West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month meeting tonight featured reps from two city departments that handle the bulk of the most contentious community issues, SDOT and SPD – not to give presentations, but to answer questions on whatever attendees wanted to talk about.
The meeting was facilitated by ANA vice president Joanie Jacobs (who’s rising to president as a result of tonight’s elections – more on that later) at Admiral UCC Church.
SOUTHWEST PRECINCT POLICE: Lt. Mike Watson opened by asking if anyone had any questions. Jacobs said she knew multiple businesses had experienced burglaries, including an Admiral restaurant just a few days ago. What can they do? “Look out for each other,” he said, for starters. Camera video is helpful. So are signs such as “this area is being video-monitored.” He noted he was asked at a past meeting about catalytic-converter thefts, so he brought that stat – 2,120 citywide so far this year – West Seattle is averaging 40 or 50 a month. They can be sold for up to $350. Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Lexus RX-400, Honda Element are all popular targets. Don’t try to confront a thief – people have lost their lives doing that – call 911. Someone else brought up street racing, and neighbors who don’t have valid license plates. Street racing should be reported, Watson said, because there’s a regional task force working on it. Then another person asked about expired tabs. Watson mentioned they’re not allowed to pull people over for them. But a parking-enforcement officer can cite a parked car for expired plates/tabs. What about the double shooting on Alki? The victims both survived, but no one’s been arrested. From the SPD dashboard, he cited some West Seattle stats – robberies are up 18%, aggravated assault up 12%, motor-vehicle theft up 43%, 105 shots-fired incidents so far this year. Cars are usually stolen to commit other crimes, he noted. Despite all that, “West Seattle is the safest part of the city – by far. … You can feel safe here.” (He attributes that in part to strong block watches.) One last question: How’s police staffing? “Down 450-500,” he said. One attendee thanked Lt. Watson for excellent service from officers who responded when he was in a car crash recently.
SDOT: Introduced as being there on a “fact-finding mission” was Matt Beaulieu, there to listen to questions. He was accompanied by Danielle Friedman from the Department of Neighborhoods. First issue, trying to cross Admiral’s south side. There are no crosswalks for several blocks south of the business district, residents pointed out. A resident near the Admiral Way Viewpoint totem pole mentioned crashes from speeding drivers, An SDOT traffic study was mentioned as having found 40 as the “average” speed in the area – “so that means 5,000 drivers are going 60.” The resident who mentioned it has long agitated for traffic calming there. Another attendee brought up the graph of survivability at various speeds. Another attendee talked about the crossing at 47th/Admiral having been installed after a deadly crash, but not getting heeded because “it’s in an odd spot.” What about speed cameras? Some recent laws might loosen up the current restrictions on school zones only, “Photo enforcement is a powerful tool, but you install it and hope it fails” because people stop speeding, Beaulieu said. Friedman mentioned that the recent study of West Marginal Way, blocking off a southbound lane to simulate the conditions during the future protected bike lane, really resulted in slower driving.
What does it take to get something installed? Most of it is based on collision history, when they decide where to spend money, Beaulieu said. So for starters, make sure crashes get reported to police, because otherwise SDOT has no data to refer to. He also noted that they’re studying the best way to deal with arterials. And be sure to contact SDOT directly – maybe they can’t help initially, but your problem will at least be on their radar.
Another question: Aren’t traffic deaths up since Vision Zero began? Beaulieu acknowledged, “We are not trending to zero.” Isn’t it making things worse? The attendee had worked on a school safety committee and requested a four-way stop but said SDOT was resistant – yet now there are new 4-ways and crosswalks by West Seattle High School and Madison Middle School. Aa for VZ in general, Beaulieu mentioned one of the first actions new SDOT director Greg Spotts had decreed – a “top to bottom” review of the program, in hopes of figuring out why it’s not working.
Another resident near 39th/Hanford, close to a new crosswalk, noted that the intersection has numerous crashes each year, some taking out utility poles. Can you put speed cushions on arterials? That’s an “evolving practice” too, said Beaulieu.
Also mentioned – gratitude to SDOT for repaving much of California north of Admiral. (Though there was some puzzlement on why one particular block was skipped.)
