SW Spokane St

February = 4,965
March = 4,790
April = 7,730
May = 5,472
June = 8,731

WB SW Spokane St

February = 7,849
March = 7,457
April = 10,454
May = 10,472
June = 14,643

SPD confirms those are the actual $75 citations, not warnings – SDOT has said that first-time violators get warnings. Note that there’s no breakout of how many unique license-plate numbers are involved, nor how many of those citations have been paid. The most recent public briefing on low-bridge stats was during the May meeting of the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force (WSB coverage here), at which time SDOT said the daily number of citations was roughly equal to the daily number of first-time violators getting warnings. Whatever penalties are paid, there are administrative costs for Verra Mobility – formerly American Traffic Solutions – to run the cameras, and a cut goes to the state, as explained last year when we reported on the city ordinance authorizing the cameras:

After paying for administrative costs, half of the remaining funds are to be remitted to the state’s Cooper Jones active transportation safety account, which the state uses to fund grant projects or programs for bicycle, pedestrian, and non-motorist safety improvements. The remaining half of the funds may only be used for transportation improvements that support equitable access and mobility for persons with disabilities.

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WILDLIFE: Elephant seal off West Seattle

July 16, 2021 4:25 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

4:25 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul and Eric Shalit for the tips – another elephant seal is in view off West Seattle. Eric saw it off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive) around 1 pm; Kersti just texted that it’s headed slowly southbound, still in that area. It’s an adult male Northern Elephant Seal – the Seal Sitters update we published recently talks about their appearance in local waters.

ADDED 7:41 PM: The photo and update are from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

Seal Sitters was contacted about this animal just before noon today. Volunteers were at Emma Schmitz Overlook for a period of time, early this afternoon, monitoring this seal just in case it came ashore. We believe this is probably the same animal that was hanging out in Puget Sound further to the south earlier in June. If you spot it in our area, please call the Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325.

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Funeral Mass on Monday for Virginia Sullivan, 1936-2021

July 16, 2021 3:22 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

A Funeral Mass is planned Monday for Virginia Sullivan, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

Virginia Sullivan, a long-time resident of West Seattle, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was the adoring wife of John “Dirks” Sullivan, and loving mother of her son, John, and her five daughters, Kathryn, Laura, Marie, Patrice, and Susan. Virginia cherished her other sons, aka sons-in-law, Jim, Kevin, Collin, and Mike. She was always the biggest cheerleader and proud “Gamma” to her six grandchildren, Samuel, Kate, Dirks, Sadie, Quinn, and Max.

Married for 62 years, Virginia, affectionately called “Gin,” and Dirks were high-school sweethearts. They were the best of friends. They cherished one another, and simply loved being together and together as a family. Their love, devotion, and thoughtfulness for each other was amazing. Belief and trust in God were at the center of their relationship. They were an inspiration to us all.

Virginia was born in Butte, MT on July 2, 1936, the daughter of David J and Catherine (Cullen) Sullivan. Virginia cherished and admired both of her parents. Virginia is survived by her siblings, Esther Cote, Mary Murphy and her brother-in-law, John (Harp) Cote, many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Ellen and Catherine, and her brothers Dave and Frank, brothers-in-law, Emmett Murphy, Howard “Casey” Johnston, and Bill Kelly.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Virginia was the dearest friend one could have. She was an attentive listener and counselor to so many friends and students. She was constantly doing for others. Virginia was a friend to all; she knew no strangers. She was ever accepting and always saw the good in people. Virginia had so many wonderful qualities and was eternally humble and selfless. She loved watching and cheering her children and grandchildren at their many school and sporting events. There was never a stronger supporter in their corner.

Gifted with a wonderful sense of humor and incredible patience, Virginia was always there for her family and friends. Her home was always open, warm, and inviting. She would find any reason to have friends or family over, whether for dinner parties or playing cards, board games or just to visit. Virginia’s passion for cooking, coupled with her wonderful sense of humor, always created memorable and lively occasions. She especially loved baking some of her favorite dishes (Irish pasties, apple pies, and carrot cake), with her adoring grandchildren. She enjoyed serving “Tom and Jerry’s” while singing holiday carols and decorating the Christmas tree with family and friends. There was always room for one more person at the table. With that familiar twinkle in her eye, she would say “the more, the merrier.” As her door was always open, so was her heart. She made so many unforgettable memories with her family and friends.

