West Seattle, Washington
16 Wednesday
(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“We really count on community support – this community comes through.”
That’s what longtime West Seattle Food Bank executive director Fran Yeatts told the nearly 200 community members who gathered last night at The Hall at Fauntleroy to celebrate and support WSFB.
On one hand, it was a classic fundraising gala – dinner, drinks, dessert, donations. On the other, it marked a milestone – 40 years of “neighbors helping neighbors,” as emcee Matthew DiLoreto declared early on. The food bank’s work goes far beyond food – since merging with the West Seattle Helpline three years ago, it also provides emergency assistance to help people stay housed. That is an extra-sizable challenge in Seattle where the cost of living is 49 percent above the national average, DiLoreto said.
Also taking the microphone was WSFB board president David Weld, who observed that the organization provides help that is much-needed in a world where “random” trouble can land people in need, from job loss to illness to family tragedy.
“Because fate delivers these things, there will always be those who through no fault of their own need help. We deliver that help without judgment, and reflexively.” And community help is needed to keep that work going because “the greatest source of (WSFB) funding is individual cash contributions.”
Weld also recounted a proud moment just weeks ago, when rock superstar Bruce Springsteen came to Seattle and for the third time exhorted fans to support WSFB (which had volunteers at the arena and collected almost $20,000 in donations).
Busy week ahead – and if you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement for a first-ever event, happening Thursday:
West Seattle/White Center LGBTQ Business Owner Meetup
Thursday, May 11th | 7 pm to 9 pm
Launchpad Co-Working Space, 6030 California Ave SWIt’s about time LGBTQ West Seattle and White Center business owners gathered together for support, networking, and fun! Join us for our first-ever meetup Thursday, May 11th at 7 pm at Launchpad Co-Working space in Morgan Junction. Let’s get to know each other and see what ways we can support each other. This meetup is specifically for those who identify as LGBTQ and are local business owners (all-size businesses, contractors, entertainers/artists). Drinks and appetizers will be provided.
Hosted by Monica Colgan and Autumn Lovewell, owners of Youngstown Coffee, HeartBeet Cafe, and Launchpad.
(Massing rendering of Option 3 for 5252 California SW, by Ankrom Moisan)
About a dozen people showed up for last Thursday’s informational meeting about the Aegis Living project planned for 5252 California Avenue SW. The meeting was requested by neighbors, who said they were hoping to get more information on the project that had been provided thus far, and led by Bryon Ziegler from Aegis, the company’s director of development and entitlements. Here are the toplines of what happened:
Ziegler started with a recap of the February 2nd meeting with the Southwest Design Review Board (WSB coverage here), at which board members recommended that the project move ahead in the process (which means at least one more design-review meeting, not yet scheduled). That recommendation paves the way for the company to apply for a Master Use Permit for the site, on which Aegis plans to build a five-story, 100-unit complex, a mix of assisted living and memory care.
So what’s the overall timeline? neighbors asked. For one, Ziegler indicated, demolition of the vacant former strip-mall and restaurant buildings on the property is not imminent – but they’re hoping it can happen before year’s end, depending on when the city issues project permits. Construction would likely start several months after demolition, likely in summer or fall of 2024.
Other questions focused on the building’s massing – size, shape, placement on site – which was the focus of the first-stage design review. Is it settled? Ziegler was asked; based on the results of the first SWDRB meeting, he replied, yes. Attendees weren’t happy to hear that, and wondered why they hadn’t had more opportunities for input. (The February SWDRB meeting featured about a dozen comments received before and during the meeting.) Residents who border the alley behind the site also had questions about how the parking entrance, solid-waste pickup, and large deliveries will be handled.
In conclusion, neighbors talked about pursuing a meeting with the city agencies involved in the project, as well as meeting again with Aegis Living; Ziegler said that’s possible. Meantime, since the project is still in the review process, comments on any aspect of it are still being accepted by the city planner assigned to the project, theresa.neylon@seattle.gov.
Two weeks from today, Alki Avenue will be filled with runners and walkers out for the first West Seattle 5K since 2019! Sunday, May 21st, is the day that the West Seattle High School PTSA is bringing back the scenic walk/run that takes you along the beach and shore to raise money for helping the school’s students and staff. It’ll start at 9:30 am, rain or shine, strollers and leashed dogs allowed, all ages; plan to get to the beach (61st/Alki vicinity) by 9:10 for the pre-race warm-up. You can register right now online; some registration levels still have early-bird rates in effect.
That’s what we saw at Lincoln Park this afternoon, right as the low tide was receding to -2.6 feet before 1 pm. Saturday, it was almost that low, with a Seattle Parks tidepooling event at Charles Richey Viewpoint/Constellation Park (as featured in our daily list) – Ann Anderson sent photos and a recap:
Over 60 people turned out Saturday at Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint’s Marine Reserve during a super low (-2.1) tide, to admire intertidal sea life along with Parks Dept staff and volunteers. A wide array of marine flora and fauna normally surrounded by 6-10 feet of water, was left exposed for viewing both on the beach and in-between the jetty rocks. Giovannina Souers, Environmental Education Program Supervisor at Camp Long (foreground in blue jacket), was helping people ID animals, answering a barrage of questions, and simultaneously helping to train new Urban Naturalists about tidepool life for the Parks Dept. Also on hand for the event were countless sea stars, as were Glaucous-winged Gulls who showed up to eat them for lunch.
