West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

63℉

month : 07/2021 309 results

FOLLOWUP: Here’s when Southwest Pool is expected to reopen, and other aquatic updates
July 27, 2021 4:36 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Here’s when Southwest Pool is expected to reopen, and other aquatic updates
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The chlorine shortage continues to impact our operations but we are hopeful that we can make it through to the end of the summer without any further impacts to the public.
(WSB file photo)

Yesterday’s temporary closure of the Delridge wading pool reminded us that we hadn’t checked on the state of Seattle Parks aquatics for a while. So here’s what we found out, thanks to Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin:

WADING POOLS: The current curtailed schedules aren’t expected to change before season’s end – what you see now is what you get, for this year.

SWIMMING POOLS: Five are open citywide, including outdoor Colman Pool at Lincoln Park, but that closes in early September. So what’s the status of West Seattle’s indoor city-run pool, long-closed Southwest Pool? Schulkin says, “We anticipate opening Southwest Pool in September for drop-in swim, and adding lessons in October.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: Reopening the rest of the city’s pools, Schulkin stresses, “is all dependent on our ability to hire pool staff and lifeguards. We are actively recruiting and hiring.” Info on the openings, and how to apply, is here.

Share This

WEDNESDAY: Fauntleroy ferry terminal project’s Community Advisory Group to meet
July 27, 2021 3:10 pm
|    Comments Off on WEDNESDAY: Fauntleroy ferry terminal project’s Community Advisory Group to meet
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Somewhere between the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge in 2022 and the opening of West Seattle light rail – 2032? – is another major local transportation project: Replacing the Fauntleroy ferry dock/terminal. We’ve been reporting on the official start of the planning process, and tomorrow (Wednesday) night brings the next step – the second meeting of the project’s Community Advisory Group, 6 pm online. The CAG is one of three advisory groups for the project, along with the Technical Advisory Group, described as “technical staff from municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, federal and state resource agencies, as well as local tribes,” and the Executive Advisory Group, “local and state appointed or elected officials, transportation-agency leadership, federal partners, and tribal leadership.” (See the groups’ membership lists here.) Tomorrow’s CAG group is open to the public for viewing (register here), though there’s no public-comment period; you can email FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov with comments for any or all of the groups. A separate public-input process is also planned this fall, WSF says.

Share This

Where have all the coyotes gone? If you’ve seen/heard any in West Seattle, researcher needs your help
July 27, 2021 1:12 pm
|      67 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

2016-7-6-7039-Coyote in yard(2016 photo by Trileigh Tucker)

Here on WSB, our wildlife coverage used to include coyote reports (archived here) – not as warnings, but to raise awareness that they share the peninsula with us. Or – shared. It’s been a long time since we’ve received a coyote report, and despite living near multiple greenbelts, we haven’t heard or seen any lately either. We’ve wondered from time to time if they’ve truly dwindled here, or whether we’re just not hearing (about) them. Then we got a note from researcher Sam Kreling, a UW Ph.D. student, who is leading a study of Seattle’s coyote population. Kreling not only noticed our lack of recent coyote reports but added, “I’ve been attempting to find coyote scat in West Seattle for my research and haven’t really had any luck over the last couple of months.” The research is a collaboration between UW and the Woodland Park Zoo, “studying Seattle’s coyote population through non-invasive methods, aimed at understanding their diet, limit conflict, and their population demographics,” because “there have only been really limited insights to Seattle’s coyotes and much is still unknown about urban carnivores in general, so this study aims to help understand urban carnivores as a whole, and Seattle’s specific population of coyotes.” They’ve been working on it for almost a year, and when complete, they hppe the study will “inform Seattle management decisions on coyotes, identify regions that may be more prone to human-coyote conflict than others, and increase the general scientific knowledge surrounding urban wildlife.” So if you have any West Seattle leads for researchers, email seattlecoyotestudy@gmail.com.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robbery, plus 2 followups, including 9 catalytic converters found in 1 suspect’s car
July 27, 2021 11:33 am
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One West Seattle Crime Watch report and two followups:

STORE ROBBERY: The 35th/Avalon 7-11 was held up around 2 am, according to a preliminary police report. The report is brief but says there were three robbers – two with guns – and that they got away with cash and cigarettes.

