West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
9:51 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police and fire have Fauntleroy Way closed both ways at SW Graham. SFD has a low-level medical call logged for that area but we’re trying to find out what the police component is about. Avoid the area.
10 PM: So far what we’re learning is that it’s apparently a person-in-crisis situation involving a bleeding person, possibly from self-inflicted injuries, who was out in the street. Police have just checked inside a nearby residence that is somehow related to the situation and report it’s “clear.”
10:07 PM: Police have told dispatch that the person will be taken to Harborview via private ambulance, so this should be clearing soon.
10:23 PM: A nearby resident tells us police have just reopened the street both ways.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s SPD’s preliminary summary report:
(At 9:13 pm), officers responded to a disturbance in the 6000 block of Fauntleroy Way SW with a male banging on vehicles as they drove down the road. Additional callers to 911 reported a known male in crisis who was experiencing a “mental break.” As officers arrived in the area, information was relayed that the involved subject was armed with a knife and had possibly stabbed themselves. The subject had been hiding in the bushes until officers were on scene and emerged to confront officers. This subject was covered in blood, still bleeding from numerous wounds, and refused commands to stop approaching officers. Officers engaged the potentially armed subject who was screaming, “Shoot me, I want to die!” and detained him following a Type II Use of Force. EMT-trained officers arrived on scene and provided medical aid to the subject for self-inflicted lacerations until Seattle Fire could arrive.
According to one witness, the “Type II Use of Force” was a Taser.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, 206-461-3222 is a 24-hour hotline.
Two road/roadside-work alerts:
(WSB photo, 45th/Admiral work zone)
45TH/ADMIRAL CROSSING: SDOT continues to work incrementally on the long-promised crossing improvements at 45th SW and SW Admiral Way. Here’s what’s happening this weekend:
On Saturday, we’ll be installing a flashing crosswalk beacon on 45th Ave SW and Admiral Way SW to make it safer for people walking, biking, and rolling to cross the intersection. The flashing crosswalk beacon gives a flashing warning to people driving when someone is in or about to enter a crosswalk. We’ll begin this work as early as 7 AM and expect to conclude by 5 PM.
24TH SW ‘NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM’: This alert is from Seattle Public Utilities, which is planning another round of what used to be called roadside raingardens:
SPU will install natural drainage systems in the roadway shoulder along 24th Ave SW between SW Thistle St and SW Barton St to help improve stormwater drainage, slow down traffic, and remove pollutants from stormwater runoff to improve water quality in Longfellow Creek, a salmon-bearing creek. As part of this project, SPU is partnering with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to install a sidewalk along the west side of 24th Ave SW from SW Thistle St to SW Barton St. Visit the project webpage for more information: seattle.gov/utilities/longfellowNDS.Construction for this project will begin as soon as mid-April and is expected to last through late 2022/early 2023.
Here’s the flyer for the project, which notes that some street trees will be removed; see the design for the project by going here.
We are out visiting some of tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk artist receptions:
Katie Dean is the featured artist at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor; 4540 California SW), open until 8 pm.
(added) At Fogue Gallery (4150 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can meet several of the gallery’s featured artists. This month, we photographed Tom Costantini, whose memorable illustrations you’re sure to have seen:
Fogue is open tonight until 8-ish, Further south, artist Brandi Quinn is at Canna Culture Shop (5435 California SW), sibling shop across the street from Canna West Seattle (WSB sponsor) until 7 pm:
And we talked with artist Pam Hemmerling at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor):
She creates both portraits and abstracts, highly textured, both tactile and visual. Of her portraits, she told us, she likes to include the subjects as they really are, imperfections and all – she also enjoys creating a portrait that reveals something new as you look more closely. Also at Viscon, we talked with proprietor/winemaker Ben Viscon, who recently released a new Merlot, and is expecting to release a new Rose in about a month. His tasting room is open until 9 tonight.
See tonight’s full list of venues and artist receptions here, where you’ll also find links to the featured artists, to find out more about their work.