Summers were special to Virginia, as it was a time for the family to travel together. Annual vacations to Montana, fishing, and riding horses with family and friends, were a favorite. Trips, which included other favorites such as California, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada, were memorable and incredible bonding times with family. Age did not slow Virginia down, nor her desires for family-bonding vacations. She organized family trips with Dirks, their children and grandchildren, to Europe and even attended a family wedding in Ireland. She created so much joy and memories for her family.

As a woman of deep faith, Virginia is now with the Lord and her loved ones who passed before her. She is our biggest Angel and watching over all of us. Please join her family at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle on Monday, July 19, 2021, for the Liturgy of the Resurrection Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

Memorials: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, and Catholic Community Services.

To share your condolences and memories of Virginia with her Friends and Family, please visit her Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Virginia-Sullivan

(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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CONGRATULATIONS! Third West Seattle Little League All-Star team wins district title, going to state.

July 16, 2021 2:11 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Meg Bell with West Seattle Little League for another All-Star district-championship report – first the 12s, then the 11s, now the 10s:

Last night at Pacwest, WSLL 10s took District 7 with a 15-0 win over Renton All-Star Minors. Ian Busby pitched a no-hitter. All players up and down the lineup contributed with their bats and the defense was stellar, with a phenomenal (acrobatic) catch by Will Dunnigan. The WSLL 10s go into State undefeated. The 10s State tournament will be held in Centralia, starting July 24th at 10 am against District 12. The West Seattle Little League swept District 7 with wins by 10s, 11s, and 12s.

WSLL 10s: Joshua Blau, Brooks Kalivoda, Will Dunnigan, Hudson Kirkland, Ari Straus, Thomas Marshall, Benny Guajardo, Lex Townsend, Griffin Reed, Harry King, Ian Busby, Rowan Borg, William Kraynek. Managers JJ Guajardo, Chris Kraynek, Sam Reed, and David Blau.

P.S. Reminder that WSLL is hosting sandlot-style informal baseball for any and all 8-to-12-year-olds tonight, as featured in our daily preview – just show up at Bar-S at 5:30 pm!

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DELRIDGE PROJECT: SW Genesee not closing this weekend after all, but more south-end closures ahead

July 16, 2021 12:15 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

SW Genesee west of Delridge is NOT closing again this weekend after all, according to SDOT. (Added 1:33 pm – SDOT clarifies that it IS closed today, but will reopen when work is done and will NOT close Saturday-Sunday.) The work at that intersection ~~was~~ will be completed ahead of schedule. The RapidRide H Line preparation project‘s weekly update has just arrived and here are the other key points:

*Street and sidewalk upgrades between Delridge Way SW and Puget Blvd SW/23rd Ave SW to begin as early as next week

*Street demolition and paving along Delridge Way SW between SW Holden St and SW Thistle St to continue through next weekend, July 24-25. Southbound traffic along Delridge Way SW should continue to detour around this area via SW Holden St, 35th Ave, and SW Trenton:

*SW Trenton St closed at Delridge Way SW to complete intersection upgrades as early as July 26. Once SW Thistle St is upgraded, we will reopen the street to traffic. SW Trenton St will then close for upgrades. We’ll have more information and a detour map for this work next week.

*Full closure of Delridge Way SW from SW Henderson St to SW Cambridge St to complete street upgrades beginning as early as July 29. This work will continue through the weekend, with night work planned for July 30. We anticipate reopening the street by Monday, August 2. A full closure is required because of how narrow the street is through this area. We’ll have more information and a detour map for this work next week.

*Intersection upgrades at SW Henderson St continue through next week

See the full project preview for the week ahead by going here.

