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month : 10/2021 305 results

PANDEMIC UPDATES: Weekly check-in #17, 10/31/2021
October 31, 2021 11:48 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Sunday night brings our weekly update on local pandemic stats and news.

KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through Friday – they’re not updated on weekends):

*164,219 cases – 2,813 more than a week ago (5,862 total in West Seattle, up 93)
*8,427 hospitalizations – 83 more than a week ago (248 total from West Seattle, up 3)
*2,007 people have died – 37 more than a week ago (74 total in West Seattle, up 1)

VACCINATION RATE

82.9% of King County residents 12+ have completed their vaccine series (up .5% in the past week)

By West Seattle zip code:
98106 – 84.5%
98116 – 88.4%
98126 – 80.2%
98136 – 89.9%
98146 – 80.3%

(Find more COVID-related King County stats here)

THE WEEK’S PANDEMIC HEADLINES

New vaccination location – Friday and Saturday were the first days of operation for the city’s new West Seattle vaccination site, at Neighborhood House High Point. We had first word of the location on Monday and covered the briefing there on Tuesday. They’re accepting walk-ins as well as offering appointments.

Vaccine for kids under 12 – Vaccinations for ages 5-11 might be authorized as soon as this week. The new West Seattle hub’s operators say they’ll be ready to offer them as soon as they’re approved.

Outbreaks in schools – The state issued a new report this week. State health official Lacy Fehrenbach is quoted in the announcement as saying, ““While we never want to see an outbreak occur in a school setting, the relatively small size of outbreaks is an indication that schools are working very hard to respond when there are cases among students, teachers, and staff.”

Vaccination verification – Tomorrow marks 1 week since King County’s vaccination-verification rule took effect for.a variety of venues, as explained here. No

NEED TO GET TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE?

The UW Medicine testing service in the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) continues to operate; you can make an appointment here, though readers report walk-ups have been accepted. Meantime, the Curative testing kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) is also still operating, as is a Curative location at Summit Atlas (35th/Roxbury). In addition, both West Seattle Walgreens stores are offering drive-up testing (35th/Morgan and 16th/Roxbury) – more info here.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN SCENES: Haunted car; ‘Ghosts of Belvidere’
October 31, 2021 7:41 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

In addition to all the Halloween displays featured here (thanks again to everyone who’s sent tips and photos!), we’ve received more photos of sightings tonight:

That’s the nighttime view of what a texter called “Cadzilla” – a “haunted 1965 Cadillac DeVille.” Daylight view:

It was found haunting the 3000 block of 59th SW in Alki. Also in via text, the “Ghosts of Belvidere”:

The texter saw them on SW Hanford, near this spooky house:

How’s your Halloween going?

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WEEK AHEAD: Fauntleroy ferry-terminal project’s Community Advisory Group meets again
October 31, 2021 6:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(File photo)

A new month starts tomorrow and a new round of community meetings is ahead. On Wednesday, Washington State Ferries reconvenes the Community Advisory Group for the project that will replace the Fauntleroy ferry terminal/dock. This will be the third meeting since the group launched in June. It’s online, 6 pm Wednesday (November 3rd), and all are welcome to attend via Zoom – register here to get the link. This group’s meetings do not have public-comment periods – nor do they include votes/decisions, just briefings/discussion – but if you have a comment on the project, emqil FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov. (Our coverage of the group’s most-recent meeting, in July, is here.)

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle’s official Kraken bar
October 31, 2021 4:22 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Seattle’s newest pro-sports team, the Kraken, play again at 6 pm tonight. If you’re not going to Climate Pledge Arena for the game, perhaps you’d be interested to know West Seattle has an official Kraken-watching bar. The Admiral Pub tells WSB that the pub is the first West Seattle venue in the Kraken Anchor Alliance: “We will have all games on the big screen with sound.” Tonight the new NHL team (3-4-1) is hosting the New York Rangers (5-2-1). Admiral Pub is at 2306 California SW.

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HALLOWEEN 2021: West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest trick-or-treating
October 31, 2021 10:00 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(First trick-or-treater!)

