West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
That’s what the beach off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook was like this morning, shortly after the day’s lowest tide, which was “only” out to -2.0 feet. So imagine how far the water will recede when the year’s lowest tides arrive this week. Here’s what’s ahead:
Monday, June 13 – 10:37 am, -3.2 feet
Tuesday, June 14 – 11:22 am, -4.0 feet
Wednesday, June 15 – 12:09 pm, -4.3 feet
Thursday, June 16 – 12:58 pm, -4.1 feet
Friday, June 17 – 1:48 pm, -3.5 feet
Saturday, June 18 – 2:39 pm, -2.4 feet
After this, your next chance to see the shore at mega-low tide will be in mid-July, when it’ll be out to -4.0 feet on July 13th and 14th. Meantime, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks Tuesday through Saturday this week – times vary each day, and are listed here. (And whether or not you go when naturalists are present, their program offers these guidelines for exploring the shore without doing harm.)
(Photo by Tom Reese)
One our area’s most-passionate advocates is retiring and moving away. As noted in our daily event list, a gathering Saturday in South Park was a sendoff for James Rasmussen, who’s spent 20 years with the Duwamish River Community Coalition, most recently as its Superfund Manager. from the DRCC’s announcement of his departure:
Having represented the Duwamish Tribe on the organization’s Advisory Council for 10 years before joining the staff as Executive Director/Coordinator, as a member of the Duwamish Tribal Council for 26 years, and as the founding Director of the Duwamish Tribe’s Longhouse and Cultural Center, James has been a consistent and active voice in environmental, habitat, and community issues along the Duwamish River and in the Seattle region for over 30 years. He played a fundamental role in the Environmental Protection Agency’s formation of the Duwamish Superfund Roundtable, which will inform the next phase of the Cleanup Plan, and is a beloved and legendary figure within the community as well as further afield for his great depth of knowledge of the River, its history, as well as the science of the Superfund cleanup.
James is much sought-after as a public speaker and allyship for his serene yet tireless advocacy for a clean and healthy River and River Valley. He will be missed greatly and we wish him a peaceful and satisfying retirement—as Duwamish Valley community members, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid. He has our deep gratitude for pushing policy-makers and Responsible Parties to work towards a better environment.
Rasmussen is moving to Las Vegas to be with family. With him in the photo above are, at left, DRCC executive director Paulina López and, center, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen. One month ago, when the tribe announced its legal action to secure full federal recognition, Rasmussen was among the speakers, declaring, “The recovery of the Duwamish River must include the restoration of the Duwamish Tribe.”
The photo is from Andy Carlson, who wanted to share the news that Jim Clark Marina has rare openings:
Jim Clark Marina now has moorage available on Harbor Island.
Up to 33′ slips are open now. 6 larger slips to 44′ open in September with boathouse options.
We are a nonprofit co-op community that operates our marina with DIY labor and volunteers. We keep our rates low and have ice, power, and water included,
Here’s where to go to apply.
https://www.jimclarkmarina.com/
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From the WSB inbox, two reader reports about plants to steer clear of:
FOXTAIL: J sent the photo, hoping to warn pet owners about “the dangers of foxtail grass, which is becoming more ubiquitous every spring and summer around West Seattle. The awns can embed themselves into an animal through the skin, nose, ears, or eyes, and once they are in, they can cause infection or even death. I see huge patches of foxtail right around many of our dog-friendly apartment buildings, as well as in parks and private lawns. (In early June) I spotted it all along the beachfront path at Lincoln Park. Pet owners should clear any foxtail on their private property, know to avoid it while out and about, and be able to spot the symptoms that require veterinary care. A good primer is here.” The photo is from the Lincoln Park sighting that J mentioned.
HEMLOCK: Bronwyn reports this “large patch of hemlock next to the sidewalk on the east side of 36th Ave SW on Seattle city property, Lander is the closest cross street. Neighbors often forage for blackberries here”:
Hemlock, which can be deadly, is on the “control required” list of weeds in King County – see the full list here; you can report them here.
On Saturday, as thousands rallied across the country against gun violence, the March For Our Lives events were originally supposed to include a West Seattle Junction demonstration too, but it was canceled earlier in the week. However, Anni and friends showed up anyway. She sent the photo and report today:
Our small group showed up at the WS Junction for a gun-reform rally that we didn’t know had been canceled. From 1-2 PM we crossed during the walk lights, carrying signs and chanting slogans, such as “Keep Our Children Safe”. We had a good response based on friendly thumbs-ups and horn-honking. This felt like a purposeful hour to our group, which included 5 teachers.
