West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY REPORT: Friday, the Mariners play a two-decades-in-the-making game – their first playoff game since 2001. It’s happening in Toronto, so most of the cheering will be from 2,500 miles away. Wondering where you can do that cheering in West Seattle? First place we heard about is The Bridge (6301 California SW), opening early – at noon – on Friday to get ready for the 1 pm game. Where else in West Seattle? We’ll be looking around but we’d really appreciate your help too – if you know of other venues, please mention in the comment section or via email at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Along with The Bridge, these establishments have announced they’re opening early so you can watch The Game:
Arthur’s (2311 California SW)
Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SWO
The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way)
The Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
The Beer Junction (4511 California SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
Prost West Seattle (3407 California SW)
FRIDAY NOTE – ADDING MORE HERE
7:07 PM WEDNESDAY: We’ve been reporting for a decade on the site north of Morgan Junction Park that was bought by the city in 2014 and “landbanked” as a future addition to the park. As noted here over the summer, the actual park development won’t have funding until the next Park District cycle. (The city was working on design just before the pandemic – and then the project got shelved.) The site has been awaiting soil remediation from its past incarnation as a dry cleaners. In the meantime, you’ve probably noticed the guerrilla mini-skatepark that’s turned up on the previously long-idle site. Tonight we heard from supporters of skating at the site who are gathering petition signatures to ask the city to let them keep using it that way while the site awaits development. If you’re interested in supporting their campaign, the petition page is here. (Photo from August, sent by CJ)
ADDED 11:12 AM THURSDAY: We asked Seattle Parks about the situation. Here’s the response:
Unfortunately, this site is not safe for public use of any type and we’ll have to remove any skate equipment and re-lock the site. SPR has submitted for a grading permit (6924009-GR) to remove the hazardous material left over from the former dry cleaner. Included in the removal of HAZMAT will be some landscape improvements. We anticipate completing this work and opening the site to the public Spring 2023.
There was a substance poured on the ramp; this was not done by SPR staff.
5:24 PM: The big Seattle Fire response at 30th/Juneau is for a reported gas leak. Updates to come.
5:35 PM: Firefighters are checking the air in nearby residences to determine safety.
5:38 PM: They’re reducing the response to a few units, while waiting for the leak to be handled. Puget Sound Energy is on the scene.
5:42 PM: SFD reports that PSE has secured the leak.
As Mayor Bruce Harrell said in his budget speech, the city intends to be closely involved in planning for the West Seattle/Ballard Extensions of Sound Transit light rail – and one of the city entities keeping an eye on the project will be touring part of the planned route tomorrow (Thursday, October 6). Thanks to West Seattle community advocate Deb Barker for the tip on the Seattle Design Commission‘s plan to spend its regular meeting on this tour. The SDC is an advisory group and its meetings are open to the public. From the agenda:
SDC WSBLE Tour of Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction Light Rail Station locations
1:00 pm
Alaska Junction Station Location
Location: SE corner of SW Alaska St and 42nd Ave SW2:00 pm
Avalon Station
Location: 35th Ave SW and SW Dakota St (one block north of station location)3:00 pm
Yancy Guideway
Location: Corner of SW Yancy, SW Andover, and 32nd Ave SW3:30 pm
Delridge Station
Location: NW corner of Delridge Way SW and SW Andover St
You can catch up with them at one or more of the stops.
We’ve reported before on The Heron’s Nest, land between Puget Park and West Marginal Way SW that’s in the process of being restored and repatriated to the Duwamish Tribe. The nonprofit that’s been working on this is inviting you to a benefit celebration at the site this Saturday night – when the weather should be perfect for an outdoor event:
Saturday, October 8th: Fundraiser & Auction:
4-9 pm – Join us at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW)
Welcoming to the space by Ken Workman of Duwamish Tribal Council
Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, Coast Salish Stories by Pamela Bond, Documentary Trailer Screening (Road to Recognition), Live performances, Dinner, Drinks, and more!$50 tickets include two meal tickets, two 21+ drink tickets, two raffle tickets
Tickets are available online here.
