West Seattle, Washington

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month : 04/2023 304 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green CR-V; car prowler
April 13, 2023 12:28 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch so far today:

STOLEN GREEN CR-V: Sent by Louis:

Our family vehicle (1999 Honda CR-V, Green, #AND2976) was stolen last night on 40th Ave SW between SW Dakota St and SW Genesee St. I found out the car was missing on my way to work this morning at 6:30 am. We have reported the theft to SPD and have a report number: 2023-99460.

This additional photo shows various stickers on the left rear window.

CAR PROWLER: From an anonymous reader: “Wanted to alert you to attempted car prowl/car theft at my house last night (car in the driveway!). The prowler(s) were unsuccessful but would be good to have more people alerted to be watchful. I can’t pin the exact time – but I was not in view of my car between 9 pm on 4/12/23 and 4:45 am on 4/13/23. I’m at Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood (40th Ave SW).”

REMINDER: Questions for local police, about a specific incident, trend, or … ? Your next chance to ask is tonight at 6 pm during the rescheduled Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). If you want to attend by video or phone, we’ve now added that info to our calendar listing.

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FOLLOWUP: New date set for ‘Friends Across the Wires’ in West Seattle
April 13, 2023 11:52 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Last week’s scheduled one-time performance of “Friends Across the Wires” at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center had to be called off at the last minute for COVID concerns. Now producer Tamara Bunnell tells WSB a new date is set – one week from tonight, 7:30 pm Thursday, April 20th. It’s a free performance, presented by the Seattle Historical Theatre Project, of a play telling the story of Japanese American incarceration during World War II through the prism of young people’s experiences. No tickets or RSVP required – just show up next Thursday night. The venue is at 4408 Delridge Way SW. (Here’s our original preview.)

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West Seattle Art Walk, Muse Fest, Fly Fishing Film Tour, Crime Prevention Council, Southwest Stories, more for your Thursday
April 13, 2023 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk, Muse Fest, Fly Fishing Film Tour, Crime Prevention Council, Southwest Stories, more for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Big Thursday in West Seattle! First – art and music combined:

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: That’s the venue list for tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, at venues all over the peninsula, 5 pm “until late.” Some have art, some have artist receptions too, some offer food/drink specials. Preview many of the artists via the Art Walk website.

MUSE FEST: As previewed here, tonight’s Art Walk is highlighted by the second Muse Fest, a series of concurrent free mini-concerts by women musicians, this time at 11 venues, 6-7:45 pm – see the performer/venue lineup here.

Also today/tonight:

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: At the West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.

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 Paparepas truck will be visiting.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

SW PRECINCT CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Rescheduled night for this meeting with local police and special guests, 6 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). You can also attend online – we’ll add that link here by afternoon.

WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Online presentation by Jennifer Sherman on “Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream.” 6 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering to attend.

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

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR: As previewed here, Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) hosts this stop of the tour, 7 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW). You’re invited to stop at the EWA shop (4502 42nd SW) on the way there for preshow activities. Ticket link is in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Dave Hause performs free in-store concert at 7 pm (4559 California SW).

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

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Remembering James C. Huntley, 1948-2023
April 13, 2023 9:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Jim Huntley and sharing this remembrance with the community:

James C. Huntley
February 29, 1948 – March 29, 2023

Jim was born in Seattle on February 29, leap year day, in 1948. He was the second-born child of Charles and Virginia Huntley. Jim was raised in West Seattle and attended Alki Elementary, James Madison Junior High School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1966. After graduation, he went to work with his father at Huntley Machine and Tool. Jim worked at the family machine and fabrication business until it closed in the late 1990s.

Jim loved to be on the water and over the years enjoyed all kinds of boating. He belonged to the Roche Harbor Yacht club and spent many days exploring Puget Sound in his boat “Jambo.” Jim was also a motorcycle enthusiast and was part of a club called the Jolly Rogers Motorcycle Club. Jim made many friends throughout his lifetime and treasured all of those friendships.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his best friend and loving wife Michele, and his daughter Kimberly A Ferkingstad. He is survived by his son, Kameron Huntley, his granddaughters Anna and Sonja Ferkingstad, and his sister Donna Holsman.

