day : 20/05/2022 11 results

10:18 PM: Seattle Police are investigating another robbery at the Lucky 5 mini-mart/gas station (35th/Henderson). The call came in about quarter past 9. Officers told dispatch that the robbers were described as “unknown race males,” both with handguns, who are believed to have gotten away in a silver “older model” Toyota Corolla, last seen eastbound on SW Henderson. No other details; if you have any tips, the SPD incident # is 22-127475.

10:26 PM: Now police are responding to a second mini-mart holdup, at 4001 California SW. Officers gave dispatch this early description: two Black males and one Asian male, all three in their 20s and dressed entirely in black. They got away via the alley behind the store. … A K-9 is being brought in to help search.

10:33 PM: The description’s been updated to say two of the robbers were in orange jackets and the third wore a gray hoodie. Officers are telling dispatch they believe these are the same robbers who held up the Lucky 5 an hour earlier. Same getaway car – silver Toyota Corolla, last seen southbound in the alley. If you have tips/sightings on this, incident # is 22-127529.

Share This

SPORTS: West Seattle High School softball season ends

May 20, 2022 10:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

A strong season for the West Seattle High School softball team ended this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex with a district-playoffs loss to Bishop Blanchet.

Blanchet took the lead in the first inning and built it to 10-0 before the Wildcats scored runs in the 5th and 6th innings, with the final score 11-2.

The team had an end-of-season gift for coach Rey Delgado – a custom hat:

Share This

ELECTION 2022: Filing Week is over – here’s who filed to run for local Legislature seats

May 20, 2022 8:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Filing Week is over and pending the withdrawal deadline on Monday, the fields are tentatively finalized for positions up for election this year. The only West Seattle (and vicinity)-specific positions on which you’ll be voting this year are in the 34th Legislative District – State Senator and two State House Representatives. Here’s who has filed:

34TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR (no links because the incumbent is the only one with a functioning website listed)
Joe Nguyen (D, incumbent)
Amber Bennett (I)
Goodspaceguy (R)
Larry Hussey (no party preference)
Tony Mitchum (no party preference)
John Potter (R)

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE POSITION 1 (no incumbent – Rep. Eileen Cody is retiring)
Emily Alvarado (D)
Leah Griffin (D)
Jolie Lansdowne (R)

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE POSITION 2
Joe Fitzgibbon (D, incumbent)
Andrew Pilloud (R)

You’ll also be voting on King County Prosecuting Attorney (for which West Seattleite Leesa Manion and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell remain the only candidates), U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 7, Secretary of State, and a variety of city, county, and state judgeships. Here’s the full list of who’s filed for everything. After the withdrawal deadline passes on Monday afternoon, the fields will be finalized for the August 2nd primary. First local debate/forum of the season is planned by the 34th District Democrats for State House Position 1, next Thursday (May 26th) – details to come.

Share This

Seen on West Seattle Junction’s sold-out spring Wine Walk

May 20, 2022 7:09 pm

| Comments Off on Seen on West Seattle Junction’s sold-out spring Wine Walk

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is pouring in a just-for-tonight satellite location right now – Capers, one of the stops on the spring West Seattle Junction Wine Walk. This time 15 wineries and 14 businesses are participating, but if you don’t already have tickets, you’re out of luck this time – it’s been sold out for weeks.

P.S. The Junction will be hopping Saturday, too – it’s part of the One Seattle Day of Service, with more than 200 volunteers signed up to help in a mega-cleanup, according to Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Repair status (updated)

May 20, 2022 3:49 pm

| 54 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

3:49 PM: We’ve been checking again this week with SDOT regarding the status of the high-bridge repair work. They’re still awaiting two more pours of specialized structural concrete and are working on that schedule, we were told in multiple inquiries this week. Today’s weekly update shows what they’ve been doing in the meantime:

We continued working on post-tensioning anchorage forms [above] in the West Seattle Bridge’s south girder. These anchorages contain lots of steel reinforcement and must be assembled with sleeves or openings. These sleeves allow for utility lines and new post-tensioning strands to pass through them. All of these components must be placed together correctly so that when the new post-tensioning strands are stressed to more than a million pounds, the bridge and all of its existing systems compress and strengthen the bridge as intended.

