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HPAC, ArtsWest, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
January 26, 2022 10:21 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Last night’s sunset, photographed by Jim Spraker)

Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ALKI ELEMENTARY PROJECT @ SCHOOL BOARD: 4:15 pm, the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors meets online, with business items including awarding the contract for architecture/engineering of the partial rebuild of Alki Elementary. The agenda includes information on how to watch.

HPAC’S FIRST 2022 MEETING: People who live, work, and/or study in Highland Park, Riverview, and/or South Delridge are welcome at HPAC’s first meeting of the year, 7 pm online. Guests from SPD and SDOT are expected, along with time to discuss any community concerns that are on your mind. Participation information (by video or phone) is on the HPAC website.

‘MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA’: The new world-premiere play at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) has a discounted preview performance tonight at 7:30 pm, before its run officially opens tomorrow night. Read more about it here; buy your tickets here.

OPEN MIC: The legendary free weekly open mic at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) starts with signups at 7:30 pm, music at 8:30 pm.

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

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Remembering Agathe Goulet, 1923-2022
January 26, 2022 9:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Agathe Goulet, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Agathe Goulet
06/06/23 – 01/20/22

Agathe Rondeau Goulet passed away January 20, 2022, and is now in the company of our heavenly Father.

She was born in Saint-Félix-de-Valois, Canada on June 06, 1923, to Delia and Pierre Rondeau.

Agathe grew up skiing, skating, and hiking in the small town near Montreal, Quebec. Her love of outdoor activity would be lasting and remain with her for the rest of her life.

As she grew, she was deeply influenced by the Catholic religion practiced by her family and also by the nuns living within the town. She spent much of her youth being taught at the local convent, where she learned of God’s love and many life skills.

She married Gerard (Jerry) Goulet on August 21st, 1950 and moved to West Seattle shortly thereafter, where she would build her life around her family and church. In 1957 they built the house where they would raise their 5 children. She loved the community, the parks, Alki, and all the area had to offer. She worked at HUSKY Delicatessen for many years and to many who tasted it, her potato salad could not be beat! She remained in her house until just recently, when she moved to an assisted-living facility.

A devout Catholic, she was a loyal parishioner of Holy Rosary Church, attending services until she was no longer physically able to do so.

Agathe was blessed with a multitude of artistic talents. She was a painter, and excelled at sewing, needlepoint, knitting and crocheting. She was also a wonderful cook and an expert at crafts.

An ever-attentive mother and grandmother, her greatest enjoyment came from her family and time outdoors. Always on the move, you would see her all around West Seattle. She enjoyed hiking, tennis, travel, and attending family sporting events. Summers were spent with her 5 young children camping in a canvas tent at Flaming Geyser Park in Black Diamond. Later in life, solo hikes would find her miles away from her cabin on Anderson Island, looking for huckleberries, wildlife, and the beauty of nature all around. Much of the art she created was inspired by what she would observe.

Predeceased by her husband Jerry, sons John and Rene, and brother Gerard. Survived by daughter Ginette Correll (husband Tony), son Robert (wife Terry), and son Donald (wife Kathleen) along with 5 grandchildren, Danielle, Zack, Brianne, Savannah, Jake, and great-granddaughter Chloe.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Her family would love to hear how she may have impacted your life. For any thoughts, wishes, photos, or memories about Agathe Goulet, please visit her Tribute page at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Agathe-Goulet

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Wednesday
January 26, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

The forecast has some clouds, some fog, even some sun, high in the 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

673rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras are still in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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CRIME: Another catalytic-converter theft interrupted. Here’s what’s up with crackdown legislation
January 25, 2022 11:58 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

That catalytic converter was “hanging by a thread” when Edgar photographed it near his house at 42nd and Brandon. He’s the guy who, as reported here in October, literally kicked a would-be catalytic-converter thief out from under his own car. Early today, 2:30 am-ish, Edgar says, his wife scared off the people trying to make off with the one in the photo. When he emailed us this afternoon, he and his neighbors hadn’t yet figured out whose car that is. But regarding catalytic-converter theft in general, Edgar says, “This has got to stop.”

