West Seattle, Washington
18 Sunday
As noted here two days ago, another stretch of low-low tides has begun. Misti was out during today’s low-low tide and shares the amazing video you can see above – describing it as “My mic drop achievement, catching a nudibranch fight on a video. Think mama was protecting her eggs, which are the cluster of white spots you see.” Misti saw these near the Fauntleroy ferry dock, and shared other low-tide wildlife images on Twitter, which has had some turmoil today, so apologies if you can’t see it – here’s another eye-catching image, identified by Misti as a sea pen:
Tomorrow’s low-low tide is -3.2 feet at 10:38 am; Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out too (see when and where here).
9:10 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. Police are investigating gunfire at an apartment complex at Avalon/Genesee. 911 callers first reported hearing possible gunfire around 7:20 pm. Then they got reports of an apartment window ‘blown out” by someone firing from outside (above), and bullet damage to a car (below).
So far, we’re not hearing of any injuries, though there was an apparently unrelated assault call on SW Yancy nearby less than half an hour earlier. No word of a suspect description. Police did find casings on SW Genesee, in addition to the damage noted above.
9:50 PM: Police just got a call from someone reporting bullet damage to another apartment at the same complex and will be returning to the area.
Sent by Ray:
This kids’ bike has been outside my house all day, and we don’t have any kids in our building … near Fairmount Park.
Know whose bike this is? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
Last week we noted reports of a new arrival in L-Pod, one of the three groups that comprise the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population. Now there’s word of two, from the Center for Whale Research – here’s their announcement:
The Center for Whale Research (CWR) can confirm two new calves in the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population: L126 (mother L119) and L127 (mother L94). CWR researchers encountered the two calves during a survey of a group of whales containing members of J pod and the L12 subgroup in the Strait of Georgia on June 30, 2023.
L126 is L119’s first calf, while L127 is L94’s third. We estimate that both calves are at least two months old, and neither shows any immediate signs of illness or abnormality.
Both calves were very active and social while we observed them. The sex of the calves is still unknown, but CWR staff will attempt to get additional images of both calves in the coming days.
These are the first calves born in L pod since 2021 and the first calves born in the L12 subgroup since 2018. The first year is challenging for young whales, but we hope that both calves and their mothers can survive and thrive well into the future.
You can see photos on the CWR website (we’ll add one here if and when we get permission).
(Photos courtesy Puget Sound Bird Observatory)
Want to turn bird-watching into science? Here’s an opportunity we were asked to share with you:
The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is looking for birders in West Seattle and throughout Puget Sound to join this established Community Science program.
Volunteers are asked to conduct 7 surveys with a small team of fellow surveyors at specific locations. All surveys are synchronized to take place once per month on the first Saturday, October – April. You will be provided training in the survey technique, and ideally will have good seabird identification skills. However, there are roles on the survey teams for birders of all levels. Now in its 15th season, you’ll be contributing to valuable science that monitors
wintering seabirds across Puget Sound and informs important management decisions.Previously, the project was part of Birds Connect Seattle’s (formerly Seattle Audubon) science program but transitioned to its new home at Puget Sound Bird Observatory in 2022. More information can be found on our website and if interested in taking part, please reach out to Program Manager Toby Ross
t_ross@pugetsoundbirds.org
Two notes from West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) – first, a call for Community All-Star nominations:
West Seattle Thriftway is seeking nominations for the West Seattle All-Star Giveaway, which aims to honor local individuals making a difference in children and youth sports and after-school activities. Nominate someone deserving today for a chance to win two tickets to the MLB 2023 All-Star Game on July 11th at T-Mobile Park.
From July 1st to July 8th, visit the guest services desk at West Seattle Thriftway to submit your nomination. Tell us about an All-Star in your community who exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a positive influence in children’s lives through sports or after-school programs.
On July 9th, the winner of the Community MVP program will be contacted with the exciting news. They will receive two tickets to attend the MLB 2023 All-Star Game, a unique opportunity to witness the pinnacle of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
Next – the Taylor Swift concert-ticket giveaway:
Win Taylor Swift Concert Tickets at West Seattle Thriftway’s “15 Days of Summer” Promotion!
Join West Seattle Thriftway’s exciting “15 Days of Summer” promotion for a chance to win two tickets to Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” Concert on July 23rd. From July 1 to July 15, hunt for hidden Taylor Swift song titles on promotional signs throughout the store. Guess the correct number of titles to secure your spot at the hottest concert of the year, complete with club-level seats and a parking pass!
We have several upcoming big events to remind you about today – starting with the one night each year that neighbors get together to focus on crime prevention, community-building, and fun: Night Out. We are now exactly one month away from this year’s Night Out – Tuesday, August 1st. If you want to close your non-arterial street for a neighborhood block party, register via SPD’s Night Out page – find it here. West Seattle alone usually has hundreds; this year there’s a map, which will list yours only if you agree to be listed – go here to see the parties already mapped.
WSB readers continue to spot stolen cars – maybe you’ll see this one. Erika‘s car was stolen on Friday:
I had my silver Kia Forte stolen between 4:15-5:30 pm on 6/30 right out of my driveway on 18th Ave SW.
License plate BZE3169. Incident report 23-183450. No witness saw the theft. This is the second time I had one of our Kias stolen in the afternoon in front of our house. If anyone sees it, please either text to 206-437-7521 or report to police.
(Thanks to everyone who sent photos of Friday’s sunset – this one is from Gene Pavola)
Staying close to home for the extended holiday weekend? Lots of ideas for your staycation – here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TAE KWON DO: First July session for the West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is 9:30 am today at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, with a sizable selection of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: Through Sunday, take 15 percent off your purchase of one in-stock item at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale-
COLMAN POOL: The season continues for the city-run outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, as previewed here.
2 WADING POOLS OPEN: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area; Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, in the park northeast of the community center.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.
REMEMBERING LETICIA: All are welcome at this afternoon’s community Celebration of Life for Leticia Martinez, 1-4 pm at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: David Guilbault and Friends perform 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Thee Deception performs in-store, live, free, all ages, at 7 pm. (4559 California SW)
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.
If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 7 COMMENTS