West Seattle, Washington
25 Sunday
As the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce throws a party Thursday night to celebrate its first century, it’s looking for a new executive director to lead it into its second. After two years, Whitney Moore will be departing – but not until July 31st, after she sees the organization through upcoming events and initiatives, also including the Westside Awards breakfast on May 16th. Announcing her resignation to the membership earlier this month, the Chamber board said in part:
She pulled us through such challenging times between the pandemic and extended closure of the West Seattle Bridge. Through her leadership, we have expanded the reach of the Chamber, added meaningful programming opportunities for our membership, and improved the structure of our organization in so many different ways.
The announcement also noted that Moore’s post-Chamber plans include completion of a children’s book.The job description for her successor is not yet posted on the Chamber’s site.
8:55 PM: Big emergency response on the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge right now – originally dispatched as a “rescue extrication” but now being downsized. The traffic alert says this involves a collision toward the north end of the bridge. If you were headed that way, wait a while or try another route across the river.
9:04 PM: WSDOT says traffic is being diverted off the northbound bridge at Michigan, as the collision is just north of that exit. This was initially dispatched as a two-vehicle collision, with one reported to have flipped.
9:19 PM: We’ll follow up with SFD later but so far at least one person is reported injured, a woman believed to be in her 20s.
UPDATE FROM SFD: Four people were treated for injuries, according to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo: A 26-year-old man, 44-year-old man, 60-year-old man, 20-year-old woman (who asked to be taken to a hospital), all stable.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SPD says today that the 26-year-old man – driver of the vehicle that flipped – was booked into jail for unlawful gun possession, after one was found in his car and he turned out to be a convicted felon.
Another quick reminder about West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day registration – it’s been open now for 3 1/2 weeks and closes tomorrow night (Thursday, April 27) at 11:30 pm. So far 330 sales are registered, all sizes, all neighborhoods, all kinds of stuff! Once registration ends, mapmaking begins, so that we can make the map and sale list available here on WSB and via westseattlegaragesale.com on May 6th, one week before sale day, which is Saturday, May 13th. (9 am-3 pm, though as you’ll see on the list, some are starting early, some are ending late, some are even adding extra days.) If you’re planning a WSCGSD sale but have procrastinated on signing up, hurry – 28 hours left! Here’s where to register.
6:01 PM: SPD is looking for information on what it says were four early-morning West Seattle business burglaries in the past three days. All involved burglars cutting open the businesses’ safes. Around 6 am today, an alarm brought officers to Taco Time (SPD photo at right), where they “found a smashed window (and a) safe … (that) had been cut open, and staff confirmed money stored in the safe had been taken.” The other three burglaries are listed as all happening Sunday morning (April 23rd):
4:30 a.m. in the 4200 block of SW Morgan Street
5:00 a.m. in the 4700 block of Fauntleroy Way SW
6:00 a.m. in the 2600 block of SW Barton Street
SPD says that in all three cases, “the safes had been accessed with some sort of saw as well.” If you have any information, SPD’s tipline is 206-233-5000.
6:24 PM: SPD’s report didn’t include business names; we are going back through archived dispatch audio. First ID: The 4200 block of SW Morgan burglary was at Ezell’s Famous Chicken. (added) So far we haven’t heard any more specific information on the other two locations except that they were businesses at The Whittaker and Westwood Village.
The second count is in for the one-issue special election, a nine-year King County property-tax levy to raise $1.25 billion for addressing behavioral health, primarily by building five crisis-care centers. “Approve” picked up a bit of ground after this count – the totals now round to 55 percent approving, 45 percent rejecting. This represents 24 percent of all registered voters, with KCE having received 30 percent of all voters’ ballots so far. They’ll continue releasing daily counts until the results are certified next month.
Fundraiser season continues, and here’s one you can jump into right now if you have a few minutes – the Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA auction. Online bidding is open to all until Saturday night (when the PTSA hosts its in-person auction gala). The PTSA says money they raise “supports Arbor Heights Elementary students and staff through PTSA funding of classroom supplies, teacher trainings, school assembly funding, music instruction for all students, arts enrichment, literacy programs, IDEA STEM lab equipment, transportation for field trips and much more.” You can browse what’s up for bidding – including food, beverages, getaways, art, music, more – by going here.=
12:29 PM: Thanks for the tips. We asked SPD why the Chief Sealth/Denny campus was sheltering in place. Det. Judinna Gulpan replied, “Police responded for an assault investigation in the 2700 block of SW Trenton ST. It appears the potential suspects fled onto the school grounds. Officers located the suspects and are with staff investigating the incident. No further information to share at this time.” We’ll add anything more we find out.
1:16 PM: Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Tim Robinson says the shelter-in-place lasted about 45 minutes and was lifted at 12:35 pm.
1:21 PM: Though police did not provide details of the assault, as commenters note, there was a report of someone getting their “finger cut off” at Westwood Village. Archived dispatch audio says the victim was reported to be a 15-year-old boy.
(Massing rendering of Option 3 for 5252 California SW, by Ankrom Moisan)
The Aegis Living plan for 5252 California SW is midway through the Design Review process, after “early design guidance” approval three months ago (WSB coverage here). The project is proposed to include 100 units – one-third memory care, the rest assisted living – plus 750 sf of commercial space, and offstreet parking for 40 cars. The project site currently holds three commercial buildings that were vacated several years ago while previous ownership pursued other plans for the property. Neighbors with questions are organizing an informational meeting with project-team members next week, and they’re inviting everyone in the community who wants to find out more. Here’s the announcement sent to us:
Aegis & Architect re: 5252 California Ave SW
May 4 @ 7:00 – 8:00 pmIf you live near 5252 California Ave SW (corner of Brandon and California) or are just interested in the development of this large, senior living complex — please join Aegis, its Architect, and neighbors to discuss this project and its impact on the neighborhood.