10:00 AM: Two big events are happening in The Junction in the next four hours – the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in its usual place, California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska, and West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest trick-or-treating along the sidewalks throughout the business district. See the map of “treat stations’ here – and look for merchants giving out treats, too. This all goes until 2 pm – we’re on scene at the plaza on the southwest corner of California/Alaska, and we’ll be adding photos and updates.

10:40 AM: Steady stream of trick-or-treaters. Our 150 granola bars are almost gone and it’s on to the candy. Take a look at eveeybody participating all around The Junction – there are photo booths and other fun features here and there And lots of costume-watching.

11:20 AM: Lots of polite kids as well as tiny ones being taught by their parents to say “thank you.” Good job, everybody!

12:10 PM: Candy hasn’t run out yet. We have some non-candy treats too, courtesy of the Junction Association:

Spider rings and neighborhood pins, while they last.

12:49 PM We have seen hundreds of costumes – dinosaurs are popular, Star Wars is still going strong, lots of other space/sci-fi/fantasy characters, even the Time Variance Authority from “Loki”:

Another hour left to get here!

1:27 PM: Crisis – we might run out of candy before 2 pm arrives. Will bring more last year. Still a steady flow of families through The Junction.

1:33 PM: Saved by the bag:

Looks like we’re good until 2 pm after all. Will add more photos later. For other Halloween happenings today/tonight, see today’s preview, plus the list (and the decoration locations) in our Halloween Guide!

ADDED 9:04 PM: More photos, as promised, from the first Junction trick-or-treat event in two years.Many local businesses joined in – including some (like us) who aren’t located in The Junction but got a chance to set up and take part – like North Delridge’s Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor):

Sound Painting Solutions had a dinosaur offering mini-pumpkins:

The Junction merchants themselves were amply represented – like Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor):

Outside Menashe and Sons Jewelers, we found many members of the family:

Pegasus Book Exchange was in:

In the costume-creativity category, another sighting:

And a few more cute pups:

Now on to the holidays!

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West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating, other Halloween happenings, and what else is up for your Sunday
October 31, 2021 6:25 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Junction trick-or-treating, other Halloween happenings, and what else is up for your Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

First, here’s the Halloween lineup for today/tonight, followed by what else is up;

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS: Our West Seattle Halloween Guide has dozens of display locations, most with pics, sent to us in recent weeks.

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT YOUNGSTOWN: Trick-or-treating at Youngstown Coffee in Morgan Junction (6032 California SW) – candy and stickers – open 8 am-4 pm.

TRICK-OR-TREAT IN THE JUNCTION: West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival business trick-or-treating, 10 am-2 pm. The Farmers’ Market is on as usual; trick-or-treating is in front of businesses along the sidewalks, plus a few bonus locations such as the KeyBank plaza on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. See you there – we’ll be there updating as it goes!

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT PAPER BOAT: Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) will give out candy bags (open 11 am-5 pm).

HALLOWEEN AT TAILS TO ASTONISH: Tails to Astonish Halloween Spooktacular! 12-7 pm. “Join us for our 1st annual Halloween Spooktacular! Free candy & comics for anyone in a costume! Costume contest at 6 pm. Winner gets $20 in store credit! 10% off all Back Issues, Toys and Statues! Make sure we are part of your trick or treat plans!” (4850 California SW)

CANDY CRAWL: Trick-or-treat at Daystar (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor), 2-5 pm – details in our calendar listing.

DOWNTOWN WHITE CENTER TRICK-OR-TREATING: White Center business trick-or-treating, starting at 3 pm – 16th SW and beyond.

GRACE CHURCH TRUNK-OR-TREAT: “Excited to see you at our Trunk or Treat on October 31st from 4-6 pm! We are located at 10323 28th Ave SW, between White Center and West Seattle. It is an easy, fun, safe way to Trick or Treat without any scary tricks. Can’t wait to see you here! More information on our website.”

SKELETON THEATRE: Animatronic Skeleton Theatre returns, in person and online! In-person 6-minute show “Get Silly” every 10 minutes or so 6-9 pm both nights, 36th/Hanford. Online version will be published here sometimd today/tonight.

HAUNTED ALLEY: Special trick-or-treat location in Arbor Heights, 6-8 pm – details here.

