West Seattle, Washington

17 Tuesday

53℉

month : 08/2023 322 results

Brief, widespread West Seattle power interruption
August 29, 2023 5:45 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

No, it wasn’t just you. That was a fairly widespread, but brief, power interruption about 15 minutes ago. We’ve heard from people all around the peninsula who experienced it too – from Admiral in the north to at least as far south as here in Upper Fauntleroy – but we haven’t heard from anyone who lost power for more than a moment, and the Seattle City Light map shows only two 1-customer spots in North Delridge (an area where some also heard a possible transformer/fuse boom).

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BIZNOTE: Dere Auto clearing out of 35th/Barton
August 29, 2023 4:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip! Dere Auto is clearing out at 35th/Barton, after more than three decades. We went over to inquire after a texter sent a photo of this note on the door:

As the note says, they told us, they’re consolidating into their Rainier Avenue location. They also told us that the West Seattle site – which has been listed as “for lease” for a while – will be taken over by Meineke, which recently closed its 17th/Roxbury location (slated for redevelopment). We haven’t yet reached that company to confirm.

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SIDEWALK ALERT: Highland Park work this week and next
August 29, 2023 4:17 pm
|    Comments Off on SIDEWALK ALERT: Highland Park work this week and next
 |   Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

SDOT says it’s expecting to keep that section of sidewalk, on the west side of Highland Park Way SW between SW Holden St and SW Portland St., closed through Friday, September 8th. The notice says they’re rebuilding the sidewalk, with new curb ramps and a curb bulb, as part of the Highland Park Way/Holden Safety Project, which won’t be completely done until early next year.

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BIZNOTE: Mountain to Sound Outfitters announces change
August 29, 2023 2:24 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

A change in focus is ahead for Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor). As proprietor Greg Whittaker summarizes it, the Triangle shop – and its online operation – will be “focusing on the mountain side of it and the Sound side will be primarily located in Alki Kayak Tours,” his longtime business at Seacrest. Here’s the announcement:

Mountain to Sound Outfitters (M2S) in West Seattle announces it will no longer continue its Paddlesports department. After several years of attempting to grow the category, we have determined that it is no longer a feasible category for us in the Seattle market. Mountain to Sound Outfitters’ on-water location, Alki Kayak Tours, will continue to operate as a rental, instruction, and touring operation for paddle sports, and will offer demo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for certain brands. M2S will continue to be the go-to winter-sports provider for the Seattle market and is currently ramping up for the upcoming winter ’23-’24 season.

This Labor Day weekend, Mountain to Sound Outfitters is holding a clearance event to liquidate its inventory and has amazing clearance deals in the best paddle brands in the world. M2S is also holding a Scratch & Dent, and Boat Swap on 9/9 and will be selling off a lot of the used equipment from Alki Kayak Tours at that time as well. Information can be found at this link: m2soutfitters.com/boat-swap–scratch–dent-sale.htm

“It is a business decision that I have held off making with the hopes we could make the paddlesports department work,” says Greg Whittaker, owner of M2S. “We are paddlers and love providing the best equipment in the world for our customers, but the volumes don’t offset the overhead costs of the store to continue to be a stand-alone paddlesports shop.” Whittaker adds, “Since we also operate an on-water location, we will be shifting our energy toward growing the variety and offerings at Alki Kayak Tours, and will still be able to offer certain kayak and SUP brands to demo and purchase through our livery operation.”

Come by and support the shop online or in person as we clear out our remaining paddlesports inventory, and stay tuned for developments in our retail operations as we determine what best fits our store and community’s needs.

M2S is open Wednesdays through Sundays; you can see its hours by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Witnesses sought in baseball-bat attack; pickup stolen (update: found)
August 29, 2023 12:47 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two Crime Watch reports, starting with an attack that happened Monday evening:

BASEBALL-BAT ATTACK: That photo was sent by a West Seattle woman who says a man smashed her car’s windshield with a baseball bat, twice, while she was in the driver’s seat: “It was absolutely terrifying.” This happened near Fauntleroy/Alaska around 6 pm – the victim says she was trying to pull out of the Trader Joe’s parking lot when the attacker got out of his car “to fight someone” and instead attacked her. Police-radio exchanges included a partial description of the attacker as a Black man, mid-20s, thin build, in a car that had varying descriptions, but the last one broadcast by police was “dark gray Prius with blacked-out rims.” The victim was so shaken up – with glass in her mouth – that “Someone took my phone to finish the 911 call. Thank you to that anonymous person.” We’re awaiting the SPD report narrative to see if they learned anything more from witnesses or area video cameras – in the meantime, the victim is hoping more witnesses will come forward – the case # to refer to is 23-248790. SPD’s violent-crimes tip line is 206-233-5000.

