month : 05/2022 331 results

CONGRATULATIONS! Girls’ soccer team wins surprise state championship, heads to regionals – with community help

Congratulations to the HSA Select G07 soccer team, the Washington State U15 Division 1 President’s Cup champions this year, which means they’re heading to Arizona to compete in regionals – with community assistance. The photo and information are from parent Krista McInerney, who explains:

This is kind of a rare occurrence, as they were competing against premier-level teams in a division they’d never experienced before. Click through to their GoFundMe page to read more about their road to the 6/15-6/19 Far West Regionals. The team is made up of players who live in West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and Normandy Park. Players on this team attend Madison MS, West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, Summit Atlas, Vashon High School, and Highline schools. We would love to put the call out for community support.

Champions at the Arizona tournament move on to national competition in North Carolina in July.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Monday

6:01 AM: Good morning; welcome to Monday, May 23rd.

WEATHER

After one blissfully springlike day, today’s forecast, is for clouds and a high in the low-to-mid-60s.

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.

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

791st 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 (may be experiencing trouble):

Highland Park Way/Holden (may be experiencing trouble):

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.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray motorcycle

Joshua hopes you will keep an eye out for this stolen motorcycle:

Gray café racer motorcycle, plate number 2J2518, was stolen Saturday morning around 5 am from SW Avalon Way. A report has been filed with local police.

CORONAVIRUS: This week’s West Seattle and countywide trends

Since it’s Sunday night, it’s time for our weekly check of countywide and West Seattle COVID stats from the past week. A shorter reference week this time, as the county did not update data on Friday, but overall, cases are up countywide for a ninth week; hospitalizations are up; deaths are up. Here are the numbers, from the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:

*9 percent more cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 1,118 new daily cases countywide (up from 1,042 when we checked a week ago)

*37 percent more hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 15 new hospitalizations daily (up from 10 a week ago)

*107 percent more deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two weeks before (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 2 deaths daily (same two-week average aslast week)

For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge):
*895 cases between 4/30 and 5/14, up from 645 between 4/15 and 4/29
*10 hospitalizations between 4/30 and 5/14, up from 7 between 4/15 and 4/29
*No deaths between 4/30 and 5/14, same as between 4/15 and 4/29

VACCINATION: This week, boosters were recommended for everyone 5 and up. Checking vaccination rates:
*81.1 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*85.9 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*49.2 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .2% 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 – 88.2% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 53.2% have had a booster
98116 – 93% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 64.9% have had a booster
98126 – 83.7% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 55.1% have had a booster
98136 – 93.8% completed initial series (same as a week earlier), 68.1% have had a booster
98146 – 83.2% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 48.1% have had a booster

VACCINATION AND TESTING, UPDATED HOURS: No pop-up clinics announced for the week ahead; 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) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday). … If you need to report self-test results, that’s explained on this page.

UPDATE: Gunfire investigation in North Delridge (updated)

7:41 PM: Thanks to Tony for the photo, and to everyone who’s texted. Also happening right now, police are investigating gunfire in North Delridge. No injuries reported but as Tony’s photo shows, they’ve found shell casings. This is reported to be in the 25th/Dakota vicinity. We’re on our way to see what else we can find out.

7:59 PM: We’ve confirmed no one was hit. Police say a particular residence seemed to be the target; they’re wrapping up their investigation. According to Tony, the shooter was described as “last seen heading south on 26th Ave SW. Green slides, black hoody with ‘Respect’ on the back in red/white. Seen taking off an old-school full-face ski mask.”

8:06 PM: Dispatch has told officers someone in the targeted residential building (which we’ve heard described as a duplex) called in to say they found a bullet in their home.

8:45 PM: No additional info, but if you have anything to add to the police investigation, here’s the incident number to refer to when contacting them: 22-129315.

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: A few more details from the preliminary police summary: The shots were indeed fired toward a particular duplex by a person on foot. SPD adds: “Both units of the duplex had bullet damage and an unoccupied home being built had also been struck.”