During the structural concrete pours, we are completing a review of the post-tensioning work completed so far, which includes the rebar we’ve installed, the holes we’ve drilled for the post-tensioning system, and the performance of the concrete.

As we complete this review, we’re making real-time adjustments to our work so we’re confident that the post-tensioning elements and the future post-tensioning system will ensure a safe and long-lasting repair.

SDOT has said repeatedly that they won’t be able to estimate the reopening date until those two remaining concrete pours are done. They’ve also said they expect to be able to provide the date with one month’s advance notice.

P.S. Reminder – the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct continuation of the bridge east of Highway 99 is scheduled to close for expansion-joint and pothole work from late tonight through early Monday.

8:25 PM: Councilmember Lisa Herbold writes in her weekly newsletter, circulated tonight, that she’s been told the two structural-concrete pours are expected next week, and that “SDOT expects to make a time-frame announcement on June 9th.”

Share This

Speed bumps at the beach? Precinct commander talks summer plan and more @ Alki Community Council

May 20, 2022 1:52 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police

(WSB photo, Thursday @ Alki)

One day after Seattle Parks announced the start date for early closings at Alki, the beach’s summer plan was the main discussion topic for the Alki Community Council.

Seattle Police Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera was the only guest at the hybrid meeting, held online plus in-person at Alki UCC.

Capt. Rivera said SPD is working on a contract with Parks regarding the early Alki Beach closure (10 pm starting May 27th). Parks covers the cost of two officers to assist at closing time, he said, and SPD provides an additional four officers for an emphasis patrol in the area “when staffing allows.” Starting this week, Alki and other West Seattle “hot spots” will see the extra patrols Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, possibly also Sundays.

What about traffic enforcement on Alki/Harbor Avenues? Capt. Rivera said SPD and SDOT have been talking about ways to deter speeding and racing via road design, primarily the possible addition of speed bumps. He said so far it’s just a matter of funding – he likes the idea of raised crosswalks but says those are estimated at around $80,000, about eight times the cost of a speed bump. Asked about the potential location, Capt. Rivera suggested “each end” of Alki; data collection was planned to further shape a plan, and he suggested contacting Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner if you want to be involved. Could private money be raised to fund speed bumps? one attendee asked. Capt. Rivera wasn’t sure. They’re also in talks regarding the angle-parking area and how that can be reconfigured to minimize problems. “Maybe it needs to go back to lateral parking,” he mused. (Aside: In a discussion of Alki as a regional draw despite the bridge closure, he said he heard “end of July the bridge might be open again.”) Other road issue: Regarding the Alki Point “Keep Moving Street” status, he said they’re just “waiting for the mayor to say yes” to making it permanent. (Later a community member who’s been advocating for permanence mentioned a recent meeting with a mayoral rep.) Someone asked about Parking Enforcement; Capt. Rivera reminded attendees that those officers now work for SDOT. Bike officers? No bike officers, no Community Police Team, “we just have 911 (responding) officers,” he said.

That led into a brief discussion of police staffing: “Every shift is missing five or six bodies,” Rivera said. For those keeping track of personnel, acting Lt. Dave Terry, who had attended many West Seattle community meetings as a shift supervisor, has been promoted to the SPD Audits section. The precinct is now missing 1st and 3rd Watch lieutenants – Lt. Terry had been 3rd, and the 1st watch lieutenant has now been moved to the citywide intradepartmental group dealing with homelessness. He also said the precinct had added three new officers recently but also lost three, so is currently about 15 people below where staffing should be.

The ACC had hoped to have a guest from Seattle Parks but they were a no-show. One more note – Parks is running a survey about the early closing time at Alki (and Golden Gardens) – here’s the link.

NEXT MEETING: Third Thursdays at 7 pm most months – so the next one will be June 16th.

