West Seattle, Washington

05 Tuesday

43℉

month : 06/2022 293 results

FOLLOWUP: Lowman Beach project ‘substantially complete’ but still fenced off
June 2, 2022 3:59 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Nice afternoon to walk on the beach. You can do that along the entire stretch of Lowman Beach now – but aside from the beach, most of the rest of the park remains fenced off, though the work to remove its seawall and restore its shore is done. It’s been eight months since work started in earnest on the $1.2 million project, which matches the duration estimate Seattle Parks gave at the time. Asked about the project’s status, Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor told WSB, “The project is substantially complete. The park is partially fenced off to allow lawn to establish. This year we had such a cold spring so it’s taking longer for lawn to establish. We anticipate removing the fence around the turf this summer. The new beach area is currently open to the public. People can access from the street-end access point.” (That’s on the south side of the park and requires clambering over driftwood to get to the water.)

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FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy/Fontanelle chestnut tree gets a reprieve; its champion is ‘beyond thrilled’
June 2, 2022 1:32 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

1:32 PM: Back in mid-April, we were first to report on a neighborhood campaign to save the chestnut tree shown above, on private property but in the path of a public project – a curb ramp to help people crossing SW Fontanelle on the east side of Fauntleroy Way, just north of Solstice Park. Its roots had grown under the sidewalk. In late April, as reported here, the city arborist came out for a look, and said they would determine within a few weeks whether the tree could be saved. Today, we have word from SDOT that they’ve found a way. From spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:

We are pleased to share that we have found a solution which will allow us to repair the sidewalk and build an accessible curb ramp at the corner of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Fontanelle St without removing any trees.

We have heard from many community members who were concerned about the possibility that this tree might have to be removed as a part of our curb ramp project to improve accessibility in this neighborhood. While SDOT had never determined that it would be necessary to remove the tree, we are glad that we were able to find a solution which maintains the health of this tree and resolves the community’s concerns.

Our updated curb ramp design will allow us to build a new parallel/corner curb ramp with minimal tree root trimming that should not harm the tree. SDOT worked closely with Seattle Public Utilities, which will relocate the fire hydrant near the chestnut tree at the northeast corner of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Fontanelle St. The new location for the fire hydrant will continue to provide the same level of fire protection for the neighborhood, and allow us to build a new curb bulb to make room for a curb ramp that meets ADA standards without harming the tree.

We anticipate completing this curb ramp work in the next two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions. Our contractor is scheduled to begin excavation work to decommission the existing fire hydrant and install a new fire hydrant as soon as Friday June 3.

Relocating the fire hydrant requires a temporary water outage, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 6. Impacted customers have been notified by SPU, and more information about the planned water outage can be found on SPU’s Water Outage Map.

We will continue with sidewalk demolition work followed by concrete pouring throughout next week. We will perform some minimal tree root trimming as we remove existing sidewalks to prepare for the concrete pour. We will have our urban forestry team on site to help monitor this work and ensure the health of the tree.

We’re checking with the resident who led the fight to save the tree and will add her comment when we have it.

1:59 PM: That resident, Sara Macko, says, “I am incredibly overjoyed that we could all come together and keep this corner of the world beautiful and sustainable for our environment!” She’s grateful to everyone who joined in the effort, and to the city reps who worked with her, and adds, “We taught a 9 year old girl, Piper, that if you believe in something, work hard at it, and bring your peers and neighbors together, you can make your dream a reality! I am beyond thrilled.” She hopes to host a celebration, soon, with her band playing, next door at Solstice Park, “an opportunity to bring our West Seattle community together to thank them all for their support, and to rejoice near our infamous tree.”

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Regarding the cost, SDOT’s Bergerson says, “A preliminary rough estimate is that this may add as much as $35,000 – $45,000 to the project, including both SDOT’s and SPU’s costs.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Chelan Café ATM theft; car prowls; dumped/likely-stolen bicycle
June 2, 2022 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Chelan Café ATM theft; car prowls; dumped/likely-stolen bicycle
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning:

CHELAN CAFE ATM THEFT: Thanks for the tips. Shown in our photo above is the bar door at the Chelan Café, damaged when burglar(s) broke in early today and stole the ATM. We just went over to the Chelan to confirm the break-in. They believe it happened less than half an hour after the last employee locked up for the night and left around 3:45 am. If you have any information, the case number is 22-139316.