Also in Crime Watch, this reader report of a stolen pickup:

TEAL F-250 TAKEN: Via email from Renee:

Sometime between11:00 PM 8/28 and 7:30 AM 8/29, my brother’s 1996 teal (green) Ford F-250 pickup truck with a long bed (8 foot) and a black rack, license B98508V, was taken from the front of our house in the 5400 block of 18th Ave SW. Report no. 23-249273. If you see this truck, call the police and Mark at 206-423-1650.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Found in Shoreline.

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UPDATE: Gas-leak response near 36th/Hanford
August 29, 2023 11:34 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Gas-leak response near 36th/Hanford
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

11:34 AM: Seattle Fire is on the scene of a reported natural-gas leak on 36th SW just north of SW Hanford. They’re calling for Seattle City Light because they’ve noted a “high-voltage transformer” relatively close to the source of the leak.

11:45 AM: Puget Sound Energy – which handles gas service in our area – is still en route.

NOON: PSE has arrived, firefighters just told dispatch.

12:10 PM: And they’ve subsequently “secured the leak.”

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WEST SEATTLE TUESDAY: 16 notes
August 29, 2023 10:12 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(“Live” SDOT traffic cam in the heart of The Junction)

Here’s our highlight list for your last Tuesday of August, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW-LOW TIDE: Just after 10 am, the tide was out to -2.3 feet, in summer’s last round of daytime low-low tides.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm rain or shine. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL CLOSED: Clouds and below-70s temperatures this afternoon, so the city says it won’t open wading pools today.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN INFO: Today brings the first of four SDOT informational pop-ups at West Seattle libraries to talk about the newly released draft Seattle Transportation Plan, 12 pm-1 pm at Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Here are other ways to get info/offer feedback.

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.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the air-conditioned Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

FREE STEERING-WHEEL LOCKS: If you have an at-risk-for-theft Hyundai or Kia, the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) is giving away more free steering-wheel locks, 2:30-6:30 pm.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER: 21+ rooftop event at Wildwood Market (9214 45th SW), 4-8 pm, as previewed here, raising money for the donations-and-volunteers-powered festival.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS MEETING POSTPONED: As noted here Monday, the SPS online meeting about “well-resourced schools” has been pushed back to September 26th,

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer. (5078 25th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can see the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HELPING: West Seattle DAV’s reminder for veterans
August 29, 2023 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

From the West Seattle DAV chapter, headquartered at 4857 Delridge Way SW, a message for all veterans:

Do you need help filing a claim for disability?

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) West Seattle Chapter #23 has trained Service Officers to help you with your claim. There is no charge , we are available on a first-come first-serve basis every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM.

If you have questions, the chapter’s phone number is 206-933-8604.

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UPDATE: Teenage passenger killed in high-speed crash by West Seattle Bridge onramp
August 29, 2023 7:46 am
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:46 AM: Fire and police are at the scene of a crash that’s requiring someone to be extricated from a vehicle. This is at/near the north end of Delridge Way by the bridge. Updates to come.

7:50 AM: SFD medics are describing this as a vehicle hitting a West Seattle Bridge “pillar” at high speed and that the passenger who had to be cut out of the car has life-threatening injuries. … SFD says he is a man in his mid-20s. The driver got out of the car unassisted.

8:05 AM: A commenter says the Avalon entrance to the bridge is blocked. The logged address of the crash site is Fire Station 36 under the bridge – our crew is still en route so we haven’t seen the scene yet.

(WSB photos)

8:13 AM: Our crew just sent that photo from the scene. They explain the location as alongside the ramp up to the bridge from Avalon/Harbor, alongside the north side of Nucor – here’s another photo:

8:22 AM: Dispatch just told officers that Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are on the way. … Dispatch is trying to find a better address to update the log (the initial address, 3600 23rd SW, as noted above, is the location of Fire Station 36, but this happened west of there). Both men people in the car were taken to the hospital, the passenger in critical condition, the driver less seriously hurt.

8:50 AM: Live video from the closest traffic camera – under the bridge at Avalon/Harbor/Spokane – shows vehicles are being allowed to turn onto the ramp.

11:51 AM: We don’t have an update on the passenger yet, but the driver is a 20-year-old man, SFD says, who was in stable condition when transported.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Still no official update but commenters identifying themselves as a friend and relative say the passenger has died.

WEDNESDAY MORNING: Police have just confirmed that via this SPD Blotter post. They say the passenger who died was a 16-year-old boy and that the 20-year-old driver “showed signs of impairment … and was arrested for (investigation of) vehicular homicide.”

