West Seattle, Washington

17 Tuesday

53℉

month : 08/2023 322 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Broken-window car prowls
August 12, 2023 10:15 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent this morning by Seth:

We woke up this morning to find our car had been broken into and rifled through. Nothing of value was in there, so more just a pain to replace a window (and the general offense of someone messing with your stuff). It appears the prowlers hit multiple cars parked along the same side of the street – 34th Ave SW, between Holly and Willow. This is along the fence of West Seattle Elementary, so not directly in front of homes. The school site is still under construction so maintains a security guard there overnight, but I couldn’t find them to ask if they saw anything. I filed an online police report just to add it to their stats. Just sending as a heads-up since ours wasn’t the only car hit.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 21 notes!
August 12, 2023 6:16 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday sunset, photographed at Cove Park by Tom Trulin)

Welcome to the weekend! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

MAUI BENEFITS: We’ve updated our list of businesses either fundraising or collecting items for Maui fire survivors; see it here. If you have someplace local to add, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YARD/GARAGE SALES: A few for today are listed in the WSB Community Forums.

GLASS FLOAT HUNT CONTINUES: Update from organizers:

49 have been found, and we’ve hidden 50 more! Cheers to the second week of the float hunt!

The territory remains the same: Alki to Roxbury, the Sound to the Duwamish.

No locations will be repeated from the 1st week.

They’re indoors and outdoors. If they’re outside, they’re on public property.

(Backstory here.)

TLC FOR SHORELINE STREET END: 9 am-noon, volunteer work party at Shoreline Street End #7, just south of Constellation Park. Info’s in the preview we published earlier this week.

FREE OPERA IN THE PARK: The youth-geared “Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World” has an encore performance during a 10 am-noon event at Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale).

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 every week, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.

TLC FOR WEBSTER POND: 10 am-1 pm, volunteers needed:

Meet at the green space across the street from Delridge Home Depot [map]. Seattle Tree Stewards and Dirt Corps are hosting volunteer opportunities at Webster Pond! We’ll be focusing on invasive-plant removal and trash clean-up, and all are welcome to join in beautifying this wonderful greenspace in the heart of Delridge! No tools or experience needed! Volunteers should bring sun protection, water, and comfortable clothing. Register to join us!

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)

CHERRY CONSIGNMENT CELEBRATES 14 YEARS: All weekend, Cherry Consignment on the north edge of The Junction is celebrating 14 years in business – 14 percent off, special treats, and an art pop-up today (12-2 pm) – the shop is open noon-5. (4142 California SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: The public is welcome at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm (session schedule 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)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See what’s new at 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) – offering wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about Viscon wines here! (5910 California SW)

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

SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Dance the night away at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), 4:30 pm-9:30 pm. Wristbands sold on site.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, free live, all-ages in-store show by The Zack Static Sect, celebrating their record release. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 7 pm-9 pm, Guitar Gil performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

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!

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Gatewood sighting
August 11, 2023 11:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Continuing to chronicle the resurgence of coyotes in our area, we received this report from Yma in Gatewood: “Big, healthy-looking coyote trotting up the sidewalk tonight – about 10:20. Gatewood: Portland St between California & 41st.” Remember that you can best support a keep-our/their-distance coexistence by not providing food – from pet food to unaccompanied pets.

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VIDEO: Here’s what happened at Seattle Public Schools’ local meeting to move toward ‘well-resourced’ – and likely fewer – schools
August 11, 2023 8:16 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos/video)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“If you’re organizing and you have your shirts all ready to go to protect your school, it’s a little bit premature.”

Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones was trying to be humorous when he said that last night, reiterating to a crowd at Madison Middle School that he has no list – yet – of schools to be closed/consolidated to help pull SPS off the edge of a $100+ million budget abyss.

