West Seattle, Washington

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year : 2022 3600 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robbed; package taken
January 28, 2022 12:13 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robbed; package taken
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

STORE ROBBERY: The 7-11 at 35th/Avalon was robbed just after midnight, according to a brief report summary from Seattle Police. It says the store was held up by multiple people, at least one armed with a handgun; no descriptions in the summary, but we have requested more info from SPD and will add it if/when we get it.

PACKAGE TAKEN: Via email:

Had a package stolen from our porch (Wednesday) at 8:20 am. Looks like it may be teenagers in an older Honda Ridgeline. Hope a parent can see this and maybe stop future behavior. This was at California/Brandon. SPD (incident #) 2022-902092.

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BIZNOTE: New mural reveals business move in Admiral
January 28, 2022 10:57 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’ve had several recent questions about work at the former Muttley Crew space on 42nd SW just north of SW Admiral Way. Finally an answer arrived via this photo – thanks to Melissa for sending it with word that West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen is painting it! We went over to try to get info in person but were unsuccessful; today we got email confirmation that it’ll be the new home of DogCity. The business is currently in The Triangle but has to move because its site is part of the upcoming 2-building Sweeney Blocks project (which just finished going through Design Review in November). The photo shows the east side of the building; DogCity says Hansen will be painting the north side too.

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4 for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
January 28, 2022 10:37 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to the texter who shared that dawn view, looking south. Just a few notes for the rest of today/tonight:

ONLINE OFFICE HOURS: 2-6 pm, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s first online “office hours” of the year – our calendar listing has contact info for getting an appointment.

BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS boys’ and girls’ teams, JV and varsity, all face off tonight. While there’s restrictions on attendance, you can watch livestreams from a WSHS student video crew by going here.

DJ NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

‘MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA’: The new world-premiere play at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues its run at 7:30 tonight. Read more about it here; buy your tickets here.

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

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SATURDAY: Cleanup under the bridge
January 28, 2022 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

Start your weekend with community work. Saturday morning (January 29th), some of your West Seattle neighbors are leading a cleanup under the West Seattle Bridge and along the bike path. From the announcement:

Saturday from 10 am – Noon; meet at Riverside Memorial Park (a little plaza at the intersection of SW Marginal Pl. and 17th Ave SW). ADULTS ONLY (for safety).

This will be the first in a series of grittier-style cleans under the WS Bridge and along the bike path and surrounding areas (adults only.) Our mission will be to create a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians who use this area to pass thru on their commutes. Currently garbage, broken glass, and many discarded items make this a hazardous area to travel.

Vests, gloves, buckets and pickup sticks will be provided. More details are in the full announcement here. Organizers welcome any help, even if you can’t spare the full two hours.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes and weekend alerts; Admiral hill crash
January 28, 2022 6:03 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:25 AM: Texters report the Admiral hill north of the bridge is blocked off because of a crash – apparently a utility pole was hit. Chris reports via email that multiple vehicles were involved. SFD has already cleared the scene so apparently no major injuries.

7:36 AM: This may be a while – per an exchange between dispatch and officers, Seattle City Light isn’t there yet. And as noted in comments, this chilly, slick morning has brought other problems around the metro area.

8:19 AM: The hill is reported to have reopened to some traffic.

==========

6:03 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Today’s forecast foresees sunshine, after a very chilly morning, with a high in the 40s.

WEEKEND ALERTS

Saturday – the two-piece second work platform will be raised under the West Seattle Bridge, with a detour for people using Terminal 102 at the south end of Harbor Island. … Also on Saturday, SDOT “will be addressing vegetation overgrowth and clearing sidewalks on East Marginal Way S between South Hudson St [map] and South Alaska St. … Traffic impacts may include the closure of the northbound curb lane.”

