month : 01/2022 300 results

We continue to spotlight school fundraisers, and the next one is coming up Sunday – with a pre-ordering option too. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

We are inviting the community to join the Genesee Hill Elementary Dine-Out fundraiser hosted by Lady Jaye this January 23 from 2 to 7:30 pm. If you are interested in a $50 Take and Bake special serving 4, order here by Friday, January 21 at 5 pm. If you’d rather be in person, reserve a table on the heated patio or indoors before it’s too late!

Online ordering/reservations are strongly recommended. 20% of all sales on this day will go to Genesee Hill. This includes takeout, dine-in, gift cards, drinks, the Take and Bake special, and even a one-of-a-kind Genesee Hill special to-go cocktail!

Lady Jaye is at 4523 California SW in The Junction.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Thursday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Rainy, breezy forecast today, high in the low 50a.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on their regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

667th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

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 roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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GIVING: 3 South Seattle College students get tools for success via Rotary scholarship

January 19, 2022 10:34 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo)

A cause for celebration today at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – three Automotive Technology students received tools and toolboxes courtesy of the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Earl Cruzen Endowed Scholarship. From left above are recipient Adonai Habte, Rotary president Alan Mitchell, instructor Doug Clapper, recipient Yaphet Solomon, Rotary’s Mark Ward, and recipient Jimmy Saeteurn. The recipients of this new scholarship are in the final quarter of a two-year program and will carry the tools with them into their new careers – Habte is already working in the automotive field, Solomon just got an internship with Tesla, and Saeteurn is job-hunting. The scholarship’s namesake was a West Seattle community champion – known for among other things the Junction murals – and auto-parts entrepreneur, longtime owner of Cruzen Distributing. If you or someone you know is in the Automotive Technology program, watch for the announcement of applications for this scholarship next August.

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From the ‘dumped/likely stolen’ file: 2 abandoned bicycles

January 19, 2022 9:33 pm

| Comments Off on From the ‘dumped/likely stolen’ file: 2 abandoned bicycles

| Crime | West Seattle news

Recognize either of these?

WESTWOOD: Abandoned next to V‘s home:

FAUNTLEROY: Dumped in the driveway at M‘s home:

If either of these might be yours, email us and we’ll connect you to the finder:

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Helicopter search after driver crashes stolen pickup truck

January 19, 2022 6:41 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips. Our photo above shows a crashed stolen pickup truck that’s related to the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter search that’s been under way over 26th SW south of Roxbury. Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Kennamer told us at the scene that KCSO got word from Seattle Police that the stolen pickup was headed their way. Its driver crashed near 26th/100th and took off running. They’ve been searching with the helicopter and two K-9 teams but haven’t found the driver yet.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit publishes Draft Environmental Impact Statement earlier than expected

January 19, 2022 4:18 pm

| 114 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

4:18 PM: Though Sound Transit had announced the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the West Seattle and Ballard extensions would go public on January 28th – it’s out now. Its many chapters are linked here. We found it on the ST website after a tip that it was out, and have barely begun looking at it, but wanted to let you know, for starters. If you need a refresher, here’s what this phase of the process is all about – including public comments.

(Rendering of potential guideway near Delridge station’s Dakota Street option)

4:58 PM: If you want to skip ahead to the visuals, go to this section, the Visual and Aesthetics Technical Report. Renderings for the options start on page 106. If you haven’t been paying much attention until now, note that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement does not propose any new routing or stations – it just analyzes the potential impacts of all the ones the board agreed a few years back should be studied.

6:54 PM: The overview is, as you might guess, in the Executive Summary. This includes tables listing the major impacts of each option, including how many residences and businesses would potentially be displaced. For example, along the Delridge alternatives, the Dakota Street North Lower alternative is projected to displace the most residences, almost 200. Of the Junction alternatives, the Fauntleroy Way station alternative is projected to displace the most residences, 435. The 41st/42nd elevated Junction alternative would also take out both the Trader Joe’s and Safeway stores, ST projects.

One more note – though the DEIS is out early, the official public-comment period still doesn’t start until January 28th, ST spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham tells WSB. She says the early release was mandated as part of the process to get a notice published in the Federal Register.

