West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

64℉

month : 11/2022 292 results

CORONAVIRUS: Another West Seattle COVID-testing site shuts down
November 28, 2022 10:00 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Two months shy of two years after its opening, the Curative COVID-testing trailer at Don Armeni Boat Ramp has closed. We asked about its status after noticing it was no longer listed on the company’s webmap, though the trailer was still on site when we checked this morning. Curative spokesperson Pasquale Gianni tells WSB the company expects to close all its COVID-testing sites by the end of the year, unless “an unexpected demand for testing services” arises. (Gianni adds that the company is pivoting to another health-care venture, involving “a new approach to employer-based health insurance” that it’s launching in Austin, Texas.) For a while, Curative also had a testing van on the Summit Atlas campus in Arbor Heights, but closed that one in May.

With the Don Armeni Curative closure, one major testing site remains in West Seattle, in the parking lot of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). UW Medicine operates that one in partnership with the city. We checked on its status; UW Medicine spokesperson Leila Gray tells WSB, “The site is likely to close when the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration expires. This is the official declaration of the COVID pandemic’s status as a national public health emergency. This Federal Emergency Declaration was last renewed October 13, 2022, as announced by U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and it would expire in about 3 months unless renewed.” So for now, that site remains in operation until further notice.

Also of note: The state Health Department is still offering free home-testing kits through at least the end of the year; this reminder last week explains how to get them.

ADDED TUESDAY: A commenter pointed out last night that the free-tests website says they’ve run out. We checked with the Health Department this morning; a spokesperson replied that they’re indeed out right now but: “We are working with our vendor to get a new supply, possibly as early as this week.”

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sneak peek at Menashes’ almost-ready display
November 28, 2022 8:48 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sneak peek at Menashes’ almost-ready display
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

In the second week of putting up West Seattle’s brightest Christmas lights, the Menashe family estimates they’re about 80 percent done. Thursday night (December 1st) is still the planned official first night, but we got a partial preview tonight just after sunset.

Most of the decorations that were waiting in the back yard when we visited last week are now in place.

But some of the signature features are yet to be set up – like the train. You can see the full display starting Friday night at 5605 Beach Drive SW.

P.S. We’re showcasing Christmas lights nightly through the season as usual – and while we’ll be out scouting when we can, your tips (and photos if available) are much appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW? Winter Weather Advisory alert for Tuesday pm-Wednesday am
November 28, 2022 7:11 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Snow on the Olympics, photographed from West Seattle on Sunday by Chris Frankovich)

We’ve been talking about a looming chance of snow for days – and now the National Weather Service has issued an alert saying it’s likely: The NWS has our area under a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 1 pm Tuesday and continuing through 10 am Wednesday. From the alert: “Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. … Snow accumulation likely over the higher hills of the area during heavy showers Tuesday afternoon. Greater chance of snow accumulations during the overnight hours into Wednesday morning.” However, the NWS forecast discussion notes, “There is a lot of variability with this system and precipitation amount is going to be very dependent on location, elevation, and timing. … With this type of set up, the forecast is still very variable and is going to change all the way up to the event.”

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YOU CAN HELP: ‘A Week of Giving for Sealth’
November 28, 2022 6:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Even before we get to Giving Tuesday, the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA is hoping you can help them make this a Giving Week. Here’s their announcement:

Calling all Chief Sealth families, alums & supporters! Monday, November 28 starts a Week of Giving for Sealth. Please give what you can & spread the word!

As you know, our schools are funded for just the basics of operations, but it’s not the basics that bring many students or staff to the building each day. It’s a robust library collection, access to music, enriching afterschool programs, supplies and meal support for families, and strong offerings for all athletes that are vital to the overall success of our school & its community.

Give your tax deductible donation here: chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/funddrive2022/g

That link also has details on the programs

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white CR-V (update: found)
November 28, 2022 5:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The report and photo are from Sydney:

Last seen the afternoon of Wednesday. November 23, on 42nd Ave SW between SW College St. and SW Walker St. It’s a 1999 White Honda CR-V with brand new tires. We were out of town for the holiday weekend and returned yesterday to find it stolen. Police report # 2022-317990.