If you can get out to a beach either or both of the next two afternoons, you can see afternoon low tides that will be even further out – -2.8 feet at 1:30 pm Monday, -2.7 feet at 2:18 pm Tuesday (here’s the chart). And the low tides will be even more impressive later in the spring/summer, including a -4.0 on the 4th of July.
From Karen:
My 1979 VW Bug Convertible was stolen from a secure garage in West Seattle early morning (1:45 am) today, Sunday 5/7. If seen, please contact the police and me. 206-718-8484.
Update: police report # 23-124056, plate 67907CV.
MONDAY UPDATE: It’s been found – in Woodinville.
10:13 AM: Transient orcas are back in nearby waters, southbound off south Bainbridge Island, reports Kersti Muul, “mid to east in the channel.” Let us know if you see them!
10:46 AM: As Kersti commented, they’re past Blake Island now, still southbound. (Watch comments for other updates.)
Family and friends are remembering Shirley J. Roe and sharing this with the community:
Shirley J. Roe passed away at Angel Wings Adult Family Home in Des Moines, Washington early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Shirley was born in Seattle to Agnes and Peter Bullock on October 16, 1928. She was a lifelong Seattle resident.
Shirley met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Roe, while he was in the Navy, stationed in Bremerton. They married on June 9, 1948. Shirley and Chuck remained happily married and living in West Seattle for the next 68 years, until Chuck passed away in 2016.
In her mid-40s Shirley attended the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Teaching Certificate in 1974. She worked for many years in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Washington, where she retired in 1991.
Even at 94 years young, Shirley was a passionate lifetime supporter of women’s rights, equal civil rights for all, and giving back to the community. Chuck and Shirley traveled throughout the world into their 80s. They enjoyed working as volunteers for NARAL, the Millionair Club, and caring for many foster children over the years. Both of them played a huge role in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Shirley was uncompromising when it came to correcting grammar and the war of “I love you, more.” But, most of all, she loved her family fiercely. We feel fortunate to have had both Shirley and Chuck as parents and grandparents. They inspired everyone around them to always give back more than they take and to work toward the greater good for all. We couldn’t have asked for better role models.
Shirley is survived by her sons Patrick (Sherri) and Mick (Vickie), her grandchildren Mike, Josh, and Amanda, and her great-grandchildren Tyler, Emma, Delila, and Zachary. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck, grandson Derek, parents Agnes and Peter, and sisters Patricia and Sally.
If you would like to share memories of Shirley, please do so at funerals.coop/obituaries/shirley-j-roe.html. A private celebration of Shirley’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite nonprofit organization in Shirley’s name.
(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)
(Dogwood blossoms, photographed by Troy Sterk)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ONLINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES: See today’s lineup here.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm; the market offers 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)
EAT PIZZA, SUPPORT PLAYERS: Highline Premier FC gets part of the proceeds if you get food from MOD Pizza at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW today. Open 10:30 am to 10 pm.
WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP: 11 am-4 pm, one more chance to sell and buy human-powered watercraft and gear at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
MAKERS’ MARKET: Dozens of vendors at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), noon-5 pm – see the list in our calendar listing.
DERMOT KENNEDY SIGNING: The Irish star is in Seattle for a show later this week, and today 1-3 pm he’s at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) for a signing event – details in our calendar listing.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Judy Kaplan & Ann Radermacher perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm.
THEATER: First matinee for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Tickets here.
TIM’S TAVERN: 5-8 pm at the new Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th), Shakin’ Sunday with Johnny7 and the Black Crabs. More info here.
ROLLER DERBY BEGINNER BOOTCAMP: 2 sessions a week for the next four weeks, starting 5:30 pm tonight at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
END THE WEEKEND PEACEFULLY: Inner Alchemy offers Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Breath Work, and Gong Bath from 7-8:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). RSVP/fee info is in our calendar listing.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Have an event – one-time or recurring – to add to our calendar? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
12:09 AM: Thanks for the tip! Power’s out for 191 customers north of Westwood Village, according to Seattle City Light. The outage started just before midnight and is attributed to “equipment failure.”
9:49 AM: Still out.
11:11 AM: We found two SCL trucks on Thistle by Chief Sealth IHS, but no crews in view.
5:26 PM: Dorinda mentioned in a comment below that the crew is in a nearby alley, so we went over there. They’re using a vacuum truck now. Neighbors say they’d been told the problem is a “conduit break” and that it’s taking so long because they have to excavate to find what’s broken.
7:42 PM: Just talked with Jenn Strang of SCL. She says what’s taking them so long is that the trouble is far beyond what they first thought – at first it was a cable failure, then they got in and discovered “crushed conduit and some other things that needed to be fixed,” and that led to a much longer repair time than they’d usually need. She says they hope to be done “soon” – provided they don’t find anything else that needs to be fixed.
8 PM: Moments later, power returned, after almost 20 hours.
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