West Seattle, Washington
29 Monday
9:35 PM: Seattle Fire is dispatching a water-rescue response by land and sea for what’s described as two paddleboarders struggling 500 to 600 yards off Alki Beach. Updates to come.
9:41 PM: Rescuers have made contact with the paddleboarders, they’ve told dispatch, and they’re “not in distress” – they’re on their way to shore. So most of the response is being canceled.
After a year-long closure, what was Be’s Restaurant at 4509 California SW in The Junction will reopen next week with a new name, Bonjour Vietnam. New furnishings, too.
Same ownership – Jade Nguyen, daughter of Be’s longtime owners, who (mostly) retired during the early pandemic shutdowns, after 35 years,
Jade has run The Alley speakeasy-style bar behind Be’s since 2018. She is almost done remodeling the restaurant, with plans for a soft open starting around 5 pm on Summer Fest Eve (next Thursday, July 14th). We talked with her there this evening. Changes include a higher ceiling and new lighting, plus front windows that open.
As for the food, she says the menu is still being finalized but as the new name implies, it’ll have both French and Vietnamese flavors – from escargot and paté to pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls. She says making a change just made sense, as trying to replicate Be’s offerings with a different chef after her parents’ retirement just wasn’t working. Another change: The restaurant space now includes a bar.
We’re now looking ahead daily/nightly to the return of West Seattle’s biggest party of the year, Summer Fest. While official festival dates are Friday-Sunday, July 15-17, the night before has taken on a life of its own, with people enjoying wandering the Junction streets closed for festival setup. As with most years, this year Summer Fest Eve (Thursday, July 14th) is also the monthly second Thursday West Seattle Art Walk night. You can see the list of participating businesses/venues and some early previews on the Art Walk website. The Art of Music is back, with two performances on Art Walk night, one that will be outdoors in The Junction and in the heart of Summer Fest Eve – awardwinning West African musician Naby Camera will be playing 6-7:45 pm at KeyBank Plaza.
While wandering The Junction on Summer Fest Eve, you can also expect to see and hear buskers, and look for a chance to get creative with chalk art! You can also visit Mural Alley – the midblock breezeway on the west side of California SW between SW Alaska and SW Edmunds – to see the community murals from Summer Fest 2018 and 2019, and get inspired to join artist Stacey Sterling in creating one this year (Friday and Saturday).
A highlight of years past has been food/drink venues setting up temporary sidewalk cafés; this year, some are already in place, so you can dine/drink outdoor, Or just wander! We’ll see you in the street (California between Genesee and Edmundsm Alaska between 42nd and 44th) one week from tonight.
(Wednesday photo sent by Carolyn Dean)
A lot of people want to go to Zippy’s Giant Burgers (at least) one more time before they close forever after Sunday (as announced two days ago). Two nights running now, we’ve gotten word that they’ve sold out and closed early. The lines started early, too = we went over this morning to confirm they had reopened after the early closure last night, and in the 11 am hour there was already a line out into the parking lot.
(Thursday photo sent by Corianton Hale)
So if you’re going, get there early tomorrow if you can – we’re told they plan to open at 10 am. (Thanks to everyone for the tips and photos!)
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed charges in three West Seattle cases of note:
THE CASE OF THE SLEEPING STOLEN-TRUCK SUSPECT: 24-year-old Hunter L. Boyce is charged with felony stolen-vehicle possession in a case we previously noted here – the theft of a landscaper’s work truck off West Marginal Way. Its owner reported the pickup was taken while he was out of town June 24-26. On June 29th, police found it in a North Seattle QFC parking lot, known to police as an area with what the charging papers describe as “high crime, including stolen vehicles.” They discovered three men sleeping inside. Boyce was asleep in the driver’s seat. The charging documents say he acknowledged knowing the truck was stolen but claimed somebody else had stolen it, a man he said he had gone to the lot to meet to get drugs. One of the other two men had an unrelated warrant and was arrested for that; the third, who was described as having a lot of personal property with him including “two pet mice,” was let go. Boyce remains in the King County Jail; he’s also being held for failing to appear in a separate burglary case.