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday begins
August 29, 2023 6:03 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:40 AM: “Rescue extrication” response at north end of Delridge. Separate coverage shortly.

8:36 AM: As reported in that coverage, the logged address of the crash was Fire Station.36 – by Delridge’s north end – but the actual scene was to the west along the onramp from Avalon/Harbor.

8:50 AM: The closest traffic cam indicates the ramp is open.

9:16 AM: A crash is reported on Highland Park Way SW between the 1st Ave. S. Bridge and 2nd Ave. SW, involving a solid-waste truck and a pickup truck.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 29th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

After some overnight rain and thunderstorm activity, there’s more in the forecast, with a high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:24 am; sunset will be at 7:56 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

More local students will return to class tomorrow, the official first day for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and the Vashon Island School District. Our full list of start dates is here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories. The September “service change” happens Saturday – for West Seattle, the Route 55 suspension and some Route 22 changes are most notable.

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 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Park gunfire
August 29, 2023 2:08 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

2:08 AM: The first “heard gunfire” report this time came from a police officer who was in the High Point vicinity. Then in short order, dispatch started reporting multiple 911 callers who heard it too, including one who saw “muzzle flashes” in the Walt Hundley Playfield vicinity. Officers have subsequently found shell casings “about 30 yards into the park.” 13 “pistol casings” found so far, as well as “rifle casings,” as officers described their findings to dispatch.

2:18 AM: So far no reports of injuries or property damage. One officer gave dispatch a more-specific location, in the park west of the 6900 block of 31st SW.

ADDED THURSDAY: The police summary of the incident describes the recovered casings as “twenty-two 9mm … and six .556.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglarized, again
August 28, 2023 9:22 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglarized, again
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor) has been hit by another smash-and-grab burglary, similar to one back in February. Swedish proprietor Todd Ainsworth sent the photo and report:

We got hit again with another broken window sometime between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Some of our awesome clients and neighbors started texting us Friday morning, saying they saw the window while they were walking or driving by.

Whoever it was grabbed a couple of easy-to-reach items from one of our techs’ toolboxes and we have filed a police report. If anyone has any information, it would be great to know.

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SCHOOLS: Four-week delay for online ‘well-resourced schools’ meeting
August 28, 2023 7:23 pm
|    Comments Off on SCHOOLS: Four-week delay for online ‘well-resourced schools’ meeting
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tomorrow night was supposed to be Seattle Public Schools‘ grand finale to its series of community meetings meant to collect ideas to define “well-resourced schools.” That’s what the district says it needs to move toward – and that might mean closing/consolidating schools. So far, it’s had a series of in-person meetings around the district, including this one we covered on August 10th. Late today, the district announced the citywide online meeting scheduled for tomorrow will instead be held at 5:30 pm September 26th. The announcement says in part, “Moving this online engagement to Tuesday, Sept. 26, after the school year has begun will allow for wider community participation. It will also help us prepare an exceptional experience for a larger number of people.” If you RSVP here, they promise to send the meeting link during the week of September 11th. Meantime, they’re still promising an online survey in “early September.” This is all supposed to result in a plan to be presented by superintendent Dr. Brent Jones in November.

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UPDATE: 15-customer power outage southeast of The Junction
August 28, 2023 6:46 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: 15-customer power outage southeast of The Junction
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

6:46 PM: After a bit of a lag, the Seattle City Light outage map is now showing an outage a texter says started about 6:25 pm. They heard an explosion and then lost power. The map says 15 customers are out.

7:25 PM: Our texter reports that a dead crow was found near the origin of the outage – “closed circuit and blew fuse,” they were told, along with the promise that power should be back shortly.

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WEST SEATTLE STAIRWAYS: Bonair closure, Brandon construction, California Drive update
August 28, 2023 5:08 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Updates today on three West Seattle stairways, present and future:

BONAIR/HALLECK WORK: Thanks to Desiree for the tip on this. If you use this stairway in upper Alki, note that tree/vegetation work is set to start Wednesday.

(SDOT photo)

The stairway will be closed during the work, according to the official construction notice. It’s expected to last up to two days. SDOT‘s Greg Funk says this is prep work before the stairway is rebuilt (which is also awaiting a separate project – Seattle City Light needs to move the pole at the bottom of the stairway).

BRANDON CONSTRUCTION: This under-construction stairway between 21st and 23rd, a block east of the Delridge Library, has caught a lot of attention:

(WSB photo)

This isn’t an SDOT project – the developer of an adjacent house-building project was required to build it as a condition of the project permit. But, SDOT’s Funk tells us, it will be turned over to the city when complete. One feature that not all stairways have: As requested by at least one community member, this will have “runnels” so that bicycles can be pushed up/down the stairway. As for its status, Funk says, “The bike runnels have been formed and poured and the contractor is working on forming and pouring stair treads. No ETA on completion but October for concrete work and then another month for rail.”