(Added: Camera view-screen image sent by Kersti)
10:12 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report – again today, a humpback whale is in view off West Seattle. Right now it’s traveling westbound along Alki, close to the Lighthouse, “super close” to shore.
12:33 PM: Kersti says in comments that two humpbacks are in the area. Thanks to her and everyone who’s been commenting with sighting updates below!
2:03 PM: Thanks to Renee Umeno for this short but sweet clip of a humpback as it dove off Constellation Park:
7:55 PM: Thanks to Steyn Benade of Always Local Photos for the next two images:
(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)
Here’s what’s ahead for your Sunday:
(added) TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT’s alerts for today:
(Continuing) Sunday, we’ll be working on a walkway extension on Sylvan Way SW between SW Holly St and Sylvan Heights Dr. This work is scheduled to begin as early as 7 AM through 5 PM on both days. Our trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway as we complete this work. Please anticipate slowdowns in the area.
On Sunday, we will be doing some maintenance work on Dumar Way SW and SW Orchard St. We will begin this work as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. There will be minimal traffic impacts; however, you may see our crews in the area.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.
10U ALL-STAR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Tournament play continues at 9 am for 9 teams playing at West Seattle Baseball‘s PeeWee fields (lower Riverview, 7226 12th SW), as covered here Saturday.
LOW-LOW TIDE: The next string of low-low tides starts today – at 9:55 am, the tide will be out to -2 feet.
WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Continuing today at Alki Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), 10 am-5 pm, no admission charge, as covered here Saturday.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – and plants at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
DONATION DRIVE: Food and clothing donations are being accepted today at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.
LAST DAY: Closing day for Lika Love Boutique and In The Heart in The Junction (4547 California SW), 11 am-9 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Weekly tours are back, as reported here! First tour at 1 pm, last at 3:45; here’s how it works.
DOG PARADE: You and your dog(s) are invited to parade around The Kenney – meet at the main entrance (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) by 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!
(WSB photos)
Every graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion in the graduates’ personal histories. Last night’s Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2022 graduation was also a historic occasion for the school – its 42nd graduation ceremony is its last. SLHS announced in April that the school – West Seattle’s only parochial high school – will close after this school year. Despite that, the ceremony was not a requiem; it was as celebratory as a graduation should be.
That’s Devin Christie, valedictorian and recipient of the Faculty Scholarship Award and Math Award. She observed in her speech that “our class has changed a lot, and the world has changed a lot.” Also speaking was salutatorian and Leadership Award winner Bella Nowicki, who sounded a humorous note in her speech, detailing how each of her 17 classmates might behave if faced with a zombie apocalypse.
She noted that the pandemic had posed challenges not unlike what that mythical event might bring. After speeches and awards, it was diploma time, with exuberance from some grads, including TaiAmari English:
As each of the 18 graduates was announced, their future plans were too. Most were going to college – one as far away as Hawaii – several as close as Western Washington University in Bellingham and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) here in West Seattle. Two are joining the U.S. Marine Corps.
One of those few allusions to the school’s impending closure came in the closing prayer from Oskar Schoening of the SLHS Student Council, giving thanks for 44 years:
West Seattle has two more graduation ceremonies ahead – Monday night, the commencement ceremonies for both Chief Sealth IHS (5 pm) and West Seattle HS (8 pm) are scheduled at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. (Our coverage of the Summit Atlas graduation is here.)
It’s parade season, and you’re invited to be part of one tomorrow – if you have a dog to bring along. The Kenney invites dogs and their people to bring joy to residents by parading around the senior-living complex’s grounds. Just be at the main entrance (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) by 3 pm Sunday; the parade is expected to last until about 3:45 pm.
6:20 PM: 16th SW was already blocked on the south side of Roxbury for the White Center Pride Street Festival, and now an emergency response is blocking the north side. So avoid the area. We are here trying to find out more.
6:31 PM: We are told a driver hit a pedestrian, who was taken to the hospital. The scene cleared quickly and all responders are gone now.
10:15 PM: SFD says the victim was a 32-year-old man, in stable condition when taken to the hospital.
Thanks to Michael Ostrogorsky for the photos of a humpback whale seen off Alki this afternoon.
