month : 08/2023 322 results

(WSB photo, August 1st)

If you like exploring the beach, you should know that the next four days bring this year’s last round of daytime low-low tides, not as low as earlier this month but low enough for significant wildlife-watching. Fall and winter low-low tides are at night. So here’s what’s ahead for the next four days:

Monday, 9:10 am: -1.9L
Tuesday, 10:03 am: -2.3L
Wednesday, 10:52 am: -2.4L
Thursday, 11:39 am: -1.9L

Tread lightly!

Share This

HELPING: West Seattle barber expands his mission of helping foster kids, and welcomes more businesses to pitch in

August 27, 2023 4:11 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Tommy Andrade at Saturday’s Admiral Funktion)

Earlier this year, we told you about Tommy Andrade, proprietor of <strong>Southpaw Barbershop, and his program providing free haircuts for foster kids. Now he’s broadened it into a coalition beyond West Seattle – and he wants you to know in case you’re either interested in joining or know someone who could take advantage of the services:

As you may know I am a proud supporter of and advocate for foster kids and have been doing free haircuts for them since I graduated barber college.

When I opened my shop I was excited to further my commitment to making a change by expanding my availability for the free haircuts and instill giving back as part of my company culture. I was happy that instead of being a one-man show that all of the barbers working with me also offered their services. However, I couldn’t help but feel as though I could do more. Realizing that it is not always convenient for the families to come to West Seattle and that me opening shops everywhere was not currently feasible, I thought about reaching out to others who would have my same mentality of giving back.

Thus Friends of Southpaw was thought of. I reached out to my dear friend Heather Goss with GGD Creative who took on the project pro bono because she also had the same kind of heart. Together we built friendsofsouthpaw.org. We now have a network of barbers and stylists from West Seattle to Olympia, Tacoma, and as far as Austin and Galveston, TX. We have people from San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon, Everett, Auburn, and Kent being added next week. What started also as a platform for mostly free haircuts has also turned into others offering services such as free swim lessons, discounted automotive services and apprenticeships to kids aging out of the system.

We are excited to see this grow!

If you’re interested in either joining Tommy’s coalition or arranging for services, go here to send a message!

Share This

REMINDER: Final week for city’s outdoor aquatics facilities in West Seattle

August 27, 2023 2:12 pm

| Comments Off on REMINDER: Final week for city’s outdoor aquatics facilities in West Seattle

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

A reminder as summer ebbs: All but one of West Seattle’s wading pools have already closed for the season, but Lincoln Park‘s wading pool is open through Labor Day – and that’s also the final day for the two other city-run outdoor aquatics facilities open right now in West Seattle: Saltwater, beachfront Colman Pool and Highland Park Spraypark. Unless there’s major bad weather sometime between now and Labor Day (Monday, September 4th), all three will be open daily – noon to 7 pm for Colman Pool and the Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am to 8 pm for the spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale).

Share This

WEEKEND SCENE: Zucchini 500 at West Seattle Farmers’ Market

August 27, 2023 12:28 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Celebrating one of the most abundant vegetables of the season, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is hosting the Zucchini 500 today. First you make a zucchini vehicle, perhaps with parental help; then you decorate it …

and then it’s off to the race track!

You’ll find all this at the south end of the market, right by the California/Alaska entrance. The zucchini and trimmings are free (though since the market is a nonprofit, donations are always welcome).

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, Tern cargo e-bike

August 27, 2023 11:02 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, Tern cargo e-bike

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two thefts:

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: Reported via text:

My motorcycle was stolen this morning on 16th Ave SW in front of South Seattle College. Between the hours of 4:45 am-7:02 am. It was a 2017 Kawasaki z650, all black. The people who stole it didn’t have keys and there was a lock on the front tire. So it had to have been picked up by a truck of some sort. If anyone has any information or has seen anything, please reach out to me via email or text. Ivyfreyab@gmail.com 206-981-6190

Police incident # is 23-247255.

