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Summer camp for social skills with Madyline Ekins of Branching Out ABA: New WSB sponsor
July 6, 2022 1:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, behavior analyst Madyline Ekins of Branching Out ABA, who’s offering a one-week summer camp to help young children work on social skills. Here’s what she wants you to know:

I am a behavior analyst and parent local to West Seattle. I have worked in behavior for over ten years in schools, centers, and homes across the United States. During grad school, I completed my thesis and research on using video models combined with play to teach social skills to children, and I was amazed by how effective they were in introducing complex skills to young learners.

For the last two years, I have been supporting students with behavioral needs in the local school districts. This summer, I want to provide additional support to families to strengthen social and emotional skills following two years of near social isolation. I will be holding a morning camp for one week in August that focuses on using video models and lots of play to help teach young children to feel successful in social situations. Some of the skills I hope to focus on this year include learning to join play, share toys, take turns, respect personal space, accept no from peers and siblings, and how to acknowledge and regulate big emotions.

One thing that makes my practice unique, is that I am not trying to force any normative behavior on children. Instead, I gather information on the areas where THEY feel they are struggling socially and provide them tools to feel successful at parks, playdates, and school.

My camp is open to all children including, those with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing disorders, or those who may not have had many social opportunities across the last two years.

Our schedule will include circle time, snacks, and daily activities based on learners’ and parental preferences. For an application and/or more information, email madyline.ekins@gmail.com.

We thank Madyline Ekins of Branching Out ABA 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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CRIME WATCH: Store robbery; stolen blue Ranger; prowler
July 6, 2022 12:19 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three more Crime Watch reports:

STORE ROBBERY: The California/Charlestown 7-11 was held up early this morning. According to the preliminary police summary, two people walked into the store at quarter till 5; one pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The report says they then “grabbed the cash and also took some tobacco products, (then) left the store (and) got into a possible Toyota Prius and fled at a high rate of speed.” Only descriptive info in the summary is that the robber with the gun was wearing gloves. SPD incident # 2022-173146.

STOLEN TRUCK: Texter reports their 1993 dark blue Ford Ranger truck was stolen early this morning from 34th/Holden. It has silver Harley-Davidson decals on both side windows and the rear passenger window, plus a Go Cougs decal on the driver’s side. Plate C20333X; the owner notes, “Still had the temp. in the back window, just got the plate on Saturday.” SPD incident # 2022-173230.

PROWLER: Eric emailed to report a prowler at 1 am near 34th/Spokane: “Police were called. When they arrived he was told to leave. Prowler would not leave when told by neighbors. No known theft.” SPD incident # 2022-173033.

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CRIME WATCH: Burglars hit White Center Food Bank – here’s how to help with the recovery
July 6, 2022 10:25 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The White Center Food Bank, which also serves people in south West Seattle, was hit by burglars over the holiday weekend. We got a tip about this on Tuesday and inquired; here’s the info we received today in response:

Over the 4th of July holiday weekend the administrative area of the White Center Food Bank was broken into and burglarized.

We lost computers, tools, grow lights for our garden, headphones, other electronics, and more that we are still trying to sort out.

Please keep an eye out for anyone selling or dumping these items and please let us know at admin@whitecenterfoodbank.org.

This is heartbreaking for a non-profit food bank with the sole intent of serving our neighbors, but we know we will get through it with our community’s support. We are filing an insurance claim, but if you wish to support the recovery of stolen items, we have set up a ‘Theft Recovery Fund’ designation on our donation website: https://whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com

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D1CN, music bingo, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
July 6, 2022 10:03 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Kersti Muul)

Highlights for the hours ahead:

WADING POOLS CLOSED: Cloudy and showery forecast again today, so the city says wading pools won’t open. (But Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm.)

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.

NETWORKING: Wind Down Weekly networking at Junction Plaza Park, presented by Work and Play Lounge, 6-8 pm. (42nd/Alaska)

JAZZ AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: 6:30 pm, it’s Jazz Night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: Department of Neighborhoods director Greg Wong is among the guests at tonight’s 7 pm meeting of the District 1 Community Network, online – find the agenda (with attendance info) in our preview.

