West Seattle, Washington

15 Tuesday

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month : 05/2023 320 results

UPDATE: South Admiral brown water; city acknowledges hydrant-testing change may be an issue
May 18, 2023 11:13 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

11:13 AM: Seattle Public Utilities is still looking into our followup questions about brown water in Gatewood earlier this week. Meantime, we’ve just received this from Kaelen in South Admiral:

We’re on 42nd Street between Hinds and Hanford, just south of West Seattle High School. Appear to be experiencing brown water this morning. Noticed about an hour or so ago. And it has yet to resolve.

Discolored water usually results from “sediment” – mostly rust – stirred up in lines for reasons from a pipe break to hydrant testing. We’re also asking SPU about a commenter’s note that there’s been a change in the latter procedure at the utility’s direction. Whatever the cause, it’s important that you report it if you see it – 206-386-1800.

9:22 PM: SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register responded tonight to our original inquiry about Gatewood water woes earlier this week, and to the hydrant-testing change:

The Seattle Fire Department tests fire hydrants annually to make sure they will work properly in emergencies to save lives and property. Recently, firefighters have tested hydrants within the Gatewood neighborhood and are expanding throughout West Seattle. Testing hydrants can sometimes disturb sediment in the pipes and cause the water in nearby homes to be temporarily discolored. If this happens, the water will usually clear on its own in a couple of hours or by running the cold water for a few minutes. Customers can also call the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800 for assistance or visit SPU’s website for information about discolored water and how to clear it.

From 2017-2022, fire hydrants were tested without flowing water. In 2023, fire hydrant testing protocol is returning back to its pre-2017 approach, which involves gently flowing water out of the hydrant to remove any sediment that may be trapped in the pipe feeding the hydrant. This change in practice may increase the likelihood of temporary discolored water. We apologize for any water quality issues that may be caused by this change, and we’re working diligently to test the hydrants in a manner that minimizes water quality issues for our customers.

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Alki Community Council, book event, theater, running, more for your West Seattle Thursday
May 18, 2023 10:35 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(California sea lion ‘sailing’ off Lincoln Park – photo by Katie Smith)

Options for your Thursday afternoon/evening, from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus is open 1-6 pm Thursdays.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the Tat’s Deli truck will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a three-mile run!

ARTISTRY OF THE BOOK: 6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Artistry of the Book: How a novel becomes a work of visual art

Two West Seattle-ites — debut author, Rebekah Anderson, and book designer, Lauren Grosskopf — will discuss the collaborative process of putting a book cover and interiors together for a new novel, “The Grand Promise,” that reflect the story’s themes.

“The Grand Promise” is a work of literary fiction about the real communities impacted by the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in the 1930s. The novel was called “a gripping debut” by best-selling local author Jonathan Evison, “a thoughtful look” by Kirkus Reviews, and “enthralling” by Publishers Weekly.

The talk between author and designer will be followed by a reading and book signing.

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

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The ACC meets at 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online (access info is in our calendar listing), with scheduled guests from SDOT (scooter share), SPU (Pump Station 38), and SPD. All welcome.

PIANO REQUESTS: You ask, they’ll play, 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

THEATER: Third week for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Tickets here.

There’s even more in our calendar!

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HELPING: Know someone to match up with Westside Friends?
May 18, 2023 9:09 am
|    Comments Off on HELPING: Know someone to match up with Westside Friends?
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The Westside Friends program, offered by the Senior Center of West Seattle, has plenty of volunteers – but is looking for people they can help! Maybe you or someone you know? Here’s the announcement the SCWS asked us to share:

The Westside Friends program matches West Seattle seniors and people with disabilities (“WSF Friends”) with volunteers for companionship, help with projects, and assistance with tasks like grocery shopping.

Many of our WSF Friends and their volunteers create deep, long-term connections that are both meaningful and fun. If you decide you’d like to be matched with a volunteer, the same person will visit with you each time.

Our volunteers will meet with you in your home and do things like listening and sharing stories, taking walks, occasionally driving to errands or appointments, going with you to a movie or out to lunch, sharing a cup of coffee, planting flowers in pots, and watching sports on TV.

Westside Friends volunteers are kind and interesting people from your neighborhood. They’ve been interviewed, oriented, background-checked, and are fully vaccinated.

Interested or Have Questions? Contact ~
Michele Fawcett-Long, Senior Center of West Seattle
206-928-1730 or michelef@soundgenerations.org

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
May 18, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, May 18th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Sunny, high around 80. Sunrise was at 5:28 am; sunset will be at 8:44 pm.