STOLEN CARGO E-BIKE: Reported via email:

Tern GSD electric cargo bike with two batteries and with 7,300+ miles stolen on 8/26/23. Clubhouse with seating for two kids, aftermarket mudflap on rear fender. Transporter Rack with black ILE Bag. Black tape used to secure chain-guard. Please help me find this daily commuter/kid-hauler.

If found, please report to SPD case number T23018872

(That’s a temporary tracking number; we’ll substitute the permanent case number when we receive it.

Share This

Remembering Earl E. Nokes, Jr.

August 27, 2023 10:21 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends plan to gather October 5th to remember Earl Eugene Nokes, Jr., and are sharing this remembrance now:

On August 17, 2023, the Nokes Family lost a patriarch and a major pillar of our community when Earl Eugene Nokes, Jr., leapt from this world into heaven.

Gene attended West Seattle High School, as did many of his cousins and his three younger brothers Bill, Don, and Ed and sister Elaine. He graduated from WSHS in 1962.

After serving in the Air Force, Gene married his sweetheart, Paula, 55 years ago on August 17, 1968.

He then began a sales career that took him hither and yon, finally settling his family in Dublin, CA, where he became a mainstay of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church.

Gene, affectionately known as “Genie-boy” to us, leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and devotion.

He now joins his son Byron and sister Margaret “Peggie” Nokes Hunnicutt, both of whom journeyed on this past year.

Gene Jr. is survived by his loving wife Paula, and their daughters Kerry (Dan) Page, Erin (James) Spence, Gwen (Patrick) Crane, all of whom provided loads of love and affection for Gene and Paula over the years, along with an abundance of grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

See you on the other side, our lovely brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and life-long friend. We miss you!

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 11555 Shannon Ave. Dublin, CA, at 10 am on October 5, 2023.

(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)

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!

August 27, 2023 6:16 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to everyone who sent Saturday sunset photos! This one is by Hana Alishio)

Here are today’s highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREEWAY-CLOSURE REMINDERS: Two major closures scheduled to continue today – Highway 518 eastbound, from 509 eastward, which means you can’t take that route to the airport or Southcenter (among other destinations); Highway 520 both ways between Seattle and Bellevue. You can check WSDOT on Twitter/X to see if either reopens early.

BABY DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY & Q/A: 9 am event at Alki for parents with babies. Call quick to save a spot! Info’s in our calendar listing.

ZUCCHINI 500 @ WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering late-summer fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. Plus today – the return of the Zucchini 500, with a chance for kids to build and race zucchini-based vehicles, as explained here.

SUMMER SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: 10 am-4 pm behind Carmilia’s (4528 California SW): “Vintage, Art, Music, and Street Tacos” – new weekly event in August. Vendor info in our calendar listing.

3 ARTISTS’ SALE: 10 am-4 pm at 5029 26th SW – see our calendar listing for details.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

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

SUNDAY FUNDAY: Big free fun at Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale) noon-5 pm:

– Skate sessions hosted by United Skate Squad
– Vibe Bingo hosted by Chuck
– Games & Activities hosted by Ya Girl Ness
– Music by Mr. NYICE Guy & DJ Graham
– Snack boxes by Lizzie Lou’s
– Face painting by Ari the Face Painter
– Family Fun, Kids Activities, Vendors and more!
We kindly ask that you RSVP for this FREE community event here:
bit.ly/sundayfundayseattle

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

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Free weekly tours continue today, 1-4 pm, last tour starts at 3:45. Only one more chance this summer after today! (3201 Alki SW)

DESSERT POP-UP: 3-6 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), The Leeky Fig will be in the house.

CHRISTMAS PEOPLE CELEBRATION: Have you baked and donated Christmas cookies? Delivered them? Supported The Christmas People in other ways? Thinking about helping them next holiday season? 3-8 pm at Alki Masonic Lodge (4736 40th SW), you’re invited to help celebrate their 25th anniversary. Buffet at 6 pm. Admission by free-will donation but call ASAP for a reservation – the number’s in our calendar listing.

CLASSIC NOVELS (& MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm, the monthly gathering – our calendar listing explains today’s topic.

JTEEN EXPERIENCE KICKOFF EVENT: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle invites teens to this 6 pm event at Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) – kayaking waiver link is in our calendar listing.