So here’s what’s being done at the state level: We noted earlier this month that four bills addressing catalytic-converter theft have been introduced in the State Legislature session that began earlier this month. The city of Seattle is advocating for HB 1815, which has more than two dozen co-sponsors, including West Seattle’s 34th District State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. From the bill text (which you can read in its entirety here):

The legislature finds that rates of catalytic converter theft have rapidly increased statewide and nationwide, due in part to existing challenges with accurately identifying stolen catalytic converters. The legislature further finds that victims of catalytic converter theft often incur costs that far exceed the monetary value of the catalytic converters themselves. The legislature further finds that catalytic converter theft is a multifaceted issue that requires collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, scrap metal dealers, and other involved parties to identify comprehensive solutions.

Therefore, the legislature intends to establish a pilot project to mark catalytic converters with unique, permanent identifiers, thereby enabling law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and scrap metal dealers to more effectively track the ownership of catalytic converters and identify stolen property. The legislature further intends to gather and utilize data from the pilot project to inform additional efforts to address catalytic converter theft in Washington state. The legislature further intends to establish a task force with the goal of developing effective tools and methods for deterring catalytic converter theft, identifying and recovering stolen catalytic converters, and lowering costs to victims of catalytic converter theft.

The pilot project would be overseen by the State Patrol and would focus on “vehicles that are most frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft …” The WSP would have to provide a report on the pilot project by October of next year. Meantime, the task force would be established with members including legislators, law enforcers, judges, reps from the scrap-metal and recycling industries, plus “two members representing individuals with lived experience being charged with, or convicted of, organized theft.”

Last week, West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold testified in support of HB 1815 at a legislative hearing. She wrote about it in her weekly online/email update and mentioned it during yesterday’s council-briefing meeting. Herbold also is advocating for a repeal of the state law that says only the state can regulate scrap-metal processors, recyclers, and suppliers.

HB 1815 has been referred to the state House Public Safety Committee, which is expected to review it in executive session this Thursday. As for the other three bills, SB 5495 had a hearing today; the other two – HB 1873 and HB 1994 – have been referred to committees and are awaiting action.

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PANDEMIC UPDATES: Local check-in #28, 1/25/2022
January 25, 2022 7:42 pm
|    Comments Off on PANDEMIC UPDATES: Local check-in #28, 1/25/2022
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Our weekly look at countywide and West Seattle numbers from Public Health-Seattle & King County has moved to Tuesdays for now, given the frequency of Monday holidays in the winter, so here’s what’s happened since last Tuesday:

KING COUNTY CUMULATIVE NUMBERS (through today):

*319,373 cases – 30,565 more than our last check one week ago (12,140 total in West Seattle, up 1,299)
*10,645 hospitalizations – 371 more than one week ago (305 total from West Seattle, up 13)
*2,299 people have died – 53 more than the previous update (81 total in West Seattle, up 1)

TRENDS

The number of new cases over the past week countywide was 3/4 the number of the previous week … the number of new hospitalizations was down too … the number of deaths was slightly higher … The West Seattle case, hospitalization, and death increases were all lower than the previous week.

VACCINATION RATE

83.1% of King County residents 5+ have completed their vaccine series – up .3% from one week ago.

By West Seattle zip code – note that these numbers are NOT available as 5+, so they reflect the percentage of 12+ population:
98106 – 89.2% completed series (54.7% of them have been boosted)
98116 – 92.1% completed series (67.1% of them have been boosted)
98126 – 83.8% completed series (62.3% of them have been boosted)
98136 – 93.6% completed series (70% of them have been boosted)
98146 – 84.3% completed series (51.2% of them have been boosted)

(Find more COVID-related King County stats here.)

GETTING TESTED IN WEST SEATTLE

-The city-sponsored, UW Medicine-run West Seattle testing site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is open Mondays-Saturdays, limiting testing to symptomatic and exposed people. Appointments can be made here (if you find an opening).

–Curative continues operating two West Seattle testing locations – at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) and at Summit Atlas School (9601 35th SW)

For Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and families, a walk-in testing site is open 4-8 pm weekdays at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon).

GETTING VACCINATED IN WEST SEATTLE

The city-run vaccination hub at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) continues Friday and Saturday operations; here‘s where to look for an appointment. Pliable‘s next Sunday clinic (same location) is this weekend (January 30th).

