West Seattle, Washington

17 Tuesday

52℉

month : 08/2023 322 results

YOU’RE INVITED: Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks to tour Hiawatha on Saturday
August 18, 2023 2:30 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

While Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield await their future, if you’re interested, tomorrow (Saturday, August 19th) brings a unique chance to learn about Hiawatha’s century-plus-long history. Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks invites you to a free walking tour, 10 am-noon. All they ask is that you RSVP – the link for that, and details of the tour, are here.

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BIZNOTE: Distinctive White Center building to become West Seattle day care/preschool’s future home
August 18, 2023 11:57 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | White Center

It’s been a year and a half since Chase Bank closed its White Center location in that distinctive round building at 1616 SW 100th. At the time, we reported on partner site White Center Now that Chase planned to put the half-acre site up for sale. This week, a reader asked us about fencing that has gone up around the site, and whether that indicated the building’s future had been determined. Our subsequent research revealed that the site has been purchased by the owner of West Seattle’s Evergreen Learning Center. ELC’s current location at 6007 California SW has long had a redevelopment plan – mixed use with ~50 apartments – so the preschool/child-care center needed a new home. Contacted by email, ELC owner Cassie Ragsdale confirmed that the former bank building is ELC’s future home: “I just recently closed on this location to move Evergreen Learning Center to, since the location that we are currently in will be redeveloped. We are in the permitting stage but are hoping to begin construction this fall. We’re excited to be bringing our school to the White Center community!” This also continues a mini-trend of preschool/child-care renovating and reusing former institutional buildings, such as WorldKids School (WSB sponsor) renovating Fauntleroy’s former Christian Science church as an expansion location.

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Outdoor movie, wading pool’s closing day, more on the list for your West Seattle Friday
August 18, 2023 10:57 am
|    Comments Off on Outdoor movie, wading pool’s closing day, more on the list for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday night at Alki, photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!

GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need late-summer (or pre-fall) plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)

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

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

2 WADING POOLS OPEN, 1 FOR LAST DAY: Delridge and Hiawatha wading pools are open noon-5:30 pm. This is the last day of the season for Delridge, while Hiawatha’s last day is tomorrow. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm – this is the only West Seattle wading pool that stays open through Labor Day. (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.

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.

AT KENYON HALL: Singer-songwriter showcase, signups at 6 pm, music 6:30-9 pm. (7904 35th SW)

OUTDOOR MOVIE AND FOOD DRIVE: As previewed here, the West Seattle Junction Association presents “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at Camp Long tonight (sunset is shortly after 8 pm so be there by then!), free but bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. (5200 35th SW)

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Herky Cutler 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: Ouija Boob Music Video Release with L80 and Hot Hail, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW).

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store show by NightOfAL, 8 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

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

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Early morning sighting
August 18, 2023 10:05 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks again for sending your coyote-sighting reports. Got another one this morning, from Steph, who emailed to say, “saw a Coyote this morning on Atlas Pl SW around 6:45 a.m.” That street on the slope between Beach Drive and Seaview is in a greenbelt area, but they can roam far from greenbelts too. Wherever you are, here’s info about coexistence – including encouraging them to keep their distance by not providing food (from pet food to unaccompanied pets), They otherwise will find food such as rodents, small wildlife, and fruit.

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Memorial service Thursday for David T. Hall, 1955-2023
August 18, 2023 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next Thursday (August 24th) to remember David T. Hall. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

David Thomas Hall was born on 11th January, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on 10th August, 2023, at the age of 68. David was preceded in death by his father, David A. Hall, and his brother Terry Hall. He was a beloved son of Constance Wieschenberg, and brother of Rick Hall.

He is survived by his son, Doug Hall; his former wife Susan Hall and their children Steven Hall and Mallory Koch; and grandsons Caden and Carter Koch.

David was raised with his brothers in a military lifestyle as their Master Sergeant father traveled around the country from base to base with the family in tow. During his teenage years the family spent several years living in Thailand before settling in the Sumner/Lakewood area. David developed a passion for music and through his high school years he would book and perform gigs with his band, often playing at Joint Base Lewis/McChord. Eventually a music producer caught sight of the young talented band and offered them a contract, so they moved to Los Angeles to pursue their music careers.

In 1981 David met Susan in Santa Monica, CA while she was traveling abroad from the UK. They were immediately smitten with each other and their love story began. They flew to England a year later to be married, and in 1983 made their move from California, eventually setting up home in West Seattle. David excelled in his new career in Real Estate at Ron Turner Realty. As he became established in the area, West Seattle gave David the home base he had always craved, and he made so many good friends over the years. Known by most as David T, or “Silver Fox” because of his full head of hair, he continued his love for music and for several years was a popular Emcee and Music Organizer for the annual West Seattle Street Festival and also Holy Rosary WestFest, along with entertaining the crowd with his band, B Rich & The Poor Boy$.