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UPDATE: One Blue Angels jet here today

January 19, 2022 1:57 pm

| 39 COMMENTS

| Blue Angels | West Seattle news

1:57 PM: Thanks for the tips. Took us a while to confirm, but yes, a Blue Angels jet (#7) is due in at Boeing Field any time now for the Seafair winter logistics meetings. The Museum of Flight is hosting as always. The full team is scheduled to perform during Seafair’s biggest weekend, August 5-7.

2:49 PM: From the Museum of Flight via Twitter:

They’re here! pic.twitter.com/mhJicVDnAU

— The Museum of Flight (@museumofflight) January 19, 2022

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YOU CAN HELP: Here’s how to ensure West Seattle’s only emergency cold-weather shelter is ready for the next time it’s needed

January 19, 2022 1:12 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, December)

During our recent run of snowy/freezing weather, we reported multiple times on the only emergency cold-weather shelter in West Seattle, not operated by the city, not operated by a homelessness nonprofit, but instead operated by Keith Hughes, commander of American Legion Post 160 and manager of the co-housed West Seattle Veterans Center. The shelter is closed for now, as reported here, but winter has two more months to go and it’ll likely need to open again. So what can you do to be sure it’s ready? Here’s a new webpage set up by supporter Tomasz Biernacki with the backstory and two ways to help, as follows;

Now in his 4th winter of giving care to those struggling in the cold, Keith needs our help. He’s in his 70s and is exhausted. In addition to the folks he is serving, he’s been remodeling the building to meet code requirements for the kitchen and bathrooms, often dipping into his own 401K. To meet the growing need, he needs us now. He needs volunteers and funds.

If you can help with either or both, please do. Keith is a doer, but he can only do so much.

If you want to get involved, please email pecharalala@gmail.com. There is lots to do so please let us know time availability and what you would like to offer in terms of labor and services. Tomasz will get back to each person to pre-screen them for Keith.

If you would like to donate funds, you can do so here – https://gofund.me/1daf9797. We are hoping to raise $6,000 to help cover utility bills. Contributions are tax-deductible, as the West Seattle Veterans Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

The city committed to cover what it would otherwise charge the center for December’s bills, but that’s just a fraction of the building’s costs.

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BIZNOTE: Delridge chef is serving up lunch/dinner Thursday to help realize his dream

January 19, 2022 11:50 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The gas station/mini-mart at 5441 Delridge Way SW is where you can get lunch/dinner tomorrow (Thursday, January 20th) and help a chef get closer to making his dream come true. Gino Williamson runs The Home Skillit, catering and selling dinner, from a local commissary kitchen but is working toward his own restaurant – Gigi’s Café, named after his daughter Gianna. To raise money for expenses including renovations and rent, he plans a “community feed” 2-7 pm Thursday. He says he’s been giving to the community, donating meals to people in need (as noted on his flyer for this event and his website), and now he needs a boost.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Shooting victim shows up at hospital

January 19, 2022 10:38 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

From SPD Blotter, word that someone was shot in Highland Park last night. Usually a large SFD response follows shootings and that’s how we find out, but in this case, the victim showed up at a hospital, driven there by a friend, and police pieced together what happened. From their post:

Around 2 AM, the victim was reportedly standing near 8th Avenue SW and SW Cloverdale Street when he became involved in a brief altercation with two people.

The victim later got into his car and saw the suspects drive past him and open fire, striking the victim in the leg. …

Detectives are investigating. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

For real-time 911 log watchers, the “scenes of violence” response for this is logged to the address for the VA Hospital on Beacon Hill – that’s where the victim was taken by his friend, and SFD then transferred him to Harborview.

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Parenting advice, community involvement, running safety, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

January 19, 2022 9:04 am

| Comments Off on Parenting advice, community involvement, running safety, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Today’s sunrise colors, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here are highlights of what’s happening in the hours ahead:

LAST CHANCE TO DONATE: The Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor)/Mode Music and Performing Arts winter drive to collect food, clothing, and more concludes today. Drop off donations at the front desk, 3805 Delridge Way SW.

STATE PANDEMIC BRIEFING: 10 am, state health officials brief news media on the pandemic response. You can watch the livestream by going here.

VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS: 4-6 pm one-day walk-in clinic at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), as previewed here. All Seattle Public Schools students are welcome.

NEW COVID-TESTING SITE: Also at Denny, with info in the same preview, a new 4-8 pm weekday walk-in testing site – for all SPS students, families, and staff – is now open.