UPDATE: Arbor Heights house fire sends 3 people to hospital

7:13 PM: Seattle Fire crews are just arriving at a house fire in the 9800 block of 45th SW [map] – smoke was visible from miles north.

(Photo sent by Erin, seen from Lincoln Park)

They report it’s a “working fire.” Updates to come.

7:15 PM: At least one person is reported in need of medical treatment.

(Added: WSB photo)

7:20 PM: Firefighters told dispatch the fire is under control. … Other people who were in the house are reported to need medical evaluation.

7:56 PM: Update from SFD – “Firefighters rescued an approximately 74-year-old man from the house fire; he is being transported in critical condition via medics to HMC. 2 other occupants are also being transported via AMR in stable condition.” The fire is out.

(Added: SFD photo)

8:29 PM: Just talked to SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley. She had one detail to add – that neighbors jumped into action with fire extinguishers after seeing smoke and hearing someone yelling for help, but it was too late – the fire “took off.” Of the three people home at the time, the one who was transported in critical condition was in the room where the fire is believed to have started; another man got out OK, and a woman was out in the yard at the time. SFD’s investigator is working to determine the cause.

MONDAY MORNING: SFD says the fire was ruled accidental, blamed on an “overheated electrical power strip.”

VIDEO: Alki Daze costumed bike parade returns

From superheroes on wheels, to rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia …

… this busy day on Alki included the participants of the revived Alki Daze costumed bike parade along the beach. Ringleader is Alki resident Guy Olson:

Guy (who described his costume as “Burt Reynolds in ‘Smokey and the Bandit'”) sent out an open invitation; here’s who showed up by parade time:

We got some to pose for a group photo, too:

Guy says the costumed bike parade is meant in the spirit of the “car-free day” events the city used to present on Alki every spring/summer from 2008 until 2014.

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: One more look at low-low-tide sights

This past week’s low-low tides are over, but we have a few more wildlife photos to share. The first and last photos are from Marc Milrod; the four below are from Rosalie Miller – first, a Mottled Star:

A Hermit Crab:

A Limpet:

And a Pink Sponge:

Among the birds on the temporarily expanded beach, this Great Blue Heron:

The next stretch of low-low tides (which is the term we use for low tides out past -2 feet) is on the chart for June 12th-18th. (Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks for five of those days.)

FOLLOWUP: 4508 California SW demolition update

If you were in The Junction for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, and/or other business, today, you might have noticed that after a week, the demolition is done at the 4508 California SW mixed-use project site (we reported on its start this past Tuesday). Also as of a few days ago, part of the parking lot east of the alley is fenced off:

On the California side of the site, the sidewalk remains open, as stipulated in the construction-management plan, with scaffolding and plywood currently hiding the work. The alley is open too but subject to intermittent closures. Re-reading the plan today, we also note a slightly different description of the 7-story project – 38 apartments, 20 Small Efficiency Dwelling Units (microapartments), 12 lodging units, 3,500 square feet of commercial space, and 14 offstreet-parking spaces, all but 1 underground. The plan says construction is expected to last just under a year and a half.

LAST CALL: One more day to register for Bridging Our Communities Together!

May 22, 2022 1:20 pm
|    Comments Off on LAST CALL: One more day to register for Bridging Our Communities Together!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Help buy a new roof for the Log House Museum! That’s part of what the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is raising money for by presenting its Bridging Our Communities Together celebration on June 3rd. Tomorrow (Monday, May 23rd) is the deadline to register, according to this update from the SWSHS:

We look forward to seeing you on June 3rd for Bridging Our Communities Together: Celebrating 25 Years of the Log House Museum. We’ll host an evening reception, silent auction, and hear from a panel of some of our founders as we raise a toast to our past and craft a vision of our future together. Registration closes on May 23rd, so purchase tickets now if you have not already!

Your ticket will help put a new roof on the beloved Log House Museum, fuel a brand-new lecture series, and support our work preserving the stories of the Duwamish Peninsula.

Bidding on auction items opens on May 30 and closes on June 3. More of our 20+ auction items are posted every week!