David was passionate about boating with his family. He taught his children how to fish, and snow-ski, and took them on many summer camping trips. David rarely missed any of their sports games, always cheering them on from the sidelines. He was umpiring a Pee Wee baseball game one year and it broke his heart when he had to call a strike out on his little Stevie and send him to the bench. He would bring a small speaker amp to Mallory’s basketball games and play the “Rocky” theme music as her team entered the gym; and everybody got to know his son Doug, who would often accompany him to the office. David enjoyed playing poker regularly with his pals; and discussing theology at his Bible Study mornings. He loved to talk with people from all walks of life. He had a fondness for stray black kittens, bringing them home if they needed one; and he always had a warm pair of gloves and a few dollars in his car for a needy stranger on the street.

David was the light that entered the room, beloved by so many. Though his light went out for him that peaceful night, he was wrapped in the presence and loving arms of his family, and his light will continue to shine in their hearts, and in Heaven.

On Thursday, August 24th, at 2:00 pm, David will be remembered for his love of family, friends and his joyous spirit at a Funeral Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. This service will be followed by a reception across the street in the School Hall. Livestreaming links to the service will be available on the main page at www.holyrosaryseattle.org

Per his wishes, David’s cremated remains will be interred at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made in David’s name to St. Vincent de Paul charity at holyrosaryseattle.org/stvincent, which works with needy people in our community.

Please share memories, photos & condolences with David’s Family on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/David-Hall

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: Friday info + weekend alerts
August 18, 2023 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend alerts
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 18th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The heat alerts are over! Today’s forecast: Cloudy, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:09 am; sunset will be at 8:16 pm.

WEEKEND NOTES

*Not in West Seattle but you might need to know – two big freeway closures this weekend, Friday night to Monday morning: Eastbound Highway 518 east of 509 (so you can’t get to the airport or Southcenter that way), and both directions of I-405 between Bellevue and Renton.

*Two big Alki events this weekend – Saturday’s Alki Beach Sunset Run heads from the promenade onto the paths and back at 6 pm; Sunday’s Alki Beach Pride includes a street party on Alki Avenue SW between Marine and 60th, noon-7 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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VIDEO: ‘Gratitude gathering’ beneath two doomed Gatewood trees with advocates who say ‘housing vs. trees is a false dichotomy’
August 17, 2023 11:29 pm
|      47 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Gatewood | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

(The Gatewood Douglas Firs)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Tree advocates who helped save “Luma“ are branching out.

Tonight in West Seattle, they led a “gratitude gathering” that drew more than 40 people to pay tribute to two Douglas Firs that are among 16 trees planned for removal on a Gatewood lot where a house is to be built.

Organizer Sandy Shettler of Tree Action Seattle said they’re not sure these two can be saved as was “Luma” – she hasn’t even contacted the builder who owns the lot to plead the case – but she doesn’t want to see them go without at least a round of awareness-raising.

The trees – measured at diameters of 43″ and 27″ – are on a 4,200-square-foot lot in the 4100 block of SW Southern that, records show, had the same ownership as the house to its east until last year, when the house got a new owner, followed this past April by the separate sale of the lot to a West Seattle builder.

Shettler says she and her group were not there to vilify the builder and that they are not against housing – but they are against losing more “exceptional” trees to do it. (The Tree Action Seattle website declares, “The future is about housing and tree equity for all. Housing vs trees is a false dichotomy of the Old Way of unintelligent planning and short term profits for the few. We reject this limited thinking and embrace housing and tree equity for all.”) She says this project was cleared because the trees couldn’t be spared without the house being less than 15′ wide at one spot, but she contends the city has many homes that don’t fit the criteria, and showed a roughed-out sketch of how this lot could hold a home and accessory dwelling unit while sparing the two big trees.

Losing trees like these, lot by lot, is an ecological crisis, Tree Action Seattle contends. Leaders were joined in speeches tonight by West Seattle wildlife biologist Kersti Muul, who stated flatly, “If we don’t have trees, we don’t have whales” – trees cool and clean the air by the waterways that raise the salmon Southern Resident Killer Whales in particular need to eat.

While the two Gatewood trees may not be next to a salmon stream – though Fauntleroy Creek is only about a mile away – they are important to birds, she added, showing a photo of a mating pair of Merlins that she found nesting in the area seven years ago, with their offspring seen nearby ever since. Her photo even appeared in the book “Magical Merlins” by Bruce A. Haak; she sent us this photo post-event:

The Merlins need tall evergreens for nesting – “mostly Douglas Firs.” She offered one more point for contemplation: “We have wants, Wildlife has needs.”

