day : 29/01/2023 9 results

9:40 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to California/Edmunds. The report is: flames in alley, but “they’re not sure what’s on fire.” It’s on the alley east of California, west of 42nd, and reported to be in a basement, in a building described as “just behind US Bank.” Updates to come.

9:45 PM: They’re reducing the response. Apparently not a large fire. We’re on our way to find out exactly which building.

9:54 PM: Fire declared “tapped” (out). No injuries reported. SFD describes it as an exterior fire.

9:59 PM: The fire was on the back side of the Performing Arts building per the tweeted photo above.

10:04 PM: Our photographer has talked to firefighters who say it was trash burning in a dumpster.

(WSB photo)

No building damage reported. (Added) For more location context, here’s a wider shot texted to us:

That’s the US Bank lot in the left foreground, and in the semi-distance at upper right, the Edmunds/California 7-11.

ADDED 11:12 AM: Regarding cause/damage, SFD tells WSB, “Fire investigators ruled this fire as undetermined. It was a debris fire in a covered patio area next to structure. Total estimated loss is $50,000.”

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FOLLOWUP: Long-delayed Don Armeni Boat Ramp project opens bidding

January 29, 2023 8:23 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Six years have passed since we first reported on Seattle Parks‘ plan to replace the floating docks at Don Armeni Boat Ramp in West Seattle. At that time, the project was expected to start half a year later, in fall 2017. But by fall 2018, it hadn’t, and that delay was blamed on a “late state budget signing” holding up grant money to fund part of the project. In a 2019 update about related environmental work, Parks said construction would happen in 2020. Next time we checked in on it, in early 2022, a federal permitting delay got the blame for the ongoing holdup. Though those permits hadn’t been finalized by the time Parks posted this update last month, the city said it would go ahead and put the project out to bid because they can’t work in the water until July anyway. And now the city’s bidding site indeed shows they’ve opened the project to bids this week, which are due February 15th. According to online documents, the new docks will be bigger than the ones they’re replacing: “The new docks will increase in width from 6 to 8 feet and extend out an additional 4.25 feet, increasing overwater coverage by 691 square feet.” Parks has said previously that the work would take about three months and that they would install the new docks one at a time so that one would remain open for boaters to continue using during the work.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Apparent home break-in attempt’

January 29, 2023 6:15 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news

Via email, a reader report from Genesee Hill:

Someone shattered the sliding glass door to our basement on Friday night in an apparent home break-in attempt. We live between Dakota and Andover on 54th Ave SW. We have a camera on the front of our home but no record of a trespasser in the front. It seems this person climbed over our backyard fence (which is now damaged) and dropped their flashlight on the way out. We don’t think this person entered our home or stole anything, but we can’t be sure. Either way, it leaves an unsettled feeling. We now have cameras facing our backyard and side yards. The motion lights and home security system are being installed too. Stay alert and look out for your neighbors!

(added) SPD incident # is 23-027070.

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COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until Polar Plunge ‘winter beach party’ at Alki for Special Olympics Washington

January 29, 2023 4:40 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from February 2020 Polar Plunge at Alki)

Outdoor events are few and far between in the heart of winter – but here’s an exception: We’re now four weeks away from the return of the Polar Plunge “winter beach party” to Alki, benefiting Special Olympics Washington. Here’s how organizers explain it:

The Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge, on Saturday, February 25, is a Seattle tradition. The annual event brings together supporters throughout the area to Get Cold for a Cause. The 2023 installment of this Winter Beach Party is expanding to offer something for everyone. Partygoers can show up to plunge or participate in the festivities and cheer others on.

Attendees can expect a full-on beach party with live music, beach games, a beer garden, food trucks, costume contests, and great prizes along the way! Individual and team registrants are encouraged to raise donations in support of Special Olympics Washington athletes. As they raise funds, they can also earn prizes including airline vouchers and Papa John’s gift cards for the top individual and team fundraisers.

The Polar Plunge campaign kicks off the year strong by raising funds that directly go to providing athletes with year-round opportunities to train and compete, as well as receive free health screenings and leadership training. Proceeds from the event ensure that over 7,500 Washington children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate at no cost to them.

On Saturday, February 25, festivities kick off at 8:00 a.m. at Alki Beach & Bathhouse [60th SW & Alki Avenue SW]. The costume contest will begin at 12:10 p.m., with winners awarded based on crowd response. Polar plunging starts at 1:00 p.m.!

Unlike the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, this isn’t an en-masse jump-in-run-out event – but immersing yourself in Puget Sound is part of it. Individual and team registration starts here.

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SKYWATCHING: How – and where – to see Comet ZTF from West Seattle tonight

January 29, 2023 2:07 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

2:07 PM: Late last night, the sky cleared and Comet ZTF (its abbreviated name) was visible from West Seattle. Expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen tweeted about it, including photos:

A view of the comet from tonight. There was still some haze at times (which is why the inconsistent sky background comes from). This was an integration of about 50 separate 1-second long images, 180mm f/2.8 lens. Image by Jason Enevoldsen.@westseattleblog #CometZTF pic.twitter.com/1L0KsFipWf

— Alice's AstroInfo (vaxxed & masked) (@AlicesAstroInfo) January 29, 2023

Today, Alice says things are looking good for tonight – but you’ll need binoculars and something to steady yourself against, like a railing or tripod. In this tweet, she explains that “it will still be neatly between Polaris and the cup of the Big Dipper, so scan from the North Star (Polaris) slowly towards the Big Dipper.” Here’s a link she suggests for more info on how to find it; here’s what Space.com says about it, including some backstory.

