West Seattle, Washington

02 Tuesday

41℉

month : 07/2023 303 results

UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle low bridge; water trouble on West Marginal
July 29, 2023 10:33 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:33 AM: What was reported as a two-vehicle collision is blocking the westbound low bridge right now. SPD and SFD have responded; no major injuries reported so far, but avoid the low bridge for a while. In addition to towing, the scene is reported to need a fluid-spill cleanup before it can be cleared.

Meantime, speaking of fluids, a broken hydrant is reported to be “spewing water” possibly almost a foot deep on West Marginal near Front Street.

11:18 AM:. Police have told dispatch that all lanes of the low bridge are now open again.

Share This

‘Da Grind’ outrigger-canoe racing returns to Alki
July 29, 2023 10:23 am
|    Comments Off on ‘Da Grind’ outrigger-canoe racing returns to Alki
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

10:23 AM: As noted in our daily preview list, outrigger-canoe paddlers from around the region are at Alki Beach today for the annual “Da Grind” races, hosted by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club.

About 50 canoes were registered to participate. The short-course race started at 9 am and the long-course (12 miles) waves are scheduled to start around 10:30. The event ends with an award ceremony around 3:30 pm. More photos later!

6:53 PM: As promised:

The results will be posted here.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 20 things to know
July 29, 2023 6:16 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tigridia blossom, photographed by Waikikigirl)

Here’s how the last weekend of July is starting, with our slate of Saturday highlights, many from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Noisy work removing road markings at Highland Park Way/Holden 5-8 pm tonight, per this SDOT alert … If you’re going downtown today, remember that the Seafair Torchlight Parade – now moved to daytime, with a 3 pm start – will close streets (it starts at Seattle Center and heads south on 4th Avenue).

LOW TIDE: Beach-walkers and tidepoolers – another run of low-low tides begins with today’s -1.5 at 8:39 am.

OUTRIGGER CANOES AT ALKI: The Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club‘s annual “Da Grind“ races start at 9 am off Alki, between 55th and 57th, but you’ll see canoes earlier. Here’s the schedule:

7:00 am: Registration and boat preparation
8:30 am: Steerspersons’ meeting and pule
9:00 am Short Course [4 miles] – All categories
10:30 am: Women’s & Mixed OC6 Race Start
1:00 pm (approx.): Men’s (1/2 hour after the finish of Women’s/Mixed Race)
3:30 pm (approx.): Awards & Raffle

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)

FUNDRAISING SALE: 10 am-4 pm:

Vintage and collectible LINENS, hundreds of pieces of beautiful JEWELRY, large quantity of PUZZLES, and miscellaneous items. Proceeds benefit Providence Mt St Vincent. 5637 42nd Ave SW

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening every week, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.

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.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

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)

FIVE GUYS OPENING DAY: Two days ago when we inquired again, Five Guys told us today was the “projected opening date” for the new Westwood Village location. As of early today, that’s not reflected on their website. So we’ll see what happens at 11 am! (11:47 am update: We and a commenter have verified, open.)

COLMAN POOL OPEN, BUT CLOSING EARLY : The public is welcome at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open at noon (session schedule here), but closing at 3:15 pm today for a staff event.

ARTIST POP-UP: Noon-3 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW), Megeletto Glassworks is popping up.

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)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: It’s the home of West Seattle’s history – visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.

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)

COCKTAIL CLASS: 1 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

WEST END GIRLS: 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, for the monthly West Seattle drag extravaganza at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

If you are planning a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? … get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

BIRDS: Third year of tragedy for Caspian Terns
July 28, 2023 10:17 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos courtesy Kersti Muul)

Some WSB readers have asked about the status of the Caspian Terns – those prehistoric-sounding, angle-winged seabirds heard passing overhead in the past, when they nested on a roof along the Duwamish River – where a heat wave had catastrophic effects in 2021. Then they lost that nesting site entirely. West Seattle-based wildlife biologist Kersti Muul has continued to research and monitor them. Attention is now on a colony in north Puget Sound that is being ravaged by yet another problem. Kersti tells us:

It brings me great sadness to report that a fragment colony (more than 1,000) of nesting Caspian terns on Rat Island (Port Townsend) is being decimated by avian influenza (HPAI) and hundreds have died already. WDFW has collected over 800 adult carcasses so far and and over 150 chicks.