LOOKING AHEAD

-Friday is Bike Everywhere Day; West Seattle Bike Connections plans treats and info for riders at the west end of the low bridge, 6-9 am.

-Saturday brings the West Seattle Bee Festival back to High Point, and Lanham Place alongside Commons Park will be closed to traffic for the street-fair component.

-Sunday is the first West Seattle 5K since 2019, which means morning road closures in the Alki area between 61st SW and Luna/Anchor Park.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.

Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs Friday and Saturday nights.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; sailing cancellations remain possible on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – 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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ELECTION 2023: 3 days into Filing Week, here’s who’s running
May 17, 2023 11:11 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Time for our nightly update on who’s officially filed for the three major local offices that’ll be on the ballot this fall without incumbents. This was the third day of King County Elections’ Filing Week, which ends at 4 pm Friday. From the running list, here’s the update:

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
After two more filings today, all six of the people who previously announced plans to run have filed.

Preston Anderson (Wednesday)
Stephen Brown (Monday)
Maren Costa (Tuesday)
Jean Iannelli Craciun (Monday)
Rob Saka (Monday)
Phil Tavel (Wednesday)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DISTRICT 6
Three people are running, after another filing today.

Rosie McCarter (Monday)
Gina Topp (Tuesday)
Maryanne Wood (Wednesday)

KING COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8
No new filings today.

Sofia Aragon (Tuesday)
GoodSpaceGuy (Tuesday)
Teresa Mosqueda (Monday)

Since each of these races has three or more candidates, they’ll all be on the August 1st ballot. Filing for these offices or others up for election this fall can be done online until that 4 pm Friday (May 19th) deadline.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire twice in 1 night in 1 neighborhood
May 17, 2023 8:17 pm
|      97 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

8:17 PM: Police are converging on Delridge and Juneau [map] after gunfire was reported, possibly from vehicles. Officers have told dispatch they’re finding casings from two different guns, apparently rifle and handgun. No reports so far of anyone being hit/hurt. Avoid the area.

8:26 PM: An officer has told dispatch that a “black sedan” that was involved was last seen “southbound near 21st/Myrtle.”

(WSB photos)

8:37 PM: This is on Juneau east of Delridge, between the residences on the north side of the street and Boren STEM K-8 on the south side. Adding photos.

Police are going to reopen the street shortly. They tell us no damage, and the vehicle was further described as a “black newer-model Chrysler 300.”

10:33 PM: Though the city doesn’t record traffic cameras, some private entities do, and one of them caught a bit of this incident on the Delridge/Juneau camera, tweeting it here.

11:55 PM: Police checking out another report of gunfire have found “numerous shell casings” in the 5600 block of 26th SW. They suspect it’s related to the earlier gunfire, as they are reporting two types of casings. They’re also finding vehicles with bullet damage. … Officers have told dispatch that multiple vehicles were struck in the driveway of what they’re referring to as a “problem house” in that block, theorizing it might have been the target.

12:01 PM: Officers have also confirmed a nearby house was hit. So far no reports of injuries. … Looking at nearby homes’ security video, they observed a “black sedan” in this incident too.

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COUNTDOWN: Three days until West Seattle Bee Festival returns
May 17, 2023 7:27 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo from past Bee Festival)

Another look ahead to one of this weekend’s big events – the West Seattle Bee Festival returns to High Point on Saturday (May 20th)! As previewed here in April, it’s happening in and around High Point Commons Park/Amphitheater and the Bee Garden [map], with components including:

Buzz Run – 9:30 am: A casual run/walk for youth, starting at the Bee Garden.

Community Cleanup – 10:30 am-noon: Part of One Seattle Day of Service; stop by the volunteer tent to pick up a picker and trash bag to help.

Bee Festival – Noon-3 pm: Activities, games, performances, and chances to learn about bees (with participants including the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association). Highlights include Ella Bella Bee at the Amphitheater at noon, beehive demonstration at the Bee Garden at 1 pm, and Soul Line Dancing at 2 pm. More than a dozen community organizations will be there to meet you, too.

This is all family-friendly and free!

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SPORTS: Two West Seattle HS golfers headed to state. And the team’s recruiting!
May 17, 2023 5:09 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Another spring sports update – this time from the West Seattle High School golf program, which has two updates:

On Monday, May 15th, the West Seattle Girls Golf Team competed at the District Tournament at the Riverbend Golf Course in Kent. Harmony Pham, Hailey Vaughey, Tallulah Williams, Sadie Stover, and Abbie Cunliffe represented West Seattle High School. We placed 8th overall, only 17 strokes from qualifying the entire team to State.

