month : 03/2023 312 results

SATURDAY: Scouting for Food door-to-door food drive, part 1

The next two Saturdays, Scouts will be out all around West Seattle placing door hangers for the annual Scouting for Food door-to-door drive. Here’s the explanation:

Since 1985, Scouts have worked together with community food banks to collect food for the hungry during the annual Scouting for Food drive. Over that time, one million cans of food have been collected for local community food banks. The BSA teaches the value of community service in all of its programs and the importance of helping others. Doing a Good Turn Daily is a cornerstone of the Scouting program.

Scouts from West Seattle will walk our neighborhoods delivering door hangers on Saturday, March 18. The following Saturday, March 25, Scouts will return to collect non-perishable food item donations and deliver them to the West Seattle Food Bank. Emphasis is on food most needed for nutrition, such as peanut butter, baby formula, packaged meals, and canned goods, especially tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables.

Please help support the hungry in our community. Watch for a door hanger on your door and get your donations out early on March 25, so you can join our Scouts in “Doing a Good Turn Daily.”

If you don’t get a door hanger, you can still help the WSFB any time – here’s how.

WHALES: Orcas passing West Seattle again

This time they’re northbound, passing Blake Island, visible from this side, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!

H LINE: Celebrating West Seattle’s second RapidRide line on eve of its launch

(WSB photos/video)

That’s Metro driver Ermias Mulugeta, a 14-year veteran transit operator who had a starring role in today’s ribboncutting-and-speeches event celebrating tomorrow’s launch of the RapidRide H Line. He drove the newly rebranded red-and-yellow bus into the lot at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, with dignitaries aboard including King County Executive Dow Constantine and Metro’s new general manager Michelle Allison:

Before the ribboncutting, 26 minutes of speeches – here’s our unedited video:

Allison emceed, with opening and closing remarks. Constantine declared that RapidRide is “the evolution of Metro Transit.” (Long-running evolution – West Seattle’s first RR line, C, launched 10+ years ago.) Route 120, which becomes the H Line tomorrow, carried 1.7 million people last year, he said, and he observed that the new line’s route between Burien and downtown will help people “enjoy more of what this part of King County has to offer.”

It’ll also help with everyday tasks, added the next speaker, White Center Food Bank executive director Carmen Smith.

WCFB’s new location will be close to an RR stop, and that means people carrying food won’t have to hike uphill with heavy loads any more. Other speakers included King County Councilmember Joe McDermott – who is leaving office this year but has helped shepherd the H Line into reality – and Burien Mayor Sofia Aragon (who happens to be running to be McDermott’s successor), who said her city is proud of how this is factoring into many improvements along its main thoroughfare, Ambaum Boulevard. From Seattle city government, executive general manager Adiam Emery reoresented Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s team:

She noted that Seattle had invested (corrected) $90 million in the H Line, as well as projects such as the Delridge repaving/reconfiguration. And District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold noted that the “multijurisdictional project” is an enhancement to what’s already King County’s sixth-busiest bus route. After Allison wrapped up with a few more stats – 51 new stations, 40 new crosswalks, five miles of new bus lanes – it was ribboncutting time:

As reported here Wednesday, the H Line officially begins running with a 5:26 am northbound departure from Burien on Saturday morning. The first coach, we’re told, will be the same one that rolled up at the start of this morning’s event – 6209. The launch comes four years later than the originally announced 2019.

UPDATE: Two people hurt, dog killed in West Seattle RV fire

(Added: WSB photos)

4:01 PM: Seattle Fire is on the scene of an RV fire in the 7900 block of 20th SW [vicinity map]. It was initially described as “small” but now firefighters are reporting two people are hurt, and medic units are being summoned for both of them.

4:10 PM: The fire is reported out, SFD’s investigator is on the way, and the two victims are being taken to the hospital.

4:49 PM: Firefighters at the scene tell us the victims are a man and woman, both conscious when transported. A dog that was also in the RV died. The RV is in a driveway.

The fire cause is under investigation but we’re told the fire did not spread beyond the vehicle.

