West Seattle, Washington

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month : 01/2023 290 results

FOLLOWUP: New King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion announces changes
January 24, 2023 9:03 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, January 9)

When West Seattleite Leesa Manion was sworn in as King County Prosecuting Attorney two weeks ago, she promised to make policy announcements before month’s end. Today she made good on that promise. She said she hopes the changes will bring “focused attention to some of King County’s greatest areas of concern.” Quoting from the announcement, they are:

*A new Gun Violence Prevention Unit “to identify and prosecute the individuals perpetuating the most harm in our communities, and also to connect individuals who are close to gun violence to meaningful community-based resources before they become victims or perpetrators of violence. This includes expanding coordination with our Extreme Risk Protection Order team.”

*A new division of criminal practice “focused on gender-based violence and prevention.” Manion notes, “Cases involving rape, sexual assault and domestic violence often share some common evidentiary issues, and a focused approach will improve the prosecution of these serious crimes.” The division includes the Domestic Violence Unit, the Sexually Violent Predator Unit, Special Assault Units that handle sex crimes, prosecutors handling commercial sexual exploitation (trafficking), and Hate Crimes, among other practices.

*A new Economic Crimes and Wage Theft Division to “include organized retail theft, economic crimes, identity theft, multiple types of fraud, elder abuse, and wage theft.” Manion noted, “In 2022, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed more than double the number of organized retail theft charges than it did in 2021. Many of those cases were filed in collaboration with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.”

*A new Felony Traffic Unit is being created “to underscore the importance and seriousness of vehicular homicide and assault cases and their devastating impacts on victims and survivors.”

The announcement adds:

The volume of felony criminal cases is not expected to decrease with today’s announcements of new divisions and units. Violent crimes and repeat property crimes remain a priority. Prior to today’s announcements of new divisions and units, the mainstream Criminal Division typically filed between 20-30 felony cases each day. (Here’s a summary for December.)

The announcement also shared the org chart that results from all this, with the last org chart under Manion’s predecessor Dan Satterberg (for whom she served as Chief of Staff).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Kia; burglars, package thief on camera
January 24, 2023 6:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three more reader reports, two with security images:

STOLEN KIA: Nelson in North Shorewood says that amid multiple car break-ins, this one was stolen:

It’s a 2013 Kia Rio Hatchback, color black, with a sticker on the back right that reads “Not today Satan.” The neighbors reported seeing five armed men in two cars and called the cops. License plate BQR4838. (KCSO) case number C-23021370

BURGLARS ON CAMERA: From Mary:

We’re mid-renovation and had our home broken into last night. Mostly tools stolen and a laptop, front door left open etc. 11:20-11:50 pm Mon Jan 23. Cops have been gathering evidence but wanted to see if anyone sees anything on their cameras, etc. We’re in Fauntleroy right by Original Bakery off 44th coming down the hill. Sounds like very large white box truck [as seen by a neighbor].

PACKAGE TAKEN: Diane is looking for a stolen package:

She reports, “It happened today at 1:42, Myrtle and 31st. I just noticed around 3 pm on my camera. I drove around the neighborhood looking for a discarded package.” No luck yet.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: With cooldown on the way, the shelter’s open
January 24, 2023 5:12 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: With cooldown on the way, the shelter’s open
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

With another round of extra-cold weather on the way, we’ve received this reminder from the emergency shelter at the West Seattle Veteran Center in The Triangle:

Just wanted to send out a reminder that the Shelter is open during these winter months. If you know someone/see someone that needs shelter, please send them our way: 3618 SW Alaska St.

-Cold Weather Shelter (overnight below 40F) open 5:00 PM, dinner at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

-Warm-Up Center open daily 7:30 am to 11:00 am. Hot breakfast from 8:30 am – 9:30 am
When the daytime temperature is forecast as below 40 F, the Shelter will be open all day.

The extended forecast says lows in the 20s are possible starting Sunday.

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BIZNOTE: Need to get out of your home office? Launchpad offers free coworking in Morgan Junction
January 24, 2023 3:45 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Launchpad)

Working at home and need somewhere else to go for a while, but taking up a table in a coffee shop isn’t the solution? How about a free coworking space next to a coffee shop? The Morgan Junction entrepreneurs behind Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeat Organic Superfoods Café have launched Launchpad. It’s open daily 8 am-5 pm for drop-in coworking; the space also is available for rental for special events and meetings. Launchpad is officially described as “a free service offering of Launch Industries, a minority-owned and -operated business consulting and contract services firm.” Launch Industries is owned by Monica Colgan, proprietor of HeartBeet and co-proprietor, with wife Autumn Lovewell, of Youngstown. They hope Launchpad will have some synergy with Youngstown and HeartBeet: “You can support our small businesses when you visit by purchasing food & drink from one of the cafes.” Launchpad is at 6030 California SW.