MUSIC BINGO AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: First time ever – music bingo at The Good Society, 7-9 pm, prizes! (California/Lander)

KUNDALINI YOGA, MEDITATION, SOUND BATH: New night and location – Inner Alchemy now presents this weekly event at Jet City Labs, 7 pm Wednesdays. (4546 California SW, upstairs)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA x 3: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; also 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); and at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.

Calendar event to add? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Karen Tomisser, 1958-2022
July 6, 2022 9:09 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Karen Tomisser, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

Karen Tomisser left us on June 28, 2022, unexpectedly and much too soon, following a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.

Karen lived a full life of 64 years showing her love, compassion, and generosity and her zest for life. She leaves behind 3 sisters, one of which was her twin sister, a brother, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. Preceded in death were her parents, Edward and Maxine Tomisser, and a sister, Janice Tomisser. She will be missed by all and left a great legacy of love and support to all she knew. Karen also knew it was not the destination that counts but the journey.

Karen grew up in West Seattle, where she lived for over 60 years. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Middle School, and upon graduating from West Seattle High School, she began her lifetime adventures. Karen always was young at heart. After high school, Karen found her niche working in the Kitchen and Bath Industry for Ross Display and Fixture Company for over 25 years. She enjoyed working with her clients to create and remodel dream kitchens and bathrooms for their homes. Desiring a change and new opportunity, Karen began a 7-year career in the grocery chain industry with Safeway, where she made an impact with all her customers and fellow colleagues. She loved many things but more than anything she loved people. Always willing to listen, she connected with people from all walks of life with working with her colleagues as well as friends and of course her family.

Karen had many interests. One of her favorites, when not sharing time with her sisters or nieces and nephews as they were growing up, was her ardent support always as a Seattle sports fan. The Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies were her favorites year-round. Once her niece became a Gonzaga student and alumni, she had to add the Zags basketball too. She loved taking her nieces and nephews to The Mariners and arriving early for the jerseys and bobbleheads always available to the kids on special-occasion games. She followed all her favorite teams with lots of cheering and enthusiasm, especially the year the Seahawks won the Super Bowl!

Karen had a very strong work ethic and when she had time off, she always looked forward to planning an adventure to experience. She took many vacations to Hawaii, a trip to Europe, many Disney adventures, and always a summer excursion to enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Coast. She loved road trips exploring her native Washington State, visiting small towns looking for a unique cafe, bakery, or coffee shop. Traveling was a big enjoyment in Karen’s life as well as combining it with her interest in pop music; she enjoyed attending many concerts of her day with a few live concerts to see Elton John and taking her niece even to Las Vegas to attend a Celine Dion concert. She loved the classic ’70s pop era of music. She always shared her loved interest of many ’70s-era music with younger generations as she did not want them to miss out on some of the best years of good music she cherished. She also loved classic movies and had a fun time introducing them to her nieces to show them what life was like for past teenage generations and had a good laugh with them watching American Graffiti, What’s Up Doc, and when younger shared many Disney favorite films. She was always up on the latest trends keeping her always young at heart and one of the fun aunts to spend time with as she always knew the music of each generation as well as the new styles, loved attending Whirligig and other art exhibits, and festivals in the city and around Washington State. She loved her pets and animals in life and especially inherited her Mom’s love of Boston Bull Terriers. From taking her first baking class at West Seattle High School, cooking and baking were a favorite past time and she always enjoyed searching for new recipes first from all kinds of classes to eventually all the new recipes available on the internet. The holidays were always a great time to celebrate. She would have traditional family recipes and had a good time searching for new recipes to try. She absolutely loved her community of West Seattle, always enjoying reuniting with friends at high school reunions, partaking in Hi-Yu events, hopping on a Ferry boat, and the many times walking on Alki Beach and taking in the beautiful sunsets at Alki and lights of the city.

Karen will be missed by so many. The Tomisser Family wishes to thank the Swedish Oncology and Hospice Team in Seattle who cared for her during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org.

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

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday notes
July 6, 2022 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Wednesday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:25 AM: If you use 4th Ave. S. in SODO – note there’s a big response right now for a flipped-car crash at 4th/Industrial,

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning; welcome to Wednesday, July 6th.

WEATHER

The forecast is similar to yesterday – clouds, chance of rain, high in the 70s.

