day : 04/10/2022 8 results

The photo was sent by Lynne, who saw that harbor seal on the shore in the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook area. She called Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network and alerted people with dogs to keep their distance. We followed up tonight with David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters, who tells WSB:

We did have 2 responses today. One to a pup on private property north of Lowman Beach and another further north. Seal Sitters responded to both and will be monitoring their condition if they show up again. All pups tend to be on the thin side this time of year as they are working on learning how to feed themselves. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to advise people to keep back and to call in a report to the Seal Sitter hotline – 206-905-7325.

THINK SNOW! West Seattle Ski Swap coming up

October 4, 2022 5:45 pm

| Comments Off on THINK SNOW! West Seattle Ski Swap coming up

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

Hard to imagine with this extended summery weather, but snow season really isn’t far away, and that’s why Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) wants to help you get ready by presenting the annual West Seattle Ski Swap. M2SO has been presenting the Ski Swap for more than a decade! This year it’s set for Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska, across the street from the M2SO shop). You can sell and/or buy gear for the season ahead. If you’re selling, the dropoff hours are 3-7 pm Friday, October 21, and you can register in advance here; if you’re shopping, the hours will be 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 10 am-4 pm Sunday on sale weekend. P.S. It’s not just for skis – you can sell/buy snowboards, boots, clothing, and other winter accessories.

Share This

WHALES: Orcas in our area

October 4, 2022 4:03 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

4:03 PM: Half a dozen or so southbound orcas are headed this way, reports Kersti Muul, west of the mouth of Elliott Bay.

7:23 PM: In comments, Kersti says this was the first seasonal appearance of Southern Resident Killer Whales! She says they’ve since headed back northbound.

Share This

ELECTION 2022: 5 weeks until vote-counting begins. Here’s the most complicated issue you’ll be asked to decide (and what else is on the ballot)

October 4, 2022 2:50 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Election Day, November 8th, is exactly five weeks away. But you’ll be able to start voting a lot sooner – King County Elections plans to send out ballots on October 19th, and you can vote as soon as you get yours. Here’s KCE’s one-stop info page for the election, including a link you can use to preview the ballot you’ll get. Here’s the sample ballot we downloaded, which is what you’ll receive if you’re in the city and the 34th State Legislative District.

The most complicated issue is Seattle Proposition 1A-1B – alternatives for changing the way you vote in Seattle city primaries. Initiative-born 1A would enable voters to check off as many candidates “as they approve of” in races for Mayor, City Attorney, and City Council. The two top vote-getters for each office would advance to the general election. 1B is an elected-official-proposed alternative that would allow voters in those same primary races to rank candidates by their preference, with a multi-round vote-counting process ensuing. You’ll have two votes on this two-part proposition – should either become law, and regardless of whether you said yes or no, which one would you rather see become law? The ballot also includes a King County charter amendment that would change elections, moving County Executive, County Councilmembers, County Assessor, and Elections Director to even-numbered years. Plus there’s a King County levy proposal, the Conservation Futures Levy. Besides those issues, the ballot includes U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State Legislature, Secretary of State, King County Prosecutor, and 17 judicial positions, only two of which are contested. Two state advisory measures are on the ballot too. Not registered to vote but eligible? Go here.

Share This

Rainier Hair Studio: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

October 4, 2022 12:56 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Rainier Hair Studio. New WSB sponsors get an opportunity to tell you about themselves; here’s what Rainier Hair Studio wants you to know:

Rainier Hair Studio has finally opened its doors after stepping into the former Illusions space at 5619 California SW. Rainier is a non-gender studio that focuses on inclusion and community. Megan. the owner, grew up in West Seattle and her son currently attends West Seattle High School. She has been in the industry for 20+ years, doing everything from festivals to weddings to skin fades, and excels with the little ones.

Her passion in the new studio is to provide a space of growth and support for her staff, along with giving back to the community and creating a space where everyone is guaranteed a quality hair service in a welcoming environment. That includes providing a safe space for clients, be it getting your hair cut in a private room or just our caring nature – stylists who listen, specialize, and care. Megan says, “The thing that I learned with COVID (restrictions) is how much I connected with my clients and their families and now I plan to honor that in the new space. so that anyone who walks in the doors feels comfortable, from the 2-year-old’s first cut to grandma’s 100th cut and everyone in between. I always say a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet and carry that vibe into my client experience.” Rainier Hair Studio also will give back to the community, affiliating with The Beyond Project, which focuses on connecting stylists to the volunteer opportunities that speak to their heart, starting with an event working with the foster community.