The nesting colony I’ve been researching since 2018 didn’t really materialize here this year; about 100 or so showed up in April and I spent the following months trying to locate them.

Their historical nest site was demolished in January and the Coast Guard had USDA put deterrents up where they attempted to nest last year. They weren’t in any other alternate sites. I went out with the Port of Seattle last month and went up river to investigate derelict barges also, but no nesting.

I had wondered if the colony got hit with HPAI in migration areas and just didn’t come back in the big numbers (colony was 4000+).

There are some nesting currently on Rat Island and somehow bird flu popped up with a vengeance. The area is closed and being closely monitored by WDFW. So far we have not had any positive pinniped cases, but has happened elsewhere in the world at these kinds of preserves where they share close spaces with nesting seabirds. It may be a matter of time. Three deceased seal pups were tested, but they continue to be negative, and no eagles yet either. They will be doing another body collection and count early next week. There are some oystercatchers nesting there as well and still have not been infected. That may change when WDFW assesses nest week.

This is the 3rd year in a row that has been catastrophic for the terns. As you remember, 2021 heat killed a lot of babies (over 200). 2022 total nesting failure, as they were flushed from nesting site and nested late. I hypothesize that embryonic development was corrupted by heat. 2023 local HPAI outbreak, and colony is being wiped out during nesting…. This colony fragment had become the largest and most important in the region. Last September I collected fish bones from the Coast Guard roof for diet analysis by NOAA Fisheries.

I spoke with Steve Hampton yesterday, Kitsap Audubon Conservation Chair, and now a docent at Fort Flagler, for the specific situation. He says adults are still coming in with food, which means there are still chicks to feed. They are nesting in a swale but it is impossible to see them from there.

It is likely that some of this colony is part of the colony that nested at T-106, and the Coast Guard roof respectively. The colony this year there is the biggest it has ever been. But we are still missing 3000+/- birds.

Rat Island also had an almost complete nesting failure last year as the colony was completely flushed on the 4th of July at low tide by human harassment, and then again in August when they attempted to nest again, via coyote predation on chicks. There were around 500 adults nesting and only 10 chicks were successful unfortunately after the second, very late attempt.

Rat Island remains closed and WDFW requests people refrain from going to the area. As you know, HPAI is highly infectious and can be moved to new areas on shoes and clothing, and dogs can be infected by inhaling viral particles of infected birds or carcasses.

(Tern babies at Terminal 106 in better times)

Share This

ROAD-WORK ALERT: Here’s what you’ll see and hear Saturday evening at Highland Park Way/Holden
July 28, 2023 8:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Most work on the Highland Park Way/Holden project is done during the day, but SDOT has sent an alert that evening work is planned tomorrow (Saturday):

Evening work on July 29 from 5 – 8 PM: Highland Park Way SW & SW Holden St Safety Improvements Project

We are removing the existing traffic markings at the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St intersection. Removing this paint requires special equipment that is noisy, and we will be working outside our normal construction hours.

We will run equipment that sounds like a giant vacuum, but no vibration or banging is expected. Noisy work will be done by 8 PM. Alternating traffic lanes will also be closed, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through.

The project includes a permanent traffic signal, curb improvements, and public art (a giant Steller’s Jay, as announced last fall).

Share This

SATURDAY: Colman Pool closing early
July 28, 2023 6:55 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo of Colman Pool)

If you’re thinking about swimming at Colman Pool – the city-run beachfront saltwater pool at Lincoln Park – tomorrow (Saturday, July 29th), be forewarned: It’s closing early “for a staff event,” Seattle Parks says – 3:15 pm. It’ll be back to normal hours on Sunday.

Share This

Brown water in Morgan Junction
July 28, 2023 4:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Brown water in Morgan Junction
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who reported brown water from their taps in the Morgan Junction area this afternoon. Reminder that lately it’s usually because of fire-hydrant testing, but not always, so it’s important to always report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle invites you to two free rooftop workouts!
July 28, 2023 3:33 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle invites you to two free rooftop workouts!
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Want to work out with a view? Free? Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (1309 Harbor Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) has announced two more free classes on the rooftop of the building that houses its clinic. If you’re interested, sign up fast before the spaces are all spoken for:

We want to share two FREE rooftop classes for the community happening in August at Lake Washington Physical Therapy. These are great opportunities for people to learn more about what these local fitness businesses have to offer.