ROAD WORK

Pavement reconstruction continues on California SW between SW Frontenac and SW Myrtle.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedule; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – and WSF says that probably won’t change before next spring. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

836th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain 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.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way (one of four recently installed cameras, but may be malfunctioning):

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

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

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SUMMER: Alki Art Fair expands to 3 days, announces lineups
July 5, 2022 10:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We mentioned back in the heart of winter that the Alki Art Fair would return this summer – and now with 2 1/2 weeks to go, organizers have gone public with the lineup of artists, musicians, and more. This year, it’s expanded to three days! Here are the basics:

The Alki Art Fair is celebrating our beach-side return with an extended schedule — with Friday being added to the mix of festivities.

Now in its 26th year, this FREE, family-friendly, annual arts-and-music festival brings Alki to life with over 80 professional visual artists, craftspeople and emerging artists. There will be live music, children’s activities, live demonstrations, and local artisan food vendors for everyone to enjoy.

When: Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24

FRIDAY
Artist Booths & Food Vendors: 2-8 pm
LIVE DJ : 4-8 pm

SATURDAY
Artist Booths & Food Vendors: 10 am-6 pm
Live Music: 11 am-8:30 pm

SUNDAY
Artist Booths & Food Vendors: 10 am-6 pm
Live Music: 11 am-5 pm

Event Highlights:
-80+ local artists & crafters selling works in a variety of media including painting, pottery, glass, textiles, metal, jewelry & more. See the full lineup of participating vendors at alkiartfair.org/artists2022

-Live music and performances throughout the weekend on the Bathhouse Stage sponsored by Canna West Culture Shop and Busker Area along the promenade. This year we’re featuring a variety of genres including Brazilian, Jazz, Funk, Pop, Rock and more. See the full lineup and schedule at alkiartfair.org/music-22

-Interactive kid zone hosted by Outer Space Seattle (the galactic indoor playspace for kids of all abilities)
Silent auction in the historic Alki Bathhouse featuring unique items from local artists and businesses

-Local food lineup features a range of sweet, savory, spicy, and delicious options including Dippy’s Ice Cream, Shug’s Soda Fountain, Pop’s Sausage Grill, Simply Kettle, Road Dawg, Blue Elephant, and Moe’s Falafel.

And of course, the year-round Alki restaurants will welcome you too.

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WEDNESDAY: Department of Neighborhoods director @ District 1 Community Network
July 5, 2022 8:35 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Some community groups are on summer hiatus, but not the District 1 Community Network. The coalition of community advocates from West Seattle and South Park is meeting online tomorrow (Wednesday, July 6th) at 7 pm, with a city department head as guest: Greg Wong, director of the Department of Neighborhoods. The DoN’s mission has evolved in recent years, through multiple mayoral administrations, so this is a chance to hear/ask about its focus as Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s first year continues. Also on the D1CN agenda: The Port of Seattle, the West Seattle Dog Park Coalition, and the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s latest feedback in Washington State Ferries‘ dock-replacement process. All are welcome to attend and participate in D1CN meetings; connection info is in the agenda. (Here’s our coverage from D1CN’s conversation with the mayor last month.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Audi
July 5, 2022 7:59 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One more reader report from the inbox tonight – Leif is still looking for this car stolen two weeks ago:

It was taken near Westwood Village on June 20th. It’s a gray 2014 Audi S5 two-door coupe, license # BVX4687, SPD incident # is 2022-157621.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing followup; car prowl; dumped-likely-stolen bicycle
July 5, 2022 5:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing followup; car prowl; dumped-likely-stolen bicycle
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STABBING FOLLOWUP: Last night we briefly noted a dispatch for a woman stabbed in the arm at California/Alaska, but had no information on circumstances. Today we have the preliminary summary report from SPD, which says a man called 911 to say he had stabbed a woman after an argument. He said he was upset with the woman because she was making noise banging a pole with a metal rod. He told her to “shut up” and then tried to take away the rod. At that point, the summary says, “During the entanglement, the (man) cut the victim with his pocket-knife, causing an approximately 4-inch laceration on her arm.” She was taken to a hospital and he was taken to jail. The 21-year-old suspect is still there as of minutes ago; he does not appear to have a criminal record, either misdemeanor or felony,

CAR PROWL: Reader report via email:

July 4th, around 3 am. Car prowler was spotted with security cameras on 41st Ave SW between Hudson steps and Dawson.