SUNSET GONG BATH & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Lowman Beach (7017 Beach Drive SW) – details in our calendar listing. $25 suggested donation.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

WEEKEND SCENE: Curls and caftans abound at West Seattle Roper Romp

August 26, 2023 9:54 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

Someone asked us early this evening on Twitter/X, “There are a bunch of women in the Junction dressed in Lucille Ball wigs and dresses. A few men too, what is up????” Well, no, not Lucille Ball. Actually – Helen Roper.

This is, as featured in our event calendar and daily preview list, the West Seattle Roper Romp, a pub crawl for which participants were encouraged to dress up like Helen Roper, a TV sitcom character from the shows “Three’s Company” and “The Ropers,” which aired 1977-1980 but live on in Gen X hearts.

As Hollye Bondurant, who sent the above photos, pointed out, Roper Romps were featured earlier this week in a New York Times story. We suspect there’s been a run on caftans and auburn wigs ever since. If you have some standing by, you still have an hour to get in on the West Seattle Roper Romp – the 10-11 pm stops are in our calendar listing.

Share This

POWER PROBLEMS: 300+ customers in Puget Ridge area out; vault fire on West Marginal

August 26, 2023 7:29 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Puget Ridge | Utilities | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:29 PM: Thanks for the tips. Above is a screengrab of the Seattle City Light map showing 317 customers lost power about 10 minutes ago, mostly in the Puget Ridge area. No obvious cause yet. Let us know if you see SCL crews!

7:51 PM: We don’t know yet if it’s related but SFD is responding to a vault fire in the 6700 block of West Marginal [map]. Firefighters report “light smoke coming from an underground vault” and SFD says via Twitter/X: “Firefighters are establishing a 300-foot safety perimeter as a precaution and to protect nearby structures.” … The outage map has, since the start, included two spots off West Marginal, including one in the area of the vault fire, so that might be an indication.

8:05 PM: They’re dismissing most of the units from the vault-fire call.

9:19 PM: Power’s restored to the 300+ who were out.

Share This

READER REPORT: Indecent exposure at Roxhill Park playground

August 26, 2023 7:25 pm

| 89 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

From a reader who wanted to be anonymous:

I think it’s important for the public to be aware of this (for lack of a better word)… insanity occurring in places that are generally considered safe.

Police Call Reference Number 23-246390.

There was a guy at the park who was either high out of his mind, or very mentally impaired. Around noon he emerged from the playground area bathroom completely naked, exposing himself to lots of kids that were present. An agitated woman who I do not know told me her son just went in the bathroom where this naked guy was just weirdly hanging out and he was pretty shaken up.

Several people called the police. We did not engage him as we weren’t sure if he was violent.

For the next hour, no police showed up. A couple of Park Services people showed up and tried to contain the guy to the bathroom area, but they were pretty helpless. Anyways, this guy continued to go in and out of the bathroom and walk by the play area, where people were trying to shield their kids.

After an hour of no police response, a few people eventually had enough of this guy, decided he wasn’t physically violent, and chased him away. He walked over to Westwood Village, still naked.

Two hours after the police were called and we left the scene, I got this text:

“The officers searched the area for your incident but were unable to locate the incident or person(s). We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.”

It’s frustrating that a drugged-out naked guy can hang out at a playground for 2 hours before law enforcement shows up.

We were away from the scanner much of today while at the Admiral festival, so we didn’t hear the related radio traffic, and the Broadcastify audio archives are missing significant chunks of time prior to 4:15 pm today. The Twitter/X call logs did time-stamp this call – usually the time when it was received, not necessarily when it was dispatched – at 12:04 pm, and show a separate “lewd/flashing/exposing” call at Westwood Village, 23-246448, at 1:01 pm.

Share This

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Admiral Funktion 2023 street party!

August 26, 2023 12:19 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

12:19 PM: The second annual Admiral Funktion street party is on!