CALIFORNIA DRIVE: This stairway project in Fauntleroy “is almost complete,” Funk says. “SDOT crews are installing the permanent rail this week.”

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YOU CAN HELP: Benefit Thursday for Southgate Roller Rink manager
August 28, 2023 3:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

If you’ve skated at our area’s only roller rink – Southgate, in White Center – you might know manager Katie. She’s fighting cancer, and the rink is hosting a benefit 8:30-11 pm Thursday night (August 31st) to help her win that fight:

Let’s raise some money to help our good friend and manager Katie! This is a 21+ fundraising event. There will be A RAFFLE featuring donations by local businesses and artists! Music by DJ Josh and a special live music performance by MAN PLUS! The admission is $25 and free skate rental. 100% of the admission will go to Katie and will be matched by Southgate.

Katie has been taking care of everyone else and always puts their needs before herself. She will beat cancer and in the meantime let’s raise some money to cover her rent, living expenses, and medical bills!

If you are unable to attend, this is the link to the gofundme: gofundme.com/f/r9kgn-help-katie-beat-cancer

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UTILITY NOTES: Mystery brown water in Fauntlee Hills; followup on Puget Ridge’s Saturday power outage
August 28, 2023 1:52 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle utility notes:

MYSTERY BROWN WATER: Via text, a reader report: “Just want to report brown water to multiple homes in the Fauntlee Hills area (39th and 40th Ave SW). Called SPU. They said no fire hydrant testing in the area and are sending this to the water quality inspector to investigate.” Hydrant testing has been the most common cause of brown water – stirring up sediment (rust) in the lines – lately, but certainly isn’t the only possibility, which is why reporting it to 206-386-1800 is important, every time.

SATURDAY OUTAGE FOLLOWUP: More than 300 Seattle City Light customers, mostly on Puget Ridge, lost power for more than an hour and a half on Saturday night, as reported here. Shortly after the start of the outage, SFD responded to a “vault fire” call in the 6700 block of West Marginal Way. Today when we followed up, SCL’s Jenn Strang confirmed the two were related – the vault fire actually led to the wider outage: “We de-energized the additional 319 customers for a brief period out of an abundance of caution while SFD and City Light crews safely entered the area. SFD confirmed there was no active fire, but smoke was coming from the vault. The cause was determined to be a fuse in the underground system.”

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BIZNOTE: Ephesus closes in West Seattle
August 28, 2023 11:56 am
|      60 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to the readers who emailed in recent days about the closure of Ephesus, the Turkish-turned-Greek restaurant at 5245 California SW. Via email, Aydin from Ephesus confirmed the closure and said they didn’t renew their lease because “Our landlord wanted to increase rent 100% and we didn’t accept.” You can find the same Greek food and beverages at 210 Occidental Ave. S. in Pioneer Square.

Property records show the West Seattle building has had the same ownership for 30 years; they sold off the long-stalled building site next door last year. (The new project for that site, first noted here last year – again, under different ownership from the now-closed restaurant – is still making its way through the city permit process; here’s the new design packet for the 9 townhouses planned there.)

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11 for your West Seattle Monday
August 28, 2023 10:39 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Steve Bender for a colorful photo to brighten a gray morning – a tree frog, photographed in West Seattle. Meantime, here are the calendar highlights for the rest of your Monday:

LEARN TO CHEER: Today’s the registration deadline for Chief Sealth IHS Cheerleaders‘ upcoming after-school mini-camp for kids of all ages – details here.

WADING POOL: Despite the clouds, Seattle Parks says the weather will be warm enough, with some sun, to open the Lincoln Park wading pool noon-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

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

MOVIE MONDAYS: At the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) at 1 pm, Terry’s “Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of” continue, with free popcorn plus newsreels, previews, and cartoons. Today’s movie: “The Devil to Pay” (1930). Members free, nonmembers $5.

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

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, this is “Crafting and Creativity Night” 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.

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

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

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three options – 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)

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 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!

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Remembering Stefan Gryniewski, 1995–2023
August 28, 2023 9:00 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Stefan Gryniewski. His father shares this remembrance:

My son, Stefan Gryniewski, died of an accidental drug overdose in the early morning of August 23, 2023. He left this world too soon. At least I know that he is at peace now in God’s love and no longer subject to the ravages of a terrible drug addiction.