ANOTHER ASLEEP-IN-A-CAR CASE: 45-year-old Kalin W. Laing is charged with unlawful gun possession after an arrest that started with him being found asleep in a car. In this case, it was a white 1999 BMW parked with both doors open and no plates, in an apartment building lot near 47th/Charlestown on June 22nd. Police found that the car had not been reported stolen but its title had been canceled. Laing, the charging documents say, had difficulty explaining whose car it was, but said he was at the building to visit someone he knew. Police discovered a gun and also found that he was a convicted felon, so that’s what led to his arrest and the charge. Laing, who lives in Port Orchard, remains in jail, bail set at $2,700.
THE CASE OF THE 3-MONTH-LONG BURGLARY: Sometimes charges aren’t immediate. This is one of those cases. The KCPAO charged 49-year-old Justin K. Dumas in June with second-degree burglary for a case in which he was arrested in April. He is accused of living in an apartment in Arrowhead Gardens, a senior complex in southeast West Seattle, without authorization, even changing the locks so management couldn’t get in. They had called police after discovering they were unable to enter an apartment that had been the subject of noise complaints for a month, even though it had supposedly been without a tenant for five months. Management gave officers permission to forcibly enter, and that’s when they found Dumas lying on a bed. Not only was he not authorized to be there, he was also too young to live in the complex anyway, according to the charging documents. Jail records show he spent five days in jail at the time of his initial arrest in April but is not currently in custody.
4:02 PM: Police and SFD are at the scene of a crash on SW Spokane just east of the low bridge, and officers have told dispatch that Spokane is blocked both ways. One of the vehicles involved in the crash is a Metro bus. More info when we get it.
4:16 PM: An aid car’s been requested, which indicates at least one person will be taken to the hospital.
4:39 PM: Traffic is now getting by both ways again.
7:25 PM: We followed up with SFD – turns out SFD did not need to take anyone to the hospital after all. SFD checked out three people, spokesperson David Cuerpo says:
34-year-old female with no reported injuries.
41-year-old female with minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital.
12-year-old female with minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital.
2:17 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo, and to others for the tips. The Bremerton-homeported aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is outbound again, passing West Seattle while heading northbound earlier this afternoon. It’s currently off the west side of Whidbey Island, according to MarineTraffic.com. The last sighting here was less than two weeks ago, as Nimitz returned home from training.
4:35 PM: One tipster earlier mentioned the Nimitz was closer to Alki than usual when passing, The photo just added above, sent by Michael Ostrogorsky, shows what that looked like. Meantime, the carrier is now out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, westbound.
As the Sound Transit Board gets closer to choosing a West Seattle/Ballard light rail “modified preferred alternative” for the final phase of environmental study, its Executive Committee just got its first look at an “example” drawn up by staff. You can see it in its entirety in the full slide deck; here’s the slide with the West Seattle section:
The “example” includes the West Seattle Junction “medium tunnel” (41st SW) option that the city is also supporting (as reported here earlier this week). While a Junction tunnel previously was expected to require “third-party funding,” this is now considered to be comparable in cost to an elevated option. As for Delridge, the “example” proposes the Andover lower-height option, aka DEL-6, which has been at the center of a lot of discussion lately because its displacement would include Transitional Resources, which provides supportive housing and behavioral-health services, and the Alki Beach Academy child-care center. TR’s CEO Darcell Slovek-Walker was among the speakers at the meeting-opening public-comment period, saying, “Not all displacements are created equal,” saying DEL-6 would take out two of their buildings housing formerly homeless people living with mental illness, as well as their headquarters.
Meantime, ST’s Cathal Ridge, while presenting the “example,” also made note of previously presented modifications that are still in play for cost-saving consideration, including eliminating the Avalon station, which he said could save $60 million:
Board chair Kent Keel took pains to stress that the “example” is a starting point for board discussion, not a fully shaped proposal awaiting approval or rejection. Some discussion ensued at today’s meeting, but rather than opinions on specific sections, it focused on the fact the board probably needs extra time before making a decision – so that may not happen at their July 28th meeting after all. Next discussion will be one week from today, when the board’s System Expansion Committee meets (1:30 pm July 14th). Whatever “modified preferred alignment” the board settles on, that still won’t be the final decision – that would follow the final Environmental Impact Statement next year.