5:44 PM: SFD says both people were in critical condition when transported.

UPDATE: Truck loses load on West Seattle Bridge

3:39 PM: If you have to head eastbound any time soon via the West Seattle Bridge, you might consider waiting, or taking another route. Right at the 99 overpass, it’s down to one lane because of what police have described as debris from a truck losing its load.

4:42 PM: Police have just told dispatch that one lane is still closed, as is the 1st Avenue South exit from the eastbound bridge.

5:40 PM: SDOT says this has cleared.

WEST SEATTLE HISTORY: Rock garden meets Stone Cottage

(WSB photo)

A new arrival today at the spot where the Stone Cottage is being stored, awaiting a permanent home. It’s the Bicentennial Tower from the Walker Rock Garden, saved when the garden was partly demolished for redevelopment in 2021. Since then, the tower has been unceremoniously lying on its side atop a planting strip across the street, east and uphill from Fairmount Park. That house is now in the process of being sold, so it had to be moved.

(This photo and next courtesy Mike Shaughnessy)

Today local preservationists led by Mike Shaughnessy, also part of Save the Stone Cottage, loaded it onto a truck and moved it to the lot where the Stone Cottage has been since it too had to be moved because of redevelopment (which has since stalled, but that’s another story). Here’s a photo of how the tower looked when it stood in the Walker Rock Garden:

The hope is that the tower – whose backstory you can read in this story by Eric Scigliano (who was there for this morning’s move) – can be restored and then placed in a new home yet to be determined – somewhere in West Seattle.

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Street stripe refreshed for another St. Patrick’s Day

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a look at the mysterious green stripe that leprechaun(s) refresh every year along 41st SW north of SW Admiral Way. This year, the photos are courtesy of a reader who got an aerial view via drone.

Who does this? That remains a mystery – and some have suggested over the years that it’s not a bad thing to have a few mysteries remain.

ROAD WORK ALERT: Lane reconfiguration near West Seattle low bridge

March 17, 2023 11:32 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK ALERT: Lane reconfiguration near West Seattle low bridge
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Weekend road-work alert from SDOT:

For the next two weekends, March 18-19 and March 25-26, we’ll be working on the S Spokane St on-ramp to the Spokane St Swing Bridge. To help address freight traffic back-ups and improve traffic flow near the terminals, we’re reconfiguring the westbound travel lanes to create a longer area for merging and changing lanes.

Work hours are 7 AM to 3 PM. During the work, people driving from East Marginal Way S will not be able to merge onto the Spokane St Swing Bridge. The driving detour is using SR 99 or the overpass on the Spokane St Viaduct. Plan ahead and expect delays due to reduced lanes and construction activity, noise, equipment and materials in the work area. We do not anticipate impacts to people walking and biking.

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, headed to homeport

(Photo sent by Duncan)

10:20 AM: Thanks for the tips and photos! The aircraft carrier headed northbound right now is USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), confirmed via MarineTraffic.com. It arrived in Bremerton in 2021 for major overhaul work.

1 PM: You can read more about the Theodore Roosevelt’s departure – headed back to its San Diego homeport – via the Kitsap Sun.

17 options for your West Seattle Friday!

March 17, 2023 9:59 am
|    Comments Off on 17 options for your West Seattle Friday!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

Here are West Seattle highlights for the rest of your Friday:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: In-person cookie sales continue through Sunday – use this lookup to find times and locations of “booths” near you!

BEVERAGE FUNDRAISER: Genesee Hill Elementary PTA benefits from beverage purchases at Hotwire Coffee today (open until 5 pm) – tell them that’s why you’re there! (4410 California SW)

SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

HOT SAUCE TASTING: Come to HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) 1-3 pm for tastings with Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, plus a raffle!

IRISH DANCE PERFORMANCE: Youth dancers from the Comerford School of Irish Dance perform at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 1-1:30 pm. Free, all welcome, RSVP to the center.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Fridays (and Saturdays).

