West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

57℉

month : 04/2022 307 results

UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ for house fire on Walnut SW
April 26, 2022 6:33 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ for house fire on Walnut SW
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:33 PM: Seattle Fire sent a few units to a report of something burning on the roof of a house in the 3200 block of Walnut SW [vicinity map], and the first crews on scene assessed it as a fire on an upper floor, so they’re upgrading it to a “full response.”

(Added: Photo sent by Christine)

6:38 PM: The firefighters report finding fire in the attic of the 3-story house.

6:46 PM: Firefighters have told dispatch the fire is under control and they’re just looking for hot spots. No injuries reported so far.

(Added: WSB photo)

7:01 PM: They’ve called the fire “tapped” (out). Our crew at the scene confirms everyone got out OK. … SFD’s investigator is there to try to figure out what sparked the fire.

ADDED: We followed up on the fire’s cause. SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says it “was determined to be accidental. Likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. The estimated loss is $70,000.”

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BIZNOTES: Celebrations at WEND, Molly’s, Paper Boat, Highland Park Corner Store
April 26, 2022 4:40 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTES: Celebrations at WEND, Molly’s, Paper Boat, Highland Park Corner Store
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We promised more biznotes – here are four West Seattle businesses inviting you to weekend celebrations:

WEND AND MOLLY’S TURN ONE: It’s first-anniversary-party time at neighboring WEND Jewelry and Molly’s Bottle Shop (3278 California SW). WEND proprietor Wendy says, “West Seattle has been a wonderful community to open a shop in during a global pandemic with no bridge, and we want to say THANK YOU to our neighbors! Celebrate our first year with us.” 4-8 pm Saturday (April 30th) they’re having a party with music, treats, tastings, and at WEND, discounts and raffles. Neighbor Inkberry Tattoo (which opened 9 months ago) is joining the party too. P.S. WEND has class openings right now too – more on that here.

INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY @ PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: This Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) has a big day planned. The store opens at 10 am; shoppers have a chance at raffles and will get to “spin the wheel.” You can also get a passport to start a 10-day journey to all 24 independent bookstores around the Seattle area – visit them all and win discount coupons for all the stores! (More on this at seattlebookstoreday.com.) Then at 11 am, three local authors lead a special Family Reading Time a few doors north at HeartBeet Event Space.

HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE: 4 pm-7 pm Sunday (May 1st), Highland Park Corner Store invites you to come enjoy mariachi, tacos, and beer.

The award-winning store’s owner Meaghan says, “To celebrate spring and with a nod to Cinco de Mayo, we’ve invited CocinaMX 32 back, this time they’re making tacos! Enjoy your tacos with a draft beer while listening to mariachi from Mariachi Alma Nueva (featuring one of our staff on violin!).” The store is at 7789 Highland Park Way SW.

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Brown water in Pigeon Point
April 26, 2022 3:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle neighborhood is dealing with discolored water – this time, Pigeon Point. Thanks to Matt for the report. No water breaks in that area reported currently, so there are various possible causes – the discoloration is usually from “sediment” getting stirred up in the line, most often rust. If it happens to you, report it to the Seattle Public Utilities round-the-clock hotline at 206-386-1800.

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Rotary Club of West Seattle goes hybrid, grows membership
April 26, 2022 2:27 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

The Rotary Club of West Seattle just welcomed four new members – and is now having “hybrid” weekly meetings, so you can attend in person or online. Here’s an update from the club:

Come Join Us! West Seattle Rotary is now offering a hybrid option for our weekly meetings. We are meeting in person on Tuesdays at the Alki Masonic Hall (4736 40th SW) from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and have a Zoom Link option here to join virtually. Upcoming May programs:

Tuesday, May 3, 12:00 noon

Susan Carroll, Managing Director, Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center
Celebrating 20 Years of the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center

Presentation: As we reach our 20th anniversary as one of the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program’s Centers, now is a good moment to react on how the program and the ‑eld of peacebuilding have changed over these past two decades.

