West Seattle, Washington

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month : 04/2023 304 results

‘These are all our kids’: Youth substance-abuse prevention gets spotlight at West Seattle town hall event
April 11, 2023 11:11 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Dr. Kevin Haggerty

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattle neighbors, community groups, school leaders and law enforcement trainees gathered on Wednesday night at Denny International Middle School for a town hall discussion focused on prevention of underage substance abuse.

The event’s keynote speaker was expert Dr. Kevin Haggerty, Emeritus Professor for Prevention at the University of Washington, who talked about current challenges and opportunities ahead for families and community members, particularly for vaping and fentanyl.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 followups and 2 reader reports
April 11, 2023 10:36 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch – first, two followups:

MANSLAUGHTER SENTENCING: We reported in February on a plea bargain in a 2020 Delridge hit-run death. 40-year-old Steven J. Abrahamson now has been sentenced in the hit-run death of his longtime friend 34-year-old Derrick Lacomb. For first-degree manslaughter and hit-run, he will serve 9 1/2 years in prison, which is what prosecutors had recommended as part of the plea bargain.

CHARGES IN CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES CASE: Last month, we reported on an Upper Alki man arrested and accused of accessing child-sexual-abuse images online. He was charged less than two weeks later, but his case was filed under a misspelled surname so we didn’t find out about it until a reader tip. 37-year-old Robert M. Glass is charged with two felonies, Dealing in Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree and one count of Possession of Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree. As previously described in court documents, investigators were tipped by an internet service provider that a particular user had accessed these types of illegal images in April of last year; subsequent online tracing by detectives led them to Glass. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment last week and remains out of jail after posting bond on $50,000 bail.

Also – two reader reports:

DRIVEWAY THEFT: Elena says this was the third time in 10 days that vandals/thieves have targeted her home in the Fairmount Park area:

We recently had our rooftop charge box stolen from our driveway off the alley. We took it off to wash our car and two minutes after we left, this guy came through and loaded it up. It was noon on a Friday, broad daylight.

After reviewing all our ring camera footage from the week we saw this same van roll through our alley 3 different times last week. His own cargo box has stickers all over it and seems fairly recognizable. I’d love to get this image out there to see if anyone knows where he lives or has a shot of his license plate so I can contact police. At minimum just make sure people are looking out for him.

The initial tracking number for the police report is T230077618.

PACKAGE THIEF FOLLOWING DELIVERY TRUCK: Also in the Fairmount Park area, Ben reported a package thief following a delivery truck, pinching a package within minutes:

It’s a package thief that followed behind the Amazon truck, and swapped an empty box with my package 6 minutes after Amazon dropped it off.

This happened on Sunday.

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Here’s the list for your West Seattle Tuesday
April 11, 2023 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on Here’s the list for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pileated Woodpecker, photographed at Lincoln Park by Cindy Roberts)

Looking ahead to the rest of today/tonight:

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Long-distance political networking continues 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials and chess for all levels of expertise. For more information, contact Conwell: conwell@conwelld.net.”

CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm this afternoon, it’s the full council’s weekly meeting, online or at City Hall (600 4th Ave.). See the agenda here; the meeting is viewable via Seattle Channel.

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

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES WITH RAINWISE: Eligible for RainWise? You might be interested in this online presentation, 5:30-6:30 pm. Register here to attend.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting at 7 pm – community always welcome. Attend in person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online – register here.

TRIVIA X 3: Three places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday begins
April 11, 2023 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday begins
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, April 11th. the second weekday of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Showery, chance of thunderstorms, breezy, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise 6:28 am, sunset 7:53 pm.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Regular schedule. P.S. Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to prepare for the summer season, there will be no WSWT service this weekend (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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From water polo to construction controversy, wide-ranging meeting with Seattle School Board’s Leslie Harris
April 10, 2023 9:52 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The drop-in community meeting held this past Saturday by our area’s elected Seattle Public Schools Board director spanned a variety of topics, since as always, the agenda depended mostly on who showed up and what they wanted to talk about.