We’ll add the plate # when we get it.

TUESDAY UPDATE: Found under the west end of the West Seattle Bridge.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two more burglary cases
November 28, 2022 4:01 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Late last night, we reported on the arrest of a man suspected of breaking into a west Admiral home. He’s in jail this afternoon; the register shows it’s his fifth time there this year. Meantime, we have information on two other burglary cases, both early this morning:

MULTIPLE BREAK-INS, ONE SUSPECT: This one also resulted in an arrest; the 37-year-old suspect is in jail, where records show he spent a month and a half at the start of the year after an assault arrest. In this case, police were first called to a home in the 6400 block of 30th SW around 1:40 am, after a 911 caller reported someone in the back of their house, breaking a window. The report narrative says “There were multiple other calls from neighbors as well, describing someone running through backyards stating someone was trying to kill them.” Officers arrived to find two different households “reported that someone had broken a window and entered, then left, their residences. … Reports also came out that he had left 3 backpacks in someone’s backyard, and might be taking off clothes as he moved about.” Officers found him nearby; the report says he told them he had taken meth while hanging out with a friend and believed “people were chasing him.” He had been injured, likely from breaking windows, and was treated at Harborview before being booked into jail this morning.

STORE BURGLARY: Glass-breaking was also the method of entry when Global Smoke and Vape at 35th/Roxbury was broken into before 4 am today. This photo of the aftermath was texted to us:

A 911 caller reported suspected burglars “loading up a gold van.” They were gone when police arrived five minutes later. The report narrative notes “the front door had holes punched through the glass in several places and there was a large opening in the glass … the metal gate, situated behind the glass door, had been pried open as well, to grant access to the burglars.” They talked to a witness who saw it from their nearby residence, describing the gold van as “similar to a Chrysler” and two burglars, one dressed in black, the other, in a “light or white jacket and white shoes,” appearing to act as a lookout. They left northbound on 35th. Video shown to police by the store owner showed the burglar wearing black hitting the store glass with a “long metal shaft of some kind,” the report says. The owner told police that merchandise had been stolen (the report does not elaborate on exactly what).

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CLOSURE ALERT: Southwest Pool to close Tuesday, Wednesday
November 28, 2022 2:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Just in from city-run Southwest Pool:

Southwest Pool will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29 and 30.

Due to staff illness, we are unable to field enough staff to operate programs or lessons safely. All Programs and lessons are cancelled. Lesson participants will be issued a refund for the missed lesson.

We hope to return to full operation on Thursday, December 1.

We’ll update here on Thursday, and you can check the pool’s status any time via 206-684-7440.

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FOLLOWUP: What caused the Lincoln Park sewage leak
November 28, 2022 1:28 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

1:28 PM: Here’s what more we’ve found out about the Lincoln Park sewage/wastewater leak first reported here Sunday afternoon. King County Wastewater Treatment Division spokesperson Marie Fiore says it was not a broken pipe but a malfunctioning valve in an underground vault along the line. Since the county’s Barton Pump Station pumps “intermittently,” the leak wasn’t major, she said – the wastewater (combined sewage/stormwater) that had spilled into the vault has been removed with suction equipment, and repairs are complete. Since an undetermined amount of wastewater did make it onto the beach and into Puget Sound, they’ll keep the beach closed as a precaution while they test the water to be sure it’s safe. We asked if the valve that malfunctioned was part of what was replaced in that area in 2006 or was part of the 2015 pump-station upgrade; Fiore is checking on that. She did say the vault is inspected multiple times per month, most recently November 15th.

