West Seattle, Washington

27 Friday

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month : 07/2021 309 results

UPDATE: Water-rescue response at Alki
July 18, 2021 8:41 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

8:41 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a water-rescue response – by land and sea – to 62nd/Alki, where “someone appears to be drowning,” according to the dispatcher’s description of what was called in. Updates to come.

8:46 PM: This involves a vessel of some type. The Coast Guard also is responding.

8:50 PM: An SFD fireboat is reported to have arrived an is “making contact” with the person in the water. The person is reported to NOT be in distress, so most of the responding units are being dismissed.

(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson)

8:55 PM: The person who was in the water has been brought on board an SFD boat.

8:59 PM: Thanks to those who’ve emailed (the photo above is from Kevin) noting that, as is usual in incidents like this, some SFD units went to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (usually as standby for possible transfer of a patient brought in by boat).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business-burglary attempt
July 18, 2021 7:44 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business-burglary attempt
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The Antique Mall of West Seattle in The Junction says someone tried to break in through both its front and back doors last Thursday night or Friday morning (July 15/16) They’re hoping someone nearby with a security camera might have recorded the culprits. They’ve since had repairs done, but they say the would-be burglar(s) “bludgeoned the knob and jammed the back door. It would take a lot of effort to damage that heavyweight set-up, and there are visible marks on the door frame from being struck.” Side note: The Antique Mall hasn’t reopened indoors yet, but they’ve had some sidewalk sales and are going to try to make that weekly, 10 am-3 pm on Sundays.

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ROAD-WORK REMINDER: Roxbury repaving this week
July 18, 2021 5:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

One more reminder that, as announced earlier this month, SW Roxbury will be repaved between 24th SW and 25th SW this week. SDOT and King County Road Services are partnering on the project, and plan to work Monday-Tuesday, 7 am-4 pm. The original alert says that “traffic will be reduced to one lane with crew members directing drivers.” Also: “For people walking, rolling, and biking in the area, sidewalk access will be maintained.” All of Roxbury was at one point scheduled for repaving as part of the Levy to Move Seattle, but then went on indefinite hold.

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ART: West Seattle artist inviting citywide help with north-end project
July 18, 2021 4:19 pm
|    Comments Off on ART: West Seattle artist inviting citywide help with north-end project
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Got something to get out – feelings, wishes, hopes, etc.? West Seattle artist Kait Rhoads offers a chance to do that, while assisting with a public-art project. It’s for the north side of the city but she’s hoping her peninsula neighbors will want to contribute too. The video above explains the project, “Oceans of Emotion”; you can also read the background here (where you can also read about Rhoads and her collaborator):

The installation Oceans of Emotion is a reference and response to the pandemic and turbulent political times. After a year when many of us have experienced isolation this project is a welcomed opportunity to connect and collaborate. It’s an invitation to clear your emotional system to make room to attract new experiences.

Participants may choose to to engage digitally or in-person and can make as many drawings or words they would like kits/supplies available upon request). The only rule is…express your feelings and flush them away! Hopes, dreams, frustration and desires — join your emotions to form an ocean of collective rejuvenation.

The in-person events are in the north end, so you might not want to travel unless you’re looking for a field trip, but you can participate without leaving home: Here’s how (in short, write/draw something that would fill a 2″-diameter circle, take a pic, and send it to oceansofemotion@outlook.com, or via Instagram message to instagram.com/oceans_of_emotion! The finished work will be displayed at the Ship Canal stormwater-tunnel Wallingford project site from August through next February.

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FOLLOWUP: Don’t be fooled if you see the Northern Elephant Seal that’s been visiting West Seattle
July 18, 2021 1:45 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to reader reports/photos, we’ve been telling you these past few days about an unusual visitor to West Seattle waters/shores, an adult male Northern Elephant Seal. Most recent sighting we’ve heard of was this morning, near Lowman Beach. Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network‘s David Hutchinson sent this followup today from the seal’s extended Saturday visit north of there:

Seal Sitters would like to thank our West Seattle neighbors who contacted us concerning the elephant seal on their beach yesterday. Seal Sitters’ first responders were permitted to access the location and continue to monitor his movements and condition. This male northern Elephant Seal may turn up at other spots around the West Seattle peninsula.

Elephant Seals are deep divers and capable of holding their breath for many minutes. While on the beach, they may appear to be deceased. Just a reminder, this is a very large wild animal and may respond aggressively if disturbed. Observe from a distance and let the Seal Sitters’ Hotline (206-905-7325) know his location. If viewing him on the beach from a kayak or paddle board, please keep a respectful distance and allow him to rest – NOAA recommends 100 yards.

