West Seattle, Washington
31 Saturday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Your ballot should have arrived by now, so you might take some time this weekend to fill it out and send it back. Whenever you do that, the choices you’ll be asked to make include only one open local office: 34th Legislative District State House Position 1, one of the three people who represent this area in the Washington State Legislature. The longtime holder of that position, State Rep. Eileen Cody, is retiring. Two other West Seattle women, Leah Griffin and Emily Alvarado, were the top two finishers in a three-candidate primary. Since this campaign has been light on local forums/debates (the 34th District Democrats held one in May), we decided to interview both candidates on video so you could see and hear them before you vote, if you haven’t already made up your mind.
We conducted these interviews over the past two days and present both unedited. Aside from starting with the question “Why do you want this job?” both conversations took slightly different turns, rather than covering a preset punchlist of questions. The candidates have a lot in common – both West Seattle residents, both Democrats, both first-time candidates. And when we got down to specifics, similar positions on hot issues, too. But they have traveled different paths to get to this campaign, and have different issues about which they’re most passionate, as you’ll hear.
EMILY ALVARADO: Alvarado is a former Seattle Office of Housing director, now employed with a national nonprofit that focuses on housing. She says her experience in the public and private sectors gives her experience that will translate to effective service as a legislator. Here’s her page on the King County Elections website with her candidate statement and background basics. We interviewed Alvarado on Thursday at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse:
LEAH GRIFFIN: Griffin is a school librarian who became an advocate for sexual-assault victims after she became one. She says her experience working with state and federal leaders to pass legislation is experience that will enable her to hit the ground running, and she promises to be the kind of elected official from whom she sought help – one that solves people’s problems. Here’s her page on the King County Elections website with her candidate statement and background basics. We interviewed Griffin today at Work and Play Lounge:
Whoever you’re voting for, your ballot has to be in a King County dropbox by 8 pm Tuesday, November 8th, or in a postal mailbox in time to be postmarked no later than November 8th. (Here’s our quick overview of what else is on it.)
Two notes as we wrap up this first night of the extended Hallo-weekend … first, a reminder about Sunday’s West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest:
That’s the map for Sunday’s in-the-street festival, which runs 11 am-5 pm; just north of the top of the map, on California between Alaska and Oregon, you’ll find the Farmers’ Market as usual, regular time (10 am-2 pm). Note all the cornhole-court locations – the tournament is new this year, with 32 teams set to compete. One thing West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay wants to stress – the festival is RAIN OR SHINE – if we get rain, just incorporate an rain hat or umbrella into your costume! The costume parade starts it off at 11 am; line up at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska). Right after that, trick-or-treating and other activities start at businesses and booths at 11:30 am. Almost everything is free, but if you want to taste, and vote in, the chili cookoff, bring $10 (which benefits the West Seattle Food Bank). See the full schedule on the official website.
And more home decorations to show tonight – Heather sent this:
Happy Halloween from The Dyers on 17th! (Between Myrtle & Holly)
Spiders, Webs & Skeletons….oH mY eYeballs!
The Rube Goldberg Candy Machine will be up and giving out candy Sunday and Monday.
Come on by and check out the Spooky neighbors too!PS…just spooky enough for the little during the day. Extra creepy lights at night for the bigs.
Thanks again to everyone who has sent decoration photos – so much Halloween spirit around West Seattle! Lots going on the next few days – check out the listings in our West Seattle Halloween Guide.
(Video by Tom Trulin)
Those are salmon spawners in the surf at Fauntleroy Cove, near the ferry dock, waiting to enter Fauntleroy Creek. As of late this afternoon, Judy Pickens from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council says, volunteer creek watchers had counted 31 spawners. On Saturday, you are invited to an all-ages “open creek,” noon-3 pm. Go to the fish-ladder overlook at SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way – across and upslope from the ferry dock – where a volunteer will invite you down to creek level. You just might see one or more of the spawners, and volunteers will be ready to answer your questions. Children must be accompanied by adults; dogs are OK if leashed.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Thanks for the tips! We finally made it over to Camp Long a short time ago to see what was being filmed there. Security told us it’s a TV project titled “Penelope.” According to productionlist.com, this is the plotline: “Feeling out of place in a society that seems to be moving on without her, a 16-year-old is drawn to the wilderness where she begins forming a new life for herself.” Brothers Jay and Mark Duplass are listed as the producers; they are midway through a “first-look deal with HBO,” according to trade publications.
SATURDAY MORNING: After more tips, we confirmed that’s what the crews at West Seattle Stadium today are for, too.
No photo so far but thanks for the tips – the USS Nimitz passed West Seattle before sunset, heading back to Bremerton. The aircraft carrier has been gone from its homeport for a month and a half.
