Half a dozen Alki-area residents told city councilmembers today that they support a proposal that would be a ‘first step” toward automated speed cameras on three streets that would be designated as “racing zones.” We first reported last week on the proposal sponsored by West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold and co-sponsored by Councilmember Alex Pedersen. Today the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee, chaired by Pedersen, got its first look at the proposal – just a briefing, not a vote; you can see it in the video above, starting 47 minutes into the meeting. This proposal would align city code with state authorization for additional uses of automated enforcement cameras and would designate certain city streets as “racing zones” eligible for them.

The supporters comprised the entirety of commenter turnout for the meeting – five in person at City Hall, one by phone, speaking right at the meeting’s start. The in-person comments were led by Mike Gain, one of the leaders of an Alki/Harbor Avenues resident group that, as he told the councilmembers, has been working with city reps for months on solutions to street disorder including racing/speeding. He said cameras would be a “safety tool” and would be “incredible” to get. Other speakers talked about the racing and stunt driving they see regularly, and the dangers it poses, along with the noise.

The briefing yielded little new information beyond what we previewed here last night, aside from stressing that if cameras are eventually deployed, state law requires half the revenue from citations to go to the state, for the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Account.

What was not discussed, because it’s still several steps down the potential path to camera installation, is where they would be used and how they would be used. Even if this bill is passed, it wouldn’t happen fast – an equity analysis is required, and then SDOT and SPD would have to come up with an implementation plan, and the mayor would be expected to specify funding. An already-authorized plan to double the number of school-zone speed cameras around the city is still in the planning stage.

By the time this committee votes on the “first step,” the list of potential “racing zones” around the city will likely be longer than the initial six (Alki, Harbor, West Marginal, plus three in Northeast Seattle) – during the briefing, Councilmember Dan Strauss, whose district includes Ballard, said he intended to propose two streets including Seaview from the Ballard Locks to Golden Gardens, and Pedersen said he expected other proposals. July 6th is the date he set for that; the committee could vote on the idea July 18th. A full council vote would follow that. How long the subsequent steps would take after that – the time that would elapse before potential camera installation – too soon to say.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Historic Seattle honors Clay Eals as Preservation Champion

June 20, 2023 7:51 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo, Sunday)

If you went to last Sunday’s Morgan Junction Community Festival and visited the Southwest Seattle Historical Society booth, you would have seen Clay Eals helping kids paint stones and answering questions. He was there as a volunteer, helping out the organization he served as its first executive director. The focus of the group’s booth at the festival was the Save The Stone Cottage preservation effort. Eals has been involved with many other campaigns to protect icons of local history, like the Hamm and Campbell Buildings in the heart of The Junction. That work is one reason why Historic Seattle is honoring him as a Preservation Champion. Eals is also an author and journalist, with a long body of work, including, most recently, “Now and Then” columns for The Seattle Times. Historic Seattle’s Erika Carleton tells WSB that Eals’ written work educates and inspires people: “In years past (the award recipients) have often been architects or structural designers … but sometimes it makes sense to think about somebody like Clay, who as a writer, journalist, advocate, plays a really important role … he tells the stories!”

Eals has been “telling the stories” for half a century, in a storied career dating back to his first newspaper job in Oregon in 1973. Here on the Duwamish Peninsula, his five years as editor of the West Seattle Herald/White Center News in the ’80s included producing the most comprehensive book of local history to date, West Side Story. More recently, he wrote the award-winning biography of musician Steve Goodman, “Facing the Music,” first published in 2007, and edited “Seattle Now and Then: The Historic Hundred,” published in 2018, co-authored by Paul Dorpat and Jean Sherrard.

“He gets the stories out there. That’s super valuable for us,” Carleton adds, noting that historical preservation is not always the sexiest topic.

Eals is appreciative of not only the honor but the mission, and those who also walk its path. “I’m deeply honored, and I trust that the ceremony on September 28 will bolster the preservation cause citywide, just as it has in previous years. It’s all about identifying and saving the gems that make us unique so that they can keep functioning and inspiring us all down the road. None of us does preservation work alone. I truly believe in the well-worn phrase ‘It Takes a Village,’ and I’m grateful to know first-hand that many in West Seattle and in the city as a whole are key parts of that village.”