ELECTIONS: The meeting ended with a chance to nominate and vote on leadership for net year. Elected to lead ANA in 2023 (and shown left to right in photo above):
President Joanie Jacobs
Vice President Stephanie Jordan
Secretary Carrie McCann
Treasurer Bridgett Markillie
They were the only nominees, and were elected in unanimous approval of the slate.
(Board members, committee leads, and an adopt-a-street coordinator are other roles in the ANA, and they’d love to have more community participation.) Voting was open to members, who pay a $25 annual fee to belong.
P.S. ANA has a business membership program too – $50/year – and plans to more actively promote local businesses. Businesses are donating $25 gift cards for a raffle at ANA meetings, and Mission Cantina donated one for tonight – the winner was drawn before meeting’s end.
EVENTS: This Saturday, Admiral Church is hosting a Christmas Market (as featured in our calendar and West Seattle Holiday Guide). West Seattle Grounds (which Jacobs manages) has launched a toy drive – that will be in our Holiday Guide shortly – and donors get a discount. She also mentioned the Festival of Trees gala at Brookdale Admiral Heights.
SUMMER CONCERTS: After missing three years for the pandemic and venue unavailability, the 2023 concert series will happen one way or another, either Hiawatha if it’s available by summer, or Hamilton Viewpoint. “Our goal this year is that IT WILL HAPPEN,” Jacobs vowed.
NEXT MEETING: ANA is having general meetings every other month, so the next one is likely on the second Tuesday in January, which will be January 10, 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Watch connecttoadmiral.org for updates.
(SDOT camera image, October 25)
While asking SDOT some other questions, we inquired today about the most-recent checks of the westbound West Seattle Bridge where it meets the ramp from southbound Highway 99, scene of multiple crashes a few weeks back, and other reports of loss of some vehicle control at that spot. SDOT had said that it would use lane closures last week to investigate further. So we asked what, if anything, they found. Spokesperson Mariam Ali replied, “We did a closer look when we did night work last week. Everything looks in good shape. We will continue to monitor the area after each request.” (Here’s our report on their first “closer look” in October.) So if you have trouble in that spot, be sure to report it to SDOT, even if a crash doesn’t result – here’s how.
(Photo provided by West Seattle Lacrosse Club)
The next season is a few months away, but the West Seattle Lacrosse Club is hosting informal events right now for girls who might be interested in playing. Here’s the announcement:
Attention, young ladies of West Seattle! Looking for a fun team sports opportunity for the Spring 2023 season? Search no more! The West Seattle Lacrosse Club wants YOU to join the growing group of girls taking advantage of this awesome local sports community! Team options for Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and a new High School Team! No prior experience is required.
So, if you’re between third and twelfth grade, come check it out and get your questions answered. Casual Fall Ball get-togethers happening on Sunday 11/20 and 12/11 from 9:30 am to around 11:00 am at A.T. Milo Park next to the Southwest Tennis Courts and Pool at 30th and Thistle. More events are coming after the holidays. No RSVP, ongoing commitment, or equipment is required to participate in Sunday Fall Ball. So, just bring a friend or two, and come check it out! Loaner equipment is available for use.
Registration is open now for the 2023 season, which starts in February!
For more information or to register visit westseattlelaxclub.org or reach out to westseattlelax@gmail.com with questions, and we look forward to seeing you out there!
WSLC also fields a High School Boys program. For youth boys’ lacrosse, please visit our friends at swlacrosseclub.org.
Our newly launched West Seattle Holiday Guide includes a list of holiday-season donation drives. Today we’re showcasing two of them, starting with one that’s about to start:
TREEHOUSE DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Starting tomorrow, West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) will be collecting donated gifts for Treehouse, which serves more than 6,000 kids and teens who are in foster care. Requested items include both toys and winter essentials. The full wish list is here. West Seattle Runner is open 10 am-6 pm weekdays, 10 am-5 pm Saturdays, 11 am-4 pm Sundays.
‘CARE PACKAGE’ DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: Again this year, volunteers will assemble “care packages” with hygiene products, food, and clothing to help students get through the inaccessibility to school resources they face during winter break. They’ll be collecting donations at three dropoff events outside the north entrance of WSHS (3000 California SW) – the next three Tuesday afternoons, November 22 and 29 and December 6, 3-5 pm. The full wish list is here.