(9218 18th SW rendering by Caron Architecture)
Last December, the mixed-use project proposed for 9218 18th SW [map] got final Southwest Design Review Board approval (WSB coverage here), and today, after staff review, the city has published a key decision for the project, which is summarized as “a 5-story, 48-unit apartment building with retail,” with 28 offstreet-parking spaces. Publication of the decision opens a two-week appeal period; this notice explains how to appeal. The project still needs other permits/approvals before construction can begin.
BACKSTORY: The proposal for this site first appeared in city files in March 2020; it was originally envisioned with up to 76 units, but that number dropped as the project went through reviews. The triangular site was upzoned during the HALA process.
(Wednesday’s sunset, photographed by Lynn Hall)
Here’s what’s happening (and NOT happening) in the hours ahead:
SOUND TRANSIT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Happening now (10:30 am-noon), this committee of the Sound Transit Board is having its monthly meeting; an update on the West Seattle/Ballard plan is on the agenda (which explains how to watch).
WADING POOLS OPEN: Partly sunny and warm today, so the city will open the pools that are scheduled for Thursday operations. In West Seattle, that means Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW), noon-5:30 pm, and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm. Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is also open, 11 am-8 pm.
COLMAN POOL CLOSED: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park is NOT open to the public today, because of a swim meet.
LIVE MUSIC AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Starting at 6:30 pm, enjoy solo piano music at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.
BATTLESTAR KALAKALA: Doors 8 pm, music 9 pm, for first-Thursday funk at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 21+, $15 cover.
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The new school year is two months away but it’s time for donations to the long-running Pencil Me In For Kids school-supply drive. Several businesses are dropoff spots, according to this update from Judy Pickens:
Canine Casa Pet Salon owner Cherie Rahm and client Moose received materials this week from volunteer Doug Gunwaldsen as the Fauntleroy community kicks off its support of West Seattle Rotary‘s annual Pencil Me In For Kids school-supply drive. Salon customers are invited to drop off supplies through July 31 to equip students in need when they return to area schools.
Other donation bins are at Fauntleroy Church, West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA, Treo Organic Salon, and Wildwood Market in Fauntleroy, plus Keller Williams Seattle (5446 California Ave. SW). Cash donations are also welcome here so that drive coordinators may buy supplies in bulk.
6:03 AM: Good morning; welcome to Thursday, July 7th.
WEATHER
The forecast is cloudy but probably rain-free, high in the 70s.
ROAD WORK
Pavement reconstruction continues on California SW between SW Frontenac and SW Myrtle.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro buses are on their 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 – and WSF says that probably won’t change before next spring. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
837th 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 recently installed 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? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Just nine days to go until the return of the peninsula’s biggest party of the year – West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction, Friday, July 15th through Sunday, July 17th – shopping, music, food, kids’ activities. Tonight, two notes about the Kids Zone at the festival:
First, if you’re bringing kid(s) to Summer Fest and want to get your festival preps out of the way early, you can buy passes for the inflatables in advance online – $20 per day, for unlimited use of all five (including a giant slide and obstacle course). Passes will be sold at the festival, too, if you want to wait to buy until you get there. The inflatables are just part of the options for kids at Summer Fest. Also planned: Big games (free to play!) on Saturday, north of SW Oregon. Yes, you’ll also find face-painting at the festival. Plus a “Whale Trail” scavenger-ish hunt with prizes – more details on that soon,
If you won’t be there with kid(s), maybe you can spare a little time to ensure the youngest festivalgoers have fun. West Seattle Junction Association events are community-volunteer-powered, and that includes Summer Fest. Volunteers are needed, ages 15 and up; Chris Mackay of WSJA notes, “Volunteers get cool festival T-shirts and will be part of our gift lottery, with two winners per day getting over $100 worth of loot!” You can see the time slots and tasks available, and sign up, by going here.
We’ll be spotlighting Summer Fest (for which WSB is a co-sponsor) daily/nightly from here on out – tomorrow, a look ahead at this year’s plan for what’s become known over the years as Summer Fest Eve! (If you missed our overview about what’s different at Summer Fest this year, see it here.)