CAKE POP-UP: Lovely and Dapper Desserts and others are at The Nook (2206 California SW), 5-10 pm.

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

HIGHLAND PARK PUB: For St. Patrick’s Day, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way) is transforming into Highland Park Pub, 6-9 pm.

STEM COMMUNITY WEEK: The finale of Louisa Boren STEM K-8‘s Community Week is an art showcase and raffle tonight, 6-8 pm, all welcome! (5950 Delridge Way SW)

FISH DINNER: You’re invited to dine at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle), 6-8 pm.

KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Second edition of the monthly songwriter-incubator open mic, performers and spectators welcome, signups at 6, music at 6:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)

(added) BASEBALL: Home opener for West Seattle High School, 7 pm vs. Capital, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

LAUGH UNTIL YOU DIE: Comedy Mafia tonight at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 7 pm – here’s the ticket link.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Vocal duo Zojo at 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BENEFIT SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, with Tim Turner Band, benefiting Sanislo Elementary. All ages until 10 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘SHE KILLS MONSTERS’: The Chief Sealth International High School Drama Club presentation has a public performance at 7:30 pm – ticket info in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YOU CAN HELP: Step up to the plate and volunteer with West Seattle Little League

March 17, 2023 9:18 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Step up to the plate and volunteer with West Seattle Little League
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Spring means youth sports, and West Seattle Little League is hoping for more volunteer help, of all ages:

West Seattle Little League Needs YOU!

JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS

Our Junior Volunteers keep Bar-S hopping all season long. Cook and sell food in the Snack Shack, prep the fields for games, serve as a Junior Umpire – or do all three! This is a fun opportunity for community members aged 13-18 to gain service skills and volunteer hours. Benefits include tips and free food/beverage each shift. Junior Volunteer applications will be accepted through Monday, March 20th.

Click here to apply to be a Junior Volunteer.

Or contact Jacque at snackshack@westseattlelittleleague.com to learn more.

SNACK SHACK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We’re looking for adult volunteers passionate about customer service and youth mentorship. Be an integral part of that Bar-S magic! Experience in food service is ideal but not necessary. Training provided. Responsibilities include:

-Lead the Snack Shack Junior Volunteers throughout the season, taking weeknight evening shifts from 5-9 pm, as available.

-Lead the Snack Shack team on Saturdays, with shifts from 7:15-10:30 am, 10:15-2:15 pm, 2:00-5:30 pm, or 5:15-9 pm, as available.

Supervise and support our Junior Volunteers (ages 13-16) in food prep, cleanliness, and cash handling. Help them develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Prepare hot dogs for sale at the Snack Shack and assist with other hot food preparation.

Assist the Concessions Director with managing systems and inventory.

Food handlers permit required (available online), and WSLL will pay the permit fee.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jacque by March 20th to learn more: snackshack@westseattlelittleleague.com

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes + weekend alert

March 17, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes + weekend alert
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 17th.

WEATHER & TIME

The forecast for today: Mostly sunny, high near 60. We’re heading into the last weekend of winter! Sunrise 7:18 am, sunset 7:17 pm.

TRANSIT

Water TaxiRegular schedule.

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations possible, so check notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts. If you ride the 120, it’s the route’s last day – Saturday it becomes the RapidRide H Line. A ceremonial ribboncutting is happening in White Center this morning; we’ll be there. Metro’s other spring “service changes” take effect Saturday too, but the H Line launch is the only major one for West Seattle.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule, with added runs as of this week; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

WEEKEND ALERT

*Saturday morning, be aware of northbound congestion on 16th along and south of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) because of the recycle/reuse dropoff event (9 am-noon).

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 east to west (unless SDOT turns the camera):

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.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 more stolen vehicles; car break-ins; assault arrest

Tonight at the Alki Community Council meeting, Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Dorothy Kim said auto theft is the one category of crime that’s continuing to rise, here and citywide. And tonight we have two vehicle-theft reports to start a late-night West Seattle Crime Watch roundup:

STOLEN BUSINESS VAN: Even if you haven’t tried Cocina MX 32‘s mobile Mexican food, you might have seen them around town. Their catering/truck business is based in White Center and often in West Seattle. Tonight around 6:30 pm their van – shown above – was stolen. We don’t have the location or plate/report numbers yet but notify police if you find it.

