day : 13/05/2022 12 results

A week and a half after the report of a draft US Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, demonstrations continue. Today a group of West Seattle High School students left the school in the 11 am hour, marching to The Junction and back to Admiral. We didn’t get word of it in time to send our photographer but one of the organizers, Claire, sent photos.

Abortion-rights supporters plan demonstrations across the country tomorrow; none here in West Seattle that we’ve heard, but we received a media advisory for one on Capitol Hill.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Sylvan Way crash

May 13, 2022 10:51 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

A passing police officer happened onto a crash on Sylvan Way a short time ago, describing it as a car into a tree, calling in SFD to treat an injured man. The location was described as “just south of the cemetery.” Only one vehicle mentioned.

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SATURDAY’S THE DAY! One last round of pre-West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day updates

May 13, 2022 9:10 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Here we go – hours away from the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, defiant in the face of possible morning showers. Here are some final updates:

-We’ve continued updating the online map/list here. If you’re shopping, check before you head out. Also note that some sales not originally slated for garages might actually move into them if the weather doesn’t dry out fast enough.

-We’ll be covering WSCGSD as it happens, as always. This year, three ways – here on WSB, via Twitter, and via Instagram (where we will have a surprise guest host posting Stories from some of the sales). Photos from sellers and shoppers are welcome – email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302, and be sure to mention the sale number so we can cross-reference with the address.

-Before you start your sale (or head out to shop), consider setting out a bag of nonperishable food for the Stamp Out Hunger drive.

-Speaking of donations, for sellers interested in donating “leftovers,” community groups/organizations have offered a few options – see them here (and if you have something to add, let us know and we’ll get it on the list).

-Speaking of lists, one more: Unusual items! Just a sampling that caught our attention when we were reviewing listings:
*Sale #7 has a gorilla suit
*Sales #31 and 319 have smokers
*Sale #163 has a free piano (bring your own truck)
*Sale #191 has a 1960s Singer sewing machine
*Sale #219 has a vintage wood-train set

If you find a treasure, we’d love to hear about that too! And if you’re looking for a particular type of item, use the map search function (explained on the map page) to search – as we suggest there, keep it to one keyword for best chance of success. (Our previous lists are linked atop the map.) Wishing everyone a fun Saturday!

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle ultra-runner trying Olympic Discovery Trail again this weekend

May 13, 2022 7:25 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Tomorrow while hundreds if not thousands of people put on jackets and head out to sell or shop at garage sales, one West Seattleite will be taking on an intense challenge a few hours from home. Riley Nachtrieb sent this announcement of what she plans to start tomorrow morning, no matter what the weather is:

20-year-old West Seattle-based ultra-runner Riley Nachtrieb will be re-attempting to run the first recorded Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 135-mile Olympic Discovery Trail this Saturday, May 14th. An FKT is a speed record for a running route. It is not a race; there is no competition or award for completion. They are self-organized and ran solo with a support crew.

The ODT spans from Port Townsend to La Push, and Riley is aiming to complete the 135 miles in under 30 hours. The trail is 90% pavement, mostly on the side of the highway. She first attempted to run this route in 2019, but her Dad made her stop at 82 miles in 21 hours because she got a stress fracture in her foot. Despite this undesired ending to her first attempt, Riley, also an aspiring filmmaker, turned her story into an award-winning short film, “Broken” premiering at the Auburn Adventure Film Festival (watch it here).

Ever since stopping in 2019, Riley has been hungry to complete it. As a lead-up training run last month, she set the first women’s FKT on the 55-mile Whidbey Island Traverse, in 11 hours, 10 minutes.

“Running 135 miles will not be easy,” she says. “I do these hard things because I want to show people that women can do hard things. I run ‘insane’ distances to disrupt the narrative society knows, not only about running but how capable women are. As a young female in the sport, I’ve had many experiences of people doubting my abilities- But these experiences only light the fire within me to show how capable we are as women, if we dare to try.”

She starts running in Port Townsend at 7 am on May 14th. A crew full of family and friends will meet her at checkpoints. You can track her live using this link: share.garmin.com/rileynachtrieb

And you can see photo updates on her Instagram, @rileynachtrieb.

Riley adds that she’s thankful for the community support she’s received over the years.