Two followups on recent reports:

SUSPECTED CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THIEF: Last Thursday, we reported on an arrest of someone suspected of stealing a catalytic converter in Arbor Heights, reported by a neighbor. When the suspect, a 38-year-old West Seattle man, appeared in court the next day, the judge only found probable cause for drug possession – police say they found him in possession of 355 Percocet pills and 47 grams of meth – and let him go on personal recognizance. As noted in our original report, police impounded the suspect’s vehicle. They subsequently got a search warrant for it and here’s what a new report says they found inside: 9 catalytic converters, a “potentially stolen firearm loaded with (13) 10 mm rounds,” two types of heroin totaling 137 grams, “various miscellaneous pills,” and more than $17,000 in cash. The suspect, who we’re not naming because he’s not yet charged, has a felony record, most recently a drug conviction in 2014, also including catalytic-converter theft in a case a decade ago.

PM UPDATE: SPD Blotter has now featured this case, including photos of some of what was found in the suspect’s car, such as this gun:

Meantime, we reconfirmed with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that the search-warrant info was not available when the suspect went before a judge the day after the arrest.

CAR ATTACK: Last Wednesday, we reported on a mother and daughter being attacked in their car in the Fairmount area; the daughter fought back with a knife handle, and the attacker fled; an arrest was made blocks away. The City Attorney’s Office has since filed misdemeanor charges of assault and trespassing against the suspect, 38-year-old Benjamin C. Orr, who remains jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: What’s happening in the hours ahead
July 27, 2021 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: What’s happening in the hours ahead
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to JayDee for the photo of new street art in the 4100 block of 49th SW. A few notes for the rest of today:

DEMONSTRATION: As noted last week, organizer Scott is now leading these streetcorner demonstrations weekly:

Tuesday, July 27, 4:30 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden.

We are no longer doing Thursday sig waving at his time.

Come build awareness & stimulate actions to tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. Scott at Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

PLAY-ALONG IN THE PARK: Musicians of all ages and all skill levels are invited to join West Seattle Community Orchestras members at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) for a Tuesday night play-along! 6 pm for easy music, 7 pm for intermediate music. Our calendar listing includes more info, including the RSVP link.

LIVE MUSIC: At The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), enjoy live music 6-9 pm Tuesdays.

PORT WORKSHOP: 6 pm online, the Port of Seattle convenes a community workshop on its Clean Air Strategy. This page explains how to participate.

REDLINING IN SEATTLE: Special program presented by the 34th District Democrats, 7 pm online, open to all – what you need to know about our city’s history. Details in our calendar listing.

Event coming up? Send us info so we can add it to the calendar – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

ONE WEEK AWAY: No neighborhood party? Spend ‘Night Out’ in The Junction
July 27, 2021 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on ONE WEEK AWAY: No neighborhood party? Spend ‘Night Out’ in The Junction
 |   Fun stuff to do | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

One week from tonight, it’s the return of Night Out. If you won’t be busy with a block/building party. the West Seattle Junction Association invites you to come spend the evening in “downtown West Seattle.” 6 pm-9 pm next Tuesday (August 3rd), The Junction welcomes you to a special evening, with food and drink specials among other things. (Look for a list here when it gets closer.) You’re also welcome to add to the festivities: “We welcome performances with instruments and tools ranging from acoustic instruments, performance art, odd instruments, puppets, bubbles to magicians.” (Sign up here!) P.S. No street closure planned in The Junction – on Night Out, that’s reserved for non-arterials.

Share This

ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Tuesday notes
July 27, 2021 6:12 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Tuesday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:12 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast – more of the summery same.

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – Thistle east of Delridge has finally reopened. After 5 pm last night, the southbound closure zone had not yet shifted south to Trenton-Henderson, so we’ll check on that again this morning. Here’s this week’s detailed plan. (UPDATE: Henderson also has reopened. But the SB closure zone still starts at Thistle as of 9 am.)

SW Genesee – We checked on this after 5 pm and it appeared complete – let us know if you find otherwise.

TRANSIT

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

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

491st 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.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Beaches reopened after 2 weeks of sewer-leak closure
July 26, 2021 10:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Safety | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to commenter Bryan for reporting that the signs came down today on the South Alki beaches affected by a sewer leak from the Harbor West condos on Beach Drive. Seattle Public Utilities confirmed to WSB tonight that “Samples show acceptable levels and in consultation with Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle Public Utilities staff have removed the warning signs and reopened the beach. It’s been almost two weeks since first word of the leak.

Share This

California/Charlestown 7-11 customers’ outpouring in memory of Victor Henley
July 26, 2021 9:37 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Texted photo)

Both outside his California/Charlestown 7-11 and inside, memorials are growing for Victor Henley, who died suddenly on Friday.