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TAX TIME: Free tax help about to start at one local library
January 24, 2023 1:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

The Seattle Public Library has just announced this year’s plan for free tax help, partnering with United Way of King County and AARP. Trained volunteers will be available to help you prepare personal tax returns and to answer questions. One of the eight branches at which this service will be offered is in West Seattle – the Southwest Branch at 9010 35th SW. It’ll be by appointment on Wednesdays, 1 to 6 pm, starting a week from tomorrow (February 1st). You can make an appointment and find out about other tax-help options by going to spl.org/taxhelp.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car-window rampage; another business break-in; more video of weekend auto-shop burglars
January 24, 2023 11:41 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning:

(One of the broken car windows in the neighborhood)

CAR-WINDOW RAMPAGE: We’ve heard from multiple people about this. Here’s what Marcus and Chantell reported:

We along with many of our neighbors in the Fairmount Park neighborhood (we’re on the 5400 block of 37th Ave SW specifically) woke up to smashed car windows this morning. From talking with other neighbors out to survey the damage, it sounds like at least a couple dozen cars may have been hit.

They’ve talked with an officer who told them the report number for all the incidents is 23-022558. Another reader who emailed us said it was believed to have happened around 1 am.

BUSINESS BREAK-IN: Thanks to Mary for the tip. Burglar(s) hit another business overnight – this time, Dough Joy Donuts in The Junction. We went to the shop to ask about it.

Dough Joy is usually closed Tuesdays – but they’re there today cleaning up and expect to be ready to open on their next regular day, Thursday. They told us the burglar(s) took two iPads. This is at least the fifth Junction business burglary/burglary attempt in the past month – after By and By, Cherry Consignment, Junction True Value, and Menashe & Sons Jewelers. The West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB they’re talking about ways to improve business-district-wide security.

VIDEO OF FIRST WEST SEATTLE AUTOWORKS BREAK-IN: Last weekend we reported on two break-ins at West Seattle Autoworks (7501 35th SW; WSB sponsor), Friday night and Saturday morning. We included video of the second burglary, in which a white van was backed into the garage door twice, Today WSAW has shared video of the first burglary, in which a red Honda was driven up in front of the office and the burglars got out to smash their way in:

Just after a minute into the next clip, you’ll see the safe thrown out the window before one of the burglars struggles to get it into the vehicle:

In part of the security video, the vehicle’s plate is shown – CEK7902. One other number of note – if you have any information, the SPD incident number is 23-019442.

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UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
January 24, 2023 10:48 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:48 AM: A driver is reported to have hit the median near the Admiral Way offramp on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, and SFD and SPD are on the way – no word yet on injuries but all westbound lanes are blocked right now, so the response is likely to affect traffic for a while.

11:04 AM: SFD is clearing the scene, which suggests no serious injuries.

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 9 possibilities
January 24, 2023 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 9 possibilities
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday sunset, photographed from Lincoln Park by Kanit Cottrell)

Quick look at what’s up for the hours ahead:

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Long-distance political-advocacy group meets at 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

PORT COMMISSION: Port of Seattle commissioners meet in public session starting at noon at the Sea-Tac Airport conference center; the stream, agenda, and documents can be found here.

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm this afternoon brings the full council’s weekly meeting, online or at City Hall (600 4th Ave.). See the agenda here; the meeting is also viewable via Seattle Channel.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, 3:30-5 pm.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Longstanding weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

TRIVIA X 3: Three places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can always see more, and look way into the future, via our event calendar – if you have something for us to list, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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LAST CALL! Final week for warm-clothing donations @ Dave Newman State Farm Agency
January 24, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on LAST CALL! Final week for warm-clothing donations @ Dave Newman State Farm Agency
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Ollie the pup is awaiting one last wave of donations for the warm-clothing drive at Dave Newman State Farm Agency (WSB sponsor), on behalf of the West Seattle Clothesline/West Seattle Food Bank. Here’s the reminder:

The West Seattle Clothesline annual clothing drive is once again coming to a close. Last day to drop of donations is Friday the 27th. We would like to give heartfelt thanks to fellow citizens who made it possible by their generosity and giving nature.