Bodyweight Core Workout with HIIT Lab
Sunday, August 6th at 9:00 am
Register at the QR code in the flyer attached
Bring a yoga mat/towel and water bottle
Limit of 30 participants
Drinks and snacks provided following the class

Fit4Mom Free Preview Class
Saturday, August 26th, 9:00 am
Register here
Limit of 30 participants
Bring a yoga mat/towel and water bottle
Drinks and snacks provided following the class

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Canaries found – are they a pair?
July 28, 2023 2:02 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

Earlier this week, we heard about a canary sighting, but the bird flew away. Now we’ve found out from wildlife biologist Kersti Muul, who shared the photos, that there were two, both now captured.

Kersti explains: “One was found at Fauntleroy, the other near Jefferson square. Same day, so likely escaped or released pair. Wings aren’t clipped and no bands. One is on Vashon at Haven, the other is still housed in West Seattle awaiting transportation to Vashon to reunite (assuming it’s a pair).”

P.S. We usually include lost/found birds on the WSB Lost/Found Pets page (listings can be emailed to westseattleblog@gmail.com), surfacing unusual situations like this one to the news stream too.

Share This

YOU CAN HELP: Tutoring volunteers needed for West Seattle school this fall
July 28, 2023 12:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Brad Ogura)

If you can break away during the day once a week, for one hour, you can help local students. Brad Ogura has done it himself and is getting the word out on behalf of Invest In Youth (for which he also serves as a board adviser):

Give back, support the local community, have fun by tutoring a student at Roxhill Elementary at E.C. Hughes, starting this fall! As a tutor, you’ll be paired with a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader and work with that same student each Tuesday during the school year from 2:40 pm to 3:40 pm. This match allows you to see your impact on the student’s week-to-week progress.

No experience is necessary; just a commitment to help narrow achievement gaps and promote educational equity right here in West Seattle. The tutoring program is run by Invest in Youth, a nonprofit that has been working with Seattle Public School students for over 25 years, and after a brief absence from West Seattle the program is returning to Roxhill this fall.

Tutors typically work on math skills, reading fundamentals as well as being a friend and mentor to their student. Time is spent in the classroom after school ends with other student-tutor pairs, and a teacher as well as an Invest in Youth staff member is onsite and always available to help when needed.

Tutoring is offered at no cost to families or schools and Invest in Youth is actively recruiting volunteer tutors to sign up now. Both tutors and students consistently report that the program is a highlight of their week and an extremely rewarding experience.

Helpful Links: About Invest in Youth, FAQs, all about tutoring including an online signup form.

Contact Cherrise (CSmith@investinyouth.org) if you have questions.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Shop local and get what you need to get outdoors @ Mountain to Sound Outfitters’ big summer sale
July 28, 2023 11:30 am
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Shop local and get what you need to get outdoors @ Mountain to Sound Outfitters’ big summer sale
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We’re only a third of the way through summer – lots of time left to enjoy the outdoors. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) can help you do that – with its biggest sale of summer starting today. Mountain to Sound is offering up to 50 percent off on items throughout the shop: “Every department has something on sale up to 50 percent – kayaks, SUPs, paddles, PFDs, carts, skates, winter, sunglasses, and clothing. Come save big and shop local. Don’t forget, we’ve also got a lot of last-minute backpacking gear for you to grab now too. Thanks for the support, West Seattle!” The shop is open until 6 pm tonight, 10 am-5 pm Saturday, 11 am-5 pm Sunday.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 16 notes
July 28, 2023 9:54 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s the lineup for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need more plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

FUNDRAISING SALE: Until 4 pm, and again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow:

Vintage and collectible LINENS, hundreds of pieces of beautiful JEWELRY, large quantity of PUZZLES, and miscellaneous items. Proceeds benefit Providence Mt St Vincent. 5637 42nd Ave SW

MEET YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER: Q&A with County Councilmember Joe McDermott, 11 am at Brookdale Senior Living (4611 35th SW)

SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open daily.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

DELRIDGE AND HIAWATHA WADING POOLS OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm on the shore at Lincoln Park; session schedule here.

SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.

VISCON CELLARS: Tonight, visit Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) offers a three-hour drop-off, ticketed event for kids 3 to 12 – more in our calendar listing.