Two-term board director Leslie Harris began with a gasp-evoking announcement – that she would not seek a third term (as reported here that day).

With 20+ community members seated around a table in the basement meeting room at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, the meeting moved on to topics from sports to construction.

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WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Enjoy ‘Muse Fest’ mini-concerts along with art this Thursday
April 10, 2023 7:53 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Enjoy ‘Muse Fest’ mini-concerts along with art this Thursday
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thursday brings this month’s West Seattle Art Walk, with a bonus – the second presentation of multiple mini-concerts as part of Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices. From coordinator John Redenbaugh:

Muse Fest is co-presented by The Art of Music and local musician Sue Quigley on behalf of the West Seattle Junction Association.

A total of 11 free admission Muse Fest performances are scheduled to concurrently take place from 6 – 7:45 pm that night (with one 15-minute break at the midpoint) at businesses in the Admiral District, Alaska Junction, and Morgan Junction.

The Muse Fest performers will provide a variety of music to choose from and enjoy; they, and the genres represented, are:

Carly Ann Calbero (Genre: Folk Rock)
Katrina Kope (Genre: Downtempo Electronic 
Megan Krantz Project (Genre : Folk/Pop/Acoustic)
Kim Archer (Genre: Soulful Rock)
jean mann (Genre: Lyric-driven Alt-Folk with an Americana Twist )
Sue Quigley (Genre: Edgy Alt -Folk/Singer Songwriter
K Square (Genre: Rock)
Cami Voss (Genre: Retro Country)
Sheryl Wiser (Genre: Americana)
SAPPHIRE CITY (Genre: Alt pop/RnB)
Caitlin Patterson (Genre: Folk/Soul/Singer-songrwriter)

You can find details about the Muse Fest performers and venues on the West Seattle Art Walk website at: wsartwalk.org/2023/03/09/muse-fest-the-power-of-womens-voices-2.

And this is all in addition to the venues where you can see art, meet artists, and/or enjoy food and drink specials, 5 pm “until late” on Thursday – preview those here.

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Here’s why the signals changed at Walk-All-Ways and other West Seattle Junction intersections
April 10, 2023 4:59 pm
|      60 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips. Readers noticed changes last week in the sequence at California/Alaska (aka Walk-All-Ways) – as Tala, for one, described it, “It used to be walk all ways after the Eastbound traffic signal. Now it’s walk all ways after the North / South traffic signal.” We asked SDOT about the change, and got the reply from spokesperson Ethan Bergerson today:

Last week, we optimized and upgraded traffic signal equipment at several West Seattle intersections. While doing this, we also adjusted walk signal timing to give people more time to cross the street and sometimes made other enhancements for pedestrian safety such as making walk-signals turn on automatically without pressing a button or adding pedestrian-first walk signals which give people a head start before cars get a green light.

Here is a list of all the locations where we have made adjustments:

California Ave SW & SW Genesee St
California Ave SW & SW Oregon St
California Ave SW & SW Alaska St
42nd Ave SW & SW Oregon St
42nd Ave SW & SW Alaska St
35th Ave SW & SW Edmunds St

News of this work apparently also explains why a few of those intersections had malfunctions last week. If you’re still noticing problems – at any of these, or any other, signalized intersections – you can report to SDOT, 206-684-ROAD during business hours, 206-386-1218 after-hours.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed against suspect in Leticia Martinez-Cosman’s disappearance, but her fate remains unknown
April 10, 2023 2:28 pm
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

2:28 PM: Three days after initial word of what led police to 46-year-old Brett M. Gitchel in connection with the disappearance of Leticia Martinez-Cosman, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged him with Attempted Murder In The First Degree, Kidnapping In The First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Theft In The First Degree, Arson In The Second Degree. (We obtained the 2014 mugshot of Gitchel at right from the state Department of Corrections.) The charging documents say authorities still don’t know Ms. Martinez-Cosman’s fate; the attempted murder and kidnapping charges come from what they say he did to her special-needs adult son, as detailed in the probable-cause narrative we published on Friday. The arson charge is related to what’s also described in Friday’s narrative, the fire set to destroy one of Ms. Martinez-Cosman’s cars, found burning on Beacon Hill. We’re still reading the rest of the charging documents and will add to this story shortly.

