West Seattle, Washington

16 Friday

60℉

day : 28/07/2021 14 results

BIZNOTE: Another big gift from HomeStreet Bank to InterConnection
July 28, 2021 11:52 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Another big gift from HomeStreet Bank to InterConnection
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

No Seafair hydroplane racing this year – but the Miss HomeStreet is in the area, celebrating the team’s success at the Columbia Cup. Tonight it was on display in a Tukwila parking lot, as HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) presented another big gift to the tech-reuse champions at InterConnection,

From left in our photo are InterConnection’s Abraham Diekhans-Mears and Mickey Pierce, with HomeStreet’s Bob Livingston. At a Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce event co-hosted by HomeStreet, the bank – which has a West Seattle branch at 4022 SW Alaska – gave InterConnection 50 laptops and $1,000. It’s the second big donation from HomeStreet to InterConnection this year. The nonprofit refurbishes computers to make them available at low cost to students and others who need tech access.

Share This

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Silver Muse, finally docked
July 28, 2021 10:11 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

The cruise ship that’s spent much of the past 2 weeks anchored off Manchester – in view from west-facing West Seattle – is finally docked downtown tonight, about to start its first official voyage of the season; Danny McMillin photographed Silver Muse as it sailed past Alki Point and into Elliott Bay today. It’s scheduled to leave Pier 66 at 7 pm Thursday on a 10-day round trip to Alaska. This year’s cruise season runs through late October; here’s the full schedule.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Westcrest Park gunfire; apartment break-in attempt; mystery bullet hole
July 28, 2021 9:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

9:14 PM: Two incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch. Both summaries are from reports filed by police:

WESTCREST PARK GUNFIRE: This was reported on Tuesday in the vicinity of the south parking lot (not the same one that was the subject of our story last week). Here’s what the narrative from the police report says happened: Officers were called to a report of a fight just before 5 pm. While they were on the way, there was a report of gunshots fired. When they arrived in the lot, a woman told them she had heard multiple people fighting, then saw an older silver sedan with a broken windshield drive out of the lot, with a passenger who, a witness told police, was someone “shown in ‘Crime Watch’ for alleged catalytic-converter thefts.” She then heard gunfire. Two other people provided similar accounts. After searching the area for a while, officers found what the report describes as “four 9mm bronze shell casings within several feet of each other on the driveway linking the parking lot and its vehicle entrance/exit.” No victims, or damaged property, was found.

SECURITY GUARD DEPLOYS TASER: Someone at the Springline Apartments (3220 California SW) called 911 just before 4 am and said someone was trying to break into her apartment. When officers arrived, an on-site security guard told them there had been, according to the report, “problems in the building with a person banging on people’s doors and screaming in the hallways.” While talking with the original 911 caller in her apartment, the guard told police, someone again tried the door, and he opened it and found a suspect – another tenant. The guard tried to detain the suspect for police but, he said, she hit, kicked and pushed him, so he used his Taser on her. That didn’t have much effect, he said, so he tried again – she fell but then got up and ran into her apartment nearby. Police were unable to get the suspect to open the door and eventually left.

ADDED 9:42 PM – MYSTERY BULLET HOLE: Just got one more police report, so we’re adding it. A resident in the 6400 block of 31st Ave SW called police after finding a mystery bullet hole in his car. He said his car had been parked there since noon yesterday; at 5 pm today, the report says, he “drove to the White Center area to buy groceries, and when he returned home, the victim noticed a bullet hole in his rear driver’s side door. The bullet passed through his driver’s-side door and lodged in the rear passenger side door. The bullet was collected for evidence. Unknown where the shots were fired.”

Share This

About the commercial crew on Alki Avenue
July 28, 2021 7:33 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

(Photo sent by Brendan)

Thanks for the tips! Another film/video crew was at work along Alki Avenue today, along Duwamish Head with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. Passing by, Brendan (who sent the top photo) noticed apparent performers/participants in workout clothing and wondered if it was a commercial for that type of gear. We went over to check a little while ago.

(WSB photo)

The crew was winding down when we got there but they told us it’s a commercial for Heinz Mayonnaise. No other details. (We’ll ask the company tomorrow.)