Here are a couple links to some information about this unusual visitor to our area:

NOAA Fact Sheet

The National Wildlife Foundation

Here are our previous reports: Saturday and Friday.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Seen this stolen white Sienna? (Update: Found!)
July 18, 2021 11:52 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:52 AM: The photo and report are from Lisa in Upper Fauntleroy:

Our 2006 white Toyota Sienna – plate ABK5160 – was stolen from in front of our home this morning. The kayak rack was attached. Please keep an eye out for it.

If you see it, call 911

3:51 PM: Update from Lisa – her husband went driving around looking for their car and found it, at 15th/Cambridge.

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Remembering Susan Dale Patterson, 1947-2021
July 18, 2021 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Susan Dale Patterson, 1947-2021
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Susan Dale Patterson, a former West Seattle for resident. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:

Susan Patterson was born and raised in Seattle by Dolores and Olin (Bill) Stafford. Sue learned to cook at a very young age and carried that love all her life. She always loved to cater parties and weddings and was always in demand. Her flair for decorating had everyone asking to have her do something for them.

She loved people and it shows in the amount of people that called her Momma Sue, Mom, or Nana. Everyone was adopted by her. Her first adopted kid, Rick Bredereck, has been in her life for over 50 years. You never left her house without a smile and full belly. Sue has lived in Onalaska since 1987 and has been Mrs. Clause since.

She had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary most of her adult life. She has held most positions at the Unit, District and State levels. In 1999 she became the Department of Washington President. Her year was full of fun and service to the Veterans and their Families. Her next year she was the Department National Executive Committeeperson. She was always trying to help Veterans and their Families even after she left the American Legion Auxiliary. In 2013 she received the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Service to Veterans Award from Governor Inslee. She also belonged to the Eight and Forty. The organization sponsors volunteer programs on the national, departmental, and local levels, focusing on children and the community. She was a mentor for so many women to help them grow. She was also a member of the New Beginnings Community Church in Salkum, WA.

She is survived by her husband James (Pat) Patterson, sons Damon (Darla) Patterson of Elk City, OK and Vernon (Patsy) Barlow of Onalaska, WA; daughters Dana Cox of Hollis, OK, Dena (Danny) Juarez of Hollis, OK, Bridget (Cindy) Barlow of Yelm, WA, and Rachel (Mike) Lea of Kelso, WA; and granddaughters Ashlyn (Roberto) Barlow of Lacey, WA and Lisa Liddell of Onalaska, WA and Shea (Austin) Peters of Lacey She has numerous Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren in Oklahoma.

She is preceded by her mother, father, brother Ken Stafford, and grandson Nicholas Barnes.

Funeral and Celebration of Life were held July 10 in Salkum.

(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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Options for your West Seattle Sunday
July 18, 2021 6:34 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Welcome to Sunday!

ROAD-CLOSURE REMINDERS: Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way is scheduled for 4 am-1 pm work again today (though it was clear Saturday by 11 am), with work scheduled to take place in the center lanes; westbound SW Alaska west of California SW is sxheduled for closure again today, as is southbound Delridge between SW Holden and SW Trenton.

CHURCHES: Many are still streaming, in place of – or in addition to – in-person services. Here are the newest links for 20+ West Seattle churches’ services.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Pandemic restrictions have lifted – you can enter the market (which is a WSB sponsor) from anywhere along the way, and no more market-wide mask mandate (though individual booths may have their own rules), plus, no more taped-off perimeter, so you can now move around the market freely. You also can now eat and drink inside the market. Hours are still 10 am-2 pm on California between Oregon and Alaska. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week.

TODAY’S AQUATIC SCHEDULE: Open today providing the sunny forecast holds – Highland Park spraypark (11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale); Delridge (noon-5:30 pm, 4501 Delridge Way SW) and Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) wading pools. Colman Pool is open noon-7 pm, not weather-dependent.

MAYORAL CANDIDATE: Meet Colleen Echohawk in The Junction for Q&A at noon at California/Alaska.

SUNDAY RUN CLUB: Noon at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) – info in our calendar listing.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 3 pm at Lincoln Park, free.

Event listings welcome – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: The Jingle Dress Project visits West Seattle ‘to lift up the Duwamish’
July 17, 2021 10:27 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Duwamish Tribe | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos/video)

An event announced less than a week ago filled the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse with more than 100 visitors this afternoon: The Jingle Dress Project. Longhouse director Jolene Haas explained the dancers were there for a ceremony, not a performance. They came to “lift up the Duwamish … they are sharing part of their heart.”