Got a holiday donation drive or other giving campaign to add to our guide? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
2:32 PM: Big response under way for a shooting in White Center. It’s reported to have been a drive-by shooting near the Hung Long Market shopping center at 9988 15th SW, with one person who has at least two gunshot wounds. The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search for what’s described so far as a “light brown Chevrolet” seen headed north on 15th. Updates to come.
3:02 PM: Our crew at the scene says the shooting appears to have happened right outside the aforementioned market. The victim, who was described as conscious, is being taken to a hospital.
3:15 PM: Southbound 15th has reopened. Investigators at the scene aren’t commenting.
5:52 PM: KCSO will tell us only that the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, and that no one is in custody.
Thanks to Mike for the tip! Four months after we first reported that Nacho Mama was on the way for the former Hoang Kim (and briefly Phorale) space at 9418 Delridge Way SW, it’s open. That’s proprietor Debra in our photo, and she’s offering much more than nachos. See the breakfast menu here and the lunch/dinner menu here.
Nacho Mama is still experimenting with hours but currently testing 8 am-8 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays.
Earlier this month, we reported on the future public art for Highland Park Way/Holden, part of the city’s 1 Percent For Art program in conjunction with upcoming intersection changes including the installation of a permanent signal. Today we have our first look at what the giant Steller’s Jay sculpture by artist Matthew Mazzotta will look like, in the rendering above, made public by the city Office of Arts and Culture. The city’s update notes that the previously reported tentative title for the $120,000 installation, “Where’s the Party,” refers to “the fact that a group of jays is known as a ‘band,’ ‘cast,’ and a ‘party’ of jays.” It’s expected to be installed next summer, though other work at the intersection is scheduled to start this winter.
(WSB photo: Waning fall colors in Morgan Junction)
Here’s what’s up in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
DONUT FUNDRAISER: Second-to-last day to order Krispy Kreme donuts to pick up Friday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), whose PTSA is selling them as a fundraiser.
BOOK FUNDRAISER: First day for Louisa Boren STEM K-8 fundraiser at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW), explained in our calendar listing.
POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: A local way to take national action – participating in the 10:30 am drop-in weekly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). They’re focusing now on the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff.
ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET ONLINE OPEN HOUSE: Now that the early design concepts are public (here’s our coverage from last week), SDOT is having one more “open house” for your questions and comments, noon-1 pm today, online. Drop in any time. Link is now on the project webpage.
CHESS CLUB: Play chess at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1:30 pm. Beginners welcome!
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
CITY BUDGET HEARING: As reported Monday, the second-to-final version of the city budget is out and councilmembers are having one last major public hearing, 5 pm. Sign up starting at 3:30 if you’re interested in speaking online (you can also go downtown to City Hall, 600 4th Ave.). The agenda explains how.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Open house at 6:30 pm for families interested in all grades, preschool through 8th. Tour the campus, meet teachers, find out about programs. More info in our calendar listing, (42nd/Oregon)
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: ANA meets in-person tonight at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), with topics including street safety, crime, and a look ahead to next year, as previewed here.
‘1946’ FILM SCREENING/DISCUSSION: 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), see and talk about a new film (trailer) that asks the question, “What if the word ‘homosexual’ was never meant to be in the Bible?”
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), hosted by Midnight Marauders.
STAR WARS MINIATURES NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) hosts this weekly 7 pm event.
TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 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!
You can always see more, and preview future events, via our event calendar – if you have something to add, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Congratulations to three student athletes from West Seattle High School who are signing with colleges. At the ceremony just before the Veterans’ Day weekend were, from left, Miles Gosztola, who’ll play baseball at Gonzaga University, major not decided yet; Jake Lockwood, who’ll play baseball at Everett Community College, major not decided yet; and Lina Delgado, who’ll play softball at Missouri Western State University, where she intends to major in criminal justice. Both the WSHS baseball and softball programs excelled in their most-recent seasons last spring – the baseball team finished #4 in the state, and the softball team made it to the district playoffs.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 15th.
WEATHER
More sunshine today, with a high around 50. (Monday’s high was 52, matching what’s normal for that date.)
ROAD WORK
-SW Roxbury work continues in Holy Family-to-Safeway vicinity for RapidRide H Line.