But his remark couldn’t help but carry echoes of the often-bitterly fought school-closure process of the late ’00s, when indeed, some school communities came to meetings in custom T-shirts and with signs. That potential phase of this process is at least a few months away. First, the district is having a series of community meetings, held regionally but identical in format. Last night’s “southwest region” meeting, as previewed at the Tuesday “central region” meeting, was meant to collect general thoughts, “to share ideas, re-imagine our school system … (so SPS can) get stronger, be more equitable, be better … evaluate how to create and pay for a school system that puts every student on the path to success,” as district chief of staff Bev Redmond outlined in her opening remarks.

In addition to the goal of defining “well-resourced schools” – which ostensibly would be the result of consolidations/closures – Redmond noted the district is also starting levy planning. Regarding the timeline, she reiterated no school consolidations/closures for this school year – but there’ll be a survey toward the start of the school year, and then the input will go to Dr. Jones for a plan to be announced in November.

Here’s our video of what Redmond, Jones, and associate superintendent Dr. Rocky Torres said to open the meeting, before it moved to small-group discussions:

Read More

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BIZNOTE: Here’s why Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction is temporarily closed
August 11, 2023 6:12 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Eddie for the initial tip on this: Elliott Bay Brewing‘s flagship West Seattle Junction location is closed because of a sewer-pipe problem. We went there a little while ago to find out more and talked with EBB proprietor Todd Carden. He said it’s been a stubborn pipe problem to fix – as soon as plumbers found the initial break, the pipe collapsed in another spot, and then another. So the repairs might not be complete until next week; EBB is closed in West Seattle until the line’s fixed. (They also have locations in Burien and Lake City.)

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HELP FOR MAUI: More West Seattle businesses with ways to help fire survivors
August 11, 2023 3:54 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

On Thursday, we mentioned that Marination would sell musubi all weekend to assist survivors of the Maui fires that have killed dozens, with hundreds missing. Today, more West Seattle businesses have announced plans to help:

CAMP WEST: Through Sunday, the restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW in The Junction will donate 10 percent of its proceeds from food sales to the Maui Food Bank.

OPAL STUDIO: Opal Nail Studio at 4155 California SW is collecting items for shipment to Maui:


They’re open until 7 pm tonight and 11 am-4 pm both days this weekend,

GRILLBIRD: Two readers have pointed out that the teriyaki restaurant (35th/Morgan) is asking customers to “round up” their tabs so the extra can be donated to Maui relief – through the end of August.

ALAIR/DYLAN: The South Admiral shop (3270 California SW) will send you a 10 percent discount code if you message them with word you’ve donated to Maui fire relief.

Know of anyone else? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add!

ADDED: Update on Musubi for Maui, from Marination:

We are so excited to say the first 1,250 musubi sold (Saturday) will be matched thanks to the generosity of our West Seattle neighbor, Geoff Arakawa. This will increase our donation significantly and strengthen all of our efforts to help Maui recovery efforts.

The team is working so hard to make sure we’re prepared for you all tomorrow and we are giving you the biggest MAHALO ahead of time for showing our staff patience. If we happen to run through musubi before you get here we’ll be donating a portion of food sales …

PATRICK’S CAFE & BAKERY: On Sunday, when this popular eatery at 10003 15th SW in White Center is open 8 am-3 pm, they’ll be donating proceeds from shave ice.

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UPDATE: Roadway water at Westwood
August 11, 2023 2:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | Westwood

2:06 PM: We first noticed that visible water flow late in the day yesterday, bubbling from a drain at Westwood Village – more like what you’d see during a storm, but of course, the weather remains dry. It’s resulted in the taping off of part of the south-side east/west drive, just east of Target/Game Stop/Ross. We went back at midday today and it’s still taped off, with the water flow continuing, so we’ve contacted Seattle Public Utilities to find out if they’re aware of the problem and if repairs are planned. Meantime, you’ll have to detour around it if you’re driving to/at WWV.

4 PM: SPU spokesperson Ingrid Goodwin tells WSB, “SPU crews were dispatched this afternoon to check out the running water. They determined that the leak is not coming from the City’s pipe, but rather is the result of a leak on private property.” So that means it’s up to the center to fix.