7:59 PM: Fiore confirms that the “force main” in that area was replaced in 2006; what malfunctioned in this situation was “an air valve” which was replaced as part of the repairs done Sunday.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: USS Nimitz, outbound
November 28, 2022 12:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

12:12 PM: Thanks to Danny McMillin for the photo of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as it headed out this morning. The tracker suggests it’s bound for San Diego. One month ago, it returned home to Bremerton after what the Navy said was its Carrier Strike Group’s final training pre-deployment.

8:01 PM: The Kitsap Sun‘s report on Nimitz’s departure confirms this is indeed the long-anticipated deployment, so we won’t see it heading back this way for months.

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Short-lived ‘full response’ in South Delridge
November 28, 2022 11:50 am
|    Comments Off on Short-lived ‘full response’ in South Delridge
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

In case you heard the sirens and/or saw the engines/trucks – Seattle Fire is just closing what was briefly a “full response” in the 9200 block of 17th SW. Most of the dispatched units were canceled before ever arriving. We’re checking on what it turned out to have been.

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WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI ALERT: 2 more runs canceled today
November 28, 2022 10:56 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Two more West Seattle Water Taxi runs have been canceled today in addition to what was already announced as a result of Metro being down to one boat for both routes. From the most-recent alert: “The 11:30 a.m. departure from Pier 50 in Downtown Seattle and the noon departure from West Seattle have been canceled today to support fueling operations. Service resumes with the 12:30 p.m. departure from Pier 50 and the 1:00 p.m. departure from West Seattle.” The Water Taxi is running with the smaller backup boat Spirit of Kingston handling both West Seattle and Vashon Island while the larger regular boats, Doc Maynard and Sally Fox, are out for propeller repairs blamed on “submerged debris.”

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SURVEY: Last call to answer Seattle Parks questions about community centers
November 28, 2022 9:55 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Seattle Parks says it will expand hours at community centers and Teen Life Centers in the next few years, with funding from the Seattle Park District. So it’s asking you what programs you value now, what days/times you use the centers, and what you’d like to see in the future. West Seattle has four centers that could be affected – Delridge, High Point, and Hiawatha (once it reopens) Community Centers and Southwest Teen Life Center; some of the questions could also apply to Southwest Pool. The survey closes this week, so if you haven’t answered it yet, you can start the survey here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Monday
November 28, 2022 6:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. Back to work, back to school today – Monday, November 28th.

WEATHER

Today’s weather could have a bit of everything – sun, showers, snow, wind. High near 40.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is running a reduced schedule with backup boat M/V Spirit of Kingston, because both regular boats are out for repairs – here’s the West Seattle route update.

-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route – check here for alerts/updates. Note that Vashon Island is on one-slip operations until at least tomor

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

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: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south 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 a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary suspect in custody
November 27, 2022 11:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

If you wondered about the sizable police presence near Admiral Way/Lander, officers were in a standoff of sorts with a burglary suspect. According to the original dispatch, police were called by a real-estate agent who found an unauthorized person in the house. The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, was still there when officers arrived; they covered all the exits and started telling him to come out. He didn’t, and kept moving from room to room inside the house; eventually they went in and took him into custody. Officers subsequently told dispatch that he was asking for SFD medics but wouldn’t say why; they’re there now.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Snow sightings still possible this week
November 27, 2022 10:04 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The Olympics are finally getting the kind of snowcap you expect to see by now – Ann Anderson took the photo (and calls your attention to the Surf Scoters on the water – a rarer sight than they used to be). The newest forecast still suggests we might see a bit of snow at times this week, but no one’s predicting anything major, so far, and we’re not yet under any weather alerts. The first possibility of a little snow could be early tomorrow morning, with a possible snow-rain mix. Snow or no snow, temperatures will be below normal, too, so be ready for a wintry week.