(WSB photo)

Thanks to everybody who’s tipped us about this. Victor was much-loved by customers – one person who emailed us described him as “a human that could reach out and make you smile,” His page on the Emmick Family Funeral Home (WSB sponsor) website has a message from his family:

Victor’s celebration of life will be a public event and will take place in West Seattle, the community he loved very much. Our family appreciates the outpouring of kind words and memories of Victor that you have been sharing. The love you have shown is immeasurable; there are no words to describe how special you have made us feel.

Victor was 50 years old.

Share This

King County Public Health shuts down 5 food sellers at Alki
July 26, 2021 7:21 pm
|      59 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

In our report on this month’s Alki Community Council meeting, we noted a Seattle Parks manager mentioning a problem with “illegal food vendors” at the beach. Some readers wondered why King County Public Health hadn’t done anything about that. Now the agency has, according to an announcement we just received:

A Public Health food inspector found 5 food establishments operating at Alki Beach in Seattle without a valid food establishment permit on Saturday, July 24th and were directed to immediately cease food and beverage services. These establishments include:

Botanas Locas closed July 24, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Chopped N Skewed closed July 24, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Marco Morales Stand closed July 24, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Nieves De Garrafa closed July 24, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Ivonne Pineda’s Stand closed July 24, 2021 at 2:40 pm

These establishments will be allowed to reopen once the person in charge of each business completes the 3-Step Plan Review process to secure a mobile food services permit (which also applies to food carts and stands) per the instructions online at kingcounty.gov/foodsafety/mobile

This came in too late for followup questions tonight but we’ll be pursuing a few tomorrow.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen e-bike – without battery! – and related advice for bike owners/buyers
July 26, 2021 5:17 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, the topic is bicycle theft:

STOLEN E-BIKE, MINUS BATTERY: Tom‘s Rad City 4, black with orange trim, no battery, was stolen from West 206 Apartment’ cyclone-fence bike cage overnight last night. He says it was last seen there last night; then early this afternoon, he noticed it was gone, and found the cut lock and cut fencing, plus “a box that may have been a package theft from up the street.” A large black aluminum basket, also manufactured by Rad Power Bikes, was mounted on the front of the bike; Tom says it had a dog bed inside.

DON’T BUY A STOLEN BIKE: About the same time Tom emailed us, we got this note from Jay:

Last night I spotted a teenager riding my wife’s bike, which had been stolen from our apartment’s bike storage. I chased him down and verified that it was in fact the stolen bike. After a confrontation and intervention from SPD, I recovered the bike. The owner was unaware that purchasing stolen goods doesn’t give the buyer ownership.

Bike theft, particularly from bike storage areas, is really prevalent in West Seattle right now. Thieves often store bikes for a year or more before selling them, so that the owner isn’t actively looking. This is what happened in my case. The bike was stolen on April 20, 2020, and the person riding it had purchased it from the thief on OfferUp two months ago.

OfferUp is the most popular website for selling stolen goods. A large portion of bikes on the app are stolen. But there is a way for honest buyers to tell if a bike they’re buying is stolen. Bike Index is a site where people register their bikes and report them as stolen. If the buyer had checked, they would have found my wife’s bike there. They could have looked it up by make and model or serial number and then contacted me.

That site’s been mentioned here many times before, but not in the context of checking there before you buy a bike.

Share This

STATE FERRIES: Crew shortage cancels some Triangle Route sailings; followup on Cathlamet problem
July 26, 2021 3:28 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Two Washington State Ferries notes this afternoon:

CREW SHORTAGE: WSF says one of the Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth) ferries is going out of service for at least the next few hours:

Due to a shortage of Coast Guard Documented Crew, the #2 Issaquah will cancel the following sailings on July 26:

3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Vashon to Southworth
3:55 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. Southworth to Vashon
4:35 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon

(Added: As of 10:15 pm, no official updates from WSF. But the VesselWatch tracker shows the Issaquah back in service.)

CATHLAMET FOLLOWUP: On Saturday, we reported on one of the Triangle Route ferries, M/V Cathlamet, going out of service after a mechanical problem caused a smoky scare.

(WSB photo of Cathlamet and emergency-response boats, seen Saturday from Fauntleroy dock)

On Sunday, Cathlamet was seen headed from Vashon to the WSF maintenance facility at Eagle Harbor. Today we asked WSF a few followup questions. Spokesperson Justin Fujioka tells WSB that Cathlamet was scheduled to go there for regularly scheduled maintenance starting today anyway. “That maintenance layup was scheduled for four weeks through the weekend of Aug. 21-22. It is unknown yet if Saturday’s incident will extend this scheduled layup period.” As for what went wrong, Fujioka says it was a problem “with the clutch on the #1 end reduction gear overheating, which caused smoke, but no fire. There were no injuries reported.” That is the same part that had trouble July 9th, taking Cathlamet out of service for about six hours.