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UPDATE: Pedestrian hit by driver at Delridge/Genesee
August 11, 2023 12:15 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:15 PM: That was the traffic-camera view a few minutes ago as a collision response blocked northbound Delridge north of the Genesee intersection. This was dispatched as a pedestrian hit by a driver. We haven’t heard anything about the pedestrian’s condition so we’re headed to the scene to try to find out more.

12:20 PM: NB Delridge traffic is being diverted onto WB Genesee, and officers just told dispatch that this will last “for a while.”

12:30 PM: Contrary to that, our crew has been told the street will be reopened shortly – though there’s compounding trouble on the southbound side in the same area (bus-lane repair). The pedestrian, described as an “adult male,” was taken to a hospital for “observation.” No other information on circumstances.

12:46 PM: The northbound lane has reopened. Because of the construction on the southbound side, one northbound lane is being used for southbound traffic.

1:44 PM: SFD says the pedestrian is 87 years old; our contact is waiting for info from the medic-unit crew on his condition when transported. … (Added) SFD says he was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

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NEXT WEEKEND: Alki Beach Pride street-closure reminder
August 11, 2023 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on NEXT WEEKEND: Alki Beach Pride street-closure reminder
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

This weekend is relatively quiet in West Seattle, but next weekend has big events, highlighted by Alki Beach Pride on Sunday, August 20th. This year for the first time, a street closure is part of the plan, and permit conditions require an advance reminder to the community, so we’re helping get that out. The official notice is here. The street closure will be on Alki Avenue SW from Marine to 60th; the festival will run noon to 7 pm, but the closure will start earlier – with morning setup – and end later – with evening breakdown,

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WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 17 possibilities
August 11, 2023 10:36 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 17 possibilities
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jon Anderson)

Before we get to the weekend – here are highlights 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)

SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily, 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.

CHERRY CONSIGNMENT ANNIVERSARY: This business on the north side of The Junction is celebrating 14 years! Celebration continues through Monday. Open noon-5 today. (4142 California SW)

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’s your next chance to 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, starting at 5:30 pm – more in our calendar listing.

DRAG COCKTAIL HOUR: 6 pm, 21+, at The Locol (7902 35th SW) – meet the queens and kings of Kenyon Hall Cabaret (see below) before the show.

MUSIC AT THE MOUNT: Uodate: Providence says this year’s series is just for residents and family members, not the general public.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.

KENYON HALL CABARET: All-ages drag show, 7 pm. (7904 35th SW)

SILENT DISCO AT ALKI: Dance like nobody can hear you (because they can’t)! 7:30 pm, Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st/Alki)

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $35.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Room 13, Ritual Killing, Beltline, Dulzura, doors 7:30 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark – $20-$25 sliding. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

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

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LOST OR STOLEN? Bike, barbecue
August 11, 2023 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on LOST OR STOLEN? Bike, barbecue
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Two items too big for the WSB Lost/Found (non-pets) page:

BIKE: From Louie: “Bike found on SW Dakota near 46th Ave SW. Looking for the owner of a one-speed child’s bike. Huffy brand. Call me and identify it. Louie 206-962-1140” (Yes, Louie has checked Bike Index, and is canvassing the neighborhood too.)

BARBECUE GRILL: Tona found this on Thursday:

This barbecue grill (was) in the middle of the street on 46th and Alaska. Wondering if it fell off somebody’s moving truck or if it was stolen and dumped? There is even a roll of paper towels!

It’s since been moved out of the street and its next stop will be “the dump” if not claimed.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday begins
August 11, 2023 6:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 11th, going into a relatively quiet weekend, at least with regard to planned events …

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

“Becoming sunny,” high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 6 am; sunset will be at 8:28 pm.

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!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Sight in the sky
August 10, 2023 11:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Becky M for that photo of the sky as seen from Alki tonight. We asked @WestSeaWX what type of cloud formation the photo shows. The reply: “A nice comfy blanket of altocumulus clouds.” If you’ve been wishing for a clear sky and warmer temperatures instead, forecasters say you have just a few days to wait, and next week might even bring 90-ish-degree highs.

