West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
5:50 PM: Another emergency response – this time in the 1300 block of Alki Avenue [vicinity map] – a two-car collision reportedly has one vehicle in the water, one up on the sidewalk. Updates to come.
(Added: Reader photo sent by Reiner)
5:57 PM: One person from the car that went into the water is reported to be undergoing CPR. One other injured person from the crash is reported to have a broken leg. Please avoid the area – emergency responders are trying their best to block off the road while also focusing on the injured people.
6:04 PM: One trapped person has been extricated from the car that crashed on land. SFD says that person will be taken to a hospital. Divers are checking the car in the water to see if anyone remains inside:
6:08 PM: So far there are two patients – one from the car on land, one from the submerged car.
6:17 PM: SFD crews have just told dispatch no one remains inside the submerged car, but divers still have to check around it. History as discussed in comments: A driver went into the water in May 2009 (WSB coverage here) and survived; three years before that, a driver went into the water in the 1200 block of Alki and two men died (September 2006). … Back to the current situation: Crews in the water say they haven’t found anyone else in the water, so all divers and rescue swimmers are out of the water. SFD is sending a public-information officer to the scene.
6:35 PM: Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are being called out, according to emergency-radio communication, so the scene may be blocked for a while, no official estimate yet. Above is our photo of police and fire boats near the submerged car. There is also some radio communication about utility damage.
6:57 PM: SFD says the person in the submerged car was pulled out by bystanders and was in critical condition when taken to the hospital. … Below, another view of the car that crashed on land, roof removed because that’s what SFD had to do to get the driver – who is in stable condition – out:
As for the car in the water, it’s high tide as of moments ago, and the next low tide is only a few feet lower – the next minus tide isn’t till tomorrow morning.
7:42 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan just spoke with us and other media at the scene. Few additional details – the driver rescued from the water is female, the one cut out of a car on land is male. The process of retrieving the car from the water won’t even start until the TCIS detectives complete their work at the scene.
8:14 PM: Just watched our video of Det. Gulpan’s briefing. She also said that, as a commenter below had reported, they believe the male driver hit the female driver, head-on, at high speed, and the impact pushed her car into the water. She would not confirm whether the male driver is under investigation for possible DUI. (Update: Here’s our video:)
8:37 PM: A texter says they just pulled the car out. Here’s the photo they sent:
9:34 PM: Police are reopening Alki Avenue both ways.
9:58 PM: Harborview says the driver rescued from the water remains listed in critical condition.
MONDAY NOTE: We are following up on various aspects of and questions raised by this incident and hope to have a separate followup this evening. In the meantime, for the record (per SFD), the woman rescued from the water is 24, the driver who hit her car is 23. We don’t have his name (yet) so we are currently unable to verify his status.
MONDAY NIGHT: Our followup has to wait until tomorrow as we have a variety of questions still awaiting answers. Meantime, a friend of the rescued woman has let us know in comments and via email that crowdfunding is now set up for her and her family.
5:12 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a water-rescue response to the 4000 block of Beach Drive. We’re detouring that way, having just left Summer Fest, to find out what’s happening.
5:14 PM: Whoever was reported as being in trouble “is declining all assistance,” so all but one responding unit is being canceled.
5:17 PM: That last unit, Engine 29, reports that the paddler is “on their way in and is A-OK,” so they’re completely closing out the response.
Washington State Ferries says the #2 boat on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run will tie up for the rest of today/tonight after its current run, because of a crew shortage – so it’s only running the #1 boat until further notice. (Check Vessel Watch for current location(s) – the #1 vessel, which will keep running, is M/V Kittitas.)
(QUICK LINKS: Bus reroutes … music lineups … vendor & sidewalk-sale lists)
10:50 AM: As the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest begins, one big thing to know – the Farmers’ Market is on California SW north of SW Oregon, regular hours (until 2 pm), one week only, then back to its regular block next week. The festival is on until 5 tonight. That includes the Kids’ Zone, which today is being overseen by Tilden School (WSB sponsor), the independent K-5 school located just north of The Junction:
The Kids’ Zone has free activities as well as inflatables for which you have to buy tickets (or a $20 all-day pass). If you’re looking for face-painting, that’s on the raised crosswalk midblock on California between Oregon and Alaska. … Just one music stage today, in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) – here’s the lineup, starting with the West Side Music Academy camp band at 11 am, minutes away. … Save The Stone Cottage advocates are back in the Info Booth with us and West Seattle Junction Association volunteers – find out what’s happened in the two years since the quirky little structure was moved, and what’s next
They’re on the east side of the booth (which is at Walk All Ways); we’re on the north side.
11:14 AM: Above are some of the “Littie STP” riders – as featured in our daily preview and calendar – who just rode from Seattle (Street, North Admiral) to Portland (Street, Gatewood) and then on to Summer Fest … The food vendors have fired up for the day – judging by what we’ve seen going by the booth, one of the most-popular festival treats this year has been the animal-shaped cotton candy (custom-made!):
On stage now in Junction Plaza Park, the camp band from West Side Music Academy, calling themselves Clark’s Son Kelly. Video:
We’ve also had bonus music here in the heart of the festival zone – instrumentalists over on the Cupcake Royale corner – and a commenter says the West Seattle band Aurora Avenue, which rocked Summer Fest Eve, will be back on the KeyBank corner at 2 pm.
