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West Seattle Art Walk’s holiday edition, city chat about the future, more for your Thursday
December 8, 2022 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk’s holiday edition, city chat about the future, more for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Throughout the week, we’ve previewed some of the big events ahead – now, our list is one last reminder of what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday:

(WSB photo – some of the trees up for bids tonight)

FESTIVAL OF TREES AUCTION: Today’s your last chance to see the dozen-plus decorated, donated trees and wreaths on display at Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW) before 5 pm, and if you like one (or more) consider bidding for it in the Rotary Service Foundation‘s benefit silent auction tonight, 6-8 pm (RSVP to kjersti@strouplegal.com).

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UPS: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the Pecos Pit (WSB sponsor) truck will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.

HOLIDAY ART WALK: Art, music, carolers, Santa … it’s a holly-jolly night all around the peninsula for this West Seattle Art Walk night, particularly in The Junction, 5 pm “till late” – details are in our preview from last night.

THE ART OF MUSIC: Three performances this month, in North Admiral, The Junction, and Morgan Junction, 6-7:45 pm.Go here to see who’s performing where,

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE: As previewed here, tonight at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Brockey Center, 6-8 pm, come hear and talk about the city’s future planning of housing, transportation, and more for the next 20 years.

PUBLIC-SCHOOL FUNDING & YOU: Talk and hear about it at a special presentation coordinated by the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund, online at 7 pm.

OPEN MIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7 pm, open mic for musicians of all genres at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CHOIR CONCERT: 7 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle), singers and musicians from CSIHS and adjacent Denny International Middle School will perform. Free admission (but donations always appreciated).

ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Tonight at 7:30 pm, the third week begins for “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.

Have something to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HOLIDAY HELP: Bake extra cookies for The Christmas People
December 8, 2022 9:58 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, early cookie dropoffs last year)

Many ways you can help this holiday season – see the ongoing list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – but only one like this: The Christmas People are again requesting home-baked cookies for the holiday meals they’ll be serving to people in need in King County. It’s their 24th year and they’re hoping for 7,000 cookies – home-baked, NOT purchased. Two dropoff spots, one in West Seattle, the other not far:

Drop cookies off at West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, [update] Thursday, December 22nd through Saturday, December 24th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Cookies may also be dropped off at our headquarters, Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 E. Marginal Way South, Thursday, December 22 thru Sunday, December 25th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Questions? Contact Fred Hutchinson, 206-719-4979, or Ruth Bishop, 509-961-7736.

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WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle
December 8, 2022 9:06 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

9:06 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – orcas southbound from Alki Point.

9:52 AM: Kersti says in a comment below that they’re now all the way to The Arroyos, and that they’re Southern Residents- K-Podl

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TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Thursday info
December 8, 2022 6:03 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, December 8th.

WEATHER

More rain in the forecast, high in the 40s.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

-No timeline yet for Metro to get those 126 buses back in service, so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions. 6:50 AM: Metro just announced routes including 55, 56, 57, 121, and 125 are suspended again today. 11:19 AM: Metro now says it’s restored most PM commute service for the 55, 56, 57, and 125.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule this morning.

-WSF’s Triangle Route is too – check here for alerts/updates.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

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

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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VIDEO: Tuneful fundraiser for Madison Middle School at Mission Cantina
December 7, 2022 11:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local businesses and community supporters harmonized tonight at Mission Cantina in The Admiral District to raise money for music at Madison Middle School.

Two bands from the School of Rock headlined the dine-out benefit for Madison Music Boosters, during which Mission donated 20 percent of proceeds. Also to raise money, two musical instruments were raffled that Mission’s Peter Morse bought at a discount from Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop (both WSB sponsors) to donate:

Here’s how the Madison Music Boosters help – that’s also where to donate if you want to help too.