-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.
TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is running its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
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 alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
ORIGINAL MONDAY NIGHT REPORT: In the photo are Brad and kids on the cargo bike that he reports was stolen from the Water Taxi pier:
Black Xtracycle long tail/cargo bike. Lots of Seahawks stickers and had a Seattle Mariners flag sticking out the back. Had brand-new
hydraulic brakes and grips put on. Rode it for the last 10 years in the Admiral area and Junction, many times with little ones on the back.
We’ll add the police-report number when we get it.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Brad reports in comments that his wife found the bike in a west Alki rack.
Every year we put together – and frequently update – a mega-list of local holiday events and info, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. We’ve just published the first 2022 version, featuring everything we’ve received (or found) info about, so far. The Holiday Guide covers pre-Thanksgiving through New Year’s and breaks down the contents into lists including Thanksgiving (starting with holiday-food ordering deadlines), holiday bazaars/sales/business open houses, concerts, other performances, Santa photo ops, Christmas Ship visits, Christmas tree sales, donation drives/fundraisers, holiday decorations, public Hanukkah celebrations, local shopping spotlights, more … We also spotlight practical information as each holiday gets closer – which grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops are open, for example.
As more info and announcements arrive, we’ll continue updating the guide. As is the case every year, your help is VERY important – you might see something we haven’t seen/received yet, or you might be planning something for your organization/school/church. Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll get it listed. We’ll include White Center and South Park events if the info is sent to us, but West Seattle is the focus. We’re here to help make sure you know about all your options all season long! You can find the guide any time at westseattleblog.com/holidayguide, as well as on our menu/navigation bar, whichever device you’re using.
For the first few vote counts post-Election Day, Seattle Question 1A/1B results had voters narrowly rejecting a change in city-election voting. Then in the past few days, that flipped, and as of tonight, “yes” to change is a full point ahead, 50.53% yes, 49.47% no, with the second part of the measure showing support for ranked-choice voting outstripping “approval” voting with 75% support. As for how many votes remain to be counted, the newest count represents 60.5% of all Seattle voters, while King County Elections says it’s received ballots from 69.6% of all Seattle voters. If ranked-choice voting goes on to win, here’s the explanation of how it would work:
… the Seattle City Council and Mayor have proposed Proposition 1B (Ordinance 126625), which would allow primary election voters for Mayor, City Attorney, and City Council to rank candidates by preference. In the first round of processing, each voter’s top preference would be counted. The candidate receiving the fewest would be eliminated. Successive rounds of counting would eliminate one candidate each round, counting each voter’s top preference among remaining candidates, until two candidates remain to proceed to the general election.
Vote-counting is scheduled to continue with daily updates until the results are certified November 29th.
Three notes from the West Seattle Food Bank:
(WSB photo from 2021 WSFB turkey distribution at SSC)
DRIVE-UP TURKEYS: This Saturday (November 19th), you have two options for a free turkey if you need one. In addition to the Eastridge Church giveaway, the WSFB is distributing 500 turkeys and grocery boxes with fresh produce – while they last – at a drive-up/ride-up event in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-1 pm. Available to all, not just current WSFB clients. If you need a turkey but can’t go there on Saturday, they’ll also be available at WSFB HQ noon-7 pm next Monday (November 21) and 10 am-2 pm next Tuesday and Wednesday (November 22-23).
BEER CHURCH TURKEY BOWL TOTALS: This past Saturday night, we reported on the return of a 20+-year pre-holiday tradition, the Beer Church Turkey Bowl, which raises money and collects food for WSFB. Today, we have the totals:
Pounds of food: 1,039 pounds
Raffle Sales & In Person Donations: $4,730
Lane Sale Proceeds after paying West Seattle Bowl: $3,196
Total Funds Raised: $7,926
WSFB sends a hearty public thanks to the Beer Church, which is the philanthropic arm of the West Seattleite-published Washington Beer Blog.
HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW: We asked what WSFB needs pre-Thanksgiving. Here’s the list from WSFB’s Breanna Bushaw:
– Dry Stuffing Mix
– Gravy (jar or dry)
– Canned Vegetables
– Canned Cranberries
– Instant Potatoes
– Crispy Fried Onions
– Pie or dessert
The WSFB HQ is on the southeast corner of 35th/Morgan. You’ll also find donation bins at other locations, including many local grocery stores.
