day : 15/06/2023 11 results

ROBBER SEARCH: If you’re in the Westwood Village area and wondering about the police response, officers are looking for a robber right now. We don’t have full details but a female victim told police she was robbed at gunpoint by the dumpsters between McDonald’s and the future Five Guys. The robber may have gotten away on foot southbound on 26th SW. A K9 was called in to help search. The robber is described as an Asian man in his early 20s, 5’6″ thin, beanie, black sweatshirt and pants, armed with a “small compact semi-automatic handgun.”

ARRAIGNMENT POSTPONED: We reported last week on the charges filed against 36-year-old Delfino Lopez-Morales in the West Seattle Bridge crash that killed Khalea Thoeuk and Riley Danard, both 18, in March. He was due in court for arraignment today to answer the charges, but the hearing was postponed until June 26th, with the explanation that he is still in a hospital but expected to be discharged by then. A warrant remains in effect and police have said he would be booked into jail upon release from the hospital.

FERRIES: Terminal talk @ Fauntleroy Community Association’s June meeting

June 15, 2023 9:58 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Ongoing state planning for the ferry-terminal replacement project was a major topic at this month’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting.

From the recent Washington State Ferries online meeting for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth and Point Defiance-Tahlequah communities (WSB coverage here), FCA board members were concerned to hear WSF management mention the idea of a second slip was still in play. While it isn’t envisioned to be part of this project, WSF was clearly leaving the door open for a possible addition down the road.

FCA has also continued talking with 34th District state legislators (who represent both West Seattle and Vashon/Maury Islands, as well as other areas). They’re hoping to get insights on which way WSF is leaning, either toward a new terminal/dock with the same footprint, or one with expanded overwater space. They’re also talking with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold to see if the city could renew its 1997 resolution opposing dock expansion.

Speaking of which, they also discussed last week’s WSB/District 1 Community Network candidates’ forum for the race to succeed Herbold. FCA submitted the question we asked about whether the candidates supported expanding the dock’s overwater footprint. None of the eight candidates expressed opposition. So FCA president Mike Dey messaged them all to explain the FCA’s position and the dock’s history. At Tuesday’s meeting, Dey said Stephen Brown was the first to reply, saying he had changed his mind after reading Dey’s letter. He said Phil Tavel and Rob Saka also responded, asking for meetings with the FCA board or Fauntleroy residents to talk about it. But as of Tuesday night’s meeting, the other five hadn’t responded.

Also discussed – the upcoming FCA community survey. Their emphasis this year will be to gather more demographic information. Questions also will focus on public safety, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood density.

The Fauntleroy Community Association meets at 7 pm second Tuesdays at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) and online. Watch fauntleroy.net for more info between meetings.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Hiawatha Playfield turf project gets rolling

June 15, 2023 7:14 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Forest for the update that the Hiawatha Playfield turf-replacement project has accelerated in the past few days, with part of the old turf already removed and rolled up. We went back over this evening for these photos.

Seattle Parks has said the work will take about three months.

Share This

DEVELOPMENT: Official notice of next Design Review meeting for 1116 Alki Avenue

June 15, 2023 4:59 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

(‘Preferred option’ massing from last year’s draft design packet by MZA Architecture)

As we reported two weeks ago, the Southwest Design Review Board has one of its now-rare meetings scheduled next month, for the second Early Design Guidance review of 1116 Alki Avenue SW. The date is now corrected to July 6th, and the official notice was made public by the city today. It’ll be a 5 pm online meeting, with the opportunity for spoken or written public comment. The project is proposed for six floors, 65 units, 102 offstreet-parking spaces; here’s our report from its first early-design meeting in April 2022. Information on how to attend/comment is on this city webpage, which is also where you’ll find the new design packet when available; note that the early-design stage is primarily about a building’s massing – size, shape, and placement on the site.

Share This

YOUTH SPORTS: Players wanted for West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH

June 15, 2023 2:49 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Both days this weekend, West Seattle Baseball invites you to come watch tournament action, free, at the Pee Wee fields in lower Riverview. And if you have a prospective player in the household – WS Baseball is accepting signups for its Summer CRUSH league through June 23rd. Here’s the invitation:

(West Seattle Baseball photo)

Summer CRUSH is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with more of the fun, summery vibe from sandlot-style baseball with your friends. It is also an opportunity for players to take advantage of more reps, plus try new positions and new facets of the game in a fun, low-stress situation. There generally are no practices and the baseball feels more like sandlot games or scrimmages. Again our focus is on having fun and playing more baseball.

CRUSH is divided into three divisions, 8U, 10U, and 12U. 8U is scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays. 10U is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays. 12U schedule details are still being determined but most likely be twice a week on weeknights.

