West Seattle, Washington

08 Friday

51℉

month : 04/2022 307 results

FOLLOWUP: Repairs about to start for hole in West Seattle Bridge ramp to northbound Highway 99
April 15, 2022 12:06 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT photo)

12:06 PM: During the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force‘s February meeting (WSB coverage here), we got first word of a plan to repair a hole in the pavement on the ramp to northbound Highway 99 (which has remained accessible via eastbound Spokane Street). The ramp is a state structure, not a city structure, so we asked WSDOT for details, but at the time they had few. Now they do. The ramp is scheduled to close next Monday (April 18th) for about two weeks, explained by WSDOT as follows:

We are going to break up and remove the concrete around the hole all the way through to the girders underneath the surface to expose the rebar. The rebar strengthens the concrete under the tension of vehicles driving over it. Once we chip the concrete, we will repair the rebar and then pour concrete to fill the void where the hole in the deck used to be. That process will take about a week. To finish, we’ll need an additional week while the ramp remains closed for the concrete to cure. We need dry weather in order for the concrete to cure properly so the schedule may change depending on the weather.

So far, next week’s weather looks rainy.

3:30 PM: As commenters pointed out, this will affect Metro buses. There were no reroute advisories when we published this, but after we inquired with Metro, an advisory went out – see it here. Rerouting, but no missed stops, Metro says.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Escalade
April 15, 2022 11:16 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Escalade
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Kirke hopes you might be able to help find his stolen SUV:

My SUV was stolen last night in the middle of the night. It was parked in front of my house in the 3100 block of 61st Avenue on Alki. 2002 black Cadillac Escalade. Plate #AUJ9073. The police report filed this morning is incident #22-093845.

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 9 notes
April 15, 2022 9:27 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Fan moss flower, photographed at Schmitz Park by Rosalie Miller)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GOOD FRIDAY: Our list of West Seattle churches that sent info on their Holy Week services is here.

FIRST NIGHT OF PASSOVER: Starting at sundown; no community events tonight but see the calendar for West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah for what’s planned in the nights ahead.

DEADLINE FOR ART-WORKSHOP SIGNUPS: Registration deadline is today for a new series of pop-up art workshops starting in West Seattle later this month.

FAUNTLEROY EGG HUNT CONTINUES: Two more days to look for eggs hidden around the area by the Fauntleroy Community Association.

TWO CLEANUPS THIS MORNING: As previewed yesterday, you can join in the High Point Community Cleanup, 10 am-noon (starting from the Neighborhood House back lot at 6400 Sylvan Way SW) or the Seal Sitters/SR3 Alki Beach cleanup, 10 am-noon (starting from Statue of Liberty Plaza at 61st/Alki).

YOUTH APPRECIATION WEEK: Free fun events wrap up today/tonight at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

FREE LUNCH: All welcome for free community lunch at the Junction Church at noon. (4157 California SW).

WINE TASTING: Visit West Seattle Liquor and Wine (4714 42nd SW; WSB sponsor) in outer west Jefferson Square between 4 and 6 pm to taste award-winning Gorman Winery wines.

3 BANDS @ THE SKYLARK: Foul Blooded, Vanilla Abstract, Rabbit With A Number, doors at 7, show at 8. $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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Remembering Paul Randall, 1973-2022
April 15, 2022 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Paul Randall and sharing this with his community:

Our beloved Paul has left us far too early. He passed peacefully, and painlessly, in his sleep.

For those that had the privilege of living life with him, he was known for his unmatched humor, his servant leadership, his passion in each endeavor of his life, a vast appreciation for music, and adoration for his cats. He is survived by his wife Vicky, his parents: Mike and Becky Randall, and Joan and Mike Miller, in addition to his sisters Christa, Lyndzie, and Aubree, as well as his brother, Joel and all of siblings’ spouses. He had 12 nieces and nephews that he loved very dearly. His large extended family will miss him intensely. Many friends and family will find celebrating life more difficult, but will no doubt meet the challenge, because that is what Paul would have wanted from us. He would ask that all of us raise a glass of our favorite beverage, and love each other well.

A celebration of life will be planned in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to kexp.org/donate or paws.org/donate

(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, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday watch + weekend alert
April 15, 2022 6:05 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday watch + weekend alert
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, April 15th – also Good Friday, and Passover starts at sundown.

WEATHER

(Texted photo, Thursday afternoon clouds)

After another cold night, the forecast suggests we might see snow/rain showers again, and a high near 50 (Thursday’s high was 48, warmer than Wednesday but still 11 degrees below normal).

ROAD WORK

One weekend alert – flashing-beacon installation at 45th/Admiral on Saturday, as previewed here.

IN THE STADIUM ZONE

Seattle Mariners‘ first home stand of the season starts tonight at 6:40 pm vs. Houston, with games at 6:30 pm Saturday and 1:10 pm Sunday.

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

753rd 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.

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UPDATE: Fauntleroy Way SW reopens after police deal with injured person in crisis
April 14, 2022 9:51 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

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.