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Calling all alumni of Tilden School: ‘Past, present, future’ celebration in August

July 16, 2021 11:46 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tilden School is celebrating its “past, present, and future” next month and wants to get the invitation out ASAP. Here’s the invitation:

Alums from Tilden School are planning an event to celebrate the past, present, and future of Tilden. Whitney Tjerandsen (beloved director and “rock” for many years — she always said that she could teach a rock to read!) and 4 other beloved teachers/staff are retiring this year. And they are passing the baton to the new director, Sarah Shearer, who is busy getting ready for fall.

Tilden School Celebration
Sunday, August 29, 3-6 pm
Group photo and celebration presentation at 4:30
Hiawatha Park [2700 California SW] — Family-friendly event
RSVP to omaravalerie@gmail.com

Tilden is an independent K-5 school just north of The Junction.

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From sandlot-style baseball to Shakespeare, your West Seattle Friday highlights

July 16, 2021 10:35 am

| Comments Off on From sandlot-style baseball to Shakespeare, your West Seattle Friday highlights

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Cooper’s Hawk, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Quick look at what’s up before the day gets too old:

FUN AND FESTIVE FRIDAYS: The Senior Center of West Seattle continues its series of free Friday events to get you to stop by – refreshments outside (4217 SW Oregon) 11 am-1 pm, live music inside with Steve Ryals 3-4 pm – details here.

SANDLOT FUN DAYS: All kids 8-12, even if you’re not part of West Seattle Little League, are invited to play in WSLL-presented sandlot-style games on Friday nights, including tonight:

We are excited to present our Sandlot Fun Days for ages 8-12!! Join us in July for a player-led, unstructured opportunity for players to come together for a fun, relaxed game of baseball, where kids make the rules, make the lineups, and make the calls.

Open to anyone ages 8-12 (birth dates range: 9/1/12-9/01/08). If you know a kid who wants to try baseball in an informal environment, please spread the word!

We encourage friends and family to attend and cheer on the players! The Snack Shack will be open, offering your favorite ballpark treats.

Where: Bar-S Playfield

All game times should start by 6:00. Plan to arrive between 5:30-5:45.

The fields are at 64th SW/SW Admiral Way.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW). Free, 7 pm. (Saturday and Sunday nights too, in case you can’t get to it tonight.)

Our calendar gets busier by the day! Got something for it? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Cruise ships at anchor

July 16, 2021 9:21 am

| 39 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

9:21 AM: An unusual sight right now – cruise ships at anchor. Along with Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Elliott Bay, which we photographed last night, Silversea’s Silver Muse is anchored off Manchester, and that led to some reader emails this morning. Cruise ships are still in their testing phase before resuming paid-passenger cruises starting next week, and right now the regular berths in Seattle are already taken, so – as happens with cargo ships too – some are anchored in Coast Guard-administered spots. As we reported earlier this month, this year’s schedule has the first “revenue cruise” due in Monday.

9:52 AM: Thanks to Vlad Oustimovitch for sending this perspective of the Silver Muse off Manchester:

Along with the two at anchor, the three docked today are Nieuw Amsterdam and Majestic Princess at Pier 91, and Norwegian Encore at Pier 66.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Friday notes, with weekend alerts

July 16, 2021 6:02 am

| Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Friday notes, with weekend alerts

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast is for clouds and possible drizzle. Lynn Hall caught the clouds in this view of last night’s sunset:

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – SW Genesee closes again starting this morning west of Delridge, lasting through Sunday; southbound Delridge remains closed between Holden and Trenton. Here’s what else is happening.

West Marginal/Highland Park Way – As announced Wednesday, weekend work at this intersection starts very early Saturday morning and will last for multiple weekends. Work hours will be 4 am-1 pm; SDOT says lanes will NOT be reduced.

SW Alaska – More street repair planned on the westbound side, west of California, this weekend.

Roxbury repaving – Tree work could continue today in advance of repaving Roxbury between 24th and 25th starting next Monday.

TRANSIT

Buses are on their regular schedules – except for the Route 120 reroute because of the Delridge work. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.

For ferries, regular schedule. Watch and @wsferries for updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

480th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:

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

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 draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also 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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