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Date set for next West Seattle High School 50th-anniversary reunion
November 27, 2022 7:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Date set for next West Seattle High School 50th-anniversary reunion
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School Class of 1973, your 50th-anniversary reunion is set – and you have nine months to prepare. Here’s the announcement:

Save the date and share the news! The “Blue and Golden” 50th reunion for the West Seattle High School class of 1973 has been scheduled. Our luncheon reunion will be held at Salty’s on Alki on Saturday, August 26, 2023, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. For full details, visit our class website at WSHS73.org.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: ‘Tis the season!
November 27, 2022 6:39 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: ‘Tis the season!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

With Christmas now four weeks away, it’s time to start spotlighting neighborhood Christmas lights. Thanks to Troy in Gatewood for sending the first photo we’ve received this year – from 41st/Portland. We appreciate your help in being on the lookout for lights – please send location tips and/or photos to westseattleblog@gmail.com, so we can feature lights nightly!

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UPDATE: Sewage leak closes Lincoln Park beach
November 27, 2022 3:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

3:25 PM: Thanks for sending the tips and photo. A crew is working along the Lincoln Park beachfront trail, with signage warning that the problem involves “raw sewage.” We have inquiries out to try to find out what happened.

4:34 PM: Seattle Public Utilities spokesperson Sabrina Register tells WSB it’s a King Cpunty Wastewater Treatment issue – SPU “responded to the overflow earlier today and checked all of our assets in and around pump station 42, and crews did not find any issues. We are working with our County partners as they take over the response and regulatory reporting.” So now we’re checking with KCWTD.

6:30 PM: We talked briefly with KCWTD spokesperson Marie Fiore, who said the problem was with the Barton Pump Station (north of the ferry dock) but she was still awaiting more information on what exactly had happened.

10:08 PM: No additional major details but KCWTD just sent a statement:

King County Wastewater Treatment Division workers quickly responded to a combined sewer leak on Sunday afternoon. Seattle Public Utilities, who had initially responded to the issue, alerted county staff. The leak caused a combination of stormwater and wastewater to enter the beach at Lincoln Park, along a public trail. 

A King County wastewater crew responding to the incident was able to locate the breach in the line and begin temporary repairs to stop the leak. Crews also began cleanup efforts and will post additional caution/closure signs.

King County reported the overflow to health and regulatory agencies and will begin water quality testing near Lincoln Park Beach and the Barton Pump Station. The beach is expected to be closed until several days of water testing confirm the water is safe.

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Miss candy from See’s? Chief Sealth IHS Mock Trial team fundraiser has it
November 27, 2022 3:07 pm
|    Comments Off on Miss candy from See’s? Chief Sealth IHS Mock Trial team fundraiser has it
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Last holiday season, See’s Candies had a pop-up shop in West Seattle. That’s gone but if you’re interested in See’s for someone on your gift list – and/or yourself – here’s a student fundraiser:

Want to help support a great group of kids? The Chief Sealth International High School Mock Trial team is selling See’s Candies for their winter fundraiser.

You can order through this form and pick up at Chief Sealth or pay a small ($5) fee for contactless delivery within West Seattle: tinyurl.com/csmtsees

If you’re out of town or prefer to have your order shipped directly you can order here: tinyurl.com/csmtcandy22

Orders are due 11/30, and will be available for delivery and/or pickup by 12/10.

If chocolate isn’t your thing but you’d like to make a direct donation, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/csmtdonate

Thank you for supporting a great group of students!

Questions? Contact Rebecca Neil at RLNeil@seattleschools.org

If you want to preview what they’re selling – it’s all listed on this flyer.

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WATER TAXI ALERT: West Seattle, Vashon service ‘temporarily reduced’ starting Monday
November 27, 2022 11:04 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

11:04 AM: Back on Tuesday, Metro announced M/V Doc Maynard had gone out of service on the West Seattle Water Taxi route because of propeller damage. Now it’s happened to at least one other boat and that means “temporarily reduced” WT service for both West Seattle and Vashon. Here’s the update we received a short time ago:

Service on the King County Water Taxi West Seattle and Vashon routes will be temporarily reduced beginning Monday, Nov. 28, due to mechanical damage to our boats’ propellers caused by submerged debris in the water. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. The repairs may take several days.