NIGHTFALL ORPHANAGE, spooky experience at 2130 Alki SW – extended hours tonight, 6:30-11 pm. Details in our calendar listing.

SING IT: Halloween karaoke at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 9:30 pm.

Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the non-Halloween lineup:

(Saturday sunrise, photographed by Marc Milrod)

CHURCHES: Most are still streaming, along with offering in-person services. Here are this week’s links for 20+ West Seattle churches’ services.

CLUB VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS: West Seattle Reign (WSB sponsor) has tryouts 10 am-12:30 pm today for club volleyball, U10, U12, U13 & U14 Girls & Boys, at Seattle Lutheran High School (4100 SW Genesee) – register at westseattlereign.com.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Still lots of fresh produce even as we get deeper into fall. Shop 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. (The market is a WSB sponsor.)

TOYS FOR TOTS: During the market, you can drop off new unwrapped toys at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth (west side, near the north end).

CARDHALLA AT MEEPLES: All weekend, people have been building a huge house of cards at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), continuing today (open at noon) until it all gets knocked down at 5 pm (throwing coins that’ll be collected as a charity fundraiser)! Stop in and be part of it.

COMMUNITY ART SHOWCASE: Last day to see what your neighbors are showing at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open noon-5 pm today.

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

Got an event for listing in our calendar and previews? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ELECTION 2021: King County Executive candidates @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition
October 30, 2021 11:53 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

checkbox.jpgThe final candidate forum presented by a local organization brought the King County Executive candidates to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s online meeting Thursday night.

It was a chance for one last look at three-term incumbent Executive Dow Constantine and first-term State Sen. Joe Nguyen, both West Seattle residents, before the voting deadline Tuesday night. WSTC chair Michael Taylor-Judd and board member Kate Wells facilitated. The questions – which, given the group’s mission, focused on transportation – and answers below are our summaries/paraphrasings, not exact quotes except for what’s within quotation marks. (Added Monday night – here’s the WSTC meeting video; the candidates’ forum starts 31 minutes in.)

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NORTHERN LIGHTS: Latest outlook for possible aurora viewing overnight
October 30, 2021 8:25 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

8:25 PM: As mentioned in today’s preview, and elsewhere, we might see the “northern lights” tonight – well, more like early tomorrow. Here’s what West Seattle skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen says: “Based on this latest prediction, I’m revising my advice for Seattle to *center* around 2-5 am tonight. Still looks like clear skies.” For other forecasts, and viewing advice, here’s the aurora-info page on Alice’s website.

1:44 AM: Not looking too promising yet, as far as we can tell. But if you’re up late/early, check in on Alice’s Twitter account too.

ADDED SUNDAY MORNING: Alice says today’s outlook from forecasters is that “the peak of the solar wind impact” is forecast for 3 pm to 5 pm. So we may be out of luck for this solar event.

ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: Alice says the space-weather forecasters have downgraded everything, so nothing’s expected tonight either.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School cross-country athletes headed for state
October 30, 2021 6:52 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The photo and report are from Erin, after West Seattle High School cross-country athletes – the boys’ varsity team and three varsity girls who qualified individually – competed in the district meet today at Lake Sammamish State Park:

West Seattle HS XC boys’ Varsity team and 3 individually placed varsity girls ran AMAZING races today at Sea-King District 2 Championships at Lake Sammamish State Park!

Here’s the team members’ names:
Boys: Elliot A, Asher, Tao, Ewan, Dylan, Elliot B, Ethan
Girls: Anika, Sylvie, Jhana.

So proud of all these runners! They all did amazing.

The varsity boys’ team moves on to the state championship meet next Saturday in Pasco, as well as 2 of our girls who qualified (Anika & Sylvie)

Here’s the Team & individual Statistics at links below:

Boys’ Results

Girls Results

Important to note: this is the first time EVER that WSHS varsity cross-country has made it to state championship as a TEAM !!!

Huge thank you to coaches Shelley, Will, Greg, Ralph, and Joe. Thanks to all the athletes, students, parents, friends, and family members who showed up to cheer on these amazing athletes today!

.