(added) LADY JAYE REOPENS: After a post-holiday closure, the restaurant/bar at 4523 California SW reopens today. New: “We are kicking off a new Happy Hour every day from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm that features our Smoked Wagyu Chopped Cheese sandwich, ½ off all our sides, Seasonal Moscow Mule (Apple infused vodka), $9 Beer & Shot special with Evan Williams Bourbon and a Tall Boy of Rainier, and $12 Specialty Cocktails.”

PREVENT RUNNING INJURIES: 6:15 pm, free clinic at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor).

‘PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC’: 7 pm online, parenting educator Jen Giomi‘s presentation to the West Seattle High School PTSA is open to all. Our preview has info on how to attend.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm online, MoCA’s quarterly community meeting has a variety of matters on the agenda – see it, and get connection information, in our calendar listing.

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: 7 pm online, it’s the third “town hall” to brainstorm HPIC’s post-fire rebuilding plan. You’re welcome even if you missed the first two – HPIC is welcoming community guidance on how its repaired/rebuilt HQ can best be of service. Here’s how to attend.

MORE … on our calendar! If you have something to add for a future date, westseattleblog@gmail.com … thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday watch

January 19, 2022 6:02 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Cloudy forecast today, some rain expected, high near 50.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are back to their regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

666th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

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 roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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FOLLOWUP: Lowman Beach Park night work continues

January 18, 2022 10:19 pm

| Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Lowman Beach Park night work continues

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Mike Munson for the photo of a delivery today at Lowman Beach Park. His photo and an area resident’s report of bright lights overnight last night are reminders that night work on the shore-restoration project continues, as previewed in a Seattle Parks announcement two weeks ago. We asked Parks today what’s happening now; spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied, “The night work started last week. The Contractor was working on shoring and preparation around the area for the new precast seawall. This week, a few more night shifts will occur to set precast wall and cap in place.” They’re working during late-night low-low tides. If anyone in the area has questions about the night work, she said, they can email lowmanbeach@seattle.gov.

P.S. A brief update on the project is also planned during Wednesday night’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, 7 pm online – viewing/participation info is in our calendar listing.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search for carjackers (update: car found)

January 18, 2022 9:04 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: Police are currently on the lookout for a gold 2014 Nissan Murano, plates BKY3697, reported as stolen in a carjacking from the Lighthouse Apartments at 7901 Delridge Way SW. Officers have told dispatch that the victim described the two carjackers as female, white or Hispanic, in their 20s, one with light hair and a hoodie, one with dark hair, both in blue jeans. A gun was implied but not seen, they say. If you see this (or any other reported) stolen car, call 911.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Just got word that the car was recovered in Kent, possibly linked to other robberies. We’re checking to see if we can find out more.

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PANDEMIC UPDATES: Local check-in #27, 1/18/2022

January 18, 2022 8:07 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

One more COVID-19 update tonight – our one-day-delayed weekly look at countywide and West Seattle numbers from Public Health-Seattle & King County, which did not update on the holiday:

KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through today):

*288,808 cases – 40,033 more than our last check 8 days ago (10,841 total in West Seattle, up 1,596)
*10,274 hospitalizations – 524 more than eight days ago (292 total from West Seattle, up 15)
*2,246 people have died – 50 more than the previous update (80 total in West Seattle, up 3)

TREND

The West Seattle case total averages out to just under 200 per day, compared to 190 per day in last week’s update

VACCINATION RATE

82.8% of King County residents 5+ have completed their vaccine series – up .4% from one week ago.

By West Seattle zip code – note that these numbers are still NOT available as 5+, so they reflect the percentage of 12+ population:
98106 – 88.9% completed series (52.1% of them have been boosted)
98116 – 92% completed series (64.7% of them have been boosted)
98126 – 83.7% completed series (60% of them have been boosted)
98136 – 93.5% completed series (67.9% of them have been boosted)
98146 – 84% completed series (48.6% of them have been boosted)

(Find more COVID-related King County stats here.)

GETTING TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE

-The city-sponsored, UW Medicine-run West Seattle testing site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is limiting testing to symptomatic/exposed people. Appointments can be made here (if you find an opening).

–Curative continues operating two West Seattle testing locations – at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) and at Summit Atlas School (9601 35th SW)

GETTING VACCINATED IN WEST SEATTLE

The city-run vaccination hub at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) continues Friday and Saturday operations; here‘s where to look for an appointment. Pliable‘s Sunday clinics (same location) are on hiatus until January 30th. Pop-up clinics continue, including one for Seattle Public Schools students tomorrow at Denny IMS.