(WSB photos, video unless otherwise credited)

Until 10 tonight, you can come enjoy this warm late-summer Saturday and walk/roll in the street along California SW between Admiral Way and SW College, The festival is presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, whose booth is toward the south end of the festival zone:

They’re in front of the gas-station car wash, ready to talk with you about what’s going on in north West Seattle (and as festival media sponsor, we’re on-site right next to them). Visit their booth for tchotchkes, too – and balloon animals (get here sooner rather than later to get in on those).

Admiral Neighborhood Association’s booth is also accepting $25 (or more) donations to support the festival, for which you get a special wristband good for discounts at local venues. (The ANA is an official nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.) The music just started up, too, toward the north end of the festival zone (update – here’s video from the first band, School of Rock:)

Here’s the scheduled band lineup:

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 – (update: mystery act)
8 pm – The Loveless Building
9 pm – The Ancient Robotz

More coverage to come!

1:03 PM: If you have questions for your Seattle City Council District 1 candidates – both have festival tables, so this is a great place to come meet them/talk with them in person:

The election is November 7th; voting will start when ballots are sent out in mid-October. … Other opportunities for community involvement that you can find out about during Admiral Funktion include learning about Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs – preparedness expert extraordinaire Cindi Barker is set up in front of (updated) Ralph’s Barber Shop (close to the festival water-filling station):

Speaking of restaurants, a fun part of the festival street closure is a chance to enjoy expanded outdoor cafés today/tonight at many of the year-round Admiral food/beverage establishments – from West Wings …:

…to Mission Cantina:

… to Arthur’s:

1:35 PM: Princess Pulpit is on stage right now (added: video courtesy Jason Grotelueschen).

Lots of people have stopped by the booth to say hi (thanks!) – and we also wanted to mention that you can learn about community organizations during Admiral Funktion as well as local businesses. Elizabeth and Clay opened the day at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society booth (where you also can find out about the Save the Stone Cottage campaign):

2:43 PM: Here’s Michael Pearsall, on stage a short time ago:

Lots of kid activities, too – Clay sent this photo from the Stone Cottage/Historical Society booth, with 4-year-old Ellie Piersall doing some stone decorating:

3:37 PM: Onstage right now – Matlock and the Keys:

We’ve taken another spin through the booths – Seattle Yarn, moving to Admiral soon, is here:

Inner Alchemy, which has a storefront in South Admiral, is here too:

Inner Alchemy’s Maari Falsetto is having a sound bath to raise money for Maui fire relief – 6 pm Wednesday (August 30th) at Me-Kwa-Mooks (more info here).

3:55 PM: We should note that “Dan the Balloon Man,” who spent hours making custom creations at the Admiral Neighborhood Association booth, has departed. But many booths/vendors are here until 6, so it’s still a great time to come down and walk around. … Another community organization you’ll see here is the West Seattle Food Bank. You can find out about the next Taste of West Seattle – returning this year to its pre-pandemic format – set for September 28th:

4:35 PM: Midnight Gallo is onstage this hour.

This festival – only in its second year and bound to be even bigger next year – is just one of the events the ANA coordinates; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha and the Admiral stops on the West Seattle Art Walk are among the others, plus they’re taking over the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade starting next year. Regular community meetings, too – next one is on September 12th, where guests will include City Attorney Ann Davison.

5 PM: Last hour for booths (some have broken down already) – but again, the music’s on for a few hours beyond, and the street closure continues, so you might consider coming down for dinner at one of the venues with outdoor cafés.

5:31 PM: This hour’s band, Radium Girls:

ANA is about to draw the winner of its prize pack, with items donated by local merchants:

Share This

READER REPORT: Harbor Avenue condo garage flooding

August 26, 2023 12:03 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from the garage at the condo building Point Nautica. The texter says the flooding is due to a water break. Seattle Fire has been there (1005 Harbor SW) on a call categorized as a “major water job” for more than an hour.

Share This

READER REPORTS: Business burglary, car down park slope, laundromat theft

August 26, 2023 11:55 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports this morning:

BUSINESS BURGLARY: The photo is via Twitter/X, at the strip mall on the northeast corner of 35th/Roxbury:

We’re going by a bit later to try to find out more (and we’ll update this when we do). The police-call log shows a burglary report just before 5:30 am. The incident number is 23-246128. 2 pm update: The break-in was at Global Smoke & Vape, which hasn’t yet completed inventory of what was taken.

