West Seattle, Washington
20 Tuesday
(Photo by Gene Pavola)
Wish we could say the sudden burst of color at sunset tonight was a preview of a bright holiday weekend ahead. But so far, the National Weather Service‘s forecast looks cloudy and cooler, even rainy at times. However, there’s one point from which you can take solace:
(Photo by Adam Gosztola)
On many recent days, the weather has tended to be better than forecast – today, for example, brought plenty of unpredicted sunshine. So you can hold onto hope that the Memorial Day weekend might not be as gray as predicted.
(Photos by Kersti Muul)
We describe WSB as a “community-collaborative news source” because of the thousands of ways community members have contributed over our 15 years – from someone who texted us once about a traffic jam, to those who send calendar listings, to those who attend/support those events, to people who share photos of our area’s natural beauty – from neighborhood flowers to breathtaking wildlife. Among those contributing in that last category, and then some, is Kersti Muul, whose name you see here most often when whales are in the area. Kersti’s dealing with a tough break right now – literally – and could use some support. She explains:
I have been having bad vertigo and vision issues off and on for the last three months. While coming out of an episode; still slightly unbalanced, I took a hard fall at Alki on the concrete, while watching “T-63 Chainsaw” the famous orca, pass by in Elliott Bay. My camera unfortunately was broken in the fall. Nikon has just deemed the camera damage ‘beyond repair’.
For those not familiar with me, I am a scientific educator, urban conservation specialist, community naturalist, award-winning photographer, and wildlife rescuer.
I am extremely active in the West Seattle community, donating my time, expertise, and photography at no cost. The loss of my camera is devastating to me as it is my vehicle for community education, research, outreach, and it’s how I decompress from the extremely stressful work that I do.
I’m reaching out to the community to help me, so I can continue to help you!
On her crowdfunding page, Kersti elaborates: “Helping others see the world through my lens and spurring them into action has been the biggest loss so far.”
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
MIDDAY GUNFIRE: A preliminary police summary confirms gunfire at midday today. It was called in from the vicinity of 28th/Myrtle just after 11:30 am. Here’s what police wrote:
It appears two SUVs were chasing each other for an unknown reason. A passenger in a white SUV fired rounds at the blue SUV. At least one round missed the blue SUV and struck a residence. No one was struck by the errant rounds. Evidence of a shooting was located at the scene. A short while after, a white SUV was located in the 6300 block of 34 AV SW (unoccupied). It was a Federal Way stolen vehicle. It appears to be the suspect vehicle in the shooting. It was recovered and impounded to the processing room. Patrol processed the scene. … No suspects were located. The other vehicle was not located.
STOLEN TRUCK: Via text, another report of a stolen pickup truck to watch for:
License B99083L. Incident #22-131227. Stolen from SW Dakota and 45th (on Monday). 1997 Ford Ranger.
Three years after the last West Seattle Car Show, there’s a new event for showing off amazing automobiles.
West Seattle High School automotive-technology instructor Carmin Thomas sends word that they’re hosting a car show on June 11th – open to the public to enter, as well as to students. It’s non-competitive, so you won’t have to figure out what class you’re entering – just sign up and show up. The full version of the flyer has a QR code you can use. Entry fee is $5 for students, $10 for non-students. Even if you’re not interested in entering, you’re welcome to come look, 1-4 pm on Saturday, June 11th. The school is at 3000 California SW.
Thanks to Hugh Donnelly for the photo! That’s a Northern Elephant Seal, seen today off Lincoln Park. We reported on sightings last year – Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network noted they were becoming more common in area waters; one, nicknamed Ruckus, hung around for quite some time last July. If you see this – or any other marine mammal – on a West Seattle beach, please notify SSMMSN at 206-905-SEAL.
2 PM: Seattle Fire is arriving at a house-fire call in the 8800 block of 30th SW. One person is getting medical attention. Updates to come.
2:03 PM: Firefighters report it’s under control and assess it as a “small” fire.
2:14 PM: The fire’s just been declared “tapped” (out) and the response is being downsized. The person who was medically assessed does not need to go to the hospital, we’ve been told at the scene.
ADDED FRIDAY: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “Our investigators determined the fire was accidental, and likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. The estimated loss was $100,000.”
Two and a half months after opening in Luna Park, Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant (2940 SW Avalon Way) is finally ready to celebrate. You’re invited to the 2-6 pm party this Saturday (May 28th). Lily’s announcement promises “mariachi, special discounts, cocktail drinks, and more” and adds, “We are so happy that we are in the neighborhood and for all the warm welcoming that we have received.” Lily’s was a Farmers’ Market fixture before adding this bricks-and-mortar location.
Got a question this morning about all the small boats off west-facing West Seattle. Thanks to Jim Borrow for the photo and info providing the answer: “Shrimp season opened briefly today (8 am-noon). Elliott Bay is closed this year so sport fishing was allowed in Area 10. Not as many boats as past years (probably 20 maximum) and, with Elliott Bay closed, no boats off Duwamish Head.” Find out more (and see maps) on the state Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
(Photo by Mike Burns)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TEXAS MASSACRE VIGIL: From Forest Lawn at 6701 30th SW:
For those who need a place to go a moment for quiet. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will have an open chapel
today through Monday to offer a place to reconcile your thoughts, to sign a guest book for the families and just simply grieve. You are welcome to bring flowers, cards candles… whatever you need or would like to. We will get the items and cards to a local funeral home in Texas. At times like this is hard to know where to turn, what to do and how to react especially when we feel so helpless. Our team is here for you as a community as we all try to make sense of such a horrific day. Our love and strength to all of those in Texas whose lives have been forever changed.
The chapel will be open 9 am-5 pm each day.
PICKLEBALL MEETING: 4:30 pm, Seattle Parks has one last online meeting for pickleball and tennis players – attendance info is in our calendar listing.
RACIAL-JUSTICE VIGIL: Not in West Seattle, but two local Catholic parishes are participating in a vigil for racial justice on the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, 6 pm at Immaculate Conception Church (820 18th Ave.).
FAUNTLEROY FERRY-DOCK PROJECT: Second of two online community meetings to talk about where the planning is at – 6 pm; register (and find more info) here.
JAZZ NIGHT: Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) hosts its first jazz night – no cover, 21+, 6:30-9:30 pm.
MORE LIVE MUSIC: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) has live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.
BOOK-LAUNCH CELEBRATION: As previewed here, West Seattle writer Susan Rich has a new book of poetry out, and she and the other two co-founders of the legendary WordsWest Literary Series are reuniting for a celebration tonight at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – 7 pm, and you’re invited to be part of it (p.s. cake!).
HPAC IN PERSON: 7 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way), join your neighbors in talking about community issues including traffic safety.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm on Wednesdays, Kimball and The Fugitive Trio play live at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
TRIVIA x 2: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Throughout the year, community members have generously supported fundraisers to help local students, from benefit sales and auctions, to dine-out events. As the school year winds down, we have news of another one – from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts president Dawn Pomeroy:
Denny Sealth Performing Arts parent booster organization is currently holding our 3rd annual online fundraiser through Snap Raise. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and the money raised goes to ensure that our students have access to working instruments, new music, uniforms and concert attire, and the ability to participate in music festivals. Please consider donating through either the Denny link or Chief Sealth link. Thank you!
6:01 AM: Good morning; welcome to Wednesday, May 25th.
WEATHER
Another mostly cloudy forecast, but warmer – possibly into the low 70s today.
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 on its regular schedule. (Note that it’ll run a special schedule on Memorial Day.)
Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
793rd 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 (one of four new cameras!):
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan – might be experiencing difficulty):
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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