We recorded her remarks as well as those of the Tree Action Seattle leaders:

Shettler said they’ve been hearing from so many local people about doomed trees, she’s planning a West Seattle section on their website. (Friday update: That page is now live.) They’re also fighting for changes in the city’s new tree ordinance, which they say actually reduces protection possibilities for exceptional trees by giving the city less leeway in considering their fate. They’re hoping to make this an issue in the seven City Council campaigns and urged attendees to ask council candidates – Rob Saka and Maren Costa in District 1 – where they stand. “Our best hope is the new council.”

As the setting sun cast a golden glow on the trees, the “gratitude” part of the gathering began; Tree Action Seattle brought a basket of flowers and created a mandala on the pavement for people to pause to contemplate the trees and offer thanks for their existence.

Some then left; many of those who stayed gathered for a group photo.

WHAT’S NEXT: The newest version of the tree-removal notice filed today for this site says removal might start as soon as a week from tomorrow. Unlike the “Luma” saga, Shettler didn’t expect “direct action” in this case, but each spotlight shone on a situation like this, she said, could plant a seed of inspiration for housing plans that spare trees.

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Two notes for West Seattle wine lovers
August 17, 2023 8:49 pm
|    Comments Off on Two notes for West Seattle wine lovers
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

First – a reminder that Highland Park Corner Store‘s first-ever “Pouring West Seattle” event – six local wineries at one venue – is just two days away. Details are in our preview from a week and a half ago. You can get discount advance tickets for the 4-7 pm Saturday (August 19th) event – while they last – by going here.

Second – tickets have just gone on sale for the next West Seattle Wine Walk in The Junction. It’s happening 5-9 pm Friday, September 29th, at merchants all over The Junction. This twice-yearly event routinely sells out in advance so you might as well get in on it early by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Garage burglary
August 17, 2023 6:45 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Christine:

Just want to get the word out that we have had an increase in criminal activity on the 3200 block of 44th Ave SW. (Tuesday) night someone entered our garage and stole a men’s bicycle, a cordless drill, a blower and hedge trimmer, two skateboards, and the batteries and chargers to the garden tools and drill. Two other neighbors have had similar incidents in the last two weeks. We are filing a police report. Just want others to be aware and to keep doors locked.

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OVER! All floats found in West Seattle Glass Float Hunt 2023
August 17, 2023 4:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Just in from organizers – the final two glass floats have been found, so the second annual West Seattle Glass Float Hunt is over. The scavenger-hunt-style search for a total of 100 floats was a collaboration of the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with the floats hand-blown in West Seattle by Avalon Glassworks. Last year, a grant covered the cost; this year, money from sales of bridge-closure “Reunited” T-shirts provided the funding; WSJA executive director Chris Mackay told us today they’re hoping for a grant so they can do it again next year, and maybe even broaden the invitation beyond the peninsula, so float-hunting becomes a reason to visit West Seattle. P.S. We’re told the last one found was found today near the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse.

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UPDATE: Crash at top of Charlestown hill
August 17, 2023 4:40 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Added: Photo sent by Todd)

4:40 PM: Thanks to Kelsey for the tip. SW Charlestown is blocked at 46th SW right now because of a crash. Avoid the area.

4:43 PM: Apparently no serious injuries – the one SFD engine that responded has closed out the call.

8:32 PM: SFD says crews evaluated two men, a 41-year-old with no reported injuries and an 18-year-old with minor injuries; neither was taken to a hospital.

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FOLLOWUP: WSDOT says one-third of Myers Way encampment residents have moved into housing
August 17, 2023 3:28 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(July photo courtesy Diane Radischat)

Almost a month after state and city reps met with Arrowhead Gardens residents< for an update on the encampment across Myers Way from the senior-living complex, it's still there, but the state says progress is being made toward "resolving" it. WSDOT circulated another update out this afternoon, saying that 18 of the 52 known residents “have moved into housing options with the assistance of service providers” and others are expected to do the same “in the coming weeks.” Outreach workers are continuing to work with people at the site, WSDOT says. However, that’s required law-enforcement presence, the update adds, explaining:

Many of you will notice a Washington State Patrol presence at the site this week. As you know, the encampment gets visitors that don’t live onsite, but do affect the dynamics from a safety perspective, so service providers in coordination with WSDOT and WSP requested a law enforcement presence as a safety measure and deterrent.

