West Seattle, Washington
05 Thursday
The report and photos were sent by community naturalist Kersti Muul:
At 1:26 PM, I received a call from concerned West Seattleite ‘Lee The Gardener’ regarding a ‘hawk’ that didn’t look well. It was grounded on the parking strip next to Lowman Beach.
Luckily I was able to respond quickly; was on scene within 10 minutes. Quite a little crowd had gathered around this beautiful bird. Initially it was standing with one leg up, which could be thermoregulating, or it could be an injury. I assessed the situation and captured the bird quickly.
It was very alert, but not as reactive as it should be, and not flighted. It later put weight on the leg that was previously up.
My first thoughts were, that it was one of our local Merlin pair, however after looking at the size and markings (malar stripes, etc.) I determined it to be a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. The fastest animal and bird on our planet! Quite a humbling feeling to be of assistance to such a rockstar bird.
I transported the falcon to PAWS and hope it recovers quickly.
Photos by me and Trileigh Tucker, who happened to be at Lowman looking at other birds!
Two reports tonight:
ASSAULT ARREST: We got a question about police and medics near 13th/Holden very early this morning, and a short police-report summary has the answer: At 3:42 am, officers were called for “an assault and theft” in the 1200 block of SW Holden. “While attempting to arrest the suspect, he kicked an officer in the jaw and shoulder,” the report says, adding that the suspect was taken into custody “after a struggle” and eventually booked for third-degree assault. We’ve requested more info about the case from police.
APPARENTLY ABANDONED CAR: With auto theft still at a high rate, we’re hearing about more sightings of what appear to be abandoned vehicles. Here’s one that’s been in a Seaview neighborhood for more than a month, according to Bill, who sent the photo as one last attempt to find its owner before calling it in:
The car also carries a 2008 parking sticker from Los Rios Community College in Sacramento, California.
West Seattle hasn’t had a summer outdoor-movie series since 2018 – it wasn’t a pandemic casualty; it went on hiatus for lack of a sponsor. But this year, it’s coming back. The West Seattle Junction Association has announced plans for five Saturday night outdoor movies this summer. Right now, WSJA is inviting you to vote for three movies from this list of 18 possibilities. The movie nights are set for July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20. Stand by for details including location – past sites, during the previous 14 summers of the movie series, were the Hotwire Coffee courtyard and West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) parking lot.
The development site at Harbor/Avalon is being cleared, as work begins for the six-story, 114-unit building that’s been in the works for three years.
(Rendering by Atelier Drome Architecture)
This project now goes by the address 3405 Harbor Avenue SW (previously 3417) and is being developed by Housing Diversity Corporation with West Seattle-headquartered STS Construction (WSB sponsor) and Atelier Drome Architecture. HDC announced today that it’s closed a $25.7 million loan to finance the 3405 Harbor project, which is described as “91 attainably priced market-rate units as well as 23 rent-restricted units through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program.” HDC, STS, and Atelier Drome are collaborating on a half-dozen other West Seattle projects, as noted on the HDC website, all projects we’ve been covering – 214 apartments at 1704 SW Roxbury, 96 apartments at 4448 California SW, 76 apartments at 9201 Delridge Way SW, 48 apartments at 6007 California SW. 39 townhouses at 2501 SW Orchard, and 24 apartments at 9038 21st SW.
Back to 3405 Harbor – documents in city files indicate the construction should last just over a year and a half, and that the Mandatory Housing Affordability fee paid for this project was just under a million dollars.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo with word that the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol had arrived on Alki. We were out photographing something else at the time and went right over to see if we could catch up with them; saw the empty truck and trailer, but couldn’t find the horses/officers. They’re often out for training/acclimation rides this time of year; the unit is based in West Seattle, on the west side of Westcrest Park. Citywide media reported that the unit got two new horses last fall.
Today we welcome Sky Printing (4151 Fauntleroy Way SW) as a new member of the WSB sponsor team. We offer new sponsors the opportunity to let you know what they do – so here’s what Sky Printing wants you to know:
Sky Printing has been a part of the West Seattle community for over a decade. We are a family-owned small business, and we strive to uplift the community while offering unique services such as business cards, architectural prints, silk screening, graphic design, simple black and white or color copies, and much, much more!