(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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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday watch
April 13, 2023 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 13th. second-to-last weekday of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Cloudy, chance of showers, high in the low 50s. Sunrise 6:24 am, sunset 7:56 pm.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Regular schedule. Reminder: Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to get ready, there will be no WSWT service this weekend (Saturday-Sunday, April 15-16).

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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Police updates, preparedness, more @ Fauntleroy Community Association
April 12, 2023 11:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Here are toplines from the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s April board meeting, held this past Tuesday night:

POLICE UPDATES: Lt. Mike Watson from the Southwest Precinct talked a bit about the shooting death of 20-year-old Ka-Don Brown on the Chief Sealth International High School campus this past Saturday. He said the victim is believed to have been shot where his body was found in the faculty parking area in the southwest corner of the campus, not where casings were found in 27th SW upslope. And he said the victim was a frequent visitor to programs at Southwest Teen Life Center across SW Thistle from the school. Lt. Watson also said Mr. Brown’s murder is part of a trend – violent crimes are up 50 percent over this time last year. Property crimes are down lately, but catalytic-converter thefts continue at a pace of at least 50 a month citywide. Last year’s total citywide was about 2,000. As for hotspots, he said they’re doing “emphasis” at Westwood Village three or four days a week, and shoplifting remains the major problem there.

FCA board members remain concerned about enforcement of Fauntleroy’s RPZ, since physical permits are being phased out and parking-enforcement officers will just need to electronically check plates. Lt. Watson said the new method isn’t fully deployed yet. Meantime, the PEO’s shifts end around 10 pm, raising questions about enforcement of early-morning RPZs like the one in Fauntleroy.

SPEAKING OF TRANSPORTATION: Still no followup from SDOT since the walking tour with director Greg Spotts four months ago, reported FCA vice president Catherine Bailey. She said she has emailed repeatedly and received no reply.

PREPAREDNESS: Cindi Barker and Chris Jaramillo talked about the Emergency Communication Hubs – volunteer-managed locations that would be set up if an earthquake or other disaster disrupted normal channels of communication. Jaramillo urged the FCA to help raise community awareness of the hubs, with updates in the FCA newsletter and more information on the FCA website. Barker noted that the Hubs table at the recent Food Fest annual membership meeting generated a lot of interest and discussion. FCA president Mike Dey said the group’s community survey this year will include the hubs as a topic and ask respondents what information they need. Meantime, Barker said the next drill for the hubs will be on June 11th and volunteers will set up in The Junction, at Hope Lutheran. The scenario this time will be a citywide power outage rather than an earthquake. (Whichever West Seattle neighborhood is yours, check this map to learn the location of your nearest hub.)

FERRIES: FCA’s point person for Washington State Ferries issues, Frank Immel, said there wasn’t much new to report. WSF is still working on a date for the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group for the Fauntleroy ferry dock rebuild. He also said the third boat is expected to return to the Triangle Route next week (now that Cathlamet is back in service) but the performance will be watched closely.

FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER: Next Tuesday, April 18th, is the big day at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) when part of the proceeds go to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, which is produced entirely with donations and volunteers. If you go to Joe’s after 5 pm, you can also participate in the raffle for gift baskets.

SPEAKING OF EVENTS: FCA’s egg hunt was a big hit – at least 300 people, and the change to a single venue (the schoolhouse) worked well … Last month’s Food Fest had a good turnout too, an estimated 150 prople.

The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets in person and online at 7 pm second Tuesdays most months – watch fauntleroy.net for updates.