Exactly one month until the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on Saturday, May 14, 2022! As of this afternoon, 120 sales of all sizes are registered for what we like to think of as one big day of person-to-person recycling. Registration will remain open until at least April 25th, so you still have time to think about it, if you haven’t decided whether to have a sale. (We close signups a few weeks before WSCGSD so we can have the map and guide with all the sale sites/listings available a week in advance.) If and when you’re ready to register, go here! Sale hours are 9 am-3 pm on May 14th; some sales might start earlier and/or end later – that’ll be in their listings.
(WSB photo, last month)
Four weeks ago, we reported on Fire Tacos taking over the restaurant space at 2738 Alki Avenue SW, where No-Name Diner closed earlier this year. We’ve had an inquiry out for more information since then, and heard back today from proprietors Erika and Jorge. They have set Saturday, April 23rd, for their grand opening, noon-8 pm (beyond that, they haven’t finalized hours/days yet). They describe their bricks-and-mortar venture, following success with a Kent-based food truck, as “a taqueria + bar concept” and add, “We are so excited to open up and bring our authentic Mexican Tacos to Alki. Love all the support and positive vibes we’ve received from everyone.”
Got some time to volunteer? Opportunities abound at West Seattle volunteer-led cleanups.
FRIDAY BEACH CLEANUP: Friday, all are welcome at this 10 am-noon beach cleanup (mentioned here previously) organized by wildlife advocates:
Volunteers needed! SR3 (Seattle Response + Rehab + Research) and Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network are hosting a cleanup of Alki Beach at 10:00 am on Friday, April 15, in honor of Earth Day and to celebrate the first anniversary of the SR3 Marine Wildlife Hospital, the SeaLife Rescue Center. Show your love for all of the creatures that depend upon our beaches & learn about the important work being done by SR3 & Seal Sitters.
Please dress for Seattle spring weather and bring appropriate footwear (waterproof is recommended.). In consideration of the environmental impact of single-use bottles, water will not be provided, so please bring whatever water and refreshments you’ll need. GoodDay Donuts will be provided!
Equipment (gloves, hand sanitizer, bags, buckets, grabbers) will be available, but please bring your own if you have them! No need to register- just show up! Meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza, Alki Ave SW at 61st Ave SW. All ages welcome!
We also have two announcements from Erik Bell, who leads cleanups every weekend, and is supporting these two over the next two days:
FRIDAY HIGH POINT CLEANUP: Noon-2 pm Friday, Erik and other volunteers are “helping support the High Point Community Cleanup being organized by Seattle Housing Authority. This is a family-friendly, leisurely clean.” Meet in the parking lot behind Neighborhood House High Point, 6400 Sylvan Way SW.
SATURDAY PARK CLEANUP: Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th/Alaska), 11 am-1 pm. Erik and other volunteers are helping support “\an active encampment cleanup that has been organized by We Heart Seattle (adults only)” with “buy-in from the people living in the camp to come help in the cleanup. That said, the area will be a grittier style clean with areas needing cleaning up around the tents (we’ll receive instruction as to what needs cleaning there) as well as over the hillside, which will be a tougher area to access.” They’re also welcoming people to clean up along the sidewalk on 35th, Erik says.
For both of the above cleanups, he adds that “Vests, gloves, buckets and pickup sticks will be provided.” If you need to contact him, 206-852-9552.
EARTH DAY WEEKEND: Plan ahead for multiple West Seattle cleanup-volunteering opportunities! Here are links to the listings in our event calendar:
–Highland Park Elementary cleanup, 9 am-noon April 23
–Student-led Alki Beach cleanup, 10 am-noon April 23
–Highland Park community cleanup, 10 am-noon April 23
And looking even further into the future:
–Highland Park Way cleanup, 9 am-11 am April 30
After a report of possible gunfire just after 9 pm last night, police found “evidence of a shooting” in the 2600 block of SW Cambridge [map]. According to the preliminary SPD summary, officers originally responded to “shots heard” reports from 27th/Roxbury. They were told a “black sedan” had left the scene, possibly related to the gunfire. The summary continues, saying police found “vehicle tracks … along with a fluid spill that led them from the scene to several blocks away where a Ford Crown Victoria (painted flat black) had come to a stop. Upon seeing a patrol car, this vehicle fled from officers at a high rate of speed.” At that time, officers had yet to find the gunfire evidence, but did a while later. No injuries were reported.