The update reiterates, “This encampment remains our top multijurisdictional priority site to address as part of the Right of Way Safety Initiative and the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Patrol, the state Department of Commerce, King County Regional Homeless Authority and the City of Seattle are working together to finalize a site resolution plan.” No timeline mentioned. Shortly after last month’s meeting at Arrowhead Gardens, crews did some cleanup at the site (photo above), including removal of unauthorized fencing and an inflatable pool that had inspired incredulity from observers.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business hit by theft
August 17, 2023 1:37 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Meeples Games (3727 California SW) is looking for help in solving a theft that happened Tuesday night:

These two individuals were (first) seen outside Meeples; they seemed to be acting a bit strange. So one employee told the other to be on the lookout for them. The two came into the store separately and looked at different areas of the store. They seemed to be causing a distraction from the other person so that one could look at products. The one in the darker clothing with the Target bag was stalking the Magic the Gathering product and slowly started putting Magic the Gathering product into his Target bag. They both asked questions about expensive Magic the Gathering cards and when the one in the darker clothing went to purchase a deck box, the employee behind the counter noted to him that his Target bag wasn’t that full when he came in and asked to see a receipt of purchase for the items. He left immediately. They weren’t seen in any vehicle, at least from what our employees noticed.

If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 23-234751. You can also contact Meeples’ owner Laura at laura@meeplesgames.com.

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FOLLOWUP: Alki Elementary rebuild project, one week post-ruling
August 17, 2023 11:56 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, today)

One week has passed since a city hearing examiner told Seattle Public Schools that it has to “revisit” the plan to rebuild Alki Elementary with no off-street parking. But we don’t know yet how that “revisiting” will be done. The district has said only that it’s “reviewing” the decision, which was in favor of an appeal filed by nearby residents, following the city’s decision to grant nine zoning exceptions for the project (the appeals of six of the other eight were rejected). So we checked with the city’s permitting authority, the Department of Construction and Inspections. SDCI spokesperson Wendy Shark tells us that “they are having their first meeting to determine next steps” by the end of this week, so they should know next week how they’ll be proceeding. Meantime, we just went by the site, and at least from 59th, it appears idle after a second burst of demolition earlier this week.

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The list for your West Seattle Thursday
August 17, 2023 9:59 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Steve Bender. ID, anyone?)

Highlights for today and tonight!

GLASS FLOAT HUNT: As of early this morning, two remain unfound! (Backstory here.)

NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY SALE: Celebrate – and help raise money to fight cancer – by shopping the storewide 25%-off sale at Discovery Shop West Seattle (4535 California SW), 10 am-4:30 pm.

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue through Labor Day at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

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

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule of sessions.

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

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

FAMILY HEALTH FAIR: 4-6 pm with resources including school supplies, at Greenbridge Plaza (8th SW/SW 99th).

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

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

Update: just got word that this event has been canceled LEARN ABOUT SENIOR LIVING: Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) hosts this discussion, featuring other local facilities and services so you can learn about senior-living options. RSVP info is in our calendar listing.

BOOK SIGNING: 6-8 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), meet concert photographer Steve Schneider as he signs and sells his book “The First Three Songs,” as previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Picnic at Lincoln Park with the West Seattle Timebank, 6-8 pm – specific location and other details are in our calendar listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

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

TREE VIGIL: Gathering at 7 pm at 41st/Southern in Gatewood near two trees that are reportedly slated for removal – details here.

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

Look ahead any time with our calendar!

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MUSIC: Fall registration open for Endolyne Children’s Choir
August 17, 2023 9:09 am
|    Comments Off on MUSIC: Fall registration open for Endolyne Children’s Choir
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

As the start of school approaches, so does the start of fall activities, including music! Endolyne Children’s Choir asked us to share this announcement:

Calling all young voices in West Seattle! Embark on a musical journey with Endolyne Children’s Choir this Fall.

Unleash your inner star as we harmonize, uplift, and create unforgettable melodies together. Dive into the world of music theory and fine-tune your performance skills, all while immersing yourself in an atmosphere of fun and community.

We’re thrilled to introduce the latest additions to our esteemed teaching staff: the gifted Clara Dorst and the talented Dylan Petersen. Under the expert guidance of music director Megan Booth, this dynamic trio is set to orchestrate an unforgettable experience for our singers.

Mark your calendars – registration is open until August 28th. Secure your spot now and let your voice soar with Endolyne Children’s Choir!