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BIZNOTES: The 1994, 35th Local Mart, Industrious followup
August 10, 2023 8:18 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three biznotes, all for new West Seattle businesses:
(Photo courtesy The 1994)

THE 1994: Just got email today from the proprietors of this new salon/spa, which has opened in the new South Delridge mixed-use building at 8854 Delridge Way SW. Hanna and Ivy plan an August 19th grand-opening event for The 1994. Hanna, who’s lead aesthetician, tells WSB, “I have worked locally in West Seattle for the last 7 years. I was previously at Flourish Beauty and Spruce Apothecary in West Seattle.” Ivy is lead hair stylist and “was at Cedarhouse in Queen Anne before this. We do haircuts (specializing in curly and coily hair) and color in the salon, and the spa offers holistic skin-care services, hair removal, and lash and brow enhancement services.” Their celebration on August 19th will be 4-8 pm.

NEW STORE: A liquor-license application shows a proposal for a new mini-market in the commercial building at 7356 35th Avenue SW, under the name 35th Local Mart, for a “grocery store (with) beer and wine.” We haven’t yet reached the potential proprietors, but the intersection has had a small food/beverage store before – this is on the northeast corner of 35th/Webster, across from the future GH Pasta & Pizza space that was once John’s Corner Deli.

INDUSTRIOUS FITNESS FOLLOWUP: Last Friday we reported that Industrious is coming to the ex-Village Woodworks space in The Junction, almost five months after we first noted a fitness studio was planned there. We sent an inquiry to the company and franchise owner Bret replied. Our big question – what style of fitness? “All class participants get a dedicated workout station for the entire class. We call the station ‘The Halo’ and the system has Patent Pending with the USPTO. Industrious believes in Functional Fitness, commonly known as CrossFit, and that is at the core of our programming ideology. As an example, on certain days, people can expect to do a lift like Back Squats followed by a CrossFit workout, and on other days participants can expect to do Bench Press, followed by interval training with dumbbells, barbells, boxes, and kettlebells. On other days, it might be a long sweaty interval piece on rowers, runners, and bikes.” Bret lives in West Seattle and says he previously founded, owned, and operated a Crossfit studio in the Chelan area, then moved to Seattle and worked for Industrious; now he’s its first franchise owner. “Our grand-opening date is scheduled for November 1, 2023 – and our permit was issued by the City in late July. We are starting construction in Mid-August. We plan to hold class workouts on our grand-opening day and then hold an afterparty somewhere on the block (location TBD) to get to know each other and celebrate the milestone.”

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ALKI ELEMENTARY REBUILD: Hearing examiner rules that ‘no parking’ plan must be reconsidered
August 10, 2023 4:00 pm
|      89 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Rendering by Mahlum Architects – north side of school)

4 PM: The ruling is just in on the appeal of seven of the nine zoning exceptions (“departures”) sought by Seattle Public Schools for the rebuild of Alki Elementary. City assistant hearing examiner Susan Drummond, who heard the case July 25th (WSB coverage here), denied the appeals of six of the exceptions – but granted the appeal on arguably the most fervently argued point, the plan to rebuild and expand the school with no off-street parking. From the 11-page decision:

The Appellants met their burden to demonstrate that the impacts the neighborhood would bear from no on-site parking has not been sufficiently considered in relation to the site’s unique and constrained conditions. Appellants also met their burden to demonstrate that it is not necessary to eliminate all parking to meet educational needs. The approach exacerbates the difficult parking and circulation issues already present in the immediate area even without the expansion. The parking analysis was completed during an extraordinary time-period that does not reflect current or expected conditions. This issue should be revisited, with further thought given to how to improve the balance between school needs against the parking and circulation challenges the area faces.

As the appellants – four nearby residents – pointed out (and is also noted in the decision), Alki’s parking crunch is so intense, the area has a city-imposed “parking overlay” in which one and a half spaces must be provided for every residential unit built.