Sunday – low-bridge closures of up to half an hour each around 9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm, for more preparatory work looking ahead to that bridge’s repairs.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its 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

675th 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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Here’s what HPAC heard from SPD and SDOT at 2022’s first meeting
January 27, 2022 10:34 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Here are highlights of what happened at HPAC‘s January meeting online last night, led by co-chairs Kay Kirkpatrick and Craig Rankin:

PUBLIC SAFETY: First, from the Southwest Precinct, acting Lt. David Terry was there along with one of the officers who work east West Seattle, Officer Macaully Lakin. Terry showed screens from two public SPD data dashboards – crime reports and dispatches. (You can use the dashboards to check stats from various neighborhoods by choosing the MCPP option.)

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Platform-raising Saturday; testing closures Sunday; party-planning postscript
January 27, 2022 8:47 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Bridge notes tonight:

NEXT PLATFORM GOES UP SATURDAY: The photo above shows the first work platform for the high-bridge repairs, raised on a Saturday earlier this month. SDOT confirmed late today that the other platform, further east, is set to go up this Saturday. That means some traffic impacts for people headed to/from the south end of Harbor Island, per SDOT’s alert:

While crews are hoisting work platforms on the eastern span of the high bridge, people accessing Terminal 102 will be rerouted as a safety measure to avoid the work area. These traffic impacts will occur in the daytime on Saturday, January 29. Those travelling east and westbound on SW Spokane St will not be impacted. Detour signs will be in place for those travelling to and from Terminal 102. View the detour route map.

LOW-BRIDGE TESTING CLOSURES ON SUNDAY: The last of five Sundays with short closures for low-bridge-repair preparations – testing and measurements – is also this weekend. Around 9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm, the low bridge will be closed to all surface traffic for up to half an hour at a time.

PARTY-PLANNING POSTSCRIPT: Back on Monday, we reported on the start of community-led planning for some sort of celebration once the bridge reopens. We asked SDOT at the time what kind of parameters it had given, and also whether it was prepared to contribute any money toward such a plan. To the first point, spokesperson Mariam Ali said the department is “open to hearing ideas and exploring how SDOT can support community-led planning.” To the second, “We’re looking into how we’ll be funding community celebrations related to the openings.”

P.S. For those who were wondering about the next public bridge briefing via the Community Task Force, it meets again in two weeks, at 4 pm February 10th.

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FYI: New stop sign on SW Andover
January 27, 2022 6:48 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

THURSDAY NIGHT: Thanks to John for the tip. New stop signs have just been installed on SW Andover at 26th. This is the north end of West Seattle’s oldest neighborhood greenway, and also a short distance from West Seattle’s northernmost stops on the upcoming RapidRide H Line.

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: We asked SDOT today about the reason for adding the stop; the reply we received tonight: “These stops signs were installed as part of the Delridge RapidRide H Line project. The neighborhood greenway on 26th Ave SW was upgraded as part of the project, which included the additional stop signs to make that intersection safer for people biking on the greenway.”

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YOU CAN HELP: Camp Fire candy (and coffee) time!
January 27, 2022 4:00 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

From the North Delridge-headquartered Camp Fire Central Puget Sound:

Camp Fire Candy Fundraiser Going on Now

Every year around this time, youth from Camp Fire Central Puget Sound can be found in the doorways of grocery stores selling candy and raising funds for their groups. This year, they will mostly be found selling through virtual storefronts on the Camp Fire website! To purchase some delectable candy and coffee, please head to our Gallery of Groups web page now through February 21st and choose a youth seller to support. Thank you!

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Signal 88 Security: Welcome, new WSB sponsor
January 27, 2022 2:54 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Signal 88 Security is a new WSB sponsor; here’s what they want you to know about what they do:

What does community look like?

Your community is made up of many people: your neighbors; the local kids; the early morning dog walkers; your fellow shoppers at the local grocery store. It can include the sidewalks, bike lanes, park paths, and residential streets. Community can be comprised of many different people and places, but most importantly, a community is safer.