CAR PROWLS: From Eric:

This morning at 6:15, I found that my car (47th and Andover) had been prowled. All the glovebox contents were sitting in the passenger seat, driver’s side door was ajar. Guess I left it unlocked last night.

When taking my kid to the ferry, I saw some paperwork strewn about on 47th and Dawson. I picked it up. Was a car registration for someone else on 47th (5400 block). I placed the paperwork under their windshield wiper and could see that their glovebox contents were also out.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLE: Recognize this bike? The photo and report are from Ken:

This bike was abandoned in our yard (37th SW and SW Charlestown area) 3 days ago. I’m assuming it was “borrowed” and then left because of a loose seat and rubbing tire. It’s not a great bike but possibly “the best bike I ever had” to the owner. For identification purposes, it is a Huffy brand, Summit model. There is no visible serial number.

If it’s yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Junction flower baskets arrive
June 2, 2022 10:46 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

On what just might be the warmest day of the year so far – if it does get into the mid-70s – the West Seattle Junction‘s hanging flower baskets have finally arrived! A few weeks later than usual this year because, well, spring itself has been running late. Installation began early this morning. The baskets are partly funded by annual “adopt-a-basket” donations; they’ll be up until blooming season runs out in late summer/fall.

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Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Thursday
June 2, 2022 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor seal at Constellation Park, photographed by David Hutchinson)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BENEFIT: 6-9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), come support Maslow’s Closet, a “basic-needs pantry” assisting Lafayette Elementary families.

TAE KWON DO CLASSES: First June class for the West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is 6 pm tonight at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW). Join at any time!

ROBOTICS OPEN HOUSE: From the Skunkworks team:

I wanted to invite those parents with teenagers to join an open house for the Skunkworks robotics team. They will take you and train you in hands on engineering. The equipment and mentors to kids ratio is amazing. It’s also pretty much free, as the only cost is a $25 4H cost for the year.

They meet currently 6-8pm Tues/Thursday at the old Beverly Park Elementary School Building (map).

The Skunks are recruiting and we’re having an open house on Thursday June 2nd at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in coming to see the robots, equipment and hang with us at the open house, please fill out this form so we know who to expect.
forms.gle/qMFXLr7TJtUqbMyZ6

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.

SHERIFF AT NORTH HIGHLINE UAC: 7 pm, newly confirmed King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall talks with the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council – the community council for White Center and vicinity – at its monthly meeting, held online. Attendance info is in our calendar listing.

BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: Don’t wait to see them at West Seattle Summer Fest! It’s the monthly funk-and-groove night at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 8 pm, music at 9 pm, $15 cover, 21+.

If you have an event for our calendar/daily lists, please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned Saturday for Stephen L. Fuller
June 2, 2022 9:19 am
|    Comments Off on Celebration of Life planned Saturday for Stephen L. Fuller
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

An update today from the family of another person for whom an event hadn’t yet been planned when we published their remembrance. This Saturday, family and friends of Stephen L. Fuller will gather:

The celebration of life for Stephen L. Fuller will be at Fauntleroy Church UCC, 9140 California Ave SW, on June 4th, beginning at 3:00 pm, with a reception to follow at Salty’s on Alki – The Alki Room, 1936 Harbor Ave SW, from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

We ask that people wear something that exudes how our father lived – in fashion and fun. Please come in color, dressed to party, laugh, love, and, only occasionally, cry. All are welcome!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday morning
June 2, 2022 6:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning; welcome to Thursday, June 2nd.

WEATHER

Another cloudy forecast with a high in the 70s (Wednesday hit 71).

ROAD WORK AHEAD

*Still watching for Seattle Public Utilities to start that long-promised pavement-restoration work at California/Myrtle/Frontenac.

*The Highway 99 tunnel will be closed this Friday night for monthly maintenance.

*More “Revive I-5” lane closures are expected this weekend.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

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

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

801st 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):

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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Starting his sixth month on the job, Mayor Bruce Harrell talks with District 1 Community Network
June 1, 2022 10:21 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Whatever you’re concerned about, Mayor Bruce Harrell wants you to know he is working on it – or has just hired, or is about to hire, someone who will be.