Share This

POWER OUTAGE: 100+ customers out in West Seattle after pole hit
July 26, 2021 2:41 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

2:41 PM: Police are responding to a report of a driver hitting a pole, with downed wires, at 37th/Charlestown, and the City Light outage map shows 123 customers out as a result. Updates to come.

3:10 PM: We found the pole and wires, but no police and no car. There was no SFD callout so apparently no injuries.

3:38 PM: Thanks to Carolyn for texting to report that the Genesee/Avalon signal is flashing red.

4:36 PM: For some reason police have just been re-dispatched to this; this time the dispatch described the vehicle as a “white flatbed crane.”

4:45 PM: Commenter Linda, in the neighborhood, says the vehicle in question has stayed on scene since the incident 2+ hours ago.

5:17 PM: Commenters report the power’s back, and SCL’s map says the outage is down to 21 customers.

10:34 PM: Those 21 customers are still out.

Share This

ROAD-WORK UPDATE: SW Thistle finally reopens east of Delridge
July 26, 2021 2:21 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

After more than four months, SW Thistle east of Delridge has finally reopened. This is one of the side streets that’s had work done as part of the repaving/utility project in preparation for next year’s conversion of Metro Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line. But now there’ll be another east-west pinch point – SW Trenton was scheduled to close east of Delridge as soon as Thistle reopened. The southbound Delridge closure is also moving southward, to Trenton-Henderson (with SB Delridge reopening Holden-Trenton), but that hadn’t happened yet when we checked Thistle at noontime; we’ll be making a full corridor check later this afternoon,

Share This

WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle
July 26, 2021 12:32 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – transient orcas are back in central Puget Sound, southbound, passing the mouth of Elliott Bay at last report. She says they’re mid-channel. Let us know if you see them! (Note: Most-recent updates are in comments below.)

Share This

Delridge wading pool closed today for repairs
July 26, 2021 12:17 pm
|    Comments Off on Delridge wading pool closed today for repairs
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Added: WSB photo)

Seattle Parks says the Delridge wading pool – the only one scheduled to be open in West Seattle on Mondays – is closed today for repairs. Parks says it needed “an emergency concrete repair that requires a day to set.” They expect it to reopen tomorrow. If your kid(s) need somewhere else to cool off, Highland Park Spraypark is open until 8 pm as usual (1100 SW Cloverdale).

Share This

TONIGHT: Planning the future of Seattle’s maritime/industrial lands
July 26, 2021 11:25 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

(Terminal 5 and vicinity, photographed by Long Bach Nguyen)

One major event of West Seattle significance is on the calendar for tonight: As previewed here earlier this month, it’s the next step in reviewing/updating Seattle’s policies regarding maritime and industrial lands. (See background on the process here.) West Seattle is home to a major stretch of those lands, from Terminal 5 and Harbor Island south along the Duwamish River. Before changing policies, the city has to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement; tonight, it’s having what’s called a “scoping meeting” as part of the process, to determine what should be studied regarding four alternatives (including “no action”) for proposed changes. Here are three concepts they’re looking at:

But first, the question is – what should be considered before changes are made – and should changes be made at all? Tonight’s online meeting is at 6 pm; the participation/viewing link is on this page. Whether or not you attend the meeting, once you’re ready to comment, you can do that by email at PCD_Industry_And_Maritime_Strategy@Seattle.gov by August 9th. You can also offer input via this survey, which includes maps and toplines on the potential alternatives.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Enjoy the view and more at Lake Washington Physical Therapy’s West Seattle open house
July 26, 2021 9:54 am
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Enjoy the view and more at Lake Washington Physical Therapy’s West Seattle open house
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

One of West Seattle’s newest businesses invites you to an open house Thursday night (July 29th). It should be a beautiful evening to enjoy the newest Lake Washington Physical Therapy (WSB sponsor) location at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW. Mark Bouma and Laura Bouma lead the first business located in what’s now called the Denali building, across from Don Armeni Boat Ramp.

Come and celebrate Lake Washington Physical Therapy’s newest location opening in West Seattle! Stop by and meet the Physical Therapists and staff for a tour of the gym and rooftop views! Raffle Prizes will be awarded such as apparel, accessories, and a free golf-swing analysis by Laura Bouma!

Food and beverages too. The open house is set for 6-8 pm Thursday.

Share This

ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Monday notes
July 26, 2021 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Monday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast – more sunshine and an 80-ish high.

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – Sometime today, SDOT says, southbound Delridge between Holden and Trenton will reopen – as will Thistle and Henderson east of Delridge – and then the contractor will close southbound Delridge between Trenton and Henderson, as well as closing Trenton east of Delridge.