Register HERE today and be sure to follow the instructions below:

*If you registered for last year’s auction you can utilize the same login information to register for the event.

*Remember to register for the auction after purchasing your ticket.

*If you are registering for the first time, click on “Create Account” at the top of the page to register for your Personal Link which will allow you to bid on auction items. You will need to set up a login which you can use to access the auction items.

The June 3rd event is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First Delridge Bicycle Rodeo

May 22, 2022 10:36 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First Delridge Bicycle Rodeo
 |   Delridge | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Don Brubeck of West Seattle Bike Connections for the report and photos from another first-time event that happened Saturday – the Delridge Bike Rodeo:

West Seattle Bike Connections partnered with Delridge Community Center’s staff for bike fun for kids, families. Britt Lord-Jacobson was the lead for Delridge CC. B, Xavier, and other SPR staff did lots of work.

WSBC did a skills rodeo including a rock dodge obstacle course, a slow race, and intersection ride-out. Kathy Dunn, Bryan Fiedorcyzk, Anthony Avery, and I were the wranglers.

Bike Works brought their mobile shop for free bike checks.
Outdoors for All brought adaptive cycles for riders with disabilities to try.
Children’s Hospital had a big crew to give away helmets to kids and do helmet fitting adjustments.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance was there for information on mountain biking.
Flip Your Trip was there to give information about transit and active transportation options.

Seattle Police came on bikes and rode horses from Westcrest to the event. Their miniature horse was a big hit.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!

(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)

Here’s the list for the rest of the weekend:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Scheduled to continue today – southbound lane closures on I-5 between I-90 and Spokane Street, and the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct closure. Also today, SDOT says:

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

.DONATION-ONLY YOGA CLASS: 9 am at Jet City Labs (4546 California SW, upstairs) – details in our calendar listing.

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re still listing these – see today’s list here.

2 BENEFIT SALES IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: 9 am-1 pm, the plant sale to benefit a Lung Force Walk Seattle team is happening at 3703 SW 107th, while midblock between 35th and 37th on SW 107th, another sale is benefiting PAWS, 10 am-1 pm.

(Photo by Arlene Rubin)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

COSTUMED BIKE PARADE: It’s back! Alki resident Guy Olson organizes this as part of “Alki Daze,” and everyone’s welcome to show up and join the ride. Meet at 2 pm at 63rd and Alki Avenue SW.

‘ORCA RESCUE!’ TOWN HALL: Hybrid event featuring West Seattleite Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, focused on the lost whale whose rescue she chronicles in a new book – 2 pm; details in our calendar listing.

URBAN HOPSTACLE: Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) continues celebrating Seattle Beer Week, this time with a 2-6 pm inflatable obstacle course!

‘ALMA’ AT ARTSWEST: Closing performance – 3 pm curtain at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Get your ticket(s) here.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Citizens of Earth play 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover.

BOOK CLUB AT C & P: Also at the coffeehouse, the May meeting of the West Seattle Classic Novels and Movies Book Club, 3 pm.

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio (7356 35th SW) – details here.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list on our calendar? We update it daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

UPDATE: Motorcycle rider taken to hospital after Harbor Avenue collision

9:07 PM: SPD and SFD are on the scene of what’s reported to be a collision involving a person on a motorcycle and an unspecified other type of vehicle. They’re currently reported to be blocking the southbound lanes in the 2700 block of Harbor SW [map]. Avoid the area.

9:22 PM: No update yet – this is on a stretch of Harbor that’s hard for us to access when closed for a crash but we’ll be checking with SFD re: the victim’s condition. Sounds like they’re being taken to the hospital by medic unit, indicating serious injuries. Police are still on scene too.

9:41 PM: Officers have just told dispatch the road has reopened.

10:55 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley says the motorcycle rider, a man in his early 30s, was in critical condition when transported.