9:08 PM: Alice is working on a pop-up comet-viewing opportunity for later tonight. We’ll add the info here as soon as she decides (or you can follow her on Twitter, where she’ll announce it).

9:52 PM: Alice is at Alki Playfield near Alki Elementary.

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MUSIC: Endolyne Children’s Choir board hopes to find people who’ll hit the right note for two key openings

January 29, 2023 12:29 pm

| Comments Off on MUSIC: Endolyne Children’s Choir board hopes to find people who’ll hit the right note for two key openings

| How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

You’ve probably seen the Endolyne Children’s Choir over the years at a West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting performance – but that’s just one of many ways in which this organization enriches the community. Now they’re looking for new support, with openings on the board. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

If you’re looking to give back to the community and add board-member experience to your resume, Endolyne Children’s Choir (ECC) wants to talk to you! ECC teaches the joy of singing in a community setting that fosters self-confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Making this happen for thousands of kids over the last 20 years takes a village, and a vital part of our village is our board of directors. The leaders who serve on our board have a front-row seat to watch these kids connect with, inspire, and uplift the greater community, while developing lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.

Here’s what a few long-term board members had to say about why they serve:

“Creating community among our singers and their families. It’s such a joy to build relationships, to bring people together, and to watch our singers grow and mature both as choral musicians and as humans over the years.”

“I get to work with dedicated board members and staff to provide a caring and fun space and wonderful opportunities for our young singers to grow as individuals.”

“The fun and collaborative environment! Being able to share my enthusiasm for children’s choral singing/music education by brainstorming new and creative ideas with an amazing group of dedicated volunteers!”

Interested in using your accounting or fundraising expertise and leadership to make a difference in your community? ECC is actively recruiting for a Treasurer and Fundraising Chair, so reach out to us at endolyneboard@gmail.com

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UPDATE: Power outage in Georgetown, SODO, Beacon Hill

January 29, 2023 11:45 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | Utilities | West Seattle news

11:45 AM: Alex suggested other West Seattle neighbors headed east today might want to know that a big power outage in Georgetown, SODO, and Beacon Hill is affecting some businesses and major intersections. If you’re planning to head that way, check the map first.

1:51 PM: Most of the outage area has power back, except (mostly) for the SODO customers with a planned outage as noted by Amy in comments.

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Remembering Patricia A. Way, 1951-2023

January 29, 2023 9:45 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Patricia Way and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Patricia Ann Way

Born Halloween 1951 in Washington, D.C., to her Mom (born Christmas Day) and her Dad (born Valentine’s Day). Passed away peacefully 01/08/2023 and went with God. She got her Masters in Fine Arts in Printmaking from Stanford University, and was a very talented artist (and supportive teacher) her whole life, with shows in the US and abroad.

Patricia was always a caring, thoughtful, giving spirit to her family, friends, and anyone she met. Her beautiful, kind soul and her wonderful, strong art made this world a better place.

She is survived by her loving husband Christopher, her son Sam, her two kitties Ace and Stella, and her two puppies Pac and Coco.

God Bless Patricia!

Please share condolences, photos, & memories of Patricia at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Patricia-Way

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(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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School open houses, backyard-bird class, other possibilities for your West Seattle Sunday

January 29, 2023 6:30 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday photo by Jerry Simmons)

If your Sunday isn’t entirely spoken for, here are options, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s lineup here.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-1 pm, visit Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s campus at 34th/Myrtle – the open house is your chance to tour the school and meet staff.

BINGO/DRAG BRUNCH: 10 am-2 pm at Box Bar (5401 California SW), with bingo noon-2 pm – details in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market offers winter produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

CHALLAH BRAIDING: During the Farmers’ Market, TLC of West Seattle will have a booth today showing people how to braid challah bread.

WINTER SPORTS GEAR SALE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) has a flash sale through Tuesday – 25% off select skis + clothing, 15 percent off full ski or snowboard and binding/boots packages. Open 11 am-5 pm today.

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 11:30 am-1 pm, visit Holy Rosary‘s campus at 42nd/Genesee – tour the school and meet staff.

LEARN ABOUT ATTRACTING BACKYARD BIRDS: 1 pm class at West Seattle Nursery (5245 California SW), all ages – learn about attracting native birds to your backyard.

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Two events today – 2 pm soup swap (update: even if you don’t have soup to swap, you’re welcome to attend to learn about the event and timebanking) and 6:30 pm online meeting. Our calendar listing has full details and RSVP link for soup-swap location.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: 3-5 pm, Citizens of Earth perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover.

‘AN ENDLESS SHIFT’: New play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues with a 3 pm performance. “Created from verbatim accounts of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Seattle nurses who were there, ‘An Endless Shift’ is a tribute to the everyday heroes who were confronted with what would become the longest shift of their lives.” Get your ticket(s) here.

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor; tonight’s sunset is at 5:05 pm)

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

LATIN SUNDAY: Party to Latin American music with a DJ @ Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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