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month : 10/2022 314 results

Indigenous Peoples’ Day info and more for your West Seattle Monday
October 10, 2022 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on Indigenous Peoples’ Day info and more for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barred Owl, photographed at 34th/Thistle by Amy Hoffman this weekend)

As noted in the morning traffic/transportation wrapup, this is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle, and that means some holiday closures, including:

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: All locations closed today.

SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION: Many facilities are closed today, including community centers and pools – details here.

NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Usually at 2 pm Mondays but canceled today.

For the federal government, this is Columbus Day, with closures/changes including:

US POSTAL SERVICE: No regular delivery; post offices closed.

BANKS: Most (if not all) closed in observance of the federal holiday.

Here’s what IS happening today/tonight:

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Chief Sealth International High School‘s slowpitch-softball team plays Holy Names, 5:15 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.

MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

PLAY TRIVIA! Two scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster) and 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to list on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Paul ‘Gerry’ Maurer, 1942-2022
October 10, 2022 9:13 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Paul ‘Gerry’ Maurer, 1942-2022
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Paul “Gerry” Maurer and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Paul Gerry Maurer
May 2, 1942 — September 25, 2022

Paul “Gerry” Maurer died on September 25, 2022, at the age of 80 at Parkshore Senior Living in Seattle due to failing health from long Covid and pulmonary fibrosis. He was deeply loved by family and friends and is dearly missed.

Gerry was born on May 2, 1942, in Long Beach, CA, to parents Mary Josephine Cushing Maurer and Paul Bulger Maurer. Gerry was the second of three children, along with sisters Mary Jo and Tath. The trio grew up on an avocado ranch in the Hollywood Hills, and Gerry attended La Habra and Hollywood High (class of 1960), where he was a member of the cheer squad and track team. Gerry was an avid sailor from a young age, skippering boats in multiple Transpacific (California to Hawaii) races when he was still in high school. His love for sailboats continued throughout his life as he captained his beloved yachts Surprise (C&C 35) and Dirigo (K50) in myriad races and cruised the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and beyond. One of his most cherished honors was becoming Commodore of the Seattle Yacht Club (SYC) in 1992. Racing sailboats was Gerry’s North Star and he continued to race mini-12s with SYC after retiring his yachts and loved teaching others to sail, as he did with the US Navy cadets.

Gerry received his BA from Stanford University in 1964, where he met his first wife, Kathleen Kirkpatrick (Pierce), and was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and a coxswain on the crew team. He went on to get his MBA from Columbia University in 1966, after which he worked in management for American Airlines before attending Officer Candidate School and serving in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. In 1970, he was discharged and moved permanently to Seattle, WA where he worked for Airborne Air Freight before buying American Conserving Company (aka “the apple factory”) which processed Washington apples for pies and juice, with his business partner and fellow Navy Officer, Glenn Kalnasy. In 1985, he shifted gears to estate and business planning with Northwestern Mutual Financial Services, where he built his own advisory firm, fully retiring in 2021.

In 1987, Gerry married Barbara and moved to her home in West Seattle. They had a shared love of the sea; most of their spare time was spent racing or cruising sailboats. They spent many years sailing the West Coast as well as chartering boats in the Caribbean, Greece and Croatia and traveling with the Cruising Club of America. When not on boats, the pair loved to ski and take family winter ski trips, igniting a love for the mountains in their two sons.

Gerry and Barbara were also devoted Rotarians. Gerry was a member of the downtown Seattle Rotary Club and Barbara served as President of the Burien Rotary. Together they were deeply involved in Rotary International service with schools, orphanages, and water projects across the globe, including two visits to India.

Above all, Gerry and Barbara loved hosting friends and family at their home, whether it was for an international business delegation, a holiday meal, or their annual Christmas ship party. They loved to cook and garden together and spent their “retirement” years enjoying their beautiful Puget Sound views and prolific garden. Gerry in particular was dedicated to his blueberry and rose bushes and could often be found out in the garden pruning or harvesting them. They were both very proud of their children and especially their many grandchildren who they gathered often for meals on their deck or holiday celebrations.