So what happens now? The decision concludes, “The decision is returned to the Department for proceedings consistent with the Examiner’s decision.” That would be the Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), whose original decision to grant the nine requested zoning exceptions is what was appealed (two of the nine – the new school’s height and a driveway configuration issue – were no longer at issue at the time of the hearing). We’ll be following up with SDCI and other parties.

6:07 PM: We asked the appellants via email for their thoughts. This is from Shauna Causey:

We were up against lawyers hired by Seattle Public Schools and it felt like an impossible situation but in the end, I’m glad the hearing examiner listened to the community.

I started an online petition before the hearing and 492 people responded in just 48 hours asking they reconsider the plan to remove ALL on-site parking. Some of the comments from the petition were shared during the hearing. From elderly who live near the school who have already had a tough time with ambulances reaching them, families with special needs who use ADA parking, to bus drivers, teachers, and parents at Alki Elementary who are frustrated, to seal sitters who help on the beach who felt like they could no longer volunteer if the accessibility and parking situation gets any worse. The community response and personal stories and comments were truly overwhelming.

Right now, most teachers have parking on-site. The new plan would come close to doubling staff (from current staff numbers) with zero parking — all just one block from the beach. It’s hard to believe this plan was even approved in the first place.

9:22 PM: Here’s context on how much parking would be required without a zoning exception – another section of today’s ruling, which refers to some of the evidence and testimony presented:

The code requires 48 parking spaces. With the removal of all on-site parking, the School is proposing no parking. Current on-site parking allows for over 20 parking spaces and the lot is “always completely full” with the parking space “well used.” As the striping is old, there is not an exact parking space number. This parking is coupled with a space to the north (but owned by the City) which can accommodate about 27 vehicles and is used for school events.

A paved surface with room to park about 20 vehicles is located on the south side of the school buildings and is accessed from a driveway at the south edge of the site on 59th Avenue SW. Much of the parking lot striping has faded, but historical aerial images indicate the area has been used for parking 20 or more vehicles. This area is also used for trash and recycling container storage and pick up.

The hard-surface area north of the building is City of Seattle Property … but is also used for school-event parking. Historical aerials indicate the surface can accommodate about 27 parked vehicles.

Public school parking requirements are based on new assembly space (commons and gymnasium) rather than daily school day demand, so do not necessarily account for day-to-day needs. For Alki, the calculation is based on the 3,800 square feet of dining commons and excludes the 6,000 gym square foot gym as total gym space is not being increased.14 If included, 123 spaces would be required. For private schools without assembly space, one space per each staff member would be required (75 spaces).

We’ll be contacting SDCI and SPS tomorrow to find out about what will happen next as a result of today’s ruling.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: SPS says only, “The district is reviewing the ruling.” (We’ll check again next week.)

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SPORTS: City to resurface Solstice Park tennis courts, add some pickleball striping
August 10, 2023 3:36 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

Thanks to Brian for the tip: The Solstice Park tennis courts will be resurfaced soon. And that work will include adding pickleball lines to three of the six courts. Though the work was scheduled to start next week, Parks tells us the start date may slide because, “The contractor who will doing this project is currently working on resurfacing the courts at Volunteer Park, which has been delayed some this week due to the change in the weather. It has to be dry for the surfacing to dry or cure properly between the layers of color.” Once the Volunteer Park work is complete, Parks says, then the Solstice Park work can begin. Meantime, regarding the plan to add pickleball stripes to three of the courts: “It will be the north three courts so that the Lock Box we plan to install will be easily accessed from the north court gate. We will be purchasing 6 temporary nets there to be used at Solstice Park.”

P.S. While researching this, we noted that the city is still proceeding with a plan to add “dedicated pickleball sites,” including Hiawatha; while that plan suggested there would be community “engagement” this month about that, Parks told us it’s now more likely to happen this fall.