BRAD AT EASY STREET: Live in-store performance celebrating Brad’s album release, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) – here’s how to get in.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Anthony Lee Phillips performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $35.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Victory Lap: Carl Christensen & The Lake Flora Band, Zphrisms, Drew Martin, doors 8 pm, music 9 pm at The Skylark – $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

West Seattle photographer shows you how to safely capture the International Space Station as it crosses the sun
July 28, 2023 9:00 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

The image was sent by Kevin Freitas, who’s offering you the chance to capture something similar, safely. Here’s his announcement:

Join local amateur photographer, sky watcher, and meteor hunter Kevin Freitas to learn how to capture a solar transit of the International Space Station. We’ll talk through how to set up your photo or video gear and apps to use to find transits and measure precise time. Then, just before 3:30, we’ll try to capture a transit!

The most important item you need is a solar filter to put atop your camera lens to filter out most of the Sun’s burning light. Don’t have a filter? Make your own with these filter sheets and some black tape. CAUTION: Never stare at or photograph the Sun without a proper solar filter!

When: Monday, July 31, 2:30-3:30 pm
Where: (update) New location – Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint (map) – see comment discussion
RSVP: kevinfreitas.net@gmail.com or text 253-229-5093

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend notes
July 28, 2023 6:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:27 AM: Signal malfunctioning at 35th/Alaska, police have told dispatch.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, July 28th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:42 am; sunset will be at 8:49 pm.

(Thursday post-sunset, photographed by Doug Eglington)

WEEKEND NOTES

-If you’re going downtown Saturday, the Seafair Torchlight Parade has moved to the daytime, starting at 3 pm, heading from Seattle Center southward across downtown via 4th Avenue.

-Alki and Don Armeni will likely see increased support-vehicle/truck-trailer traffic because of canoe events Saturday and Sunday – “Da Grind” outrigger race Saturday, Paddle to Muckleshoot arrivals Sunday.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

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!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stabbing in Sunrise Heights – or not
July 28, 2023 1:20 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

1:20 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “scenes of violence” response to the 7700 block of 34th SW, where a man is reported to have stab wounds. We haven’t heard much about circumstances. Police are already on scene.

1:22 AM: They’re downsizing the response and canceling the medic unit, indicating the injuries aren’t major.

4:18 PM: We followed up today with SPD to ask for details on what happened. The reply: “Officers responded to a ‘stabbing’ but when officers arrived the injury was minor, and it could not be confirmed to be a stabbing. Neither party wanted to be a victim. Officers documented the disturbance and cleared the scene. Based on the investigation, no arrests were made.” (“Wanting to be a victim” is roughly another way of saying “wanting to press charges.”)

Share This

VIDEO: Ranger & The Re-arrangers play out this year’s Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha
July 27, 2023 11:04 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Ranger & The Re-arrangers play out this year’s Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos and video)

They danced, they talked, they picnicked. Concertgoers from babies to seniors filled the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center tonight for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s third and final concert of the summer. This was a return for Ranger and The Re-arrangers, who characterize their music as “gypsy jazz.” Listen in:

Whatever you call it, this was perfect music for a mellow summer night.

The concert series, coordinated by Stephanie Jordan (with community co-sponsors including WSB), might be over, but the ANA has one more big summer-fun event ahead – the second annual Admiral Junction Funktion street party, set for 11 am-9 pm Saturday, August 26th, on California SW north of Admiral Way.

Share This

3 SEAFAIR NOTES: Miss HomeStreet hydro’s West Seattle return; Parade of Ships, Blue Angels next week
July 27, 2023 10:04 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Blue Angels | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

The major Seafair events are about to begin – and we have West Seattle notes on 3 of them:

MISS HOMESTREET IN WEST SEATTLE: On its way to the Tri-Cities races this weekend and the Seafair races next weekend, the Miss HomeStreet hydroplane was parked outside HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) tonight. Above are Sharon, Bob, and Joyce from HomeStreet, and Bryan from the Miss HomeStreet crew. The hydro also was in last Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade.

SPEAKING OF PARADES … The Seafair Fleet Week Parade of Ships sails past West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shoreline on its way downtown, and that’s happening next Tuesday (August 1st). The ships are due downtown around 1 pm, which means they should be passing West Seattle around noon. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet but it will include a U.S. Navy destroyer as well as U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy ships; the participant ships then will be open for tours later in the week.

