West Seattle, Washington
30 Thursday
(File photo of calf J56 and mother J31, by Mark Sears. permit 21348)
Just a few weeks after the presumed death of Southern Resident Killer Whale K21, another resident orca is reported to be in bad shape – and this one is just two years old. News of J56’s condition is in a state Department of Fish and Wildlife news release today reminding boaters to give orcas space. In particular, the state has issued an emergency order for commercial whale-watching boats to stay at least half a mile away from J56 and the group with which she is traveling. The news release does not specify their last-known location but the Orca Network reported via its sightings email update that J-Pod was seen in the San Juan Islands earlier this week. Research has shown that vessel noise is a particular stressor for orcas, and that females tend to stop foraging for food when boats are within 400 yards. There’s more information here about giving whales space when you’re out on the water (and how to report violations if you see them).
(Photos by Mark Wangerin)
That Harbor Porpoise got into trouble at Constellation Park south of Alki Point today. With NOAA approval, local marine-life advocates got it back into deeper water so it could swim away. We got first word of this from Kersti Muul, who was among those who helped, along with Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales (below), and SR3.
Kersti says the porpoise came back in after the first assist but then after a second nudge was “heading northwest pretty much on its own.”
P.S. If you see a marine mammal in trouble or on the shore, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network is at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325). Do not attempt to handle any animal yourself.
Two notes about Jack Block Park, the Port of Seattle-owned waterfront park at 2130 Harbor Avenue SW:
WHY ONE RESTROOM IS CLOSED: Thanks to Jessica for sending the photo and wondering what happened to the men’s restroom in the park’s easternmost comfort station:
Port spokesperson Peter McGraw says it was damaged by fire, apparently this past Monday. “Repairs are currently underway,” he said, but no estimate for reopening yet.
PIER’S FUTURE: Steps away from that comfort station is the park pier that’s been closed for months because of safety concerns.
Back in spring, the port conducted a survey asking your thoughts on the pier’s future, promising to update the community afterward. Five months later, no word. Andrew emailed us wondering what ever happened to it. McGraw says the results should go public “likely sometime in the middle of October.”
Here are three ways to join neighbors in making West Seattle more beautiful this weekend:
ALKI CLEANUP, SATURDAY: Jessica leads this on first Saturdays:
Alki Beach, Parks and sidewalks Cleanup September 4th
Where: Meet outside at 2452 Alki Ave SW
Time: From 10 AM to 1 PMBring your own pick sticks, gardening gloves and a bucket (works better than bags, especially if windy). I have a limited number of pick sticks and buckets. Recommend that you bundle up if cold and if warm, best to wear closed-end shoes.
Kids welcome if supervised by adult. Text Jessica to RSVP, 206-769-6330.
FRIENDS OF LINCOLN PARK, SATURDAY: This longtime group has a couple spots for more help
September 4 9 am – 12 pm
Ivy, blackberry and holly, oh my! Join FLiP (Friends of Lincoln Park) as we work to restore our beautiful natural spaces. The Park includes 80 acres of forested areas, with a huge diversity of native trees and plants. But our urban forests are threatened by nonnative, invasive plant species and need our help to thrive and remain healthy. This is where YOU come in! We promise you a good workout and lots of eco-karma. Good for the environment and good for your health!
Sign up by going here.
SCHMITZ PARK, SUNDAY: Still some room left for help at this event too.
September 5, 1 pm – 3:30 pm
There is something for everyone! We will be pulling ivy in a shady valley, watering native plants to help them survive this hot, dry summer, and hauling wood chips to prepare for the plants arriving this fall.
Sign up by going here.
(Thursday night photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, featuring highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
AQUATIC SCHEDULE: We just confirmed that wading pools and sprayparks will be open again today, which means Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am to 8 pm and Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm. Same hours for Colman Pool, also at Lincoln Park.
DELRIDGE GROCERY COOP: Big events at the store this weekend, starting with 3-7 pm today, big sale! And 4-7 pm, the store will host West Seattle’s own Rebellyous Foods, showing off their plant-based chicken, with discount coupons so you can buy on the spot. The DGC store is at 5444 Delridge Way SW.
VACCINE CLINIC: 4-6 pm in the parking lot behind Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW), offering Pfizer, first or second dose. No appointment needed.
CREATED COMMONS: The events continues just north of the P-Patch at Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW) with a 6 pm community drum circle, featuring, according to CC producers Lelavision, “rhythms of the African Diaspora with artist Sumayya E. Diop. Some drums will be provided, or participants can bring their own percussion (including clapping, stepping, and heartbeat).”
FOOTBALL: High-school football starts tonight and the first local game is West Seattle High School hosting Sammamish at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm. Chief Sealth International High School is on the road at Foster HS. Update: Sealth/Foster was cancelled.
