By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Public safety was the top topic at last night’s Alki Community Council meeting, held at Alki UCC and online, facilitated by ACC president Tony Fragada.

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT: First guest was the precinct’s night commander, Lt. Nathan Shopay, connecting from home on his night off. He said Alki had been relatively quiet lately and asked about community concerns. One attendee asked if the new traffic-calming measures in east Alki seemed to be working; Lt. Shopay said yes, adding that things would be even better if the diagonal parking area on Duwamish Head were reconfigured. One attendee said the dividers and speed bumps had led to stunt-driving and racing further west. As for crime trends, Lt. Shopay repeated what he had told the Morgan Community Association on Wednesday night (WSB coverage here) – most categories are down, except for auto theft.

CITY ATTORNEY: Ann Davison attended in person. She told ACC attendees that community-meeting attendance is important to her because she wants “to be accessible.” She first spent some time explaining how the City Attorney’s Office works, with civil and criminal divisions, and the latter primarily handling the lesser crimes known as misdemeanors. She also recapped two initiatives on which her staff has been working – “high utilizers” and “close-in-time filing.” She spent some time discussing the matter of filing charges, and noted that if crimes don’t get reported, it’s a sure bet no one will be arrested and no one will be charged. Her office has to get cases referred from police. So, she stressed, call police if you see something! She said there’s another category of assumption she’s trying to change – police sometimes sending a case directly to the City Attorney’s Office because they assume the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office won’t charge a certain type of offense. Davison says she’s been working with SPD to stress that if something seems like a felony, they will send it to the KCPAO; if they decline to file, then Davison’s staff can review.

She also spent some time discussing the civil division of the CAO. So often, municipal law offices are focused on defensive matters, she explained – somebody’s suing over tripping on a sidewalk, or challenging a law, for example. She took the rare tack of going on the offense with the Kia/Hyundai theft lawsuit. She said Seattle was the first in the nation to take that action, and now 10 other municipalities have joined. “I’m not a crowd-follower,” she said. She believes going after the car companies for their products’ vulnerabilities is merited because it’s “resource-draining” for cities to have to spend so much law-enforcement resources on this. “It was not a hard call – even if the lawsuit is unsuccessful, it’s the right thing to do,” she believes.

One last point she made – she said she’s spent time rebuilding relationships with other city departments.

Before she left, an attendee offered these parting words: “We love Joe Everett.” (He’s the Southwest Precinct liaison from the City Attorney’s Office.) His boss appeared to agree with the positive appraisal.

COUNCIL CANDIDATE: He wasn’t officially on the agenda, but City Council District 1 candidate Phil Tavel was in attendance. He was asked whether outgoing Councilmember Lisa Herbold will be endorsing him. He said they had actually had a good conversation in which he asked her to consider it; he said she didn’t rule it out.

NEXT MEETING: ACC president Fragada said guests are expected next month from SDOT (to talk about scooters) and Seattle Public Utilities. ACC meets third Thursdays most months, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) and online (see our calendar for connection info), so that means May 18th for the next one.

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BIZNOTE: Fire Tacos invites you to Alki anniversary celebration

April 21, 2023 7:59 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Another business is celebrating its anniversary! Erika and Jorge Saldivar of Fire Tacos on Alki asked us to let you know that they’re planning a party on Monday (April 24th) to start their second year at the beach. Between 4 pm and 9 pm, they’ll be offering 99-cent tacos as part of a special anniversary menu (with some restrictions – 10 per person, no takeout or to-go orders). They’ll have live mariachi music, too. The Saldivars want you to know, “We are extremely grateful with all the love and support we have received.” If you haven’t been to Fire Tacos yet, it’s at 2738 Alki Avenue SW, west corner of 61st/Alki, a bricks-and-mortar expansion of the Saldivars’ original Kent-based food truck.

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COUNTDOWN: One month until first West Seattle 5K in four years

April 21, 2023 5:33 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

One month from today – at 9:30 am Sunday, May 21st – Alki Avenue SW will fill with runners and walkers during the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. This is presented by, and benefiting, the West Seattle High School PTSA. If you haven’t registered yet, keep in mind that now’s the time to get in at the lowest price – general registration goes up May 1st, student fees on May 15th. (As announced last month, this year WSHS students have an incentive to participate – the grade that registers the most participants gets a cash grant!) The West Seattle 5K is powered not only by registration fees but also by community sponsors – see them here. Ready to register? Here’s the link.

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UPDATE: Big initial response but small fire in 5200 block of Delridge Way SW

April 21, 2023 4:11 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

4:11 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW for a reported residential fire. Updates to come.

(Photo sent by Margaret)

4:14 PM: Turned out to be an “exterior fire, (put) out by occupant,” firefighters just told dispatch, so they’re canceling most of the response.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: 5 things to do on Earth Day in West Seattle

April 21, 2023 2:17 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

Saturday is Earth Day. If you’ve already browsed our West Seattle Event Calendar, you know it’s a big list (and our morning preview will have even more). Here are five highlights:

RECYCLING: Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly Recycle Roundup happens 9 am-3 pm in the church lot at 9140 California SW. It’s a free dropoff event – here’s the list of what they are and aren’t taking this time.

RAINWATER ALTERNATIVES: Learn about RainWise during a 10 am-1 pm garden celebration at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle) in Gatewood.

SAFE DISPOSAL: Unwanted/unneeded prescription drugs are often flushed – polluting the water – or worse. One way to safely dispose of them is via Drug Take-Back Day at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster), 10 am-2 pm. No questions asked, all types accepted, says precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner.

