month : 08/2023 322 results

Family and friends will gather August 12th at a funeral mass for Sofia Escandar. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Born on December 14, 1930 to Soren and Anna Hovsepian in Tehran, Iran. She was a proud housewife, mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother.

Sofia also ran a small specialty embroidery bedsheet business from home, an entrepreneur way ahead of her time. She attended a Catholic nuns Boarding School in Isfahan, Iran for six years, the best years of her childhood. She returned to Tehran teaching elementary French class and later meeting Alexander Escandar.

After moving to the states, with her adorable accent, she managed to get involved with a few volunteer groups and keep herself busy. Mom was a very social person, enjoyed her friends, her Church, and the YMCA Community and her coffee dates with her friends. Mom especially loved her neighbors. Most of all, mom’s greatest joy was cooking, especially when she had her family around her to enjoy.

Sofia leaves behind her oldest daughter, Stella Shahbazian (Hermes and grandchildren – Niko & Armand). Also, her son, Edgar Escandar [Wilma and grandchildren – Emmanuelle (Henry and great-grandchildren – Chloe and Vivianne), Talia, & Darius (Andrea)]. She also leaves behind her youngest daughter, Jacqueline Espinosa (André and granddaughter – Alexandra); and Grandchildren – Vida & Tiffany from Pierre, her late son. Sofia passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023 with her family at her side. She has joined her beloved husband Alexander, her beloved son Pierre, and her only sibling Adolf.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary on Saturday, August 12th, at 10 am. Any memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Sofia’s favorite charity, or Holy Rosary Church.

(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: Midsummer Thursday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 3rd.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high near 80. Today’s sunrise was at 5:49 am; sunset will be at 8:41 pm.

(Thanks to Ryan Osher for sending this photo of Alki’s Wednesday-afternoon waves)

ROAD WORK

Drove West Marginal on Wednesday afternoon and it appears “quiet zone” work has indeed started north of the Duwamish Longhouse – here’s the announcement from last week.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

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

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

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

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VIDEO: Grand opening and homecomings celebrated at Salish Landing in Delridge

| Delridge | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Past and present 6955 Delridge Way SW residents were exuberant at the grand opening for the Seattle Housing Authority‘s newest property. Above is Fatuma, one of the new residents. Some of her new neighbors also lived there when it was the Lam Bow Apartments before a three-alarm 2016 fire – and have moved back now that it’s an all-new complex called Salish Landing.

Speeches, a ribbon-cutting, and Native songs highlighted the grand opening event on Tuesday afternoon.

As you can see in that photo, dignitaries were part of it – Mayor Bruce Harrell, SHA executive director Rod Brandon, City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, 34th District State Rep. Emily Alvarado. But the stars of the show were past and present residents – all who lost their homes in the 2016 fire were offered apartments at Salish Landing, SHA says – and two spoke, Briana and Theresa. This affordable housing is what saved her from living unsheltered, Theresa said.

Salish Landing has 31 more units than Lam Bow did – 82 in all, a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. They’re all spoken for, the SHA tells us – and speakers at Tuesday’s event underscored the need for much more housing like this. We recorded them all:

Some of the funding for construction came from the Seattle Housing Levy, which is expiring, with a renewal/expansion set for the November ballot.

(Thursday note: Story corrected to reflect that Fatuma was not among those who lived at the Lam Bow pre-fire.)

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UPDATE: Missing teen found

August 2, 2023 7:25 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE: The missing teen mentioned here yesterday has been found safe.

Earlier:Read More

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COUNTDOWN: Three days until dance, music, food, kayaking @ Duwamish River Festival

August 2, 2023 5:51 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Three days until dance, music, food, kayaking @ Duwamish River Festival

| South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Two weeks after performing in the West Seattle Grand Parade, the folkloric dance group Joyas Mestizas is on the schedule for this Saturday’s Duwamish River Festival – which includes not only performances but also art activities, vendors, kayaking, and more. For the second year, you’ll find the festival at its new home, Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Avenue S. in South Park), noon-5 pm Saturday (August 5th). The Duwamish River Community Coalition coordinates the festival, celebrating Seattle’s only river and the ongoing cleanup work (on which you can comment while there). Here’s the schedule of events.