CAR DOWN SLOPE: Thanks for the tips and photos of this – a Hyundai down a Westcrest Park slope:

We don’t have police info on this yet but there’s been at least one past instance of a stolen car “disposed of” this way.

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS LAUNDROMAT THEFT: Via email from a customer of this laundromat on the northwest corner of 35th/Webster: “Work clothing placed in locking washer and started and when returned at the end of cycle; clothes and basket were missing. Owners of laundromat are not forthcoming with contact information in the laundromat to get a hold of them to get digital camera evidence. Submitted a report to SPD and awaiting approval but I heard from another person that there was another recent theft there.”

Share This

Admiral Funktion, White Center Block Party, more for your West Seattle Saturday

August 26, 2023 6:16 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Two street parties top our highlight list,

ADMIRAL FUNKTION: That traffic camera shows the south end of what will be the festival zone for the second annual Admiral Funktion, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with community co-sponsors including WSB. It’s happening on California SW between Admiral Way and SW College. See the band lineup here; see the vendor lineup here; get your wristband – good for local venue discounts – at the ANA booth on-site (south end of festival zone). It’s all happening 11 am-10 pm.

WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: Also starting at 11 am, on 16th SW between Roxbury and 100th. Live music, live wrestling, vendors, more, as previewed here. This festival is scheduled to continue until midnight.

Here’s what else you need to know, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREEWAY CLOSURE REMINDERS: Two major closures all weekend – Highway 518 eastbound, from 509 eastward, which means you can’t take that route to the airport or Southcenter (among other destinations); plus Highway 520 both ways between Seattle and Bellevue.

VOYAGING CANOE SAILING BY: Hōkūleʻa will likely be visible from West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shores around 8 am, as explained here.

(canceled due to air quality) FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend off to a running start with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

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

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, presented by African Community Housing & Development.

ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: Go shop cool creations at 3512 SW Charlestown, 10 am-2 pm.

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).

BAGELS AND PIZZA AT THE P-PATCH: The Barton Street P-Patch Gardeners welcome you for two tasty rounds today – bagels, 11 am-1:30 pm; pizza, 4-6:30 pm, and live music with Gary Benson starting at 5 pm.

SATURDAY COOKOUTS: Highland Park Corner Store is grilling, 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays through September. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

50TH REUNION: West Seattle High School‘s Class of 1973 is gathering today, 11 am-3 pm at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). If you’re in the class and haven’t heard about it until now – all the info’s here.

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

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Just one and a half more weeks to swim at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm (session schedule here).

WADING POOL: Last one open in West Seattle is Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area, daily through Labor Day.

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. P.S. Here’s a message from the museum:

Neighbors and visitors may notice a few changes at the Log House Museum. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is in the process of updating its signage. If you notice a missing sign or panel, please know the museum is aware! Any questions about the Historical Society can be directed to museum@loghousemuseum.org or by calling 206.350.0999.

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)

SIGNING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 2 pm, meet Budos Band in celebration of their new EP. (4559 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & MAUI DINNER: Two reasons to visit the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie in The Junction today/tonight – starting at 2 pm, it’s a membership-drive day, and they’re happy to talk with anyone interested in joining the organization of “People Helping People.” Example of their mission – a dinner tonight raising money for Maui fire relief. More info in our calendar listing, (4462 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROPER ROMP: Pub crawl paying homage to TV’s “Mrs. Roper,” starting at 5:30 pm – times and stops are in our calendar listing.

(Friday sunset, photographed from Lincoln Park by Tom Trulin)

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

TERRY MUTTER ALBUM RELEASE: 7 pm show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), with special guest Carmen Ficarra. Ticket reservations here.

WEST END GIRLS: West Seattle’s monthly drag extravaganza at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, $20.

OUT AT THE BOX: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), no cover.