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PREVIEW: Santa, carolers, more at West Seattle Art Walk’s holiday edition Thursday
December 7, 2022 8:55 pm
|    Comments Off on PREVIEW: Santa, carolers, more at West Seattle Art Walk’s holiday edition Thursday
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Tomorrow, music accompanies the West Seattle Art Walk in multiple ways! It’s the holiday edition, so The Silver Belles (WSB file photo above) will be roaming The Junction with their sassy take on Christmas songs. That’s happening 6-8 pm, along with Santa on the move too (available for selfies!). And The Art of Music brings three live performances to the Art Walk this time, 6 pm-7:45 pm – Katrina Kope at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), Marco de Carvalho at Zeeks Pizza (6459 California SW), and Susan Burke at The Nook (2206 California SW) – read about all three here. For an Art Walk overview, here’s the list/map of fourth-quarter venues, including food/beverage establishments where you’ll find specials if you stop by during the WSAW window (5 pm “till late”):

As for the art, many venues welcome you in to meet the artists – here are four of them!

MEET DESMOND HANSEN: West Seattle’s prolific muralist will be at Canna West Culture Shop (5435 California SW) 5-8 pm.

WONDROUS WHALES: 5-8 pm at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) in North Admiral, meet Brittany Noelle, founding/principal artist of PNW Orca Pod Squad Photography, showing her wildlife photos. (And if you’re moved to buy any of her work, she’s donating 5% this year to West Seattle-based educational nonprofit Killer Whale Tales!)

SEE TREES: 5-8 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), the featured artist is Kevin Ducoing, who says: “Lately, my work has been focusing on the trees in our neighborhood, and how trees –even a single tree– transforms a neighborhood into something quite different.”

CHOCOLATE AT CAPERS: Starting at 5 pm, meet artists Magdalena Cooney and Ricardo Duque – and taste chocolate – at CAPERS (4511 California SW).

The full preview is on the Art Walk website.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Joyful view
December 7, 2022 7:54 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Joyful view
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Blanca for tonight’s photo – another well-lit balcony, this time in North Admiral, on the west side of California SW just south of Hamilton Viewpoint. Photos and/or tips appreciated all season long at westseattleblog@gmail.com – what we’ve shown so far (plus past years) is scrollable in this WSB archive.

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South Seattle College announces longtime educator Dr. Jean Hernandez as interim president
December 7, 2022 5:47 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Back in October, we reported on Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, who had been South Seattle College president for four years, becoming Seattle Colleges interim chancellor. Now SSC has announced its new interim president:

Dr. Jean Hernandez, an educational leader with nearly four decades of experience, has joined South Seattle College as interim president through the current academic year. The position opened when Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, SSC’s former president, became interim chancellor of the Seattle Colleges District.

Hernandez retired from Edmonds College with the title of president emeritus in 2017 after serving seven years as president. She has earlier connections to SSC, including serving as vice president of instruction and a prior stint as interim president in 2010. More recently, Hernandez has supported SSC in improving student success as a Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Guided Pathways coach.

“I have experienced the heart and soul of South Seattle College and am honored to serve as interim president and offer a sturdy bridge to continue the many exceptional educational and community services that we offer,” said Hernandez. “I am passionate about the college’s collective impact on student lives through educational programs that lead to high-wage employment, career mobility and flourishing communities.”

Over a 37-year career, Hernandez has extensive experience at both community colleges and universities. She is known as a student success champion who is strongly committed to removing barriers for students from K-12 through their higher education years. In particular, she has worked to advance women in the STEM fields, address education reform for students who are in prison, and developed successful partnerships with both industry and community organizations.

“As a first-generation college graduate and Latina, I can identify with the diverse backgrounds of many of our students, and I am proud to work with colleagues who are committed to changing lives on a daily basis. South Seattle is the community’s college, enriching its growth with a talented, trained workforce,” said Hernandez. “We are dedicated to uplifting our surrounding communities, including West Seattle, White Center, Burien, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley and beyond.”

Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from the University of North Texas, as well as a Doctor of Education from the University of Washington. Since 2018, she has worked as a leadership coach for Achieving the Dream and a guided pathways coach for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. She currently serves on the Western Governors University Washington Advisory Board, Junior Achievement Washington Board, and University of Colorado Denver, School of Education Program Advisory Committee.

South Seattle College’s main campus is on Puget Ridge in West Seattle, with a satellite campus in Georgetown.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Opening date set for Driftwood, new restaurant/bar on Alki
December 7, 2022 4:00 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Preview photos provided by Driftwood)

We first told you in June about the plan for Driftwood, the restaurant/bar on the way to the former Alki Beach Pub space. West Seattle-residing co-proprietors Dan Mallahan and Jackie Mallahan have just announced that they plan to open Driftwood on Thursday, January 5th. Dan Mallahan is executive chef, developing a menu that the announcement says “will feature shared plates, mains, and desserts including items such as Whistling Train Farm’s whole roasted honey-bear squash, cider poached pear, house feta and pumpkin seeds, Structures Brewing steamed local clams with glazed pork belly and buttered turnips from Little Big Farm, and Mama’s apple cake with poached star king apples from Collins Family Orchards, spiced pecan, goat cheese, and burnt-sugar bourbon gastrique.” The “coastal cocktails” and beer/wine will have a local/regional emphasis, too.

Stats: “The 2,200 SF space will seat 48, including bar seating and special water-view counter space, and will offer additional seasonal outdoor seating for up to 22. The patio will offer semi-private dining for groups of up to 16.” 

They’ve already started taking online reservations for Driftwood, which is at 2722 Alki SW and will be open 5-10 pm Thursdays through Mondays.

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FOLLOWUP: Metro suspending some routes for the rest of the day; more details on sidelined buses
December 7, 2022 3:02 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

3:02 PM: In the wake of the removal of 126 buses from service – as first reported here last night – Metro has just announced it’s suspending some routes for the rest of today. They’re not all in West Seattle, but we’re publishing the full list in case others affect you off-peninsula: 9, 15, 17, 18, 29, 55, 56, 57, 64, 111, 114, 121, 125, 162, 177, 214, 301, 304 & 330. However, Metro adds this caveat, “Due to the fluid nature of the situation, a small number of trips may run on routes that are temporarily suspended.” Meantime, we’re still awaiting answers to some follow-up questions about the bus-removal situation.

4 PM UPDATE: Just got some answers, from Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer. Regarding which buses specifically:

Out of 1,500 total buses, the New Flyer models affected include 39 of the Xcelsior 6200 articulated (60-ft) coaches in our fleet and 64 of the Xcelsior 8200 articulated (60-ft) coaches in our fleet. Those coaches have been temporarily pulled from service. We want to emphasize all of the coaches on the road have been inspected and confirmed safe. Additionally, there are a few other identified buses: two 3700 (35-ft) coaches, six 4300 trolleys, six 8000 articulated (60-ft) coaches, three 8100 articulated (60-ft) coaches and six 9600 articulated (60-ft) coaches.

Regarding how they’re deciding which trips to cancel/routes to suspend:

Per our usual practice, we’re prioritizing service on high-ridership trips, the first and last trips of the day, school trips and trips late at night. In some places peak commuter routes are being fully cancelled, and Metro is in process of developing information to provide on alternative routes for those customers.

Regarding how the repairs will be made:

This problem was only recently identified and we’re working closely with the manufacture to determine the best approach. The expectation is that some or all of the work will be done at our bases with the equipment supplied by New Flyer. There is no timeline yet for when the work will be completed.

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TOMORROW: Learn about public-school funding and PTA fundraising
December 7, 2022 1:59 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: Learn about public-school funding and PTA fundraising
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you haven’t already seen this in our calendar – an online event tomorrow night (Thursday, December 8) offers a chance to learn about public-school funding and PTA fundraising – here’s the announcement, including how to get involved in a wider community effort even if you can’t attend Thursday’s event:

West Seattle Public School Equity Fund, a new grassroots, parent-driven equity fund, is hosting a community learning session about public-school funding and PTA fundraising with Vivian van Gelder, Advocacy and Policy Manager for SESEC (South East Seattle Education Coalition).