Team rosters are built with summer vacations in mind. Larger rosters can sometimes mean that the batting order gets long, more often, however, it prevents teams being too short-handed to realistically play when multiple players are out of town on family trips. Again, games are scheduled only for weeknights, leaving weekends completely free.

Registration fee for CRUSH is $125, cost includes a ballcap and team jersey for each player. The CRUSH season will begin the week of July 10 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 17.

West Seattle Baseball is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit youth baseball league. Our goal is to provide comprehensive baseball programming which appeals to kids of all levels of enthusiasm and ability. The league prides itself on being a fun and enjoyable program that our players, their families, and their coaches want to participate in again each succeeding season. To find more information about West Seattle Baseball, visit westseattlebaseball.com.

And again, the signup link is here.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Myers Way encampments ‘resolution’ status

June 15, 2023 1:21 pm

| 37 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

(April photo of encampment, taken by an Arrowhead Gardens resident)

Back on Tuesday, we told you about reports of cleanup activity on the east side of Myers Way, though people and vehicles remained visible in the northeasternmost encampment area, on state/city land. We had asked local and state departments/agencies for updates. We’ve also gone back the past two days and seen no signs of further activity; this morning, the “no parking” signage along the city stretch of the street was gone. Meantime, a statement was sent to us and others, including Arrowhead Gardens resident groups and the Highland Park Action Coalition; it indicates that any further activity is still in the planning process. The statement is from Brian Nielsen, WSDOT Northwest regional administrator, who explains that he is “responsible for overseeing all aspects of state right of way within the Region”:

Dear Arrowhead Gardens Senior Living community and Myers Way neighbors,

I want to share with you information and next steps as it relates to the encampments on Myers Way. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Washington State Patrol, King County Regional Homeless Authority and the City of Seattle collectively agree that this site is our top multijurisdictional site to address. Operational teams are coordinating a site resolution plan.

Our teams are working together to determine next steps to address the site and those living there unhoused. This work requires a multi-agency approach as the encampment is spread across both WSDOT and City property and we know from experience that close coordination is the best way to resolve these sites for the short and long term. Actions currently underway include:

Site stabilization

WSDOT, in coordination with partners, will assess the location to determine where we might make changes to better manage ingress and egress to the site to prevent further growth and better manage access.
The City of Seattle is onsite providing litter picks and trash mitigation at this site several times a week.

Outreach, Housing, and Shelter – KCRHA will:

Assess housing and shelter availability and options within the current system.
KCRHA’s outreach providers are onsite regularly to engage and work with the people experiencing homelessness, ensure connections with services and prepare for housing when resources become available.

Outreach staff will also provide assistance to ensure that any barriers to housing, such as obtaining identification documents, are addressed ahead of time so that people may move into housing immediately when resources become available.

Housing and shelter outreach at this site are in alignment with state legislature requirements that WSDOT and its partners in Right of Way Safety Initiative work to “transition persons residing on state-owned rights-of-way to safer housing opportunities, with an emphasis on permanent housing solutions,” and that the housing offered is a “meaningful improvement over the individual’s current living situation” and “well-matched to an individual’s assessed needs.”

Although the circumstances and conversation regarding the encampment are challenging, I am committed to sharing the parameters in which our agency operates transparently. I also very much appreciate your concerns and understand that you have questions. Please know that we hear your concerns and are working with urgency. We are not currently in a position to share a definitive timeline for site resolution, but we would like to provide timely updates for your community as they are available. I will share more information next week.

City Councilmember Lisa Herbold had said last week that the resolution was “planned.” But we haven’t heard back from her office, the city’s homelessness-response spokesperson, or the state regarding exactly what it was that happened this past Tuesday. Meantime, no arrest reported yet in the Myers Way murder and assault cases from earlier this month.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE ART: Mural beginning to bloom outside WS Nursery

June 15, 2023 12:06 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

Something new is growing at West Seattle Nursery (5245 California SW) – the wall along the south side of the property, on SW Brandon, is getting a mural. The artist is Katie Todaro of Glam Dusty Studios, whose work you’ve likely seen beautifying other West Seattle walls.

(West Seattle Nursery photo)

When we stopped by this morning, Katie told us that with rainy weather likely to interrupt soon, the mural will probably be complete within two weeks.

