day : 21/08/2023 10 results

UPDATE: Crash on Delridge Way next to Southwest Precinct

10:40 PM: That’s a framegrab from the SDOT traffic camera at Delridge/Orchard, looking south at a crash scene just outside the east side of the Southwest Precinct at Delridge/Webster. The crash is blocking the southbound bicycle lane and part of the southbound general-purpose traffic lane. So far we’ve heard police tell dispatch that one driver was involved and that she hit a utility pole, so they’ve summoned City Light, too.

12:24 AM: Traffic camera showed the scene just clearing with a flatbed tow truck taking away the damaged vehicle.

11 AM: SPD tells us the driver is a 22-year-old woman who was not seriously hurt.

FEED THE NEED! Delridge Grocery Co-op shopping for a few more helpers, invites you to ‘Volunteer Hangout’

August 21, 2023 10:21 pm
|    Comments Off on FEED THE NEED! Delridge Grocery Co-op shopping for a few more helpers, invites you to ‘Volunteer Hangout’
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

The volunteer-powered Delridge Grocery Co-op has, against all odds, created an oasis of healthy food in a neighborhood where mini-mart shelves of snacks are pretty much the only other options. The team needs to grow to keep the momentum going and the store open (right now they’re up to five days a week). If you are open to the idea of spending three hours, once a month, helping the shop stay open so neighbors can buy food – or maybe you’d be interested in helping pack/deliver DGC’s Essential Boxes on Saturdays – come chat with the current crew this Wednesday night. They’ll be at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) 5-8 pm Wednesday (August 23rd). No obligation – stop by, ask questions, find out how the DGC works. “We’ll even bring some goodies to share from the store!” the DGC team promises.

P.S. If you haven’t shopped at the co-op (5444 Delridge Way SW), you do NOT have to be a member – it’s open to all,

COUNTDOWN: Five days until Admiral Funktion street party. Here’s what’s different this year

Looking ahead to next weekend, West Seattle’s biggest event will be the second annual Admiral Funktion street party on Saturday (August 26th), presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with community sponsors including WSB. We’ve already published the music lineup – in case you missed that, here it is again:

12 pm – School of Rock
1 pm – Princess Pulpit
2 pm – Michael Pearsall
3 pm – Matlock and the Keys
4 pm – Midnight Gallo
5 pm – Radium Girls
6 pm – Tennis Pro
7 pm – Frond
8 pm – The Loveless Building
9 pm – The Ancient Robotz

That’s a bigger lineup than last year. The festival starts earlier (11 am) and ends later (10 pm). The festival is free, but if you can afford to support it – permits and production aren’t cheap – the ANA is crowdfunding, with wristbands that’ll get you discounts at local venues if you donate $25 (or more) – go here. (The ANA is an official nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.) California SW will be closed between Admiral Way and SW College for the festival, which also will feature outdoor cafés and beer gardens at local venues so you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and inbetween! Vendors – stand by for that lineup in our next preview – and games, too. See you in Admiral on Saturday!

FOLLOWUP: See what’s left of Alki Elementary as teardown continues

Thanks to Misa for the photos. If you want to take one last look at Alki Elementary School before it’s all gone, time is running out – demolition continued today, and this is what’s left.

While demolition is ongoing, permits for building its replacement aren’t finalized yet.

We expect to learn this week how Seattle Public Schools and the city Department of Construction and Inspections will proceed in dealing with the hearing examiner’s decision granting neighbors’ appeal of one requested zoning exception, the proposal to build the school without offstreet parking (without a zoning exception, 48 spaces would be required). Meantime, Alki Elementary classes will be temporarily moved starting this fall to the former Schmitz Park Elementary.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Ford work van (update: found)

Reader report via email:

We had a work van stolen from our driveway just before 2 AM this morning.]

Fairmount neighborhood, near 36th Ave SW and Graham
White Ford Transit
Lic. Plate: C13796X
SPD Incident #23-240818

The ladders, as shown in the photo, were on the van when stolen, we’re told.