Possibly the same one Kersti Muul says is in view off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW) right now. Let us know if you see it!
Big weekend of baseball at the West Seattle PeeWee fields (lower Riverview, 7226 12th SW) – it’s All-Star tournament season, and nine teams (all but one are 10U) are competing in this tournament: Two West Seattle Baseball teams (Red and Navy), FSP, Issaquah All-Stars, Shoreline Royals, two City Baseball teams (Gold and Navy), Rock Creek (9U), Driveline Academy. Spectators welcome!
You might say there’s a bonus All-Star on the sidelines – Uncle Paulie’s meatball sandwiches, with proceeds benefiting WS Baseball:
The players competing on the All-Star teams are guaranteed four games in this tournament before it ends tomorrow. Here are the brackets; note that today’s schedule slid by two hours so the fields could dry out.
Street-fair season has begun! First big one of the year is happening now on two blocks of 16th SW south of SW Roxbury in downtown White Center – the White Center Pride Street Festival.
Dozens of booths line the street, for local businesses large and small (like WSB sponsor Verity Credit Union above), as well as resource organizations. Entertainment too – DJ Baby Van Beezly was spinning while we were there (the full entertainment schedule is on the WC Pride website):
And we found something unexpected – a sneak peek inside the soon-to-open new location of the Lumber Yard Bar:
It’s right across 16th SW from the fire-ravaged original location. Proprietors Nathan and Michale say they’re aiming to open the bar side July 1st:
That’s the north side; the south half of the space will be the performance side. Back to the festival:
There’s plenty of room to roam, or to stop and savor (Moonshot Coffee has a beverage garden out front, for one). Vendors are open until 6, entertainment continues until 11.
(WSB photos)
It’s a summer full of comebacks for events that went on pandemic hiatus. This weekend’s big return: The West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual Rock and Gem Show at Alki Masonic Hall (which is in The Junction at 40th/Edmunds). You can look at and learn about rocks and minerals of many sizes, shapes, and colors:
You’ll see items made from rocks, too – like the clothespins above! Admission is free, but if you have a few quarters, you can try your luck here:
The show continues until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm on Sunday.
If you live near Jefferson Square, have a vehicle parked on the street, and haven’t used it yet today, Jake‘s report might be of interest:
At least six cars along the Jefferson Square block of 41st Ave SW had their tires slashed. Perpetrator(s) were not seen but a young man’s voice was heard. If you live in the area and parked on the street last night, check your tires.
That was Jake’s initial note this morning, with the time frame believed to be in the 9 pm hour, but then he sent this:
I’m hearing new reports from neighbors of seeing cars attempting to drive with flat tires on 41st Ave SW throughout the day yesterday. The slashing spree may have started earlier or gone on throughout the day.
If it happened to you, here’s where to file a report online.
(The Brothers, photographed Friday night by James Bratsanos)
Welcome to the weekend! Here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, inbox, and preview archives:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT has two for today:
Saturday afternoon between noon and 5 PM, we’ll be striping travel lanes at 17th and SW Henderson St. We’ll be extending two crosswalks, installing bike markings, and painting barriers in addition to sign work. Please anticipate short-term traffic delays as you navigate the area.
On Saturday (and Sunday), we’ll be working on a walkway extension on Sylvan Way SW between SW Holly St and Sylvan Heights Dr. This work is scheduled to begin as early as 7 AM through 5 PM on both days. Our trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway as we complete this work. Please anticipate slowdowns in the area.
BENEFIT PLANT SALE: 9 am-3 pm, lots of plants, raising money to fight lung cancer. (3703 SW 107th)
CELEBRATION FOR JAMES RASMUSSEN: The longtime local advocate is retiring and moving out of state; a farewell event is happening 10 am-1 pm at El Rio Events (836 S. Kenyon, South Park).
DISCOVERY SHOP’S BIG SALE: Nonprofit Junction shop benefiting the American Cancer Society has a 50 percent discount storewide sale continuing today. Open 10 am-4:30 pm today. (4535 California SW)
SHOREWOOD ON THE SOUND SALES: Another community garage sale day! 9 am-4 pm, dozens of sales in Shorewood on the Sound, a Burien neighborhood. The link for their map is in our preview.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the twice-monthly market is in session at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW).