The registration page has more details, including registration schedules.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
August 17, 2023 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 17th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The National Weather Service‘s heat advisory continues until late tonight. Today’s forecast: Sunny, high in the upper 80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:08 am; sunset will be at 8:18 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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COUNTDOWN: 4 days until Alki Beach Pride 2023
August 16, 2023 10:33 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

That’s the Frederick Films video, including aerial views, from August 5th, when Alki Beach Pride organizers and volunteers unrolled the giant Seattle PrideFest rainbow flag across the beach. That was intended to help set the stage for this Sunday (August 20th), the ninth annual Alki Beach Pride celebration, this year featuring a street party. Now the big day is just four days away, noon-7 pm, plus an outdoor movie at dusk. Entertainment previews have been rolling out here; 10 venues are offering discounts during the festival if you have a wristband, which costs $5 (get yours here). Alki Avenue SW will be closed between Marine and 60th for festival activities.

P.S. While not an official part of the festival, Harry’s Beach House has announced two seatings for a drag brunch that day.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle will meet its troll soon
August 16, 2023 8:18 pm
|      73 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

That photo from Portland was shared by a WSB reader who was there last weekend as the first installation in the series “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King“ was unveiled. (The troll’s name is Olebolle.) As previewed here back in June, one of the other five trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo is being installed at West Seattle’s Lincoln Park. And work is under way, according to the readers who have deluged the WSB inbox with sightings. One of the volunteers working on the site sent this photo.

As explained in the original announcement, the trolls – like dozens Danbo has installed around the world – are being built with used/recycled materials – mostly wooden pallets. The West Seattle site is adorned with signs explaining what’s going on:

Despite this happening in a very public place, where hundreds if not thousands have seen it already, the privately funded project coordinated by the Scan Design Foundation is trying to keep a bit of mystery, so we’re not going to be the ones to spoil it for you – as the sign says, the “grand reveal” is just nine days away. As the construction continues, the volunteer who emailed us advises, “Follow the sound of power tools and hammers.” The other four, after ours and Portland’s, are planned for Ballard, Issaquah, and Vashon and Bainbridge Islands; the schedules are on the artist’s Instagram feed, including a peek at the one that’s almost complete on Bainbridge.

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FRIDAY: Outdoor movie, food drive @ Camp Long
August 16, 2023 5:39 pm
|    Comments Off on FRIDAY: Outdoor movie, food drive @ Camp Long
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

That’s the trailer for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which you can watch for free this Friday night (August 18th) in the meadow at Camp Long (5200 35th SW). It’s the WS Junction Association‘s one and only West Seattle Outdoor Movie presentation this summer, and the movie will start at sundown (sunset is at about 8:20 pm right now). Bring your own chairs/blankets and nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (Friday’s forecast says the high will be back to a seasonally typical 70-something.)

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: One extra day of alert-level heat
August 16, 2023 5:02 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: One extra day of alert-level heat
 |   West Seattle news

Good news is (unless you like high temperatures), the Excessive Heat Warning alert is still set to expire tonight at 11 pm. Not-so-good news, it will be immediately replaced by a Heat Advisory alert that’ll be in effect another 24 hours, until 11 pm Thursday. The National Weather Service says tomorrow could still get into the 90s before a return to more-seasonal temperatures in time for the weekend.

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UPDATE: Fire closes ramp to Highway 509
August 16, 2023 3:28 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Reader photos sent by Julie)

3:28 PM: Texters say at least one of the ramps to 509 at the end of the Roxbury corridor is closed because of that fire. SFD calls it a “brush fire” so far and says it’s affecting the ramp to northbound 509 at Cloverdale.

4:10 PM: SFD says the fire’s out and the last two engines on scene will be wrapping up their work.

9 PM: We asked SFD about what firefighters found. Spokesperson David Cuerpo replied, “I spoke to the crews and they confirmed fires occurred within encampments in two separate areas on opposite sides of SR509. The fires are extinguished, and no occupants were found. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was relieved for the day.”

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FESTIVALS: West Seattle Junction’s fall celebration splitting into two dates this year
August 16, 2023 1:57 pm
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 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2022 Harvest Fest cornhole tournament)

Starting this year, the West Seattle Junction Association is separating its trick-or-treating event from the rest of the fall fun with which it used to be combined as the Harvest Festival. WSJA has announced 11 am-2 pm Sunday, September 24th, as the date for the West Seattle Junction Fall Festival, including favorite activities such as the chili cookoff, cornhole tournament, pie-eating contest, and live music, with less chance of a rainout, less need for major bundling-up. The festival stage will be at Walk-All-Ways, and activities will stretch into the block between Alaska and Edmunds. Then, Junction trick-or-treating will happen on the Sunday closest to Halloween, during the Farmers’ Market on October 29th, 10 am-2 pm, with merchants and partners handing out candy. Watch for more details on both events soon, but in the meantime, set your calendar!

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