10:42 PM P.S. As implausible as “mayonnaise” sounds, perhaps it was – two commenters suggest that was likely a lie.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Vandal/thief blamed for water-pressure problem that affected 1,300+ West Seattle customers
July 28, 2021 5:33 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Vandal/thief blamed for water-pressure problem that affected 1,300+ West Seattle customers
 |   Crime | Utilities | West Seattle news

Last night we published a short reader report about a water-pressure problem in Belvidere, with Seattle Public Utilities telling a customer that a pump-station power problem was involved. We followed up with SPU today and learned that the city believes a thief/vandal is to blame. From SPU’s Ingrid Goodwin:

Around 7:45 pm last night, a power failure occurred at SPU’s Scenic Heights pump station, located at 3915 SW Charlestown St. This caused about 1,358 customers in the area to temporarily experience low pressure for about four hours (see map of the two areas impacted – outlined in purple). SPU electricians and maintenance staff were immediately dispatched to the pump station to investigate the problem. Crews discovered that an electrical plug-in device appeared to have been stolen. It was replaced and power was restored to the pump station around 11:45 pm. SPU is investigating this incident as possible vandalism.

We have a followup question asking for more information about the “electrical plug-in device.”

ADDED: Here’s how Goodwin answered that followup:

The safety of the drinking water supply was never compromised, and SPU staff continues to monitor and operate the drinking water system 24/7.

An electrical disconnect switch was likely stolen from the pump station, which caused the pump station to lose power. The switch is normally used to turn off power to the pump station if it needs to be maintained, so we can do maintenance safely.

When this particular pump station loses power, customers’ water pressure drops, but remains within a level designed to protect public health.

We are replacing the stolen electrical switch with a more tamper-proof model, and we’re evaluating added security needs at the pump station.

Share This

You asked, so we asked: About the warning sign at Lincoln Park
July 28, 2021 3:53 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Sean for sending that photo of a warning sign spotted along the trail north of the central Lincoln Park parking lot. We asked Seattle Parks about it, and got this explanation from spokesperson Rachel Schulkin:

People were reporting to staff that they were being stung on this trail. We put up the sign to warn people until we could investigate and decide on next steps. Today we identified and sprayed a wasp nest. Sign should be gone now.

We also only spray wasps if they are a danger to the public, as was the case here. If they are high in trees or away from heavily used areas and don’t present a danger to the public or staff, we leave them.

Here’s more info on Parks’ pest-management policy; here’s more info about wasps and other stinging inspects.

Share This

FYI: ‘Impact pile-driving’ at Terminal 5 today, tomorrow
July 28, 2021 2:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

Just got this belated FYI from the Port of Seattle: “In-water, impact pile driving is taking place today and tomorrow at Terminal 5. Pile driving will occur only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and will conclude on Thursday, July 29.” Some of the current work is explained in our report from June just after the new T-5 cranes arrived; the first of two modernized berths at T-5 is scheduled to start serving cargo ships early next year.

Share This

BUSES: Sound Transit proposes Route 560 change
July 28, 2021 1:48 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

Sound Transit is circulating its proposed 2022 service changes for comment, and there’s one change proposed for ST Express Route 560, which runs between West Seattle, Sea-Tac, and Bellevue: Weekend daytime service would increase from every hour to every half-hour. That’s the only proposed change that would directly affect West Seattle, but it’s one of many systemwide. You can review them all and comment via this website, or by email at servicechanges@soundtransit.org; deadline for comments is August 22nd. ST also plans an online open house at 6 pm August 11th (register here) and public hearing at 11 am August 12th (register here). This is just for its current light-rail and bus service, not future projects such as West Seattle light rail (here’s the latest on that).

Share This

YOU CAN HELP: Donate food this Saturday!
July 28, 2021 12:28 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If you can donate food, Admiral Church hopes you’ll stop by on Saturday. The announcement:

Summer Food Drive Saturday, July 31st, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Time to clean your pantry and help less-fortunate people in our community. Drop off non-perishable food, canned fruit & vegetables, spices, soy sauce, rice, pasta, peanut butter, etc. Attendants will be available to help unload your vehicle in the parking lot at Admiral Church, 4320 SW Hill Street in the North Admiral community. Thank you for supporting this community endeavor to feed the hungry.

Share This

BIZNOTE: West Seattle Junction yoga studio reopening under new ownership
July 28, 2021 10:44 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Earlier this month, we reported that development plans for 4747 California SW are on hold. The site includes two businesses – one of which was a yoga studio that closed last September. Now there’s word it’s reopening under new ownership. From the announcement:

Junction Hot Yoga is pleased to announce the September 4th reopening of the beautiful yoga studio at 4747 California Ave. SW. This location has been a yoga studio for 20 years under five previous owners with a long tradition of great yoga.

Karen and Mikael Weigelt and Audrey (Benton) Tollefsen, the owners of Junction Hot Yoga or JHY, appreciate all the previous owners for their dedication in bringing the practice of yoga to the community. We look forward to serving the West Seattle yoga community as the sixth studio owners in this special location! At Junction Hot Yoga, yoga participants will enjoy a clean, remodeled, and beautiful space.