STOLEN SPORTAGE: Kirsten emailed to report, “We had our Kia Sportage 2020 vehicle stolen from a business parking lot in the Delridge area today.” Photos above; plate is BRL6131; SPD incident # is 23-72440.

CAR BREAK-INS: From Rachel:

Last night between 10:00-11:00 our car and several others had broken windows in the LA Fitness parking garage. We filed a police report, and nothing was taken (’cause we didn’t have valuables in the car), but the car itself is our valuables. I just want people to be aware.

ASSAULT ARREST: If you saw police making an arrest in/near Jefferson Square around 12:30 pm, it might have been the case detailed in this SPD Blotter post tonight. It started with a December assault in Queen Anne; they identified a suspect and got an arrest warrant in January, and found the suspect in West Seattle today. They say the 36-year-old man was driving a stolen car in which officers found a gun he wasn’t legally allowed to possess.

SATURDAY: Northwest Symphony Orchestra in concert in West Seattle

March 16, 2023 10:24 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: Northwest Symphony Orchestra in concert in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Taking a moment to look ahead to the weekend – if you could use some soul-soothing music, this just might be it. The award-winning Northwest Symphony Orchestra is sponsoring WSB right now to be sure you know about Saturday’s concert:

Northwest Symphony Orchestra presents “Music for the Soul”

The Northwest Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of “Music for the Soul” at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle on Saturday, March 18, at 8 pm. This concert features Mozart’s Symphony #41, with its incredible finale, Where Springs Not Fail by local composer Hanna Benn (a piece based on the poignant poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins), J.S. Bach’s exuberant Orchestral Suite #3 (that includes the famous Air on the G String) and a cello concerto by Vivaldi featuring Carlsen Cello Foundation recipient Carson Ling-Efird.

For more information, go here; for tickets, go here.

The concert venue is at 42nd SW and SW Genesee on the north edge of The Junction.

HAPPENING NOW: See what you can bid for in Fauntleroy Children’s Center’s online auction

March 16, 2023 9:32 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: See what you can bid for in Fauntleroy Children’s Center’s online auction
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

School fundraiser season continues! Tonight we heard about the Fauntleroy Children’s Center annual auction – through Saturday at 6:30 pm, so less than 48 hours to bid! Here’s the announcement:

The annual auction to support the Fauntleroy Children’s Center is a staple of the West Seattle community. This year marks the 36th time we are holding this event, an online auction open to FCC families, grandparents, alumni, and community members in West Seattle. The online auction runs through Saturday, March 18, at 6:30 pm.

The funds raised by the auction support the center’s 120 students as well as the 33 staff members who work at FCC. Funds will go toward updating decades-old outdoor play structures, funding scholarships for families in need, and supporting continuing education for our teachers.

FCC is in the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. You can see the dozens of auction items (gift cards for local businesses and much more) – and sign up to bid – by going here. Questions? auction@fauntleroychildrenscenter.org

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Happy Lemon soft-opens in Westwood Village

Thanks to Chau for the photo and tip – the international tea chain Happy Lemon has soft-opened its new shop at Westwood Village. Only 2 1/2 months – shorter than the usual new-business timeline – have passed since we first reported that Happy Lemon was on the way to the space vacated by Vatsana’s Thai. Posted hours are 11 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.

FOLLOWUP: District rejects environmental appeal of Alki Elementary rebuild/expansion

(Rendering by Mahlum, from last year’s info packet for proposed zoning ‘departures’)

6:27 PM: The decision isn’t final until Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones reviews it, but a district hearing examiner has issued his recommendation on an appeal related to the plan to rebuild and expand Alki Elementary (previous WSB coverage here). SPS hearing examiner Gary McLean said the appellants did not prove that the district was wrong in determining that the project did not require a full environmental review. His ruling’s summary:

Based on the entire record taken as a whole, the appeal should be denied. The appellants failed to offer sufficient evidence to establish that any probable, significant, adverse environmental impact will result from the project, even after requiring the project to meet existing laws, regulations, and measures noted in the environmental information included in the record. The Examiner is not left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.