Alair Gift Shop proprietor Shandon Armstrong is looking for a few good stories. Well, more than a few. She would love to be overwhelmed with good stories – as in feel-good stories. She’s opened a survey you can reply to share yours. Here’s the explanation:
West Seattle is such a one-of-a-kind place.
And it’s been a long few years.
We all need to hear the good things. We need to remember the heartwarming stories that give us faith in humanity. The neighbors that are lifting each other up and doing great things for one another.
We are going to post about these stories, share them, holler them, and give those people that are exhausted and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders a place to read good story after good story.
These stories will go hand-in-hand with a new design that we are launching in the next couple of days/weeks.
It’s like our own West Seattle gratitude journal.
Our love letter to West Seattle and all of the people that make up this amazing neighborhood.
West Seattle. Best Seattle.
Again, here’s the form to use to share your story – or, you also can email info@alairseattle.com.
Food/drink notes:
MA’ONO: Though its website says the West Seattle fried-chicken-and-more restaurant is “temporarily closed,” tipsters told us it was permanently closed, and we’ve been trying for a week to reach its owners to confirm that. Yesterday we caught up with Mark Fuller at his new project, the Admiral Benbow revival, and he declined comment on Ma’ono’s status. However, Seattle Met is quoting him as confirming he has closed and sold the West Seattle Ma’ono. The restaurant at 4437 California SW was first opened by Fuller and wife Marjorie Chang Fuller as Spring Hill in 2008, and they morphed it into Ma’ono in 2012.
(added) ADMIRAL BENBOW: Speaking of which – it opened tonight. Main food item, hot dogs – so far!
WEST OF CHICAGO: Shawn Millard was hoping to open the new sit-down home of his deep-dish pizza at 3770 SW Alaska this week, but we went over to check and learned they’re coping with a few last-minute equipment problems, so they won’t be able to open sooner than next week. West of Chicago Pizza Company formerly served its signature pizzas out of a Delridge commissary kitchen; we first reported in October that he was taking over the former Chaco Canyon Organic Café space in The Triangle.
BEST OF HANDS X EASY STREET: Beer and music collaboration for these two – starting today, Best of Hands Barrelhouse has rolled out three new hazy IPAs in cans and on draft. One of them is the Easy Street Records “house IPA,” The Bar Is Open! To celebrate, a release party is planned at Easy Street (California/Alaska) this Saturday (July 9th) at 6 pm – with live music from local bands Panic Grass and Lite Sleeper (which, Best of Hands’ announcement points out, features Frank Gross of Thunder Road Guitars [WSB sponsor]).
For the next two hours, until 6 pm – or until sold out if that happens sooner – cookies and cupcakes await you at 10-year-old Gwendolyn‘s bake sale to support World Central Kitchen’s work in Ukraine. You’ll find her at 44th SW and SW Othello [map], kitty-corner from West Side Unitarian Universalist. Laurel sent the announcement and says Gwendolyn is selling “traditional iced and plain sugar cookies and vegan, gluten-free chocolate cupcakes. Everything is nut-free. Price: “We are using a Pay What You Will model. We accept cash (with limited ability to make change), Venmo and PayPal.” Gwendolyn says, “I thought it would be a nice thing to do. I recently donated some money to World Central Kitchen to support Ukraine but I felt like I still needed to do more.” You can help her do just that!
(WSB photo, Cormorant Cove Park)
Thanks for the tip about the warning signs up along part of West Seattle’s shores. Waterfront areas south of Alki Point are posted as “closed” because of water pollution. We asked Seattle Public Utilities about it and just received this statement detailing the reason for, and location of, the closures:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Spill Response was notified Tuesday afternoon of a potential sewage discharge from a condominium complex located on Beach Drive. The source of the sewage does not involve SPU infrastructure. SPU crews are working to determine the number of units that may be discharging. No discharge volume estimate is available at this time.
Per protocol, SPU notified Dept. of Ecology, Public Health-Seattle & King County, and Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Signs are posted at public access points including Cormorant Cove Parklet, Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint at Alki beach, and the Andover Place street end beach access. Once the discharge has stopped, SPU will conduct sampling to determine if the beach may be reopened.