Location: West Seattle Senior Center (Nucor Room), 4217 SW Oregon
The organizers also have set up a website with project information. Meantime, the second and potentially final Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the project is not yet on the schedule. Aegis Living has more than three dozen locations in three states, including one in Admiral.
11:02 AM: Thanks to the texter who reported brown water in upper Gatewood. Nothing of note on the Seattle Public Utilities map so far. If your water is discolored – now or any other time – be sure to report it to SPU’s hotline, 206-386-1800. The discoloration is usually from “sediment” – mostly rust – being stirred up in the lines by anything from a water-main break to nearby hydrant testing.
4:09 PM: Another texter says this just started at their residence, and sent a photo (added above). SPU told them hydrant testing was the likely culprit, and that the discoloration might persist until tomorrow morning.
(Beaver in Longfellow Creek, photographed by John McIntyre)
Highlights for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
JEWELRY SALE: Lauren’s Jewelry (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village is offering everything in the store at 10 percent to 50 percent off during the anniversary sale continuing all week. Open 10 am-6 pm. (2600 SW Barton)
FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: Ages 2-6 welcome to drop in and play, weekday afternoons at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW), 3:30-5 pm.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – fix it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
JAZZ DUO: 6:30 pm, piano and trumpet at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
HPAC: Live, work, shop, study in Highland Park, Riverview, South Delridge? Get community updates at HPAC’s monthly meeting, online, 7 pm – attendance link and agenda highlights are here.
BASEBALL: Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lakeside, 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
Planning an event – presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or … – that could be featured on West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar? Tell us about it! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering John-Carl Davis, and sharing this with the community where he taught for many years:
John-Carl Davis transitioned to eternal life on February 18, 2023 in West Bend, Wisconsin. He was born in Frontenac, Kansas on December 22, 1937 to John C. Davis and Grace Maybelle Davis (nee Stoddard). He was the middle child of three sons (Harry, Norman).
John-Carl attended school and graduated from Frontenac High School in 1955. Shortly after he began his studies at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, the Davis family sold their farm and moved to Washington State. John-Carl joined them and completed his degree at the University of Washington. After graduation, he set down roots in West Seattle, bought a house, and started a family.
He taught English at Chief Sealth High School and later, West Seattle High School. In 1982, he was appointed Vice-President of the Seattle Teachers Association, a position held for several years. He went on to serve as the STA President. This passion for service to his fellow educators eventually brought him to West Bend, Wisconsin in 1990, where he worked as a director for Kettle Moraine Uniserv Council and Cedar Lakes United Educators until his retirement.
In later years, he resided in West Bend’s Cedar Community, where he made cherished friends, curated Heritage House Museum, led Readers Theater, and delighted in the beauty of the woods and wildlife just outside his window.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers, and cousin Bill (Terry) Titmus, and his beloved partner of 27 years, Larry B. Christopher. He is survived by his children: Kevin A. Davis of Gig Harbor; Heather I. Davis of Seattle; Brenna M. (Haakon Latvala) Davis of Portland; Sara E. Davis of Seattle. Five grandchildren also survive: Olivia and CJ Lewis-Davis of Manitowoc, WI; Elizabeth, Victoria, and Avery Davis of Hot Springs, SD. Additional survivors include sister-in-law Mary J. Davis of Bremerton, WA, and many nieces and nephews and their children, who brought “Uncle John” so much joy. His close friends Ellen MacFarlane and K.C. Laycock, along with many other lifetime friends and wonderful neighbors, are among the survivors.
John-Carl enjoyed entertaining, collecting antiques, genealogy, volunteering at Lac Lawrann Conservancy, gardening, reading, and watching wrestling and cooking shows. Endlessly creative, he was a gourmet cook and baker, a published Haiku poet, an aspiring novelist, and an artist who painted, crafted cards, sculpted, and stitched needlework masterpieces.
He was exceedingly proud of each of his children and taught them to love, forgive, and persevere. He was witty and kind and touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Now his journey is complete; he will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to Lac Lawrann Conservancy or National Public Radio UWM 89.7. A Celebration of Life was held April 15. The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence, please visit schmidtfuneralhome.com.
(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)
8:54 AM: Police confirm this morning that casings were found after a report of gunfire Tuesday evening in Admiral. They say officers responded after a call around 6:30 pm that people in two vehicles were shooting at each other near 39th SW and SW Lander. SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan says they found witnesses who saw and heard the shooting and described one vehicle as a white sedan, the other as a white SUV. She says the casings were found “south of the intersection.” No injuries were reported and no property damage was found at the time. If you have any information, the incident number is 23-111868.
9:12 AM: Det. Gulpan adds, “One of the vehicles may be a white BMW with a black hood leaving the area southbound on 39 Avenue SW and the other vehicle a white Chevy Blazer leaving northbound on 39th Avenue SW.”
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 26th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The warmup continues! The forecast for today: Partly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise 6:01 am, sunset 8:14 pm.
BRIDGE WORK ALERT
SDOT says its crews will be on the westbound bridge 7 am-2 pm again today as they continue an on-site inspection.
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.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule but with the chance of sailing cancellations, so 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 – east-end vicinity:
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 trouble 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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