Tuesday, May 10, 12:00 noon

Greg Dirks, Jim and Michelle Edwards, The West Seattle Big Band
Introducing The West Seattle Big Band

Presentation: A community-based 18 piece music ensemble that plays Big Band swing and jazz standards at events throughout the greater Seattle and Puget Sound.

Tuesday, May 17, 12:00 noon

Safo Mawuko Kutorwu, Founder of Denyigba LorLor , Ghana, Africa
“Tree Planting Project” Denyigba LorLor “Forest Regeneration” Donations here

Presentation: A grassroots NGO in West Africa battles hunger and climate change by planting trees along roads, schools and beaches.

Tuesday, May 24, 12:00 noon

Elizabeth Cruft-Anderson, CFRE, Senior Major Gifts Officer
Promoting Peace through Rotary International

Presentation: Rotary’s strength is our ability to join together the right people, united in common goals to create projects in our local communities and around the globe.

We formally inducted our four newest members at our meeting last week. In photo above: Acting Membership Chairman Martha Sidlo, new members Kristy Haro with John L. Scott, Tom Nychay is the owner of Gany Nychay Architecture, Greg Dirks is a long-time West Seattle resident and is retired, and Travis Hartman with State Farm Insurance, and President Alan Mitchell.

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GARAGE SALE DAY UPDATE: Reminder – registration ends tomorrow night
April 26, 2022 1:03 pm
|    Comments Off on GARAGE SALE DAY UPDATE: Reminder – registration ends tomorrow night
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

One more reminder as West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (Saturday, May 14th) gets closer – if you’re planning a sale and haven’t registered yet, tomorrow night (Wednesday, April 27th, 11:30 pm) is the deadline! The list is now up to 270 sales, all over the peninsula, all sizes – block sales, business sales, nonprofit-fundraiser sales, alley sales, more. We’ve gone through about two-thirds of the registrations so far and we’re tracking zip codes – 98116 is in the lead with the most sales, 98136 isn’t too far behind. Soon as registration ends on Wednesday night, we get to work on the map – which will assign each sale a number – and list, so those can be available one week in advance to give shoppers time to read through and plan. Thanks to everyone who’s helping revive the WSCGSD tradition! If you’re ready to register a sale, go here to sign up.

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BIZNOTES: TACOntainer’s future; Gigi’s Café; Rue Therapeutics
April 26, 2022 12:20 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Lots of biznotes to report today – we’ll start with these three (with three more later this afternoon):

TACONTAINER’S FUTURE: When Victor closed the unique taco truck on Alki two months ago (aside from occasional openings), he said someone was preparing to take it over. That fell through. So it’s available – here’s his pitch:

Available for lease right away and up until March 2023. It may be possible to extend, but that is uncertain as the container might need to be moved to a different location in spring of 2023. Water, electrical and sewer is connected. All equipment and kitchen supplies included. Everything is up to code, licensed, permitted and last inspected by Seattle Public Health in March 2022. Self ordering kiosk and the kitchen display system for automated orders can be included as well. For lease amount and terms please contact Victor at 808-352-1779 or TACOntainerSeattle@gmail.com.

GIGI’S CAFE: Chef Gino Williamson says his hopes of taking over the Super 24 building on Delridge didn’t work out, because he couldn’t work out the lease terms with the owner, so he’s still looking for somewhere to open a bricks-and-mortar restaurant (to be named Gigi’s Café, after his daughter). Meantime, his mobile food business TheHomeSkillit.com is continuing to rove – you might have seen him recently on Webster by The Home Depot and Southwest Precinct, and he is taking nightly call-in dinner orders online.

RUE THERAPEUTICS: Josie emailed the announcement of her new business:

Rue Therapeutics: Massage and Pilates open in the Morgan Street Junction!

Located in West Seattle Pilates (6521 California SW); Rue Therapeutics offers gentle myofascial and Swedish massage paired with private Pilates instruction.