The clothing drive at Dave Newman State Farm Agency happens every year in December and January. Watch for the clothing drive at the end of this year!

The office is at 3435 California SW – you can stop in any day this week between 9 am and 5 pm.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday notes
January 24, 2023 6:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 24th.

WEATHER

Mostly cloudy, chance of PM rain, high in the 40s. (Monday’s high was 46, three degrees below what’s normal for that date.) UPDATE: The “PM rain” has already arrived.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still running with fewer buses and fewer drivers – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.

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

-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule – check here for alerts/updates.

ROAD WORK

Today and Wednesday (January 24-25), expect intermittent lane closures on the South Park Bridge, 8 am-3 pm each day, for crews who will be power-washing the bridge sidewalks.

ADDED 8:55 AM: Lane closures on California south of Willow for what appears to be SDOT work.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

High Bridge – 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 – open again:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All working traffic cams citywide 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 bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do it safely) – 206-293-6302.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Investigators finally confirm teenager found dead along Highway 509 was homicide victim
January 23, 2023 10:20 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(October 7th photo by WSB reader Mel)

Three and a half months after the discovery of a 16-year-old girl’s body along Highway 509 south of West Seattle, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office has released results of her autopsy. The most recent media-information list released by the KCME says Keyaleas Brewer died of “asphyxia due to strangulation” and ruled her death a homicide. When we last checked with the King County Sheriff’s Office a few weeks ago, they repeated only that it remained an “open and active case.” Back in October, as reported here, they asked for video from anyone driving on southbound 509 between the 1st Avenue South Bridge and South 112th between 5 am and 7 am on Friday, October 7th – the morning Ms. Brewer was found dead – and welcomed anonymous tips via p3tips,com or info via email at mcutips@kingcounty.gov – refer to case #C22033455.

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UPDATE: Brown water in Upper Alki
January 23, 2023 9:04 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

9:04 PM: Thanks to Maureen for the info: She reports “orange/brown water out of our cold-water faucets” near Admiral Way/59th. Any time you notice discolored water, report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800, which she’s doing now, and let us know too – back in 2016, it happened in so many areas, SPU eventually carried out a large-scale flush of water lines around the peninsula.

9:47 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s added comments about what they’re seeing/hearing. Here’s the SPU page about discolored (and otherwise problematic) water.

ADDED TUESDAY EVENING: SPU says they haven’t figured out the cause but they heard from 21 customers between 8 last night and 9:30 this morning. The water should have cleared up by now – let them know if it hasn’t.

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ELECTION 2023: Watch for your one-measure ballot later this week
January 23, 2023 8:10 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Wednesday’s the day that King County Elections plans to mail ballots for the February 14th special election. You’ll get a ballot with one measure – Seattle Initiative 135, which we wrote about earlier this month. If passed, this “would create a public development authority to develop, own, and maintain publicly financed mixed-income social housing developments.” The initiative does not specify how that housing will be funded, but supporters explains in their FAQ, “Once the public developer is established, they can receive and request funds from city, state, federal governments, as well as private donations if those donors feel so inclined.” Read I-135’s full text here. Ballot dropboxes open Thursday – West Seattle has three – one day after ballots are sent; you’ll have until 8 pm February 14th to get your ballot into one, or you can send it via USPS mail as long as it’s postmarked by that day.

P.S. If you want to find out more about I-135 before voting, it’ll be a major topic at the West Seattle Democratic Women‘s meeting Thursday night online – our calendar listing has info on how to RSVP.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Lunar New Year celebration at Vietnamese Cultural Center
January 23, 2023 6:19 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As featured in our Sunday event list, the Vietnamese Cultural Center of West Seattle held a community Tết (Lunar New Year) celebration on Sunday. On behalf of the center, Lynda Bui shared the photo and this note:

Under cool gray skies, members of the community and Vietnamese Cultural Center gathered to welcome the Year of the Cat. The great lion-dance team of Vietnamese Youth Group GĐPT Vạn Hạnh joined us with a wonderful performance. It is rare to be able to gather on the actual day (and on a weekend) so we thank everyone for making time to join us.

Best wishes to you all in the new year. May all your endeavors go your way and good health to you all! Thank you for your support and we’ll see you again. Happy Vietnamese Lunar New Year!

You can see video here.