One car that we know of was broken into and damaged. The thief/thieves were gone before we were aware of their presence to say hello.

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN KID BICYCLE: Thanks to Suzanne for the report:

In alley between 49th/50th in 4800 block. East side of alley across from small metal shed.

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BIZNOTE: Zippy’s Giant Burgers closing after 14 years – ‘heartbreaking is a monumental understatement’
July 5, 2022 2:12 pm
|      105 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

zippycrew.jpg

(WSB photo from Zippy’s opening day in 2008)

In May 2008, punk rocker Blaine “Zippy” Cook (above right) opened a hole-in-the-wall burger joint in Highland Park and drew a crowd. They followed him to a bigger space in White Center three years later. But now – Zippy’s Giant Burgers has just emailed some giant news: They’re closing. Here’s the announcement:

It is with heavy hearts that we are closing Zippy’s Giant Burgers after 14 years. Sadly, our last day of business will be Sunday, July 10th, 2022.

To say this decision is heartbreaking is a monumental understatement. Over the last two years, we have done everything we could to try to keep Zippy’s open for business. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, all of our efforts have been thwarted.

Our issues are no different from those we’ve all heard about with other businesses closing recently; staffing, inflation, and an unreasonable landlord are the contributing factors that ultimately led us to this decision.

Zippy’s will be open (staffing permitting) the following days:

Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday noon – 8 pm

Heartfelt thanks to the community for supporting us from our humble beginnings in Highland Park to the current location over the last 14 years. It was a good run.

Blaine, Rahel and Jesse

For newcomers, Zippy’s original location was at 16th/Holden, where Wanna Burger/Teriyaki is now. Its current White Center location at 9614 14th SW was previously a halal restaurant among other things; they added more space two years after the move. Zippy’s also had a Georgetown location from 2014 to 2018.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: City changes plan for Delridge station recommendation
July 5, 2022 12:33 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | Transportation | West Seattle news

One month after a City Council committee got its first look at which West Seattle/Ballard light-rail routing/station alternatives were proposed for official city support – as covered here – there’s been a big change. At its meeting this morning, the Transportation and Utilities Committee voted unanimously for amended city-supported recommendations – including no preference for the Delridge station location.

(Light-rail discussion starts 33 minutes in)

As we reported last month, the draft recommendations included support for the alternative known as DEL-6, which was a late addition to what Sound Transit decided to study in the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Much recent concern centered on two specific facilities that DEL-6 could take out – the Alki Beach Academy child-care center in the business park off SW Andover, and Transitional Resources supportive housing for people living with mental illness, most of whom had previously been homeless. The amended resolution passed today says the city can’t support a “preferred alternative” for the Delridge station because of inadequate study of those effects. Bottom line, there’s “no clear community consensus” for a Delridge option, West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold said during this morning’s meeting. Here’s the Delridge-related language in the amendment:

The resolution did not change the other two alternatives recommended for city support in this leg of ST light rail (currently expected to open in 2032) – the WSJ-5 “medium tunnel” option for The Junction, with an underground 41st SW station and a “retained cut” Avalon station, and a south Duwamish River crossing (DUW-1a). However, as pointed out during the meeting, the city recommendations are just recommendations – the decision on which alternatives to pursue for the final EIS and then the construction decision are wholly up to the Sound Transit Board. Its next vote is expected on July 28th, and board committees will talk about it before then, including the ST Executive Committee this Thursday (July 7th), 10:30 am. It’s a hybrid meeting; the agenda explains how to sign up for public comment, either online or in-person.