Gerry was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Glee Maurer. He is survived by his two daughters, Kristina Maurer Montague (Tom) and Serena Dawn Maurer (Sam); his two stepsons, Karl Asmund Norsen (Michelle) and Curtis Clifton Norsen (Betsy); his seven grandchildren, Chapin, Max, Ella, Millie, Tao, Harper, and Tabitha; and his two sisters, Tath Hossfeld (Dennis) and Mary Jo Martin (Richard); as well as his nephews Chris, Craig, and Andy; nieces Cecily and Jenny and their families.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Rotary International Foundation Memorial plans will be forthcoming on his online obituary.

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Monday
October 10, 2022 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, October 10th.

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – sunny, high near 70, wind picking up later

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) today. The West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule today, the only local transit service with a schedule change for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday.

ONE MORE TRANSPORTATION-RELATED HOLIDAY NOTE

It’s a free-parking day in Seattle neighborhoods with on-street paid parking.

ROAD WORK

-The SPU project that will close the east end of Sylvan Way for up to four weeks is expected to finally start this week.

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

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end.

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

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The view, for 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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UPDATE: Woman to hospital after reported accidental shooting on Erskine Way
October 9, 2022 9:51 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

9:51 PM: Police and fire crews are headed to the 4800 block of Erskine Way for what’s reported initially as an accidental shooting. Updates to come.

10:02 PM: Police report SFD medics are treating the victim, described as female.

10:18 PM: She’s being taken to Harborview Medical Center. No further information so far on the circumstances.

11:19 PM: Still awaiting an update from SFD; communication between medics and Harborview just before she was transported described her as in her mid-20s, conscious, with one gunshot wound to the chest from a 9mm handgun.

9:06 AM: SFD tells us this morning that she was in serious condition when transported.

MONDAY AFTERNOON: Police are not releasing additional details except to say no one has been arrested and that the victim was expected to survive.

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WILDFIRE SMOKE: Some relief forecast by Monday night
October 9, 2022 9:35 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Tonight’s smoky sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

The current air-quality alert is still set to expire at midnight, though smoke from the Bolt Creek Fire continues to degrade our air quality. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency‘s Sunday update says “strong onshore winds” are expected to clear some of it out on Monday, and the forecast indeed says wind could be gusting up to 25 mph by Monday night.

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UPDATE: Police investigation after Delridge/Genesee crash following Don Armeni holdup, gunfire
October 9, 2022 7:40 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

7:40 PM: Northbound Delridge at Genesee is blocked while police investigate a situation involving a crashed car and a gun.

(Photo sent by Kellan)

Police at the scene tell us they’re still trying to sort it all out but “multiple people” are in custody. Tgey are also investigating whether this is related to a gunfire report at Don Armeni earlier this evening. (added) The Don Armeni situation was first reported as gunfire following a robbery at gunpoint.

8:31 PM: Archived police-radio exchanges indicate the two incidents were indeed linked.

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FOLLOWUP: Last day for Des Moines passenger-ferry test; West Seattle residents voice noise concerns
October 9, 2022 5:36 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales

(August photo by David Hutchinson)

Today is the final day of the two-month test run for passenger-ferry service between Des Moines and Downtown Seattle. It’s been running four round trips a day, Wednesdays through Saturdays, and should be just now wrapping up its last trip. This past week, in the test run’s final days, a group of West Seattle residents emailed the city of Des Moines to voice concerns about the vessel chartered for the test, the Chilkat Express, saying it’s the loudest boat on the water, and fearing it could have an adverse effect on noise-sensitive Southern Resident Killer Whales. Their letter, on which we were copied, suggested that while Des Moines makes its decision on whether to bring back the service, they should plan to at least engage with noise-reduction initiatives. We followed up with the Des Moines department operating the service, which replied, “One thing to note is that the vessel in operation is primarily used as a whale watching boat and its operation is highly sensitive to that environment so if there was a concern in the area that it’s operating in, we believe it would have undoubtably been noted.” The West Seattle group also contacted the organization that’s been leading the Quiet Sound ship-noise-reduction program; their reply noted that their initial efforts haven’t included passenger vessels but they do have a workgroup in that area, led by Washington State Ferries, and would invite the Chilkat Express’s operator Puget Sound Express to join if they wind up continuing passenger service for Des Moines. Regarding that “if,” the Des Moines plan is to review how the trial period went, but they told us they don’t have a timeline for that review yet.