2:52 PM: Prosecutors are asking for $5 million bail. Their documents also include this, based on cell data:

Historical data records also show that on the early afternoon of 4/01/2023, about 15 hours after Leticia was last seen alive at the Mariners’ game, Brett drove outside of the City of Seattle into a remote mountainous region in King County, stayed for a short period of time and then returned to Seattle, where about 12 hours later he would kidnap and assault her son and burn her vehicle. Leticia Martinez-Cosman is still missing, and though extensive social, public, and national media have drawn attention to this incident, no one has been able to provide evidence of Leticia being alive after she left the Mariners game with Brett Michel Gitchel.

As for when they left, the detective’s narrative in the charging documents says:

Security footage provided by the Seattle Mariners and T-Mobile Park depict Leticia and Brett staying to the end of the game and around 2230 hours walking together out of the park and into a nearby parking garage, where they walk up the stairs to the 3rd floor and walk together toward the parked vehicles. This is the last known footage of Leticia.

The detective’s narrative also notes that a gun was found in Gitchel’s Audi after his arrest – that’s the reason for the unlawful-firearm-possession charge, as he is a convicted felon, with a record listed in the charging document as including seven felonies – three from 2014 related to stolen cars, an eluding conviction that same year, and three felonies in the 1990s – two for theft, one for drugs. One final note from the detective’s narrative details additional security video seen by police:

In the evening of Friday, April 7th, 2023, SPD Detectives were able to view video from a neighboring home of the Martinez-Cosman home for the first time. Detectives located video that depicted Brett Gitchel walking to the front Leticia’s home on 4/01/2023 at approximately 1157 hours. Brett is alone and walks to the front of Leticia’s house out of the video frame and then about 13 seconds later walks back through the neighbor’s video frame away from Leticia’s home. This video footage depicts Brett at Leticia’s home, without her, approximately 13 1⁄2 hours after Leticia is seen leaving with him on the Mariners T-Mobile Park security video.

On Monday, April 10, 2023, SPD Detectives were able to locate and recover surveillance video from the Shell station at 2424 Beacon Av S. Video recovered included the date of 4/02/2023 where after 0600 hours Brett is depicted driving his 1999 tan Audi into the Shell station lot, parking near the gas pumps, removing a light colored jacket and placing it in the garbage, entering the Shell station and purchasing a new red 1 gallon portable gas canister in one transaction, going back and purchasing a lighter in a second transaction, returning to the pumps and filling the canister with fuel,
and then driving away in a northbound direction on 14 Av S. The timing of this activity is approximately 2 hours
after (Leticia’s son) escaped from Brett in Renton and a little more than 30 minutes before SFD responded to 904 Golf Dr S to extinguish Leticia’s burning vehicle.

The document does not elaborate on the “remote mountainous area” to which investigators believe Gitchel briefly drove. It does list a different “last known address” for him – last week’s document said Federal Way, but this one says Orting. Gitchel’s next scheduled court appearance is for arraignment – to enter pleas – on April 24th. Prosecutors note that the SPD investigation remains ongoing, so more charges are a possibility.

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‘School Street’ test planned alongside Lafayette Elementary
April 10, 2023 1:24 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Genesee Hill Elementary has one, Roxhill Elementary has one, and now Lafayette Elementary is going to test a “School Street.”