Founded by local public school parents Andrea Dimond, Shannon Woodard, and Kristen Corning Bedford, the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund (WSPSEF) is a community-wide effort to equitably fund our neighborhood schools, recognizing the historical impact of redlining and systemic racism continues to have on individual school PTA resources.

Last spring, the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund made its inaugural round of fundshifting across West Seattle grade school and K8 PTAs. Contributions from four PTAs in the amount of $20,916 were distributed to 5 schools across the neighborhood. The Advisory Committee is made up of parents and teachers from Concord Elementary, Gatewood Elementary, Genesee Hill Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, Lafayette Elementary, Pathfinder K8, Roxhill Elementary, Sanislo Elementary, and West Seattle Elementary. They used OSPI’s Washington State Report Card data on Enrollment of Underserved Groups and SPS Equity Tiers to make their determination.

“I loved seeing how this whole experience brought our West Seattle elementary school community closer together,” commented Andrea Dimond. “The partnership between participating schools goes beyond fundshifting, as evidenced by the recent launch of the West Seattle Elementary’s PTO, which was an effort supported by the WSPSEF Advisory Committee members through shared resources and knowledge. I’m excited that we’re on track to double our fundshifting next year as well as continue to build relationships and learn together.”

How to Participate:

Attend the learning session on public school funding and PTA fundraising with Vivian van Gelder, Thursday, December 8th, 7-8:15pm, online. All are welcome. Register here.

If you have a student at one of the West Seattle public grade schools, including K8, and would like more information about how your school can participate, please email hello@wspsequityfund.org, or reach out to your school PTA.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Four felony charges for man accused of shooting at police in West Seattle
December 7, 2022 11:56 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Last Thursday night, we took that photo outside the Bank of America at Westwood Village after texts about a police response there. Officers said only that it was a domestic situation. We now know it was more than that – it was the arrest of a man just charged with four felonies, one of which was indeed domestic-violence assault, another of which involved shooting at least 16 rounds at police officers in South Delridge. We reported the arrest here and the original incident here. The defendant is 26-year-old Kevin Flores Reyes of South Seattle, charged Tuesday with first-degree assault, second-degree domestic-violence assault, attempting to elude police, and unlawful gun possession.

Prosecutors say this all first came to police’s attention around 12:35 am November 19, when Flores Reyes’s ex-girlfriend called from Morgan Junction to say he was chasing her in his car and flashing a gun. They weren’t able to catch up with her until she was home in South Delridge; they saw his car driving by, left to try to catch up with him, were unable to, and went back to finish talking with her. 40 minutes later, case documents say, calls started coming in to 911 about shots fired in South Delridge. Police responding to check that out heard more shots themselves, and soon spotted Flores Reyes’s car near his ex-girlfriend’s residence. They pursued him, the narrative continues:

… as he drove southbound on 16 Av SW from SW Henderson St at a speed of about 60 mph. They pursued as Flores Reyes turned eastbound on SW Roxbury St at speeds up to 70 mph in posted 25 mph zones, northbound on 8th Av SW, westbound on SW Henderson St, southbound in an alley west of 16 Av SW until he stopped and exited the vehicle on 17 Av SW just north of SW Barton St. Flores Reyes began running north on 17 Av SW firing rounds back toward officers …

Bullets hit at least three cars and narrowly missed one officer’s leg; the documents say “16 fired cartridge casings were recovered.” However, Flores Reyes got away.