(August 2019 photo by Monica Zaborac)

BLUE ANGELS: The U.S. Navy’s demonstration team is back for the Seafair airshow this year, and they’re scheduled to arrive at Boeing Field around 1:30 pm Wednesday (August 2nd). We’re checking on whether one of the non-performing jets is scheduled to be here earlier in the week as is usually the case. The full Seafair airshow lineup and schedule for next Friday-Sunday (August 4-6) is here; the Blue Angels usually go up for practice flights on Thursday too.

Share This

Lose your paddleboard on the bridge?
July 27, 2023 7:25 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Local emergency responders picked up a standup paddleboard that somehow wound up in the middle of (updated) the West Seattle Bridge today and they’re hoping to reunite it with its owner. If you’re missing one, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you with the finders. (P.S. For smaller lost/found/non-pet items, remember, we have a section of the WSB Community Forums where you can post.)

Share This

New leader, new start for West Seattle’s independent K-5 Tilden School
July 27, 2023 4:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When West Seattle’s Tilden School starts classes in just under six weeks, it’ll be the first full year for new head of school Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson.

His arrival at the independent K-5 school (a WSB sponsor) on the north edge of the West Seattle Junction is an occasion for Tilden to “reintroduce our community to our school,” as Kristie Berg of Tilden’s board explains, noting that Tilden still has some openings for this fall. Nelson is the first permanent head of school for Tilden since founder Whitney Tjerandsen retired two years ago. “We have been searching for the right successor to Whitney – we think Jorge is a great fit and has her same energy and spirit.”

We sat down with both of them to talk about Tilden’s “reintroduction,” which also includes a new mascot named after the founder – an owl called Wise Whitney.

Berg is most excited about the school’s new leader. Dr. Nelson describes himself as a “third-generation educator” whose educational career began in 1985 (coincidentally, the year Tilden was founded). He has been a teacher and administrator at schools not only on both coasts of the U.S. but also in Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, and Latin America. He speaks Spanish, which Tilden is adding to the curriculum.

This is a return to western Washington for Nelson, who has studied (his first degree was from Evergreen State College) and worked (Shelton High School) in the region, in addition to his many other stops around the nation and world. “I found in Tilden what I was looking for,” he says. “I have seen different systems around the world and when I came to Tilden, I saw a system I believe is relevant, kind, progressive … focused on individual children more than testing or grades – that’s what parents want; Tilden is about the child, Tilden has the answer.”

What happened during the pandemic brought children’s social and emotional needs back into the spotlight, and Nelson says Tilden’s philosophy centers that. “They followed Whitney’s dream of what’s right for kids … Every child has a voice. I’ve seen this at very few schools. (Students) are excited to be here. They’re happy, they work hard, they’re respectful.” He adds, “Tilden has not followed a path of programmatic corporate education.”

And yet, “it’s academically rigorous,” adds Berg, who has two Tilden graduates in the family, one of which is college-age now and is heading to Vassar.

The graduates are actually sad to go, Nelson noticed at the end of the school year (he had arrived a few weeks earlier): “The fifth graders actually needed boxes of Kleenex, I’ve never seen that level of angst, that they’re leaving a school.” Small class sizes mean they get to know their schoolmates well. Berg recalls, “My kids had a class of 16 kids, and they knew everyone’s birthday.”

At that point, we recalled a Tilden tradition – the school is held open on “snow days” for anyone who can get there safely. Nelson arrived too late in the year to see an example of that, but he was impressed by another Tilden tradition – the writing program in which all students write a story a week, 40 over the course of the school year, on the same topic. The work is posted in the hallways. Nelson says the legend is that founder Whitney would tell the students they couldn’t throw the resulting compilations away until they were 44.

But they’re not just carrying on the hallmarks of the past. They’re shaping the future with plans for improvements. For example, Nelson says, “The board has asked me to bring oboard a learning-support consultant. Some students have neurodiversity issues; we will be looking at multiple levels of support – academic enhancements, positive behavior reinforcement, social/emotional, so every kid is getting what they need – even if they’re having a bad day.” Outside the school, they’re planning a mural for the alley wall behind the building they share with the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (with whom they otherwise are unaffiliated – Tilden is a secular independent school).

And they’re reaching out further than before to tell Tilden’s story and listen to what community members are looking for in a school. One recent example – Tilden joined other local schools in taking turns managing the Kids’ Zone at West Seattle Summer Fest; Nelson stopped by our nearby festival table in the Info Booth and said he was having a great time talking with kids and their families.