SEATTLE’S BIGGEST FOREST: Learn about the West Duwamish Greenbelt – Seattle’s biggest remaining forest, and it’s right here in West Seattle! – during a 3 pm panel discussion at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW). Among the panelists are local nature steward Kersti Muul and Ken Workman from the Duwamish Tribe.

TIMEBANKING AND GARDENING: Learn about both at Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) at a 3-5 pm work party with West Seattle Timebank volunteers. All welcome – kids too. Take home fresh-grown organic produce!

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From the ‘dumped-likely-stolen’ file: New hot spot to find stolen cars? Plus, possible prowling bycatch

April 21, 2023 12:16 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports:

NEW HOT SPOT FOR ABANDONING STOLEN CARS? From Charlie:

Noticed this car on the corner of Myrtle and 47th AVE SW across from The Kenney property again. It is a Ford Fusion, light brown in color. The rear bumper is completely missing though the license plate is visible, WA CBX5707. The front bumper is also damaged along with the windshield and the driver side window is broken out. It has been sitting on this corner for nearly a day now according to the neighbor and efforts to contact the police have been fruitless. This is the second such vehicle to be dumped in the area and it seems like this is becoming a great place to drop stolen cars as the area is very quiet and it is unlikely to be observed after dark.

The previously dumped car was a white Hyundai Sonata left there last week, and Charlie reported making contact with both SPD and its owner, who retrieved their vehicle.

POSSIBLE PROWLING BYCATCH: Todd spotted this along Bonair in Upper Alki – mostly trash but a few things that might be bycatch from a car prowl, such as the Hyundai Tucson collateral and baseball notepad:

If any of this is yours, email us and we’ll connect you.

Charlie

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UPDATE: Brown water in Alki area

April 21, 2023 11:40 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

FRIDAY MORNING: Jean reports brown water in the 3000 block of Alki Ave SW. If you’ve noticed it too, be sure to call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 – sometimes the cause can be as simple as SFD hydrant testing in the area, but sometimes it’s first word of a major problem nearby.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON: We also got a similar report from Jenn in the Alki area. And both say it hadn’t cleared up even hours later.

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Shop, help, play, laugh, listen – here’s the lineup for your West Seattle Friday afternoon/evening

April 21, 2023 10:50 am

| Comments Off on Shop, help, play, laugh, listen – here’s the lineup for your West Seattle Friday afternoon/evening

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Alki Beach scene, photographed last week by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

The weekend’s about to begin!

LAUREN’S JEWELRY ANNIVERSARY SALE: Everything at Lauren’s Jewelry (in Westwood Village; WSB sponsor) is on sale, 10 percent to 50 percent off. Open today until 6 pm.

BENEFIT BOOKFAIR: Shopping for books? Do it at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) and tell them you’re there for Tilden School.

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: First Friday this season that you can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of plants, until 3:30 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

BENEFIT BEVERAGES: Get a drink at Hotwire Coffee (4426 California SW) and tell them you’re there for Genesee Hill Elementary. Open until 5 pm.

BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE: First day of the White Center Library Guild‘s spring rummage sale, inside the library (1409 SW 107th). Plant starts too! Proceeds support library programs.

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

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open for visits at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE AFTER HOURS: New chance to hang out at HPCS, 6-9 pm, as explained in our calendar listing.

MUSIC AT THE SPOT: 6 pm, Interlucid Eltro pop at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way).

OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: Signups at 6, music at 6:30 – free monthly singer-songwriter open mic at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – details are in our calendar listing.

SPORTS: One high-school home game tonight – 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS plays baseball vs. Ingraham.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Harp music with Halcyon the Mermaid at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

LAUGH UNTIL YOU DIE: Comedy gaming experience at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 7 pm. Get tickets here.

SOUND BATH FOR THE NEW MOON: 7:30-8:45 pm with Maari Falsetto at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $45.

AT THE SKYLARK: Forest and the Evergreen, Saloon, Teenage Graffiti, doors at 6 pm, music at 7 pm, all ages, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

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RETURNING: Healthy Kids Day brings free fun to West Seattle YMCA on April 29

April 21, 2023 9:48 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Before we get to today’s preview list, a reason to set your calendar for next Saturday (April 29th) – the fun, free Healthy Kids Day is back at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). From 10 am-1 pm, kids are welcome on the Y’s grounds in The Triangle for activities including face painting, a bounce house, a quiet area, and a special appearance from the UW Huskies football team, plus healthy snack demonstrations, water safety activities, prizes, summer camp crafts, and sports challenges. No membership required – this is open to all.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday morning + weekend notes

April 21, 2023 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday morning + weekend notes

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 21st.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Cloudy, chance of afternoon rain, high in the 50s. (Possibly the 60s by Tuesday!) Sunrise 6:10 am, sunset 8:07 pm.

WEEKEND

*Weather permitting, SDOT tentatively plans to install jersey barriers for the West Marginal Way protected bicycle lane this weekend.

*In the SODO stadium zone, Mariners host Cardinals all weekend – 7:10 pm tonight, 6:40 pm Saturday, 1:10 pm Sunday.

*Second cruise-ship stop of the year is Saturday at Pier 66 downtown, same one as the first, NCL Norwegian Bliss.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening, so watch for alerts (if you’re not signed up to get them, check channels like this).

Water Taxi – Now on the spring/summer schedule, which adds Friday/Saturday night runs starting tonight.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; 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). Thank you!

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