Signal is more than a security service — we are your neighbors, a part of your community, devoted to prioritizing your community’s safety.

The world has changed since Signal was founded in 2003. But for nearly two decades, we’ve been a leader in world-class and industry-leading security services for residential, commercial, and retail customers. We believe that safety is a basic human right and need — and shouldn’t come at the cost of disrupting your community.

Peace of mind, not policing

Signal provides peace of mind where you, your neighbors, dog-walkers, and fellow grocery shoppers can feel safe and secure. Employees are hired locally — we’re your neighbors and are deeply invested in seeing our community thrive.

We believe we have a responsibility to the residents we serve. Our tagline “We’re here” speaks to the trust, transparency and accountability placed in us. Rapid and non-lethal responses, regular patrols, and priority orders in the case of critical events. These are just a few ways we serve our residents.

Employees are trained on non-lethal responses with the goal to de-escalate and maintain safety for all bystanders. This includes having a regular presence on-site through nightly patrols, having dedicated and regular staff able to recognize regular members of the community, and technology that has built-in accountability measures like body cameras. Transparency, honesty, and integrity are front of mind as we serve your community.

By the community, for the community

The courage to lead by humility and mutual respect is what sets Signal apart. We do more than provide security: we are an additional tool to achieving a safer community that is directly accountable to the community we serve. Devotion to service is at the very core of our business.

Signal is proud to offer a special deal for West Seattle residents looking to ensure the safety of their community. Learn more at seattlepatrols.com

We thank Signal 88 Security for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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SCHOOLS: Mariners Care grants announced for Chief Sealth International, West Seattle High School teams
January 27, 2022 2:07 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Teams at both local public high schools have just been announced as recipients of $5,000 grants from the Mariners Care program, explained by the team as “part of On BASE (Baseball And Softball Everywhere), a strategic effort by the Mariners to leverage new and existing partnerships to break down barriers that may prevent some children from participating in baseball and softball, whether that is because of high registration fees, lack of equipment or access to playable fields.” From the Mariners’ announcement:

Chief Sealth High School Baseball & Softball

The students who make up Chief Sealth’s six baseball and softball teams are among the most ethnically and economically diverse in Seattle Public Schools. Head coach Ernest Policarpio says, “We never want the financial burden of baseball to be a reason a kid doesn’t play,” so coaches take it upon themselves to buy supplies and equipment with their own money. The grant will allow Chief Sealth to purchase shoes, gloves, bats, balls as well as pay for needed repairs to the scorekeeping system and provide nets and other safety equipment for practices.

West Seattle High School Softball

The West Seattle softball program does not receive any funding from the school or Associated Student Body and, because of COVID-19, they have not been able to independently fundraise for two years. The grant will help purchase basic equipment like bats, balls, gloves, socks and pants, that will be available to any player who needs them, as well as training equipment like weighted balls for hitting and a safety screen for batting practice.

The two local schools are among 10 schools around the region receiving the grants. The Mariners created the program in 2017.

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Listening to voices you haven’t heard: West Seattleite co-produces new podcast ‘You Know Me Now’
January 27, 2022 12:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

“I think in general our community could benefit from getting closer to the issues of homelessness,” says West Seattle resident Tomasz Biernacki. He’s been working hard himself to try to facilitate that. Three years ago, he produced the documentary “Trickle Down Town,” focusing on people with different relationships to the homelessness crisis. He’s spent a lot of time volunteering, including co-founding the tiny-home-building program Sound Foundations NW, which launched at Camp Second Chance in West Seattle. More recently, he’s helped coordinate volunteers and funding for West Seattle’s only cold-weather shelter at the Veterans’ Center in The Triangle. And now Biernacki is co-producing a podcast, “You Know Me Now.” Here’s the description:

You Know Me Now is a Seattle based podcast, storytelling and journalism project giving voice to those marginalized in our community. From these life stories we hope to spark conversation and connection. We are doing this with the sole purpose of bringing us all closer together so that we can better address the issues that divide us.