That was the theme during his first guest appearance answering questions from the District 1 Community Network during its monthly meeting online tonight.

MAYOR HARRELL: This was the mayor’s first appearance at any public West Seattle community-group meeting. He opened by saying he’s trying to be “transparent in what we’re trying to do,” taking action “with kindness, with data … we don’t mince words … we work seven days a week.” D1CN prepared questions in advance to start with. First, he was asked about city neighborhood-district councils, which were supported by the city until two mayors ago. (D1CN is a hybrid successor to what were the Southwest and Delridge Neighborhood District Councils covering west and east West Seattle respectively.) Harrell said he hired Greg Wong as Department of Neighborhoods director to determine “in neighborhoods, what works best?” He said he hopes to have, “maybe by end of summer,” “a strong recommendation on what the new kind of neighborhood network should look like.” He asked for neighborhoods’ input on that.

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VIDEO: Student band headlines West Seattle High School’s Field Day
June 1, 2022 7:33 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Before the rain swept in, the warm spring weather was perfect for West Seattle High School‘s Field Day activities at Hiawatha Playfield next door. That included a performance by the student band Service With A Smile:

Service With A Smile members are Callan Barth, senior, vocals/guitar; Johanna Duncan, senior, bass; Mollie Slatkin, junior, vocals/guitar; and Wade Beeler, sophomore, drums (Wade’s proud dad Chad Beeler of The Bass Shop [WSB sponsor] tipped us about the show). Field Day fun also included food trucks:.

A trailer from Nintendo was there too.

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You might be owed a refund: City canceling hundreds of thousands of parking tickets (updated Thursday)
June 1, 2022 5:44 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY REPORT: If you got a city-issued parking ticket between September 1, 2021 and April 5, 2022, the city is canceling it – and if you already paid it, you’l get a refund. According to an announcement from the mayor’s office late today, this is because a mistake was made when Parking Enforcement Officers were transferred to SDOT last year. Long story short, as explained in the announcements, once they were no longer in SPD, the PEOs were supposed to get “special commissions issued by the Chief of Police” so they could keep enforcing the law. That didn’t happen – until the new administration noticed it and fixed it. But that meant uncommissioned officers had issued tickets to about 200,000 people, and those are being voided. To check if you got a ticket that’s involved, go here. The city says if you’re entitled to a refund, that’ll happen automatically, starting next week. If you’ve gotten a city-issued parking ticket since April 5th, you’re out of luck – that’s valid. The city’s announcement says they estimate refunds are due to 100,000 ticket recipients who had already paid, while 100,000 others have not-yet-paid tickets that will simply be voided.

ADDED THURSDAY EVENING: We asked mayoral spokesperson Jamie Housen two followup questions: First, how much this will cost; second, what kind of investigation is under way into who was accountable for the mistake? First answer: Just over $5 million including the cost of a third-party administrator. Second, “The mayor has requested additional information from the involved departments about the transition of the PEOs and the issuance of special commissions and will use this information to determine next steps and how to improve coordination between departments.:

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DEVELOPMENT: ‘Affordable’ apartments planned at site of Westwood driver-licensing office
June 1, 2022 3:17 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news | Westwood

(King County Assessor photo)

Just added today to the city’s Early Outreach for Design Review list, a plan for up to 140 “affordable” apartments at 8830 25th Avenue SW, currently the site of a driver-licensing office, across the street from the east side of Westwood Village. The description proposes “a mix of studios, 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units for a total of 120-140 units [for renters] up to 60% AMI [Average Mean Income].” A site plan filed with the city says it’ll be a 5-story building with an unspecified amount of on-site parking, to be built by SRM Development. The “early outreach” phase mandates community feedback, so if you want to be involved with that, there’s contact info in the item on the city website. Online records show the almost-one-acre site was sold last year for $3.1 million. We’ll be asking the state about future plans for a new driver-licensing location.

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RETURNING: Night Out block parties
June 1, 2022 1:42 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

Yet another summer tradition is returning this year for the first time since 2019: Night Out block parties to celebrate community safety. Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner just announced that registration is open if you’re interested in closing your (non-arterial) street for a block party – find the link here. Night Out is the first Tuesday in August, so this year that’ll be August 2nd. (Here’s our coverage of 2019’s Night Out around West Seattle.)