JHY will be based on the Ghosh lineage Yoga tradition, including “The Ghosh Lineage 26” (formerly referred to as Bikram Yoga). However, JHY will also feature expanded yoga offerings, like Power Vinyasa, Kemetic Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Meditation. The yoga will be primarily taught by a core team of well-trained and experienced yoga Instructors. JHY’s Director, Audrey Tollefsen, has taught yoga for 20 years, and many of those years at this location.

The studio plans a grand-opening weekend September 4-5, with free classes; watch the studio’s website at junctionhotyoga.com.

Share This

WHALES: Orcas in the area again today
July 28, 2021 9:54 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Orcas are in central Puget Sound again today, Kersti Muul reports. They’ve already passed south West Seattle and are headed – still southbound – toward Three Tree Point, she says, but at some point they’ll have to head back this way, so be on the lookout and let us know if you see them!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: What’s ahead
July 28, 2021 9:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pileated Woodpecker, photographed at Lincoln Park by Lawrence Heeren)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead:

SINGLE-FAMILY ZONING NAME CHANGE? 9:30 am online, the City Council’s Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee plans a briefing, discussion, and public hearing on the first step toward renaming “single-family” zoning to “neighborhood residential.” Here’s the agenda, with info on viewing/commenting.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: 10:30 am, Gov. Jay Inslee talks about the state’s pandemic response. You can watch live here.

VACCINE POP-UP: Noon-6 pm, you can get any of the three COVID-19 vaccines during a pop-up at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (1321 SW 102nd)

FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT: 6 pm online, the Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy ferry-dock/terminal replacement project meets for the 2nd time. Here’s our preview, with viewing info.

WOMEN, WINE, AND WILLS: Free seminar with attorney Jenny Ling and financial adviser Cecilia Nguyen, 6 pm at Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW). Register here.

We welcome your event listings! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

Memorial service next month for Doris I. Prescott, 1927-2021
July 28, 2021 8:32 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather in August to remember Doris I. Prescott. Here’s what they are sharing with her community:

Doris Irene Prescott died peacefully at her West Seattle home on July 17th at the age of 93.

Doris was born in Seattle on July 29, 1927. In grade school she was a Girl Scout and later at Garfield High School, sang in the choir, participated in the school operetta, and played the piano in the orchestra. She was also on the Honor Roll. After graduation, Doris started working; among her employers were the Port of Embarkation, Prudential Insurance, and Sears at Christmas time. Doris also worked as a camera girl at the Silver Swan.

Doris, at age 16, met Chuck when he lived in Madison Park in Seattle. On their first date they went by ferry from Seattle to Kirkland to go bowling. They corresponded during World War II by “V Mail,” where the letter was photographed, and 3 pages were condensed into 1.

Doris and Chuck (1925–2019) were married in 1947 at University Lutheran Church.

Larry was born in 1948 and Doris quit working at that time. Linda was born in 1958. Doris was active in Camp Fire Girls for Linda and was a Cub Scouts Den Mother for Larry. In 1974 Doris started working at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle as the office administrator. She retired in 1988.

In 1954, Doris and Chuck found a house on Genesee Hill in West Seattle that would become their lifelong residence. Their second child, Linda (1958–2010), was born there.

Both Doris and Chuck participated in various service projects through their church and worked with the Golden Fellowship, where a monthly lunch was provided for seniors.

Doris is survived by her son Larry Prescott and her grandchildren Ryan Prescott, Jennifer Prescott, Larissa Williams, and Zach Foster.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, August 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in West Seattle, with a reception to follow at the church. Pastor Ron Marshall will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doris’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Lutheran Church of West Seattle at 4105 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Also, condolences can be sent to emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Doris-Prescott

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

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

Share This

ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Wednesday notes
July 28, 2021 6:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning, The weather’s in a groove – warm sunshine continues – might get into the 90s on Friday.

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – As of our most-recent check at 8 pm last night, the southbound Delridge Way SW closure was still starting at SW Thistle; both Thistle and Henderson have reopened east of Delridge. Here’s this week’s detailed plan.

California SW @ Raymond – We noticed work here Tuesday morning, then received this warning from Michael last night:

Wanted to give a heads-up that there are some steel plates on California Ave between Raymond and Juneau that were installed this week as part of a construction project. That plates are barely secured and there are loose large steel rods sticking up that will likely flatten tires. The plates are shaking the ground and can be heard from 2 blocks away.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules – except for the South Delridge rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.

For ferries and water taxis, all should be normal. Watch @wsferries for updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

492nd 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 here 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):

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.

Share This