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UPDATE: Man shot at 28th/Andover

May 13, 2022 3:30 pm

| 155 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

3:30 PM: Seattle Police and Fire are responding to the West Seattle Health Club vicinity after a report that a man “walked in and said he’d been shot.” They’re looking for a possible suspect in the area – we don’t have a description yet. Updates to come.

3:38 PM: Police continue looking for the shooter, while medics treat the victim, who is reported to have been shot in the back. No info yet on circumstances, though at least two people in the area tell us via Twitter that they heard shots.

3:45 PM: K9 teams are on the way to help with the search. One officer has said via radio that the shooting was “on the sidewalk.” They’re reviewing security video that shows someone “running westbound on Yancy.”

3:49 PM: Our crew has spoken with SFD at the scene. The victim is a man believed to be about 40. He has multiple gunshot wounds and is being taken to Harborview. Adding scene photos.

3:52 PM: We also confirmed at the scene that the shooting happened north of the club, on the side with the RV emcampment across the street. … The helicopter overhead is the shared TV-news chopper, not law enforcement.

4:11 PM: Police are still searching for the shooter. As noted in comments, this is the second time in a month and a half that someone has been shot in that area. A suspect was arrested and charged in the March shooting and remains in jail. … Police just told dispatch they need to block traffic at 28th/Yancy as their investigation continues.

4:49 PM: They’re still searching actively.

5:12 PM: No arrest yet. But the streets that were closed for the investigation (including SW Yancy) are reopening.

5:58 PM: No further information. Here’s what SPD posted – no details about circumstances, suspect described only as “white male, mid-30s” (see this comment for what was heard over police radio early on; we also heard later mention of the orange sweatshirt with white lettering, possibly DB). We’re still waiting to hear back from SFD about the victim.

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FOLLOWUP: Alki pump-station project expected to start soon

May 13, 2022 2:34 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

We’ve reported previously on the upgrades – and art – planned for Seattle Public Utilities‘ Pump Station 38, on the water side of the 1400 block of Alki Avenue SW [map]. Now, SPU has announced the work is expected to start within a few weeks, so it’s time for a reminder. The city says the flow through the station has increased in recent years, so the upgrade will “convert the current pump station from an airlift-type station to a more standard pump station … to reduce the risk of failure.” The project has been awarded to Harbor Pacific Contractors, Inc. of Woodinville, for $2,066,085, according to project manager Jonathan Brown. (That’s up from the $1.2 million estimate last year.) The work is expected to last six to nine months once it begins; the start was estimated “as early as mid-May” when a notice was sent out recently, but now, Brown tells WSB, it’s “looking more likely that it will be a late-May or early June start” as the contractor is still working on right-of-way permits. The work will require parking restrictions and Alki Trail detours for people walking/running/rolling.

The project includes art funded through the city’s half-century-old 1% For Art program, commissioned from Idaho artist Sarah Thompson Moore. We reported last year on the updated design (shown above), including a safety guardrail that the site upgrade would require, with or without art. The city says the art “seeks to create an engaging and thoughtful space that highlights the history of local Indigenous communities and their relationship to the land and waterways surrounding West Seattle.”

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City says it’s resuming ‘full parking enforcement’ of 72-hour rule

May 13, 2022 12:39 pm

| 43 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

SDOT – which now oversees parking-enforcement officers after their move out of SPD – says it’s resuming enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule. The announcement does not clearly state whether that involves any change in whether long-parked RVs will be towed, however, so we have that out as a followup question. Meantime, here’s the full text of today’s announcement:

The City of Seattle is resuming full parking enforcement for any vehicle that has remained in one place unmoved for longer than 72 hours, returning to the normal standards which were temporarily paused in 2020 due to COVID-19 public health guidelines. While full enforcement is resuming now, parking enforcement officers will continue to provide official warning notifications on vehicles allowing owners and occupants to move them before enforcement occurs.

Seattle Municipal Code does not allow a person to park a vehicle on the same block of a city street for longer than 72 consecutive hours. Public streets are not an appropriate place for long-term vehicle storage.