He will be missed terribly and remembered always.

From his very beginning Stefan faced challenges in life. He was born prematurely, weighing a mere 2 lbs. 4 ozs. He spent 58 days in an incubator before coming home. When I first held him in my hands, and he wasn’t much bigger than my hands, I wondered aloud “how is this baby going to survive?” However, he received excellent care from the doctors and nurses at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, and I am forever grateful.

Stefan was a fighter. He not only survived but he thrived. He sought to overcome every obstacle he faced in life. He had the strength, courage, and desire to live life to its fullest. He was smart, funny, sociable, dependable, and loved his family. Unfortunately, over the last few years Fentanyl and heroin hijacked his resolve and took his life.

Stefan’s smile lit up a room. He loved to laugh and sing. For some odd reason he had a special love for songs from the 1970s. He was a goofball in every way. He was also focused, motivated, and goal oriented.

Growing up, Stefan immersed himself in many things. He loved sports – especially baseball and football. He was a rabid Mariners, Huskies, and Seahawks fan. He loved American muscle cars and dreamed of owning one at some point in his life. He took every auto shop class that he could in high school and learned his way around cars.

Stefan also loved camping and nature. We spent many wonderful summers camping together at Tahklahk Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. He loved swimming, fishing, hiking, and reading Harry Potter by the fire. For those memories Tahklahk Lake will always occupy a special place in our hearts now and forever.

A voracious reader, Stefan was also interested in current events, politics, and the world around him. He was passionate about many causes and always stood up for what he believed in. He had a particular gift for languages and was fluent in many of them. Stefan was proud of his Polish heritage and dreamed of traveling to Poland someday to meet his relatives.
More than anything, Stefan wanted to create a loving, stable life for his family and dreamed of a successful career, becoming a homeowner, and contributing to his community.

Stefan graduated Cum Laude from Ingraham High School, where he also wrestled and played football. He was enrolled at the University of Washington – Tacoma, where he was 30 credits short of a degree in Global Honors at the time of his passing.

Stefan is survived by Bruce Gryniewski (father), Eva Luna (mother), Levi Gryniewski (brother), Pechanda Von (wife), Felix Gryniewski (son), and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers or remembrances, please consider making a donation to a drug addiction treatment center or organization of your choice. No words can describe the pain of losing a child but every life we save will be forever in his memory.

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: August’s last Monday
August 28, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: August’s last Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 28th, and we’re starting the last workweek before Labor Day.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of showers/thunderstorms, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:22 am; sunset will be at 7:58 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

More local students will return to class this week – Wednesday (August 30th) is the official first day for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and the Vashon Island School District (which has many students who commute by ferry from Fauntleroy). Our full list of start dates is here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories. The September “service change” happens Saturday – for West Seattle, the Route 55 suspension and some Route 22 changes are most notable.

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 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Twice-stolen car; ‘Little Free Library 8702 is out for repair’
August 27, 2023 10:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports:

TWICE-STOLEN CAR: Madeline already has her car back, again, but wants to alert others:

I want to put a warning out for all car owners (especially Kia or Hyundai owners) that live in the surrounding neighborhoods of EC Hughes park. My 2018 Hyundai Tucson was stolen in April, and was luckily located, but turned into a $7000+ repair. This happened on the 7500 block of SW Holden St and 28th Ave SW. Last night sometime between 9 pm-12:15 am on the 7700 block of SW Kenyon St and 34th Ave SW. This was the exact same car stolen, with updated anti-theft features, in less than 6 months. Luckily I had an AirTag hidden very well in my car, and the Puyallup PD and I were able to track it down there. The Hyundai and Kia thefts are far from over, unfortunately.

If you have one of those cars, remember that SPD is giving away more steering-wheel locks this week, on Tuesday and Saturday – details here.

‘LITTLE FREE LIBRARY 8702 IS OUT FOR REPAIR’: That’s how Gay headlined this emailed report:

As many people were concerned while walking, driving, and biking up 48th … please know that we are not stealing the library. She has taken another senseless blow and will be out for repairs. Matt Lukin just remade the door this summer and the way it was built it would take a considerable effort and force to snap the dove-tailed door apart.

She will bounce back as she always does.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Cooldown time
August 27, 2023 8:40 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Cooldown time
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Sunset from Lincoln Park – WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

The weekend “heat advisory” alert has expired as of 8 pm, and the forecast suggests we’re on track for a cooldown, with a high in the 70s tomorrow, the 60s Tuesday – when, the National Weather Service says, “temperatures will be their coolest since June” – and possible showers/thundershowers inbetween. In the meantime, some smoke lingers, as air-quality readings underscore.

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