First, two West Seattle incidents, from Sunday police reports:
CARJACKING: Police say this happened in the parking lot at the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex just after 10:30 Sunday morning. They report that an 83-year-old woman told them she was on her way to her car when a man asked her for a cigarette. She replied that she doesn’t smoke, and got into her car, with her key “on her pinky finger.” Police day the man reached into her car and tried to rip the key away from her finger, then grabbed her and threw her to the ground before stealing her car. She had to be taken to a hospital for evaluation of injuries including “a deep laceration to her arm.” The full police report says the carjacker was described only as “short”; the stolen car is a silver Hyundai sedan. SPD incident number is 2022-305063.
ARMED HIT-AND-RUN SUSPECT: According to the police summary, this happened around quarter till 6 Sunday evening. Police were called to investigate a hit-and-run crash; the victim told them the suspect’s vehicle was parked in a driveway near 35th/Holly. They went to investigate, the summary says, and “as the officers were looking at the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect came out of the residence with a loaded rifle. Officers announced multiple times that they were “Seattle Police”, but the suspect continued to approach the officers with the rifle, while aiming the rifle at the officers. At one point, the suspect racked a round in his rifle. The suspect finally stopped and placed the rifle on the ground.” He was arrested and booked for investigation of assault. (We’re checking on his status. UPDATE: His bail was set today at $2,500.) SPD incident number is 2022-305361.
And a reminder:
PRECINCT COMMUNITY MEETING THURSDAY: The long-awaited community meeting with Seattle Police at the Southwest Precinct is still on for this Thursday (November 17) at 7 pm. In addition to SPD reps, City Attorney Ann Davison is a scheduled guest. All are welcome – bring questions and concerns. The precinct is at Delridge/Webster and the public lot/entrance is just east of the south Home Depot entrance.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
What you might call the second-to-last version of the next city-budget plan is out this morning – the “balancing package” presented by the City Council’s budget chair, West Seattle-residing citywide Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (video above). This incorporates both the recent projection of reduced city revenues and her decisions on amendments proposed by her colleagues; here’s her overview.
Last week we spotlighted two West Seattle-specific amendments sponsored by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Reviewing the newly released “balancing package,” we note that one made it through, one did not. The one that didn’t was the re-allocation of money for the Fauntleroy Boulevard project. The one that did is funding for keeping expanded Seattle Fire Department resources in the area beyond the end of the year; after the bridge closed in 2020, Ladder 13 was added at Station 37 in Sunrise Heights and Medic 26 was added at Station 26 in South Park, both doubling the number of those specific types of SFD resources available in this area. (A recent Herbold post/newsletter explained how that affects emergency-response times.) Searching the “balancing package” by keyword, we noted a few other West Seattle-specific items:
-The Seattle Public Utilities budget proposal includes $1+ million needed as part of the Fauntleroy Creek Culvert Replacement funding.
-SDOT is asked to “work in coordination with the City Archivist to identify the historic street names for those Seattle neighborhoods that were once separately incorporated municipalities, which were subsequently annexed to the City of Seattle. Those former municipalities include old Ballard, Georgetown, Leschi, West Seattle, and Bryant. The report should include a cost estimate, by formerly incorporated municipality, for replacing current street signs with street signs that include historic street names using the green and brown street sign design.” The proposal does not mandate that, but requests only that the council get a report by 2023.
There’s of course much of non-neighborhood-specific interest in the budget proposal too – while grazing it, for example, we notice that proposed cuts to the mayor’s proposals include reducing his requested funding to clean up more graffiti vandalism and a reduction in the amount of money proposed for play-area renovations (specific projects are not listed, so we don’t know whether this would affect the ones awaiting renovation in West Seattle).
WHAT’S NEXT/HOW TO COMMENT: This proposal is still subject to change, and the council is asking for feedback. You can see the full “balancing package” here. The council starts reviewing it at 1 pm today; you can watch via Seattle Channel. Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 15th) at 5 pm, you can comment online or in person at the council’s final public hearing on the budget – the agenda explains how. Before/after that, you can comment via email at council@seattle.gov. The final vote on this two-year plan is planned the week after Thanksgiving.