3:16 PM: Sunshine just in time! The Admiral District will be full of costumed children until 6 pm as businesses hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. The Admiral/California junction is the heart of it, but wander north and south on California, east and west on Admiral, to look for other participating businesses too!
Admiral District trick or treating! Alki Bike & Board is always into it: pic.twitter.com/y3yPBWc4O8
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 28, 2022
More photos to come.
3:52 PM: Be sure to wander down the west side of California – we found treats as far south as PCC, with other participating businesses including West Seattle Runner and West Seattle Realty (all WSB sponsors) along the way!
(West Seattle Realty, new HQ at Admiral Station, 2715 California SW)
4:30 PM: North of Admiral, you’ll find businesses with treats all the way up to West Seattle Grounds.
(Outside West Seattle Grounds)
(Outside Brent Amacher’s insurance officer)
Lots of memorable costumes seen:
Next business trick-or-treat event is Alki, 10 am-2 pm Saturday – see others in the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide!
Too busy to cook amid the Halloween activities? Pecos Pit-West Seattle (35th/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) is offering a deal Sunday and Monday:
You can see their menu here.
After next year’s election, the seven district-elected City Councilmembers will be representing areas with new boundaries. What those district boundaries will be has yet to be finalized – and relatively late in the process – with less than two weeks until a final vote – there are new suggestions, with your feedback requested. Here’s the news release (and a reminder, District 1 is the one that includes West Seattle):
The Seattle Redistricting Commission continues its process of examining how to redraw the boundaries of Seattle’s seven City Council Districts and is inviting community members to offer feedback on four distinct maps. Members of the public can review and provide input on the maps at seattle.gov/redistricting/how-to-participate.
During the regularly scheduled Seattle Redistricting Commission meeting on October 25, the Commission discussed various revisions to the official Amended Draft Map that was adopted on October 18, 2022. These revisions are presented as Discussion Maps below.
Commissioner Nickels proposed a Discussion Map that:
Uses I-5 as the primary boundary for Districts 1 and 2.
Keeps Pioneer Square and West Seattle whole in District 1.
Keeps Chinatown International District and Beacon Hill whole in District 2.
Keeps Central District whole in District 3.
Uses I-5 as the boundary for Districts 5 and 6.
Keeps Magnolia whole and together with Queen Anne in District 7.
Keeps Eastlake and Fremont whole in District 4.
Keeps Lake City and Northgate whole in District 5.
Keeps Ballard whole in District 6.Commissioner Juarez proposed a Discussion Map that:
Extends the south end of District 6 and District 7 boundary along 28th Ave W from W McGraw St to W Howe St. This removes the quickly turning boundary that followed W McGraw St, Condon Way W, and 30th Ave W before meeting with W Howe St.
Commissioner O’Sullivan is sponsoring a Discussion Map submitted by a community member that:
Moves the area of Magnolia west of 15th Ave W and down to the Magnolia Bridge to District 6.
Moves the area between Aurora Ave N and Stone Way N, between NE 50th St and Lake Union, to District 6.
Moves all of Eastlake to District 7.
Moves all the blocks in First Hill bounded by I-5, Boren Ave, and James St to District 7.
Moves the University of Washington to District 3.
Moves all Green Lake and Meridian east of Aurora Ave N, south of NE 85th St, west of I-5, and north of NE 50th St, to District 4.
Keeps Districts 1, 2, and 5 unchanged.Members of the public are invited to submit public comment on these proposed adjustments. The Seattle Redistricting Commission plans to vote on a final map at their meeting on Tuesday, November 8. The public comment period will remain open until the Commission files the final district plan on or before November 15, 2022.
Make a public comment
-In-person or online at the Seattle Redistricting Commission special meeting on Monday, October 31 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at Seattle City Hall, Room L280, 600 4th Avenue. Public can also participate online.
-In writing using the Seattle Redistricting Commission’s public comment submission form.
Whichever maps are finalized, those will be the new district boundaries starting with the 2023 elections.
10:53 AM: The report and photo are from Ian:
FYI for riders: Someone scattered a bunch of screws along the bike path/sidewalk between T-18 and Marginal. I kicked as many as I could aside but just kept finding more and more…
Ian reported this to the city via Find It Fix It. We also advised contacting SDOT directly by phone – 206-684-ROAD – as it’s an immediate safety hazard.
5:07 PM: Just after noon, Grant Slatton tweeted this photo and update (and has given us permission to repost):
I am down here now dragging around a giant magnet. Also found some on the low bridge bike path.