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OPEN HOUSE: Transformational Psychiatry NW invites you to visit February 2nd
January 25, 2022 6:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Transformational Psychiatry NW (WSB sponsor) at Jefferson Square invites you to an open house Wednesday, February 2nd. From the announcement:

Many who suffer have tried medications, therapy, but few have heard of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), a gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for mood challenges like depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar depression. TMS can also be beneficial for addiction, ADHD, PTSD, chronic pain, smoking cessation, migraines, tinnitus, and more.

(From left at Transformational Psychiatry NW – Tim, Debbie Sweetland, Jacqueline Marcell-Koledin)

It’s available right here in West Seattle and covered by insurance; self-pay plans also available.

Information sessions, Q&A, and live demonstrations of TMS – a non-invasive, drug-free treatment – are planned during the open house, 4:30-7:30 pm on February 2nd. TPNW is in Suites 550-551 of the Jefferson Square office building, 4700 42nd SW. If you can’t make it to the open house, you can also schedule a free consultation, 206-673-2408.

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Play pickleball or tennis? Seattle Parks has a few questions for you
January 25, 2022 4:00 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

(Reader photo, 2021)

Pickleball just might be the hottest sport right now. The city’s wondering how best to support it, and hitting a few questions your way:

Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking input from tennis and pickleball players on how we can best support the growth of pickleball. Everyone is encouraged to participate in a short survey, whether you play pickleball or not – your thoughts are invaluable as we plan for the future of this sport in Seattle.

Your answers to the survey questions will inform how we:

-Approach immediate improvements such as dual striping existing tennis courts for pickleball (for which some funding is available now);

-Add pickleball lines to tennis courts during programmatic resurfacing and renovation projects; and

-Develop options for future dedicated pickleball courts (yet to be funded).

This survey is part of the 2021-2022 Pickleball Study funded by the Seattle Park District. An advisory committee is meeting throughout the study and additional community engagement will include two public meetings. Dates and venues for the meetings will be posted on the project page.

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READER REPORT: Potential bird-feeder salmonella alert
January 25, 2022 2:10 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Seaview | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Pine Siskin, photographed in 2019 by Mark Wangerin)

One year ago, we reported on concerns about a salmonella outbreak at bird feeders, particularly affecting Pine Siskins. Today we’ve received a reader report suggesting that feeder-keepers keep watch for this again. Sent by Lex:

Our family regrets to report a likely outbreak of salmonella within our local bird population of Seaview in West Seattle.

A dying Pine Siskin was found motionless on our backyard feeder in Seaview.

His feathers were very puffed up and it did not move while other birds came and went. After 10 minutes though it ate seed from our feeder despite being clearly sick and having not the slightest fear of us.

To keep the other birds (and neighbors!) safe, we used gloves and a mask to move the bird into a box with a small towel and some more birdseed where the poor thing died a few hours later.

Apparently, Pine Siskins are often the first to be infected with Salmonella.

As to prevent any spread like in 2021, we would like to encourage our West Seattle neighbors to:
-Look out for unusual bird behavior (unafraid, ruffled feathers)
-Report this incident to WA Dept. Wildlife via 360-902-2415
-Feeders cleaned w/ 10% bleach solution x2 weekly (if not temporarily removing feeders altogether)
-Reviewing Seattle Audubon’s salmonella information page has been helpful to us!

Fingers crossed this is an isolated incident and everyone stays safe!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Midday gunfire investigation
January 25, 2022 12:02 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

12:02 PM: Police are outside the Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool/Neighborhood Center building, investigating reports of gunfire involving people in two vehicles. No injuries are reported; police say witnesses reported the vehicles left the parking lot afterward, with at least one possibly seen northbound on 27th SW from SW Thistle. We’ve only caught one partial description, a “black sedan.” We’re checking on a report that nearby Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School are sheltering in place as a result. (Update: Confirmed.)

12:11 PM: Police have told dispatch they’ve found one shell casing “next to the community center.” The center is on the north side of a large lot that also is shared by Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (on its east side) and the city’s public COVID testing site (on its south side).