UPDATE: Found in the Central District.

FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK: Timeline pushed back 2 years, as advisory-group meetings set

(WSB photo, last week – crane is for repairs from last year’s Cathlamet crash)

1:42 PM: Thanks for the tip! A reader noticed over the weekend that the website for the Fauntleroy ferry-dock/terminal replacement project had two major updates of interest to anyone watching the $100 million project:

First, almost a year after the last time Washington State Ferries convened the community advisory group for the project, a meeting is set for this fall: It’s not until October 25th, but you can sign up already for the link (which means you’ll get reminders). The signup link – as well as dates for October meetings of the project’s other two advisory groups – can be found on this page. For a refresher, Here’s our report from the group’s last meeting in September 2022, when WSF announced it had ruled out widening the dock when it’s rebuilt.

Second, the published timeline for the project also has been extended. Design/construction of the new terminal had long been projected for “the 2025-2027 biennium.” Now, that’s the time frame listed for formal environmental review, while design/construction isn’t expected before 2027-2029. We have followup questions out to WSF, including the reason for the delay, and we’ll update when we hear back.

4:02 PM: WSF spokesperson Hadley Rodero responded to our questions – first, what will the next round of advisory-group meetings address?

Since our last update, the WSF team has been working to develop detailed project alternatives and screening criteria, gather traffic data, and collaborate with partner agencies. The planning process is taking us longer than we anticipated when we last met with the CAG in September 2022, but we will have several updates to share this fall, including a review of the full set of project alternatives, draft screening criteria and updates on our planning process and project schedule.

We also asked why the timeline has been pushed back. Rodero’s reply:

As mentioned above, the planning process is taking longer than expected. Initially scheduled for completion in 2023, the PEL process will now be finished in 2025 and will include selection of a preferred alternative. The original project timeline came from the 2040 Long Range Plan that identified the 2025-2027 biennium as the start of project construction. Through the current planning process and alternatives development effort we’ve identified the 2027-2029 biennium as the estimated timeframe for completion of design and start of construction. This is reflected in current project funding. We are still fairly early in the process, however, so, depending on which alternative is selected, the project delivery method and permitting/approvals, the timeline could shift.

We also asked about a study discussed at the September 2022 meeting, regarding whether Good To Go passes might work at the new terminal. The timeline given then suggested the study should have been completed by now. It’s not, Rodero says; an in-progress update will be presented at the October meetings but the full study won’t be complete until early next year.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: What police ultimately found out about Sunday morning’s Alki, Beach Drive shooting incidents

Early Sunday, we reported on police trying to sort out what appeared to be two West Seattle shooting incidents in the 4 am hour. We asked for followup information this morning, and here’s what SPD now tells us:

ALKI GUNFIRE: 911 callers reported hearing gunfire near 56th/Alki around 4 am. Investigating officers “reported a verbal dispute took place between two groups in the area before the shots were fired. It appears the suspects who fired the shots left the area in vehicles.” Police found shell casings but no victims. If you have any information, this incident report number is 23-239642. ADDED 9 PM: A few additional details from police late today:

One male pulled out a gun and shot approximately eight times in the air on the North side of the street. A possible second suspect had a firearm and shot approximately nineteen times on the south side of the street. The suspects fled, and one possibly left in a black vehicle. Officers checked for victims, witnesses, and cameras.

BEACH DRIVE SHOOTING: It turns out that the person who showed up at Harborview Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the arm, initially reported as an “Alki” shooting victim, was instead the victim here. 911 callers around 4:30 am reported that “there was an argument and yelling about someone being shot” but when officers arrived, they didn’t find anyone, so both they and the SFD “scenes of violence” responders left. More than an hour later, police at Harborview – dealing with victims of the South Seattle hookah-lounge shooting – “spoke with a male victim who stated he was the victim of the earlier incident at 4600 block of Beach Drive SW.” According to SPD, this 22-year-old man said he was a bystander – he “reported the suspect driver of a light-colored sedan pulled up to the curb and began arguing with someone on the sidewalk. Soon after, the driver of the vehicle shot toward the subject on the sidewalk.” The victim then left the area and eventually showed up at Harborview. This incident, if you have any tips (206-233-5000), is 23-239652.