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VACCINATION: Two more West Seattle clinic dates for under-5-year-olds
July 5, 2022 11:26 am
|    Comments Off on VACCINATION: Two more West Seattle clinic dates for under-5-year-olds
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Still looking for a COVID vaccination appointment for a now-eligible baby/toddler/preschooler, or a booster appointment for an older child? Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) has just announced two more clinic dates – Monday, July 18th, 2 pm-5 pm, and Monday, August 22nd, 2 pm-5 pm – “for the first and second doses for patients between the ages of 6 months and 4 years (Moderna), as well as booster doses for patients between the ages of 5 and 11 years (Pfizer). These clinics will be open to both patients and non-patients at Neighborhood Naturopathic at 5410 California Ave SW, Suite 203. We ask that anyone interested call ahead to schedule: 206-486-8383.” The last clinics they announced booked up quickly, so if you’re interested, you might want to call sooner rather than later.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: Here’s what’s ahead
July 5, 2022 10:39 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Pond lily in West Seattle, photographed by Tom Trulin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, inbox, and archives, here’s what’s scheduled for the hours ahead:

WADING POOLS & SPRAYPARK OPEN: Sunbreaks and 70+ temperatures expected today, so the city says wading pools will open. That means EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), both noon-7 pm. Also, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open 11 am-8 pm.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Hybrid meeting (online and in-person at City Hall) at 2 pm; here’s the agenda. Watch live here.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly 4:30-6 pm sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.

TRIVIA X 3: Three of the venues where you can play tonight – 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!

See more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SUMMER: Free Shakespeare returns to West Seattle parks with GreenStage, starting Friday
July 5, 2022 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

We’ve been talking about all kinds of outdoor summer fun returning this year – festivals, concerts, parades, movies – and there’s more: Outdoor theater! GreenStage is back with free Shakespeare in the Park – including 11 performances in 3 West Seattle parks, starting this Friday! First, the general announcement!

FREE Shakespeare in the Park!

Get ready for a summer full of family fun and FREE theater in the great outdoors all across Seattle-area parks. GreenStage, Seattle’s longest-operating Shakespeare company, celebrates its 34th season of Shakespeare in the Park with mainstage shows “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” and “Henry V,” and our scaled-down Backyard Bard shows “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Macbeth.”

The season runs July 8 –August 6. Visit greenstage.org for our full calendar and where we’ll be. Go see a play!

As shown on the GreenStage calendar, the West Seattle performances are:
7 pm Friday, July 8th – “Much Ado About Nothing” (Backyard Bard) at High Point Commons Park (3201 SW Graham)
7 pm Saturday, July 9th – “Macbeth” (Backyard Bard) at High Point Commons Park
7 pm Friday, July 15 – “Henry V” at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
3 pm Saturday, July 16 – “Henry V” at Lincoln Park
7 pm Saturday, July 16 – “Pericles” at Lincoln Park
3 pm Sunday, July 17 – “Pericles” at Lincoln Park
7 pm Sunday, July 17 – “Henry V” at Lincoln Park
7 pm Friday, July 22 – “Pericles” at Camp Long (5200 35th SW)
7 pm Friday, July 29 – “Henry V” at Camp Long
3 pm Sunday, July 31 – “Henry V” at Lincoln Park
7 pm Sunday, July 31 – “Pericles” at Lincoln Park

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday
July 5, 2022 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:50 AM: The light at 59th/Admiral is flashing, according to a caller, who says it’s been reported to SDOT.

=============

6:01 AM: Good morning; welcome to the heart of summer, between Independence Day and Labor Day – it’s Tuesday, July 5th.

WEATHER

The forecast sounds a lot like Monday – partly sunny, 70ish.

ROAD WORK

Pavement reconstruction continues on California SW between SW Frontenac and SW Myrtle.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedule; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – and WSF says that probably won’t change before next spring. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

835th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain 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.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way (one of four recently installed cameras, but may be malfunctioning):

Highland Park Way/Holden:

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

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

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

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WEST SEATTLE FOURTH OF JULY: Traffic alert and other night notes
July 4, 2022 10:08 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:08 PM: For the next few hours, we’ll be tracking emergency dispatches and other notes. First, two texters say Harbor Avenue-bound traffic is being blocked at/near the 5-way – we don’t have confirmation but suspect this is likely the diversion police have used in past years, when Harbor gets too jammed close to fireworks time.

So far tonight, no fires on the SFD log for West Seattle, fireworks or otherwise. We have heard some SPD dispatches for fireworks concerns such as “sparks landing on neighbor’s roof.” More updates ahead ..

10:23 PM: Via text and email, we’re told the diversion is happening up on Admiral too.