Three days later, police got back results of a test on the recovered 9mm casings and learned they matched casings recovered after gunfire October 4th at Westcrest Park – with the same victim; she was unhurt but her car was damaged by bullets. The court document notes at this point that Flores Reyes cannot legally possess a gun because he has a felony conviction (from an assault case, different victims, in 2016). So with all that, a warrant was issued for his arrest on November 22nd, and nine days later, law-enforcement personnel with the US Marshal’s Task Force arrested him at Westwood Village as mentioned above. He remains in jail, with bail set at $750,000.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: 9 notes
December 7, 2022 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: 9 notes
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar, here are notes for the rest of today/tonight:

DONATION DRIVE FOR TREEHOUSE CONCLUDES: Last day for one of the donation drives we’re spotlighting in our Holiday Guide – toys and other gifts for foster youth served by Treehouse, collected at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HISTORY HOUR: Pearl Harbor Day author presentation at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1 pm.

JAZZ AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: 6:30 pm with piano and bass, (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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

(One of the Fauntleroy UCC trees – photo provided by Judy Pickens)

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: First of three Wednesday nights when you can visit Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW) 7-8 pm to see a dozen creatively decorated trees!

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: Monthly showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: At 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm trivia at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.

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

Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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MYSTERY: Recognize the people in this photo?
December 7, 2022 9:55 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

If you do, you might be able to get some photos back to the people they belong to. Sent by Junction True Value:

We found a stack of photos behind True Value. We would like to get them back to the owners. If anyone knows these people, please reach out to Elwood or Rebecca @ the store.

Contact info is here.

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Celebration of Life planned December 28 for Clara R. Dempsey, 1931-2022
December 7, 2022 9:09 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather December 28 to remember Clara R. Dempsey. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community:

Clara Dempsey
March 31, 1931 – September 10, 2022

Clara Romola Dempsey passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 10th at Mt. Saint Vincent nursing home.

Born in Seattle March 1, 1931, to Norwegian immigrants Sigurd and Karen Thuen. Clara spent her entire life in Seattle, growing up in Madison Park and West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1949

Clara married Robert (Bob) Dempsey on June 6, 1953, in Seattle, raising their three children in West Seattle. She worked in retail at Rhodes Department Store and Johnson’s Apparel and in the annuities department at Safeco Insurance, from which she retired to travel with Bob and enjoy her grandchildren. She spent many years fundraising as a member of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Fauntleroy Guild. She was a friend to many who appreciated her kind heart and sassiness.

Clara was a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners and enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She loved family gatherings, hosting many of them, and activities with her Seattle Police Family.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Robert Dempsey Sr. She is survived by her children: Kathie (Steve) Itter, Bob Jr. (Tobi), and Mike; four grandchildren: Sean (Kali) Dempsey, Hayley (Jared) Griffin, Katy (Chase) Itter, and Michaella Dempsey (Taylor Schulze); and five great-grandchildren: Ronan and Finnley Dempsey, Tyson, Ashe, and Landon Griffin.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 11:00 a.m. December 28th at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle, followed by a reception at The Lodge at Camp Long. Remembrances may be made to Clara’s favorite charity, Seattle Children’s Hospital.

(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, WEATHER: Wednesday info
December 7, 2022 6:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, December 7th.

WEATHER

High in the 40s, cloudy with a chance of rain as well as some possible sun.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

-If you’re using Metro, keep a closer watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations – as reported here last night, more than 100 buses had to be taken out of service.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule this morning.

-WSF’s Triangle Route is too – check here for alerts/updates.

ROAD-WORK ALERT

SDOT crews are continuing speed-hump wrk on Harbor and Alki Avenues. As of last night, four of the six planned sets are in place – one in the Seacrest vicinity is shown in the SDOT photo above.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

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

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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BUSES: Check before you go, Metro warns – trips canceled after ‘defect’ sidelines 126 buses
December 6, 2022 8:05 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

First Metro had to deal with a staffing shortage. Now it has to deal with a temporary equipment shortage. We learned about this after a tip from Ian, who reported the driver on his RapidRide C Line trip late today made an announcement about a safety concern taking some buses out of service. We asked Metro about it, and they subsequently published this post, which explains:

… After two Metro operators identified a manufacturing issue in the steering system in some vehicles, Metro proactively removed 126 buses from service out of its 1,500-vehicle fleet. The identified problem did not lead to any accidents or injuries. Metro inspected all its buses to ensure all vehicles in service continue to perform safely and within specifications. We apologize and ask for your patience as some bus trips are being canceled and we adjust plans to keep you moving. …

The agency is coordinating with New Flyer, the manufacturer of the affected buses, who has already been on site to work toward resolving the issue. There is not yet a timeline for when the work will be completed and supply chain challenges may introduce delays. The defect does not extend to all New Flyer buses and many remain in service.