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READER REPORT: Hit-run driver hits bicyclist on Alki
October 9, 2022 3:35 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips about a collision on Alki earlier this afternoon. The medical response was quickly downsized and we couldn’t get there in time, but Michael sent this photo and report:

Approximately 1 pm a car took out a bicyclist on Alki Avenue at 61st SW in front of Fire Taco. Witnesses say the car first sped south down Alki Avenue then made a U-turn to speed back north up Alki Avenue deliberately targeting the bicycle, accelerating to rear end the bike before speeding off. The accident was witnessed by many people (but not me) including the Route 50 bus driver parked at the intersection. Several people including the bus driver were able to provide the cops with the license plate number. Amazingly the bicyclist got up and declined medical attention, although his bicycle was pretty much totaled.

The police-call log shows the incident # for this is 22-271097. (added) Archived police-radio audio includes an initial description of the car as “white Chrysler.”

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PROTECT YOURSELF: Two workshops in West Seattle
October 9, 2022 12:59 pm
|    Comments Off on PROTECT YOURSELF: Two workshops in West Seattle
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Two WSB sponsors are offering workshops later this month with information you can use to protect yourself:

SELF-DEFENSE: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) is hosting an introductory self-defense class at 7 pm Thursday, October 20th. The instructor is Kerry Copeland of Personal Safety Concepts who “will be offering strategies to protect your personal space while living your day-to-day (including) techniques to broaden your awareness, set boundaries, and physically protect yourself.” Class fee is $25 and you can “bring a buddy for free”; advance registration required – email West Seattle Runner, lorimcconnell@hotmail.com.

IDENTITY THEFT/FRAUD: Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton) has free but limited space in a workshop 1-2:30 pm on Wednesday, October 19th. You’ll learn how to prevent identity theft/fraud, how to recognize it, and what to do if it happens to you. Call 206-937-6122 to RSVP.

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READER REPORTS: Followed by suspicious driver; auto accessories stolen
October 9, 2022 10:42 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two reader reports:

FOLLOWED BY SUSPICIOUS DRIVER: This happened in The Junction on Thursday between 7 and 7:30 pm, reports a reader who wanted to report this in case it happens – or has happened – to anyone else:

I was driving south down 42nd (off Alaska) to park my car in the neighborhood, and as I pulled over to park just north of Dawson St. I noticed that the car right behind me pulled over immediately behind me. Having that gut feeling, I immediately pulled out and kept driving, and the car followed me. This car proceeded to follow me back down 42nd to Alaska, down California, up 44th to Dakota Place Park, back down California (where he turned off his headlights and changed lanes with me twice) before following me into the Safeway parking lot. I was on the phone with my partner the entire time, trying to figure out what I should do and the best we came up with was that I should go somewhere populated and try to get help. He parked next to me in the Safeway parking lot (the one on 42nd near the Junction) and I screamed at him for a few minutes, snapped a pic of his license plate and started walking toward Safeway to get others involved. He didn’t get out of his vehicle the entire time, and as I was screaming at him he gave me hand gestures and a facial expression like, “what? me? I wasn’t doing anything?” although he did not speak to me.

I was able to involve two people standing outside Safeway, one of whom was a man who went over to the vehicle and was able to get the guy to drive out of the parking lot. A very kind woman called her boyfriend who was nearby, and the two of them walked me home so that I wasn’t alone, and didn’t have to get back in my car.

The man was driving an older white pickup truck with a covered back. He appeared to be a Hispanic man, in his mid-40’s with a thin face – since he didn’t get out of the car I can’t speak to his height, but my impression was he had a slim build, and he was wearing a hat (Seahawks, I think?).

We are not publishing the license number as it’s not clear a crime was committed, but the reader has provided it to police – the report # is 22-269009.

AUTO ACCESSORIES STOLEN: The photo and report are from Kevin:

I’d like to report theft of my Yakima Roof Rack and accessories off my Jeep parked on SW Nevada St. Neighbors said they were awakened at 3:23 AM early Sunday morning to some noise outside.

The platform roof rack was found down the block but items were stripped and missing.

1. Yakima Slim Shady 6.5’ awning
2. Yakima Fresh Tract 4 Snowboard Rack
3. Black Max Trax recovery board and various recovery equipment

Thank you if there is any information! Pending SPD case number

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Notes for your West Seattle Sunday
October 9, 2022 6:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(September photo by Jerry Simmons with smoke, sailboat, seagull, Space Needle)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

AIR QUALITY ALERT: The regional alert for wildfire smoke continues.

