West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Spring is in sight! As West Seattle Little League opens registration for next year, it’s also announcing the launch of two new programs – Softball and Challenger. Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle Little League Spring 2022 registration is now open for all youth ages 4-14. We’re excited to announce that we have added 2 new programs:
West Seattle Girls Softball has merged with West Seattle Little League to form a single and cohesive league for our community. By combining resources as well as leveraging the Little League® International brand, we will be able to enhance our support for baseball and softball. Softball players will be offered a variety of opportunities to participate and benefit from the Little League experience.
This season we are adding the Challengers Program, Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. The Little League Challenger Program is open to West Seattle residents between the ages of 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. There is no fee to participate in the West Seattle Little League Challenger Program.
Each year, we want to make sure all kids have the opportunity to write the next chapter in the Little League story, regardless of their situation. Thanks to the generous support of T-Mobile, financially challenged families in our community can apply for the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant, which helps cover registration fees associated with WSLL for the upcoming season!
The WSLL baseball and softball spring season will run from March – June and features fun activities like the jamboree, sandlot days, and end-of-the-year picnic. Interested to know more details? Check out westseattlelittleleague.com to find information about boundaries and divisions of play.
We look forward to seeing you on the field!
6:01 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Chance of rain, but otherwise a fairly quiet forecast.
NOTES
-Tomorrow’s the last day of school before winter break.
-Five Sundays with short low-bridge closures for testing were announced today – this Sunday’s the first one.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
633rd 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.)
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also 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.
Didn’t want to let this calendar date go by without a mention: It’s been 15 years since the Hanukkah Eve Windstorm – early on December 15, 2006 – left thousands in West Seattle without power for days, among more than 1 million around the region. This sign photographed at Highland Park Way and SW Othello five days later told the story:
Some pockets of West Seattle didn’t get their power back for almost a week. (Our Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood was out for more than three days.) But other areas had it tougher – more were out on the Eastside, and five died of carbon-monoxide poisoning in Burien – so WS didn’t get as much attention (that’s when, and why, our site started morphing to news coverage). Power crews came from far away to help – note what’s written on this truck we photographed in Alki:
Citywide media also reported that City Light was shorthanded pre-storm. Meantime, before the wind, a 2-inch downpour opened a sinkhole at the top of the SW Thistle stairway, among other damage:
Otherwise, trees came down (and at least one went up). For meteorological reminiscing, you can go here; for a regional recap, see HistoryLink.
The West Seattle Food Bank delivery we showed you last week was just part of the community giving for Nucor Steel and its employees this season. Those gifts under and around the “giving tree” at the plant were delivered to Providence Mount St. Vincent today:
A check for $10,000 was presented, too, along with hundreds of gifts. This is the 15th year of Nucor’s gift-giving to The Mount – but the ties between the two go back a lot further; Seattle Steel founder William Pigott helped establish The Mount almost a century ago. Meantime, The Mount had a gift for Nucor too – here’s The Mount’s Molly Swain presenting Nucor’s Walter Reese with a thank-you card and chocolates from The Mount’s staff.
Nucor’s Melody Sarkies also was part of today’s delivery.
Gatewood gets brighter by the night! Tonight’s featured lights are by Krista, who sent photos of her display on the northwest corner of California and Portland [map], highlighted by the stars. Krista’s advice: “The view is better when heading northbound on California rather than southbound.”
You’ll find all this season’s spotlighted light displays archived here; if you have lights to suggest – yours or someone else’s, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com; thank you!
(Image from SDOT cam late this afternoon)
As noted in our coverage of last week’s West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force meeting, SDOT has to do low-bridge testing related to its upcoming work. Last week, they didn’t have the dates set, but said it would be a series of Sundays. Now, SDOT has announced the dates and times:
On some Sundays in December and January, we will briefly close the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) for three times a day to people driving, taking transit, walking, and biking. These closures could last up to 30 minutes each, which is about twice as long as the bridge is closed to traffic when it swings open for a vessel.