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WEST SEATTLE BIZNOTES: 2 seasonal openings, 1 upcoming closure
April 12, 2023 9:40 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle biznotes tonight:

SSC GARDEN CENTER OPENING: This Saturday is the first day you can shop for student-grown plants at the Garden Center on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Again this year, the center will offer perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, and indoor plants. It’ll be open 9:30 am-3:30 most Fridays and Saturdays from April 15th through June 17th. (You can make a side trip during the compost giveaways on April 22nd and May 6th!)

ALKI KAYAK TOURS OPENING: Starting Saturday at 1660 Harbor SW – here’s the announcement:

Mountain to Sound Outfitters and Alki Kayak Tours are excited to announce the opening of our 18th season this weekend at our location in West Seattle at Seacrest Marina.

At Alki Kayak Tours, we are committed to the conservation and preservation of Puget Sound as a working marine ecosystem that supports the industries of Seattle as well as the spawning salmon headed up the Duwamish River. Our guides provide an additional set of eyes on the Sound looking over its well-being for preventable ecological harm. We utilize the best management practices and focus on leaving the smallest possible ecological footprint when operating tours.

Our tours are a forum where the Puget Sound community and tourists alike can discuss and learn about the history and ecosystems of the Sound. Our guides offer meaningful commentary with the goal of having every paddler leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of this unique corner of the world.

Mountain to Sound Outfitters, our retail specialty store, will also be going through some changes this year, and will offer sales through our reservation process and will conduct Sea Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Demos every 2 weeks. You can sign up for our demo through our website here.

WILD ROSE’S TO CLOSE: This announcement is from the West Seattle Junction Association‘s community newsletter:

Wild Roses Antiques and Home Furnishings is closing.

We have sad news to share – the beautiful Wild Roses is closing after 25 years in business in the Junction. Owner Leighann says it’s time for the next chapter in her life and wants to thank all the community for supporting the store for over two decades. The store closes May 31, and store-wide closing sales are on now.

Wild Roses is at 4529 California SW.

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CRUISE SEASON: First 2023 Seattle sailing set for Saturday
April 12, 2023 8:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Norwegian Bliss arriving one May morning in 2022, photographed by Stewart L.)

Love them or hate them, cruise ships are on their way to Seattle for another season. The first scheduled cruise this year starts Saturday (April 15th), when Norwegian Bliss – capacity 4,004 passengers and 1,716 crew – will head out on a weeklong cruise to Alaska. It’s scheduled to dock at Pier 66 on the central downtown waterfront while here. It’s the first of about 300 cruise-ship calls scheduled for Piers 66 and 91 (in Magnolia) this summer and fall, with the season not ending until the final departure on the day before Halloween. Here’s the schedule, which the port warns is subject to change.

P.S. Related to a topic featured here earlier today – Pier 66 is not yet shore-power-capable; it’s supposed to be before next year’s season. (Pier 91 already is.)

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GRATITUDE: West Seattle HS career/internship fair worked well
April 12, 2023 6:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Before spring break, West Seattle High School held a job/internship fair. A month earlier, we published a call for businesses and organizations to participate. WSHS’s Career Connected Learning coordinator Brian Fitzgerald says they had a heartening response, and asked us to publish this message of gratitude:

West Seattle High School would like to say THANK YOU to the organizations that participated in our job and internship fair on Wednesday, April 5th. Thanks to their participation, students were able to learn more about opportunities available to them, practice networking, and how to navigate a job fair!

Take a moment to check out these community-focused businesses/organizations:

Seattle Public Utilities – https://www.seattle.gov/utilities
Seattle Parks and Rec – https://www.seattle.gov/parks
Seattle HappyFeet – https://www.seattlehappyfeet.com
YMCA – https://www.seattleymca.org
Seattle Skill Center – https://skillscenter.seattleschools.org
Amazon Career Quest206
Girls Rock Math – https://girlsrockmath.org
UW Dining – https://hfs.uw.edu/Home
Southwest Youth and Family Services, Young Writers Workshop – https://www.swyfs.org/what-we-do/education
Domino’s on California Ave & SW Hanford St. – https://www.dominos.com
Laborers International Union of America – https://www.liuna.org
AJAC – https://www.ajactraining.org/programs
Sharetea Jefferson Square – https://www.instagram.com/sharetea.westseattle/?hl=en
Chipotle Alaska Junction – https://locations.chipotle.com/wa/seattle/4730-california-ave-sw
Tilly’s Southcenter Mall – https://www.tillys.com
Wheel Fun Rentals – https://wheelfunrentals.com/wa/seattle/alki-beach
Honda and Toyota of Seattle
NW Kidney Center – https://www.nwkidney.org
City Year – https://www.cityyear.org
SH Worldwide – https://shworldwide.com
WCP Solutions – https://www.wcpsolutions.com
Wildwood Market – https://wildwoodwestseattle.com

Also, a big thanks to the West Seattle Blog for helping get the word out!

Side note – if you have employee and/or intern needs, listings are free in our Community Forums. Follow the “jobs” tab on our site menu, and if you don’t have a Forums log-in yet, get it here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Toyota pickup; free anti-theft devices for Hyundai/Kia owners
April 12, 2023 4:29 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Toyota pickup; free anti-theft devices for Hyundai/Kia owners
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two vehicle-theft related notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN PICKUP: From Alfredo:

My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was stolen yesterday 4/11/23 between 7:45 am-5 pm on 46th and Edmunds. If seen please call 911.

The plate in the photo is not fully legible so we’re waiting for an answer to our followup question about it, and will add that info when we get it.

FREE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES: Just announced by SPD:

In response to a rise in vehicle thefts involving certain Kia and Hyundai models, SPD’s Crime Prevention Coordinators will be giving away steering wheel locks at each of its five precincts this month. The devices are available at no charge to people who live or work in the City of Seattle, with a focus on those who own or lease a Kia or Hyundai vehicle.

Southwest Precinct – 2300 SW Webster Street:

April 15 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
April 20 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Due to limited availability, locks cannot be set aside or held. Only one lock allowed per person.

REMINDER: Speaking of the precinct, tomorrow night (April 13th) is the rescheduled Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, 6 pm.

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FOLLOWUP: Shore power finally used at West Seattle’s Terminal 5
April 12, 2023 1:20 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Photo by Justin Hirsch with ILWU Local 19)

Fifteen months after the first modernized berth at Terminal 5 saw its first cargo call, it’s had another first – the long-delayed first use of shore power. That capability was originally supposed to be up and running by the time the first berth opened; we’ve been reporting on the delays for months, attributed to a variety of factors from labor negotiations to hardware/software problems. Today, the Northwest Seaport Alliance just announced the first plug-in has happened:

The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s Terminal 5 welcomed MSC Brunella as the first vessel to plug-in to the terminal’s shore power infrastructure. On Monday, April 10th, the commissioning phase of the Terminal’s shore power project component was finalized as the nearly 9,000 TEU vessel successfully utilized clean energy from the City of Seattle’s electrical grid to power the vessel while at berth.

Terminal 5 is the first international container terminal in the NWSA gateway with shore power capability, making this inaugural plug-in a significant environmental milestone in the Pacific Northwest.

Shore power infrastructure reduces diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions by allowing vessels to turn off their diesel engines and ‘plug-in’ to the local power grid while being worked at the dock. Seattle City Light has been a critical collaborator throughout this project. …

In addition to needing landside infrastructure at marine terminals, a ship must have special equipment installed to accept shore power. The NWSA is glad to see the cargo shipping industry increasing the number of shore power capable vessels, with more than half of the vessels that call NWSA being shore power capable. Once the infrastructure is fully installed throughout the gateway, the NWSA expects all capable ships will plug-in. …

You can read the entire announcement here.

