day : 12/08/2021 12 results

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

10:35 PM: Once the smoke started moving in at midday, you just knew the sun was going to turn that telltale pink before setting. The smoke is expected to linger through tomorrow; as noted earlier, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and regional public-health departments have issued an alert because of it. Checking the air-quality map tonight, most areas are in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range right now. As for the heat, today’s official high was 95, and tomorrow could see the mid-90s again. So far, though, Saturday is still looking like an improvement; the Excessive Heat Warning alert expires Saturday evening.

FRIDAY MORNING: Just in case you wondered … same thing for the Friday sunrise, Jerry Simmons shows us:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary on video; dumped-likely-stolen bike, suitcase

August 12, 2021 8:03 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports tonight:

BUSINESS BURGLARY: Seattle E-bike (4517 California SW; WSB sponsor) was burglarized just after 3 o’clock this morning. Security video recorded the burglars smashing a window, grabbing a bike and trying to grab another before bolting:

The bike the burglars stole, manager Alex tells us, was a “BESV TRS1 valued at $6,500.”

It was “locked to a stand that was screwed to the wood platform,” but they still managed to tear it away. If you have any info, the case number is 21-208327.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BIKE: Abandoned this week in the 5400 block of 23rd SW:

If you recognize it, let us know and we’ll connect you with the finder.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN LUGGAGE: In this case too, let us know if you recognize any of this:

The finder says it was ransacked and dumped in an open garden on Glenn Way SW.

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3 stops along August’s West Seattle Art Walk

August 12, 2021 6:33 pm

| Comments Off on 3 stops along August’s West Seattle Art Walk

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

This month’s West Seattle Art Walk is on! See the list of venues – along with artist previews – here. Our first stop, air-conditioned Fogue Gallery (4130 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Those artists have work in Fogue’s abstracts show, part of the Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair. Stop by before 8 pm! More stops ahead.

6:45 PM: Next stop, North Admiral, where Dan Jacobs is showing photos at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):

WSG is also open tonight until 8.

7:20 PM: One more stop – Resolve Chiropractic (6553 California SW) in Morgan Junction:

Lady Elliot is showing art featuring mermaids and more. P.S. If you don’t make it out on the Art Walk tonight, many participating businesses/venues keep the shows up all month long, so you can do some art viewing during regular business hours too.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Night Out at Westwood Village

August 12, 2021 6:11 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police | Westwood

Until 8 pm, Westwood Village invites you to the central parking lot (2600 SW Barton; south of Bed Bath & Beyond) for a belated Night Out party, as previewed here. SPD’s Mounted Patrol brought the mini-horse shown in our pic.

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TERMINAL 5: Next phase of in-water pile work starts Monday

August 12, 2021 4:38 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

Next Monday, the next phase of in-water work starts at the Terminal 5 modernization project in West Seattle. The window when this work is allowed – meant to reduce the effects on fish – opens on Sunday (August 15th), but port spokesperson Peter McGraw tells us the work will actually begin on Monday. “Initial work activities will be vibratory toe wall pile driving in the north berth and vibratory pile extraction in the south berth.” The work window is open until February 15th; the first modernized berth at T-5 is expected to open in January. The port’s alert notes that “the City of Seattle Noise Ordinance limits construction activities, including vibratory pile driving, to between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. weekdays and between 9 a.m. 10 p.m. weekends and legal holidays. The City of Seattle further limits Impact pile driving to between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.” There may be Sunday work along the way, but the port promises that will be preceded by additional community notification.

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ELECTION 2021: Homelessness-response ballot measure debated before 34th District Democrats’ endorsement votes

August 12, 2021 2:31 pm

| 67 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Our area’s largest political group voted Wednesday night to oppose Seattle Charter Amendment 29, the November ballot measure that seeks to codify homelessness-response policies into the city charter.

The 34th District Democrats‘ vote followed a pre-meeting forum with representatives both for and against the proposal, and was one of four endorsement votes for city matters that will appear on the November ballot.

We’ll get to the endorsements later. First – the forum, moderated by the 34th DDs’ Rachel Glass (added: video here):

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Adding smoke to the heat – alert issued

August 12, 2021 12:32 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:32 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent the photo of the hazy downtown skyline, seen from northeast-facing West Seattle. Yes, to pile on with the extra heat, wildfire smoke is arriving too. We’ve even had a few reports of ashfall. Click on “instant” at the upper right of this Puget Sound Clean Air Agency map and you’ll see pollution levels are on the rise. Per @westseawx, this is going to worsen tonight/tomorrow. You can explore the Washington Smoke Information site to see where fires are burning in our state; look more broadly at the West here; to our north, B.C. fire info is here.

1:55 PM: Now there’s an official alert, just out of the inbox:

This is a wildfire smoke alert from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the local public health agencies of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Air pollution is increasing due to wildfire smoke and may cause health problems.

Winds are bringing wildfire smoke into the Puget Sound region. We expect air quality to worsen today (Thursday) and reach levels UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in many areas in the Puget Sound region. We expect smoke to continue or worsen on Friday. Some areas may have higher concentrations for short periods of time if additional smoke plumes move into the area. Smoke should begin to clear on Saturday.

Wildfire smoke can cause and worsen many health problems. …

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Here’s why Southwest Library is closed today and tomorrow

August 12, 2021 12:01 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

This information was somewhat buried in the city’s list of “cooling centers”, so we’re mentioning it separately after hearing it’s catching people by surprise: The Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is closed today and Friday because it’s not fully air-conditioned; Seattle Public Library staff have instead been moved so that fully air-conditioned libraries can be open today and tomorrow, including Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and High Point (3411 SW Raymond), as mentioned in our preview list for today. (We’re checking with SPL regarding Saturday plans.)

