West Seattle, Washington

17 Tuesday

53℉

month : 08/2023 322 results

PHOTO TOUR: See inside West Seattle Elementary School’s expansion and renovations
August 22, 2023 8:16 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two weeks from tomorrow, West Seattle Elementary School students and staff will have classes at their 6760 34th SW home campus for the first time in more than two years.

While WSES spent those two years in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, their school underwent big changes – an addition and renovations. We requested a tour so we could show you those changes before the school year. Shown below are our tour guides last Friday afternoon:

From left are assistant principal Ritchie Garcia, Miller Hayashi Architects principal Laura Maman and project manager Pearlene Cheah, and Seattle Public Schools‘ project manager David L. Jackson. We photographed them beneath what might be the most distinctive feature of the expansion-and-renovation project – shown atop this story – a new entrance canopy that is visible from the streets west and east of the school and from the neighborhood to its north.

We started our tour at the front entrance, which is now a secure space with separate doors for the office and the hallway.
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READER REPORT: West Seattle Scouts travel to Florida for adventures in exploration, conservation
August 22, 2023 5:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Scouts from West Seattle traveled to Florida for summer adventures that included important lessons. Jay Brock sent the photos and report:

What an exciting and adventurous summer for West Seattle Crew 282 with members from Troop 282 (Boys), Troop 8282 (Girls), Troop 284(Boys) and Troop 22 (Girls – San Francisco) at Sea Base Florida! Here’s a closer look at their remarkable achievements:

Advanced Open Water Course: Completing the Advanced Open Water course is a significant accomplishment. It suggests that the members of both troops are skilled and experienced in scuba diving, having undertaken more than 10 dives in the Florida Keys, including night dives. These experiences allowed them to explore the mesmerizing underwater world and encounter a variety of marine life.

Scouting Centers of Excellence in Nature and Environment (SCENE) Project Award: Earning the SCENE project award demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship and nature preservation. It signifies that they have not only enjoyed the natural world but also actively worked to protect and conserve it.

PADI Project Aware Coral Reef Conservation Project: Participating in a PADI Project Aware Coral Reef Conservation project in Florida is an admirable contribution to marine conservation. Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that require protection, and the effort put into this project will help restore and maintain the health of these reefs.

This summer adventure was not only thrilling but also educational and environmentally responsible. It’s evident that the scouts are dedicated to both adventure and making a positive impact on the environment. This experience will likely leave a lasting impression on all the participants and inspire a sense of responsibility towards preserving our natural world.

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BIZNOTE: Longrunning West Seattle pet business needs to fetch a new home – again
August 22, 2023 3:10 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A dozen-plus years after Sarah Mettler took over Lady Di Pet Chaperone, she’s in need of a new location – again – thanks to redevelopment, and hoping you might know the perfect place.

(Photo courtesy Sarah Mettler [clients enter off the alley])

Last time, she was able to stay on the same block in The Junction, moving from 4433 42nd SW – which became Junction Flats – to 4451 42nd SW. But now, nine years later, the block is almost completely redeveloped and out of possibilities. Mettler says her landlord has informed her the site will be used as staging for the upcoming mixed-use project at 4448 California SW and she’ll have to be out by year’s end. As she told her clients in the initial announcement, “Although I’m planning to work with an agent, some of the best properties are discovered by word of mouth. If you or anyone you know has a property available for lease or a lease-to-own option, please share their contact information and I will be so grateful.”

So we asked – what’s she looking for? “My dream is to stay in West Seattle but I am open to surrounding areas. I will need a space with a minimum of 1000sf. Cozy is my desire but I could turn an old warehouse into a palace if needed. The dogs will need access to an outside area to potty, even if it’s not your traditional yard. I offer daycare and overnight boarding 365 days a year.” If you have a possibility in mind, contact info – email, phone, or web message – is here. (But in the meantime, Lady Di Pet Chaperone remains open and “business as usual.”