Something for our calendar? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Highland Park Corner Store has been open five months, mostly as a coffee shop – but now it’s ready to open as a true corner store. It’s closing early today, at noon, to get ready for a real “grand opening” weekend. Here are the details from proprietor Meaghan Haas:
We’re opening the inside of our store starting at 7 am on Saturday. Moving forward our hours will be 7 am-8 pm daily.
In addition to our coffee, pastry and readymade service, we’re adding locally sourced grocery staples, beer and wine to our offerings. We also now have indoor seating, as well as a covered and lit outdoor patio.
Our initial beers on tap are all from breweries that are female-, BIPOC-, and/or LGBTQ-led:
Marzen – Bosk Brew Works
New Zealand IPA – Metier Brewing
Tangerine Hefeweizen – Peddler Brewing
Mosaic Pale Ale – Stoup BrewingWe’re working with the folks at Walden Selections (also West Seattle residents!) to find delicious and affordable natural and organic wines – in bottles, in cans, and by the glass. Our grocery staples feature offerings from local West Seattle vendors including Milpa Masa tortillas and Seola Bees honey. We’ll continue with our current coffee service featuring QEDCoffee, and still have fresh pastries daily from Macrina Bakery.
To celebrate our Grand [Re]Opening, we’ll have some fun additions to the store on Saturday and Sunday:
CocinaMX 32 (the genius team behind Sunrise Tacos) will pop up with tamales Saturday 11 am-2 pm (while supplies last; we sold out pretty early last time!)
We’ll have some free hot dogs Sunday 11 am-2 pm (again: while supplies last).
And the talented folks in the neighborhood will keep us in good music with DJ sets throughout the weekend.
We’re excited to continue to grow what we offer to Highland Park and West Seattle!
Highland Park Corner Store is at 7789 Highland Park Way [map], former site of a mini-mart, once planned for demolition and redevelopment until West Seattle entrepreneur/preservationist John Bennett bought it, fixed it up, and leased it to Haas.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Mixed forecast today.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Returns continue next week, after the holiday weekend. One more reminder that school buses, school-zone flashing beacons, and speed cameras are all in operation now.
ROAD WORK TODAY
Spokane Street Viaduct – The “deck scan” is scheduled to wrap up today.
26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – Curbs, sidewalks, and landscaping this week – watch for next week’s preview later today.
ROAD WORK THIS WEEKEND
West Marginal – Two work zones, SDOT says:
This Saturday, we will be restriping the paint lines on the east leg of West Marginal Way and Highland Park. We will also be working on repairing the curb islands on the south, east and west legs. To complete this work, we will close the left lane on the south, east and west legs. There will be officers in the area to support the crew with traffic control, as needed. We will have officers in the area to support the crews with traffic control, as needed. The work is anticipated to start at 3 A.M. and may conclude as soon as 1:00 P.M.
North of this area, at the 5-way intersection near the Chelan Café, we will also be replacing the overhead signs on the sign structure in front of the Chelan Café on Saturday as soon as 5:00 A.M. They will work to complete this as quickly as possible and should be done as early as 1:00 P.M
If you are driving in the area, please drive slow through the work area and follow detour signs. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to make West Marginal Way and Highland Park Way more accessible, efficient, and safe.
TRANSIT TODAY & THIS WEEKEND
Buses are on regular schedules today – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Lots of trip cancellations this week, so watch @kcmetrobus for word of those. On Labor Day (Monday), Metro will run the Sunday schedule.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule today – but note that the West Seattle Water Taxi will be on a reduced schedule Monday. Watch @wsferries for updates. Another note for Washington State Ferries – it’s warning of possible crew shortages during the holiday weekend. We’ll watch for any major schedule disruptions on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route and publish updates as needed.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
529th 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 – No camera for a few weeks (explained here)
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.
From Sarah:
Please be on the lookout for 2 bicycles stolen from our home, sometime overnight before 7 am on September 1. They were not visible from the street. One is a small women’s Ghost mountain bike with a drop seat, the color is called “Jade Blue” but more of a green-turquoise. The other is an Easy Rider silver mountain bike. A police report has been filed. Stolen from 25th Ave SW between Brandon and Findlay.
If you find one or both, let us know, and we’ll connect you.
(Lelavision’s Interspecies Communication sculpture, hovering over the Created Commons stage)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“I’m not going to die like this.”
That is what Alexia Jones told herself, at the moments when she couldn’t see her way out of the depths to which drug addiction took her.
And indeed, she did not die. She has been in longterm recovery for 26 years, Jones said as the continuing Created Commons art/science celebration at Westcrest Park commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day.
Jones, the host of Tuesday night’s event, leads R2ISE, a Georgia-based organization that explores recovery through art.