(July 16 WSB photo)

As with some other schools, Tilden incorporates adult volunteers as part of its learning community. “It really is a relevant school,” beams Nelson.

If you’re interested in applying for next school year, you can go here to find out about arranging a tour as your first step toward finding out more.

“We’re here to serve!” Nelson concludes.

Share This

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Here’s when Five Guys plans to open in Westwood
July 27, 2023 2:47 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | Westwood

(WSB photo, last month)

Last month – one year after we first told you that the burger chain Five Guys was taking over the ex-Payless spot on the south side of Westwood Village – the company told us it hoped to open “end of July.” With just days left in the month, we checked back today – and a company spokesperson tells us they do have a “projected opening date” for the Westwood location: This Saturday, July 29th. Hours will be 11 am-10 pm, seven days a week.

Share This

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Alki alley shooting case ends with plea bargain, 2 1/2 years later
July 27, 2023 1:47 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(November 2020 photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

The longest-running criminal case we’ve been watching is ending with a plea bargain after more than 2 1/2 years. Three days after a man was shot while driving in an Alki alley, a nearby resident, 38-year-old Garrett Heinemann, was charged with first-degree assault and first-degree burglary. Heinemann was arrested shortly after the shooting and has been in jail ever since. This happened in the middle of the day, 12:35 pm on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 29, 2020. The case was a head-scratcher; the victim told police that while he had recently moved to the area, he had never met Heinemann, who was reported to have stepped out into the alley in front of the victim’s car, told him to put his hands up, and opened fire. The victim was hit in both arms, neck, and one shoulder, according to court documents. The defendant had no criminal history and had legally owned the pistol for eight years, with a concealed-weapon permit; he had discarded it into the water at Alki shortly after the shooting, before police caught up with him. We’ve read court documents off and on for the entire 2 1/2 years that this case has taken to resolution and have never seen any mention of Heinemann offering an explanation for why he shot the victim.

Court documents say Heinemann pleaded guilty Wednesday to the two original charges – the burglary count is for barging into another neighbor’s residence after the shooting and trying to pistol-whip him. In the agreement, prosecutors are dismissing the “firearms enhancement” that would have added years to the sentence. They are recommending a 9 1/2-year sentence, toward the low end of the “standard” range; the final decision will be up to King County Superior Court Judge David Whedbee on September 1st.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandalism at Alki
July 27, 2023 12:11 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

That photo of a mostly-stripped beach bench was sent by Stephanie, who told us after an Alki walk this morning: “One of the Honey Buckets is tipped over this morning. Another regular morning walker told me he saw older kids push it over then take off in a car, laughing. Two benches are also ripped up. This is around 59th and Alki.” The other “ripped up” bench was not stripped of most of its wood, but instead left with one board on the ground and two rearranged as sides of a triangle. We checked in with Seattle Parks to ask about repair plans; spokesperson Rachel Schulkin tells WSB, “We will make those repairs in the next couple weeks (hopefully less).”

Share This

Concert, candidates, Cup, and Chamber: What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday
July 27, 2023 10:39 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Benign Great Golden Digger Wasp enjoying cilantro flower nectar in photographer Rosalie Miller’s garden)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight!

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule of sessions.

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

SOUND TRANSIT BOARD: Today’s 1:30-5 pm meeting is scheduled to include one item of potential interest to future light-rail communities – “a report on early property acquisitions.” The meeting agenda includes information on attending downtown in person or watching online, as well as how to comment.

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

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER AFTER-HOURS: 5:30-7:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), as previewed here – featuring the Miss HomeStreet hydroplane.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 5:30 pm, doors open at Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) for a family-friendly Women’s World Cup watch party. Adults and babies up to 1 year old are free; admission fee for older kids (unlimited use of play facilities).

COUNCIL CANDIDATES: This just might be the last forum for City Council District 1 candidates before voting ends Tuesday – 6:45 pm during the West Seattle Democratic Women‘s meeting at the golf course (4470 35th SW).

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

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Last show in the revived series of free concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association: Tonight at 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (Walnut south of Lander),enjoy the “gypsy jazz” of Ranger and The Re-arrangers. Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic!

THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

There’s even more in our calendar!

Share This