Metro advises using its planning tools to see how this might affect your trips.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sparkling by the standpipe
December 6, 2022 7:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Tonight’s featured West Seattle Christmas lights are across SW Charlestown from what’s known as the “water tower” but is officially a “standpipe.” It’s a corner house with a lights-laden yard, and decorations all the way up to the roof.

Even a show of sport support:

You can see all these lights at 40th/Charlestown. We’re continuing to scout, but tips much appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time – thank you! See what we’ve already shown this year (and in years past) in this WSB archive.

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FOLLOWUP: Delridge pedestrian bridge will remain, get retrofit
December 6, 2022 5:27 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Back in August 2021, the city announced it was considering removing the Delridge/Oregon pedestrian overpass instead of reinforcing it to make it more earthquake-resistant. Feedback opportunities ensued. Today, the final decision was announced – the bridge will stay, and will get a seismic retrofit. The announcement came in the newest email update on preparations for next year’s RapidRide H Line launch:

We will seismically retrofit the Delridge Pedestrian Bridge. Construction will begin in 2024.

The Delridge Pedestrian Bridge is a high priority for a seismic retrofit, which will make the bridge safer in events like earthquakes. Over the past year, we’ve been exploring whether we should remove the bridge or seismically retrofit it.

After we installed a community-requested crosswalk and walk signal as part of the Delridge Way SW – RapidRide H Line project at SW Oregon St, we considered if making the pedestrian bridge earthquake-safe and continuing ongoing maintenance was still the right approach.

Removing the bridge would save current and future costs. With the new signal and crosswalk offering a new way to get across the street, we thought community members might find the pedestrian bridge to be unnecessary.

However, Seattle’s older bridges continue to be used and often have interesting characteristics their neighbors have come to love.

Both options would improve safety in the event of an earthquake.

Beginning in summer 2021, we asked Delridge neighbors whether the bridge should be removed or kept and seismically retrofitted. We heard loud and clear that the Delridge community would like to keep the bridge. Read more here.

Most people wanted us to keep the bridge and many people currently use the bridge. The bridge serves as a community asset, particularly for people who live or work at the Cooper School Artist Lofts/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and want to access the Delridge Playfield, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, and Southwest Youth and Family Services building.

The Levy to Move Seattle funds our bridge seismic retrofit program and we expect to begin construction on the Delridge Pedestrian Bridge retrofit in 2024. Thank you to everyone who shared feedback and helped inform the plan.

Last year when we asked, SDOT estimated the retrofit cost as at least $4 million, The city already has retrofitted the area’s other pedestrian bridge, the SW Andover bridge over the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge.

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UPDATE: Teenage pedestrian injured in Delridge/Thistle collision
December 6, 2022 3:55 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:55 PM: Police and Fire are responding to Delridge/Thistle for a reported collision, driver hitting pedestrian. SFD dispatch says the victim is a 15-year-old and so far the injury is believed to be minor, but responders have Delridge blocked for now.

4:09 PM: Added a photo from our crew at the scene. The teenage boy who was hit is being treated in the middle of the street, north of the intersection; we’re told family member(s) plan to take him to be checked out. Police are talking with the driver who hit him. They don’t expect the street to be closed much longer.