SPU property owners are responsible for maintaining their sewer lines, and any discharges from unmaintained lines can result in fines.
Charles Richey Viewpoint includes the area more commonly known as Constellation Park.
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, behavior analyst Madyline Ekins of Branching Out ABA, who’s offering a one-week summer camp to help young children work on social skills. Here’s what she wants you to know:
I am a behavior analyst and parent local to West Seattle. I have worked in behavior for over ten years in schools, centers, and homes across the United States. During grad school, I completed my thesis and research on using video models combined with play to teach social skills to children, and I was amazed by how effective they were in introducing complex skills to young learners.
For the last two years, I have been supporting students with behavioral needs in the local school districts. This summer, I want to provide additional support to families to strengthen social and emotional skills following two years of near social isolation. I will be holding a morning camp for one week in August that focuses on using video models and lots of play to help teach young children to feel successful in social situations. Some of the skills I hope to focus on this year include learning to join play, share toys, take turns, respect personal space, accept no from peers and siblings, and how to acknowledge and regulate big emotions.
One thing that makes my practice unique, is that I am not trying to force any normative behavior on children. Instead, I gather information on the areas where THEY feel they are struggling socially and provide them tools to feel successful at parks, playdates, and school.
My camp is open to all children including, those with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing disorders, or those who may not have had many social opportunities across the last two years.
Our schedule will include circle time, snacks, and daily activities based on learners’ and parental preferences. For an application and/or more information, email madyline.ekins@gmail.com.
We thank Madyline Ekins of Branching Out ABA for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Three more Crime Watch reports:
STORE ROBBERY: The California/Charlestown 7-11 was held up early this morning. According to the preliminary police summary, two people walked into the store at quarter till 5; one pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The report says they then “grabbed the cash and also took some tobacco products, (then) left the store (and) got into a possible Toyota Prius and fled at a high rate of speed.” Only descriptive info in the summary is that the robber with the gun was wearing gloves. SPD incident # 2022-173146.
STOLEN TRUCK: Texter reports their 1993 dark blue Ford Ranger truck was stolen early this morning from 34th/Holden. It has silver Harley-Davidson decals on both side windows and the rear passenger window, plus a Go Cougs decal on the driver’s side. Plate C20333X; the owner notes, “Still had the temp. in the back window, just got the plate on Saturday.” SPD incident # 2022-173230.
PROWLER: Eric emailed to report a prowler at 1 am near 34th/Spokane: “Police were called. When they arrived he was told to leave. Prowler would not leave when told by neighbors. No known theft.” SPD incident # 2022-173033.
The White Center Food Bank, which also serves people in south West Seattle, was hit by burglars over the holiday weekend. We got a tip about this on Tuesday and inquired; here’s the info we received today in response:
Over the 4th of July holiday weekend the administrative area of the White Center Food Bank was broken into and burglarized.
We lost computers, tools, grow lights for our garden, headphones, other electronics, and more that we are still trying to sort out.
Please keep an eye out for anyone selling or dumping these items and please let us know at admin@whitecenterfoodbank.org.
This is heartbreaking for a non-profit food bank with the sole intent of serving our neighbors, but we know we will get through it with our community’s support. We are filing an insurance claim, but if you wish to support the recovery of stolen items, we have set up a ‘Theft Recovery Fund’ designation on our donation website: https://whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com
(Photo by Kersti Muul)
Highlights for the hours ahead:
WADING POOLS CLOSED: Cloudy and showery forecast again today, so the city says wading pools won’t open. (But Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm.)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.
NETWORKING: Wind Down Weekly networking at Junction Plaza Park, presented by Work and Play Lounge, 6-8 pm. (42nd/Alaska)
JAZZ AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: 6:30 pm, it’s Jazz Night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.
DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: Department of Neighborhoods director Greg Wong is among the guests at tonight’s 7 pm meeting of the District 1 Community Network, online – find the agenda (with attendance info) in our preview.
MUSIC BINGO AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: First time ever – music bingo at The Good Society, 7-9 pm, prizes! (California/Lander)
KUNDALINI YOGA, MEDITATION, SOUND BATH: New night and location – Inner Alchemy now presents this weekly event at Jet City Labs, 7 pm Wednesdays. (4546 California SW, upstairs)
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA x 3: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; also 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); and at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
Calendar event to add? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Karen Tomisser, and sharing this remembrance with her community:
Karen Tomisser left us on June 28, 2022, unexpectedly and much too soon, following a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.