We did have two West Seattle golfers qualify as individuals for the State Tournament. Senior Harmony Pham (above) shot a score of 83 at Girls Districts and top 5 finish in the individual category. Junior Simon Vance (below) shot a 78 at Boys Districts, which was previously held back in October.

The State Tournament will be held on May 23rd and 24th in Olympia.

Congratulations to all the girls and boys who competed in the District Championship Tournament, and to Harmony and Simon for making it to the High School Golf State Tournament!

ALSO: If you are interested in playing golf for the West Seattle High Golf Team for the (corrected) 2023-2024 season, please contact Coach Joel at wshsgolfteam@outlook.com.

Our season runs from September to the end of October. We have both varsity and junior varsity teams. Tryouts are in August.

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In case you wondered too: Yes, that’s wildfire smoke (UPDATE: sunset photo added)
May 17, 2023 3:15 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

3:15 PM: The quality of the light outside is a bit reminiscent of late summer. That’s in part because of wildfire smoke that has drifted this way from Alberta. The National Weather Service tweeted a satellite image of the “high-level” smoke this morning, as well as photos of a redder-than-usual rising sun. Air-quality maps don’t show much trouble down here at ground level, though (here’s Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, here’s PurpleAir). The NWS’s latest forecast discussion notes, “Smoke should remain aloft with no major impacts expected at the surface but, could lead to a picturesque sunrise/sunset. For tonight, generally benign conditions are expected. … There’s a possibility we’ll continue to see more smoke/haze into Thursday but winds are showing signs of shifting.” As for the fires themselves, the CBC says almost 100 fires are burning in Alberta.

9:36 PM: It was definitely a summer-smoke type of sunset, as shown in David Hutchinson‘s photo, added above.

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FOLLOWUP: Alki shooting victim remembered; community meeting
May 17, 2023 1:24 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Three notes today, following last Saturday’s deadly shooting in Alki:

SHOOTING VICTIM: As added to our original report late yesterday, the victim is now identified as 25-year-old Davonté Sanchez. We don’t have information so far on where he lived but there are numerous online references to his time at Kentwood High School, where he was a basketball standout before graduation in 2016. His former coach remembers Mr. Sanchez: “Heart of Gold and an amazing personality. One of the best people I’ve gotten to know and Coach. Graduated 7 years ago and still gets talked about every season. Truly a special person.” A crowdfunding page has been launched for memorial expenses, with the organizer writing, “He touched so many people’s lives; he was truly one of a kind.” (Photo via GoFundMe.com, used with permission)

INVESTIGATION: Still no word of an arrest or any other updates.

COMMUNITY MEETING: Southwest Precinct police are regular guests at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting, and if you’d like to talk about this or other Alki-area issues, the next meeting is tomorrow night (Thursday, May 18th), 7 pm; you can attend at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online.

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WEST SEATTLE 5K: Updates – and a call for volunteers – as Sunday’s big event approaches
May 17, 2023 12:43 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE 5K: Updates – and a call for volunteers – as Sunday’s big event approaches
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Our weekend previews are starting early this week, because of multiple big events! First, just four days are left until the first West Seattle 5K since 2019. Sunday morning’s race is presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser. As such, it’s volunteer-powered, and that’s the first update we have:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Road guards for street closures, water-table helpers, set-up and tear-down supporters are all needed. If you might be able to help, please email organizers ASAP at westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

REGISTRATION, PACKET PICKUP, RACE-DAY SCHEDULE: Here’s the latest:

Packet Pickup – this Saturday, May 20, 12-5 pm
You may pick up your bib, shirt and timing chip on Saturday at West Seattle Runner, 2743 California Avenue SW

Last-Minute Registration – Packet pick-up and registration are also available on the day of the event, starting at 8:30 AM near the Alki Bathhouse. Cash or check accepted but using the registration website with your credit card is preferred – you can do that now here.