12:21 PM: Just talked with police at the scene (who are about to leave). The shell casing was found in the fire-lane area near the parking-lot gate.

12:25 PM: Police have just told dispatch it’s OK for the schools to end the shelter-in-place.

12:29 PM: Minutes later, police reported they found more casings “outside the community center.”

6:54 PM: Here’s the preliminary summary from SPD:

It was reported that one car cut off the other as they both entered the parking lot of The Southwest Athletic Center/COVID Testing site. The passenger of the vehicle that had been cut off got out of the car and fired one round. Vehicle one fled E/B on SW Thistle St. The suspect vehicle followed and then fired more rounds at vehicle one. Both cars then drove in different directions. No one was hit at the time of this (report) and there was no property damage. Evidence of (gunfire) was located.

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TERMINAL 5: Bigger ships on the way
January 25, 2022 10:47 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, January 7)

Two and a half weeks after the first cargo-ship call at Terminal 5‘s modernized north berth, its schedule is starting to fill out. MSC Arica arrived early this morning. Its capacity is 8,886 TEUs – but ships with almost twice that capacity are on the way. While the schedule frequently changes, currently 5 more MSC ships are penciled in – Monterey (4,860 TEUs, making its second visit) next Monday (January 31st), then three big ships – Margrit (13,604 TEUs) on February 6th, Virgo (15,000 TEUs) on February 11th, and Camille (14,028 TEUs) on February 14th – followed by Lisbon (9,784 TEUs) on February 17th. The bigger ships are newer, which may mean they’re able to plug into the berth’s shore-power system. Also of note – while the north berth continues ramping up operations, construction continues on the south berth, which is expected to be complete around year’s end.

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4 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday
January 25, 2022 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on 4 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Eagle photographed at Jack Block Park by Carol Christian)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DEMONSTRATION: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, organizer Scott leads the longrunning signwaving demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have one.

GENESEE HILL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE: 7 pm online, prospective kindergarten families are invited to an open house for Genesee Hill Elementary – details in our calendar listing.

TRIVIA X 2: Two venues to play tonight – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

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

There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Tuesday
January 25, 2022 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Foggy and cloudy again today, high in the 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

672nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras are still in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: New Seattle Public Schools cases this week down a third from last week
January 24, 2022 10:03 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tonight Seattle Public Schools updated its COVID-19 case-numbers dashboard. Districtwide, the cumulative SPS case total for this school year is now 4,587, 997 more than a week earlier – which is two-thirds the size of last week’s increase. Here’s the local school-by-school breakout (as always, these totals also are cumulative):

Chief Sealth International High School – 102, up 25
Madison Middle School – 73, up 22
Arbor Heights Elementary – 60, up 20
Fairmount Park Elementary – 55, up 28
West Seattle High School – 53, up 9
West Seattle Elementary – 52, up 9
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 48, up 16
Denny International Middle School – 48, up 8
Highland Park Elementary – 46, up 31
Concord International (Elementary) – 41, up 13
Genesee Hill Elementary – 39, up 8
Sanislo Elementary – 39, up 3
Roxhill Elementary – 36, up 8
Lafayette Elementary – 31, up 11
Gatewood Elementary – 31, up 6
Pathfinder K-8 – 31, unchanged
Alki Elementary – 29, up 6
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 2, unchanged

Denny IMS (2601 SW Kenyon) continues to serve as a regional testing site for SPS students, families, and staff, 4-8 pm weekdays.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: When it reopens – how best to celebrate?
January 24, 2022 8:59 pm
|      110 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, January 8th)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two months short of two years since the West Seattle Bridge closed, no date is set yet for its reopening, aside from “mid-2022.” SDOT‘s contract with the company fixing it, Kraemer North America, says they’re supposed to finish their work no later than June 30th. Testing will follow. And at some point around the reopening, a community celebration is expected (as we first noted in October). What kind of celebration? That’s up to the community – so a brainstorming session today officially kicked off the planning.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Junction Association convened a call with dozens of neighborhood advocates and businesspeople to invite ideas and to solicit volunteers for planning committees. The many ideas ran largely along two paths – celebrating the bridge itself, and welcoming visitors back to the peninsula. Celebrating the community members who’ve endured bridgelessness for two years should also be a goal, it was suggested. One big event? Multiple events? Merge the celebration with already-planned events like West Seattle Summer Fest, which is expected to return July 15-17, or the West Seattle Grand Parade, also likely to return this summer? Celebration on the bridge? Somewhere else, like a park or stadium or street? This was a “no bad ideas” type of conversation, so every suggestion and question was duly noted.