Share This

‘No kid should die’: Lucy Strong Foundation’s fight against childhood cancer gets boost from Movement Mortgage

June 15, 2023 11:31 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A brave little girl from Arbor Heights was the inspiration for a gathering last night at Movement Mortgage (3727 California SW). Her name was Lucy and cancer diagnosed at age 3 cut her life short at age 8 – but her fight lives on, in hopes of saving other kids, via the Lucy Strong Foundation. Movement Mortgage offices nominated recipients for $10,000 GraceWorks grants via appraisal firm Karis AMC, and the West Seattle office’s proposal for the Lucy Strong Foundation was chosen. “No kid should die,” Lucy’s mom Nicole told the gathering last night:

Nancy Spiro from Movement Mortgage explained, “This is the first large donation the charity is receiving and we want to celebrate our hope to cure pediatric cancer.” Nancy’s daughter Raya went to school with Lucy and shared a memory at last night’s gathering:

The Lucy Strong Foundation is planning its first Sparkle and Shine Gala this November. You can check back here for more details.

Find out more about the Lucy Strong Foundation’s work – from funding research to delivering presents to young cancer patients – by going here.

Share This

Timebank picnic, ’empowered dating,’ Alki Community Council, more for your West Seattle Thursday

June 15, 2023 10:26 am

| Comments Off on Timebank picnic, ’empowered dating,’ Alki Community Council, more for your West Seattle Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The view along the Alki Trail this morning – photo by Angela G.)

Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue for Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

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

CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF PRIDE MONTH: 4 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon):

In this presentation, Mitchell C. Hunter of GenPride will use personal storytelling to illustrate the diversity of LGBTQIA+ people and their experiences. You’ll learn the historical context of discrimination they have faced, as well as milestones and achievements they have celebrated. Q&A will follow the presentation.

RSVP by calling 206-932-4044.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), The Original Philly’s will be visiting.

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

PICNIC WITH THE TIMEBANK: The West Seattle Timebank is having a picnic gathering, all welcome, at Lincoln Park, 6 pm – location map and more info in our calendar listing.

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: Seattle Parks reps are among the guests at tonight’s 7 pm monthly meeting. You can attend online (connection info here) or in person at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

EMPOWERED DATING WORKSHOP: Presented monthly by Kate Mageau, 7 pm at Rainier Hair Studio (5619 California SW), explained here. $45.

There’s even more in our calendar!

Share This

ALKI ELEMENTARY REBUILD: Community open house to say farewell

June 15, 2023 9:40 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(2013 photo from Alki Elementary’s centennial by Jean Sherrard)

With more than a century of history, Alki Elementary School has thousands of people with connections past and present. If you’re among them, you’re invited to an event next Wednesday. Here’s the announcement:

Alki Elementary School, a historic institution that has been a cornerstone of the West Seattle community since its construction in 1900, will soon bid farewell to its beloved building. In August of this year, the school is set to be torn down to make way for a brand-new facility, ensuring a modern and innovative learning environment for future generations.

Before bidding adieu to its rich past, Alki Elementary School is inviting the public to a special Community Open House on June 21, 2023, from 4 pm to 6 pm. This free event offers an opportunity for community members, alumni, and anyone with fond memories of the school to step inside and reminisce about the cherished moments shared within those walls.

Though no grand ceremonies are planned, the open house aims to create a casual atmosphere where attendees can freely explore the public spaces of the historic building one last time. From the vibrant hallways that echoed with laughter to the cafeteria that witnessed countless friendships being forged, visitors will have a chance to wander through the school and relive the memories that shaped their lives.

An interactive aspect of the event includes the provision of Sharpie pens for attendees to leave heartfelt notes and messages on the cafeteria walls. These messages will serve as a meaningful farewell for both the students and staff as they embark on their journey to a new facility.

Alki Elementary School recognizes the significance of its place in the community and seeks to honor the building’s legacy by providing this opportunity for all to come together and pay tribute. It’s a chance to celebrate the generations of students, educators, and families who have contributed to the school’s vibrant history. We respectfully acknowledge that Alki Elementary sits on the traditional and unceded land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

Don’t miss this final chance to walk the halls of Alki Elementary School before its transformation. Join us on June 21, 2023, and be part of this heartfelt farewell to an iconic institution.

At Alki and elsewhere, Seattle Public Schools‘ last day of classes is Friday, June 30th. The start of construction depends on what happens with appeals filed against the city’s decision to grant zoning exceptions; the appeal hearing is scheduled for late July.

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday begins

June 15, 2023 6:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, June 15th!

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Starting off partly sunny, mostly sunny later, high around 70. Sunrise was at 5:11 am; sunset will be at 9:09 pm.

SCHOOL YEAR ENDING

Here’s our list of when local schools get out for summer – today is the last day for Westside School (WSB sponsor).

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions can and do happen at any time.

Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule, including late-evening runs on Friday and Saturday nights. Note that on Monday, the WSWT will be on a Sunday schedule for Juneteenth.

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 – alternate 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!

Share This