The September ceremony he mentioned is Historic Seattle’s Preservation Celebration, at Washington Hall in the Central District. Attendees will celebrate honorees also including this year’s other Preservation Champion, Dorothy Cordova. Eals shared this photo from a coincidental meeting with her at her Central District-based Filipino American National Historical Society Museum office, weeks before Historic Seattle announced the awards.

(Photo by Ben Laigo, May 18)

You can see who, and what, else Historic Seattle is honoring this year by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Silverado (update: found); abandoned/vandalized F-350

June 20, 2023 6:05 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Both of these reports are from Ty in North Delridge, whose truck was stolen:

My truck was stolen sometime on 6/16/23. It is a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4×4, license plate C78292T. There are cracks on the rear fender on the passenger side. Police report # 23-168808

Shortly after that report, Ty sent this:

I ran across this truck down from my block. It’s a F350 FX4. There aren’t any plates and it’s been vandalized. It’s just south of Juneau and 26th Ave SW across from the Seattle City Light substation.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Ty says the Silverado’s been found, in Lakewood.

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About the military helicopters over West Seattle this morning

June 20, 2023 4:43 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

Thanks for the video (above, from Dustin) and photo (below, from McKenzie) – they and others wondered about military helicopters flying over West Seattle around 10:15 this morning.

Absent something like a sports-game flyby, it’s not easy to find out why a military helicopter’s passing by, but we’ve finally heard back from a source at Joint Base Lewis-McChord who says those were Apaches and a Chinook, “visiting the (Museum of Flight, at Boeing Field) for their organizational-day activity.”

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade

June 20, 2023 2:47 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photos)

No matter what the weather’s doing, summer is about to arrive, and the biggest events of summer are on the way. Today marks exactly two weeks until the 4th of July, which traditionally starts with a people-powered parade – here’s an update from organizers:

We’re two weeks away from the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade! Parade yard signs are popping up around the neighborhood! This year’s event is being sponsored by 13 local West Seattle businesses and groups, including several new sponsors!

Mode Music Studios – New sponsor
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Outer Space Seattle
South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools
Holy Rosary School
Neighborhood Naturopathic
Fit4Mom West Seattle
Sensa Play
West Seattle Food Bank
Potter Construction
South Seattle Crossfit – New sponsor
West Seattle Blog – New sponsor
Westside School – New sponsor

Three food trucks and one coffee cart will await hungry parade-goers at Hamilton Viewpoint Park! Welcome back two past-parade food trucks, Mini the Dough-nut and Lil J’s Super Dawgs. This year Homebites is joining the line-up. West Seattle Grounds will have a cold-brew coffee cart. The park will also feature several kids’ activity tables and potato-sack races for kids of all ages – including adults!

The parade is made up of you, the community! Parade-goers decorate bikes, strollers, scooters, and themselves and walk through the Admiral neighborhood starting at 10 am from Sunset Ave. and 44th Ave. SW [map]. SFD Engine 29 and the Seattle Police Department will be on hand to kick off the parade and ensure a safe event for all! Join the fun and walk with the parade, or put out a lawn chair and cheer the parade on! There’s a fun option for all!

Parade organizer Megan Erb says starting next year; the parade will be rolled in the Admiral Neighborhood Association programming to ensure the parade continues to stay a staple of the community. The parade is a volunteer-based event with local businesses’ support to help cover the costs and keep the event free and open to all! If you want to get involved this year or next, contact Megan at meganerb@hotmail.com.

The parade is a long-running West Seattle tradition, dating back to the mid-’90s.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Truck backup on westbound West Seattle Bridge

June 20, 2023 1:45 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Several readers have mentioned it’s slow going on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, east of 99 – and this is why: One of those periodic backups of port-bound trucks. So if you’re headed this way from off-peninsula, you might consider an alternate route.