In 2022, we are performing important rehabilitation upgrades to the low bridge to ensure that it remains in safe and usable condition. We will use these short-term closures to measure important deflection data for the low bridge to ensure that future construction scaffolding will be safe to use while we complete this rehabilitation work.
We are aligning these short closures to happen during off-peak periods and when there are lulls in traffic to minimize impacts to the community, including transit, freight, and other approved low bridge users.
The scheduled closure times are the same each day: during lulls in traffic around 9 AM, around 1 PM, and around 5 PM. The planned dates for these closures are:
Sunday, December 19
Sunday, January 9
Sunday, January 16
Sunday, January 23
Sunday, January 30People driving who are authorized to use the low bridge will need to take the signed detour routes during these closures, take the trip at a different time, or wait up to 30 minutes when the bridge will reopen.
People biking, walking, or rolling on the low bridge path can wait up to 30 minutes for the bridge path to reopen or they can continue south to use the 1st Ave S Bridge path.
The low-bridge work is detailed here.
From the West Seattle RoadRunners:
This past weekend, 47 youth athletes from West Seattle RoadRunners, our local youth running team, competed in the 2021 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Paris, Kentucky, with over 2,800 athletes from all over the country.
This was the largest contingency of youth athletes ever to represent our community at this meet. Our runners competed in 7 different divisions in ages 7 to 14 (1st to 9th grade). For many of our runners, this was their first trip to the National Championship meet.
Our 7-8-year-old girls team finished in 3rd place (the highest finish of any team we have ever sent to this meet). Additionally, our 9-10 girls finished 5th, and our 7-8 boys, 9-10 boys, and 11-12 girls finished 6th,
Two of our 7-8-year-old girls (Beau Sitzmann and Teagan Kemper) finished in the top 25 individuals in their division and were awarded All-American honors.
Congratulations to all!
(SDOT bridge-cam view, 1:37 pm today)
If you have questions after last week’s detailed briefing about the West Seattle Bridge repair plan (WSB coverage here), you have a chance tomorrow night to get answers. SDOT is on the guest list for the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s December meeting, 6:30 pm Thursday, online. And if you have a question about what’s become West Seattle’s main lifeline across the Duwamish River, the 1st Avenue South Bridge, WSDOT will be there too. The agenda also includes the Port of Seattle, as the Terminal 5 opening gets closer. All welcome – viewing/participating/call-in info is in our calendar listing.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“The voters spoke, and hopefully my colleagues on the council heard the message.”
That’s what City Councilmember-elect Sara Nelson told the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce toward the end of Tuesday’s meet-and-greet, responding to a question about how she would work with councilmembers with different political ideology and ideas.
Nelson and Port Commissioner-elect Hamdi Mohamed spent an hour answering questions during the midday online event, as both prepare to take office. Both are first-time elected officials – Nelson was elected to the Seattle City Council‘s citywide Position 9, formerly held by Lorena González, who ran for mayor instead of for re-election; Mohamed was elected to the Seattle Port Commission‘s Position 3, defeating incumbent Stephanie Bowman. Topics ranged from public safety to economic development.
(Seen in a Gatewood planting strip)
A few reminders for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
HOLIDAY PHOTOS: Gail Ann Photography continues photo sessions at historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 3-7 pm, (9131 California SW)
(added) WINE/FOOD EVENT: 5-7 pm at Molly’s Bottle Shop (3278 California SW): “We’re pairing up with Sebastian and Aislinn of Oso Negro Baking Co., who will be baking their delicious empanadas in front of the shop while we will be offering a tasting of some natural wines.”
SANTA PHOTOS: Tonight is Santa’s annual visit to Pegasus Pizza (2770 Alki SW), 6 pm-10 pm.
‘GET FIT’ INFO NIGHT: Thinking about your health/fitness goals for next year? Start by finding out about the free West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) “Get Fit West Seattle” program – “couch to half-marathon”! Come to the shop at 2743 California SW for “info night” tonight.
HPIC’S FUTURE: Second “town hall” about Highland Park Improvement Club‘s fire recovery is tonight at 7 pm, online – the link for participating/attending is here.