WEST SEATTLE ROCK & GEM SHOW: 10 am-5 pm today (and tomorrow) at Alki Masonic Hall (4735 40th SW). One highlight: “The World’s Fossils and Minerals is delighted to participate in the West Seattle Rock Club’s Gem & Mineral show.”
MORNING MUSIC: Marco de Carvalho and Friends, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
BENEFIT BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: West Seattle 10U Pee-Wee All-Stars tournament all weekend, with games 11 am-3:30 pm today – see the schedule here. Plus: “We would like to invite everyone to come down and support us by purchasing a meatball sub from Uncle Polly’s meatball cart in which Uncle Polly will be donating the funds to the WS Pee Wee baseball league.” UPDATE: Play starts at 1:15 pm because of post-rain field preps. (7226 12th SW)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
WHITE CENTER PRIDE FESTIVAL The White Center Pride Street Festival is back! Vendor fair noon-6 pm. Entertainment until 11 pm – see the schedule here. Food and drink specials at participating WC establishments with a wristband – $15 in advance here, $20 at the festival.
WEST SEATTLE HS CAR SHOW: 1-4 pm in the school parking lot (3000 California SW), as previewed here. Non-competitive – just bring your car to show off!
FISH STICKS BASEBALL: See the DubSea Fish Sticks play the Redmond Dudes tonight at 6:05 pm at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 107th), with advance tickets that you can buy here to benefit West Seattle Baseball.
EVENING MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, Roo Forrest and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
AT KENYON HALL: The Ray Skjelbred Trio performs at 7:30 pm at historic Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW):
The Ray Skjelbred Trio plays classic hot jazz, swing and blues inspired by music from Chicago in the 1920’s and 30’s. Each musician has many years’ experience and a strong historic sense of the music they set out to perform, as well as a sense of daring to explore new ideas in traditional forms.
Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors (55+) and students (6-18), kids 5 and under free. Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to reserve ticket(s).
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!
In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight: We reported on Monday that a man was arrested after a shoplift-turned-robbery at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged the suspect, 48-year-old Ryan R. Knake, with second-degree robbery. A store employee told police he had confronted Knake after seeing him hide a sandwich in a personal bag, and that, in response, Knake brandished a knife and said, “Do you wanna die?”, then held the knife toward employees as he left the store. Charging documents say police found him walking eastbound along the north side of the store, seeming to be distraught and in crisis. They arrested him and found the knife in his possession, according to the documents, which also say he threatened officers as they transported him to jail. Knake has no criminal convictions, prosecutors say, but this is his seventh jail booking in eight months; they requested $30,000 bail, and that’s what a judge set.
Thanks to a tip from reader Michael, we’ve learned the answer to a question many have been asking: What’s next for the former West 5 space at 4539 California SW in The Junction?
Answer: A bar/restaurant called Camp West.
We connected today with a member of the ownership team, Patrick Haight, who tells us he and his partners have plenty of local ties. More on them all in a moment. First, what will Camp West be? His explanation:
Camp West will be 21+ and a Camping’esque theme inside. We will have a full bar with a wide range of spirits and signature cocktails with fun Camping names like “The one-eyed Squirrel,” “The rabid Raccoon,” “Snorting Elk,” and “The Airstream Cooler.” The food menu is still in development and will not be of one particular genre. The menu will offer a range of items to choose from that don’t all fit into one particular category. We are conscious of the neighborhood’s establishments and hope to offer items you won’t necessarily see in the Junction. We are lucky to be working from a full kitchen to give us that flexibility, unlike our location in Tacoma, and able to creatively offer our guests some fun items and experiences. We will be bringing our signature S’mores to this location, where you can roast your own s’mores at the table and a myriad of chocolate options to choose from to smoosh that Sammich together.
“Our location in Tacoma” is The Camp Bar, which Haight opened in 2017 along with Nuri Aydinel, another Camp West co-owner. Aydinel also is co-owner/co-founder of Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya in The Junction and 18 other locations (around Puget Sound and in Chicago). Haight has “been in and out of West Seattle for the past 50+ years” – his mom grew up here and he has a house here though he lives in the South Sound. His hospitality background includes being the GM for Tini Bigs/Hula Hula/Watertown at the bottom of Queen Anne for 17 years, being part-owner of a club in the early ’90s called the “Weathered Wall” near the Westin Hotel, and working as Food and Beverage Manager for Snoqualmie Casino until 2015 after opening it in 2008. He is the co-author of a cocktail book called “Tini Bigs, Big Martinis” and an award-winning cocktail creator.