Planning a concert, open house, 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

CRIME WATCH: Man shot while driving on southbound Highway 509

August 26, 2023 12:47 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

12:47 AM: A “scenes of violence” response is headed to a reported shooting victim in a car at Arrowhead Gardens but that’s not where he says he was shot. Dispatch was told the 21-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg after someone in another car shot at his car on southbound Highway 509; he subsequently got off the highway and called 911.

12:52 AM: Police say this is a possible case of “road rage” involving one shot fired “just north of the Myers Way exit.” The vehicle from which the shot was fired is described only as a “black sedan.”

1:04 AM: A few more details – the victim was driving when this happened and was shot in the thigh. He’s being taken to Harborview Medical Center right now.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: City gives district two options in Alki Elementary no-parking appeal

August 25, 2023 10:10 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo)

As of tonight, the old Alki Elementary is almost completely demolished, but a matter that must be settled before the new one is built is still in question. More than two weeks have now passed since a city hearing examiner ruled in favor of neighbors challenging the city decision to allow a zoning exception so the replacement school – with a higher capacity – can be built without parking. We’ve been asking both the city Department of Construction and Inspections and Seattle Public Schools what they plan to do to respond to the ruling. We finally got an answer today from SDCI; spokesperson Wendy Shark tells WSB, “SDCI has communicated to the district to revise the project proposal to include the required parking or provide additional information to supplement a revised decision. A revised decision would be appealable to the Hearing Examiner. Timing of these actions is dependent on the district.” The required parking, per city code, is 48 spaces. The district has one other option – they could appeal the hearing examiner’s decision in King County Superior Court; so far court records show no indication they’re doing that. What they do plan to do, we don’t know yet, as we asked again as soon as we heard from SDCI this morning, but we hadn’t received a district response by day’s end. The building permit can’t be finalized until the issue is settled. The new school is supposed to be ready in two years.

Share This

BIZNOTE: New ice-cream option in West Seattle

August 25, 2023 8:33 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Just in time for another heat wave, there’s a new type of ice cream in town. Meaghan Haas of Highland Park Corner Store says it’s a new sideline in her storefront:

Tip Top an Ice Cream Shop brings New Zealand-style ice cream to Seattle. New Zealand-style ice cream, also known as real fruit ice cream, blends frozen fruit into an ice cream base, creating a custom-flavored ice cream each time. While it has been popular in New Zealand for quite some time, this fruity treat is just now catching on in the States. With only a handful of Little Jems (the custom-made ice cream blenders) in the States, Tip Top is the first one here in Seattle.

Tip Top’s tagline is “New Zealand-style ice cream with a Northwest twist.” Sourcing local ingredients that reflect the flavors of both New Zealand (hokey pokey – aka seafoam – from Indu!ge Desserts) and the Northwest (sweet cream and coconut cream base from Full Tilt), Tip Top seeks to keep the simple intent of NZ-style ice cream with local NW tastes. Additional regional ingredients include locally sourced fruits (when available), Theo chocolate, Three Tree Tea matcha powder, and Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce spice powder.

Tip Top is located inside Highland Park Corner Store, a community-centric corner store in Highland Park, West Seattle. Owner Meaghan Haas immigrated from the Seattle area to New Zealand after high school and obtained her degree from University of Auckland. She sees Tip Top as a way to bring her appreciation of her time in New Zealand – and Kiwi culture – to the Seattle area. Tip Top serves ice cream 7 days a week, from 11 am-8 pm Mondays-Saturdays, and 11 am-5 pm Sundays.

Highland Park Corner Store, and Tip Top, are at 7789 Highland Park Way SW.

Share This

MEET WEST SEATTLE’S TROLL: Bruun Idun unveiled at Lincoln Park

August 25, 2023 4:17 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

4:17 PM: At an invitation-only (but crowded) event under way right now, West Seattle’s troll Bruun Idun has just been “unveiled.”

As we first reported back in June, with a followup when troll-building began last week, this is one of six trolls that Danish artist Thomas Dambo is making from recycled materials and installing around the Northwest – first one was in Portland, then Bainbridge Island, now West Seattle (still to come are Issaquah, Vashon Island, and Ballard). Now that it’s been completed, its location at Lincoln Park has been revealed – right behind Colman Pool, where volunteers were still working to complete it this morning:

We took that photo after hiking in for a scheduled chance to talk briefly with the artist:

We also met John “Coyote” Halliday, a Muckleshoot Tribe artist who is contributing decorations to the troll, made primarily from bark and shells.