Enforcement of the 72-hour rule was temporarily paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic public health guidelines. Enforcement resumed in October 2021 with a focus on clearing unoccupied, abandoned, or hazardous vehicles. During this time, the City continued to enforce other parking rules, such as vehicles violating posted signs or leaving cars where parking is never allowed (such as blocking fire hydrants or transit lanes).

Vehicle owners should get back in the habit of regularly moving vehicles to avoid a possible warning and citation. People should also check their block regularly for temporary parking restriction signs, which can be placed with a minimum of 24-hours notice for things like emergency utility work, cleaning, or special events.

The parking enforcement team cannot be everywhere at once and expects it to take longer than usual to respond to the many requests predicted to happen in the beginning. The enforcement process takes time, and the parking enforcement team will respond to violations as swiftly as possible given capacity.

Seattle Public Utilities continues to lead the RV Remediation program, which focuses on cleaning up and disposing of debris and waste around RVs to ensure public health and safety. Days prior to a scheduled remediation event, SPU and parking enforcement staff engage with people staying in RVs to make them aware of the upcoming clean-up activity. SDOT will continue to work with SPU to prioritize the locations of these clean-up efforts over time.

The first step of enforcement will continue to be leaving official warning notices on vehicles, giving the owner time to move them voluntarily and avoid enforcement action. If it appears that people may be living in one of the vehicles, they will receive information about assistance, support services, and resources.

If a car is towed from a public street, instructions to locate the vehicle and documents required to release your vehicle are available online. The first step to find and reclaim your vehicle is to call Lincoln Towing at 206-364-2000 or search for your vehicle on Lincoln Towing’s www.SeattleImpound.com website.

If your car was towed from a private parking lot, look for posted signs with instructions and a phone number for the tow company which operates the lot. If you still cannot locate your vehicle, call the Community Safety and Communications Center at 206-625-5011.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, the prequel!

May 13, 2022 11:56 am

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Tomorrow is West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, with ~300 registered sales, and a few are starting early – as early as one day in advance, like Sale #248 at 5637 42nd SW, a big sale Mike LaFranchi (below) and Margaret LaFranchi host every WSCGSD to raise money so more kids living with disabilities are able to attend Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp.

The sale is on until 4 pm today and again 9 am-4 pm tomorrow (one hour beyond the close of official WSCGSD hours); it’s part of the list of benefit/fundraising sales that we featured here. Other sales that mentioned Friday starts in their listings include #250 and #264. See the full map/list, including updates such as last-minute cancellations, by going here.

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Here’s what’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Friday!

May 13, 2022 10:39 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

The weekend’s almost here! But first, some Friday happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, inbox, and archives:

PUGET SOUND LOCAL YARN TOUR: Special events continue at Seattle Yarn (5633 California SW), open until 8 pm on the third day of the regional tour.

SPORTS: Postseason games today/tonight in softball at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), starting with 1:30 pm games: Chief Sealth IHS vs. Eastside Catholic and West Seattle HS vs. Garfield. The outcomes of those games will determine who they play in 5:30 pm games – watch the schedule/scoreboard here. … Also at NCSWAC this afternoon/evening, track and field finals.

(added) TASTING: 2-4 pm at West Seattle Liquor and Wine (4714 42nd SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to a spring Gin Tasting: “We will be pouring Greenalls Blueberry and London Dry, Booth Jasmine and Rose Gin, also Thomas Dakins London Dry Gin.”

BIG BAND DINNER DANCE: Thai food plus music from both West Seattle High School musicians and the renowned West Seattle Big Band, starting at 6 pm at WSHS (3000 California SW) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: Monthly showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm. All ages, no cover.

FRIDAY THE 13TH LIVE MUSIC: The Almost Faithful, Kalimocho Boys, and Obol at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 7, music at 8. $10, 21+.

‘ALMA’: Friday night theater! The new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) continues its run with a performance at 7:30 tonight – buy your ticket(s) here.

Have an event for our calendar/daily lists? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CAN YOU HELP? Volunteer for Wine Walk, Memorial Day flags in West Seattle Junction

May 13, 2022 10:03 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news

Two upcoming events in The Junction could use a little more volunteer power, we hear from West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay:

West Seattle Wine Walk needs volunteers: two shifts on May 20th, 5-7 and 7-9 pm. If you are 21+ you get wine-tasting tickets for the off shift. Sign up here!