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ART: Student show hosted by Westside School opening at Museum of Museums
June 1, 2022 12:39 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Westside School)

Student artists from Westside School (WSB sponsor) hope you’ll take a journey to explore a view into their journey. They’re hosting a four-school show at the Museum of Museums, titled “Emerging Attitudes.” Their announcement explains that it’s “based on the many different perspectives into the middle-school journey.” The exhibit also features work by students from SAAS, Lake Washington Girls School, and University Prep, in multiple mediums, and was organized by Westside’s middle-school art teacher Colleen Barry.

Westside students and family are getting their first look at the show tonight, and then it’ll be open to the public June 3rd-July 13 at MoM, which is at 900 Boylston Avenue, just east of downtown.

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday vaccination clinic for Seattle Public Schools students, staff
June 1, 2022 11:24 am
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Saturday vaccination clinic for Seattle Public Schools students, staff
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip! Seattle Public Schools is offering regional COVID-vaccination clinics before school gets out for the year, and one is happening in West Seattle this Saturday. Noon-3 pm at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), students and staff are welcome to get vaccinated – whether initial series or booster shots. If you can’t book an appointment, they’re welcoming walk-ups too. Details are on this page of the district’s website.

P.S. As mentioned in our weekly trends update, there’s also a pop-up vaccine clinic Saturday at the Loop the ‘Lupe event, open to all, 10 am-3 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle),

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Mayor @ District 1 Community Network, poetry, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
June 1, 2022 10:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday sunset, photographed by Hana Alishio)

Here are the highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COUNCIL COMMITTEE: The City Council’s first hybrid meeting is the Public Assets and Homelessness Committee, 2 pm today. The agenda includes a discussion with the Low-Income Housing Institute about its projects and sites, including the expansion of West Seattle’s Camp Second Chance tiny-house encampment.

WHITE CENTER PRIDE: The celebration begins with tonight’s 6:30 pm flag-raising ceremony at Triangle Park (Delridge/Roxbury/16th). ADDED: 5:30 pm youth march precedes it – see comment below.

POETS AT PAPER BOAT Writers Teresa K. Miller and Amanda Moore read their poetry tonight at 6:30 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.

MAYOR @ D1CN: Tonight’s District 1 Community Network meeting features Q&A with Mayor Bruce Harrell, online at 7 pm. Our calendar listing has information on how to attend.

LIVE MUSIC: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) has live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.

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!

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Remembering Arthur Gunlogson, 1928-2022
June 1, 2022 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Arthur Gunlogson, 1928-2022
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Arthur Gunlogson, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Arthur Gunlogson died May 4, 2022, in West Seattle, a few weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was born in 1928 in Akra, North Dakota, the oldest of four siblings. In 1944 he joined the Navy, serving on the USS Duluth. While a reservist studying at North Dakota State, he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, serving on the USS Bon Homme Richard. He completed his degree at the University of Washington and embarked on a long and productive career as a civil & structural engineer.

Art had an endless succession of projects, large and small, from constructing houses for his family to building a sailing dinghy to putting together his own computer. He was happiest when busy, and especially when analyzing, designing, and building – a true engineer. He took special interest in the West Seattle Bridge and was eager to see it back in operation.

Art married Anne Kriegel in 1956 and raised three children with her in West Seattle, where they lived until her death in 1990. In 1995 he married Anita Meyer, with whom he spent many happy years in the Chehalis area (with winter breaks in Arizona), until her death in July 2021.

He is survived by his sister Janice (spouse Jack Brandt), daughter Christine (Greg Carlson), and son Mark (Heidi Bornstein); his son John (Rosie) died in 2013. He leaves three granddaughters, Rachel, Grace, and Ellie, and an extended step-family.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday morning
June 1, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday morning
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning; welcome to Wednesday, June 1st.

WEATHER

Another cloudy forecast but the high could get into the mid-70s (Tuesday hit 70).

ROAD WORK AHEAD

*Seattle Public Utilities says that long-promised pavement-restoration work at California/Myrtle/Frontenac might finally start this week. No sign of heavy equipment by EOD Tuesday, though.

*The Highway 99 tunnel will be closed this Friday night for monthly maintenance.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

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

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

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

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

800th 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):

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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