10:52 PM: Lake Union fireworks are over – per police managing crowds and traffic in the Lake Union vicinity – so Alki/Harbor should empty out soon. Meantime, we received this short email from Dee, addressed to “West Seattle/Fauntleroy Neighbors” – Dee writes, “We live 2 blocks up from the beach and do NOT enjoy your July 4 fireworks….so, please stop it.” Up here on the Gateleroy line, it’s been pretty constant for a few hours, but the pre-4th nights were quieter than past years (except for somebody in the Lincoln Park vicinity last night).

11:19 PM: Shared by Kevin Freitas via Twitter, a time-lapse view of the Lake Union fireworks:

Meantime, we have a bit of info about a “scenes of violence” SFD dispatch about an hour ago at California/Alaska. Initial dispatch said it was a woman possibly stabbed in the arm. SFD tells us a woman in her 60s was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. We don’t have info on the circumstances.

11:36 PM: We’ve had our first actual fire dispatch of the night – “dumpster fire” in the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way about 10 minutes ago. Just one engine. Don’t know if fireworks-related.

12:40 AM: Second fire call of the night – “illegal burn” at 11th/Webster. Also, just now, a police dispatch to the 6000 block of 31st SW, for a report of fireworks being set off by someone’s door. … A few minutes after that, an “FYI” type of dispatch – not assigned to any specific unit – “a report of fireworks being lit off at Westcrest Park.” (We were there long before sunset and saw/heard some of that.)

1:14 AM: Now a police dispatch to Alki for fireworks.

1:35 AM: Getting quiet out there, at least where we are. In Arbor Heights, there’s now a dispatch to an address near 45th SW and SW 100th, for “report of a trash-can fire in a driveway.”

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FOURTH OF JULY: WSB West Seattle Lost/Found Pets page reminder
July 4, 2022 7:50 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Pets | West Seattle news

Just a reminder before nightfall that if you lose or find a pet amid tonight’s likely fireworks noise (or any other time), WSB has had a West Seattle Lost/Found Pets page for almost 15 years. Just send the info – with a photo if you have one – including a contact #, and the area in which you lost/found the pet, to westseattleblog@gmail.com. If you don’t have access to email, you can also text the info to our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302. (At right is a wholehearted supporter of this message, our newest WSB “shop cat,” Sullivan, a 4-year-old rescue tuxedo cat.)

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UPDATE: 5 hurt in 16th/Myrtle crash
July 4, 2022 5:15 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

5:15 PM: Thanks for the tip. On our way to 16th/Myrtle to find out more.

5:25 PM: Just arrived north of the crash scene. 16th is blocked both ways.

5:35 PM: 2 vehicles, 5 people hurt but no major injuries. Police believe the SUV driver was speeding, northbound, and trying to ‘get around’ the other vehicle when the collision happened. (Residents on this stretch of 16th have long been fighting for something to be done about speeding.)

6:28 PM: The scene is clear.

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade returns
July 4, 2022 1:57 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO, PHOTOS: West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade returns
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Our video shows the entirety of this morning’s West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, whose hundreds of participants strolled and rolled through North Admiral streets this morning. Like many other summer traditions, this one was back for the first time since 2019. Organizers Nicole Lutomski and Megan Erb welcomed the crowd at the 44th/Sunset starting point before 12-year-old Sloane Pothier sang the National Anthem:

The forecast delivered on the “partly sunny” promise as the parade wound west, south, and east across several blocks before crossing California and heading into Hamilton Viewpoint Park:

(That’s Michaela as Lady Liberty.) At the park, parade sponsors offered kids’ activities:

Among this year’s sponsors, the Hogan family from longtime WSB sponsor Dream Dinners-West Seattle (we caught up with them pre-parade):

Sack races at the park were announced by another parade sponsor, State Sen. Joe Nguyen. The races were held in age groups – from the littlest kids all the way up to grownups!

Also at the park, one more sponsored feature of value – longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction bankrolled the porta-potties!

P.S. This is West Seattle’s only Fourth of July parade – but not its only parade – next one is the West Seattle Grand Parade, along California SW from The Admiral District to The Junction, 11 am Saturday, July 23rd.