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BIZNOTE: Here’s how Full Tilt Ice Cream is celebrating 15 years

June 20, 2023 12:37 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photos)

Justin Cline, Ann Magyar, and kids Moss (12) and Ruby (6) have 15 reasons to celebrate today – that’s how many years since their family-owned Full Tilt Ice Cream opened its flagship shop at 9629 16th SW in White Center on June 20, 2008. To celebrate, they’re donating today’s profits to the White Center Food Bank. Community support has always been a hallmark for Full Tilt – this month, for example, in honor of Pride, they’ve been selling rainbow treats:

Though there’s been some upgrades over the years, FT’s White Center shop (they have one in Columbia City, too) still looks as quirky and retro as it did 15 years ago, with classic pinball and gum machines among the (functional) decor. Justin says that when they started (here’s the original announcement), he really couldn’t have imagined they’d still be going after 15 years. So when did you know you were succeeding? we asked. He said that by the second summer – after an understandably lean first winter – he thought things just might work out. Lots of favorite moments along the way since then, including hosting Mudhoney for an in-store concert in 2013:

Full Tilt’s open 2-8 pm today, so you can go wish them a happy 15th and support WCFB while enjoying locally made (their kitchen is in South Park) frozen treats.

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The list for your West Seattle Tuesday

June 20, 2023 10:39 am

| Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Tuesday

| West Seattle news

(Monday photo by Chris May – low tide at Lincoln Park)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: Weekly meetup for long-distance political advocacy and local networking, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – drop in to join in.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open daily, 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

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.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

FULL TILT’S ANNIVERSARY: Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary today and donating all of the day’s profits to the White Center Food Bank. FT opens at 2 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.

WILDLIFE ADVOCACY: “Howling for Change” lemonade-and-learn event at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 6 pm, presenting information about “The War on Carnivores” – details in our calendar listing.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer starting tonight. (5078 25th SW)

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

HONE YOUR PUBLIC-SPEAKING SKILLS: 6:30 pm, you’re welcome at Toastmasters 832‘s online meeting.

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks, hosted by Michael Pearsall. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MORE TRIVIA: Three places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Elantra (update: found)

June 20, 2023 10:14 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

10:14 AM: Melissa says this happened early today in Highland Park:

My car was stolen from our driveway on 6/20/2023 @ 12:54 am. It is a 2016 red Hyundai Elantra with license plate number AWH5605. Police report # 23-171492.

Melissa says video shows 3 people getting into the car by breaking the back passenger-side window (we’ll add the clip if/when available).

2:15 PM: Here are two images from the video – one showing the other car associated with the thieves, one with the thieves:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Melissa says her car was found just blocks away – where commenter Jkm reported it.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle 3rd/4th grade team wins state flag-football championship

June 20, 2023 9:00 am

| Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle 3rd/4th grade team wins state flag-football championship

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another big achievement for young West Seattle athletes and their coaches – a statewide flag-football championship! Here’s the report we received about the victory:

This past Saturday and Sunday at Liberty HS in Renton, the 2023 3rd/4th grade flag-football team from West Seattle won the Gridiron Football State Championship! They defeated team PrimeTime from Coeur d’Alene in the finals. A great game was played between both undefeated teams but in the end West Seattle came away victorious with five total interceptions to seal the victory 38-19.

What a great season! Congratulations to the whole team, coaches, kids, and parents! Go Cougars!

COACHES
Joe Jeannot
Michael Brown
Craig Nishizaki
Scott Rosenstock

PLAYERS
Miles Angell
Sam Angell
Griffin Brown-Kinsch
Charlie Carew
Chase Cummings
Connor Duty
George Faull
Beckett Hudson
Keoni Ignacio
Noah Jeannot
Kalea Nishizaki
Isaac Rosenstock
Phoebe Saltzman
Owen Vlotho

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last day of spring

June 20, 2023 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:59 AM: Crash reported toward the west end of the westbound bridge. SFD and SPD are responding.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Tuesday, June 20th, the last day of spring.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Showers expected, high near 60. Last full day of spring, with summer arriving Wednesday morning. Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.

WHO’S STILL IN SCHOOL?

Seattle Public Schools resume classes today after the Juneteenth holiday (last day of school is June 30th).

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.

Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is back to its regular schedule.

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: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether 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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