62 years ago today, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans after a desegregation order – an act of tremendous bravery. In honor of what she and others accomplished in the fight against racism, and to spotlight what is yet to be achieved, schools across the country are now participating in Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day on November 14th. In our video above is a group of Denny International Middle School students who walked together early this morning as part of it. Denny principal Jeff Lam spoke to them as they gathered north of Westwood Village to start their walk:
(Lam is leading Denny this year in place of longtime principal Jeff Clark, who we were told is taking a year of leave.) Ruby Bridges herself is still an activist, leading the eponymous foundation that organizes the Walk-to-School Day as a demonstration against bullying of all kinds as well as racism.
Two holiday-season fundraisers for West Seattle schools:
ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: Friends of Roxhill is asking for support for families this season:
Every child should have a holiday meal and present, and parents and caregivers could use less stress this holiday season. You can make a difference by donating today! Roxhill Elementary, a Title I school here in West Seattle, has over 50 families who need support through the holiday season. All funds donated go directly to our RoxStar families. Go here to give. Friends of Roxhill is a registered non-profit. If you would prefer to donate by check, please mail it to the school at 7740 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126. Thank you for being a friend!
ALKI ELEMENTARY: We just got word of this, but note it’s the last day to order:
Alki PTA has partnered with local producers to bring you items that are perfect for showing gratitude with family, friends, and loved ones.
*Pre-order your pies and goodies by November 14th
*Drive-by Pick-up November 21st at Alki Elementary from 11-3pm or delivery is available as well.Remlinger Farms Fresh Pies (2 pounds of fresh fruit per pie!)
Macrina Bakery Squash Loaf
Macrina Bakery Cinnamon Rolls
Macrina Bakery Herb Rolls and Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Gratitude Activity Kits
Got a fundraiser/donation drive for YOUR school, nonprofit, etc.? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Charlie “Tuna” Fleming, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Charles William Fleming
July 11, 1941 – October 3, 2022“Tuna” Fleming (AKA: Butch, Charlie, Chuck, “T”). Charlie was born in Seattle to David Peter Fleming and Grace (Knoff). Growing up along the Duwamish River, he was briefly raised there on a houseboat, which was moved close by to 12th Ave SW – near West Marginal Way – and expanded. He attended Highland Park, Denny, Chief Sealth (he was a sprinter and hurdler) and West Seattle H.S. As a boy he was adventurous and bright and often chose a divergent path: fishing the River, running the log booms, roaming the woods, rebuilding and racing boats. As a young man he embraced work and a life – rambunctious, diverse, wild, boisterous, combative, creative, FUN and funny (after his major heart attack twelve years ago, he awoke in the hospital the next morning: Nurse: “Were you a smoker?”, Charlie: “No, I quit.” Nurse: “How long ago?” Charlie: “When was I admitted?”)
His entire life he loved: Hydroplane races (CdA was historic); dirt-track motorcycle racing; Hot August Nights Car Shows in Reno; parties; road trips / sports cars; motorcycles; Sports (Track & Field, Mariners, Seahawks, Golf, High School Athletics). He devoured the Seattle Times front to back every day. He had a near-photographic memory and could amaze you with addresses, street names, phone numbers, etc. from jobs and locales long past.
Through it all, Tuna worked: creating fine things by his hand – mostly as a Boilermaker and primarily as a world-class welder in Puget Sound Shipyards, Hanford, and Shops from California to Canada. For many years he owned “Pro – Weld Fabricating” which showcased his unmatched creativity and craftsmanship. He welcomed small jobs for individuals often building artistic gates, stairs and railings, etc. But he also took on huge Industrial projects with insightful savvy.
He shared his generous heart, cherished his friends, family, and most dearly, his beloved wife of 40 years, Trina (Jones). Life with Trina was largely responsible for his tamed behavior in the second half of his journey.
He is survived by: brother Mike Fleming, step-daughters Barbie and Stephanie, nephews Eric and Ryan Fleming, Tony Johns; nieces Joanne Fleming and Becky Fleming.
Charlie was preceded in passing by his father David, his mother Grace, his sister Francis, brother David Lee, sister Patricia Lynn, stepmom Emily Wolbert-Fleming, and his beloved Trina.