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WEDNESDAY: Another West Seattle ‘civic conversation’ about AI
August 22, 2023 1:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Two months ago, West Seattleite James Boutin invited community members to join him for a “civic conversation” about artificial intelligence (AI), which has seemingly suddenly burst into the spotlight for so many industries and other facets of life. He’s doing it again tomorrow, so if you’re interested in talking about AI, join him at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 5-7 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, August 23). He explains, “Advances in artificial intelligence technology are occurring at lightning speed – much faster than the general public can keep up with. … I believe civic conversations about AI can help us practice democracy, build community, and improve our understanding and humane use of AI.” You can register to save a spot, free, by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Restaurant burglary
August 22, 2023 11:29 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

New Teriyaki and Wok in Morgan Junction (6540 California SW) is opening late today – around 5 pm – as its owner deals with cleanup and repairs after an overnight burglary. We took the photo after hearing police dispatched this morning to check out the shattered door; at the time, officers hadn’t reached the owner, but they eventually did, and we went back just now to follow up with him. He told us the burglar(s) didn’t get away with much – $20 and “a box of chicken.”

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Person found dead at West Seattle bus stop
August 22, 2023 10:29 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks for all the tips a=about SPD and SFD at the bus stop on southbound 35th SW south of Avalon early this morning. The initial call around 5:40 am was for an unconscious, unresponsive person, and SFD medics were unable to revive him. Police tell WSB, “There were no signs of foul play.” The cause of death will be determined by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, which subsequently responded to the scene and, SPD says, “took responsibility of the deceased subject.”

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From running to trivia, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
August 22, 2023 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on From running to trivia, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)

Here’s our highlight list for your late-summer Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Last week for these local sites to offer free food for kids on weekdays, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm, the last wading pool open in West Seattle is expected to be in operation today since afternoon sunshine is expected before that chance of rain. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

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.)

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.

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).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

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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Learn to cheer! Chief Sealth IHS Cheer Team leading 3-day after-school mini-camp for kids
August 22, 2023 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo: Chief Sealth cheerleaders in July’s West Seattle Grand Parade)

The start of school doesn’t mean the end of summer. For three days next month, the Chief Sealth IHS Cheer Team is leading a summer after-school mini-camp for kids K-8 as a fundraiser. The mini-camp is happening 4-8 pm September 13-15 at CSIHS (2600 SW Thistle). On the final day, students will show their new skills during a Sealth game at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex across the street. The deadline for signups has just been extended to next Monday (August 28th); this flyer has more info. When you’re ready to register your student(s), use this form!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday begins
August 22, 2023 6:01 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 22nd.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

No air-quality alert, no heat alert, just a forecast today: Partly sunny, rain possible by tonight, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:14 am; sunset will be at 8:09 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 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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UPDATE: Crash on Delridge Way next to Southwest Precinct
August 21, 2023 10:40 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COUNTDOWN: Five days until Admiral Funktion street party. Here’s what’s different this year
August 21, 2023 8:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

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

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

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

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FOLLOWUP: See what’s left of Alki Elementary as teardown continues
August 21, 2023 6:10 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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

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

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Ford work van (update: found)
August 21, 2023 3:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report via email:

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

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

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

UPDATE: Found in the Central District.

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FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK: Timeline pushed back 2 years, as advisory-group meetings set
August 21, 2023 1:42 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: What police ultimately found out about Sunday morning’s Alki, Beach Drive shooting incidents
August 21, 2023 11:59 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS, FINAL WEEK: Friday is the final day for this program – here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Remembering Roger L. Armstrong, 1947-2023
August 21, 2023 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on Remembering Roger L. Armstrong, 1947-2023
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Service details to be announced.

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

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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

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

WEATHER, SMOKE, SUNRISE/SUNSET

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

REOPENED

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

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low-bridge cam:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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Founder of West Seattle’s Stage Struck youth-theater program soon to take ‘Final Bow’
August 20, 2023 11:11 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The end of the summer will be the end of an era for youth theater in West Seattle.

After one last round of summer theater camps, Laura Drake is retiring, and turning over her Stage Struck program to a new owner (who’s expected to give it a new name).

She’s hoping to catch up with former Stage Struck families for a “final bow” party at 8 pm September 1st, after the last summer-show performance.

It’s been a monumental run. She’s produced 180 shows between 2001 and 2023, both after-school and summer-camp productions. She started Stage Struck in the basement of Admiral Church, and currently works in the fellowship hall at Fauntleroy Church, where the walls are currently decorated with photo montages from all those shows over all those years.