When we listen to those living different lives or views from our own, we begin a journey of understanding. An understanding of not only those around us, but also ourselves. To move forward, we must know that everyone has their own truth. It begins by not being right or wrong, but rather by listening.

Those sharing openly and vulnerably do so with the hope of non-judgment in return. This is the beginning of coming closer.

The first episode, hosted by Seattle architect and advocate Rex Hohlbein, is an introduction of sorts, running 13 minutes. You can listen to it by going here.

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West Seattle Transportation Coalition talks buses and ferries, and what else is up for the rest of your Thursday
January 27, 2022 10:39 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki Statue of Liberty in Thursday’s sunset glow, by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FOOD FUNDRAISER: Delridge chef Gino Williamson of The Home Skillit is serving up lunch/dinner 2-7 pm today at the 5441 Delridge Way SW service station to continue raising money to open a restaurant in the building next door, as reported here. (Menu, you ask? He emailed us to say, “I am smoking Brisket, I have shrimp and grits, Seattle Dogs, Chicago dogs, Louisiana hot links, and Green stuffed bell peppers. Plus you have to try my Smoke Daddy BBQ Sauce!!!”)

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: 2:30 pm, hear the latest on the pandemic response (and likely other topics) from Gov. Jay Inslee – here’s where you’ll find the livestream.

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: Prospective future families are invited, 3:30 pm. Our calendar listing has info on how to attend.

TALK WITH THE RAPIDRIDE H LINE TEAM: Questions about construction of the future RapidRide H Line? The project team has another round of monthly “office hours” today, 5-6 pm – just drop in by phone or online any time during the hour.

To join online, click this link

To join by phone, call: 206-485-0017; Conference ID: 206 834 474#

To request interpretation services for these virtual events, please contact us before the meeting via phone, at 206-257-3079, or email us at rapidride@kingcounty.gov

SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY: West Seattle Democratic Women host a democracy-advocacy presentation during their regular online meeting, starting at 6:15 pm. Our calendar listing has meeting details, including info on how to attend.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm, WSTC hosts guests from Washington State Ferries, with topics including the Fauntleroy dock/terminal-replacement project, and Metro. Our calendar listing has info on attending by video or phone.

‘MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA’: The new world-premiere play at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) officially opens at 7:30 tonight. Read more about it here; buy your tickets here.

Something for our calendar (where you’ll find even more for tonight)? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VACCINATIONS: Here are four school clinics in West Seattle where they’re available
January 27, 2022 9:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Still seeking COVID-19 vaccinations for kids/teens? If they are Seattle Public Schools students, you have options. Out of the WSB inbox this morning, this reminder:

Neighborcare Health has school-based clinics in several West Seattle schools that all offer the COVID-19 vaccine. The clinics are available for ANY Seattle Public Schools student, even if it is not at your school. There is no cost for students.

Please call the following clinics for COVID vaccine appointments for ages 5 years to 11 years:
Highland Park Elementary: 206-455-9025
Roxhill Elementary: 206-452-2660
West Seattle Elementary: 206-548-3164

Please call the following clinic for COVID vaccine appointments for ages 12 to 18 years:
Madison Middle School: 206-933-7842

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Memorial service Friday for Ginger Lei Andersen, 1963-2022
January 27, 2022 9:00 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather tomorrow in memory of Ginger Lei Andersen. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:

Ginger Lei Andersen

A true wonder of a woman, Ginger Lei Andersen continued her journey and departed our lives suddenly on January 20, 2022, at the far-too-early age of 58 after battling polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder.

Ginger had the unique ability to make anyone in her presence feel like they were the most important person in her life. She had a rare balance of intellect and warmth, an infectious laugh and radiant smile. She also had an insatiable desire to learn, leading her to succeed in multiple disciplines and careers.