P.S. Two more Lunar New Year celebrations are yet to come in West Seattle, both welcoming the community too – West Seattle HS Chinese students’ event at Hiawatha on February 3rd, and the Seattle Chinese Garden‘s New Year Lantern Festival on February 5th

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white CR-V
January 23, 2023 4:11 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white CR-V
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From Nico, who says this happened in North Admiral:

We had a car stolen overnight last night. 2000 Honda CR-V, WA Plate # AJZ2148. Antisocial sticker on back window and has a roof rack. Police report has been filed. Contact me or SPD if you happen to see it.

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BIZNOTE: New restaurant for ex-Best of Hands space
January 23, 2023 2:16 pm
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

More new-business news – we’d been looking into who’s taking over the ex-Best of Hands Barrelhouse space (7500 35th SW) since a reader mentioned the “For Lease” signage had disappeared, and now we have the answer: GH Pizza and Pasta. The name may be new but the operator is not – Chef Brian Clevenger and General Harvest Restaurants, which already has Haymaker (open since 2019) and Raccolto (open since 2016) in The Junction, among other Seattle restaurants. The announcement notes, “The menu boasts fan favorite large bowls of fresh pastas, a variety of pizzas with rotating specials, starters, and salads all at approachable prices.” They’re excited about the new West Seattle location, planning to offer “a huge year-round outdoor-seating section along with a separate adults-only space.” GH Pizza and Pasta is aiming to open in West Seattle in “late spring.” But will the rooftop cow stay? We asked that on followup; the reply – “Of course!” There’s one GH Pasta location so far, in Belltown, and the announcement notes GH Pizza and Pasta is currently “taking over” Haymaker’s Eastlake location – see the menu here.

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BIZNOTE: New gym planned for Westwood Village
January 23, 2023 11:59 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Two years after 24 Hour Fitness left Westwood Village, the center’s owners appear to have found another gym to move into the space. Though the “for lease” sign is still up, documents in city permit files indicate that Fitness 19 has plans to take over the spot. Fitness 19 describes itself as “a simple fitness club concept – an extremely affordable, family-friendly facility that offers state-of-the-art cardio, strength, and free-weight equipment,” operating in 12 states; the only location listed in Washington right now is in Ballard. In addition to documents seeking a city permit to add signage for the WWV space, we’ve also found state records for a newly formed LLC on behalf of “Fitness 19 WA 318,” with Westwood Village’s address. We have an inquiry out about when they hope to open.

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What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
January 23, 2023 10:57 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Comatricha nigra slime mold, photographed at Schmitz Park by Rosalie Miller)

If you haven’t checked the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar yet today, here’s the highlight list!

MONDAY MOVIE: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), “Terry’s Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of,” today featuring “Private Buckaroo.” Free popcorn! Advance registration required – our calendar listing explains how.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, councilmembers preview the week ahead (here’s the agenda). You can watch online or on cable via Seattle Channel.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Toddler Gym weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), ages 2-6, begins today, 3:30-5 pm.

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), explained in our calendar listing.

MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – new 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to list on our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Tour/open-house season continues
January 23, 2023 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Tour/open-house season continues
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It’s the time of year for families to look ahead to next school year, if they are thinking of changing schools, or have a first-time student to enroll. We’ve already spotlighted some open houses and tours, and more are ahead this week. Here are two Seattle Public Schools we’ve heard directly from – Wednesday morning at 8:15 am, Arbor Heights Elementary opens its doors to prospective parents; while the tour’s geared toward pre-K and kindergarten families, all are welcome. The school is at 3701 SW 104th. Then Thursday morning at 8:30 and Thursday evening at 6, families can visit Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton). A full list of SPS tours is on the district website; if your school would like to be on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar too, send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Monday
January 23, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, January 23rd.

WEATHER

Partly sunny, high in the low-to-mid-40s. (Sunday’s high was 44, five degrees below what’s normal for that date.)

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses and down drivers – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.

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

-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.

ROAD WORK AHEAD

Tomorrow and Wednesday (January 24-25), expect intermittent lane closures on the South Park Bridge, 8 am-3 pm each day, for crews who will be power-washing the bridge sidewalks.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.

High Bridge – 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 – open again:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All working traffic cams citywide 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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Can crowdfunding save The Swinery again?
January 22, 2023 10:30 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Drawings by kids, from planes to pigs, cover the wall by the front door at The Swinery.