In this type of challenge, the burden is on appellants to prove that the original decision – in this case, the decision that a full environmental review was not needed – was in error. The appeal was argued at a two-day hearing last month. The ruling summarizes testimony on behalf of the appeal – mostly area residents – and on behalf of the district – an array of “expert witnesses” led by an attorney from a private law firm that specializes in land-use cases. Hearing examiner McLean also noted that he visited the site multiple times between the completion of the hearing and the issuance of his ruling. His ruling summarizes the issues presented in the appeal as:

Archaeological/Cultural Resource Concerns;
Aesthetic/View Impact Concerns, especially for residents located uphill, behind the building.
Traffic and parking concerns.
General discussion.

In all, McLean wrote, “The witness testimony presented during all three appeal presentations added little, if any, substantive evidence that would serve to rebut the expert consultant studies, and on-site observations of the surrounding area, summarized by District witnesses during the appeal hearing. … The appellants’ evidence and testimony in this appeal was mostly a recitation of personal beliefs, opinions, and conclusory assertions. While sincere and genuinely concerned about the neighborhood and public schools, none of the appellant witnesses presented testimony or evidence of the same weight as the professional subject-matter expert reports and testimony included in the record.”

Again, the SPS superintendent now has to review this and make a final decision on the appeal. But that won’t be the last say on the project. The building and land-use permit applications remain under review by the city Department of Construction and Inspections; its decision, including whether to grant nine zoning exceptions (“departures”), also will be subject to appeal. Construction at the 3010 59th SW site is planned to start after this school year ends in June; Alki students and staff are scheduled to move into the former Schmitz Park Elementary for the next two school years.

9:14 PM: Just got word that the superintendent’s decision is in. In a one-paragraph letter, he accepts the hearing ecaminer’s recommendation:

I have received the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation (“Recommendation”) regarding the SEPA Appeal that was filed by several appellants for the Alki Elementary School Addition and Renovation Project. I have carefully reviewed the Recommendation and find it to be sound. As a result, I adopt the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation. Appellants’ evidence has not shown the Responsible Official’s SEPA determination to be clearly erroneous.

SEPA = State Environmental Policy Act; its provisions shape processes like this one.

Tibbetts United Methodist Church hosting first-ever Drag Tea

West Seattle’s drag scene is booming. Along with the longrunning West End Girls monthly “drag extravaganza” at The Skylark, there’s now also regular Out At The Box nights at Box Bar, shows at Admiral Pub, the new Kenyon Hall Cabaret, and more. (We list them all on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar when we get advance notice.) Now a new addition – the first-ever Drag Tea at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – here’s the invitation they asked us to share:

We are thrilled to be hosting a Drag Tea on April 1st from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Yes Tea, Yes Shade, Yes Pink Lemonade! Come delight in an afternoon of tea, snacks, community, and FUN with drag queen Ms. Penny Cost! All ages welcome!

100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Beloved Arise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth of faith. Beloved Arise seeks to build relationships, offer support, and inspire youth to embrace life to the fullest.

Pay what you can. Every dollar will go to support Beloved Arise. Suggested Donations: $20 adult, $10 kids and youth

Attire: You do you! Wear what makes you feel most yourself! Dress casual or dress up, just be YOU!

Learn more about Tibbetts UMC by visiting our website. Tibbetts is at 3940 41st Ave SW; enter the Fellowship Hall at the corner of 41st and Andover.

Please reserve your seat! Tickets & info here.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Elantra

Reported by Richard in Fauntleroy:

My 2011 gray Hyundai Elantra was stolen at 1:30 pm on 45th Ave SW this afternoon by two male suspects. The postman saw them and attempted to intervene but they completed the whole operation too quickly. They drove off toward Wildwood Market intersection. Attaching pics of the suspects from my doorbell camera.