Thanks to Anthony for the tip. “School Streets” are an SDOT program that prioritizes walking, biking, and rolling on a section of a street by a school from 7 am to 5 pm on days school is in session. For Lafayette, SDOT is going to start a month-long test on Wednesday, April 19th, for the section of SW Lander that runs along the south side of the school, between California and 45th SW (part of which already has a “streatery” for The Good Society). From the “School Streets” FAQ:

What does this mean for people getting to school?
– When possible, walk, roll, or bike with your child to school
– If you must drive to school, try parking a block or two away and finishing the trip on foot
– Students provided with district transportation or with mobility needs can access the block

What does this mean for drivers?
– People driving who need to get to home and businesses on a School Street are still able to drive on these streets. Drivers should use caution and yield to people.
– People enjoying the street should be mindful of drivers trying to get to homes as well

SDOT collected traffic data before the test and plans to collect data during the test. Here’s the notification flyer. Feedback is welcome at HealthyStreets@seattle.gov and by phone at 206-900-8760.

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COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Registration update, after first week
April 10, 2023 12:09 pm
|    Comments Off on COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Registration update, after first week
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

One week ago, we opened registration for the 17th almost-annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 13 (with some sales choosing to start earlier and/or end later). More than 140 sales are now signed up to be on the map/list, which will be available one week in advance. Registration will remain open until 11 pm Thursday, April 27th, and after that, the list will be locked down for mapmaking – so you still have two and a half weeks to decide if you want to have a sale. So far we haven’t heard from anyone planning a site with individual spaces for sellers who either don’t have much to sell or don’t have a place to do it, so if you’re thinking about that, please let us know as soon as you can, as we’re continuing to get inquiries. Meantime, you can register for your spot on the map/list by going here! Registering will bring a confirmation note from us as well as a PayPal receipt; if you don’t get one or both, please check your spam folder, and if you don’t find it, or have another problem/question, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com. WSCGSD is the one event we coordinate every year, after taking it over starting in its fourth year, 2008.

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Here’s what’s on the list for your West Seattle Monday
April 10, 2023 9:54 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunday sunset at Alki – photo sent by Angela)

Here’s our list for the rest of your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BABY STORY TIME: Baby Story Time is back, noon-12:30 pm Mondays at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

MONDAY MOVIE: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), “Terry’s Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of,” today featuring “The Horseman on the Roof.” Free popcorn! Contact SCWS to register in advance.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, councilmembers preview the week ahead (here’s today’s agenda) and get another briefing on the ongoing State Legislature session. You can watch online or on cable via Seattle Channel.

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

‘BEFORE THE BADGE’: Happening tonight, online:

The final Southwest Precinct Before the Badge Community-Police Dialogue will be taking place on Monday, April 10 from 5:30 – 7:30 via Zoom. The dialogue offers the opportunity for community members to meet with and engage in conversation with new Seattle Police Recruits who are completing the SPD “Before the Badge” training which is a 45-Day Training that newly hired SPD recruits take prior to Law Enforcement Academy Training Program.

The signup link is on this page.

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

OPEN MIC: You’re welcome at the weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 6:30 pm – info in our calendar listing.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, even first-time players. $5.

MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

PLAY TRIVIA! Three scheduled options on Monday nights for playing trivia – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Edward Eckberg, 1936-2023
April 10, 2023 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Edward Eckberg and sharing this with the community:

Ed Eckberg was taken home on February 26, 2023. He was born May 12, 1936, the only son of Gerald and Gladys Eckberg, in Seattle. He grew up in West Seattle and attended Lafayette Elementary and James Madison Junior High. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1954.

He met his future wife, Layne Miller, while working as a lifeguard at Colman Pool. Ed and Layne married in 1959 and went on to have three daughters: Kari, Sheryl, and Erika. Ed graduated from the University of Washington with a Business Administration degree. He worked his way up at Seattle First National Bank to eventually become Vice President. In 1974, he and a long-time friend purchased an apple orchard in the Chelan/Manson area. Ed and Layne moved to Manson permanently in 1989 and spent many years lovingly improving their property on Greens Landing Road. Ed loved swimming, boating, skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling. He enjoyed many active trips doing the things he loved to do.