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UPDATE: Child rescued from Schmitz Park mud
April 26, 2022 10:10 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

10:10 AM: SFD has a large response on a “trench rescue” call in Schmitz Park. They’ve reported that the “patient is extricated.” SFD says the original report was of a “child stuck in a mud hole.” Updates to come.

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)

10:27 AM: We’re told the child is OK – just took a fall during a field trip into the park.

11:01 AM: We have a lot of followup questions out on this and will add the answers as we get them.

11:37 AM: SFD spokesperson Hilton Almond summarizes what happened: “Firefighters rescued a four-year-old male from a mud hole. He was stuck up to his hips, which required a couple of firefighters to pull him out. He sustained no injuries and his mother picked him up.” She verifies in a comment that he’s OK. It was a learning experience for all:

12:26 PM: Seattle Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin tells us, “Staff are out there today evaluating if anything can be fixed or needs to be blocked off for a time.”

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Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Tuesday
April 26, 2022 9:27 am
|    Comments Off on Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Pacific Bleeding Hearts at Fauntleroy Park, photographed by Rosalie Miller)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: If you’re interested in attending the West Seattle Democratic Women’s meeting on Thursday, RSVP deadline is 5 pm today – info’s in our calendar listing.

CITY COUNCIL’S PUBLIC-SAFETY COMMITTEE: 9:30 am, with the agenda including an update on Seattle Police staffing issues (which as we reported Friday appear to be disproportionately affecting our area); you can watch via Seattle Channel.

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION: Public meeting starts at noon, online and at Sea-Tac Airport – here’s the agenda, with info on viewing and commenting.

CITY COUNCIL: Their weekly meeting is at 2 pm, online. 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 this long-running weekly demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

(added) SPORTS: Two games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – in softball, West Seattle HS vs. Eastside Catholic, 4 pm; in baseball, West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS, 7 pm.

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play tonight – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 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!

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

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Prepare to be on the air! West Seattle Amateur Radio Club can help you get licensed
April 26, 2022 9:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo from local amateur-radio operators’ Field Day)

Be a neighborhood hero – be the person on your block or in your building who has amateur-radio skills just in case of catastrophe. It’s the communication mode that’s likely to keep working even if everything else goes out. First step: Take a class that’s coming up, so you can get a license. The West Seattle Amateur Radio Club has issued the invitation:

Ham radio is a great hobby and a great way to serve the community. One can communicate locally, around the world or even via satellite. It provides an excellent means of emergency communication. Your license never expires as long as you renew every 10 years (no need for another exam). This is to be a fun, low-key, learning experience; class participation and asking questions are encouraged. However, instructors will not call on individual students during class, so that you can feel free to participate at your comfort level. Conceptual materials will be presented during the first weekend so that you can study efficiently during the following week. Practical scenarios and demonstrations will be presented on the next Saturday. A review session will be offered on the final Sunday.

The classes are all day Saturday, May 7th, Sunday, May 8th, Saturday, May 14th, and then it’s exam day on Sunday, May 15th, all at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW). The classes are free; the test carries a $15 fee. You can go here to register.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Tuesday watch
April 26, 2022 6:03 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, April 26th.

WEATHER

Monday’s weather was nicer than predicted – maybe today’s will be too. Rain is in the forecast again, though.

ROAD WORK

*Alerts all week for some work under the bridge related to what’s happening on it – 7 pm tonight to 6 am Wednesday, a southbound WMW closure.

*Still awaiting the work at California/Myrtle and 8th/Roxbury.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi, which is operated by Metro, is now on the summer schedule – adding later evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ferries: WSF is still using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

764th 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 city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are 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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandalism, theft put two nonprofits’ vans out of service
April 25, 2022 7:31 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | The Kenney | West Seattle news

Both these reports came in this afternoon:

THE KENNEY’S VAN VANDALIZED: Silvia at The Kenney sent the image of a man they report tried to get into their building and then broke into their van around 1:30-2 am today, where he “cut wires that control our door and wheelchair lifts for our residents … also he proceeded to ignite a small fire in front of our building.” The wires in the van weren’t stolen, just cut, she said; they found a foot-long saw near the cut wire. We’ve asked if any community help is needed and will update if so.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER TAKEN FROM KIWANIS VAN: The nonprofit Kiwanis Club of West Seattle does need help recovering from a theft that put their van out of service. The club reports:

Sometime around March 7th, someone stole the catalytic converter from the Kiwanis van. The van is vital for the Kiwanis Club to continue its service to the community, and they are seeking donations to help cover the cost of the repair, which is estimated at $1,000.00. If you can chip in and help them pay for it, contributions can be made through their PayPal account or checks can be mailed to Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, P.O. Box 16128, Seattle, WA 98116.

You may have seen the Kiwanis booth at the West Seattle Farmers Market or attended the annual Pancake Breakfast, but did you know the KiwanisClub and its members have been a fixture in West Seattle since 1929?

The major emphasis of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is improving the life, safety and health of children in West Seattle. Sponsored youth programs include Key Clubs in 3 West Seattle high schools, Seattle University Circle K, South Seattle College scholarships, Scout Troop 284, Troop 8284, Venturing Crew 284, Crew 279 and Cub Scout Pack 136. The club also supports Westside Baby, Food Lifeline, West Seattle Food Bank and Clothesline, Project Cool, Relay For Life, the SIGN Fracture Care Programs, and the Seattle Adopt-A-Street program.

The Kiwanis Club will have to temporarily divert funds from its community service to pay for the repair. Any contribution to repair the van is appreciated! Members expect to be back at the West Seattle Farmers Market in late Spring, once their van has been repaired. Contact Club President, Denis Sapiro, at 206-601-4136 with any questions.

The theft happened while the van was parked near (corrected) 44th/Hinds.

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From the dumped-likely-stolen file: Black Cannondale bicycle with stickers
April 25, 2022 6:50 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Beth:

Found this bike in my front yard this morning. I live a block from Westwood Village.

Stickers on the bike include one that says “Save a Tree.” If this is your bike, email us and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Overnight/evening traffic alerts this week for safety work
April 25, 2022 4:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:42 PM MONDAY: Nighttime traffic alerts are out for four of the next five nights because of surface-street work related to the West Seattle Bridge repairs. We got the first hint at this with an unexplained Metro detour advisory issued late last week, and obtained the full list of alerts from SDOT just now:

This week, crews will be installing safety measures beneath the West Seattle High Rise Bridge and Fauntleroy Expressway as a precaution for upcoming overhead work. Crews will need space to stage equipment beneath the bridge while equipment is being installed, leading to some late-night detours on SW Spokane St, West Marginal Way and East Marginal Way on certain nights this week.

Here is the full detour information for each night this week.

10 PM Monday, April 25 to 5 AM Tuesday, April 26:
Closure of eastbound Spokane Street Between Avalon Way & Delridge Way
Detour in place: Southbound on SW Avalon Way, east to SW Genesee St, North on Delridge Way SW

7 PM Tuesday, April 26 to 6 AM Wednesday, April 27:
Closure of southbound right lane of West Marginal Way.
Pedestrian path to be closed from 10 PM to 5 AM

10 PM Wednesday, April 27 to 5 AM Thursday, April 28:
Closure of East Marginal Way U-turn lane and right lane approaching the U-turn

10 PM Thursday, April 28 to 5 AM Friday, April 29:
Closure of westbound Spokane St between Delridge Way and Avalon Way
Detour in place: south on Delridge Way SW, west on SW Genesee St, northbound on SW Avalon Way

10 PM Friday, April 29 to 5 AM Saturday, April 30:
Closure of S Spokane Street to northbound East Marginal Way; closure of Northbound East Marginal Way at Spokane Street.
There will be a signed detour to Eastbound Spokane St.

6:42 PM TUESDAY: Updated above, with Wednesday night work added, and Thursday scope changed.

