West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
11:37 PM: On Twitter, some are reporting an aurora (Northern Lights) view – looking north from Alki, for example – so we thought we’d share the alert.
That was tweeted by @Ben_Wooley from the beach near Alki Bathhouse a short time ago. (added) And from @MoogleChemist in Seaview:
(added) Another photo from Alki, by Jon McAllister:
Here are Alice Enevoldsen‘s tips on aurora-viewing from Seattle.
2:20 PM: Another to add, sent by Ryan Bruels, from Alki:
Thanks to everyone who sent photos! And to Lara G, who provided the first heads-up via Twitter.
(Photo by Lynn Drake)
From left in that photo taken at Alki are Erika Whinihan, Joe Drake, Heather Free, and Gretchen Tapp. They’re celebrating two major marathon-running achievements achieved on one day, thousands of miles from home, as explained in this announcement we received from Joe:
Local residents Joe Drake and Erika Whinihan, both of West Seattle, along with Heather Free (Duvall) and Gretchen Tapp (Auburn), earned their Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medals in Tokyo on March 5, 2023.
Runners achieve Six Star status, a bucket list item for many marathoners, after completing all of the World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Bagging Tokyo has recently become elusive. In the interest of pandemic safety, the Tokyo Marathon restricted participation such that non-residents of Japan have not been able to run there since 2019. A large backlog developed and as a result, a record number of runners received their Six Star Medals on March 5. These runners are among the 3,033 runners who took home the medal and earned a Guinness World Record in the process for “most people to earn a Six Star Medal at a single marathon”.
For more on the World Marathon Majors, see this link. And for details of the historic Guinness world record in Tokyo, read this blog post from Joe Drake. You can read about his journey to the Six Star Medal in his book “Run With It: A True Story of Parkinson’s, Marathons, the Pandemic, and Love” available on Amazon and at his author’s website.
Joe’s WMM quest was noted here in October 2021.
Two reader reports tonight:
GENESEE HILL PROWLING: From Emily:
At 7 am a man came into my backyard and a few minutes later walked back up the street and got into the passenger seat of a car parked on 54th and Genesee. He was white, dark brown shaggy hair, green jacket carrying a backpack. Mid-twenties. Car was a gold sedan, not run down. Had plates but I couldn’t see them. As I left my house, I then saw a young white couple, one man and one female, going through bags and purses on the corner of 46th and Genesee. They got out a pipe and were smoking from it huddled under a blanket as students walked past on the way to the school building.
Emily filed a police report – 23-78873.
ARBOR HEIGHTS CAR VANDALISM: Via text:
Here in Arbor Heights last night around 2:30 am, our car window (parked on 100th) was broken by what seems to be a rock or BB gun. Our neighbor across the street also had theirs broken as well as 3-5 more vehicles all along the street between 37th and 45th. No other info about who or why but it definitely hit quite a few neighbors.
No police report # for that yet.
One month ago, we reported four locations where Seattle City Light had applied for permits to install EV chargers in public parking spaces. Today, SCL released its list of 31 installation locations citywide, including those four in West Seattle, plus a fifth, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). SCL’s announcement notes the 31 sites were chosen by a panel from SCL and SDOT who reviewed 1,800 community requests received last year, reviewed by a panel from SCL and SDOT. Construction is expected to start soon and SCL believes half of the stations will be ready by the end of May, the rest by the end of summer. The announcement notes, “Each charging site was designed based on its own individual location with 12 planned to be installed on wood poles, 6 on new steel poles, and 13 sites installed on stand-alone pedestals” like the one in the SCL photo above. The full list of West Seattle sites:
4800 block California Ave SW
2100 block California Ave SW
6000 block 16th Ave SW
4800 block Fauntleroy Way SW
7000 block 17th Ave SW
SCL will charge its standard Level 2 charger rates, currently $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is three miles worth of power for the average EV, the utility says.
One more thing to add for tonight, not on our event list published this morning because the announcement just came in this afternoon: The West Seattle Transportation Coalition meets online at 6:30 pm. Two major topics – Reconnect South Park, the proposal to decommission the stretch of Highway 99 that goes through SP, and the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement. Here’s the connection information: Video here, or by phone 253-205-0468. For either option, it’s meeting ID 8768293 5206, passcode WSTC.
4:06 PM: SFD and the Coast Guard are responding to what’s reported as a boat colliding with a dock in the 1300 block of Spokane St. Updates to come.
4:09 PM: Texter (who sent the photo above) describes this as ‘runaway crane barge’ hitting a marina.
4:22 PM: No injuries reported. SFD has closed out its response.
4:45 PM: We just went over for a look. From Jim Clark Marina, that Coast Guard vessel in our photo is the only sign of anything out of the ordinary.
6:43 PM: An update from USCG: “A tug pushing a barge with a crane caused damage to approximately 3 houseboats.”
Earlier this month, we reported on a public-comment meeting for a project near Longfellow Creek, at 6504 24th SW [map]. The 46,000-square-foot site is proposed to be redeveloped with 11 housing units – five 2-story single-family houses, three detached accessory dwelling units, and three detached accessory dwelling units. Most of the concerns voiced. about the project involved the potential loss of trees on the site. Today, the city’s latest Land Use Information Bulletin offers a new chance for comments on the proposal’s land-use application. The notice says this is because of a “revised application,” though we’ve checked the file and couldn’t tell what’s been revised. If you’re interested in commenting, you have two weeks – until April 5th; the notice explains how.