SW Genesee – Genesee is scheduled to continue as one lane, alternating, between 26th and 30th, because of vehicles working on the nearby “pond.” The announcement said this should wrap up early this week (we’ll check on it later today).

TRANSIT

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

For ferries, be aware of possible impacts from the M/V Cathlamet trouble on Saturday, though as of very early this morning, it appeared three boats were on the run (Issaquah, Kittitas, Sealth). Watch and @wsferries for updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

490th 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.

Share This

PANDEMIC UPDATES: Weekly check-in #3, 7/25/2021
July 25, 2021 11:56 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Every Sunday night, we’re publishing weekly pandemic updates. Tonight, the third one. First, the newest local numbers.

KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS AS OF FRIDAY:

115,479 people have tested positive – 1,250 more than a week ago (4,019 in West Seattle, up 44)
6,640 people have been hospitalized – 44 more than a week ago 201 in West Seattle, up 3)
1,684 people have died – 2 fewer than a week ago (67 in West Seattle, down 1) *data adjustment*

VACCINATION RATE:

74.5% of King County residents 12+ have completed their vaccine series (up .6% in the past week)
By West Seattle zip code:
98106 – 77%
98116 – 83.7%
98126 – 72.7%
98136 – 85%
98146 – 71%

THE WEEK’S HEADLINES

Briefing: “The Delta variant is a game-changer,” said King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin during his briefing on Friday. Watch it here:

He said Delta is identified in 56 percent of the sequenced cases in King County right now. This briefing is also where he recommended indoor mask wearing, even if you’re vaccinated. Not a mandate – but a recommendation, as an “extra layer of protection.” You can hear his explanation starting at 13:29 in.

‘Power of Providers’: The state announced an initiative to encourage health-care providers to proactively encourage patients to get vaccinated, and to encourage those who are to share their status with people they know.

NOT VACCINATED YET?

Go here to see where you can change that.

Share This

Single-family-zoning name change, Lowman Beach update, more @ Morgan Community Association
July 25, 2021 9:31 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

This Wednesday, a City Council committee will hold a public hearing on the proposal to rename what’s currently single-family zoning “neighborhood residential.”

Last Wednesday, a staffer from the office of citywide Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, the West Seattleite who’s sponsoring the proposal, was at the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting to talk about it.

That was one of several major topics at the online meeting led by MoCA president Deb Barker. Our recap is ahead: Read More

Share This

BIG SWIM #2: Silver Seals’ cross-Sound success
July 25, 2021 7:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

The weekend’s second big open-water swim between Bremerton and Alki Point was a relay – but as the final swimmer approached shore at midday today, everybody jumped in to be part of the big finish.

Guila Muir, who organized the swim and a team of her fellow over-60 swimmers calling themselves Silver Seals of the Salish Sea, was first out to applaud them all (above right). More than a dozen well-wishers were on the beach at Alki Point for the grand finish.

This was the first time the 10.4-mile Bremerton-to-Alki route, known as the Amy Hiland Swim for the first person on record to complete it (in 1959), had been done as a relay, and the first by elder swimmers. Organizer Muir was all smiles, as her years-long dream came true:

As previewed Friday, she was joined by West Seattleites Scott Lautman and Greg Rolnick, as well as Rachel Price, Zena Courtney, and Michael Palmer. Their relay went faster than expected, and the swimmers arrived before 11 am, 4:24:33 after they began. This marked a big weekend for the sport espoused by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association; on Saturday, we covered Melissa Kegler becoming the first to do the Amy Hiland Swim as a roundtrip

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: 7 photos
July 25, 2021 5:06 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

We’ve been waiting for a relatively quiet Sunday afternoon to feature non-bird wildlife photos received in recent weeks – and it’s here. Above and below, the first two photos are by Jerry Simmons, seen on the shore – a gunnel and crab.

David Hutchinson is often out watching, and photographing, sightings on- and off-shore. He shared the two photos below – a crystal jelly:

And a rabbit:

In the forest, Mark Wangerin, who often shares beautiful bird photos, spotted this raccoon:

Another raccoon was photographed by Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, who has many animal-encounter stories to tell. She shared a few photos with us this summer too. She says this raccoon was in a cherry tree, inspecting whether the fruit was ready to eat:

Below, Rose’s photo of an opossum enjoying fresh apples:

She says the opossum is a frequent visitor, and tells a story – with video – on her website.

Thanks to everyone who shares West Seattle photos – wildlife, breaking news, more – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302, any time!

Share This