Ed’s faith was an important part of his life. He spent years attending Bible Study Fellowship and attended Living Stone Church in Chelan for many years. Ed was kind and generous with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family. Ed loved Jesus and his family are confident that Ed is resting in His presence now.

Ed leaves his wife Layne and daughters Kari (Steve), Sheryl (Brian), and Erika (Coley). He had seven grandchildren: Matthew, Aaron, Tizita, Jacob, William, Molly, and Weston.

Precht Rose Chapel is assisting the family with services. A private family graveside service was held.

(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: Spring-break Monday
April 10, 2023 6:01 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, April 10th. the first weekday of spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today: Rainy, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise 6:30 am, sunset 7:52 pm.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Regular schedule. P.S. Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to prepare for the summer season, there will be no WSWT service next weekend (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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FOLLOWUP: New plan for West Seattle’s most visible vacant house
April 9, 2023 11:35 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

3804 23rd SW is the most-visible vacant house in West Seattle – perched all by itself next to the Delridge on-ramp to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge. The first time we mentioned it on WSB was in 2009, when it was a stop on a community-organized tour of problem properties in North Delridge, with city councilmembers and department heads in attendance. It was speculated at the time that this house had already been vacant for at least 20 years. Over the ensuing 14 years, we’ve mentioned the house several times. It was auctioned in 2014 to cover unpaid taxes; it changed hands again in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, it had an early-stage proposal for eight townhouses, but in 2019, that plan stalled, and the site has remained relatively unchanged, aside from some retaining-wall work. Now a tip led us to discover there’s a new plan for the site – this time, a plan to remodel the long-vacant house and add a second story. Meantime, the site remains in the city’s vacant building monitoring program; city records show its most recent inspection at the end of March found violations such as the house not being secured against weather and trespassers. (You might recall that a person was found dead on the site last year.)

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COUNTDOWN: Six weeks until first West Seattle 5K since 2019!
April 9, 2023 8:15 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Six weeks until first West Seattle 5K since 2019!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2019)

One of the biggest spring events we’re counting down to is the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, returning for the first time since 2019. It’s happening Sunday, May 21st, presented by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA, and it’s offering new features this year, as announced when registration opened last month:

New this year is a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB.

Other new 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5K if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk.

Registration is open at westseattle5k.com, and you get the lowest rates if you sign up by the end of the month. (WSB is a community sponsor of the WS5K.)

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Low tide at Lincoln Park
April 9, 2023 5:41 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Thanks to Brandy DeWeese for sharing photos of wildlife seen during low tide this afternoon at Lincoln Park. We’re not in a super-low-tide phase, but low enough to make shore exploration worthwhile.

The tide was out to -1.2 feet this afternoon and will be lower, -1.4 feet, at 2:39 pm tomorrow.

Brandy noted that the beach was relatively deserted on this drippy afternoon.

If you’re interested in guided exploration, Seattle Parks has a guided beach exploration for the April 22 low tide (register here), and Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists start their season in early June.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white F-250
April 9, 2023 3:22 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch, Michael reports his truck was taken in Gatewood:

1996 Ford F-250. Stolen from driveway near SW Webster and 37th Av SW at 5:58 AM. Plate # C56184L.

The SPD incident # is 23-95772.

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SPORTS: Fastpitch softball faceoff between West Seattle HS and Chief Sealth IHS
April 9, 2023 2:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

Both Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School are having strong seasons in fastpitch softball so far. Just as school was getting out for spring break, the two faced off Friday afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

(WSHS’s Carmen Cruz)

As one spectator who emailed us postgame described it, this was a “five-inning slugfest with five total home runs and two ground-rule doubles that were centimeters shy of home runs.”