The executive directors of the WSCC and WSJA, Whitney Moore and Chris Mackay, said they’d had some preliminary conversations with SDOT, describing the department as “open” to possibilities, but with one big stipulation, which SDOT itself noted in October: The actual bridge reopening can’t be delayed in any way. If a celebration is planned on the bridge for a certain Sunday, for example, and the bridge is deemed ready to go on the preceding Friday, sorry, the bridge won’t wait, the WSCC and WSJA leaders say they were told. So that is a factor to consider. The only thing they said SDOT could say for sure in terms of a timeline is the same thing the city said in October – that they’ll know one month in advance.

P.S. Wondering if money is budgeted for a celebration? The WSCC and WSJA said no. (We are checking with SDOT to see if that goes for the city too.) So that could mean sponsors will be sought to cover any costs. That’s another reason why volunteer help is being sought now. If you’re interested in helping, contact WSJA or WSCC.

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New Fairmount Park play structure might finally open next week
January 24, 2022 7:02 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo)

We’ve received questions about when the new play structure between Fairmount Park Elementary and Fairmount Playfield is going to open – it’s remained fenced off, three months after installation. The most recent project-website update blamed the concrete strike for recent delays and suggested it’ll be open next month. We followed up directly with Seattle Parks today and spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells WSB the main delay now is the material they need to put under the structure:

We were hoping to open this week, but we are awaiting delivery of the engineered wood fiber (EWF) needed for fall attenuation. In addition to the unexpected concrete strike, we have been challenged by long lead times to have EWF delivered due to labor and material shortages.

We were alerted this AM that the full amount of EWF will not be delivered tomorrow as planned. The project landscape architect is working with our vendor to see if we can schedule additional deliveries this week. After delivery we need to have the final inspection and then can remove the construction fencing. We are hoping to open the play area open early next week.

This is almost two years behind the original schedule detailed on the Parks sign that’s still up at the project site. Planning began in 2019.

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Remembering Charlie Nickels, 1995-2021
January 24, 2022 6:18 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

A remembrance from the family of Charlie Nickels:


Charlie Nickels

May 22, 1995-January 22, 2021

The more one is loved, the more they are missed. Charlie, you are missed beyond measure.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Checking in on West Seattle Ezell’s
January 24, 2022 4:08 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo, last month)

Three and a half weeks have passed since the “sneak peek” day at the future Ezell’s Famous Chicken location in Morgan Junction, but it still hasn’t opened. “Late January” was the likely timeframe mentioned then, so since that’s arrived, we asked the company for a status. Reply: “At this point, our timeline has shifted and early-mid February is our new target.” So in case you were wondering too, now you know. We first reported a year ago that the regional fried-chicken chain was headed this way.

P.S. As listed on our West Seattle Jobs Offered page, they’re still hiring.

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THEATER: ‘Monsters of the American Cinema’ opens this week at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction
January 24, 2022 3:19 pm
|    Comments Off on THEATER: ‘Monsters of the American Cinema’ opens this week at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(L-R, Alexander Kilian and Lamar Legend – photo by John McLellan)

Wednesday night is your first chance to see the next production at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor), the world premiere of “Monsters of the American Cinema” by award-winning playwright Christian St. Croix. That’s your chance to see a 7:30 pm discount-ticket preview; then Thursday is the official opening night. Here’s the synopsis:

When his husband dies, Remy Washington, a Black man, finds himself both the owner of a drive-in movie theater and a caregiver to his late husband’s straight, white teenage son, Pup. United by their love of classic American monster movies, the two have developed a warm and caring familial chemistry – but their relationship fractures when Remy discovers Pup and his friends have been bullying a gay teen at his school. “Monsters of the American Cinema” is a haunting and humorous tale about fathers and sons, ghosts and monsters.