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SEEN FROM WEST SEATTLE: The cruise ship that’s not cruising
October 30, 2021 5:39 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

In today’s bright sunlight, the cruise ship anchored off Manchester – Ovation of the Seas – was particularly eye-catching from west-facing West Seattle. As we’ve reported previously, after concluding the Alaska cruise season, it was supposed to head to the Southern Hemisphere for an Australia cruise season, but that was canceled due to COVID-related travel restrictions. So it’s been hanging around in Washington waters. Port of Seattle spokesperson Peter McGraw sent an update at week’s end:

Royal Caribbean International’s the Ovation of Seas will continue to spend more time around Puget Sound in the coming winter months under minimal operations. Currently, she is anchored in Yukon Harbor in Kitsap County, where the U.S. Coast Guard determines the berthing locations. She’ll spend approximately one week at anchor before heading out to coastal and international waters. She’ll then return to Pier 66 for the day on Friday, Nov. 12 for provisioning, bunkering, and crew movements. Then it’s back to Yukon Harbor and other movements out to sea before coming back to Pier 66 on Monday, Dec. 13 for more operations during the day. While in our waters, Ovation of the Seas utilizes marine gas oil (MGO), a low-sulfur fuel. In between these locations, it will be very possible to continue to see the Ovation of the Seas throughout our area.

For those who have wondered about discharges, Puget Sound is a no-discharge zone for sewage, even treated; here are rules for other types of wastewater.

It’s more common to see cargo ships at anchor where the cruise ship is now; we reported on the ongoing cargo backup earlier this week.

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GOT LEAVES? Now’s the time to bag them for free pickup of extra yard waste
October 30, 2021 3:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

It’s not just the streets and drains but also the sidewalks that should to be kept clear of all those leaves the wind and rain brought down (ever tried to use a sidewalk covered in slippery/mushy leaves?). If you have yard-waste pickup service, now’s the time to do it, because you can put out extra yard waste for no extra charge every collection day in November. From the city reminder:

If you do find that you have more leaves and yard waste than can fit in your food and yard waste cart, SPU has you covered! This November, SPU is providing FREE extra yard waste collection for household customers, up to 10 extra bags for every collection throughout the month. Simply set out your extra yard waste next to your food and yard waste cart on your collection day.

Extra yard waste must be contained either in kraft paper bags or placed in an extra container that is clearly marked to indicate it contains extra yard waste. Please make sure your extra yard waste collection bags or container only contain yard waste, not food waste. Fallen branches and twigs can be set out for extra collection as well. These can be tied into bundles up to 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter and tied with fiber twine. Do not use wire, nylon cording, or plastic banding.

(Thanks to Eddie for reminding us about this!)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen yellow Nissan Juke
October 30, 2021 1:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Lura‘s yellow 2015 Nissan Juke was stolen in the Beach Drive area overnight: “The key fob was accidentally left in the car – we had traded who was driving the car but the key didn’t get handed off. So this may have been purely opportunistic – someone checking doors, finding it unlocked, pressing the “START” button. Police report made. License AXH4237.” The car looks like this stock photo. Call 911 if you see it.

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BIZNOTE: Mamacita’s selling tacos this weekend for first time since trailer theft
October 30, 2021 12:40 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Four months ago, we reported on thieves taking the Mamacita’s Bad Ass Mexican Food trailer. It was found, but not in good shape. Now proprietor Margarita is finally back in business, starting today, and sent us her announcement:

Come join Mamacita’s for food & fun this holiday weekend!

We will be on the corner of California & Lander, across the street from The Good Society Brewery and Public House.

Saturday 5-8 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm.

This will be our first time out since the trailer was stolen and vandalized, so please come support and show Mamacita’s some love. Can’t wait to see you there!

Here’s the menu.

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UPDATE: Short-lived water-rescue response off Alki
October 30, 2021 11:38 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Short-lived water-rescue response off Alki
 |   West Seattle news

11:38 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a water-rescue response by land and sea to 64th/Alki, for a report of two divers who are “overdue.”

11:43 AM: The two divers have just shown up, so the response is being downsized.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Trick-or-treating at Alki Beach businesses
October 30, 2021 10:18 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Trick-or-treating at Alki Beach businesses
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

10:18 AM: Get an early start on your Hallo-weekend with the first-ever Alki Beach business-district trick-or-treating! It’s on until noon. See the map here (note that Brocante Beach House at 2622 Alki SW is participating too). This was organized by Outer Space Seattle, whose crew – seen above – is holding down the west end of the map, at 2820 Alki.