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RETURNING: South Delridge Farmers’ Market goes twice monthly in second year
April 25, 2022 3:57 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2021)

After a successful first year of monthly events, the South Delridge Farmers’ Market will return for a second year starting in May, and it’ll be twice monthly, with more vendors. Here’s the announcement we received today:

On May 14, 2022, the Delridge Farmers Market reopens in the Delridge neighborhood of Southwest Seattle. The Market launched last summer, and seeks to put fresh, local food produced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color-owned businesses directly into the hands of the neighborhood’s residents.

With a mission to serve the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community in King County, nonprofit African Community Housing & Development, led by Executive Director Hamdi Abdulle, has heard from the community for years about the need for food access programs in Delridge. The Delridge Farmers Market is designed to provide a wide array of culturally appropriate foods for the immigrant and refugee community in the area. Featuring robust food access programs, the primary goal of the market is to bring local, nutritious food to everyone, especially families for whom fresh produce is a financial struggle. The market also aims to holistically support Black and Brown entrepreneurs who run farms and food-based businesses.

The majority of vendors at the Delridge Farmers Market are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, and many are immigrants and refugees themselves. With the goal of supporting the development of small businesses in mind, vendors are not charged a stall fee to participate and are provided with resources, equipment, and technical support as they build their capacity to sell at farmers markets. In addition, ACHD seeks to reduce the inherent economic risk of selling at a farmers market while eliminating food waste by purchasing any leftover produce at the end of the market day. That food is then delivered to members of the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community who are unable to attend the market due to mobility or transportation barriers. “We’ve created a market model that is a win-win-win for customers, vendors, and the community,” says ACHD Associate Director Bilan Aden.

Throughout 2022, a variety of vendors will be returning to the market, including: Afella Jollof Catering (Senegambian cuisine), Chef Jalissa Culinary Co (Southern-inspired baked goods), CityFruit (fruit from Seattle’s urban orchards), Heu’s Blooms & Greens (vibrant locally grown bouquets), Ma & Pops (Caribbean-inspired popsicles), Regeneration Farm (sustainably grown produce from Woodinville), Seola Bee Company (hyper-local honey from West Seattle hives), Small Axe Farm (produce grown by the Black Farmers Collective), Umoja Ni Nguvu (produce grown by Burundian immigrants), and Wakulima (culturally relevant African produce). The market is also seeing incredible growth, adding 10+ additional vendors this year including: Ardour Sisterz Candle Co. (100% coconut soy wax crafted candles and melts as well as traditional African beads and clothing), Haki Farmers Collective (produce and spices grown using traditional methods), Lillie’s Passion (lovingly-crafted sauces, pickles, and jams), Theary’s Flowers & Produce (sustainably grown Cambodian produce), and more!

The Market also hosts on-site connection to resources, offered by ACHD staff in both English and Somali, and provides other community organizations the opportunity to introduce their community services to both vendors and patrons. Organizations like Muslimahs Against Abuse Center and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association have already signed up for tabling this year.

Look for the market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from May – October 2022, 10 am – 2 pm in the courtyard of Hope Academy (9421 18th Ave SW). Everyone is welcome to attend, and robust food access programs are available (including SNAP/EBT, WIC/Senior FMNP checks, SNAP Market Match, and Fresh Bucks). Free bags of produce will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Delridge Farmers Market is made possible by King Conservation District, Albertsons Foundation, and PCC Community Markets.

Individuals interested in attending or volunteering at the market should visit achdo.org/delridgefarmersmarket. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Rachel Perlot at rachel@achdo.org.

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RETURNING: West Seattle Float Dodger 5K back, ready for participants and sponsors!
April 25, 2022 2:24 pm
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: West Seattle Float Dodger 5K back, ready for participants and sponsors!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo from 2019 Float Dodger 5K)

With the return of the West Seattle Grand Parade this summer, a major pre-parade event is coming back too: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) says it’s reviving the Float Dodger 5K, a fun run/walk on the parade route, round trip from the Admiral District. Registration is open now! Here’s the announcement from WSR:

Float Dodger 5K is back this year on July 23rd. Run or walk the parade route of the West Seattle Grand Parade right before the parade starts. Root-beer floats await you at the finish line. 100% of the proceeds goes to West Seattle Food Bank.