12:47 PM: Not all the food is at the Farmers’ Market- some local purveyors of tasty items are here too, like award-winning Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, and Lovely and Dapper Desserts‘ famous cakes:
(There’s a gluten-free cake on this month’s menu, too!) … Need a house plant (or two)? Check the Discovery Shop‘s sidewalk sale:
Proceeds from the shop go to fight cancer. … Our festival tradition of photographing candidates continues. Here’s Gina Topp, running for the West Seattle/South Park district on the school board, #6:
Elected officials too, even if they’re not currently on the ballot – here’s State Senator Joe Nguyễn and daughter Junie:
If you’re headed to the Farmers’ Market, remember it’s on regular hours – until 2 pm – though otherwise, the festival continues until 5 today. (The streets will remain closed for some hours afterward because of cleanup and breakdown.)
2 PM: As noted earlier, Tilden School is managing the kids’ area today – we just went over to see what’s up for free activities, on SW Alaska just west of California – options include games and art:
Here with your furry friend(s)? Visit the pet zone outside Next-to-Nature, on the west side of California just north of Alaska:
With three hours to go, this is the time we see lots of family and friend groups just hanging out. Come back even if you’ve already been!
2:25 PM: Aurora Avenue is playing now, not on the KeyBank corner but on the Cupcake Royale corner. (They’re under the canopy in this traffic-cam framegrab.)
We’ll get some video in a bit. Back here at the Info Booth, see the Junction Association volunteers on the west side of the booth – they’re continuing to sell Summer Fest merch, including a sale on T-shirts (purple, with the cool seahorse from this year’s poster art), just $10:
3:06 PM: Aurora Ave continues with a jazzy vibe – here’s a bit of video:
We’ve seen some visitors from the Admiral area this past hour or so – including Lori and Tim McConnell from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor):
They’re organizing one of West Seattle’s biggest events next weekend – the Float Dodger 5K on Saturday, before the West Seattle Grand Parade. More than 500 people are signed up to run and/or walk, and the proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank – register now for your last chance at a discount rate!
3:38 PM: Last performer of the day on the West Side Stage in Junction Plaza Park – Dave Hates Chico:
4 PM: Aurora Ave is wrapping up too (but their merch tent will be open a while longer). Last hour of the festival. Get here fast if you’re still interested in checking it out! And if there’s any specific vendor you’re looking for but haven’t found, visit the Info Booth and we’ll look it up – we have a list of booth numbers and by this point in the festival a near-encyclopedic grasp of who’s where.
4:30 PM: The inflatables in the kid zone have closed for the day. Shopping continues until the last moment, including sidewalk sales like the one under the tent outside Easy Street:
4:45 PM: The Info Booth is in breakdown mode – unlike Friday and Saturday, festival closing time gets more intense on the last day because the streets can’t reopen until everything is cleared out and cleaned up.
We’ve had a great time talking with people. Now it’s on to the rest of the summer, including another three-day festival next weekend, the Alki Art Fair. (We’re not “in residence” there but WSB is a community co-sponsor and we’ll be covering it starting on opening day, Friday, July 22dt – lots of Alki Art Fair info is online here. Music and food as well as art!) Thanks to everyone who came to Summer Fest, including the businesses and people who made it happen!
Family and friends are gathering this afternoon to remember Dr. Angela C. Beard. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Dr. Angela Chimene Beard
October 28, 1963 – April 9, 2023Angela Chimene Beard was born in DeKalb, Illinois on October 28, 1963, to Curtis Wayne Beard and Virginia Marie (Hall) Beard. Angela passed away on April 9, 2023, when cancer claimed her body, but not her spirit. She was 59.
Angela moved with her parents and two sisters from DeKalb when she was five. They took up residence in the beautiful state of Washington, where she spent most of her life. The city always called her, and she thrived living in Seattle and New York City. Her “growing up” town, Lynnwood, was always special to her, as the foundations of an enriching and fulfilling life were born there. She lived in Lynnwood until she attended the University of Washington in 1981.
Angela’s love for the arts began at an early age, with ballet tutus and pirouettes. She dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Her dreams evolved but were still ballet related, when she was hired at Pacific Northwest Ballet, where she worked for many years. Not only did this work-place adventure satisfy her passion for ballet, but she made life long, meaningful friendships. Angela went on to various occupations, almost all in the arts. Most recently, her talents were put to use as Professor Beard at City University in Seattle, and at the University of Washington.
“Avid” is not nearly impactful enough to describe her love of travel. History was fascinating to Angela, and she satisfied her reverence for the subject by visiting Europe and Asia several times. In her high school years, her family hosted exchange students from several countries, and she was able to take advantage of their hospitality. Her most recent trip was to Egypt.