11 AM: Other sights seen along Alki – besides participating in trick-or-treating, El Chupacabra is painting Halloween art:

One house just east of Outer Space Seattle and Locust Cider, which is also participating, has clever jack-o-lanterns:

And of course, it’s all about the costumes:

For today’s full lineup, see our daily list or the Halloween Guide. Tomorrow’s big business trick-or-treat events are in The Junction 10 am-2 pm – no extra street closure, but do wander south of the market, along the sidewalks – we’re participating and will see you at KeyBank Plaza) and in downtown White Center starting at 3 pm.

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Hallo-weekend events and more for your West Seattle Saturday
October 30, 2021 6:34 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Spooky summer camp – part of Patricia’s display on 38th near Stevens)

Hallo-weekend is here! But we have non-Halloween happenings too. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Halloween Guide, the lineup for today/tonight:

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: SDOT plans work at these three spots – 16th/Austin concrete-panel work between 7 am and 5 pm, with steel panels then placed over the new concrete so it can harden, to be removed Sunday; Corson and Michigan in Georgetown, 6 am-11 am, updating street striping; “minor pavement repairs in various locations” in South Park, 7 am-5 pm.

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS: ~30 locations in our Halloween Guide, some better by day, some better by night (most have photos).

SCAVENGER HUNT: West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest Scavenger Hunt through Sunday – get your map at participating businesses.

TREATS AT YOUNGSTOWN COFFEE: Trick-or-treating at Youngstown Coffee (6032 California SW) in Morgan Junction – candy and stickers – open 8 am-4 pm.

ALKI BEACH BUSINESS TRICK-OR-TREATING: First time for businesses at the beach! See the newest map here. 10 am-noon.

BROCANTE BEACH HOUSE TRICK-OR-TREAT & MORE: Not only can you trick-or-treat at Brocante Beach House (2622 Alki SW) during the Alki Beach trick-or-treat event, they’re open until 6 pm with giveaways too – details here.

SEATTLE SPEAKING PROJECT HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE: Online at 10 am – details here.

MUSIC AT C & P: Marco de Carvalho, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW).

(added) CROSS-COUNTRY: West Seattle High School runners are competing in districts at Lake Sammamish State Park today, “the varsity boys team and 3 varsity girls who qualify as individuals … boys at 11:45 and girls at 12:30.”

‘OPEN CREEK’: Noon-3 pm, visit Fauntleroy Creek – you might see salmon, since a few spawners have shown up! Our preview explains where to go to catch up with volunteers who’ll answer your questions and explain what’s been happening.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM TRICK-OR-TREATING & MORE: Log House Museum trick-or-treating, plus spooky crafts and storytimes, noon-4 pm – details in our calendar listing.

HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN PET COSTUME PARTYy: Happening at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way), 2-5 pm – details in our calendar listing.

SPOOKY TOWN GRAB ‘N’ GO: 2-5 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (1321 SW 102nd) – details in our calendar listing.

SPOOKY INTERACTIVE ART GALLERY, 5:30-10 pm. RSVP to get the location (which is in West Seattle) – text 206-272-0721.

“NIGHTFALL ORPHANAGE:: Spooky experience at 2130 Alki SW, 7-10 pm – here’s the trailer:

Details in our calendar listing

‘COME AS YOU AREN’T’ The annual Halloween battle-of-the-bands concert at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm, 21+, $20 at the door. Lineup here.

DINNER & DANCING: That’s part of the 7-11 pm White Center Eagles Halloween Party (10452 15th SW) – info here.

DRAG SHOW: Halloween edition of West Seattle Drag Show with Dolly Madison, 9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

AURORA TONIGHT? We’ll be keeping an eye on the outlook for aurora viewing tonight, thanks to West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen, who is updating via Twitter as always. (Alice’s general advice for aurora-watching is here.)