That’s not only proceeds from entries, but also from sponsorships, so the more sponsors they get, the more the WSFB is helped. Sponsor spots are now open, starting at $150. Here’s how to find out more about sponsoring. To register for the 5K – discount pricing until May 1st – go here.

P.S. Another donation that’ll contribute to the event – a beer garden with a donated keg from Good Society!

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Cruise ship at anchor
April 25, 2022 1:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Though cruise season has officially begun, that ship’s not sailing away just yet, and some are noticing it at anchor off Manchester today. It’s the 3,000-passenger-capacity Carnival Splendor (photographed by James Bratsanos as it sailed past Alki towar the anchorage known as Yukon Harbor, after a few days at the Smith Cove terminal in Magnolia). The season schedule shows Splendor is scheduled for its first cruise one week from today.

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FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy/Fontanelle tree gets root exam as advocates watch
April 25, 2022 12:13 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Safety | West Seattle news

As announced, a city crew showed up at Fauntleroy and Fontanelle this morning to examine the roots of a big chestnut tree that residents fear will be lost in a curb-ramp project. (Our previous coverage is here and here.) Indeed, city arborist Nolan Rundquist told them, the root system is too extensive to proceed with the standard ramp design – he spoke with the handful of people who looked on as the roots were examined, including Sara Macko, who lives in the house with the yard that’s home to the tree:

Another complicating factor in redesigning the corner would be the hydrant, the city crew noted.

But as planned, they’re going to take what they learned back downtown to talk about it. The tree’s roots, meantime, will be protected with burlap. The tree’s advocates, meantime, are hoping to learn more about what a redesign would cost so that they could do crowdfunding if needed.

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9 for your West Seattle Monday
April 25, 2022 10:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo, seen last week while we were out on a story)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

COVID BRIEFING: Just announced, King County is now at “medium” status, and Public Health Seattle-KC is having a briefing at noon – you can watch it here,

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm online, councilmembers look at the week ahead and recap the past week. No public-comment period, but the agenda explains how to watch/listen.

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY MEETUP: 2:15 pm on the HPE playground (1012 SW Trenton), as announced by the HPEPTA, “school parents will have 2 tables setup immediately after school for an informal meetup and information sharing. Please stop by the kindergarten playground or the playground net climber after school for snacks and mingling.”

SPORTS: One high-school-soccer home game today: At Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS hosts O’Dea at 4:30 pm.

FREE YOGA: All Levels Yoga Flow, 5 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW). “Move through subtle and fluid movements, meditation, restorative postures, and breathing. Appropriate for all levels, with focus on beginners. Student requests are welcome, creating a unique practice that improves balance, strength, and flexibility.” Free – just show up.

LINE DANCING: 6:15 pm class at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – drop-ins welcome. Details are in our calendar listing.

OPEN D&D: Drop in to play 6:30 pm-10 pm Mondays at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).

‘TWELFTH NIGHT’: Madison Middle School‘s online production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” debuts at 7 pm tonight. Our calendar listing has the link for RSVP’ing/viewing,

TRIVIA X 3: Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something coming up that should be listed on our calendar and in our daily previews? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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GARAGE SALE DAY UPDATE: Register by Wednesday night!
April 25, 2022 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

235 sales so far for the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – now less than three weeks away, on Saturday, May 14th. And we’re now less than three days away from the close of registration at 11:30 pm this Wednesday (April 27th). So if you’re planning a sale for this one big day of meeting neighbors and finding new homes for treasures, go here to sign up! Have your up-to-20-words listing ready for the form, including any particularly unusual or popular items you’re selling, and anything extra you’re doing – extra hours, extra days, lemonade stand, whatever. Once registration closes, we start work on the map/list so it’s available on May 7th, giving everyone a full week to plan!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Monday watch
April 25, 2022 6:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:15 AM: Crash blocking northbound California at Alaska. Awaiting tow truck to clear.