Share This

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle HS ace Miles Gosztola wins Metro League MVP

May 20, 2022 1:03 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, April)

As the West Seattle High School baseball team heads into regional/state play, star pitcher Miles Gosztola has just won a new honor – Metro League MVP. The junior’s season stats: 10 hits given up in 55 innings pitched, 107 strikeouts, an earned-run average of .126, and a batting-average-against of .057. The next playoff game for WSHS is tomorrow (Saturday, May 21st) at 10 am, Bannerwood Park in Bellevue (1790 Richards Road), vs. Stanwood. If they win, they’ll play there again later in the day, time and opponent TBD.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Bike Everywhere Day by the bridge, continuing this afternoon

May 20, 2022 11:41 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Bike Everywhere Day by the bridge, continuing this afternoon

| Transportation | West Seattle news

West Seattle Bike Connections reports a big turnout for the Bike Everywhere Day commute station this morning at the west end of the low bridge – and this year, they’ll be back out in the afternoon/evening, 4-7 pm – stop by for snacks, simple bike repairs, and info.

As noted here, two more ways to enjoy Bike Everywhere Month are coming up in West Seattle tomorrow and Sunday – a kids’ bike rodeo in Delridge and costumed bike parade on Alki.

Share This

Vaccination pop-up, low-low tide finale, beverages, music, more for your West Seattle Friday

May 20, 2022 9:58 am

| Comments Off on Vaccination pop-up, low-low tide finale, beverages, music, more for your West Seattle Friday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday photo by Marc Milrod)

With the weekend in view, here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight!

COVID VACCINATION POP-UP: Noon-5 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), walk-ins welcome.

SOUND TRANSIT WORKSHOP 1-3:30 pm online, the Sound Transit Board’s Expansion Committee has a workshop on the West Seattle/Ballard plan. Open to the public for viewing – info’s in the agenda.

SPORTS: West Seattle High School plays postseason softball at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 1:30 pm vs. Bishop Blanchet (and a 5:30 pm game if they win).

LOW-LOW TIDE: Last chance this month! Out to -2.6 feet at 2:56 pm

TASTING: 4-6 pm at West Seattle Liquor and Wine (4714 42nd SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to try Argentine wines.

BIKE EVERYWHERE DAY: 4-7 pm, riders are invited to the second session of the drop-in station at the west end of the low bridge, with West Seattle Bike Connections and partners.

SEATTLE BEER WEEK: Event tonight at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) -starting at 6 pm, the Cask-O-Rama!

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Whateverly Brothers at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm. All ages, no cover.

BENEFIT BASH: At The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 7, music at 8. $10, all ages until 10 pm: “Come celebrate Dan and Cheli’s 50th birthdays with some ’70s and ’80s Loose Heels country and the inimitable stylings of Ouija Boob! This is a birthday bash and benefit for Mary’s Place.”

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

OUTDOOR MOVIE: Seattle Parks Rec ‘n the Streets presents a Movie Night at High Point Commons Park (north of 6400 SW Sylvan Way) – “Bring your lawn chair, refreshments and enjoy the company of others outside with the movie ‘Clifford The Big Red Dog’.”

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

Share This

ORCAS: Whales pass West Seattle (photos added)

May 20, 2022 8:18 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(Photos by David Hutchinson)

8:18 AM: Reported by Kersti Muul: Orcas, northbound, a few hundred yards off Cormorant Cove (3700 block Beach Drive).

8:58 AM: Transient orcas making a close pass, according to updates in comments below.

10:05 AM: Added photos sent by David Hutchinson – thank you!

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday notes, weekend alerts, and Bike Everywhere Day

May 20, 2022 6:04 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning; welcome to Friday, May 20th.

WEATHER

Some sunshine today, high in the 60s, likely warmer than the past few days (Thursday hit 58, 9 degrees below normal).

BICYCLING

Today is Bike Everywhere Day, and West Seattle Bike Connections is co-sponsoring a station under the bridge for both commute periods – 6 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm.

ROAD WORK, INCLUDING WEEKEND ALERTS

Late tonight through early Monday – eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct will be closed for expansion-joint and pothole work.

Southbound I-5 lane closures all weekend, starting tonight, also for expansion-joint work, says WSDOT.

SDOT has one West Seattle alert for Sunday:

On Sunday, we’ll be installing reflectors on the road on West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way SW. We anticipate this work to begin as early as 5 AM and conclude by 3 PM. We will start near the Chelan 5-way and work our way south, before going west on Highland Park Way SW, then go reverse to cover eastbound Highland Park Way SW and northbound West Marginal Way SW. Please anticipate delays as we will need to continuously move down the street to complete this work. This work may continue into next weekend.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

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

The West Seattle Water Taxi is back to its full schedule today.

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

788th 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.)