As for the West 5 ties, another Camp West co-owner, Toni UY, was its general manager for 15 years, Haight says she “left West 5 to pursue other opportunities outside of the food and beverage industry and realized she missed the daily interaction with her customers and fellow merchants in the neighborhood. She will be the GM and part-owner of the restaurant and will carry the reputation she has had for 15 years doing business in the Junction, where she has cultivated many relationships and friendships.”
We asked Haight what kind of changes they’d be making to the space. He says, “The general layout will be similar to its former occupant, but we will have more booth seating vs stand-up tables. We absolutely love the bar that already exists and plan on keeping it with some slight design modifications to fit our camping theme, since it’s a focal part of this beautiful space. Inside will have a refined NW camping experience, from hanging hammocks, tent-style barriers, etc., to sage-colored walls that are organic and calming, some greenery to make you feel less inside and more outside.”
The big question – when do they hope to open? “We are planning on a tentative opening date in September. With supply issues on some equipment and fixtures, and the dozens of other items that need to be made, and ordered, and delivery of such items will dictate if we are close or not to opening. We also plan on holding a series of walk-in hiring days, a few weeks before we open, so we can begin to build our family of Camp Counselors.”
5:34 PM: Big Seattle Fire “vault-fire response” is headed for the 7700 block of Delridge Way SW. Sparks and smoke are reported to be coming from beneath a concrete slab at a “new construction” site. Police are being dispatched to help direct traffic in the area. Updates to come.
5:42 PM: Per dispatch, northbound Delridge traffic will be diverted at SW Kenyon.
5:49 PM: Update from our crew – Delridge is completely blocked from Holden to Kenyon. SFD is still investigating the electrical problem that is causing this. Our crew reports “popping” is audible and there’s a strong unpleasant smell. No report of injuries; nearby residences have been evacuated while they sort this out. … The 120 bus is being rerouted, too.
6:42 PM: Seattle City Light has shut off electricity and is now in charge of investigating the problem. Seattle Fire units have departed.
5:33 PM FRIDAY: Thanks for the tips. A child was injured in a collision at 42nd/Admiral just after 4 pm. The scene was clear before we heard about it but we’ve pieced together some information – she was reported to be “conscious and alert” as medics checked her out. We have an inquiry out to SFD to find out more.
10;19 PM SATURDAY: Just heard back from SFD. The victim is an 11-year-old girl hit while riding a bicycle. She was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.
4:26 PM: If you don’t mind whale-watching in the rain, Kersti Muul just sent word that orcas are headed southbound in Puget Sound, crossing the mouth of Elliott Bay, south of West Point.
5:29 PM: Kersti reports via the comment section that they’re in the Bainbridge ferry lanes, closer to the Bainbridge side.
(Seattle Parks photo)
After seven month of work, West Seattle’s only off-leash area is reopening today. Seattle Parks announced early this afternoon that the Westcrest Park OLA would reopen by the end of the day – if it’s not open already (we won’t get to go look for a few hours). The drainage work that has had the area closed since November is detailed here. Today’s announcement says some work remains, however:
There are a few work items that will be completed after reopening due to shipment delays and construction sequence:
-Installation of (1) new accessible picnic table. The contractor will close off individual areas to install the benches once they arrive.
-Restoration of the temporary off-leash area near p-patch. Fencing around this area will stay up for the contractor to restore this area with soil amendment, hydroseed and allow for lawn establishment.
We have also kept temporary fencing around two newly seeded lawn areas in the main off-leash area for lawn establishment. Fencing will be taken down once the lawn has established vigorous growth.
As noted here earlier this week, another Westcrest project – play-structure replacement – isn’t expected until fall.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
West Seattle’s only charter school, Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights, has graduated its second class of 12th-graders. A ceremony last night at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center celebrated the 33 members of the Summit Atlas Class of 2022. Student speakers included Maka Yusuf, Steisy Leon, and Wilder Roff:
The class’s mentors, Sr. Perez and Ms. Smith, presented diplomas:
And Grupo Folklorico Citlali, featuring Class of 2022 member Angelina Gonzalez, performed:
Summit Atlas’s high-school executive director is Dan Effland:
Three more high-school graduations are ahead in West Seattle – the last Seattle Lutheran HS commencement tonight, Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS on Monday.
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