Race Day Schedule:
8:30-9:15 am: Day-of-event registration
9:10 am: Pre-race warm-up
9:30 am: 5K Run/Walk starts
8:30 to 11:30 am: Visit our sponsor booths and enjoy student music

STREET CLOSURES: A reminder that Alki/Harbor Avenues along the race route – 61st/Alki to Anchor/Luna Park and back – will be closed to vehicle traffic as early as 8 am on Sunday, and will reopen once the course clears (historically, by 11 am).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen ‘short bus’ (update: found, thanks to commenter tip); blue Kawasaki motorcycle
May 17, 2023 11:11 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two vehicle thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

STOLEN BUS: From Brendon:

This 2007 Ford E350 short bus was stolen from the Diamond Parking lot behind Coastline Burgers this past weekend. Hoping maybe someone sees it…

CA plate 8LND966
Police report 23-133197
It was taken sometime between 1 am Sunday and Monday morning.

(2:26 pm update: Found, thanks to commenter tip!)

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: From Dylan:

My 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 was stolen last night between 12 am-5 am. I’ve already contacted the police and had a report filed around 5:15 am. (Sadly this is the 5th attempt and 2nd successful theft)

License Plate: 6B8243
SPD Incident # 23-134718
Reporting Officer: Patrick Michaud
^^ Contact Info: 206-733-9800

If anyone happens to see it, please contact either Officer Michaud, or me at 206-755-3328.

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Brown water in Gatewood, again
May 17, 2023 11:07 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to John for this report:

I live on SW Orchard St and 39th. Lots of brown water coming out of my faucets. I’ve reported it to SPU, who received numerous other reports. The usual suspect, Seattle Fire Dept. doing testing, had not reported anything.

Reminder that if discolored water happens at your home or business, 206-386-1800 is the Seattle Public Utilities number to call.

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The list for your West Seattle Wednesday
May 17, 2023 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LIBRARY LEVY SPENDING REPORT: That’s part of what’s planned for the City Council’s Public Assets & Homelessness Committee, meeting at 2 pm today – the agenda explains how to watch/participate.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – fix it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

JAZZ NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

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: 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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RETURNING: West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade
May 17, 2023 9:18 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2022 parade)

Independence Day is just seven weeks away, and organizers want to be sure you know the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade is on! Here’s their announcement:

Mark your calendars and start planning your bike, strollers, scooter, and wagon decorations! The West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade is happening again this year!

The parade is made up of families in decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, wagons, and more! The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 in the North Admiral neighborhood at Sunset Ave. SW and 44th Ave. SW. and winds through the area to end at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for games and food trucks! Local businesses will be on hand with craft booths and activities for kids of all ages. The annual potato sack races will take place in the park and this year we have new potato sacks! Families are welcome to bring their own snacks and picnics and hang out. This year the food trucks will be back! So far Mini the Dough Nut and Lil’ J’s Super Dawgs said they’ll be there!

If businesses are interested in sponsoring a craft or activity table, please reach out to Megan Erb at meganerb@hotmail.com.

If you haven’t been in the parade before .. no RSVP necessary to participate; just show up. (Here’s our coverage from last year, including video of the entire parade.)

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TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, WEATHER: Wednesday info
May 17, 2023 6:03 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, May 17th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Sunny, high around 80. Sunrise was at 5:30 am; sunset will be at 8:43 pm.

LOOKING AHEAD

-Friday is Bike Everywhere Day; West Seattle Bike Connections will have treats and info for riders at the west end of the low bridge, 6-9 am.

-Sunday is the first West Seattle 5K since 2019, which means morning road closures in the Alki area (we’re working to get specifics).

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.

Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including later runs Friday and Saturday nights.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule but with the chance of sailing cancellations on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s softball season ends
May 16, 2023 10:23 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s softball season ends
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photo. #8, Carmen Cruz; #12, yelling, Mackenzie Curry Uzwack; catcher Caitlin Gordon; #26, Alice Herron)

So close! West Seattle High School‘s softball season ended tonight, but not before a thrilling comeback attempt. At Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, the Wildcats lost to Lake Washington 9-7 in the district tournament. At one point they were down 6-1 – and then they battled back to take the lead, 7-6, with a three-run homer by Kaila Ignacio a big factor in that. But the Kangaroos weren’t done yet, and scored three runs in the seventh to take the win. West Seattle finishes the season with a 13-7 record.

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FOLLOWUP: New state drug law approved; here’s how 34th District legislators voted
May 16, 2023 9:14 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Three weeks ago, the State Legislature adjourned without finalizing a new drug-possession law. Today, in a brief special session, both houses approved a revised version of the same bill that failed in April, SB 5536. Here’s the final version, quickly signed by Gov. Inslee. His website explains it:

Washington state’s new drug possession statute prioritizes treatment, establishes a gross misdemeanor penalty for drug possession and public use of drugs, and offers some local control to municipalities. …

A hallmark of the new bill is the degree of flexibility afforded to courts, prosecutors, municipalities, and community service providers.