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YOU CAN HELP: Register now for a dozen local ways to be part of this year’s One Seattle Day of Service
April 12, 2023 12:53 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Mayor’s Office photo)

As announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell today, registration is now open for volunteering opportunities during this year’s One Seattle Day of Service, on May 20th. We checked the map/list, and noted a dozen opportunities in this area. Most have caps on registration, so if you’re interested in helping out somewhere on that day, sign up fast! From the announcement, here’s what you can expect:

Volunteer opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests. Most volunteer shifts are 2-3 hours, ranging from just a few volunteers to up to 100 per shift. Nearly half of activity opportunities are open to all ages, and more than one third are open to all abilities.

Volunteer activities include:

Cleaning and beautification – collecting trash, removing graffiti, building repair, and painting
Gardening and restoration – weeding, planting, storm drain protection, and trail repair
Helping neighbors in need – grocery packing, donation organizing, and tiny-home construction

The locations and registration links are here.

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FOLLOWUP: Police confirm body found during Leticia Martinez-Cosman investigation; suspect now also charged in West Seattle burglary
April 12, 2023 10:36 am
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

10:36 AM: Two new developments in connection with the investigation of the disappearance of Leticia Martinez-Cosman:

First, Seattle Police confirm they found a person dead in Renton while investigating tips in . This was first reported late last night by KOMO TV, and a WSB reader pointed us to that story very early today; we have since confirmed the discovery with SPD – this is the statement sent by SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan:

SPD Homicide Detectives followed leads obtained during the investigation which resulted in the recovery of a deceased subject in the Renton area Tuesday afternoon. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will confirm the identity of the deceased and the cause and manner of death.

We have no further information to share at this time.

(The Medical Examiner usually releases information after 3 pm, so we might find out more later today.) Renton is also where Ms. Martinez-Cosman’s 24-year-old son told police he had escaped from a man who kidnapped and tried to kill him; that attack is the subject of some of the charges filed against Brett M. Gitchel, as reported here Monday. Police say Gitchel is the man last seen with her, at and leaving the March 31st Mariners game, and that he is the arsonist who torched her car, found burning on Beacon Hill. Gitchel remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $5,050,000 bail.

That additional $50,000 bail is because of another case filed against him – which we just discovered this morning while doublechecking Gitchel’s status. This one is the Genesee Hill burglary caught on video and originally published in WSB Crime Watch on March 28th, days before the disappearance. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Gitchel on Tuesday with second-degree burglary in that case. The victim also uploaded his security video with an SPD report and the charging documents say a detective viewing that video identified the intruder as Gitchel (as did WSB readers). Here’s the clip we published:

Meantime, in addition to the reader report we originally published, there is one additional detail – the burglary victim recalled seeing the same man, now identified as Gitchel, walking on his street the day before. We’ll add the narrative from these charging documents as soon as we can.

12:02 PM: Here’s that narrative, with the victim’s name and address references redacted:

Read More

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History, music, trivia, politics, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
April 12, 2023 9:31 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo – tulips in Gatewood)

Here’s the midweek lineup, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HISTORY HOUR: The Senior Center of West Seattle marks Earth Month in today’s presentation with local author/journalist Madeline Ostrander (featured here last year), 1 pm – details in our calendar listing, including how to RSVP.

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

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: 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. First, 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 at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: 6:30 pm online, our area’s largest political organization holds its April meeting, with the agenda including candidate spotlights, the King County Minimum Wage campaign, and Reconnect South Park.

JAZZ DUO: Piano and bass tonight at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 6:30 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You’re the star! 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!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday info
April 12, 2023 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:34 AM: Stalled vehicle reported to be blocking Delridge Way in the 7900 block; police are working to get it to the side

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 12th. third weekday of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Clouds making way for sun, high in the low 50s. Sunrise 6:26 am, sunset 7:55 pm.

UTILITY CREW ALERT

On 45th SW north of Wildwood in Fauntleroy, SPU crews will be back today to work on the Fauntleroy Creek culvert, as previewed here.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Regular schedule. P.S. Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to get ready, there will be no WSWT service this weekend (Saturday-Sunday, April 15-16).