More photos and info to come – including the troll’s story (Dambo told us it’s meant to be “singing to the orcas”) – when we’re back from the event!

7:06 PM: Turns out Bruun Idun (“Idun” for short – pronounced like “Eden”) is playing a flute with a song for the orcas. Each troll has a poem, and Dambo read part of this one at the podium, including the line, “She played for them the orca song, to ask them where they all had gone.” Artist Coyote, meantime, explained that his creations are adorning Bruun Idun’s flute. He and Dambo had an “artist exchange” as part of this, including a visit by Coyote to Denmark, where he painted a killer whale on Dambo’s house. He and Dambo also exchanged gifts today.

This is all shown in our video of the program, which was emceed by Visit Seattle‘s Tracey Wickersham – a West Seattleite.
Guest speakers included Mayor Bruce Harrell, who talked with the artist before everyone moved to the portable podium:

The program began with a song by the Muckleshoot canoe family.

As underscored by the listing of partnerships at the end, this was a privately funded project. More information about Bruun Idun should appear soon on the nwtrolls.org website, as it has for the Portland troll Ole Bolle and the Bainbridge troll Pia. Dambo said this all was intended to happen a few years ago, but the pandemic interrupted the timeline. He has installed 121 “environmental sculptures” around the world and has more on the drawing board – even as this one was being built, he flew briefly to Austin, Texas, for meetings about a series planned next year.

P.S. As explained in our earlier interview with the artist – video above – no, they are NOT left to decompose; at some point the site host (Seattle Parks for this one) will decide when to dismantle it and recycle its components.

(Editor’s note: Troll’s name corrected post-publication to reflect that Bruun Idun is two words, not one as originally reported)

Share This

VIDEO: See inside SPD Mounted Patrol’s West Seattle home

August 25, 2023 2:36 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

A dozen years after saving the SPD Mounted Patrol, the Seattle Police Foundation has saddled up a special fundraising campaign for the unit, which is based here in West Seattle – in a barn next to Westcrest Park.

This time, it’s not in danger of shutdown, but the SPF funds “gaps” not covered by the basic SPD budget, so to get the word out, they invited media to visit the barn.

Riding McLovin – a name bestowed by the horse’s previous owner – in our video is Sgt. Brandon Caille, who along with one officer comprises the entirety of the Mounted Patrol’s permanent unit staff – supplemented if necessary, he says, with temporarily reassigned officers from elsewhere in the department. You must of course be trained to ride. Among those who are – SPD Chief Adrian Diaz.

When we visited during the “open barn” event on Wednesday, we had just missed the chief taking a turn around the indoor riding ring. The unit currently has six horses, plus Li’l Sebastian, who is wildly popular during community appearances:

Community appearances is what the unit focuses on, in fact, says Sgt. Caille – “relational policing” is the formal term. They might visit areas, for example, where data shows there’s been an uptick in crime. A common misconception is that they do crowd control work; Sgt. Caille says actually, they don’t.

The SPF calls its campaign “Adopt-A-Horse” – donations might even eventually fund a replacement for one of the current horses, which can cost up to about $20,000. (McLovin was one of the two most-recent purchases, in 2021.) SPF stepped up to save the unit when budget cuts threatened it in 2011; three years later, the city started covering its basic funding again, but the SPF has been covering “gaps” as it does for some other units in the department. If you’re interested in donating, go here.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Here’s where Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild project stands as city announces permit-comment period

August 25, 2023 12:35 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Wittman Estes)

The nonprofit Highland Park Improvement Club‘s plan for replacing its fire-ravaged building is now in an official comment period with the city. The process was announced in Thursday’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin. It’s been more than two years since the fire and more than a year and a half since HPIC started working with local architects Wittman Estes. So where does it stand now? HPIC board president Rhonda Smith answered our questions.