She opened by proclaiming the night “a space and a place to remember,” a night about “those who didn’t make it” as well as “those who are out there trying to make it back home.” Here’s our full video of what happened onstage for more than an hour:
Here’s why this is a matter of life and death:
The alert is from Seattle Public Utilities: Starting next week (probably on Wednesday) and continuing for up to two weeks, a section of 44th SW will be closed north of SW College while crews fix a broken sewer mainline. The notice explains that the problem “was discovered by a private side-sewer contractor who notified the City of Seattle.” Crews will work Tuesdays through Fridays, 7:30 am-4 pm; sewer services is not expected to be disrupted during the work. Here’s the full notice.
Gatewood Elementary was vandalized overnight with what the principal described in email to families as “horrific racially-charged graffiti.” Principal Kyna Hogg wrote that, before students arrived for the day, “Our team took immediate action and covered the graffiti (until it can be permanently removed), we called 911, and informed the SPS Safety and Security team.”
(Added: WSB photo, part of the area where vandalism was covered up)
District spokesperson Tim Robinson tells WSB the work order for permanent removal is already in and work should happen soon. Gatewood has been hit with racist crime before; we reported earlier this year on the fourth theft of a Black Lives Matter banner from the school fence, The racists won’t win, Hogg assured families: “I believe it is important to continue to emphasize that Black Lives Matter at Gatewood Elementary School and throughout Seattle Public Schools.”
Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
STOLEN BICYCLE: Via email – the theft was discovered at 5:30 am today:
Stolen from Fauntleroy Way SW across from Fairmount Park Elementary. Please be on the lookout for a mountain bike “Ultra TreK,” mostly silver and blue with brand-new BMX tires and just metal handlebars. The seat is original and has a piece ripped out; it is yellow foam.
FOUND FIGURINES: Sent by Lisa:
I found this in front of my house and I’m assuming it’s been dumped? Looks brand new; happy to get it back to its owner. Call of Duty Ghosts toy figurines.
If it’s yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.
BURGLARY ARREST: Police report arresting a suspected burglar Wednesday after a break-in in the 1000 block of California Lane SW (west of Hamilton Viewpoint Park). They answered a 911 call around 5:30 pm about someone running through back yards; before they detained the suspect, a home had been broken into. The suspect was booked into jail for investigation of burglary as well as a warrant.
Several readers have asked about a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and boat appearing to have been searching off West Seattle’s west-facing shore in the past few hours. We just checked with USCG Public Affairs. They explain they were called in because of an unoccupied “dinghy” – they found it and via a cell phone in it, traced its owner to Manchester (near the Southworth ferry dock). The owner said that the dinghy had gotten loose; it’s since been returned to its owner.
(WSB photo from August tour atop the West Seattle Bridge)
Last time the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force met (WSB coverage here), and in other meetings, there’s been recurring discussion about ways SDOT could communicate what’s been going on in the past year and a half since the bridge closed. One suggestion was a video recap. SDOT produced one and has just made it public.
There’s no new information in the 5-minute video, but that wasn’t the point – SDOT says the video is meant to help people:
*Learn more about the West Seattle Bridge closure
*See how SDOT is responding in partnership with community members
*Learn what you can do to help reduce congestion and impacts on your neighbors
It’s viewable with subtitles in English, Spanish, Somali, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Khmer, Oromo, and Vietnamese. Speaking of which, SDOT’s announcement about the video also notes:
SDOT has also recently implemented a new phone system that offers in-language messaging options so you can speak to someone in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Somali, Khmer, or Oromo – in addition to English – about the West Seattle Bridge? Call 206-400-7511 to use the new phone service, and someone who speaks your language will then call you back to talk about the bridge.
There was a big, though brief, emergency response around 8:30 am at 42nd/Oregon in The Junction. It was all over by the time we got there but we followed up with Seattle Fire and just received the information – so, for those who were wondering: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tingley says, “This was reported as an approximately 21-year-old female who fell from a balcony 10-feet. She was transported via AMR in stable condition to the hospital.” Witnesses say the ground-floor awning at the AJ Apartments broke her fall.
King County has just expanded its mask order – starting next Tuesday, face coverings will be required at large outdoor events too. From the announcement:
As new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge, King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin has issued a Local Health Officer Order requiring masks at any outdoor event with 500 or more people in attendance. This requirement applies to all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, 5 years of age and older. The Order strongly recommends that masks be worn in all other outdoor settings where people cannot remain six feet apart from non-household members.
Read the full Local Health Officer Order here. This is in addition to the ongoing requirement for indoor masking (both countywide and state orders were issued on that).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
AQUATIC SCHEDULE: Just confirmed that wading pools and sprayparks will be open today, so that means Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am to 8 pm and Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm. Colman Pool, also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm.