OPEN MIC NIGHT: The Skylark‘s weekly open-mic night starts with signups at 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That’s Mark Bouma of Lake Washington Physical Therapy (1309 Harbor Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) “crabwalking.” Mark explains that it’s part of their holiday-season fundraiser to help foster kids – and you can be part of it:
We have about 3 weeks left of our Holiday Fundraiser supporting Treehouse for Kids!
We are part of a group of small businesses called the Puget Sound Health and Fitness Coalition, joining forces to raise money for foster kids. So far we have raised over $5,000, but there is still time left to donate!
This link will allow visitors to donate securely online: engage.treehouseforkids.org/fundraiser/3573656
The community can donate online or in the clinic. If they donate over $20 in the clinic, they can ask any one of our team members to perform some FUN physical tasks from the list!
The clinic is right across from Don Armeni Boat Ramp.
10:07 AM: If you can take a break for some Wednesday whale-watching, we just heard from Kersti Muul that a group of whales had been seen heading southbound through the Seattle/Bainbridge Island ferry lanes, so they should be visible from West Seattle soon if they’re not already, Let us know if you see them!
11:22 AM: In addition to Kersti’s updates in comments, we’ve also heard from Patrick via email, “Two orcas behind the ferry Cathlamet. Looks like they are fishing but they did a full breach. South of Brace Point. Heading South.”
From Vineta:
We’ve had an abandoned bike against our fence for a few weeks now, and thought it might have been stolen.
This is near 47th/Stevens. Recognize it? Contact us and we’ll connect you.
6:03 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Cold this morning, and there’s once again a small chance we’ll see a bit of snow.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
632nd 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.)
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also 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.
Back in March 2020, early in the pandemic, we got a call from a local USPS letter carrier who asked us to share a request with you. The carrier called again with a simple request for this busy time of year, when they and their colleagues are working long hours: Leave your porch light on. During these short days, they are delivering in the dark more often than you might know. If you’re getting notifications about mail/package deliveries, fetch them as soon as you can. And a few final words – Like so many businesses, the USPS too is shortstaffed right now; be kind and patient with them too.
Tonight’s photos are from Wyatt, who tells us about 2021cadditions: “This year I have my front trees lit, and more to create a walkway of lights! I’m happy to be able to share my lights with you and everyone again this year! I’m at the corner of 40th and Charlestown.” [map]
Thanks again to everyone who’s sending in their lights, or some they’ve seen – westseattleblog@gmail.com with or without photos. See every place we’ve showcased here (newest-to-oldest), and listed in our West Seattle Holiday Guide!
Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:
CAR PROWLER: From Nancy:
(Monday) morning I found my 2017 Volvo, parked in front of my home, had been broken into.
Sadly, after rifling glove compartment and taking all CDs, they popped the trunk and took all my gifts.
Purchased from Costco … 2 sets of Queen-size sheets in black floral print, a black large Husky-brand tool bag with tools, 3 boxes of solar yard lights, and a set of garden gloves
I’m just sick about this. Last time the whole car was stolen & recovered in Everett full of drug paraphernalia.
If you find any items dumped in your neighborhood that resemble what Nancy mentioned, let us know and we’ll connect you.
BUILDING BURGLAR: Two Harbor Avenue residents said the person in the security image below (first shown here in November) has struck again. Carolyn wrote the accompanying report:
This naughty boy has broken into two neighboring condo buildings on Harbor Ave (Seacrest Park area) in the past month. The first brake in was in mid-November (where he wore no mask, thanks dummy!). The latest break-in was just last week. This time he wore a mask, however, the glasses, nose, jacket and there is some facial hair visible in the photo, has us believing it is the same perp. He is also believed to be the same person that pulled a gun on a fellow when caught acting suspiciously in an alley behind a fellow’s house on 35th (editor’s note: see this report).
Please keep an eye out for this person! Call SPD if you see him. Not even a lump of coal for you, this Christmas, you bad, bad boy!