Angela took great pride in her intellect, exemplified by her high level of education. She graduated from Lynnwood High School in 1981. From there, she attended the University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987. She carried her love for UW with her always, and never missed a chance to cheer on her Dawgs. In 1999, she packed her bags and headed to the city that never sleeps. She pursued a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Administration from New York University, graduating in 2001. Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, she continued her love of learning at NYU and earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management in 2011. The student became the teacher.
Growing up, Angela’s Dad was a sportswriter for a local newspaper. She was raised on the Seattle Supersonics, but her zest for football and baseball could not be denied. She rarely missed watching a Seahawks game, and the Mariners were a staple in her home.
Angela had countless friends, who could rely on her for laughs, advice, discussions about politics, support for ideals, and acts of thoughtfulness. No friend was ever without a home. She offered hers with an open heart to many who needed shelter in times of trouble. She extended hope and love to those who were weary and afraid. Kindness is her legacy.
Angela is preceded in death by her parents, Curt and Virginia Beard. Those who will miss her most are siblings Michelle (Allan), Rachel (Keith), Greg, and Mike (Stacy), nephews Travis and Jason, nieces Chelsea and Haley, grand-niece Emerson, and her beloved dogs Tinsel and Poppy.
A private burial will take place at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline, Washington. In true Angela fashion, she wanted a giant party with all her friends and family. It’s at 2 pm today at Pacific Northwest Ballet, 301 North Mercer.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bauerfuneralchapel.com for the Beard family.
(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)
(WSB file photo, Float Dodger 5K)
Before we jump into coverage of West Seattle Summer Fest day 3, a two-part reminder: Two more major summer events that will bring thousands to California Avenue SW are coming up next Saturday. July 22nd will start with the Float Dodger 5K, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank. Runners/walkers will leave the West Seattle High School parking lot (3000 California SW) at 9:30 am and head southbound to The Junction and back. Register online this weekend for the last chance at an advance discount rate; you also can register at the store (2743 California SW) until Thursday.
(WSHS Cheer Team, award-winner in 2022 parade)
Less than an hour after most Float Dodgers cross the finish line, the West Seattle Grand Parade will get rolling from California/Lander, with at least 70 entries expected to head down California SW to The Junction. This year’s community honorees riding near the start of the parade are Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Community Service recipient Erik Bell and Grand Marshal Whitney Moore of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. In the week ahead, we’ll preview more of what you’ll see in this year’s parade. It starts from Admiral at 11 am and you can grab a curbside seat anywhere along the route, south to Edmunds (amplified announcing stands are at Charlestown and Alaska).
P.S. Want to help prep the route? Join Erik Bell’s group in one or both of these cleanups if you have morning hours to spare early in the week:
Monday, July 17, 9:30-11:30 am
Spruced / Hi-Yu Parade Route
California & Lander startTuesday, July 18, 9:30-11:30 am
Spruced / Hi-Yu Parade Route, Day 2
See byandby.org for start (based on Monday’s progress)
West Seattle Summer Fest has one more day in the heart of The Junction!
Throughout today, we will again in The Junction reporting live from the Info Booth (here’s our Day 1 coverage; Day 2 part 1 here; Day 2 part 2 here). Today’s festival basics:
Festival hours today: 10 am-5 pm
Booths/vendors: 10 am-5 pm
Sidewalk Sale: Outside year-round Junction merchants’ shops
Music: Only one stage today, in Junction Plaza Park, 42nd/Alaska, 11 am-4 pm; the main stqge is replaced by the Farmers’ Market (sebe
Kids Zone: SW Alaska west of California (free activities plus inflatables that are accessible for a fee – $5 to use one, $20 all-day pass)
Food/drink: SW Alaska east of California (plus year-round restaurants/bars, many with sidewalk/street cafés, and also some local booths throughout the festival zone)
Info Booth: In the heart of Walk-All-Ways. Find Summer Fest merch here and at a tent on California north of Oregon.
See you in The Junction!
RELOCATED WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the usual hours, but not the usual location – today the market is NORTH of SW Oregon on California, offering summer produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, plant starts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list.
Also happening today/tonight:
‘LITTLE STP RIDE’: Unique way to get to Summer Fest and/or just enjoy being out on your bicycle. West Seattle Bike Connections leads a ride from Seattle (Street) to Portland (Street) on California SW, then doubling part of the way back, to The Junction. Register online first and meet at 9:15 am at Hamilton Viewpoint Park – details in our calendar listing.
FOOD DRIVE: Help Alki UCC collect food for kids, 11 am-3 pm as previewed here. (6115 SW Hinds)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day, shine or rain. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is back open, noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Another chance for free tours of historic Alki Point Lighthouse (3201 Alki Avenue SW), 1-4 pm (last tour starts at 3:45 pm).
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: 3 pm matinee at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: David Johnson performs 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
COMEDY IN THE JUNCTION: At ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm – ticket info is in our calendar listing.
SUNSET GONG BATH & MEDITATION: 7:30 pm at Lowman Beach (7017 Beach Drive SW) – details in our calendar listing. $25 suggested donation.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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