TRAFFIC ALERTS: From SDOT:

-As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area. We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:

2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St
8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

GARDEN GIVEAWAY: Longtime residents who are moving out of West Seattle want to give back before going, so 10 am-2 pm today, in their backyard (4843 42nd SW), they’re giving away garden books, tools, pots, ornaments, plants, hoses, more.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open with fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, prepared food, and more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: Noon-8 pm, it’s the final day of festivities – food, beer, music, games. See the schedule here. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The monthlong display of community-contributed art at Southwest Library continues (9010 35th SW), open noon-5 pm today.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is closed for the rest of the month for roof work.

AT ARTSWEST: The ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” concludes the second week of its run, 3 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

MUSIC AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 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).

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 for our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SURVEY: Fuel surcharge for state ferry fares?
October 8, 2022 8:17 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

The Washington State Transportation Commission – which among other things sets fares for state ferries – has a survey open about a possible addition to those fares. The WSTC says there’s been longstanding authorization for a fuel surcharge to be added to ferry fares if needed to cover a funding gap. So its survey asks what you think of that idea. The survey also asks whether WSF should focus more on moving vehicles or moving people. It’s open for another week and a half – until October 18th – and you can respond to it by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Gatewood show starts tonight
October 8, 2022 4:54 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | Holidays | West Seattle news

With Halloween now just a little over three weeks away, we’re continuing our spotlight on West Seattle decorations. Andrew‘s home in Gatewood is offering a special seasonal show, starting tonight:

We’d love to share our Halloween decorations with everyone!

Location:
37th Ave SW/SW Austin St in Gatewood

Dates:
Saturday nights, starting Saturday, 10/8

Two Showtimes:
7:30 pm
8:00 pm

The show is 15 minutes long. Show will unfortunately only be playing if it’s not raining. Happy Halloween!

If you have Halloween decorations – with or without a show – to suggest for our ongoing spotlights, please email info (and a photo if you have one, though we can also go out and take our own) to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Volunteer tutors needed
October 8, 2022 3:33 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Volunteer tutors needed
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Maybe you can help?

Volunteers Needed:

Our Lady of Guadalupe School needs adult volunteer tutors to staff its after-school tutoring program. The program serves students in grades K-5 on Wednesdays from 2:15-3:00 pm. The aim of the program is to strengthen students’ academic skills in reading, math, and/or writing. Volunteer experience with elementary age students is helpful but not required. For further information, please contact Julia Herrmanns at AfterSchoolTutor@guadalupe-school.org

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DEVELOPMENT: More Morgan Junction townhomes next to future EV-charging station
October 8, 2022 1:21 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(King County Assessor photo, 6355 41st SW)

Just east of the ex-substation/future EV-charging station in Morgan Junction, a parcel’s recently been redeveloped into townhomes. Now the adjacent parcel to the north of that one has a similar plan. The comment period has just opened for the city’s Streamlined Design Review process regarding the project, which has an official address of 6355 41st SW – currently holding that 118-year-old house shown above – but has its longest side along Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s proposed for six 3-story townhouses with five offstreet vehicle-parking spaces, to be accessed from the alley on the parcel’s west side, plus eight bicycle-parking spaces. It’s in Early Design Guidance stage (here’s the draft design packet), so if you have comments, you have until October 19th to send them; the official notice explains how.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: More ‘Interruptions’
October 8, 2022 11:11 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(September photo courtesy Katie Kauffman)

Last month we reported on that mural in Puget Ridge, “Lukia e Tenifa” by Toka Valu. The mural at 18th/Myrtle is one of four West Seattle installations that are part of the city’s “Art Interruptions” program; they’re now all detailed and explained here, in a newly published feature on the city’s ArtBeat website. Some are as simple as signs; all are meant to be temporary, the city says, even the mural.

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SPORTS: Friday night’s football scores
October 8, 2022 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: Friday night’s football scores
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Both local high-school football teams played at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex last night. Here are the results, from the Metro League scoreboard: In Friday night’s first game, West Seattle High School lost to Lakeside on homecoming night, 20-13. In the nightcap, Chief Sealth International High School defeated Cleveland, 51-14. Next week, Sealth plays Nathan Hale, 7 pm Thursday (October 13th) at Northeast Athletic Complex, while WSHS is at home (NCSWAC), 7 pm Friday (October 14th).