=============

6:04 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, April 25th.

WEATHER

Rain is in the forecast, high temperature in the 50s.

ROAD WORK

Work could start today at California/Myrtle and 8th/Roxbury – let us know when you can (once you get to where you’re going) if you see crews at either location.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi, which is operated by Metro, is now on the summer schedule – adding later evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ferries: WSF is still using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

763rd 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 city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are 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.

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SCHOOL START TIMES: Proposed changes dominate discussion at community meeting with Seattle Public Schools board members
April 24, 2022 10:37 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A decade after a bitter battle over Seattle Public Schools start times, changes are back on the table.

This was the major – though not the only – issue discussed when three school-board members met online with West Seattle school-community members Saturday afternoon. The meeting was organized and facilitated by Manuela Slye, a West Seattleite who is co-vice president of the Seattle Council (citywide) PTSA.

The problem is, again, school buses. A decade ago, the district sought to go to a three-tier start-time plan so it could save some money on transportation costs; there were changes in 2015, too. This time, the district says, the issue is a “nationwide driver shortage.” If it ran on a three-tier schedule instead of two tiers, more routes could be handled by fewer drivers. So the proposal – which just went public late this past week, just in time for the board to get its first look at Thursday’s Operations Committee meeting – is for some schools to start as early as 7:30 am and some to start as late as 9:30 am, while others would start at 8:30 am. Here’s what’s proposed for schools in our area:

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CORONAVIRUS: Here’s how local trends are going (Monday update)
April 24, 2022 8:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

8:50 PM SUNDAY: As each weekend ends, we look at the local COVID trends. Cases are up for a fifth week, hospitalizations are up, and deaths are down. All three categories remain far lower than the winter peaks you can see on the graphs that are shown on the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:

*19 percent more cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 644 new daily cases countywide (up from 635 when we checked a week ago)

*16 percent more hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 5 new hospitalizations daily (up from 4 a week ago)

*11 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two weeks before (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 1 death daily (same as the two-week average last week)

For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge):
*489 cases between 4/4 and 4/18, up from 202 between 3/20 and 4/3
*5 hospitalizations between 4/4 and 4/18, up from 2 between 3/20 and 4/3
*No deaths between 4/4 and 4/18, unchanged from between 3/20 and 4/3

And checking vaccination rates:
*80.8 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*85.5 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*48.5 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .4% from a week ago)

*In West Seattle, here are the zip-code vaccination rates for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not entirely within WS):
98106 – 87.8% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 52.6% have had a booster
98116 – 92.6% completed initial series (up .2% from a week earlier), 64.4% have had a booster
98126 – 83.4% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 54.3% have had a booster
98136 – 93.4% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 67.3% have had a booster
98146 – 82.9% completed initial series (up .2% from a week earlier), 47.4% have had a booster

VACCINATION AND TESTING, UPDATED HOURS: No pop-up clinics on the near-future schedule, so you can look for vaccination locations via this statewide lookup. If you want to get tested and don’t have a kit at home, public testing sites include the city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays), the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday), and the Curative van at Summit Atlas (35th/Roxbury, 8 am-noon Tuesday-Friday this week). … Last week a commenter asked about reporting self-test results. That’s explained on this page.

ADDED 10:39 AM MONDAY: Public Health Seattle-King County announced this morning that the county has now crossed the threshold to “medium” COVID level as defined by the CDC. A briefing is planned at noon – you can watch live here.

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UPDATE: Crash just north of 1st Avenue South Bridge
April 24, 2022 7:35 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash just north of 1st Avenue South Bridge
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Image from SDOT camera)

7:35 PM: If you’re heading off-peninsula any time soon, here’s a traffic alert: A crash response is blocking all northbound lanes just north of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, at East Marginal/1st.

8:14 PM: SFD has cleared the scene but SPD still has the northbound lanes of Marginal blocked.

9 PM: Scene is clear, street fully open again.

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