P.S. If you missed it, SPS published its weekly case-numbers update Monday despite the holiday, so we had the local breakouts last night.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Roxbury arrest; supermarket incidents

January 18, 2022 6:13 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ROXBURY INCIDENT: This response is unfolding right now – it started with a report of an “aggressive man in the street,” then as police responded, the man is reported to have gone inside the gas-station mini-mart at 30th/Roxbury and started breaking glass and throwing things. Officers told dispatch they deployed a Taser and have the suspect in custody; we confirmed that on scene:

Medics were called to check out the suspect. This is King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction and they were reported to be on the way. (ADDED 9:31 PM) We’re not likely to get additional information until tomorrow, but we do have a short video clip from Ted Huetter, who was at the nearby stoplight when he noticed the police response:

ADDED WEDNESDAY: SPD’s preliminary summary adds details:

Officers responded to a 911 hazard call regarding a subject lying in the roadway in the 2100 block of SW Roxbury St. Officers arrived and located the subject walking in the roadway in the 3400 block of SW Roxbury St. Officers attempted to persuade the subject out of the roadway, but he refused. While officers waited for additional units to arrive for an emergent detention, the subject ran in the road several blocks before entering a nearby gas station, located in the 2800 block SW Roxbury St. The subject proceeded to damage and/or throw most items in the store, shatter a window, and threw items at officers. One officer was struck by flying glass but uninjured. The subject eventually exited the store and a taser was deployed … The subject was taken into custody and Seattle Fire was requested for his injuries. The subject was transported to Harborview Medical Center via SFD, and a hospital guard was established until the subject could be booked into King County Jail for investigation of Malicious Mischief and Assault 3. The amount of loss suffered by the gas station was undetermined due to the extent of the damage.

Also in Crime Watch, the next two incidents both happened Saturday at Admiral Safeway, according to police summaries:

SHOPLIFT TURNED ROBBERY: This was reported at 8:45 am – a man was “placing items inside his cart, backpack, and duffel bag.” The store manager, the summary continues, “approached the suspect and offered to assist the suspect with checking out all the items he was concealing. The suspect became agitated and pulled out a hypodermic needle, and aggressively held the needle in his hand as a weapon. The manager placed a shopping cart between him and the suspect. The suspect walked out of the store with the stolen items inside his backpack and duffel bag.” Police searched but did not find him; the summary does not include a description.

ARMED MAN THREATENS CUSTOMERS: This was reported at 11:22 pm, and it did result in an arrest. The summary says “multiple 911 calls” reported a man “armed with an axe and knife, threatening customers.” No injuries were reported. Police found the man hiding in a stairwell. He was booked into jail for investigation of felony harassment.

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CORONAVIRUS: Denny IMS hosting one-day vaccination clinic, ongoing afterschool testing

January 18, 2022 4:13 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A two-part announcement from Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon):

VACCINATION CLINIC TOMORROW: 4-6 pm Wednesday (January 19th), Seattle Public Schools students who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations can get them at a one-day walk-in clinic at Denny. Here’s the flyer.

AFTERSCHOOL TESTING: Starting tomorrow, an afterschool testing site will be set up weekdays at Denny, 4-8 pm, open to all SPS students, families, and staff. This too is walk-in, but you can register in advance here (or use the QR code on the flyer).

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CORONAVIRUS: Feds’ free-tests website now taking orders; state’s price-gouging alert

January 18, 2022 1:47 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Two notes today about home tests for COVID-19:

ONLINE ORDERING BEGINS FOR FREE TESTS: The federal government wasn’t expected to launch this until tomorrow but it’s up now. You can go here and order up to four home COVID tests per household to be mailed to you. Wondering what kind of tests? From the website:

The tests available for order:

-Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
-Can be taken anywhere
-Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
-Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms
-Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines
-Are also referred to self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests

The tests will take at least a week to arrive, the site says.

IF YOU’RE BUYING HOME TESTS … the state Attorney General’s Office has a warning for you about price-gouging. The office says it’s been receiving complaints including online ads offering tests for more than triple their retail price. You can file a price-gouging complaint about this or anything else by going here.