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ROAD-WORK ALERT: 45th/Admiral crossing; 24th SW ‘natural drainage system’
April 14, 2022 8:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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.

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Our stops along April’s West Seattle Art Walk
April 14, 2022 6:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

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.

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1 MONTH AWAY! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day registration continues
April 14, 2022 5:00 pm
|    Comments Off on 1 MONTH AWAY! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day registration continues
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

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.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Fire Tacos sets Alki opening date
April 14, 2022 3:44 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(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.”

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YOU CAN HELP: Volunteer cleanups in West Seattle tomorrow, Saturday, and beyond
April 14, 2022 2:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
April 14, 2022 1:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

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WHALES: Orcas in the area again
April 14, 2022 11:51 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

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.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Spring snow – then sun
April 14, 2022 10:44 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

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.

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:

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West Seattle Art Walk night, and other options for the rest of your Thursday
April 14, 2022 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk night, and other options for the rest of your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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!

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Celebration of life April 30th for James ‘Jim’ Sullivan, 1953-2022
April 14, 2022 9:00 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes
April 14, 2022 6:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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.

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THEATER: Now you can watch ArtsWest’s ‘This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing’ at home
April 13, 2022 9:45 pm
|    Comments Off on THEATER: Now you can watch ArtsWest’s ‘This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing’ at home
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts


(Cast of ‘This Girl …’, photographed by John McLellan)

Though the latest ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) play “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” had its last performance at the playhouse this past Sunday, you still have one more chance to see it – if you buy a ticket for the pre-recorded streaming version. It’s available for online viewing any time until May 1st. Here’s a trailer, and the plot summary of the play by Finegan Kruckemeyer:

Triplet sisters are left in the forest by their woodcutter father. From this fairytale beginning, three resolutions are made – one sister will walk one way, one the other, and the third will stay right where she is. Twenty years later, having circumnavigated the globe, and fought Vikings, and crossed oceans, and tamed wilds, and achieved greatness, the three meet again, as women. What they learn on their separate journeys will change everything, and at the same time nothing, in this moving and irresistibly charming modern-day fairytale.

It’s a “universal” story, and family-friendly too, director Johamy Morales told us in an interview last month. Go here to buy your ticket to online viewing.

P.S. ArtsWest’s next play of the season is “Alma,” opening May 5th.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 month to West Seattle Food Bank’s hybrid ‘Instruments of Change’ gala
April 13, 2022 7:35 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 1 month to West Seattle Food Bank’s hybrid ‘Instruments of Change’ gala
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

One month from tomorrow, the West Seattle Food Bank welcomes supporters both in-person and online for this year’s “Instruments of Change” benefit gala. It’s happening on Saturday, May 14th, in-person at 6 pm at the Seattle Design Center in SODO, online at 7:30 pm. This is a fundraiser for the WSFB’s work fighting food insecurity and homelessness. If you attend in person, you can expect happy hour, games, dinner, silent and live auctions, and the program; online, expect a pre-program virtual happy hour with chat games, virtual bidding on the silent and live auctions, and the program. There’s also an option for online guests to have the same dinner delivered that in-person guests will enjoy, from West Seattleite-owned Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering. You can buy your ticket – or register for the free online event – by going here. (WSB is media sponsor for this year’s Instruments of Change.) P.S. Want to donate something for this year’s auction? You can do that here.

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ORCAS: Whales off West Seattle
April 13, 2022 5:07 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo of distant spout, tweeted by Robin L)

Thanks to Robin for the tip! Orcas are in view off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (Beach Drive SW and Jacobsen), northbound, mid-channel. Let us know if you see them!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two DUI suspects arrested; break-in attempt; package taken
April 13, 2022 4:42 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four incidents in this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup:

HIT-RUN, DUI, & GUNS: A preliminary police summary says 911 callers just before midnight last night reported “a vehicle involved in several collisions which fled each scene. As the vehicle fled each scene, it lost one of the front tires completely but that did not stop the driver from driving off. The vehicle eventually could not drive any longer on 3 tires and stopped after its final collision in the 3900 block of SW Dawson.” That’s where police found the driver, who they arrested for investigation of DUI. The summary also says that “2 firearms were observed in the driver seat area. Both firearms were recovered and seized. Both were loaded with a round chambered. A loaded rifle magazine was also located, but no rifle was located.” (ADDED: SPD says the other crash locationd were 40th/Dawson and Harbor Avenue/Harbor Lane.)

ANOTHER DUI SUSPECT ARRESTED: On Saturday night, Gabe and a neighbor detained a suspected drunk driver who hit Gabe’s wife’s parked car near 47th/Genesee. The driver, he reports, was in this Bronco:

Gabe reports, “The driver was trying to put his car into gear and drive away after telling my wife he’ll shoot her if she calls the cops; she called the cops anyways and told them what happened and it took them an hour and 15 mins to respond, Wow!! This guy couldn’t even walk or talk, but was ready to drive away and the police did not consider him a threat because we couldn’t actually see a gun.” Hw adds, “Thanks to all our neighbors that helped out … including my neighbor that helped me distract and subdue him for over an hour until we could safely get his engine turned off and finally grab the keys from him.” He says the officer who finally showed up said he was from the North Precinct, on OT (this is common for SPD to cover shift vacancies by seeking officers from other precincts to “augment”), and broke away from a Delridge burglary to come to this scene. We’re still trying to find case records to see what happened to the driver, who Gate says was arrested.