Named after the fragrant ginger flower used to make Hawaiian leis, Ginger Lei was born in Oahu, Hawaii on October 7, 1963. Her love of the islands always stayed with her. She returned often to enjoy hikes, the culture, long swims in the ocean, and indulge in shaved ice. Her family left the islands when Ginger was in grade school and moved to Danville, California. She graduated from Monte Vista High School, but not before spending a memorable season as the back half of “Musty the Mustang,” the school mascot. At an early age Ginger began developing her talent as a singer and performer. She was involved in numerous musicals and choirs from high school through college and beyond, including leading roles in “Hello Dolly,” “Brigadoon,” “Music Man,” and “My Fair Lady.”

After high school, Ginger graduated from Brigham Young University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree and later completed a master’s in humanities. She married Jed Moffitt in 1984 and started their family: Miles, Seth, and Damen. Ginger loved her three boys and embraced her role as a loving mother to them. She taught English and humanities at BYU until the family moved to Sammamish, Washington, in 1999, where Ginger tutored and taught. After a short stint as a recruiter and HR generalist for The Gates Foundation, Ginger focused on a true passion: inspirational business leadership, focusing on organization performance and personnel development at Intellectual Ventures, where she worked for 9 years. She also earned a second master’s degree in organizational systems in 2015. Ginger and Jed divorced in 2012.

Ginger began a romantic journey with Ronny Sullivan in 2017 and together they found true love and an amazing connection. A longtime resident of West Seattle, Ronny introduced her to the cozy community. She fell in love with the area and purchased her perfect home in the North Admiral neighborhood, moving in on Halloween night, 2019. She spent many hours enjoying Alki Beach, embracing nature at Lincoln and Fauntleroy Parks, wandering through the Farmers’ Market, connecting with her neighbors through a book group she started, and walking her dog Odin with daughter-in-law Maaya. During 2021 she began a new journey in her career, completing her certification as a Hakomi guide and therapist. While Ginger had many titles, the most important one may have been “unofficial advisor, support, and confidante” to countless friends, family, and coworkers.

In May 2021, her son Seth and his wife Maaya moved into Ginger’s home, expecting to stay for three months. But they brought so much joy to Ginger and she to them, that the little family unit stayed together. When Ginger left Swedish First Hospital on New Year’s Day after a week-long stay, she returned home to the loving care of Ronny, Seth, & Maaya, who filled her final weeks with love and joy.

Ginger had a tremendous desire for adventure and loved to travel and experience other cultures. Throughout her life, Ginger traveled the world. While COVID slowed her recent travel schedule, the last year of her life was filled with adventure, including golfing in Palm Springs, walking the beaches in Hawaii, rappelling in Zion National Park, and visiting the Washington Coast multiple times. Ginger and Ronny also hiked in Utah’s National Parks, visited the North Cascades, Palouse Falls, and made a special sojourn to Ronny’s hometowns.

One of the highlights of her life was spending a month in Spain in the fall of 2021 with her youngest son Damen and loving partner Ronny. She also loved spending time with Miles at his home in Spokane and her home in West Seattle.

Ginger had the most amazing smile, eyes that sparkled, infectious warmth, and a presence you could feel when she walked into the room. She was deeply spiritual and intuitive but did not practice organized religion. Ginger was always ready for an adventure. She loved to travel, dance, competed in West Coast Swing, Seattle Improv, had a passion for tennis, was an avid gardener, loved hiking, and had recently caught the golf bug. The world was truly alive within her.

Ginger’s sudden passing came as a devastating shock to all those close to her. She is survived by her three adult sons, Miles Moffitt, Seth Moffitt (Maaya), and Damen Moffitt; her six older siblings, Kathi Kohler (Rich), Alan Andersen, Paula Tibbitts (Loel), Gail Newbold (Dave), Phil Andersen (Candace), and Dan Andersen (Kris); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

On January 20 in the hours before she passed, Ginger enjoyed the beauty of Puget Sound, meditated, gave thanks for the joys in her life, and danced with Ronny, the love of her life, holding him close as they made plans for more adventures together. In memory of Ginger, take a moment to do the same

Services will be Friday, January 28 at noon at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle. For any thoughts, wishes, photos, or memories about Ginger, please visit her Tribute page at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/ginger-andersen-10544706

(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 Thursday
January 27, 2022 6:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM Good morning!