Kim Leveille says drawings don’t come down until they fall down. Some are by kids who’ve become adults in her 13+ years at The Swinery: “I’ve seen entire families grow up.”

The Swinery’s a family thing for her too – she owns it with her husband Danny Rogers; her father-in-law comes in and helps out on weekends. The little shop at 3207 California SW is wall-to-wall memories, hopes, dreams.

“I’m just not ready to let it go.”

But she might have to if a new round of crowdfunding doesn’t help.

They tried it in the heart of the pandemic and West Seattle Bridge closure, an agonizing time for so many local small independent businesses. In that 2021 crowdfunding, Kim says, fans raised $17,000 in two days. But they’ve had equipment breakdowns and thefts since then, and are looking for help again to catch up. They started a new crowdfunding campaign a month ago but, Kim says, “It didn’t work.” So they’re trying again – this time, more directly declaring they’re in danger of having to close.

“We may not make it until spring,” Kim said in her email to us, which we decided to follow up on by visiting the shop. In addition to cooler/freezer repairs, they have a simple need: More staff, beyond their longtime part-time helper and a “very part-time dishwasher.” “It’s a Catch-22 – we need enough money to hire a fulltime person so the grill can do more volume.”

Right now, it’s Danny on the grill, which is an ever-increasingly important part of The Swinery’s business. Kim has worked there since just months after its original ownership opened the shop to much fanfare in 2009; she and Danny bought it in 2018. The shop was founded as “more of a butcher shop with a few things on the side.” But then one of those “things” drew extra acclaim: “Once we got ‘Best Burger in Seattle’ …” demand soared. The shop also was featured on the Food Network and the Travel Network. “Now the grill is much more important.” Tons of takeout/delivery orders, since The Swinery’s only seating is a small courtyard by the grill.

Along with all that grilling, their other offerings are labor-intensive too – “since we do everything in-house.” The meat case is full of sausages, chops, smoked meats, and more.

Popular items include ribs and beef bacon. For Thanksgiving, they smoke turkeys; for Christmas, ribeye roasts. No nitrites. No allergens. “I just want everyone to be able to eat,” says Kim.

She’s hopeful this time they’ll get the boost they need to stay in business and up the output so revenue isn’t an issue again. What if somebody would rather buy a few pounds of sausage, for example, than just give money? “Anything would help,” Kim says. That includes more patronage.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Sunday colors, and a heartening stat if you like light
January 22, 2023 9:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Lynn Hall for the photo of tonight’s layered pink sunset. It gives us the chance to mention something heartening if you’re not a fan of the short, dark days of early winter … Thursday is the first day this year that the sun will set after 5 pm (5:01 to be exact). Only eight weeks until spring!

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Here’s how another park-to-be is getting used while waiting
January 22, 2023 6:55 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We’ve been reporting on the Morgan Junction Park Addition site, bought by the city in 2014, planned for park development until the pandemic led Parks to put this and other projects on hold. In the short run, the former dry-cleaner/mini-mart site is supposed to get soil cleanup, but even that plan’s been dragging on. So community members set up an unofficial skatepark on the site – and that got relatively swift Parks action, shutting it down. We updated the situation in coverage of this past week’s Morgan Community Association meeting. That’s one of three “landbanked” future park sites in West Seattle. Today, an update on another:

Development of that park-to-be site on 40th SW between SW Edmunds and SW Alaska is also on indefinite hold but getting interim use as an unofficial dog park. As explained in a recent West Seattle Junction Association newsletter:

The Parks Department has this space slated to be turned into a beautiful park several years from now, so it has been fenced for some time. The fence is now down. We are asking that everyone who uses the green space clean up after themselves so we can continue to use it. We will have monthly cleaning crews of volunteers the first Saturday of each month at 10 am. Just show up and pitch in! Keeping the space looking good ensures the fence does not go back up. It will be a great place to walk your dog – just remember to clean up after your pooch, and take that doggy bag with you. The city is not supplying garbage cans right now. We are hoping with a lot of active use we can prevent any negative use of the space.

This one’s been owned by the city even longer, more than a decade; it was purchased even as the city asked for feedback on whether the site “made sense” as a park. Hundreds of apartments have since been built around it – Broadstone Sky to the south, The Whittaker across 40th to the east. There are many dog owners among their residents, noted WSJA executive director Chris Mackay in a conversation about this interim use for the site. She stresses that the city will put the fence back up if the site’s not kept clean. She also notes it’s irrigated and has lighting.

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