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Where to find A/C, West Seattle Bridge meeting, Art Walk, WWV Night Out, more for your Thursday

August 12, 2021 10:21 am

| Comments Off on Where to find A/C, West Seattle Bridge meeting, Art Walk, WWV Night Out, more for your Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Stewart L. for that photo of a vivid start to what will be a big day – and a hot one.

WHERE TO FIND A/C: The city has added to its list, so today in West Seattle, you’re welcome at the libraries in High Point (3411 SW Raymond) and Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-6 pm. The Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) is open until 4:30 but might extend if there’s a demand. Air-conditioned businesses include Admiral Theater (2343 California SW); also see our list of businesses from June’s heat wave.

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: Free presentation 11 am at the Senior Center, and one week from today, presenter Patrice Lewis offers free consultations – info in our calendar listing.

AQUATIC SCHEDULE: Also from the city – Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am to 8 pm; Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm, as is Colman Pool, also at Lincoln Park.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: Meeting online at 4 pm today – see the agenda here; watch the meeting here.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5 pm “until late,” you can enjoy art – and food/drink specials! – by wandering among venues from Admiral to Arbor Heights! Here’s this month’s map/list:

Get a closer look at some of the artists/receptions on the Art Walk website. And remember some have A/C – like Fogue Gallery (4130 California SW; WSB sponsor), which is always open on Art Walk night!

LEARN ABOUT THE DUWAMISH RIVER: BJ Cummings speaks about her book “The River That Made Seattle: A Human and Natural History of the Duwamish.” at tonight’s edition of Words, Writers, SouthWest Stories, online at 6 pm. Our preview includes the link for registering to attend.

WESTWOOD VILLAGE NIGHT OUT: The shopping center (2600 SW Barton) is hosting a delayed Night Out event tonight, 6-8 pm, as previewed here.

Got something for our calendar, which is the main source for our almost-daily lineups like this? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Garden art stolen; coffee-shop window smashed

August 12, 2021 9:39 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:

GARDEN ART STOLEN: From Naomi:

Just wanted to alert residents who have garden art they care about to think about securing it more tightly. We just had a rusty bicycle wind sculpture taken from our front walkway during the day. This is in the Highland Park neighborhood.

(added) If you have any info, the SPD report number is 2021-914094.

WINDOW SMASHED: Carl sent the photo of a smashed window at the Junction Starbucks:

He says the shop was closed for cleanup when he went by; we’ll be checking on its status a bit later. (10:25 am – just went by; they’re still cleaning up but expecting to reopen as soon as the window’s boarded up.)

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Remembering Wayne P. Wilson, 1944-2021

August 12, 2021 8:46 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Wayne Wilson and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Wayne Paul Wilson
1944-2021

Wayne was born July 4, 1944 in Seattle to Walter Edward Wilson and Catherine Anne Kennedy. His parents were at the local parade that day and needed the help of a police car to get to the hospital. Wayne always loved that his birthday was a guaranteed party. The youngest of four children, twins David J. Wilson and Dolores Syverson (Albert) and brother Walter E. Wilson, Jr.

He attended West Seattle Holy Rosary grade school and was a lifelong member of the church. Wayne went on to attend O’Dea High School, Class of ’62, where he became one of their school cheerleaders for games. After graduation, Wayne went to the UW, where he received his BA in Business Finance. He also joined the US Air Force Reserves, serving as an operating-room tech at hospitals. Later, Wayne received his Masters in Finance from Seattle U.

Wayne went to work for the Boeing Aerospace Company in 1968, working on several important projects; AWACS, The 747 aircraft, and many other programs throughout his 33 years with them.

Wayne married Nancy McDonald in Port Orchard, WA on March 23rd, 1968. They met while Nancy was mowing her family’s front lawn at the farm and Wayne was visiting her neighbor in June 1962. It was love at first sight. They were married 53 years. They bought a house in West Seattle and had three children together.

He is survived by wife Nancy and his children, Michael (Dr. Erin O’Connell Ph.D.), Mark, and Theresa Kim (Paul), along with four grandchildren, Kailey and Keira Wilson, Aidan and Isabel Kim. Also survived by brother Walter (Marianne) Wilson, brother-in-law Al Syverson, and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a kind, intelligent, funny man. He loved to talk and had kept several friends from his schools and neighborhood. He loved the Seahawks and never missed watching a game.

Wayne suffered a traumatic brain injury in December 1988. He spent over 2 years in recovery relearning how to do everything. The last 3 years of his life, the brain injury caught up with him, causing his dementia. He fought hard and never gave up. He will be missed by his family and all those who knew him.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle. To share your fond memories of Wayne with his Family, please visit his Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Wayne-Wilson

(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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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Thursday notes

August 12, 2021 6:10 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:10 AM: Good morning, Make plans not to get overheated – today and tomorrow are expected to be the hottest days of this heat wave (91 was the Wednesday high).

ROAD WORK

26th SW, north – Neighborhood Greenway striping is happening overnight this week, SDOT says.

26th SW, south – Closed northbound between Roxbury and Barton, for repaving to handle more RapidRide buses.

Delridge project – Here’s where crews are working this week.

SW Genesee – Metro says Route 50 will be rerouted off Genesee west of Delridge Friday-Sunday for “construction,” so that means a road closure (we’re investigating).

CLOSURE

SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass – The new “closed” signs were explained by SDOT on Wednesday as related to “trespassing” problems and neighborhood concerns.

TRANSIT

Buses are on regular schedules – except for the South Delridge and 26th rerouting. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations.

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

507th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are 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? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed will tell you. (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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