(Seen in a Gatewood rockery, a pumpkin-zilla nicknamed Gordon)
Here’s our daily reminder list about what’s up in West Seattle for the rest of your Friday. First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide:
PRESCHOOLER TRICK-OR-TREAT: Preschoolers’ Trick-or-Treating at Holy Rosary School, all kids 5 and under welcome. 1-2:30 pm. (42nd/Genesee)
ADMIRAL BUSINESSES TRICK-OR-TREAT: The Admiral District presents business trick-or-treating, 3-6 pm. (Look for businesses with signs indicating they’re participating – around but not limited to California/Admiral.)
GLOW PARTY: Free event at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm. “Join the Delridge Community Center for our famous glow-in-the-dark party! Enjoy our themed games, bounce houses, candy, and music. Wear your costume, face paint, or anything that will illuminate the party.”
LIGHT SHOW: Halloween light show at West Seattle Yuletide, 6-9:30 pm nightly, 38th SW between Dakota and Genesee.
BINGO & COSTUME CONTEST #1: Halloween bingo and costume-contest fundraiser for Stephanie’s Lifeline, 6-10 pm at The Blu Grouse (9839 17th SW).
SPOOKY SHOW: Nightfall Orphanage, spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, 7-10 pm each night (extended hours Halloween). No admission charge, but charity donations requested. Details here.
BINGO & COSTUME CONTEST #2: Halloween Bingo and Costume Contest at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm. Free to play – prizes! Contact the pub to reserve a table in advance.
WEST END GHOULS: “Drag spooktacular” at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. $13 advance tickets/$15 at the door. All ages.
‘ALCHYMIA’: The Cabiri present Alchymia, a theatrical aerial-dance performance. 8 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Tickets here.
And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE: Last weekend to see the community show at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), which is open 10 am-6 pm today.
DROP-IN OPEN PLAY: Now through 11:30 am, weekly drop-in open play for little ones at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
OFFICE HOURS WITH COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD: 2-6 pm in-person “office hours” with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold – advance appointment required.
MUSIC AT C & P: 7-9 pm, the 4-piece band MAD Cutaways takes the stage at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW), free, all ages.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm in-store performance by Beautiful Freaks at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska).
Something for our calendar (or a last-minute addition for our Halloween Guide)? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather November 4 to remember Terry M. Gangnes. They’re sharing this remembrance with the community:
Terry M. Gangnes, 75, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2022.
Born to Arnold and Ila Gangnes in Seattle, Terry grew up in West Seattle and graduated from WSHS in 1965. He attended Olympic Junior College, where he competed on the schools’ gymnastics team. In 1968, Terry joined the Navy, where he served as an air traffic controller at Glenview Naval Air Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. Following his service, Terry moved back to Seattle with his then-wife and newborn daughter. He worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) as a driver for 31 years, serving the downtown Burien business district. Terry was inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor for having a 30-year safe driving record. He retired from UPS in 2001.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ila; sister Judy; and beloved four-legged companion Bogey. He is survived by his two children, Danielle (Megan), Tyler (Kaydee), and their mother Patty; his four grandchildren, Kya, Avery, Lola, and Harper; his two brothers, Ronald (Randy) and Rich (Janet); nieces Chani and Kamiana and nephew, Andrew.
Terry was an avid golfer, skier, fisherman, and Seahawks fan. He enjoyed gardening, bowling, hydroplane races, and photography. Terry was a 25+-year member of Maplewood Golf Course Men’s Club and served as a course marshal in retirement. He was honored with the club’s 2019 Hall of Fame award for his many years of participation and success in the club’s events, an award he was truly proud of. Terry was a member of Sahalie Ski Club since 1962, where he met many lifelong friends and enjoyed countless weekends skiing and socializing in true Sahalie fashion. He loved salmon fishing every summer in areas throughout Washington. A diehard Seahawks fan and season ticket holder since day one in 1976, Terry enjoyed attending games with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many.
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at Maplewood Golf Course in Renton on November 4th, 2022 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in the form of a donation in Terry’s name to the ASPCA or Special Olympics.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, October 28th, the first of four days full of Halloween events.
WEATHER
Some rain, some sun, high in the 50s.
TRAFFIC NOTES
–Halloween: Trick-or-treating at businesses in The Admiral District 3-6 pm today … Street closures and bus reroutes Sunday for West Seattle Harvest Fest and the Farmers’ Market in The Junction – California between Oregon and Edmunds, Alaska between 42nd and 44th
–Two continuing closures: The outer southbound lane on West Marginal Way between 17th SW and the Duwamish Longhouse … The east end of Sylvan Way.
–Weekend road work: SDOT has a project starting this weekend for Corson/Michigan/Bailey in Georgetown – here’s the notice.
TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Open to all.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most 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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