WEATHER

Another forecast with some clouds, some fog, some sun, and the high might get into the low 50s.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its 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

674th 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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‘Notes of Kindness’ mystery messages still turning up in West Seattle
January 26, 2022 10:03 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

It’s been almost a year since first word of mysterious musings, labeled “Notes of Kindness,” turning up around West Seattle. Today, Stewart L. found two of them and sent us photos:

I came across two separate Notes of Kindness on my morning stroll through Don Armeni this morning. Each contained in a plastic sandwich bag. From the numbers on them, looks like there could be a many as 400 of them out there. Someone is making an effort to be kind, which is always appreciated.

These were numbered 173 and 181 of 400 – so if you haven’t happened onto one yet, there’s still hope.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green CR-V
January 26, 2022 8:59 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green CR-V
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Tommy:

My 1999 Honda CR-V was stolen in front of my house on Tuesday morning at roughly 2 am. I’m guessing they had a set of “jingle keys” that were used to open it and then start it.

I would love to find it. The car was parked in the 1600 block of 42nd Avenue SW.

It is a 1999 forest-green CR-V with tinted windows. It also had a rear bike rack and basket roof rack, but they are both easily removable.

License # BZF2536.

Call 911 if you see it.

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HPIC’S FUTURE: What’s next, after third post-fire town hall
January 26, 2022 7:05 pm
|    Comments Off on HPIC’S FUTURE: What’s next, after third post-fire town hall
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

After three town halls to talk about the future of the Highland Park Improvement Club HQ – ravaged by fire seven months ago – it’s close to time for decisions: What should be built? That will dictate how much it could cost, how much needs to be raised, and how long it would take. If you missed last Wednesday’s third town hall, here’s the recording:

The design team for the project, Highland Park’s own Wittman Estes, shared concepts for the building’s potential size/shape – from humble to grand – as well as concepts for how its interior might be laid out. But the amount of money HPIC will get from insurance – up to $750,000 – would only cover a very basic building; though no price tags were provided for the possibilities, it’s clear anything beyond the basics will require fundraising. Since last week’s town hall, HPIC has met with a professional fundraiser, though the discussion was very early-stage – no conclusions yet, HPIC’s Kay Kirkpatricktold us. She stressed during the town hall that they don’t want to do something that might eventually jeopardize HPIC’s ability to keep the building maintained and to guarantee continued community ownership.

One idea brought up repeatedly during the town hall was the building’s past and potential future use as a music/entertainment venue. Participants observed that West Seattle remains low on performance space, and a rebuilt HPIC has the potential to help fill that void even more than it did pre-fire/pre-pandemic.

Another key point was to remind everyone that while SW Holden, which runs along the building’s south side, is choked with West Seattle Bridge closure detour traffic right now, it will be much different by the time the new building opens – next year if things go well.

Toward the town hall’s end, it was suggested that a deadline be set for ending public comment at this phase of the process, so the architects can get on with creating a preliminary design for the next meeting. Kirkpatrick told WSB this afternoon that there’s no date yet for that potential deadline, nor for the next meeting. So if you have something to say, but weren’t able to attend the town hall, you can email hpic1919@gmail.com. That’s also how to step up for volunteer help that HPIC sorely needs with maintaining the building site – particularly landscaping – while it’s idle. And as we’ve noted before, while the entire community has been invited into the rebuilding-planning process, HPIC members get the final say – here’s how to join.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office files charge in Westwood Village Target standoff
January 26, 2022 5:03 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo, last Friday night)