Timeline for permit process? “We are in the MUP [Master Use Permit] process, which SDCI says will take 5-7 months. Providing the city gives us the permit to do the project, we most likely will see that permit coming [first quarter of] 2024.”

How long will the rebuild take? “The architect, Wittman Estes, and general contractor, Metis Construction, have stated it will take approximately 15 months to do the rebuild. This means that providing we have the funding in hand when the project is ready to start, the new building will reopen in 2025.”

Insurance on the old building only covers part of the cost of a new one, so HPIC has been fundraising. Where is that at? “We have effectively raised $1.7 million. We are working with RJZ Connections, LLC to develop a fundraising plan that can be executed in stages. We need to raise $2M more to rebuild the building. We have launched the HPIC Building Booster campaign to give our community the opportunity to help us raise funds. We are building a case statement that will help tell the story of HPIC to be shared with future private donors, foundations and agencies. We have applied for many grants, some of which we have received. We will continue to do this as we identify the grants that match our needs and purpose.”

Smith says there’s another way to get involved in addition to contributing cash: “We are looking for new community partnerships. We are building a business model for the future through the development of new community partnerships that will keep HPIC independent and self-sustaining. We will still keep some of the favorite things people loved about HPIC while adding new programming that will reach a broader community audience. If there are non-profit organizations that are seeking a home and think HPIC could be a great partner, please send an email to HPIC at hpic1919@gmail.com with the header PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY.”

Smith adds, “This has been a challenging project and we are working hard every day to make this rebuild a reality but we can’t do it alone. We need everyone’s help.” Here are more ways to get involved.

As for the city’s permit-review process, this notice explains how to comment; the deadline is September 6th.

Share This

CRIME WATCH: Guitars, bikes stolen; car break-in

August 25, 2023 11:20 am

| Comments Off on CRIME WATCH: Guitars, bikes stolen; car break-in

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports:

GUITARS, BIKES STOLEN: That security-camera image is from a theft in which Drew says he lost $10,000 worth of guitars and bicycles. It happened in his storage unit at 125 SW 112th but he’s casting a wide net, including West Seattle, hoping someone might spot some of the items. Here’s a full list – with more photos – of what was stolen, including contact info for Drew and for King County Sheriff’s Office investigators, if you have any information.

CAR BREAK-IN: From Cynthia: “I wanted to report my vehicle was broken into in front of the Grove on 36th overnight (Tuesday) night. They stole my car charger and didn’t even look through anything else. I filed a police report.”

Share This

WEST SEATTLE FRIDAY: 13 possibilities

August 25, 2023 10:07 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Late-summer flowers, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Last day for local sites where free food has been available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm – this is the only West Seattle wading pool that stays open through Labor Day – assuming it’s a warm, mostly sunny afternoon, which is expected today. (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.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store radio broadcast by Marco Collins, 3-7 pm, “with a special appearance by Citizen Cope.” (4559 California SW)

TROLL GOES PUBLIC: The giant troll that’s been under construction in Lincoln Park will debut at an “exclusive media unveiling” at 4 pm, and should be publicly visible after that.

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.

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

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

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Blade Palace, Crazy Eyes, Long Shorts, doors 8 pm, music 9 pm at The Skylark, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

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

Share This

YOU CAN HELP: WestSide Baby welcomes donations and volunteers

August 25, 2023 9:13 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

WestSide Baby, the nonprofit that has long helped kids and their families in this area, wants you to know it welcomes donations and volunteers. From interim executive director Laura Skelton asked us to share this announcement:

WestSide Baby is back to regular donation and volunteer hours.

Donation Hours:

We are happy and grateful to accept donations on Tuesday (9 AM-7 PM), Wednesday (9 AM-5 PM), and Thursday (9 AM-4 PM). More info about donating items here: westsidebaby.org/donate-items

Volunteer Hours:

We have volunteer shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. More info and a sign-up link here: westsidebaby.org/volunteer

We ramped up our bulk diaper program in the past year, which is a new way to meet community needs. We are distributing pallets of diapers to about 35 partners on a monthly basis.

In the first half of 2023, we fulfilled about 450 orders each week. These represent specific requests from our community partners, on behalf of their individual clients.