Visibility is a challenge because of the little-bit-of-everything weather but if you have good binoculars, look west for orcas passing through the area again. Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tips. She says right now they’re southbound in the Southworth ferry lanes, toward the west side of the Sound.
10:44 AM: We noted in the morning traffic/weather watch that snow showers were a possibility, according to the National Weather Service. And we’re getting word right now that it’s happening in east West Seattle. Let us know if you see snow too!
10:50 AM: Now we’re seeing a “wintry mix” here near the Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood line.
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) April 14, 2022
Got a report from Arbor Heights, too.
11:17 AM: More like “chunky rain” now, even up here on a hill, and no accumulation – so far.
11:33 AM: And now the sun breaks through! Here’s our photo from The Junction as the blue sky moved this way:
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight in West Seattle, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
(This quarter’s Art Walk poster features art by Sonya Rupnick)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Second Thursday means time to get out and enjoy the work of dozens of local artists! While the official West Seattle Art Walk hours are “5 pm until late,” some participating businesses are showing their featured art during business hours starting earlier in the day. We previewed some of the venues here, where you can also see the full list of participants, some with art, some with food/drink specials for Art Walk’ers, some with both. (WSB is the WSAW’s media sponsor.)
Also on the list:
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION EGG HUNT: As noted in our list of West Seattle egg hunts, volunteers are hiding eggs in public spaces around the Fauntleroy area this week, through Saturday.
PLANNING COMMISSION TALKS LIGHT RAIL: The Seattle Planning Commission is working on its official comments for West Seattle-Ballard light rail, and will consider public comments during today’s 3 pm meeting. But they’re not taking verbal comments – you need to submit yours in writing before the meeting. The agenda explains how; go here to watch the meeting.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Maundy Thursday services today/tonight are part of our list (and if your church has additions, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com).
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: 11 am presentation at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (4217 SW Oregon)
YOUTH APPRECIATION WEEK: Special activities continue today at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle) – info here.
OPEN MIC #1: All ages open mic at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), sponsored by Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor). Sign up at 5, performances start at 6.
WING NIGHT: Easy Street Café (California/Alaska) brings back Wing Night, 5-9 pm (or until sold out).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.
OPEN MIC #2: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California; WSB sponsor).
Have an event to list on our calendar? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather April 30th to celebrate the life of Jim Sullivan. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:
James “Jim” Sullivan lost his 8-year battle with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease on March 15, 2022, just shy of his 69th birthday. All who knew and loved him are so impressed with the grace he showed during the course of his disease and the many life changes it caused. He will be remembered as a hard-working family man with a quick wit and infectious smile.
Jim was born on April 6th, 1953 in Raymond, Washington, to Leoncie and Ray Darling. His birth followed that of his siblings, Linda (1950) and Ray Sullivan (1952), his lifelong best friends and partners in crime. A decade later, his mother remarried and he gained a father in Terry Sullivan. Jim was no longer the baby but became a big brother to his sisters. First came Terri (1963) and soon after Toni (1966), and the family was complete. Jim was born in Raymond but moved to West Seattle as a young boy and was a West Seattleite through and through. Jim lived in the Alki and Arbor Heights neighborhoods growing up and attended school at Alki Elementary, Arbor Heights Elementary, Denny Middle School, and Chief Sealth High School (Class of 1971). Early on, his teachers noticed his artistic talents. The subject he was most interested in and excelled most in was art. After high school, he took art classes at South Seattle College and began life as a starving artist. He rented a studio in Pike Place Market where he would design artwork for bands, magazines, restaurants, and anyone else who would pay! In his years after high school, Jim enjoyed sailing around Puget Sound, hiking, duck hunting, and traveling to visit his sister Linda at her home on the big island of Hawaii.