Comedy and other possibilities for your West Seattle Monday

August 21, 2023 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on Comedy and other possibilities for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photo of the sunrise from Harbor Avenue, which looked a lot like last night’s sunset – but air-quality readings suggest things are improving right now as forecast. Meantime, here are the calendar highlights for the rest of your Monday!

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS, FINAL WEEK: Friday is the final day for this program – 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.

WADING POOL: Noon-7 pm, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last wading pool still open.

COLMAN POOL OPEN: This outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

COMMUNITY PADDLE: Monday nights all summer long, get out on the water with Alki Kayak Tours, 6 pm. (1660 Harbor SW).

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

COMEDY SHOW: Monthly Routine Killers show presented by Cozy Comedy at Otter on the RocksTyler Boeh headlines tonight, 7 pm. Get your ticket(s) here before this sells out! (4210 SW Admiral Way)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic continues at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 7 pm (signups at 6:30) – info in our calendar listing.

PLAY TRIVIA! Three Monday night options for trivia! 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MONDAY MUSIC: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Remembering Roger L. Armstrong, 1947-2023

August 21, 2023 9:40 am
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 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Roger Armstrong, and sharing this with his community:

Roger Lee Armstrong, born on July 14th, 1947, in Bellingham, Washington, to parents Myrtle and Mervin Armstrong, passed away peacefully at his West Seattle residence on August 8th, 2023, at the age of 76.

Preceding him in death were his sister, Edith Blakeway, his brothers Vincent and James “Moe” Armstrong, and his sister Zelda Kennedy. He is survived by sister Darlene Blurton and brother Greg Armstrong. Following his graduation from Bellingham High School, Roger answered the call of duty and served as a Tracked Vehicle Mechanic in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he briefly engaged in gillnetting before embarking on a remarkable 35-year career in the commercial floor-covering industry.

His passion and precision left an indelible mark, felt near and far. Roger was married to the love of his life, Christine, for 45 years, meeting serendipitously when he approached her for a dance at Embers on Alki. They shared a profound love for each other, and were inseparable.

They also shared five children; Trina (Rob) Funkhouser, Darryl (Dan) Alexander, T.J. Armstrong, Hesper (Dario) Guerra & Adam Armstrong. Roger also had seven grandchildren: Ellie, Miranda, Ariana, Ali, Abi, and Aubri, and his favorite grandson, Bobby. His first great-grandchild is expected this September. Cherished and loved by all, and known to most as “Papa,” his love and dedication for his family was unmatched.

Wherever Roger went, his presence was felt and appreciated, often met with smiles and laughter. Roger not only had a great sense of humor and sharp wit, he also enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, and hockey.

One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Kraken – he found it thrilling and it gave him a sense of comradery. He was a lifelong Bob Dylan fan and avid cribbage player, who loved all things dark chocolate, and could fix anything.

Donations made in Roger’s memory may be sent to: Bridge Disability Ministries 12356 Northrup Way, Bellevue, WA 98005

Service details to be announced.

Please share memories, photos & condolences of Roger at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Roger-Armstrong

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(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)

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday notes

August 21, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 21st.

WEATHER, SMOKE, SUNRISE/SUNSET

The air-quality alert for wildfire smoke continues this morning. Today’s forecast: Hazy, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:13 am; sunset will be at 8:11 pm.

REOPENED

The weekend closures of eastbound Highway 518 east of 509 and I-405 between Renton and Bellevue are over. WSDOT notes that 518 will have another closure next weekend,

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 cam:

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!