(Three ‘massing’ options, from design packet by SHW)
In July, we reported on a plan for microapartments at 9059 (corrected) 16th SW, where the existing vacant building was gutted by fire a year ago and then listed for sale. The proposal, which also covers a parcel to the north, is going through Administrative Design Review, which means no public meetings, though there’s still an opportunity for community comment. The city website describes the plan as 4 stories with 67 apartments. The design packet by architecture firm SHW is here; it notes that the building is proposed with 67 bicycle-parking spaces and no offstreet motor-vehicle parking. The review is in the Early Design Guidance stage of the process, so you can comment on its size/shape/placement on the site by emailing assigned city planner Carly Guillory at carly,guillory@seattle.gov.
12:18 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re told at least two schools – Genesee Hill and West Seattle (at the former Schmitz Park) Elementaries – sheltered in place for a while earlier today because of a police response in the area. One reader saw the officers in the 51st/Charlestown vicinity.
(Photo via email)
SPD describes it only as a “person in crisis” situation. If we learn anything further, we’ll update.
2:09 PM: A parent forwarded the letter sent to GH families by principal Liz Dunn:
This morning Genesee Hill Elementary went into a brief shelter-in-place while there was police activity near our school.
At 11 a.m., we were alerted by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) that they were responding to a report of an individual who may have been suicidal in the area.
The Genesee Hill teachers and staff quickly got the students off the playground and back into their classrooms. The police did a thorough search of the area. According to SPD, the individual was taken into care. The lockdown was lifted at 11:10 a.m.
This incident occurred off school property and at no time was student safety compromised. Students may have witnessed the increased police presence as the SPD responded to the situation.
Please know that I take safety in our buildings very seriously. The well-being of Genesee Hill students is my top concern. I am proud of how our students and staff responded to this incident. District procedures were followed, and the situation was resolved quickly and safe
(A reminder that if you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, there’s a new three-digit hotline – 988.
If you can donate blood, now’s one of those times when Bloodworks Northwest could really use your help. This announcement explains the reason for the latest shortage:
Bloodworks Northwest has sent 130 units of blood to SunCoast Blood Center in Florida to help the region as many of their blood collections sites are not operational during their recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian. Sending these shipments has depleted local supplies. It will take a steady stream of donors over the next several weeks to help replenish blood inventory for the PNW area. All blood types are needed. You do not need to know your blood type to give blood.
Bloodworks will be at LDS West Seattle (4001 44th Ave SW) on Oct 5, 10, 11 and 12. We have LOTS of open appointment slots. Please consider reserving your spot to give blood at this location by using this direct link: schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/GroupLanding.aspx?s=437B
Donors (18 yrs +) can enter to win a new Apple MacBook Air M2, when they give blood in October. Learn more here.
For other info, please visit www.BloodworksNW.org or call 800-398-7888. THANK YOU!
This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been stolen:
Its owner emailed this morning to say the 2001 yellow Jeep Cherokee was stolen last night between 8:30 and 11 pm at the West Seattle Health Club lot. Its unique components include front steel bumper with winch, 32-inch mud-terrain tires, and 15-inch black American Racing rims; its owner says this is the only yellow Jeep Cherokee you’d see in this area. Plate is CAS1799. We don’t have the police report number yet but will add when we get it; call 911 if you see this vehicle.
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Here’s the West Seattle list for the rest of today:
BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at Cottage Grove Park (26th/Brandon) until 6 pm.
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: See the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open noon-8 pm today.
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: 7 pm online. This month’s main topic is the West Seattle/South Park coalition’s purpose and future. Attendance info is in our calendar listing.
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: At 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, October 5th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – some clouds followed by sun, high in the 60s.
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.
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.
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