Drake – who has an extensive performing background – says she launched Stage Struck, with partners, as a “49-year-old single mom” hoping to bring in some extra income; she became interested in classroom teaching, too, and went back to school for a certificate. She subsequently taught at both Highland Park Elementary and Arbor Heights Elementary until retiring from Seattle Public Schools five years ago. But even while teaching, “summers were always full” with eight or nine 2-week Stage Struck camps.

Fauntleroy Church has been the ideal home for the program, she says, not just because of the stage – to which lighting and other features have been added over the years – but because of other rooms in the building where instruction and practice can go on. Drake explains that Stage Struck production have rotating casts, so each production has multiple students per role. Another unique facet of her program has been learning and exploration adjunct to the production – performing “The Lion King” was an opportunity to explore African music and dance, for example. And the productions have always featured live musicians. This year, they’ve been doing two longtime favorites – “Annie” and “Grease” – and two “Best Of” shows.

Over the years, Drake says, she’s worked with so many students that “I run into ‘Stage Struck’ kids everywhere!” Many of the teachers who’ve worked in the program “came up as alums, she adds. The new owner, a member of her staff, plans to rebrand it, likely as Lights Up! But in the meantime, for Drake, it’ll be curtain down at summer’s end: “It’s been great.”

P.S. If you’re a Stage Struck alum interested in the “Final Bow” party on September 1st, or reconnecting before then, you can reach Drake via stagestruckseattle@gmail.com.

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Fauntleroy Community Service Agency searching for dual-role executive director
August 20, 2023 9:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Fauntleroy Community Service Agency searching for dual-role executive director
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

The Fauntleroy Community Service Agency and Fauntleroy Children’s Center, both based in the historic schoolhouse, are searching for a new Executive Director. They’ve listed the job in the WSB West Seattle Jobs Offered section but are also hoping to call more attention to it “due to the uniqueness of the position and the mission of this wonderful nonprofit.” Here’s the backstory:

Why it matters:

In 1978, a group of dedicated community members came together to found the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency (FCSA). Through research they found what the community most needed was childcare and thus the Fauntleroy Children’s Center (FCC) was born. In 1981 when Seattle Public Schools closed the Fauntleroy Elementary School, the FCSA leaped on the chance to lease the building so FCC could grow. In 2010, 30 years later, the FCSA secured the future of the child care center by receiving a grant to purchase the building and most of the surrounding property from the Seattle School District. Today we share the Schoolhouse with Dance! West Seattle, The Hall at Fauntleroy, Lincoln Park Co-Op, Urban Nature Outdoor Preschool, and several other small businesses. We are so happy to be able to operate this beautiful Schoolhouse that continues to be a neighborhood hub.

We are searching for a new Executive Director to spearhead an exceptional team and embrace the challenge of leading our NAEYC accredited childcare center and historic Schoolhouse. Someone with passion, drive, and the ability to create dynamic programs and foster an inclusive community can make a true difference.

You can see the job listing here. It includes an email address you can use for questions as well as applications.

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SMOKE: Early sunset, but relief’s on the way
August 20, 2023 8:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(From Fauntlee Hills – photo by Scott Wiesemann)

Thanks for the photos. Though the official sunset moment is right about now, the sun made an early exit tonight, shrouded in smoke after casting a pink shimmer on Puget Sound.

(Photo by Beth Jackson)

The National Weather Service says the wind has shifted in a way that should keep air quality from getting any worse, though it may take a while to “scour” the air. By Tuesday, there’s even a slight chance of rainshowers.

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SWIMMING: Colman Pool director passes workplace on 13-mile lighthouse-to-lighthouse swim
August 20, 2023 5:49 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo by Peter Ray)

Thanks to Jennifer for the info and photos from the latest marathon swim completed by a Northwest Open Water Swimming Association member. Above, swimming past Lincoln Park‘s beach on Saturday afternoon, is Wendy Van De Sompele, who is aquatic director of Colman Pool, and an accomplished distance swimmer at age 57. On Saturday, she swam 13 miles from Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island to Alki Point Lighthouse in West Seattle.

(Photo by Andrew Malinak)

She completed the swim in 10 hours, 21 minutes, Jennifer tells us. She was swimming at a faster pace earlier but then a change in the tide, plus a headwind, slowed her down considerably. Earlier this summer, Van De Sompele swam between three lighthouses in one day – from Gig Harbor to Tacoma to Maury. That swim was chronicled by the Vashon Beachcomber.

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