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YOU CAN HELP: Marination announces ‘Musubi for Maui’ fundraiser
August 10, 2023 2:03 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

You have probably heard about the deadly wildfires on the island of Maui, with at least 36 people reported dead so far. (Check the Honolulu Star-Advertiser here for the latest.) Here’s one way you can help survivors: Marination restaurants will sell “Musubi for Maui” this weekend (August 12-13) at all locations, including Marination Ma Kai at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW). All proceeds from the sale of $4.50 musubi this weekend will go to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Match Fund and the Maui Rapid Response Mutual Aid Fund. (Anybody else fundraising to help with this disaster in Hawai’i? Please let us know!)

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: More Sound Transit drilling
August 10, 2023 12:10 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

With the final Environmental Impact Statement – and final routing/station-location decisions – for West Seattle light rail expected next year, Sound Transit continues with field work. We don’t always get advance notice, but ST has sent word of a new round that’s about to start on the north end of the West Duwamish Greenbelt:

Starting as early as Monday, August 14, Sound Transit plans to conduct up to three geotechnical borings on the W Duwamish Greenbelt, a City of Seattle greenspace located between the Pigeon Point neighborhood and the West Seattle Bridge (see map).

Sound Transit is in the planning phase for the West Seattle Link Extensions project. This work, along with other investigations throughout the project corridor, is necessary to plan and design potential light rail alignments being studied in the environmental review process.

To study soil and groundwater conditions, a drill rig is used to bore vertically into the ground while collecting soil samples. Following the collection of soil samples, a monitoring device is installed which will be used by crews to monitor water levels on future visits. Water level readings will be taken every few months as the design phase progresses. In accordance with all local regulations, the 4- to 12- inch diameter borings will be installed carefully to avoid soil erosion and dirt or mud from leaking into surface waters, wetlands, and drainage systems. Following the completion of the work, any exposed soil will be reseeded with a native seed mix.

The ST alert (see it here) says this work will be complete by Monday, September 11, with all work to be done weekdays, between 7 am and 5 pm, no road closures expected, though the bike/pedestrian path might be closed “intermittently” for up to 15 minutes at a time while they’re moving equipment.

This comes as ST has been asking some property owners for access to their property for other field work. We heard from some residents who were concerned about what would happen if they refused to grant access to ST, and also whether the field work locations indicated some decisionmaking prior to the final EIS’s release. We took those questions to ST spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham, who replied:

We ask for permission to enter properties in the project corridor to gather information necessary for the environmental review and design of the alternatives we are studying. The fieldwork data informs the development and analysis of alternatives being studied in the environmental review process and helps us better understand the conditions of the land as well as any potential impacts the project could have on the built and natural environment.

The right of entry requests are voluntary, so it is up to the property owner whether they want to sign. If we don’t receive an agreement from a property owner, we will look to gather information from the public right-of-way.

We’re conducting fieldwork throughout the project area. It is possible that we have not yet contacted some properties that we may contact in the future. If any property owner or tenant has questions about potential impacts to their property, we encourage them to reach out to our team at wsblink@soundtransit.org and we will schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss their property in relation to the current design.

It’s been a year since the Sound Transit Board voted on a “preferred alignment” for West Seattle, with the light-rail line now planned to open in 2032, after five years of construction. At the most recent public briefing in West Seattle, at May’s WS Transportation Coalition meeting, ST reps said the final EIS would be out no sooner than the second quarter of 2024.

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School-district meeting, West Seattle Art Walk, more for your Thursday
August 10, 2023 10:26 am
|    Comments Off on School-district meeting, West Seattle Art Walk, more for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Tonight’s major events include the West Seattle Art Walk, with The Art of Music. Here’s the venue map/list for this month:

To see which artists are featured, and who’s having receptions, go here. Hours vary by venue but generally start as early as 5 pm and continue as late as 9 pm.