Karen lived a full life of 64 years showing her love, compassion, and generosity and her zest for life. She leaves behind 3 sisters, one of which was her twin sister, a brother, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. Preceded in death were her parents, Edward and Maxine Tomisser, and a sister, Janice Tomisser. She will be missed by all and left a great legacy of love and support to all she knew. Karen also knew it was not the destination that counts but the journey.
Karen grew up in West Seattle, where she lived for over 60 years. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Middle School, and upon graduating from West Seattle High School, she began her lifetime adventures. Karen always was young at heart. After high school, Karen found her niche working in the Kitchen and Bath Industry for Ross Display and Fixture Company for over 25 years. She enjoyed working with her clients to create and remodel dream kitchens and bathrooms for their homes. Desiring a change and new opportunity, Karen began a 7-year career in the grocery chain industry with Safeway, where she made an impact with all her customers and fellow colleagues. She loved many things but more than anything she loved people. Always willing to listen, she connected with people from all walks of life with working with her colleagues as well as friends and of course her family.
Karen had many interests. One of her favorites, when not sharing time with her sisters or nieces and nephews as they were growing up, was her ardent support always as a Seattle sports fan. The Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies were her favorites year-round. Once her niece became a Gonzaga student and alumni, she had to add the Zags basketball too. She loved taking her nieces and nephews to The Mariners and arriving early for the jerseys and bobbleheads always available to the kids on special-occasion games. She followed all her favorite teams with lots of cheering and enthusiasm, especially the year the Seahawks won the Super Bowl!
Karen had a very strong work ethic and when she had time off, she always looked forward to planning an adventure to experience. She took many vacations to Hawaii, a trip to Europe, many Disney adventures, and always a summer excursion to enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Coast. She loved road trips exploring her native Washington State, visiting small towns looking for a unique cafe, bakery, or coffee shop. Traveling was a big enjoyment in Karen’s life as well as combining it with her interest in pop music; she enjoyed attending many concerts of her day with a few live concerts to see Elton John and taking her niece even to Las Vegas to attend a Celine Dion concert. She loved the classic ’70s pop era of music. She always shared her loved interest of many ’70s-era music with younger generations as she did not want them to miss out on some of the best years of good music she cherished. She also loved classic movies and had a fun time introducing them to her nieces to show them what life was like for past teenage generations and had a good laugh with them watching American Graffiti, What’s Up Doc, and when younger shared many Disney favorite films. She was always up on the latest trends keeping her always young at heart and one of the fun aunts to spend time with as she always knew the music of each generation as well as the new styles, loved attending Whirligig and other art exhibits, and festivals in the city and around Washington State. She loved her pets and animals in life and especially inherited her Mom’s love of Boston Bull Terriers. From taking her first baking class at West Seattle High School, cooking and baking were a favorite past time and she always enjoyed searching for new recipes first from all kinds of classes to eventually all the new recipes available on the internet. The holidays were always a great time to celebrate. She would have traditional family recipes and had a good time searching for new recipes to try. She absolutely loved her community of West Seattle, always enjoying reuniting with friends at high school reunions, partaking in Hi-Yu events, hopping on a Ferry boat, and the many times walking on Alki Beach and taking in the beautiful sunsets at Alki and lights of the city.
Karen will be missed by so many. The Tomisser Family wishes to thank the Swedish Oncology and Hospice Team in Seattle who cared for her during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org.
(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)
9:25 AM: If you use 4th Ave. S. in SODO – note there’s a big response right now for a flipped-car crash at 4th/Industrial,
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning; welcome to Wednesday, July 6th.
WEATHER
The forecast is similar to yesterday – clouds, chance of rain, high in the 70s.
ROAD WORK
Pavement reconstruction continues on California SW between SW Frontenac and SW Myrtle.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro buses are on their 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 – and WSF says that probably won’t change before next spring. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
836th 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 recently installed cameras, but may be malfunctioning):
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? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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