SIDE NOTE: The city file on this project now includes the video recording of last month’s online meeting:
(WSB photo, August 2022)
Replacement work is wrapping up for the two-foot-wide, century-old water main that ruptured – explosively – near Longfellow Creek last August. The work that started in November at 24th/Kenyon will be complete in April, according to a Seattle Public Utilities update that explains why it’s taken so long:
Over the past few months, the contractor has installed a new pipe that will replace the damaged portion of the water main. This work required the contractor to drill a tunnel under SW Kenyon St and Longfellow Creek and then pull 700 feet of new pipe into place through this tunneled area. This drilling work took longer than anticipated due to technical challenges and procurement delays during the drilling process. … Now that the new pipe is in place, crews will test the pipe to ensure that it is functioning properly. After these tests are complete, crews will attach the new pipe to the existing water main and complete pavement and landscape restoration at the site.
While SPU has not said that the two are linked, the break came during work on another project nearby. That will start back up after the pipe replacement is complete: “Once the water main repair work is finished, work will resume on the natural drainage systems and pedestrian bridge for the Longfellow Natural Drainage System (NDS) project. All work at the site is anticipated to be complete in fall 2023.”
(WSB photo, last Saturday)
Thanks to Waste Management for sending the totals from last Saturday’s recycle/reuse/shred event at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). By the numbers:
TOTAL HAUL: 17,230 pounds of items dropped off by 417 participants
ELECTRONICS: 9,252 pounds
PAPER TO SHRED: 5,560 pounds
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: 1,532 pounds
STYROFOAM: 550 pounds
BATTERIES: 171 pounds
LIGHT BULBS: 100 pounds
PROPANE CANISTERS: 65 pounds
Along with WM, this free event was presented by were the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, West Seattle Junction Association, Seattle Public Utilities, Friendly Earth, Northwest Center, Seadrunar, and Styro Recycle.
Next up: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) hosts its spring Recycle Roundup 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 22nd (here’s what will be accepted); John L. Scott Westwood (WSB sponsor) hosts a shredding event Saturday, April 29th, 2-5 pm in the northwest lot at Westwood Village (bring a donation for White Center Food Bank). More on both events as they get closer.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Thursday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
TRACK MEET: Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) hosts the first track meet of the season this afternoon, and volunteers are welcome (as explained in our calendar listing) – show up around 2:30 pm.
FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the 314 Pie truck will be visiting.
NATURAL WINES & DIRT: An evening of learning at Current Coffee (2206 California SW), 5:30 pm.
LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES: Lisa Thompson and Jaqueline Guerrero speak at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW), launching a new regular series of local-author appearances, 6 pm.
FREE PARENT-EDUCATION EVENT: “Consent Etc.” with parent educator Jo Langford, 6:30 pm at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor), free, parents welcome from throughout the community, presented by the Westside Family Association, which requests you RSVP so they have enough chairs out – info’s in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Online meeting at 6:30 pm – with featured guest West Seattle author Elise Hooper. Details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: Online meeting at 6:30 pm – with featured guest Patsy Whitefoot, discussing “Beyond Land Acknowledgment.” Info and RSVP details are in our calendar listing.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Meet up at Highland Park Corner Store at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.
LIVE MUSIC: Blues night at The Spot (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-9 pm.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: West Seattle High School‘s spring musical opens tonight at 7:30 pm! Students have been busy not only rehearsing, but also set-building and working on other production details.
Our calendar listing has details and ticket info. (3000 California SW)
If you have something to add to our calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather April 1st to remember Mike Wallace, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
Michael “Mike” John Wallace was a true and proud West Seattleite until his final day on February 26, 2023. He passed unexpectedly at the age of 65 in West Seattle.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who is survived by his bride, Shari Lynn who he cherished as “the luckiest girl in the world.” He was a proud father of Christopher (Taryn) Wallace and Michelle (Alden) McCormick. He was the most vibrant Grandpa to his five grandchildren: Scarlett, Junior, Aidan, Evelynn, Sloane, and excited for Michelle & Alden’s newest addition due this October. They will forever remember making noise and trouble with Grandpa Mike.
Mike is preceded in death by his sister, Kathi Norberg, and his parents, Hugh & Betty Wallace who raised him and his seven brothers and sisters in a loving home along 35th Avenue full of childhood memories. Mike is also survived by his siblings; Pat (Sheri) Wallace, Barbara Roumonada, Patty Valentine, Linda Byrne, Sue Ericson, and Terry Wallace.
Mike made a notable and memorable impact during his 45 years at Avis where he built a career that he treasured. He never started a day without a cup of Starbucks coffee. He was always donned in his Avis swag, cruising the lots in his red Nike Air Forces. Mike was a magnet who brought people together through music and laughter. On the weekends, he took to the stage drumming with his band, The VanHolt’s. When he didn’t have a gig, he and Shari would spend their time at their property and “happy place” in Desert Aire. If you knew Mike, you fell victim to his famous pop-bys, random calls and saw a brief appearance at every event, but he made sure it never lasted too long as he would leave with a classic Irish Goodbye.
Michael John Wallace’s contagious smile, drum solos, and unforgettable charismatic spirit will be missed and remembered by all.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 2-5 pm at the Seattle Lutheran High School Gymnasium. All who want to share in Mike’s memory are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a local Hope School students fundraiser that benefits Music4Life, a non profit dedicated to getting musical instruments into the hands of kids. Follow this link to donate to Dominic’s GoFundMe page.
To share your condolences and memories of Mike, visit:
emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Wallace
(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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6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 23rd.
WEATHER & TIME
The forecast for today: Rain likely, breezy, high in the 50s. Sunrise 7:06 am, sunset 7:26 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – First week continues for RapidRide H Line replacing Route 120, and for added trips on C Line and Route 50.
Water Taxi – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule, with added runs as of last week; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
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 – looking southwestward toward it:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.
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