This month again features The Art of Music, free performances 6-7:45 pm at three venues: Epiphany of Time in The Junction in front of KeyBank (SW corner of California/Alaska), MoonGirl in the Admiral District at Soprano’s Antico Pizza and Pasta (2348 California SW), and Natalie Paige in Morgan Junction at Whisky West (6451 California SW). For more about that, go here.

Another big event tonight:

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGIONAL COMMUNITY MEETING: As we’ve been reporting, the district is beginning a process that’s expected to lead to school closures/consolidations to deal with a budget deficit and declining enrollment. This month it’s having regional community meetings to define “well-resourced schools,” and tonight’s the meeting for West Seattle and South Park, 6 pm in the commons at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW). Here’s our report from yesterday on how the Tuesday “central region” meeting – identically formatted, says SPS – went.

Also happening today/tonight:

GLASS FLOAT HUNT: As of late last night, seven remain to be found, and then the other 50 will be hidden in time for the second round of searching to start Saturday morning. (Backstory here.)

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: 11 am presentation at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue through Labor Day 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.

DROP-IN ASSISTANCE: Neighborhood House has resources to help with a variety of things – noon-1:30 pm today, drop in to talk about transportation and passports. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

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

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

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

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

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

Look ahead any time with our calendar!

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RETURNING: Flutes in the Forest
August 10, 2023 9:36 am
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: Flutes in the Forest
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

(File photo, courtesy Flutes in the Forest)

Before we get to what’s up for today/tonight, here’s a “set your calendar” note – Flutes in the Forest is returning this year! Here’s the announcement we received to share with you:

FLUTES IN THE FOREST continues in 2023 with free outdoor classical music concerts. Enjoy the sounds of the JBC Rose Flute Trio on Saturday afternoon, August 19, from 2:00-3:00 pm in Schmitz Park. Jennie Goldberg, Barb Cotton, and Carolyn Hoppe-Denend will play classical music from various eras as well as arrangements of popular tunes.

Bring your own chair or blanket; stay as long as you’d like. Enter Schmitz Park off SW Admiral Way and SW Stevens Way. Walk the paved road 300 feet to the sound of flutes in the forest. Plenty of street parking along SW Stevens.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Thursday
August 10, 2023 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 10th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:58 am; sunset will be at 8:30 pm.

NEW SPEED CUSHIONS

On SW Thistle near Chief Sealth International High School.

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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire near Lincoln Park
August 9, 2023 11:52 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

11:52 PM: Police have reported finding at least two shell casings so far while checking out 911 calls about gunfire north of Lincoln Park. One caller near 47th and Othello reported seeing shots fired, dispatch told officers. No reports of any injuries so far, and we haven’t heard a description of vehicle(s)/person(s) involved.

12:02 AM: Police just told dispatch they’ve found nine 9mm casings.

4:15 PM: SPD summary adds the detail that a witness reported seeing “a speeding white ‘boxy’ SUV.” If you have any information for police, the case number is 23-228204.

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YOU CAN HELP: Habitat helpers sought Saturday at Shoreline Street End #7
August 9, 2023 9:12 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Habitat helpers sought Saturday at Shoreline Street End #7
 |   How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Right next to Constellation Park/Charles Richey Viewpoint is a bit of public land that’s actually separate – known as Shoreline Street End #7, technically the end of SW Spokane Street. Volunteers are invited to join in restoration work there this Saturday morning – here’s the invitation:

A community effort supported by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Friends of Street Ends to restore approximately 11,000 square feet of right-of-way for shoreline access, views, and habitat: The project is located at Shoreline Street End #7, SW Spokane St, in West Seattle (3555R Beach Dr SW). The site is one of 141 Shoreline Street Ends designated by Seattle City Council.

Goals
• Improve and maintain shoreline access and views
• Enhance shoreline habitat
• Build partnerships and encourage stewardship through community partners

Work party will focus on removing invasive plants, spreading mulch, installing new plantings

Work Party Dates
August 12th, 2023 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spokane St SW

To RSVP for Work Part!es:
seattle.gov/trees/events.html
206-615-1668 | TreeAmbassador@seattle.gov

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