Washington license plate CFV5218. Police incident # 23-72264.

UPDATE: Collision at 9th/Henderson

2:28 PM: Police and fire have responded to a collision at 9th/Henderson, by Westcrest Park. It’s reported as a pedestrian hit by a driver. Police have told dispatch that westbound Henderson is blocked at 9th. No information yet on how seriously the victim was hurt.

2:36 PM: The medic unit and one of the two engines have been dismissed from the call, which indicates no major injuries, but we’ll be following up with SFD.

8:10 PM: SFD says a 34-year-old man was taken to the hospital by private ambulance, in stable condition when transported.

FOLLOWUP: Sweep dates posted for encampment areas by 1st Avenue South Bridge

(WSB photos)

1:59 PM: Signs like that one, posted along the streets on the West Seattle side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge, announce a plan to sweep the area’s sprawling encampments next week. The notices list the dates as Monday through Thursday; no-parking signage in the area is for a much-longer period, Monday through April 18th.

As we’ve been reporting, a sweep/cleanup has long been planned in this area, where Southwest Precinct police say they’ve recovered more than 100 stolen cars. They also said sweep dates were set a few months ago but the plan was suddenly shelved. A city Unified Care Team member told the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council last month that plans were moving ahead, in collaboration with agencies including WSDOT, since most of the area is theirs. We noted WSDOT-vested workers talking with people under the bridge when we went through:

Also notably, when we sent a question about this to our usual city contact this morning, it was forwarded to a WSDOT spokesperson for response. James Poling replied, “This site has been posted with a 72-hour notice. Those who are living onsite have been matched with a housing resource that works for them,” also noting that this response was “on behalf of our partners with the city, KCRHA and outreach partners onsite.”

P.S. Thanks to Lola for the tip on this via a comment; she mentioned Parking Enforcement seen in the area today – while there were none in evidence when we looked, we did note the telltale orange tag on one roadside RV.

5:42 PM: WSDOT’s Poling answered our followup questions – explaining for one that “the WSDOT employee in a vest was posting the 72-hour notice along the site. Beyond that task, WSDOT will not have a presence onsite until site cleanup begins.” Also, regarding outreach, Poling says, “Speaking on behalf of our partner agencies regarding the following, an outreach field team worked several weeks matching individuals who were living on the site with appropriate housing placements, and 30 individuals have since moved inside.”

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Luna Park Café reopening

(WSB photos)

After multiple test runs, Luna Park Café will reopen tomorrow (Friday, March 17th) – but only for breakfast and lunch for starters, according to founder John Bennett. Six months have passed since the restaurant closed for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

They’ve also made some menu changes, most notably adding this vegan menu. As with any place opening/reopening, they hope you will be patient, don’t everyone rush in at once! The 34-years-in-business café at 2918 SW Avalon Way will be open 8 am-3 pm Wednesdays-Sundays as of tomorrow.

Alki Community Council, RainWise info, more for your West Seattle Thursday

(Male Bushtit gathering organic cotton for nesting – photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here are highlights for the rest of your Thursday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: In-person sales continue through Sunday – use this lookup to find cookie booths near you.

BENEFIT BOOKFAIR: All week, you can help Alki Co-op Preschool raise money by shopping with Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) – details are in our calendar listing.

MEDICARE INFORMATION: Presentation at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 11 am-noon.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

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 Alaskan Dumplings truck will be visiting.

STEM COMMUNITY WEEK: 4-6 pm today, activities open to the community continue at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) – today, an engineering workshop.

RAINWISE WEBINAR: Are you eligible for RainWise? Find out more about it online at 5 pm – details and registration link are in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: 6 pm online, watch and discuss videos on the topic “Saving Native Plants to Save Ourselves” – details in our preview.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Meet up at Highland Park Corner Store at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Attend in person or online, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Agenda includes SPD and Seattle Parks discussions.

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – open mic for musicians/singers of all genres.

If you have something to add to our calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!