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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Fire call in South Delridge
April 12, 2023 12:25 am
|    Comments Off on Fire call in South Delridge
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

As the Alki fire call winds down, a smaller response is happening in South Delridge – described as a small fire at a residence where no one was home. This is happening on Delridge Way just south of Thistle. A neighbor reportedly extinguished it before firefighters arrived, but they’re summoning backup to clear out smoke, and to dispose of a skateboard battery that might have sparked the fire.

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UPDATE: Firefighter, others hurt in basement fire at Alki apartment building
April 11, 2023 10:48 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Reader photo from SF)

10;48 PM: A Seattle Fire “full response” is arriving in the 2200 block of Alki Avenue SW [map] for what’s described as a basement fire at an apartment building. One person in the building and one firefighter are reported in need of medical treatment.

10:51 PM: The fire is reported to be under control.

(Reader photo from SF)

10:55 PM: A third person is reported hurt. As a result, more units are being sent as this is now classified as a “multiple casualty incident.”

11:02 PM: Alki Avenue is closed both ways at the fire scene. Firefighters have just told dispatch four people are injured – three civilians “red” (more serious), and the firefighter “yellow” (not major).

(Texted photo)

11:28 PM: SFD says the fire is out and that three people were treated, all in stable condition, including the firefighter, who’s being taken to a hospital. Some units are being dismissed from the scene.

1:48 AM: The cause is under investigation. We’ll update with whatever we find out about it, and the victims, later today.

11:24 AM: Seattle Fire has published this update on its Fireline site:

Last night at 10:34 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke coming from an apartment building at the 2200 block of Alki Ave. SW. Ladder 11 was the first unit on scene and found smoke coming from a basement unit. As firefighters made their way to the fire room, they found the resident, a 27-year-old male, in the hallway. He was able to safely evacuate out of the building where paramedics provided medical care. He was in stable condition, but declined transportation to a hospital.

Crews were able to get water on the fire and search the home within ten minutes of arriving on scene. Smoke traveled throughout the building, leading firefighters to aid a 93-year-old, non-ambulatory lady to evacuate as a safety precaution. Paramedics evaluated her at the scene, determined she was in stable condition and did not require transportation to a hospital.

One firefighter sustained injuries from the fire, but is in stable condition. Paramedics transported them to a hospital for additional medical care.

By 11: 24 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished. Though crews remained on scene to ventilate the building to ensure it was safe for residents to return to their homes. Firefighters also assisted the elderly lady to get back home.

Investigators rule the fire was accidental and caused by food-on-stove that ignited, then extended to the rest of the kitchen. Estimated loss is $50,000.

Safety tip: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Skunk Works Robotics 1983 wins big, including spot at world championships
April 11, 2023 10:40 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy FIRST Robotics)

A student robotics team with West Seattle members has just scored big in regional competition – here’s the report from a Skunk Works Robotics 1983 supporter:

The Skunk Works Robotics Team 1983 had an impressive showing at the Pacific Northwest FIRST Robotics District Championships in Cheney, WA last weekend and secured a spot to compete in the FIRST Championship world competition in Houston, Texas on April 19-22!

In 2022, the City of Houston hosted the largest FIRST Championship event to date, with 36,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, and they anticipate this year’s event to be even bigger. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through inclusive, team-based robotics programs. Skunk Works Robotics Team 1983 is made up of 30 students, all of whom are in 8th to 10th grade and come from various areas of King County such as West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and more.

At the District Championship competition last weekend, Skunk Works Robotics was added as a 4th team to the #1 ranked alliance and ended the weekend with the following results:

– Secured Skunk Works Robotics Team 1983 position at the World Competition in Houston.
– Tied a world record score of 192 points in one match (193 is a perfect game).
– Received the coveted Excellence in Engineering Award.
– Won the District Championship (with our alliance teams – this is not a standalone win).
– Ranked 14th in the FIRST Pacific Northwest district (made up of Washington, Alaska and Oregon).