MONDAY UPDATE: SPD’s preliminary summary says investigators determined no other vehicle was involved.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Hundreds volunteer for ‘Day of Service’

(Photo sent by Althea Chow)

Junction Plaza Park was one of the hubs of volunteer activity in West Seattle today during the first One Seattle Day of Service decreed by Mayor Bruce Harrell. The Junction Association‘s executive director Chris Mackay reported more than 200 volunteers signed up for beautification work.

Co-sponsors of the Junction cleanup included Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor). Other West Seattle events on the citywide Day of Service lineup ranged from Alki in the north to Highland Park in the south, as shown on this map.

SPORTS: West Seattle High School baseball team heading to state championships

6 PM: After two district-tournament wins in Bellevue today – 4-1 over Stanwood and 6-5 over Walla Walla – the West Seattle HS baseball team is headed to state! Full story and photos when we get back to HQ.

(WSB photos)

ADDED 10:03 PM: The celebration followed a tense final inning in the Wildcats’ game against Walla Walla.

Senior Felix Schlede started on the mound for WSHS, and the game was scoreless until the 4th inning.

Then Walla Walla went on a 4-0 run. But West Seattle refused to let the runs go unanswered, and broke its own scoring drought in the bottom of the 4th, starting with 2 RBIs by #5. senior Nick Hazlegrove. The score was tied at 4-4 before the inning was out.

The Wildcats added two more runs in the fifth, but then the Blue Devils tried a comeback, scoring 1 run in the top of the sixth, bringing the score to 6-5, too close for comfort, and then loading the bases in the top of the seventh, but Wildcats reliever Maddox Brent got out of the jam, and WSHS got the trip to state.

Hazlegrove was chosen Player of the Game.

The Wildcats, 24-1 in Dylan Mclauchlin‘s first season as head coach, are now in the state’s final four, and they’ll play Mercer Island at 7 pm Friday (May 27th) at Gesa Stadium in Pasco. The last WSHS appearance in regional/state competition was 2014.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First outdoor market at The Heron’s Nest

May 21, 2022 3:13 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Looking for something to do with the rest of your sunny Saturday afternoon? Also from our daily preview, The Heron’s Nest is hosting its first monthly outdoor market.

16 vendors are there today; co-organizer Maari Falsetto says they are hoping to build to 40 at the third-Saturday event. (Added: That’s Maari, who you might know from Inner Alchemy, at left below, with Waiman and Amanda from Heron’s Nest.)

Food, art, more – get to 4818 Puget Way by 6 pm.

Next month’s market will be 10 am-6 pm Saturday, June 18th.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Emerald Water Anglers’ Summer Fest at Me-Kwa-Mooks

  • O

    You have two more hours to get to Me-Kwa-Mooks Park (4500 Beach Drive SW) for the return of Summer Fest, the fly-fishing expo presented by Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor). You can browse and try rods …

    Other outdoor apparel/gear too, including Bajio‘s plant-based sunglasses (cases made from cactus!).

    Right now they’re also cooking up gourmet lunch:

    If you don’t get to today’s event (which continues until 3 pm), you can shop Emerald Water Anglers in The Junction on the southeast corner of 42nd SW and SW Oregon.

  • WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another store robbery; stolen Silverado pickup (update: found)

    Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning:

    ANOTHER STORE ROBBERY: Police are investigating this one right now, at Sally Beauty in Westwood Village. Different description from last night’s mini-mart robberies – this time the robber is described as a white man in his 50s, medium build, black beanie, black face mask, gray hoodie, slim build, black skinny jeans, white sneakers, holding a black and silver gun in one hand as he left eastbound on SW Barton. Police told us at the scene that he got away with about $300 in cash.

    STOLEN PICKUP: Sent this morning by Kelli:

    My husband’s truck was stolen from out front of house. It was last seen at 10 pm last night, 44th Ave SW between Hanford and Hinds.

    Chevy Silverado 1998, grayish brown color, license plate C22085D

    It has several stickers on the back window including a crab in the lower left hand corner and. Washington state sticker in upper left with blue TR.

    AFTERNOON UPDATE: Found.

    WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 22 notes!