PICKUP ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Join the Thursday night West Seattle Ultimate Frisbee pickup games, 6 pm, Fairmount Playfield (5400 Fauntleroy Way SW).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games invites you in to play, 6:30 pm-10 pm on Thursdays. (3727 California SW)
LUMENAWESOME: Last chance to see this walk-through art display/experience, 7-10 pm, as explained here and covered here. All welcome. Free. (3426 59th SW)
BINGO NIGHT: Play bingo at Admral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
LIVE MUSIC: First Thursday means Battlestar Kalakala at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), featuring members of West Seattle Soul, doors at 8, music at 9, $10 cover, 21+.
Got something for the calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:03 AM: Good morning! Our gentle warming trend might continue today.
BACK TO SCHOOL
The biggest back-to-school week continues. It’s the first day for Highline Public Schools immediately south of West Seattle; it’s the second day for Seattle Public Schools. Reminder that school buses, school-zone flashing beacons, and speed cameras are all in operation now.
ROAD WORK
Spokane Street Viaduct – The “deck scan” is scheduled to continue today, 8 am-5 pm, with lane reductions and rolling slowdowns.
26th SW & beyond – Northbound 26th SW closure continues between Roxbury and Barton.
Delridge project – Most of the current work involves curbs, sidewalks, and landscaping.
TRANSIT
Buses are on regular schedules – except for the rerouting in RapidRise H Line work zones. Lots of trip cancellations Wednesday, so watch @kcmetrobus for word of those.
For ferries and water taxis, regular schedule – but note that the West Seattle Water Taxi will be on a reduced schedule Monday. Watch @wsferries for updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
528th 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 – No camera for a few weeks (explained here)
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.
One month after Junction Hot Yoga announced it would reopen the 4747 California SW studio under new owners, the grand-opening weekend is days away. Here’s the plan:
Yes, the world needs more yoga, and Junction Hot Yoga at 4747 California Ave. is opening its doors Saturday, Sept. 4. Here’s a look!
The beautifully remodeled studio will be hosting an open house and complimentary yoga Sept. 4-5.
Pre registration for these and all classes is highly recommended.
The studio will open with limited capacity so people can social distance. Proof of vaccination status and picture ID are required.
To learn more, register for classes, and purchase Grand Opening Packages (available for purchase thru Sept. 30) www.junctionhotyoga.com.On Saturday, the studio will have a 9:30 a.m. Ghosh Lineage 26 class. After that, an open house until 5 p.m. On Sunday, they will have a Ghosh Lineage Flow class, an open house from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and a 4:30 p.m. Fusion class and 6 p.m. Yin Yoga class.
The studio that formerly occupied the space closed one year ago.
Until 10 pm, James Stipes is hosting the first of two nights of LumenAwesome at his Alki home, as previewed here earlier this week. It”s part of Art Compass Northwest, a consortium of artists marking what would usually be the “Burning Man” week by bringing art experiences to their neighborhoods.
Among the participating artists, Ron Smith of OctoEyes:
LumenAwesome is open to all ages, masked, no admission charge. The address is in our calendar listing. Note that much of this incorporates flame/light, as the name LumenAwesome suggests, so it’s likely to look even more impressive than it did during our daylight visit in the early going!
ADDED THURSDAY: Thanks to Ron for sending this photo of how the tree looked after dark:
6:15 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Transient orcas are reported in Elliott Bay, close to the Alki shore, headed westbound (and out of the bay). Let us know if you see them!
7:26 PM: Added photos sent by David Hutchinson from the whales’ pass by Constellation Park.
The King County Fire Chiefs Association announced today that the Stage 2 burn ban has beeb lifted. The announcement explains, “Recent precipitation and cooler weather have allowed wildland fuels to recover moisture, and the local wildland fire danger has reduced to a level where it is safe to resume small recreational fires.” The biggest effect of this in our area means the Alki Beach fire pits are open again; Seattle Parks lists their hours as 4 pm-9:30 pm daily. The Stage 2 burn ban had been in effect since August 13th.
4:07 PM: Michelle says this happened at 1:30 pm today:
Truck stolen from Arbor Heights – (9800 block) 37th Ave SW – from inside our locked gate. It’s a 2001 F350 Ford truck, white. License C82519W
Call 911 if you see it.
5;46 PM: Same goes for this stolen car – the report is from Emily:
Our car was stolen early this morning. It is a red 1990 Miata. It was stolen at 4:53 AM; the person walked north on 46th Ave SW on the west side of the street between Hill and Holgate, walked right to our car and took it within 30 seconds. In North Admiral. License Plate is BZE4444
| 16 COMMENTS