BIG POLICE RESPONSE: Got a question this afternoon about a sizable mid-morning police response near 37th/Donovan in Upper Fauntleroy, We hadn’t heard anything at the time, so we asked SPD; a domestic-violence incident involving a handgun, we were told, ending in arrest. (No one was shot, though.)
On Sunday we reported that Trees By The Sea on Alki was ending its season early, almost sold out. We have just received word that they have a few leftovers available free:
We are completely shut down for the season but we had a handful of Trees left over, less than a dozen. We have left them down on the lot with the gate open. Anyone who maybe couldn’t afford a tree this year or knows someone in need is welcome to go down and grab one for free. They are all in the 5′-6′ range.
Thanks again for a great year and we hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season!
-Tiffany, Daniel & Torsten
The trees are at 2530 Alki SW.
(WSB photo, last Saturday)
For the first time ever, Santa will make a second appearance at the Menashe Family Lights this season – that news arrived from the North Pole today. You’ll find him there (5605 Beach Drive SW) for photo opportunities 6-9 pm this Saturday (December 18th) – bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can! We’re adding that to the list of Santa appearances in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, which includes four other stops this week – such as HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) this Friday, 3-6 pm, Plus West Seattle Thriftway (California & Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) has holiday cheer next week including music and Santa (various times Monday through Thursday next week – they’ll be in our guide shortly).
With snowy Cascades scenes like the ones we just grabbed from the WSDOT webcams at Snoqualmie and Stevens Passes, skiers and snowboarders are probably making plans to head up as soon as they can.
So Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) just sent word that they “have a full tune area for snowboards & skis” and this is a great time to come in and get yours ready. They’re promising “quick turnaround” for a tuneup and hot wax. Just drop in – they’re open until 6 pm – or call 206-938-3322.
Thanks to Colby for tweeting the photo and tip – the drive-up/ride-up mailbox outside the Westwood Village post office is out of service again. This is less than four months after the last time it was damaged and removed; that time, it was back after less than a month, but some previous damage-related removals have lasted a lot longer.
10:15 AM: Last week we mentioned a dead, decomposing sea lion that had been seen floating in West Seattle waters and then turned up on the beach at Lincoln Park. It’s still there, and we’re still getting calls about it. Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network says it’s so large that Seattle Parks will need heavy equipment to remove it. We’ve been trying to find out about Parks’ plan and finally heard back late last night: A crew was planning to go out today to assess the situation and figure out what to do. They promised to let us know what the crew decides, so we hope to have an update later.
12:41 PM: Parks says the crew determined it’s too big to remove with the equipment they have in the area so “they are asking our Heavy Equipment crews to help. However, the renderer will not be able to get out until Thursday because of other commitments and tides.” (“The renderer” is for carcass disposition, as was also done with a dead seal at Alki last week.)
(Kingfisher, photographed by Matthew Olson)
Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead:
ADDY’S PET SHOP OPENS: 10 am-7 pm, it’s the first scheduled day of business for the new pet shop in Highland Park. (11th/Henderson)
SENIOR CENTER LUNCH: Senior Center of West Seattle‘s free (for members) holiday luncheon. “Celebrate the holiday season with a festive meal and entertainment. The December holiday lunch is free to members. Bonnie Birch Duo Holiday Show performs. Call ASAP to see if there’s still room. (4217 SW Oregon)
MEET 2 NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Noon online, join the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce in hearing from City Councilmember-elect Sara Nelson and Port Commissioner-elect Hamdi Mohamed. Our preview explains how to watch/participate.
DEMONSTRATION: Scott continues leading weekly signwaving for racial justice at 16th/Holden, 4:30-6 pm.
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 6 pm online, it’s the monthly meeting for updates on and questions about West Seattle’s only city-sanctioned tiny-house encampment. Connection information is in our calendar listing.
MERRY & BRIGHT MUSIC NIGHT: Presented by/at Jet City Labs (4546 California SW), 7 pm.
TRIVIA AT THE LODGE: 7:30 pm, play free Stump! Trivia. (4209 SW Alaska)
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