Lamar Legend stars as Remy and also directs the play. Legend is from Seattle, as is co-star Alexander Kilian, who plays Pup. The official run of “Monsters of the American Cinema” is Thursday (January 27th) through February 20th; after the preview, regular performances will be at 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 pm Sundays. As with ArtsWest’s first play of the season, there will be an opportunity to see it online, too. Tickets are available online here or by phone at 206-938-0339.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary; street robbery
January 24, 2022 1:52 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

WEST BAY BREAK-IN: Just as West Bay Coffee and Smoothies worked to recover from weather damage, with community help, they got hit by crime. The image and report were sent by proprietor Jennifer West:

After all the trouble with our year starting out, the new storage shed that we got funded by the community lasted 3 hours and is already been broken into. Here’s the burglar vehicle, no plates.

We’ll add the incident number when we get it.

STREET ROBBERY: From weekend SPD summaries – a sale arranged online led to a holdup in person. Police say they were called to Delridge/Edmunds just after 9 pm Saturday. The victim told them he had arranged via Facebook Marketplace to buy a phone from someone. The person who showed up “brandished a silver handgun and stole victim’s cell phone and wallet,” then took off on foot, southbound. The summary does not include a description.

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WATER TAXI ALERT: Mechanical trouble
January 24, 2022 1:04 pm
|    Comments Off on WATER TAXI ALERT: Mechanical trouble
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

The King County Water Taxi‘s 1:00 pm run to downtown from Seacrest Park is running up to 20 minutes late, according to Metro: “Vessel Captain and crew had to switch vessels due to unexpected issue with a generator.” We’ll update if that leads to any additional problems later in the day.

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FOLLOWUP: Future of former church in Upper Fauntleroy (with Tuesday update)
January 24, 2022 11:03 am
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 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: Two months ago, we reported on the then-pending sale of West Seattle’s last freestanding Christian Science church, at 3601 SW Barton [map]. There was no hint at the time of who was buying it and what the one-acre site’s future would be; it was being marketed with possibilities including eight new homes. The sale still hasn’t shown up in county records but a new filing with the city proposes a use for the site – a preschool. WorldKids School, which already has two locations in West Seattle and others elsewhere, has filed an early-stage site plan that would convert the church building into a preschool. The site plan also shows a playground at the northeast corner of the site. We have an inquiry out to WorldKids seeking more information about their plan. As for the former church, a regional spokesperson for the denomination told us that the small group that had continued to meet at the site was disbanding. This wouldn’t be the first former West Seattle church converted into a preschool – we reported last year on Westside School (WSB sponsor) doing the same thing with the former New Apostolic Church adjacent to its Arbor Heights campus.

ADDED TUESDAY: We heard back today from WorldKids founder Nicole Chaudry:

WorldKids School has been looking for properties that can serve more families in our community for a while now. We currently have a 1-2 year waitlist at all of our current locations and this new space will allow us to serve more families.

We are thrilled that the church group has agreed to sell the building to our organization. Plans are very preliminary at this point but we will be obtaining financing through the SBA. The remodel, permits etc will take 6-12 months. We will remodel the church building in order to bring it up to code and make it suitable for our preschool center. We have no plans to develop the property but might expand our playground at some point.

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5 notes for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
January 24, 2022 9:13 am
|    Comments Off on 5 notes for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park – photo by Theresa Arbow O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead:

NODE MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES BEGIN: As previewed here – you can check with MMPA (nonprofit sibling of WSB sponsor Mode Music Studios) to see if there are still openings.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING: On their new schedule, the council’s weekly “briefing meeting” is at 2 pm Mondays, with their regular business meeting at 2 pm Tuesdays. Watch live at seattlechannel.org.

COVID TESTING AT DENNY IMS: 4-8 pm weekdays, Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and families are welcome at this walk-in testing site. In the cafeteria (2601 SW Kenyon).

FREE POWER YOGA/PILATES CLASS: 5 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), ages 16 and up welcome.

TRIVIA X 3: Here are tonight’s three options – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Monday
January 24, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Foggy, cloudy, cool, high in the 40s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on a regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxi routes are on regular schedules.

Ferries: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

671st morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras are still in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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