American Flags are a beautiful part of our Junction, and we are putting them up again on Memorial Day with the help of some local Veterans. We have two shifts: 9-10 and 4-5 on Monday, May 30th. Sign up here!

(The Wine Walk is sold out, so if you don’t already have a ticket, volunteering is the only remaining way to get one!)
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Memorial planned May 23rd for Jack Geary, 1944-2022

May 13, 2022 9:09 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather May 23rd to remember Jack Geary, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Thomas “Jack” Anthony Geary, 77, of Seattle, passed away on May 6th, 2022, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jack was brought into this world on June 12th, 1944, by his loving parents, John “Jack” Geary and Sarah “Sadie” Geary, in Nuns Island, Galway, Ireland, where he spent the early part of his life. As a student, Jack attended Saint Patrick’s Primary School in his youth, then graduated from Saint Joseph’s Secondary School in 1961. True to his studious nature, Jack went on to earn a college degree in both English and History, as well as a Higher Diploma in Education in 1965 at University College Galway.

Throughout his academic years, Jack was enthralled by recreational activities like rowing and rugby. He won five rugby championship cups, one during secondary school and four while attending college. While Jack was a gifted student and sportsman, most people remember him for his lifelong passion for music, which he enjoyed up until his final day. To Jack, music was life. As a keen musician, he became well known in the folk scene in Galway following college and went on to start his first band in Galway called “The Galway Blazers.”

Eager to establish a meaningful career in music, Jack left Ireland in 1968 and moved to New York City, where he played music in a band called “The Freedom Folk” with Sean Tyrrell. Together they produced a beautiful folk album called “Apples in Winter.”

Soon after, Jack moved to Boston and then to Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1969. It was in Newburyport that Jack met the love of his life, Terri, at a restaurant called the Townhouse, in Lowell, Massachusetts. The two married a year later on January 27th, 1970. On June 9th, 1971 they had their son, Colin Geary. Colin was raised in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

While in Newburyport, Jack formed a band called Harvest Home. For two decades Jack continued to play music; Terri had careers as a flight attendant and a restaurateur. Together they were living their best lives while raising their son.

In 1991, Jack and Terri drove across the country to settle in Seattle and care for Terri’s elderly mother. Jack played music in the local area and in 1993 he and Terry became proprietors of The Owl n’ Thistle Irish Pub, located in downtown Seattle. Eager to make this a family business, Colin answered his parents call to move to Seattle and help run the pub. It was at The Owl n’ Thistle that Jack felt the greatest joy entertaining friends and patrons, which he did up until his final days. To this day, The Owl n Thistle has been wildly successful and a staple in the community. Thanks to Jack’s hands-on approach and generous nature, many of his employees went on to become entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, and successful musicians. Walking into The Owl n’ Thistle for the first time, there’s a strong sense of community with patrons and locals but also a rich connection with the Seattle music scene, all which Jack took great pride in fostering. Today, Jack’s memory is celebrated by friends and family who he loved with all his heart.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Sadie Geary, his siblings Angela Packard, John (Poonah) Geary, and his son Colin Geary. He is survived by his wife Terri Geary, his brother Eamonn Geary, and his sisters Maura Castling, Jane Bilyard, and sister Susan Quinn.

Please join us on Monday, May 23, 2022 @ 11 am at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle, 4139 42nd Ave SW. Reception to follow at The Owl n’ Thistle Irish Pub, 808 Post Ave.

(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 alerts

May 13, 2022 6:02 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning and welcome to Friday, May 13th.

WEATHER

The National Weather Service predicts a partly sunny day, high around 60.

WEEKEND ALERTS

-Saturday is West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, with ~300 sales around the peninsula – see the map here – so neighborhoods will be busier.

-SDOT has one project in West Seattle this weekend: “On Saturday, we’ll be replacing three traffic signs on SW Spokane St in the eastbound direction near 26th Ave SW. We anticipate this work to begin as early as 7 AM and conclude by 5 PM. We’ll need to reduce the two travel lanes to a single lane and there may be delays for people driving.”

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule, but watch @kcmetroalerts (new account) for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

Check the West Seattle Water Taxi status here. (REMINDER ADDED: No midday WT service for up to four days next week,)

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

781st 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.)