Something to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ELECTION 2021: One last look at Seattle Port Commission candidates
October 29, 2021 11:56 pm
|    Comments Off on ELECTION 2021: One last look at Seattle Port Commission candidates
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Most of the spotlight this election season has shone on candidates for Seattle city offices. But that’s not all you’ll find on your ballot (if you’re among the 80+% of local voters whose ballots haven’t been turned in yet). You have 17 choice to make – including three races for Seattle Port Commission.

Five commissioners, all elected countywide, comprise the board, serving four-year terms. This year, Positions 1, 3, and 4 are up for election. In each race, the incumbent and a challenger filed for the seat, so there were no primary votes – all six candidates went directly to the general election. Thursday night, five of them participated in an online forum presented by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and Seattle Parks Foundation – for Position 1, first-term incumbent Ryan Calkins; for Position 3, two-term incumbent Stephanie Bowman and King County policy adviser Hamdi Mohamed; and for Position 4, first-term incumbent Peter Steinbrueck and state Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs executive director Toshiko Grace Hasegawa.

DRCC executive director Paulina López co-hosted with SPF CEO Rebecca Bear. In opening comments, they pointed out the enormity of the Port of Seattle‘s impact on our region, both seaport and airport operations. The forum was only allotted an hour, so after introductory opening statements, questions were asked randomly of one or more participants. What we’ve written below is our summarizing/paraphrasing of the questions and answers, not direct quotes unless designated as such by quotation marks.

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Noose found in tree at Pathfinder K-8, principal tells families (updated)
October 29, 2021 9:14 pm
|      57 COMMENTS
 |   Pigeon Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

ORIGINAL FRIDAY NIGHT REPORT: Thanks to the Pathfinder K-8 community members who forwarded this letter emailed tonight by the school’s principal, Dr. Britney Holmes:

Dear Pathfinder Families and Staff,

I’m writing to inform you about an incident that occurred today at our school.

This morning about 8:50 a.m. a staff member discovered a noose attached to a tree on our campus. They immediately notified me. I took photos to document the item, and then had the custodian remove it. Discovery and removal took place during student arrival time. We don’t know how many students may have seen it.

We immediately contacted SPS Safety and Security department. We have also made a report to the Seattle Police Department. The incident is still under investigation.

Our school administrative team will be meeting with the central office coordinated school health team to determine next steps in providing supports to our school community. In the meantime, employees can receive free, confidential short-term counseling from the SPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The number for EAP is 877-313-4455. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to ensuring students have safe and welcoming environments for learning.

Neither SPS nor our school will tolerate any symbols of hatred, oppression, or violence. As a community, we are working to be anti-racist. We will continue to build anti-racist systems in our school. We will continue to lift up our families and communities of color and keep them involved in our process.

I hope you can find comfort and joy with family and friends this weekend.

We have no additional information but will be following up with the district and police.

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: This is the only statement from the district so far, via spokesperson Tim Robinson: “A noose was discovered on Friday and the district is offering supports to staff and students. Additional information has come in and, working with the school principal, the district is continuing to investigate in order to gain as much information as possible regarding the use and occurrence of this abhorrent symbol.”

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Multiple readers have forwarded us an email that Dr. Holmes sent tonight. It begins:

I’m writing today to provide an update about the recent incident that occurred at our school.

As you know, a noose was found attached to a tree on our campus last Friday. Immediately, this incident was reported to Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security and the Seattle Police Department.

Since the opening of the investigation, a member of the Pathfinder community has come forward to identify the person responsible. That information has been shared appropriately with law enforcement and SPS leaders in order to bring appropriate resolution to the matter. The case remains under investigation by SPD.

Although responsibility has been admitted, I want to emphasize that this does not mitigate the gravity of the incident and its deep impact on those members of our community. Collectively, we must acknowledge that the symbolism used in this incident, regardless of intent, invoked anger and fear in many people, particularly our BIPOC families and staff.

As a result, my immediate hope and goal is to bring our Pathfinder family together to begin the healing process with the following opportunities for understanding and conversation.