We have a collaborative relationship with our customers. We work one-on-one with every customer and they leave feeling cared-for and respected. Our turnaround times are faster than any other printer in the city, and our dedication to our work and community is unparalleled!
We’ve updated our shop page to be as simple, fast, and intuitive as possible. We’ve made local/curbside pickup available for contactless delivery. We are now also shipping via USPS anywhere in the country!
Sky Printing also designs websites. We can help you build out your e-commerce platform and make your products shine. We can create a professional presence for your business on the internet. We can help you gather clients with email marketing and basic search-engine optimization. And we offer all this with your budget in mind. Make an appointment with our design team today for your free consultation.
Contact Sky Printing by email at print@skyprinting.net or by phone at 206-933-5900.
We thank Sky Printing for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Maybe you’ve noticed the new, roughed-in lane markings on 16th SW near SW Austin and SW Holden [map]; Jimmy did, and emailed us about it:
We just drove south on 16th to go to the 1st Ave Bridge and when you drive up to 16th and Austin (intersection right before left turn to Holden) noticed some new lane markings in the southbound lanes. This divides up the road right before the light with the left side going straight and the right side right turn only. Previously everyone had been lane-splitting there anyway and used the right side for going straight as well, as to continue south on 16th, as the left-turn line onto Holden is almost always backed up. Additionally, on 16th just south of Austin there are white lane markings to indicate no one should be in the right side there.
We asked SDOT about it; here’s the explanation:
We do have a traffic improvement scheduled for that location. The layout marks were put down on Friday in advance of the permanent paint line striping.
The reason for this intersection project is to simplify the operations for SB traffic and address some complaints that we’ve received about drivers changing lanes just south of the 16th and Austin intersection. Southbound drivers trying to get around the tail end of the southbound left turn queue to Holden inadvertently change lanes. They change lanes without awareness that there is a second SB lane that they are cutting off.
No date set yet for the permanent restriping – it’s weather-dependent.
The photo and report are from Rose:
I found this at my house at 22nd SW & Charlestown SW (near the bridge). The front wheel is off kilter.
If it might be yours, email us and we’ll connect you.
(Lincoln Park, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight as we start the month that will bring the start of Daylight Saving Time and spring:
MARDI GRAS #1: Here’s where to celebrate in West Seattle with food and/or beverages today/tonight.
CITY COUNCIL: Their weekly meeting is at 2 pm, online, with items including another delay in the heating-oil tax. The agenda explains how to comment; Seattle Channel is where to watch.
DEMONSTRATION FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, Scott leads the weekly demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
CHAT WITH YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER: If you’re not watching the State of the Union at 6 pm – or maybe even if you are (multitasking!) – you can join a live online “town hall” with our area’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. Go here to get the participation link/number.
TAE KWON DO: Also at 6 pm – first class of the month is tonight:
The West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is offering in-person classes at High Point Community Center in March. Adults (18 and older) can sign up to learn Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art known for its fast sparring techniques, dynamic forms, and strong kicks. Classes cost only $40/month and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:30 pm and Saturdays 9:30-11:30 am. The first class for March is on Tuesday, March 1 from 6:00-7:30 pm. We will be wearing face masks and will be appropriately distanced for safety. New students can join at any time and beginners are definitely welcome! Check out our website at westseattle.choitkd.org, email westseattletkd@gmail.com for questions, or call 206-684-7422 for registration information.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: And one more 6 pm opportunity – Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.
MARDI GRAS #2: It’s the theme for tonight’s online meeting of West Seattle Toastmasters 832 – see the (fun) agenda here. To get the participation link, email wstoastmasters832@gmail.com.
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!
Another local school invites you to support them via a dine-out fundraiser. This Thursday (March 3), between 4 pm and 9 pm, part of the proceeds at Proletariat Pizza (9622 16th SW, White Center) will support Friends of Roxhill Elementary, if you mention that you’re supporting the school. You can dine in or get take-out or delivery. You can even order online, or by phone (206-432-9765). The Proletariat menu included vegan and gluten-free options too.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 1st.
WEATHER
After Monday’s rain set a record (almost 2 1/2 inches), the forecast for today is a bit less rainy.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES TODAY
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.
Water Taxi‘s on its regular schedule.
Ferries: WSF continues the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
707th 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.)
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 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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