After Haas and her mother, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen (above), welcomed the visitors seated all around the Longhouse’s main room, Jingle Dress Project founder Eugene Tapahe and the dancers – three women including his two daughters – spoke to the visitors for an hour.

Tapahe, a landscape photographer, told the story of how the idea came to him in a dream – after he lost his aunt to COVID. Native people celebrate death along with life, he explained, and it was agonizing that only six people could gather to commemorate the death. The Jingle Dress Dance was an Ojibwe creation for healing in the Spanish Flu pandemic a century ago – while he and the dancers are Diné (Navajo), he said the Ojibwe gave permission to other tribes to use the Jingle Dress to heal. “If we heal the land, then we’ll heal the people,” he realized. “We need Mother Earth; she doesn’t need us.” At first, they danced on lands that especially needed healing – national/state parks that he said were among the first Native lands lost to colonization.

The dancers – from left above, Sunni Begay and Erin and Dion Tapahe – are all college students or recent graduates, all from Utah. Their first dance today was an Honor Song – a prayer; Eugene asked that it not be followed by applause. The second and third were more celebratory, Before you watch and listen, a few words about the Jingle Dress – it is covered in more than 100 metal cones, not bells, that “jingle” when they click together, but make no sound if one is shaken alone.

The dancers’ regalia also included red scarves in tribute to missing/murdered Indigenous women.

After a third dance, and words of gratitude from Eugene’s wife Sharon Tapahe, they answered questions from those gathered. One question was “Who made the dresses?” Answer – family and friends. And they’re “really heavy” – up to 15 pounds.

THeir Duwamish hosts (Jolene Haas is at right above) presented gifts of cedar sprigs – a sacred tree – before a fourth dance, one that everyone present was invited to join in, a “round dance” that circled the room.

Then it was time to go, with memories of the healing as well as of the message the Duwamish and their guests repeated throughout the afternoon, a reminder from all Indigenous people: “We are still here.”

P.S. Before leaving Seattle, they plan to dance tomorrow (Sunday) at Pike Place, 3:30 pm.

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ELECTION 2021: Need another look at mayoral candidates? Here’s how 6 answered neighborhood coalition’s questions
July 17, 2021 7:26 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

checkbox.jpgBallots are arriving. The biggest battle in the primary: Seattle mayor, 15 candidates, no incumbent,

Last Saturday, WSB and the West Seattle Junction Association co-presented the primary’s only mayoral-candidate forum in West Seattle (WSB coverage here, including video), touching on a wide range of peninsula-relevant issues. If you’re still making up your mind, another forum four days later focused on neighborhood issues including development. Wednesday’s online forum presented by Seattle Fair Growth – with co-sponsors including the Morgan Community Association – featured six candidates for all or part of it – Colleen Echohawk, Andrew Grant Houston, Arthur Langlie, Lance Randall for the entirety of the forum, Bruce Harrell departing early, Jessyn Farrell arriving late. Lorena González was invited, organizers said, but couldn’t participate.

You can watch it in its entirety here. We watched it as it happens, and our notes are below. As usual in our coverage, they are paraphrases/summaries except for whatever is between quotation marks:

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Next step in Duwamish Tribe’s fight for recognition: Clothing collaboration
July 17, 2021 5:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Duwamish Tribe | West Seattle news

Announced at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse this afternoon before a crowd of 100+ who came for the Jingle Dress Project‘s visit (separate story on that later) – the tribe’s ongoing fight for federal recognition will include a clothing collaboration. They’re teaming up with Native-owned First Citizen Co., which showed off a few examples of the streetwear they’ll be making for the tribe to sell:

First Citizen is based in Seattle, founded by Burdette Birdinground and Devin Gros Ventre of the Crow Tribe. Duwamish Longhouse director Jolene Haas told those in attendance to watch for the formal announcement of the collaboration soon. (They already have an online store where you can buy tribe-supporting merch.)

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VIDEO: Elephant seal continues West Seattle visit
July 17, 2021 2:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

2:31 PM: Thanks to Lura for the video. The Northern Elephant Seal that’s been seen in West Seattle waters lately (here’s our Friday report) hauled out on a stretch of private Beach Drive shore today. If you see it elsewhere, let Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network know, 206-905-SEAL.

5:30 PM: Lura has since updated us that the seal has moved on.