In addition, at the recent Sammamish district event Skunk Works 1983 received the Gracious Professionalism Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes teams that not only compete hard on the field but also help other teams and schools by sharing their knowledge and resources.

This is a remarkable accomplishment for the team this year because over 80% of the students are rookies. This team has been slowly rebuilding after the pandemic – and coverage from local media, such as West Seattle Blog, has helped tremendously with fundraising and to reach prospective new students and families.

The team meets in a location provided by the Highline School District and will hold an open house down the road, for families interested in learning more about opportunities for students in 9th – 11th grade to learn software programming, CAD design, marketing/business planning, building electronics, and part fabrication. Visit www.skunkworks1983.com to learn more.

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FOLLOWUP: Another try tomorrow to unclog Fauntleroy Creek culvert
April 11, 2023 8:52 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | Utilities | West Seattle news

(Photos of last week’s SPU work by Tom Trulin)

Seattle Public Utilities workers are expected to return tomorrow to 45th SW, where Fauntleroy Creek – one of our city’s few salmon-bearing streams – goes under the street in a culvert that’s currently clogged. Creek stewards have been keeping us up to date on efforts to unclog it, as the backup has led to ponding.

Here’s what SPU has to say about what’s going on:

Three weeks ago, when water started to pond upstream, SPU investigated and determined that the culvert was mostly blocked with debris. During this time, SPU has been assessing repair options and actively monitoring and evaluating the culvert and upstream conditions. As soon as (tomorrow), SPU will use a pump and bypass system to attempt to lower the water level upstream of the culvert to better assess conditions in the culvert. During this temporary work, you can expect periodic noise from the pumping equipment and slower traffic in the work area. This work would occur during daytime hours. SPU will continue to perform work at the culvert to eliminate the blockage and may change strategies depending on the culvert and weather conditions.

The culvert needs to be replaced – as we’ve previously reported – and SPU says it’s currently “in the process of developing a design,” but because “there are requirements from State and Federal agencies that must be met and reviewed during the culvert’s design process … the design will not be completed for several years, with construction anticipated to start in summer 2026.” You can see the preliminary design concept on the project website.

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THURSDAY: Emerald Water Anglers invites you to catch Fly Fishing Film Tour’s 2023 West Seattle stop
April 11, 2023 7:04 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Emerald Water Anglers invites you to catch Fly Fishing Film Tour’s 2023 West Seattle stop
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Wildlife | WS culture/arts

Even if you don’t fish, the scenery might be reason enough to catch the Fly Fishing Film Tour‘s 2023 West Seattle stop. It’s this Thursday (April 13th), 7 pm at the Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), hosted by West Seattle’s own fly-fishing specialists at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor). We’re told EWA proprietor Dave McCoy is featured in one of this year’s films! You’re invited to stop by EWA’s gear/apparel shop in The Junction (4502 42nd SW) before Thursday’s screening, “as we will be having some activities to celebrate all things fly fishing.” And you can get your ticket(s) in advance via The Admiral’s website.

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RETURNING: West Seattle Bee Festival!
April 11, 2023 5:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: Bee spotted during a past West Seattle Bee Festival)

Another date for your spring calendar: The West Seattle Bee Festival is returning this year as a full-fledged community celebration, on Saturday, May 20th, in and around High Point Commons Park/Amphitheater and the Bee Garden [map]. Here’s what you’ll find that day, as announced by organizers:

The Bee Festival is back and everyone is invited! The fun starts at 9:30 AM and will last until 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 20th so make sure to put this on your calendar! Below are some of the exciting programs and activities already planned with more to come! Be sure to grab a brochure at our information booth on Lanham Place near Graham Street during the festivities for more information!