4:19 PM: Reopened.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 7-11 robbers strike again
December 6, 2022 3:13 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Seattle Police say the Admiral Way 7-11 was held up early this morning, and they believe the robbers are the same ones who hit the 35th/Barton 7-11 and a Burien gas station early Sunday. The report summary says the Admiral Way holdup happened arund quarter till 4 this morning, with the robbers traveling in a “white, smaller SUV” and parking in the alley east of the store. From there, the summary says: “Two (robbers) entered, one wearing a backpack and armed with a handgun, the other pulled a long gun from his pants. They went behind the counter and demanded the cash drawer be opened. They also took some thin cigars from behind the counter. The cashier had some difficultly opening the register. The third (robber) then opened the front door and pointed a handgun at the clerk from the door. The (robber) with the backpack then took the cash from the register and they all fled to the vehicle.” The summary also notes that an officer heading toward that scene subsequently spotted what’s believed to have been the same vehicle in an alley by the 35th/Avalon 7-11. As the officer approached, that vehicle “fled at a high rate of speed onto the West Seattle Bridge from Delridge Way SW.” Followup investigation revealed that it was a stolen car and that the robbers inside it were likely the same ones from the 35th/Barton 7-11 heist.

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BIZNOTES: 2 Junction shops on the move
December 6, 2022 1:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Junction shops are changing locations.

DOLL PARTS COLLECTIVE: This quirky shop has to move from its original North Morgan Junction location because of redevelopment, and the same thing is ahead for its current home at 4456 California SW. They’ve found a new permanent home a few blocks south at 4832 California SW, former home of Again and Again/Kid-Friendly Footwear (which merged with My Three Little Birds). Here’s what the Doll Parts team tells us:

The lease there will be long-term, and it’s a larger, more accessible layout, which we’re quite excited about! The open format of the space will allow us to host more indoor pop-up events, and mini-concerts like our One Year Anniversary Party featuring THEM. Once we’re settled in we also plan to start offering small-scale classes (taught by some of the local makers we currently collaborate with)! Our current plan is to keep our regular hours through next weekend (December 10th and 11th), and then we will close aside from a couple pop-up hours leading up to Christmas as we try to clear out inventory & fixtures we don’t plan to move to the new space. Provided our timeline doesn’t meet any roadblocks, we will be closed from December 24th through January 13th, and will have a grand opening event on January 14th, 2023!

Doll Parts Collective’s planned hours at the current location between now and December 23 are here.

SEATTLE E-BIKE: According to a sign in the window, right under a FOR LEASE sign, Seattle E-Bike is moving to the ex-Click! Design That Fits storefront at 4540 California SW, 2 years after they moved from Pioneer Square to West Seattle. The sign promises more info to come online regarding the timeframe for the move. (Thanks to Ross for the tip!)

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How will we live, work, get around in the future? West Seattle meeting Thursday to talk about Comprehensive Plan update
December 6, 2022 11:56 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Transportation | West Seattle news

Back in 2014, the city invited residents to look into the future for what was then called the “Seattle 2035” Comprehensive Plan. At meetings like this one in West Seattle, people talked about options for steering growth, particularly whether to keep focusing it in “urban villages”/”urban centers” like The Junction. Now, eight and a half years later, a similar discussion is under way, and the city this time is collecting feedback for a “major update” now called the “One Seattle Comprehensive Plan“ and now expected to look 20 years into the future. A West Seattle community meeting is planned for Thursday night (December 8), in-person at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). This time some very specific alternatives are being proposed, starting with “growth strategy” that would result in zoning changes. In addition to studying “no change,” the city is studying four “potential growth models”:

These are being studied for an Environmental Impact Statement due next year. Other topics for discussion are laid out in this pre-meeting document, where you’ll also find the “potential growth models” graphics shown above. Those additional topics include anti-displacement strategies; the document include this map showing two areas of West Seattle considered “high risk” for displacement:

Also up for discussion per the document – parks/open space, climate, equity, transportation, and economic development. The plan is meant to span the next 20 years. More background on the plan update is here; the Thursday meeting is scheduled for 6-8 pm at SSC’s Brockey Center (here’s a campus map). If you can’t be there, you’ll find online opportunities to comment here.

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