Rainier Hair Studio has three extremely talented artists joining the shop: Katherine, previously at Cutz, who specializes in curls and dimensional blondes; Crystal, previously at Rudy’s, who specializes in short cuts; and Marjory from Babalouise, who is a vivid color master. Come check out the space for yourself and meet the new crew , Saturday, October 8th, from 4 pm-8 pm – they will be doing a “welcome to the neighborhood” party and look forward to seeing you. You can also book at rainierhairstudio.com if you’re ready today.

We thank Rainier Hair Studio 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.

Share This

Zoning exceptions for new Alki Elementary? 10 more days to comment

October 4, 2022 10:59 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Rendering by Mahlum, from the info packet for proposed zoning ‘departures’)

The Alki Elementary rebuild is proposed with nine elements that would be zoning exceptions – formally known as “departures” – and the city is seeking community comment by October 14th on whether they should be approved. If you haven’t already commented but would like to, here’s the overview from the city, including how to comment:

The public is invited to share feedback regarding the development plans for Alki Elementary School located at 3010 59th Ave SW. The Seattle School District is requesting modifications (also known as “departures”) from City zoning regulations per Seattle Municipal Code, SMC 23.51B, and the Public School Departures Process, SMC 23.79.

1) Greater-than-allowed building height
2) Reduced vehicular parking quantity
3) Bus loading and unloading
4) New curb cut to service area without vehicular parking
5) Increased curb-cut width
6) Increased curb-cut flare
7) Reduced bicycle parking (long-term) quantity
8) Amended bicycle parking performance standards
9) Signage/changing-image sign

The school district has a detailed presentation of the modifications which you can view here.

Upon receiving your feedback, the comments will be shared with the Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. After review, the Director will provide their recommendations regarding the proposed departures to the Director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for the final decision. Please submit your written comments by Friday, October 14 to:

Nelson Pesigan
E-mail: Nelson.Pesigan@seattle.gov
Mailing Address:
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
PO Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649

For additional information, visit our website or contact Nelson Pesigan at 206-684-0209.

Alki Elementary is scheduled to move to temporary space at the former Schmitz Park Elementary for two years starting next fall while the new school is built.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead

October 4, 2022 9:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Jeremy Barton)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP DIY CLEANUP: Go here to see today’s location for supplies facilitating your DIY cleanup, now through 6 pm.

COVID VACCINES: Pop-up clinic today at South Park Senior Center (8201 10th Ave. S.):

South Park Senior Center will be hosting a Vaccination Clinic in partnership with King County and Discovery Health MD from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Moderna, Pfizer, and the new Novavax vaccines will be available. Everyone, including infants, will qualify to receive a free vaccine.

To register go to: prepmod.doh.wa.gov//appointment/en/reg/2698241109

If you need assistance registering, please contact South Park Senior Center at 206-767-2544. Walk-ins will be welcome.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE: The port commissioners of Seattle and Tacoma meet today as NWSA managing members, 11 am at Sea-Tac Airport‘s conference center and online – here’s the agenda; to watch online, go here.

CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm, the weekly full-council meeting is happening online and in-person – here’s the agenda, with information on how to comment.

SPORTS: The West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team has a home game against Nathan Hale, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own. (Organizer Scott says they’re continuing in this spot for even though it’s not high-traffic any more.)

REHEARSALS: The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ fall rehearsals start at 5:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, go play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS: Learn and practice the art of public speaking with a friendly group who welcomes you to join. 6:30 pm online – info here.

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: 6:30 pm online meeting – details in our calendar listing.

OPEN MIC: Go show your talents at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm.

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can always see more, and preview future dates, on our calendar – and if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday info

October 4, 2022 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, October 4th.

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – still no rain expected, high in the 70s.

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. As of last Saturday, WSF has joined other services in free rides for youth.

ROAD WORK

In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.

BRIDGES

High Bridge – here’s the camera that’s atop the span.

Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, those finding it more convenient.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to 99, here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

Share This