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Person dies in Junction alley (Tuesday update)
July 4, 2022 12:24 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

12:24 PM: Thanks for the tips about the police/fire response in the alley east of the 4500 block of 44th SW in The Junction around 11 am, just east of Wells Fargo. Police told us the call came in as a person down, and the person had died. Archived emergency-radio audio indicates someone was trying to perform CPR before responders arrived, and SFD continued trying, but the person could not be revived. It’ll be up to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death. No other info so far.

ADDED MONDAY: We doublechecked with police today, and they reiterate that so far, there’s “nothing suspicious” about the death. The ME’s Office has not yet released a name or cause of death. The person who tried to save him and initially called 911 described the person as a man.

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WHALES: Humpback sighting off West Seattle (evening update)
July 4, 2022 9:28 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

9:28 AM: Thanks to Carl Furfaro for the report – a humpback whale breaching off Lincoln Park, just south of Colman Pool, less than an hour ago. Let us know if you see it!

7:43 PM: Just got two notes (thanks to Gary and Andrew!) that it’s been seen in the Alki Point/Constellation Park vicinity, southbound.

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Here’s what you need to know as Fourth of July 2022 begins in West Seattle
July 4, 2022 6:07 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news


(WSB file photo)

Happy Independence Day!

First, transportation info:

TRANSIT: Metro is on a “Sunday with extra late-night service” schedule … The West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule (Vashon is not running) … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is on a Sunday schedule … Sound Transit‘s holiday plans are listed here.

TRAFFIC CAMS: Check them on this WSB page; for other areas of the city, see the SDOT Travelers’ Map.

Holiday happenings:

FLAGS IN THE JUNCTION: Still room for more volunteer help putting them up and/or taking them down – 9 am and/or 4 pm, meet on northeast corner of California/Alaska.

4TH OF JULY KIDS’ PARADE:Be part of West Seattle’s only 4th of July parade! Starts at 10 am from 44th/Sunset [map] and travels west, then east, across a few North Admiral blocks before concluding at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW) with sack races and kids’ activities. Here’s our preview.

BARBECUE & MUSIC AT THE BEACH: From Chef Gino Williamson of TheHomeSkillit.com:

I will be cooking Caribbean Barbecue on the beach (Alki) and I have a four-piece live band playing old school and Caribbean beach music. Everyone in the community is welcome to come and have a good time with us and rock out. All the proceeds will go to my Foundation feed the Street Seattle and we will be feeding homeless people and Pioneer Square with all of the proceeds and the funds that we receive on 4th of July. (Food 10 am-10 pm, music 4 pm-10 pm)

4TH OF JULY BASEBALL: The DubSea Fish Sticks semipro summer team are back home for the holiday, 11:05 am vs. Diamond Sports at Steve Cox Memorial Park. Ticket info here. (1321 SW 102nd)

PARKS & POOLS: Here’s the city list of what’s open and what’s not.

Interested in holiday shopping?

AVALON GLASSWORKS: This Luna Park shop/studio’s famous “art-glass seconds” sale is back, 10 am-2 pm today. (2914 SW Avalon Way)

Looking for beverages?

C & P COFFEE’S OPEN: The coffee shop (and longtime WSB sponsor) at 5612 California SW emailed us to say they’re open 7 am-5 pm today.

THE BEER JUNCTION’S OPEN: Also via email, “The Beer Junction will be open on Monday, July 4th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm for pints, growlers, or beers to go. Last call for pours and growlers at the bar is 3:30 pm.” (4511 California SW)

And tonight …

SEATTLE’S BIGGEST FIREWORKS SHOW: Only one major show within city limits, and that’s the Seafair Summer Fourth at Lake Union. You can usually see much of the show from certain north-facing spots in West Seattle, including Hamilton Viewpoint, Belvedere Park/Viewpoint, and much of Harbor Avenue, including Seacrest Park. Don’t show up at the last minute unless you’re on foot – parking fills up early just about everywhere with a view. The show starts around 10:20 pm. (It’ll be live on KONG-TV, too.)

NO THREE TREE POINT FIREWORKS: If you’re in southwest West Seattle, you might be wondering – but no, the waterfront neighborhood in Burien is NOT bringing in a fireworks barge this year.

WE’RE ON DUTY TODAY – 24/7/365 as always, so if you have a news tip, please text/call 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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