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 26 notes
October 8, 2022 6:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Latest image from SDOT camera in the heart of The Junction)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other previews, here are events and notes for your Saturday:

AIR QUALITY ALERT: The National Weather Service has issued one for the region through Sunday night because of wildfire smoke.

ROAD WORK: This weekend’s West Seattle/South Park project list from SDOT:

As part of the Reconnect West Seattle Program, this weekend we will be implementing six Vision Zero projects, aimed to improve intersection visibility. Work is anticipated on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. We will be mostly working from the parking lane and will maintain traffic in all directions through these intersections. Please anticipate minor delays while traveling through the area. We will be painting and posting curb bulbs at the following locations:

2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW
35th Ave SW and SW Brandon St
8th Ave SW and SW Barton St
8th Ave S and S Rose St
8th Ave S and S Southern St
7th Ave S and S Donovan St

SATURDAY MORNING ULTIMATE: Now 8 am pickup ultimate games at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) on Saturday mornings!

VACCINATION CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm, flu shots at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), and COVID shots are also available 10 am-2 pm – appointments not required.

WEST SEATTLE YARD/GARAGE SALES: Find today’s listings (or post yours!) in this section of the WSB Community Forums.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm brings your next chance to shop this twice-monthly market featuring produce and products primarily from BIPOC growers and makers. (9421 18th SW)

COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: 10 am-noon artist reception for the Rat City Studios‘ annual show at Dubsea Coffee (9910 8th SW).

BLOCK DROP: Special 2-hour DIY cleanup opportunity at Delridge/Andover, 10 am-noon.

MORNING MUSIC AT C & P: 10:30 am-noon, Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 2nd week back from hiatus! 10:30 am in-person gathering in West Seattle, free but registration required; details in our calendar listing.

EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATION: Alums and families are invited to this 11 am-1 pm event. (10015 28th SW)

WATCH THE MARINERS’ 2ND PLAYOFF GAME: After their victory over Toronto in their first playoff game since 2001, the Mariners could win the best-of-three series with a win today. Here’s our list of West Seattle places watching the game:

The Bridge (6301 California SW)
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)
Circa (2605 California SW)
West Wings (2329 California SW)
Christo’s on Alki (2508 Alki SW)
Locöl (7902 35th SW – new TV!)
The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska)

Additions? Please comment below – thanks!

GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH: The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s Great Pumpkin Search is set for 2-5 pm today – check in at the FCA table you’ll find in the heart of the Endolyne mini-business district (45th/Wildwood).

‘BIRD SIT’ AT ROXHILL PARK: 2-3:30 pm – drop by and talk with master birders, as explained in our calendar listing. (29th/Barton)

OKTOBERFEST X 2: Two places you can celebrate Oktoberfest today:
*At Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way), beer, food, and music, 2-6 pm.
*At Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), beer, food, music, games, 2-10 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: Reminder that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum on Alki is closed for the rest of the month because it’s getting a new roof.

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS POP-UP: Noon-1:30 pm, join in long-distance political activism at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

HERON’S NEST BENEFIT: 4-9 pm at The Heron’s Nest, enjoy dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and more, benefiting the restoration/repatriation project at the site (4818 Puget Way SW) – tickets available here.

WELCOME PARTY: 4-8 pm, Rainier Hair Studio (5619 California SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to a “welcome to the neighborhood” party.

SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: Performing 6-8 pm at Princess & The Bear Winery (309 S. Cloverdale).

EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Jennie Mayer & Co. perform at 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Free, all ages.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with MID, Miss Prince, Laamb at The Skylark, doors at 7 pm, show at 8. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘SWIMMING WHILE DROWNING’: The current ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the second week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Queen Andrew Scott and VJ Lacefront host a night of drag, drinks, and dancing, 9 pm. (2306 California SW)

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Suspected gunfire at Fire Station 37 apparently wasn’t gunfire after all
October 7, 2022 10:46 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

10:46 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating gunfire tonight targeting a West Seattle fire station. It was reported just after 9 pm that somebody shot at Fire Station 37. Investigating officers reported initially finding damage from one shot to the garage window of the station at 35th/Holden. No injuries reported. We’re following up and will add anything more we find out. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 22-269510.