    May 21, 2022 6:34 am
    |    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 22 notes!
     |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

    (Friday evening photo, looking east from West Seattle, by David Hutchinson)

    Another busy Saturday! Here’s the list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

    TRAFFIC ALERTS: The eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct is closed; so are lanes on southbound I-5 between I-90 and Spokane Street.

    EMERALD WATER ANGLERS SUMMER FEST: Celebrate fishing with vendors, demos, more at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park (4500 Beach Drive SW), presented by Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for some of the free highlights; only thing to bring money for is lunch (check out what’s cooking).

    BENEFIT BLOCK SALE: 9 am-2 pm on SW 107th west of 35th SW to raise money for PAWS – details in our calendar listing.

    ONE SEATTLE DAY OF SERVICE: Starting as early as 9 am, thousands of volunteers are working on dozens of projects around the city, including several here in West Seattle. Not registered? Check here for any that still need a hand.

    HIGH POINT BEE FESTIVAL: The home of the West Seattle Bee Garden is hosting a low-key festival this year, with events starting at 9:30 am at Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW).

    BICYCLE RODEO: 10 am-1 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), a fun event to help kids learn to bicycle more skillfully and safely.

    NEW OUTDOOR MARKET: The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW) is hosting a new monthly outdoor market, 10 am-6 pm.

    BOWL-A-NOMA: Bowl at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) to battle melanoma, 10 am-1 pm.

    SPORTS: West Seattle High School‘s league-champion baseball team has a 10 am regional playoff game at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue (1790 Richards Road), vs. Stanwood. If the Wildcats win, they’ll play there again later in the day, time and opponent TBD.

    FRIENDS OF MORGAN JUNCTION PARK: Help beautify the park (just north of California and Fauntleroy) 11 am-2 pm: “We’ll be primarily weeding and spreading mulch, but there will be other projects for gardeners of all levels.”

    WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) tasting room is open 1-6 pm, for tasting or by-the-glass/by-the-bottle wine.

    POP-UP BOUTIQUE: Vintage clothing today, 1-6 pm, at Brocante Beach House (2622 Alki SW)!

    BOWLING FOR EQUALITY: Bowl with HRC Seattle in two waves at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) – 3-5 pm or 6-8 pm.

    TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD REP: First in-person community-conversation meeting with West Seattle/South Park school-board rep Leslie Harris since the pandemic began – 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

    THE GREAT RETURN: 3-8 pm, stop by <strong>Pathfinder K-8 (1901 SW Genesee) for free fun in support of the PTSA’s spring fundraising campaign (you’re welcome whether or not you can donate)

    BOUNCES AT OUNCES: Seattle Beer Week festivities continue at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) with Bounce Invasion – a space-themed free bounce house “for kids of all ages.” 3-6 pm.

    DESTINATION DELRIDGE: Dine, dance, and support DNDA, starting at 6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

    EVENING MUSIC @ C & P COFFEE: The Brews Brothers at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, no cover.

    AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, for a “Tribute to Taylor.” Music by Mountain Holler, Members of Smokey T and the Larks, and special guests. at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). All ages until 10 pm.

    ‘ALMA’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend of the Seattle premiere run for Benjamin Benne‘s play! 7:30 pm curtain at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Get your ticket(s) here.

    DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Saturday’s the night for Dolly Madison‘s show at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 9 pm.

    Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

    Early-morning helicopter search along Duwamish River

    3:28 AM: A few people have asked about a low-flying helicopter doing loops along the northeastern side of West Seattle. We checked the flight tracker and it showed a Coast Guard helicopter that came down from Port Angeles about 2:15 am. A Coast Guard spokesperson we reached by phone told us they’re searching for someone who might have jumped into the river – the West Seattle low-bridge operator spotted an abandoned car that was still warm, with the keys in it, and possibly heard a splash, so they called for aerial help in searching, and the search is still ongoing.

    10:40 PM: For those wondering, we haven’t been able to find out any followup information so far, but hope to on Monday.

    WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 store robberies in ~1 hour

    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.

    SPORTS: West Seattle High School softball season ends

    (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:

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

    checkbox.jpgFiling 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.