The principal then lists three times next week for the school and Pigeon Point community to have that conversation, in “affinity spaces” for white participants at one and BIPOC participants at the other, and a third event for all.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattleite honored as Firefighter of the Year
October 29, 2021 7:51 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

If you don’t know Roger Webber, that video will introduce you to him. Both the Seattle Fire Department and King County Fire Chiefs Association have announced the West Seattle resident as Firefighter of the Year. As explained in the video, he had a pivotal role in SFD’s launch of the Health One service, which, as he explains it, responds to assist “society’s most vulnerable people.” Though he and his family live here in West Seattle, he has been based at SFD’s Fire Station 10 in Pioneer Square for two decades.

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DEVELOPMENT: See design packet for 3010 SW Avalon Way before next week’s review
October 29, 2021 5:58 pm
|    Comments Off on DEVELOPMENT: See design packet for 3010 SW Avalon Way before next week’s review
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Next Thursday (November 4th) at 7 pm, 3010 SW Avalon Way [map] goes to the Southwest Design Review Board – an apartment building proposed for eight stories, ~86 units, and 4 offstreet-parking spaces. The design packet for the meeting is now available for an advance look – see it above or on the city website. This is an Early Design Guidance meeting, so the review will focus on massing – size, shape, placement on the site – rather than design details. The meeting will be online at 7 pm Thursday, with a public-comment period; viewing/call-in/commenting info is here. If you have comments but can’t participate in the meeting, email comments to assigned planner Theresa Neylon at theresa.neylon@seattle.gov.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Trick-or-treat time in The Admiral District
October 29, 2021 3:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

3:26 PM: The first of four local business-district trick-or-treating events is happening now! Wander around The Admiral District before 6 pm to show off costumes and get treats. Above, the scene inside Alki Bike & Board; below, candy and cider at Arthur’s. . More photos to come.

3:52 PM: Walking around to check on participation – the block of California north of Admiral, both sides; south of Admiral, to Safeway on the east side and to Fit4Mom on the west side. Also a few on the south side of Admiral east of California.

5:39 PM: Here’s some of who we saw – at Circa:

At Bebop Waffle Shop:

At Brookdale:

At Brent Amacher State Farm:

And other sightings in the first hour:

See our West Seattle Halloween Guide for other business-district trick-or-treating in the next two days – starting with Alki Beach, 10 am-noon Saturday!

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ELECTION 2021: Planning to vote this weekend?
October 29, 2021 1:48 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgTuesday is the deadline to get your ballot in, so this weekend is the perfect time to vote if you haven’t already. So far, only 18.4% of West Seattle/South Park voters have turned in their ballots. As always, the deadlines are 8 pm Election Day (Tuesday) if you use a county dropbox – or earlier, to ensure a November 2nd postmark, if you are mailing via USPS. If you need help voting – including doing it via an assistive device – you can go to a King County Elections Vote Center starting tomorrow (nearest one is at Lumen Field Event Center, open 10 am-4 pm Saturday, 8:30 am-6 pm Monday, 8:30 am-8 pm Tuesday). Still making up your mind? We’ve covered some forums along the way – you can review our coverage archive here – and watch for two reports tonight on the Port Commission and King County Executive forums held by local groups last night. As noted here, you have 17 decisions to make this time around.

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What SDOT heard at HPAC discussion. of Delridge/Highland Park ‘Stay Healthy Streets’ future, and your chance to comment today
October 29, 2021 11:54 am
|      49 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

SDOT has proposed a permanent route for the Delridge/Highland Park “Stay Healthy Streets,” with some current blocks to be dropped – but keeping the stretch that’s been the source of the loudest community concerns. They’re nonetheless asking for opinions, and hosting an outdoor “open house” today on 11th SW by Highland Park Elementary, 2-4 pm. In advance of that, SDOT reps were at Wednesday night’s HPAC meeting to talk about the Stay Healthy Streets as well as traffic-mitigation/calming events elsewhere.

STAY HEALTHY STREETS: first, a little backstory. These streets are closed to through-traffic, open to drivers who live, work, study, or otherwise have business on them, and open to people walking/running/riding/rolling in the street. The city launched the SHS concept early in the pandemic as a way to get around with more social distancing, but has expanded the mission beyond the pandemic, and is now making many of them permanent. The Delridge-Highland Park SHS network (designated in May of last year) would be the second in the city (after Greenwood) to be made permanent, SDOT’s Madison Linkenmeyer told HPAC.

She recapped what they’ve heard from the community:

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