ADDED 9:20 AM SATURDAY: We followed up with SFD. Spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB this morning that despite the initial police assessment, “the glass of one of the apparatus bay doors was damaged at Fire Station 37 but it’s undetermined what caused the damage.” We won’t have access to the police report for further followup until Monday.

ADDED 10:43 AM SATURDAY: We did manage to obtain some information from police, who say a “ball bearing” was found at the scene. They’re still not sure exactly what happened but didn’t find gunfire evidence.

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INVESTIGATION: Detectives seeking information after person found dead along Highway 509
October 7, 2022 8:58 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

Several people asked about an investigation that lasted for hours along southbound Highway 509 south of West Seattle, just north of Glendale Way South/5th Avenue South. (Thanks to Mel for the photo.) The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death and looking for the public’s help:

Detectives are requesting the community’s help as they investigate what happened to a female found deceased this morning on the side of Highway 509.

We’re requesting information for anyone who was driving southbound on 509 between the 1st Ave. South Bridge and the 518 interchange between midnight and 7:30 am this morning (October 7th) and observed anything suspicious (vehicles stopped, people on the roadway, etc.) or have dashcam video.

If you know or saw anything, call our tip line 206-296-3311 or report anonymous tips at P3Tips.com – Case #C22033455

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: SDOT’s last weekly update
October 7, 2022 5:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

If you’ve been on the SDOT mailing list for weekly West Seattle Bridge updates – today’s newsletter is the last one, they’ve announced. Here’s the final update, three weeks post-reopening:

The West Seattle Bridge has been open to travelers for nearly 3 weeks, and people are transitioning back to their pre-closure travel patterns. Nearly 2/3 of pre-closure bridge travelers have returned to the high bridge over the past few weeks.

Traffic on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge), which is now open for everyone 24/7, has decreased by 30%, improving the flow of goods in and out of Seattle’s busy port. Traffic volumes on West Marginal Way SW, which were 250% higher than pre-closure volumes, have decreased dramatically. Elsewhere on the former detour routes – such as East Marginal Way S and 1st Ave S – the number of cars on the road has returned to what it was prior to March 2020.

Traffic on the low bridge, which sits just below the West Seattle Bridge, was down by more than 30% since reopening to all users.

People traveling to and from West Seattle are getting time back in their daily lives as traffic continues to adjust after the bridge reopening.

This decrease in traffic volumes across West Seattle means that people are getting to their destinations in less time. Peak travel times on most former detour routes have decreased significantly and people commuting to downtown from some neighborhoods in West Seattle have seen their travel times cut in half.

While more and more people get back on the bridge for their commutes, we will continue to monitor and inspect it in the months to come. Our first comprehensive inspection following the reopening confirmed that the repairs are doing their job and keeping the bridge strong and stable.

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: Got a ukulele? WSUP! is for you
October 7, 2022 3:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy WSUP!)

If you’ve got a ukulele, this group is looking for you. Mike at WSUP! sent the announcement:

WSUP! (name includes exclamation mark) – West Seattle Ukulele Players – are people sharing the joy of ukulele and music welcoming all and serving the West Seattle Community. We are open to ukulele players at all skill levels to join together and make music. We meet on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. We supply the links to musical sources we will play from. Currently we are playing outside at assorted locales in West Seattle. To see where we will be playing next, go to our public page or can contact me directly – foxslair (at) seanet.com.

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FOLLOWUP: Highland Park Way bike-lane proposal, awaiting grant funding, yet to be designed
October 7, 2022 1:53 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

One week ago, we reported that the proposal for a bicycle lane on the Highland Park Way hill – shelved in 2020 – had resurfaced in SDOT‘s application for federal grant money to fund a variety of “Safe Streets for All” projects. We asked SDOT a few followup questions. First, what happens to the project if the grant money isn’t received? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “If we do not receive the Safe Streets for All grant, there is not another funding source identified to build this project.” An even-bigger question: What design is envisioned for the lane – which side of the street would it be on, and would it require removal of a general-traffic lane (as was envisioned in the previously shelved plan)? Bergerson’s reply: “We have not begun the design of this bike route. If we receive funding, we would engage the community on potential designs such as the two options you mentioned. We may also consider other possible alternatives like widening the existing trail.” As noted in our story last week, other West Seattle proposals listed in the grant application are mostly smaller projects such as curb ramps.

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