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge, attempted first-degree kidnapping, in last Friday night’s six-hour standoff at the Westwood Village Target store. As we reported that night, and in a Saturday followup, SWAT officers arrested 31-year-old Timothy A. Clemans after entering the store where he had been alone, with a knife, after customers and staff evacuated. The charge filed against Clemans this afternoon refers to one specific person he is accused of approaching early in the incident, a store employee who says he told her she was “a hostage” and moved toward her with the knife. She got away. As we reported in our followup, just one week earlier, a judge released Clemans from jail over prosecutors’ objections after he was arrested downtown for allegedly assaulting a police officer. The court documents say that three days after that – five days before the Westwood incident – Clemans, a Burien resident, called 911 “making threats against Target stores in Seattle and the surrounding area.” Today’s court documents note that his conviction history includes “Felony Harassment (2020), Assault in the Third Degree (2020), Displaying Weapon (2021), Assault in the Fourth Degree (2019, 2019, 2019, 2019, 2016, 2016), Violation of a No Contact Order (2018), and Harassment (2016).” He remains in the King County Jail, bail set at $100,000.

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TERMINAL 5: For everyone who’s asked about the noise
January 26, 2022 3:57 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

This week we’ve heard from several people wondering about noisy work at Terminal 5, most mentioning “pile-driving.” While the north–berth modernization work is complete and, as we’ve been reporting, the berth is in service, the south berth is now under construction. Our archives showed the window for “in-water” work – a deadline set to minimize fish impacts – is February 15th. We asked Northwest Seaport Alliance spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh for an update on the work and whether that deadline will be extended again this year. Here’s her response:

The questions regarding noise could be related to a combination of terminal operations and construction. The only new activity this week is dredging, while all other construction work has been underway at the same pace since September.

Yes, the in-water work window typically ends 2/15. We have applied for an extension to 2/28 as an effort to reduce any other in-water work being needed at a later time. We will abide by our permits and permissions from the appropriate regulatory authorities and only continue in-water work if the extension is granted.

For the South berth construction, landside work is expected to continue all year. The landside pile driving is complete, and only dock construction remains.

Meanwhile, ships continue to call at the newly opened north berth – here’s our latest update.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Alert extended
January 26, 2022 2:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Added: Photo from Duwamish Head)

The National Weather Service has extended the Air Stagnation Advisory alert – originally set to expire at noon today – until (updated) 11 am Friday. The NWS warns, “Air stagnation may lead to the development or worsening or poor air quality, and this may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.” (Here’s one place you can keep watch on the air quality.) So far there’s no chance of rain mentioned in the forecast before Saturday night.

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BIZNOTES: Bike-washing time; Galentine’s party; candy carryover
January 26, 2022 12:14 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTES: Bike-washing time; Galentine’s party; candy carryover
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle biznotes:

BIKE-WASHING TIME: Next round of rain is still at least a few days away, the forecast says, so Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) has a suggestion – especially if your bike looks more like the one on the left:

“We are offering a midwinter bike cleaning for $35. It has been a rough winter on bikes and with a bit of a dry period, this would do the bikes some good,” says Alki B&B proprietor Stu Hennessey. Here’s how to contact the shop.

GALENTINE’S PARTY: Less than three weeks until Valentine’s Day, and we’re starting to get word of special events. On Thursday, February 10th – same night as the pre-Valentine West Seattle Art Walk – Lika Love Boutique and its sibling speakeasy In the Heart (4547 California SW) are hosting a Galentine’s party, with shopping, beverages, other treats, and giveaways, 6-9 pm.

SPEAKING OF VALENTINE’S DAY ... if you have plans to give someone the gift of candy, note that the pop-up See’s Candies “seasonal shop” in Jefferson Square is still open. As reported here, it opened just before the holidays and was only expected to occupy the space through year’s end, but we noticed this week that business continues, and Thomas just sent a note about it, saying he was told they’re planning to stay at least through Valentine’s Day, maybe longer depending on how business goes.

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