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ELECTION 2023: Second-day results for Seattle City Council District 1

August 2, 2023 3:37 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

3:37 PM: King County Elections’ second round of results is out. For Seattle City Council District 1, the results are the same as day 1, Maren Costa first (30%), Rob Saka second (25%), Phil Tavel third (21%). Still many ballots to count – this represents 25 percent of D-1 ballots, while the county has received 36 percent so far.

4:38 PM: We were away from the desk when the update came in, so the first mention was brief, but here’s a bit more info: First, the full results update is here. Second, for the record, here’s the full D-1 lineup after today’s count:

Maren Costa 5,625 30.34 %
Rob Saka 4,678 25.23 %
Phil Tavel 3,941 21.26 %
Preston Anderson 1,545 8.33 %
Stephen Brown 1,185 6.39 %
Jean Iannelli Craciun 596 3.21 %
Lucy Barefoot 571 3.08 %
Mia Jacobson 358 1.93 %

Next results update will be tomorrow in the 3:30-4 pm vicinity. Counting will continue until final results are certified August 15th.

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SEAFAIR 2023: Blue Angels arrive after West Seattle flyby

August 2, 2023 2:36 pm

| 25 COMMENTS

| Blue Angels | West Seattle news

Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo above – he sent it just before 2 pm, noting, “Just watched the Blue Angels circle out over Puget Sound and fly past Alki Beach on their way back toward town.” About an hour before the U.S. Navy demonstration team’s fighter jets arrived, their support plane Fat Albert touched down – Jamie Kinney sent this from Boeing Field:

This is the first time that Blue Angels’ history-making #3 pilot Lt. Amanda Lee, will be flying over Seattle. The Blue Angels go up for practice tomorrow, then airshows Friday-Sunday – the schedule is on the Seafair website.

ADDED: One more view from Jamie Kinney at Boeing Field, as #1-#6 arrived:

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BIZNOTE: Future Primitive sets Alki opening date

August 2, 2023 1:37 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Back in May, we brought you first word that White Center’s Future Primitive Brewing would open an outpost at 2536 Alki Avenue SW. Thanks to Ian for the tip that Future Primitive has just announced it’ll open there this Friday (August 4th). Hours will be 11 am-10 pm seven days a week.

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BIZNOTE: ‘K-food’ coming to former Wanna space in Highland Park

August 2, 2023 11:49 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo sent by John)

Thanks to everyone who has texted and emailed about the sign that just appeared at the space where Wanna Burger and Teriyaki closed back in May, at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Park: Chef Korea Miso. We’ve been watching the space ever since a commenter on the original closure story noticed a sign indicating it was being remodeled and would “reopen” in June. A return of Wanna didn’t seem likely, as the restaurant’s website had been taken down as soon as it closed, but we didn’t know for sure until now. As with so many times we’ve been by on spec, no one was there when we went back this morning, but we did reach someone by phone who was able to tell us a bit about the new restaurant. She said the menu will be “Korean-food based (called K-food).” Hours will be Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am to 9 pm, closed Sundays, and they’re just waiting on the final health permit before they can open.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: Blue Angels arrive, low-low tide, music, more

August 2, 2023 10:30 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo from Duwamish Head during Tuesday’s low-low tide)

If you’re out on the beach during the noontime low-low tide, you might get a flyby. That’s where two of today’s highlights intersect in our list:

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

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.

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.5 feet at 11:57 am.

DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

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

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

BLUE ANGELS ARRIVE: The “extra” jet, #7, is already here for early activities (photo by Jamie Kinney added above) such as media flights. The other six are due here – along with support aircraft Fat Albert – early this afternoon (the Museum of Flight says 12:30 pm, Seafair‘s media advisory says 1:30 pm). While they’re here, #1-#6 will be parked at the Boeing Field terminal, while #8 will be parked by the museum. A practice airshow is planned tomorrow, while the Seafair main events are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (see the schedule here).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – repair it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT OUNCES: 6:30 pm, Jared & The Wingtips perform at Ounces. No cover. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks. (4210 SW Admiral Way).

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or …? If it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Questions about senior-living options? Panel discussion August 17th at Village Green West Seattle

August 2, 2023 9:36 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

If you or someone in your family is considering senior-living options, you have the opportunity later this month to get answers about multiple types, during one panel discussion. Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) is hosting at 5 pm Thursday, August 17th – here’s the announcement and RSVP request:

So this is senior living? A night of great information and clarification – learn about all types of senior living local to our area. We will have a great panel with community partners from Quail Park Memory Care of West Seattle, ComeForCare home care, Avamere at Park West, and of course Village Green West Seattle. Please RSVP to event at 206-937-6122.