The original bill that failed in the final hour of the regular session pre-empted local control. A difference in the latest version, one critical to its bipartisan support, was the continued ability for municipalities to approve or prohibit local “harm reduction” providers. Harm reduction services include needle exchanges, safe injection sites, and other programs designed to prevent disease or overdose. The ultimate bill signed by the governor lets local governments maintain some influence over these activities.

Prosecutors and courts were also granted some discretion in the final bill. Rather than have the Legislature set a rigid course for the new pretrial diversion program, courts and prosecutors may consider other alternatives to traditional prosecution. A defendant with behavioral health issues who is also addicted to drugs may benefit most from inpatient behavioral health treatment. A veteran fighting chemical dependency may be diverted to a veteran’s court program. Conversely, a defendant that has serially rejected treatment may be sent to jail. This flexibility may help courts find the right course for each defendant.

The three West Seattle-residing legislators who represent our area and the rest of the 34th District voted the same way they did in the regular-session vote – Sen. Joe Nguyen voted yes, as did Reo, Joe Fitzgibbon (who is also House Majority Leader), while Rep. Emily Alvarado voted no. The final House roll call was 83-13; in the Senate, 43-6.

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ELECTION 2023: Here’s who’s running, 2 days into Filing Week
May 16, 2023 7:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

As we’ve been reporting, candidates interested in this fall’s local elections have to formally file by 4 pm Friday. King County Elections is publishing a running list, so we’re noting the local highlights each evening:

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DISTRICT 6
Rosie McCarter (Monday)
Gina Topp (Tuesday)

Topp is the newest to join the race for the seat Leslie Harris is leaving. She is legal counsel for the King County Executive’s Office and a former chair of the 34th District Democrats, currently the organization’s parliamentarian.

KING COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 8
Sofia Aragon (Tuesday)
GoodSpaceGuy (Tuesday)
Teresa Mosqueda (Monday)

We’ve already reported on the candidacies of Burien Mayor Aragon and Seattle City Councilmember Mosqueda. Also filing today was perennial candidate GoodSpaceGuy.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
Stephen Brown (Monday)
Maren Costa (Tuesday)
Jean Iannelli Craciun (Monday)
Rob Saka (Monday)

Costa, who filed today, is, as are the three who filed Monday, one of the six who had already announced plans to run.

Again, if you’re interested in running for one of these (or other offices up for election this fall), here’s how; filing deadline is 4 pm Friday (May 19th).

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VIDEO: See winners of this year’s Westside Awards tell their stories
May 16, 2023 4:26 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Award-acceptance speeches are generally about gratitude – with words of thanks to the award-givers as well as those who helped the recipients get to where they are now.

What was said at today’s Westside Awards celebration went beyond that, with inspiration, reminiscences, and community history.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce presents the Westside Awards each year in four categories – Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Westsider of the Year, and Not-for-Profit of the Year. This year’s recipients were announced in April and honored during a breakfast event this morning in the Brockey Center at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge.

If you weren’t there, you can see and hear the winners’ speeches in our videos:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Easy Street Records

Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan was introduced by fellow Junction entrepreneur Jack Miller of Husky Deli, who declared “the reason West Seattle is cool is because of Easy Street” and observed that the music shop/café “is like a sacred place for a lot of people.” That includes the musicians whose work ESR deals in – of the artists, Miller mused, Easy Street “is a place where they want their music to be sold at.” Here’s Vaughan’s full speech:

Vaughan talked about his staff, his customers, his community, and his family – wife Kisha, kids Archie and Daisy (pictured with him above). “When it comes down to it, this is a family business, and they’re the reason I do it.” He estimated that he’s employed “more than 2,000 people over the years.” And he shared an LP’s worth of personal history, starting with growing up as a “rec-center kid .. between rec centers and record stores, I found my safe place.” He told the tale of going from record-store employee to record-store owner as a college sophomore, first taking over a space a few doors up California SW, then moving to the corner after a few years. How did he nab such a prime spot? Back then, “every other storefront in The Junction was vacant,” he explained. And after 35 years and many trials and tribulations – he recalled back-to-back burglaries in 1990, for example, and a six-figure embezzlement – the shop is alive and thriving, as is he. Words he said he lives by include “A kick in the ass is still a step forward.”

EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce

Tony Wilson rose from an even rougher childhood, which he said he chose to share with the audience so they could “see in human form what it is like to defy the odds.” Here’s his full speech:

Emerging from a difficult upbringing, and battling depression and anxiety resulting from childhood trauma, he started on a life of community service, starting with Hurricane Katrina relief. He also “worked in the music world and performed spoken word” – and then during an intensive home-cooking phase of the pandemic days in 2021, he invented “The Sauce.” After moving to Seattle, he turned “The Sauce” into a company – he’s selling it at farmers’ markets and stores, and has big plans to go regional and then nationwide. Wilson said he “had to learn about my power … the power you feel inside,” and strongly believes in ethics, morals, and community involvement. “We succeed by building together and not tearing each other down.”

WESTSIDER OF THE YEAR
Claiborne Bell

Bell owns Seattle Sorbets and the commissary-kitchen business at which it’s based, Distinguished Foods Kitchen Rental, in The Triangle. It’s home to 13 food-and-beverage businesses now, and, said Chamber executive director Whitney Moore in introducing him, he’s “putting entrepreneurship on the radar for so many young people.” Here’s Bell’s full speech:

Bell declared the Westsider of the Year honor to be “a team award,” saying his team started with his grandparents’ expectations of hard work and achievement, followed by his parents’ expectations of excellence, and onward. “Even when things were extremely bad, I never questioned that I was on the right team.”

NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Providence Mount St. Vincent

Emcee Brian Callanan introduced The Mount’s administrator Charlene Boyd by noting the center’s century-long history, including child care at its much-lauded Intergenerational Preschool. Here’s his introduction and Boyd’s speech:

Boyd observed that “We’re fortunate to live in a place where neighbors are helping neighbors” and recalled how that has played out so often for The Mount – when calls for help were answered with everything from masks during the pandemic to air conditioners during a historic heat wave. Dating back to its founding by the Sisters of Providence, The Mount has built “relationships that span generations,” Boyd said.

The event concluded with a reminder of other upcoming Chamber-presented events – as listed on the organization’s website – starting with the Battle for West Seattle softball game Sunday, which is a fundraiser for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks.

P.S. You can see the lists of past Westside Award-winners – chosen each year from community nominations – by going here.

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$147 million in city funding announced for affordable-housing projects, none in West Seattle
May 16, 2023 2:28 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Less than two months ago, the mayor proposed a billion-dollar renewal/expansion of the city Housing Levy. Some wondered what the money from the current one is being spent on. Here’s an example. The city has announced $147 million in grants for projects totaling 1,150 housing units, from sources including the current levy, as well as the “JumpStart” payroll tax and developers fees from the HALA-born Mandatory Housing Affordability program. The projects receiving grants are shown in this slide deck. None are in West Seattle. The nearest are two in South Park – a 78-unit complex that Sea Mar will build and 30 townhomes that Habitat for Humanity is planning.

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UPDATE: Duplex damaged by debris from construction site next door
May 16, 2023 12:43 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Texted photos)

12:43 PM: Cleanup is under way today in north Morgan Junction, where a duplex was damaged when part of an under-construction building next door at 5952 California SW fell down onto it last night. Nobody was hurt, and the duplex owner told us the damage wasn’t major, but questions remain about why it happened – the initial report was that the wind blew the pieces down, though last night’s short-lived wind didn’t seem particularly strong.

We checked city files for the project at 5952 California SW; they show its “plywood sheathing” had undergone a construction inspection by a private firm just last week. And now last night’s incident has led to a complaint filed today with the city Department of Construction and Inspections, asking for urgent investigation and action; we’re checking on that with SDCI, and also attempting to contact the project’s owner. It’s been seven years since an apartment building was first proposed for the site; the property was sold last year.

ADDED TUESDAY EVENING: We asked SDCI spokesperson Bryan Stevens about the newly filed complaint. Stevens replied, “Inspectors are aware and looking into it” but didn’t expect an update until tomorrow. The online file also indicates that evaluation of the complaint is “in progress.”

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UPDATE: Orcas off West Seattle
May 16, 2023 11:50 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

11:50 AM: Just got word from Kersti Muul that a group of transient killer whales is heading northbound, approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lane at last report, but trending toward the west side of the channel, so you definitely need binoculars. Let us know if you see them!

12:56 PM: Kersti says in comments that another group is headed this way from Burien.

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