Buzz Run – 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. The trail will start at the Bee Garden and will loop you around the hill to the finish hive. A special prize if you’re the first person to make your way back! If you joined us last year for the run, that pesky Bee Gnome trapped some of our bee friends in jars again and we need to save them! Along the running route, there will be jars filled with bees hidden in Commons Park for you to save. The person that saves the most bees and returns them back to the hive gets a special prize. If you find the Bee Gnome and bring it back to the hive, you will also get a special prize!

Community Clean Up – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. We partnered with Seattle One Day of Service to provide the best volunteering opportunities for you here at High Point! We’ll be cleaning up the community one block at a time, but you are also invited to help if you don’t want to register! Stop by the volunteer tent to pick up a picker and trash bag and help our community be squeaky clean. If you do register with Seattle One Day of Service, you’ll get a nifty T-Shirt provided from the city. More information on registration coming soon.

Bee Festival – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Ella Bella Bee will do a performance at the amphitheater and will be on stilts to pass out seeds during the day. Seattle Rec’N’The Streets and UPower will take over Commons park for activities and yard games along with 20 other organizations from Seattle talking about environmental and bee-focused information. Want to see a fire truck up close? Fire Station 37 will attend the Bee Festival for you to ask questions! Puget Sound Beekeepers Association will be on site with their honey near the Bee Garden!

Here’s some backstory on the West Seattle Bee Garden, founded 10 years ago.

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Seven West Seattle stairway projects planned for this year and next
April 11, 2023 4:15 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

That’s the stairway between 37th and 38th SW at SW Findlay, recently renovated. It’s one of seven stairway projects in West Seattle scheduled for 2023-2024, according to SDOT‘s Greg Funk. We checked in with him after reader Desiree emailed to report that she’d spotted a notice for one of the upcoming projects, for Bonair at Halleck (here’s the notice). Funk says work should start in mid-to-late summer because right now they’re “in the process of getting a power pole moved before we can start. Other West Seattle stairway projects ahead for 2023-2024:

California Dr SW-SW Cambridge (40% completed)

SW Hudson St-40th Ave SW (Rail upgrade only. Estimated start Nov-Dec)

50th Ave SW And SW Admiral Way (2024; notice)

21st Ave SW & SW Dakota St (2024; notice)

SW Roxbury and Marine View Dr SW (2024; notice)

The stairway-maintenance webpage – which Funk says will be updated with these projects soon – notes that the city has more than 500 stairways in all.

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UPDATE: Hazmat response in Delridge
April 11, 2023 1:05 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | WS breaking news

(Photo sent by Patricia)

1:05 PM: Thanks for the tip. SFD is at the Cottage Grove Commons supportive-housing building, 5444 Delridge Way SW, for a hazmat response because of what they’re calling a “strong odor” from one of the units. SPD has northbound Delridge Way blocked between Brandon and Findlay as a result. Updates to come.

1:14 PM: Now police are blocking both directions of Delridge.

(WSB photos from here down)

1:25 PM: Our crew is at the scene to find out more. So far that’s still all SFD is saying – there’s a strong smell emanating from one of the apartments, and the hazmat responders are strategizing what to do next – they’re not even in their protective gear yet so far as we can see.

1:48 PM: That has since changed.

We’ve spoken again with SFD and SPD on scene. As a commenter notes, this involved a resident mixing chemicals in the toilet of his unit, which he apparently has done before, believing he is extracting gold from rocks. The resident isn’t home now because, SFD says, he has been transported to Harborview for an involuntary evaluation. Hazmat responders have just gone into the apartment to try to figure out how to safely address the situation so there is no health or fire risk to anyone else.

2:07 PM: Hazmat responders have just told dispatch that their evaluation shows no imminent hazard, so they’re coming back out.

2:30 PM: The response has been reduced as a result.

2:45 PM: Dispatch has been told the street has reopened all ways.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us that, after entry, “Our HazMat crews found multiple household cleaning products in sealed containers and determined it was not a hazard. Residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly after.”

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