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You asked, so we asked: Customer Service Centers’ future
July 17, 2021 12:27 pm
|    Comments Off on You asked, so we asked: Customer Service Centers’ future
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

(Photo from seattle.gov)

Though restrictions are lifted, and our state has officially “reopened,” much remains closed. The City of Seattle, for example, has yet to reopen many of its facilities for in-person use, Among the closed facilities: Neighborhood-based Customer Service Centers, which offer a variety of services including city utility-bill payment. Since 2012, the city’s lone West Seattle CSC has been at the Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool building (2801 SW Thistle). This week, Laura emailed, asking if we’d heard anything about the CSCs’ status. They’re administered by the city’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, whose spokesperson Melissa Mixon tells WSB, “We’re actually in the process of finalizing a reopening plan for the counters and expect to have more information to share in the next week pertaining to the dates.”

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West Seattle Farmers Market: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor!
July 17, 2021 10:17 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Farmers Market is joining the WSB sponsor team at the peak of its summer bounty. New WSB sponsors get to tell you about themselves – here’s what the market wants you to know:

Each Sunday the West Seattle Farmers Market offers fresh, local, and nutrient-dense produce and groceries for growing families. The West Seattle Farmers Market runs year-round, every Sunday, and focuses on food. Everything that is sold at markets is grown, raised, or produced in Washington. Each time you shop at the markets, you’re supporting the nonprofit that runs it, but more importantly small farmers and small businesses.

West Seattle Farmers Market simply has the best fresh produce. Oftentimes fruits and vegetables are picked less than 48 hours before the market. Buying directly from farmers allows you to ask about regenerative farming practices, treatment of soil, humane treatment of animals and their diets, and on and on. Buying directly from the source cuts out the middle man where things get a little muddy. Incorporating farmers’ markets into your weekly shopping habits is good for you, good for the economy, and great for planet earth. West Seattle Farmers Market also has an option to shop online! Folks can shop from their couch via the WhatsGood app and then pick up their orders on Sunday morning at the market.

The market is also a member of the West Seattle Junction Association! We also use the market as a supportive community space for nonprofits. COVID restrictions decreased these activities, but as markets get back to being allowed to operate at full capacity, we will have nonprofits scheduled inside the market footprint again. There’s more on our website about nonprofits, events, etc) and various charity efforts in cooperation with the WSJA – like a December coat drive and Toys For Tots event.

The West Seattle Farmers Market is open 10 am-2 pm every Sunday, year-round, on California Avenue SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

We thank West Seattle Farmers Market for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: A dozen things to know
July 17, 2021 6:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki Point Lighthouse, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what you should know about this midsummer Saturday:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT is scheduled to work until 1 pm at West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way, as previewed here … all weekend in the westbound lanes of SW Alaska west of California SW, as road repair continues … and the closure of SB Delridge Way between SW Holden and SW Trenton continues.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho, Hans Teuber, and Jeff Busch at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

RECORD STORE DAY: Encore at Easy Street Records (California & Alaska), featuring not just shopping but also DJ sets – Maxwell Edison 11 am-2 pm, Marco Collins 2 pm-5 pm, DJ Brownstone 5 pm-8 pm.

OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-2 pm at Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor; 2615 SW Barton), you’re welcome to visit, enjoy refreshments including hot dogs and ice cream, tour the campus, and see apartments.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Find out about the peninsula’s history by visiting the museum at 61st/Stevens, noon-4 pm.

BOOK SIGNING: Tavi Taylor Black, author of “Where Are We Tomorrow?”, is at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW), 1 pm today.

WINE AND SNACKS: The Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) tasting room is open 1-6 pm, and now offering meats, cheeses, and crackers, too.

THE JINGLE DRESS PROJECT: Stopping at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse at 3 pm, as previewed here.

WSHS CLASS OF 1971 REUNION: 4 pm at Glen Acres Golf & Country Club (1000 S. 112th) – details in our calendar listing.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW). Free, 7 pm. ([corrected] 3 pm tomorrow too.)

VOTING RIGHTS VIGIL: 7:30 pm in The Junction – details in our calendar listing.

AT THE SKYLARK: Live rock ‘n’ roll at 8 pm with DREDGE, Kitty Junk, I-90 Fiasco, and Dogstrum. Tickets $10, proceeds to The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) – get yours here.

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Police can’t solve all the beach problems, neighbors agree in discussion @ Alki Community Council
July 16, 2021 11:29 pm
|      68 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(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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