ATTEMPTED GARAGE BREAK-IN: From Sami near 35th/Dakota:

I have footage of someone trying to break into my garage. They were unsuccessful as the garage door they were trying to get into is permanently closed; however, the clip does have a clear picture of the van and the person holding what looks to be like a crowbar.

PACKAGE TAKEN: From Jesse:

A package of mine was stolen yesterday around 2 pm behind Luna Park Café. Got the video of what his car looks like and how he was dressed.

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TOMORROW: First West Seattle Art Walk of spring!
April 13, 2022 2:39 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: First West Seattle Art Walk of spring!
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Tomorrow night, you can enjoy art – and food/drink specials – from North Admiral to Arbor Heights, during the first West Seattle Art Walk of spring!

That’s the list of participating venues for spring quarter – second Thursday every month. Some have art, some have specials, some have both! For those having artist receptions, hours vary – you can see the locations, times, and artists previewed here. Among the highlights:

*Seattle Dive Tours at 4217 SW Admiral Way is hosting artist Madison Churchill, 1 pm-8 pm

*Doll Parts Collective (4448 California SW) is hosting stained-glass artist Meg Lester until 8 pm

*Jet City Labs (4546 California SW, upstairs from alley entrance) is hosting another pop-up show with multiple artists, 5-8 pm

WSB sponsors participating this month include:

*Fogue Gallery (4130 California SW), new work from Julian De Puma debuts during the Art Walk party, 5-8 pm

*Verity Credit Union (4505 California SW), hosting portrait artist Julija Naskova 5:30-8 pm

*Canna West Seattle (5435 California SW), hosting artist Brandi Bryan, 5-7 pm

*Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW), artist Katie Dean, 5-8 pm

*ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (4711 California SW), see artist Vanessa Ly-Nguyen‘s work 4-7 pm

*Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW), hosting artist Pam Hemmerling, 5-9 pm (also, tasting fee waived for Art Walk visitors)

And if you can’t go out Thursday night, some displays are viewable earlier in the day, and many venues keep their featured artists’ work up all month – check out the preview for lots more info, including photos!

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FAUNTLEROY FIGHT: Family pleads to save big tree threatened by SDOT project
April 13, 2022 12:48 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

Even as the city moves slowly toward a policy aimed at protecting trees, more are taken out daily, mostly for development. A short distance north of Lincoln Park, one big old tree is endangered for a different reason: A city transportation project.

Crews are working right now on the west side of Fauntleroy/Fontanelle [map] to build curb ramps. When they get to the east side of the intersection, Sara says, the huge chestnut tree at that corner of her yard is in danger.

She’s launched an online petition drive to try to save the tree, which they believe is more than a century old. The petition page tells the tree’s story in detail, including Sara’s personal plea:

We cherish this tree and its history. We love observing the animals it provides for, and are honored to behold its abundant glory and all the creatures that enjoy it. I gather snips of the flowers to make arrangements for meditiation. My housemate and her daughter collect the chestnuts annually and use them for arts and crafts! We were set to create a ladder this year so that we could climb it and build a treehouse! We long to protect it. Trees like this are sacred and SHOULD NOT BE DESTROYED!

Similarly, our neighbors over at the Kenney take walks and come to our tree specifically to gather chestnuts for their own decor, and to enjoy its sentimental value, as many of them have grown up visiting this tree in their childhood. We have many West Seattle residents pass by this tree to enjoy its splendor. This is a generational staple of our neighborhood.

After hearing from Sara, we asked SDOT about the tree. Here’s the response we received from spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:

SDOT has not made any decisions to remove this tree. At this point, we are only planning to temporarily remove some of the adjacent concrete sidewalk panels which were already lifted up by the tree roots, so that our arborists can get a closer look at the root structure. Our immediate objective is to better understand our options, and whether it is possible to trim the tree roots in a way that maintains the health of the tree so that the sidewalk can be repaired and the curb ramp installed.

As you noted, this tree is on private property. We have been having an ongoing conversation with the property owner, who has been aware of this situation since last September and understands that they share responsibility with SDOT for repairing the sidewalk damage. Their tenant learned of the situation more recently and initially believed that we had made a decision to remove the tree. We have since spoken with both the owner and tenant to make it clear that this is not the case and we will continue to share information about the tree and curb ramp design and construction as they become available.

Sara’s not taking any chances. Her online petition is collecting signatures, and her housemate’s 9-year-old daughter has written a letter with her own plea:

The petition page even includes a design proposal for building the curb and saving the tree. Sara writes, “I want to be very clear: we absolutely want our sidewalk and streets to be accessible for everyone! There are ways to do this that do not involve killing our tree.”

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