At 30 years old, Jim met the love of his life, Michelle. They enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, driving their white Fierro around town with their cooler strapped to the back, hunting and spending time with family and friends. A handful of years later, the two got married, bought their home in Arbor Heights, and welcomed the joys of their life, Alexis (1992) and Alana (1994). They bought a commercial space on 35th Avenue and opened Alexis Antiques and held onto the building for years as landlords. The years were filled with projects in the yard, hikes to the community beach, barbecues, Chief Sealth sporting events, his daughter’s softball games, and many laughs.
During all of those busy years, Jim supported his family using his artistic skills as a furniture refinisher and carpenter. In the furniture world, he was known as “Sully.” He worked for various furniture companies in the area, including the Bon Marche, where he started his career, and Room & Board, where he ended his career. Jim was the “antique whisperer” – he could take a banged-up old piece of furniture and bring it back to its original condition. When not working at his full-time job, he was always working on a side project through his business “Sully’s OnSite Furniture Repair.” He worked extremely hard and never complained. His daughters will always remember their dad as a hard worker who would do anything for his family. After years of this work, Jim realized that his speed and ability to prioritize projects at work was deteriorating. He also read an article about a celebrity who was having a hard time brushing their teeth and had noticed changes in handwriting. These were changes Jim had noticed in himself as well, so he reached out to a neurologist. It was in 2014 that his Parkinson’s diagnosis was confirmed, and he retired from Room & Board and sold his commercial real-estate building.
It wasn’t the retirement anyone was hoping for for Jim, but he had many good years. He filled these years with trips to Westport with his family and grand-dogs, Mariners games with his daughter Alexis and her partner Chuck, bike rides, yard work, and working on home improvements with his brother Ray. One of his favorite activities was visiting his daughters at The Original Bakery, where they both worked for many years. The disease was always throwing something new his way. As his disease progressed, Jim was becoming more and more frustrated and depressed. Fortunately in 2019 his daughter Alana and her husband Ruben produced the best Parkinson’s treatment on the market … grandchildren! Jim’s granddaughters Clara and Ella were immediately his new best friends and biggest joys. No matter what his disease was throwing at him, a visit from his granddaughters would turn his day right around. The trips and outings were replaced with walks at Lincoln Park, dance parties, cuddles, barbecues, and pool parties in the yard.
In 2021 after many loving years and making memories as a family, it was time for Jim to receive care outside of the home and give his wife Michelle some much-needed rest from years of around-the-clock caregiving. Jim moved into the Rosewood Adult Family Home in Normandy Park and was treated like family. He loved his caregivers and made many special bonds with them. He raved about the food and enjoyed visits from his family and friends as well as occasional outings. After 6 months and even more progression in his disease, it was time to transition to memory care. Jim was cared for at the Chateau at Valley in Renton for the next 6 months, where they were extremely patient and communicative while his disease continued to complicate life for him.
Jim passed peacefully at Valley Medical Center after an overnight stay. He spent one last night with family and rested overnight with his daughter Alana. Close family members who live locally came to say their goodbyes and he was surrounded by love until the end. It has been a long road with lots of ups and downs, and we are at peace knowing that he passed peacefully, painlessly, and is no longer suffering.
For those of you who loved Jim, we would enjoy your presence at his celebration of life. We will eat, share stories, and enjoy celebrating such a wonderful soul. The celebration will be Saturday, April 30th at his family home from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please reach out to his daughter Alexis Sullivan for further details (alexissullivan318@gmail.com).
(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)
6:04 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, April 14th; spring break continues for many local schools.
WEATHER
“Slight chance” of rain or snow showers in the forecast this morning, otherwise partly sunny – and a high “near 50,” though that’s what the National Weather Service also predicted for Wednesday, and the top temp turned out to be 44, 15 degrees below the normal high for that date.
ROAD WORK
Thanks to Gill for the tip. Work on 35th SW just south of SW Findlay might be continuing today, so be prepared for possible lane reductions there.
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. Check its status via Water Taxi Vessel Watch.
Ferries: WSF is still using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
752nd 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 by @wsdot_traffic.
All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-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.
| 6 COMMENTS