Charlie preferred that no Memorial be held … but warm memories of him, we shall forever hold close. RIP Tuna!
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, November 14th.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny, breezy, temperature might get into the 50s.
ROAD WORK
-SW Roxbury work continues in Holy Family-to-Safeway vicinity for RapidRide H Line.
-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
If you’re in the Westwood area in the 7 am hour, be aware there’s a Denny International Middle School walk-to-school event traveling from the north side of Westwood Village to the Denny campus (2601 SW Kenyon).
TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is running its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs).
-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).
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 alternate route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Here are Camp Second Chance updates from this past week’s Community Advisory Committee meeting:
CAMP STATUS: CSC manager Scott Harris said 72 people are at the 9701 Myers Way S. [map] tiny-house encampment, plus four dogs and three cats. Case manager Marjorie Johnson said eight people had left the camp in the preceding month – seven to permanent housing, one to stay with family members. It’s been a “constantly busy” month, she explained, with more than 20 people still awaiting housing, including 15 people who’ve applied to the Dockside Apartments in Green Lake, now owned by LIHI, which operates CSC and other tiny-house encampments around the city.
CAMP INFRASTRUCTURE: Harris said they’re still working on an upgrade of the video-monitoring system, which currently has more than a dozen cameras. Asked what’s done with the video, he said it’s kept for a week. In ensuing discussion, LIHI’s tiny-house program manager Christina Comer said the video is available to police on request. The city-provided shower trailer is connected to the city sewer system but still needs a few pump-outs each week because a design problem is keeping the connection from “easily flowing.”
FOLLOWUPS: No one in attendance asked about recently discussed problems, so we did. First – the person described last month as refusing to leave CSC has finally departed. Second – regarding the case of a double-murder suspect who had been at CSC earlier in the year and allegedly assaulted a woman while there, Comer said referrals to CSC come from the city’s HOPE Team, and background checks are not required – except to ensure the referred person is not a registered sex offender (that was a condition dating back to community concerns years ago).
DONATIONS: With winter approaching, Harris said CSC can use donations of mittens, gloves, warm socks, warm hats (particularly beanies). You can drop items at the main entrance any time.
NEXT MEETING: The committee will meet again online at 6 pm Tuesday, December 13th. All are welcome. We’ll have video/phone info in our calendar listing.
That Bald Eagle is getting care at PAWS after its rescue from Salmon Creek Ravine, south of White Center [map]. Community naturalist Kersti Muul, who also assists urban wildlife, shared the report and photos, noting her involvement tied back to last year’s rescue of the Bald Eagle nicknamed Bey.:
I received an email last night from a woman near Alki who I met while I was researching Bey. She said her friend had posted on Facebook about an eagle that needed help in Salmon Creek Ravine.
Her friend had not been able to get help from any organizations he called (typical scenario). She put us in contact, and I arranged to arrive at daybreak, as it was already dark. He gave me the lat/long, and I hiked in first thing this morning to assess.
The eagle had not moved much overnight, and was not flighted. It was, however, alert – it hopped and flapped quite a bit during capture. HPAI, or, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) seemed a possibility to me behavior-wise. The last three eagles I have responded to were positive for HPAI. There is no cure, and the infected bird dies in a couple of days. We are having a resurgence currently, because of migration. New species are being infected, like cackling geese and snow geese.
I hiked out with the eagle and brought it to PAWS. During the intake exam it was not ‘overtly’ symptomatic of HPAI, and it is not in quarantine. This is good as it gives it a better chance. Hoping for a full recovery.
At one point the eagle unhooded itself and it just stared in my eyes as we hiked. Whatever it communicated to me, dissolved any fear I had. I re-hooded it for its own comfort.
I am always so utterly dumbfounded when I hold a wild animal in my arms. Especially one of such majestic magnitude. While stressful and often sad, my blessings are not lost on me.
Thanks to Eddie for the photo. A new pop-up shop is open in The Junction – One Bird’s Eye View has the corner spot on the ground floor of the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) through November 22nd. Proprietor Nickie is specializing in classic and vintage coats as well as “vintage repairs.” Also featured in the shop, art by Mindi Katzman. One Bird’s Eye View hours are 11 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am-5 pm Sunday.
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