As soon as a shipyard has the availability to perform repairs, we will return to regular service. We will share schedule updates as the boats are repaired.

West Seattle service will be reduced by two runs in the morning and evening. Midday service will continue to operate to and from West Seattle. One run will operate in the morning and evening to and from Vashon.

We have a followup question out to ask which other boats are going into repairs and which will be left to run the reduced schedule.

12:45 PM: Metro says the damaged boats are the two main vessels – Doc Maynard and Sally Fox. The Spirit of Kingston is handling WT service right now and will continue while the other two get repaired.

6:19 PM: We’ve removed the previously displayed table sent by Metro; instead, here are their online updates listing what’s canceled:
–West Seattle
–Vashon Island

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UPDATE: Military helicopters over West Seattle – and they’ll be back
November 27, 2022 9:34 am
|      92 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

(Reader photo via email from MD)

9:34 AM: Thanks for all the tips/questions/photos of military helicopters that have made a few passes. These kind of helicopters don’t usually show on trackers but we’re checking around. So far we’ve reached somebody at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, who says it’s not theirs. … As for a Seahawks flyover, that game isn’t until 1 pm.

(Added: Reader photo from Gene Pavola)

Image search says the helicopters are Boeing AH-64 Apaches.

(Added: Reader video from Brandy DeWeese)
10:14 AM: Thanks to the commenter with the tip. The Boeing Field operations hotline confirmed to us it’s practice for a Seahawks flyover later and that they are Army helicopters but not from JBLM.

11:11 AM: None other than the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade just replied to us and tweeted directly that the helicopters ARE from JBLM – two BlackHawks and two Apaches – and were indeed practicing for the game flyover. “They flew up from (JBLM) this morning to work on their timing.” (If you follow the link to the tweet, you’ll see video of what it looked like from the field.) So again, that means you’ll likely see/hear them again before the 1 pm kickoff.

ADDED 2:35 PM: And indeed, they returned. Jessica got a closeup look south of Fairmount Park:

Lumen Field tweeted a photo of the view from there.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Holiday weekend’s grand finale
November 27, 2022 6:34 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(SDOT ‘live’ camera image from California/Alaska)

Another two-part list for the conclusion of the four-day holiday weekend – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

NATIVE ART MARKET: Last day of the Native Art Market at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW). 10 am-5 pm today. (Here’s our Friday report.)

TOYS FOR TOTS: You can drop off unwrapped new toys at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s booth on the west side of the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.

SALES WRAP UP: Last day of sales at WSB sponsors Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop (6400 California SW), Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW), and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska). Details (and TRG’s fun video) are in our preview.

ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Today at 3 pm, it’s the first matinée for “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: The lights-and-music show on 38th SW between Genesee and Dakota is back! 6:30-10 pm tonight

Next, from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

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

FREE WRITE-IN: Bring your creative-writing project to the upstairs space at West Seattle Coworking (4452 California SW) 2-4 pm for dedicated time to focus on it, plus social support, as explained in our calendar listing.

SOLD-OUT SHOW AT EASY STREET: Pre-orders were the ticket to The Head and the Heart‘s 5 pm show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), which says they’re maxed out. So just FYI, if you see a crowd there tonight, this is why.

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).

COMMUNITY SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Jet City Labs (4546 California SW, upstairs) – details and ticket link in our calendar listing.

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 add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Bus-stop light in the street at 35th/Thistle
November 26, 2022 11:09 pm
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Bus-stop light in the street at 35th/Thistle
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:09 PM: Just heard this dispatched and got a call about it too – one of the lights at 35th/Thistle is in the street. It’s a bus-stop light, according to the caller and the officer who just arrived on scene; it was still on after falling in the street. No collision reported – possibly the wind, as it’s kicked up a lot in the past few hours.

ADDED SUNDAY: As our photo from across the intersection shows, the fallen light is on the southbound side of 35th, just south of Thistle. It doubles as the bus-stop sign, so a temporary sign is up now.

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