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RAPIDRIDE H LINE: Station sighting

January 18, 2022 11:48 am

| 14 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Joseph for the photo. The familiar red-highlighted RapidRide station framework is appearing on Delridge Way, eight months before the scheduled conversion of Metro Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line. This work is under way on southbound Delridge just south of SW Andover. As shown on the map of the West Seattle section of the H Line, this will be the northernmost station:

The H Line is currently scheduled to launch with Metro’s September service change

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5 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday

January 18, 2022 9:49 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent Lincoln Park sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

KING CONSERVATION DISTRICT ELECTION: Voting begins in a unique countywide election, for one of the supervisor positions of the King Conservation District. You can vote online – go here for information on how to do that and who’s running.

DEMONSTRATION: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, organizer Scott leads the longrunning signwaving demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have one.

TOASTMASTERS 832: All welcome at the weekly online meeting, 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing has information on how to participate.

TRIVIA X 2: Two venues to play tonight – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned February 5 for Gary W. Wofford, 1939-2021

January 18, 2022 9:00 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather February 5th to celebrate the life of Gary Wofford. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Gary W. Wofford, age 82, passed away on Nov. 3, 2021, at St Clare Hospital, Lakewood, Washington, from Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was surrounded by his family.

Gary was born to George Wofford and Helen (Johnson) Frederickson of Bremerton and grew up in Poulsbo. He graduated from North Kitsap High School, class of 1957. He was very active in sports and school activities.

Gary married Ellen (Waali) Wofford in 1958. They were married for 62 years. They lived in West Seattle for 36 years before moving to the Lake Tapps / Enumclaw area.

When Gary resided in West Seattle, he coached football for The West Seattle Boys Club and West Seattle Jr. Football from 1959-1976. We know he impacted many young men’s lives and won several City Championships along the way! He also worked on the “Chain Gang” for the University of Washington football program for several years.

In his earlier years, he worked for Boeing, Sid Eland Distributors, and North Coast Electric. After moving to the Lake Tapps area, he had three restaurants in Bonney Lake and Enumclaw: Pard’s Place (Enumclaw), Midtown Grill (Bonney Lake), and 23 years as proprietor of BLT Sports Bar and Grill, 1997-2020 (Bonney Lake).

He was very supportive to the local community programs, charities, several youth programs, and the Veterans Home, located in Orting. He was active with WIAA High School Basketball by hosting teams in state tournaments at the Tacoma Dome for several years and supported many High School athletic programs. He also provided holiday meals for families in Enumclaw and Bonney Lake communities.

He is survived by his wife Ellen and their three children: Jana Decker (Joe Fox), Connie Bray, and Brent Wofford, and grandchildren Travis Decker (Lindsey), Kyle Bray (Willa Rector), Jennie Roush (Brandon), Brooke Coyle (Frank Tanner), Taylor Wofford, Devin Wofford, Domi Wolmer (Chris), and JJ Fox. Gary also is survived by 11 great-grandchildren and his brother Richard Wofford (Cathy).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of these organizations:

Bonney Lake Food Bank: PO Box 7521, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
Enumclaw Food Bank: PO Box 827, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Or any Youth Organization of your choice.

A private burial was held Nov. 9, 2021, at the Enumclaw Cemetery, Enumclaw. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 5th at the Eagles in Buckley from 1-4 PM.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday notes

January 18, 2022 6:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Showery forecast today, with a high in the upper 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are back to their regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

665th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

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 roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

January 17, 2022 11:59 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

11:59 PM: Police are investigating gunfire near 47th/Charlestown. They’ve just told dispatch that they’ve found “a couple of shell casings.” No reports of any injuries, though. This happened in an area where gunfire has been investigated before, including twice in one week last October. According to what officers have told dispatchers, they’ve gotten various descriptions of possible vehicles involved – no description of the armed person(s) so far.

ADDED 3:43 PM TUESDAY: We’ve requested the full-report narrative but haven’t received it yet. Here’s the preliminary summary made public by SPD:

Neighbors in the 4700 block of SW Charlestown called to report shots fired from a vehicle after a loud argument. When officers arrived, they located evidence of a shooting in front of an apartment building in the area. A female in the building was contacted who reported a burglary and hinted that her boyfriend may have fired his weapon while confronting the suspects who were driving a Gold or Silver Subaru Forester with tinted windows. However, her story changed repeatedly, she admitted lying initially to officers, and her boyfriend had fled the scene in a White BMW prior to officers’ arrival.

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