(CSIHS pitcher Delaney Sipila)

West Seattle went ahead early and took the win, 17-7. According to the GameChanger summary, Lane Ryan was the hitting leader, with three hits – including one of those home runs – and five RBIs. Tangerine Zurek was the winning pitcher for WSHS. Starter Sadie Stroud and reliever Delaney Sipila – who also had two steals – pitched for CSIHS. The Wildcats are now 5-2 and next play at Eastside Catholic, 4 pm Wednesday, April 19th. The Seahawks are now 7-3 and next host Roosevelt at NCSWAC, 4 pm Tuesday, April 18th.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Next phase of Luna Park Café’s reopening
April 9, 2023 11:35 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three weeks after Luna Park Café reopened following six months of repairs and maintenance, it’s in Phase 2 – owner John Bennett reports, “We are now open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. 8 am -3 pm. When the weather gets better we will open our outdoor patio. We are working on a plan to be open for dinner soon. Stay tuned.” Shortly after reopening, the restaurant at 2918 SW Avalon Way celebrated its 34th anniversary.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 11 notes
April 9, 2023 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park bunny, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

It’s Easter Sunday and the fourth day of Passover. Here’s what’s happening:

EASTER SERVICES & EGG HUNTS: Two outdoor sunrise services are part of our list, compiled from local churches that sent us Easter/Holy Week listings. Some are offering egg hunts for kids, too.

FOREST WALK AT CAMP LONG: 9 am, ages 5 and up. Register here; $10. (5200 35th SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, it’s open, 10 am-2 pm; the market offers early-spring produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

EASTER AT LADY JAYE: Open 10 am-2 pm today, this Junction establishment says they’ll be “serving our Sunday Pastries and the bar will be open for cocktails!” (4523 California SW)

EASTER BRUNCH AT PIZZERIA CREDO: Noon-4:30 pm, special brunch menu at this Junction restaurant – see the featured dishes here. (4520 California SW)

LOW-TIDE BEACH EXPLORATION: 1-3 pm at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach), $10 – register here.

THEATER: Acts on Stage in White Center presents “Pipeline,” 3 pm – buy tickets here. (10806 12th SW)

TIM’S TAVERN, SECOND WEEKEND: 7 pm show at the new Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th), with Sage Hatfield and Brother John & The Surrogates.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

LATIN SUNDAYS: DJ at The Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), starting at 9 pm.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Subaru (update: found); car windows broken
April 8, 2023 10:02 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

STOLEN SUBARU: Via email:

Our son’s car was stolen from near the corner of Sullivan and 16th Ave SW late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. It’s a 2001 Subaru Forester. Police report # 23-91269. License plate # AFD451.

Monday update: It was found, in Kent.

CAR WINDOWS BROKEN: Also via email:

6 cars had their windows broken on 10th Ave at around 5:55 this morning, including the car of an out of state guest who is staying with us. One of the broken windows clearly shows that it was the result of a very small caliber projectile of some type.

I filed a police report … I have the culprits on video, though it’s not clear enough to show a license plate. If other people on 10th or nearby have video footage of a truck zipping by at about 5:55, the police said they’d be interested in it.

The SPD incident # is 23-94855.

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COUNTDOWN: 5 weeks to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023
April 8, 2023 8:16 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

On the sixth day of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023 – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 13 (with some sales choosing to start earlier and/or end later) – 110 sales are registered! We have individual sales, block sales, business sales … all around West Seattle, north to south, east to west. If you’re planning to have a sale that day, register for your spot on the map/list by going here! Registering will bring a confirmation note from us as well as a PayPal receipt; if you don’t get one or both, check your spam folder. Questions/problems, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com. If you’re still deciding whether or not to participate, there’s time – registration will be open for two and a half more weeks. The map/list will as always be available here one week before sale day.

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Mystery power interruption around West Seattle (Monday update)
April 8, 2023 5:32 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL SATURDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tips. We’ve received reports of what sounds like a long power flicker – up to a minute, some said – in areas ranging from Admiral to High Point. There’s nothing active in West Seattle – or anywhere else – on the Seattle City Light outage map, so it’s a mystery thus far.

MONDAY UPDATE: We followed up today with City Light. It’s still a mystery – spokesperson Jenn Strang says no reason was found.

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