You can see the event flyer here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday notes

August 2, 2023 6:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, August 2nd.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:48 am; sunset will be at 8:42 pm.

ROAD WORK

Still haven’t checked on whether the “quiet zone” project along West Marginal has indeed started, but if not, it’s imminent – here’s the announcement from last week.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

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

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

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

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ELECTION 2023: Here are the first City Council District 1 results

August 1, 2023 8:13 pm

| 117 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

8:13 PM: Tonight’s first and only round of election-night results is in. Here’s how the City Council District 1 race is looking for starters – remember, no incumbent because Councilmember Lisa Herbold is leaving after two terms:

Maren Costa 4,283 29.05 %
Rob Saka 3,745 25.40 %
Phil Tavel 3,154 21.39 %
Preston Anderson 1,252 8.49 %
Stephen Brown 955 6.48 %
Jean Iannelli Craciun 499 3.38 %
Lucy Barefoot 495 3.36 %
Mia Jacobson 319 2.16 %

This is one of seven by-district races on ballots around the city tonight – we’ll take a look at the others a bit later. Next vote count will be Wednesday afternoon; tonight’s count represents only 20.26 percent of the D-1 voters, the county had received more than 26.6 percent of ballots before the big deadline rush, so many votes remain to be counted.

10:48 PM: Some notes: In the other six city-council races – three with incumbents, three without – the incumbents are all leading. The one with the closest challenger is District 2’s Tammy Morales, who had 48 percent of the first-night count, with challenger Tanya Woo at 45 percent. … Looking at the 2019 D-1 primary, results didn’t change much between the first count (Herbold 48%/Tavel 34%/Kolding 18%) and the final count (Herbold 50%/Tavel 32%/Kolding 16%), but much has changed in the past four years … We caught up with the first-night vote leader Maren Costa after tonight’s results were released. She was hosting a “volunteer appreciation” party. We asked for her thoughts on the initial results:

Ballots will be counted for two weeks – then the election will be certified August 15th, and the top two finishers advance to the November 7th general election.

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ELECTION 2023: County Council, School Board, Port, levy results

August 1, 2023 8:12 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Here’s how the election-night count went in the other four decisions that faced West Seattle voters this time:

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
Teresa Mosqueda 16,016 54.75 %
Sofia Aragon 11,636 39.77 %
GoodSpaceGuy 1,438 4.92 %

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 6
Gina Topp 10,792 77.40 %
Maryanne Wood 2,207 15.83 %
Rosie McCarter 860 6.17 %

PORT COMMISSION POSITION 5
Fred Felleman 128,620 53.42 %
Jesse Tam 66,412 27.58 %
Todd Curtis 44,129 18.33 %

KING COUNTY VETERANS, SENIORS, HUMAN SERVICES LEVY
Approved 179,624 69.51 %
Rejected 78,775 30.49 %

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: 2023 Night Out block parties, from pizzas to pub to police horses, plus music

August 1, 2023 6:45 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

6:45 PM: Among the hundreds of West Seattle neighborhoods having Night Out block/building parties tonight is this one in Seaview, where Elyse and her neighbors are gathering for the first time.

Even something fun for the kids:

We’re making several stops tonight and also are welcoming your block-party photos (westseattleblog@gmail.com). If you’re not at a Night Out party tonight, be mindful of the many makeshift STREET CLOSED signs on non-arterials through 9 pm or so. Updates to come!

6:59 PM: One of the benefits of registering yuur Night Out party, though it’s not mandatory, is that you can ask for public-safety personnel to visit.

Also in Seaview, the party on Melody‘s block (you might know her as chair of the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council) got a visit from the SPD Mounted Patrol, which is headquartered in West Seattle, at Westcrest Park. At left below is Chance, at right, Buzz:

Plus Melody and neighbors:

7:20 PM: In Gatewood, Jennifer invited us to stop by her block party –

It’s one of at least several tonight with live music:

That’s the voice of the Mariners, Tom Hutyler, performing. (Video added:)

7:40 PM: In Sunrise Heights, Lizzy and Vinnie are hosting a wood-fired-pizza block party:

They made the dough and sauce – neighbors brought the toppings:

7:54 PM: Another party with music is in east Gatewood – Reference Only is playing – video (added):

This party also has an inflatable Irish pub – at right in the background of our group photo:

9:14 PM: We’re adding more after taking a break this past hour for election-night coverage. Next photo is from our first stop of the night – every year when registration opens for Night Out, JoDean invites us to her Arbor Heights block party:

Night Out is for all ages. Jon sent the next pic from his block party west of The Junction – with him is 100-year-old neighbor Marie, who he reports is “still going strong”:

9:58 PM: We didn’t get to join in our Upper Fauntleroy neighborhood’s party since we were out photographing others, but we did take this pic of our neighbors upon return:

Not far away, here’s the Northrop Block Watch party, in the neighborhood at the top of the famously long SW Thistle stairs:

Melinda sent this photo from her Youngstown-area block party:

She reports: “We finally took a photo of our Night Out BBQ/Potluck — after 40 or so years!! “A good time was had by all” as was reported in the weekly Redfield Press of Redfield, South Dakota when I was a kid referring to Altar Society, 4-H club, etc meetings.” … Next pic is from Allison in Arbor Heights:

Pete’s party in Pigeon Point drew Southwest Precinct visitors:

And a texter shared this party photo from Fauntlee Hills:

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the first nationwide Night Out.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: Two more photos – Carole says she and her neighbors had a great time at Cottage Grove Park:

And Barb appreciated the SPD officers who visited her neighborhood’s party:

Thanks again to everyone who shared photos or told us where they were gathering so we could stop by!

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FOLLOWUP: 1 year after ferry crash, another phase of repairs begins at Fauntleroy dock

August 1, 2023 5:55 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to Susan for the tip. The crane at the Fauntleroy ferry dock is there for another phase of repairs after the damage done when the ferry Cathlamet crashed into a terminal structure called a “dolphin” one year ago. The July 28, 2022, crash was blamed by Washington State Ferries on “human error”; the captain retired immediately afterward and has never spoken publicly about it. The dolphin underwent temporary repairs but now the permanent work is being done. We asked WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling about it; his reply: “The work to do the permanent repair to the dolphin is expected to take several weeks to complete and includes setting new piling for last July’s damaged dolphin (between fabrication and fish windows, this couldn’t have happened sooner), and some other routine maintenance while at the terminal. American Construction is the contractor. The work is not expected to have a big effect on customers.” Damage to the boat and dock were estimated at nearly $8 million.

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BIZNOTES: Two more reasons Sundays just keep getting sweeter in The Junction

August 1, 2023 3:17 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two notes today:

SNAPDRAGON’S SUNDAY POP-UPS: Two people brought this to our attention today (including Aaron, who sent the photo) – Vashon Island’s beloved Snapdragon is doing a Sunday pop-up in the corner spot of the ground floor of the Senior Center of West Seattle, focused on their specialty “rustic pastries” and chai. The SC’s executive director Amy Lee Derenthal says they’re there Sundays through August to see how it goes, and might take the space on a more full-time basis until the SC redevelops it into the center’s new entrance.

SUMMER SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: This is a new Sunday happening 10 am-4 pm, also throughout August, in the alley behind Carmilia’s (4528 California SW) – 10 am-4 pm, you’ll find food, music, shopping, and fun. First word of this came from a popular West Seattle treat provider, Lovely and Dapper Desserts, which will be there this Sunday (August 6th) with their mini-cakes.

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PHOTOS: Seafair Parade of Ships 2023

August 1, 2023 12:31 pm

| Comments Off on PHOTOS: Seafair Parade of Ships 2023

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Added: USS Barry and fireboat Leschi)

12:31 PM: Now in view from Alki, the Seafair Parade of Ships, sailing past West Seattle on the way to the downtown waterfront. Participants as announced:

US Navy: USS Barry (DDG 52), a guided-missile destroyer homeported in Everett

U.S. Coast Guard: USCGC Robert Ward (WPC-1130), a cutter based in Los Angeles, and USCGC Henry Blake (WLM-563), a buoy tender (note: MarineTraffic.com IDs suggest the USCGC Wahoo [WPB 87345] is in the parade instead of or in addition to Robert Ward)

Royal Canadian Navy: HMCS Edmonton (703), HMCS Yellowknife (706), HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702)

The fireboat Leschi is greeting them, too:

12:47 PM: Approaching Duwamish Head. TV and Coast Guard helicopters in the area, too.

1:19 PM: The ships have passed West Seattle and are now downtown-bound, while we head back to HQ. As noted above, USCGC Wahoo sailed instead of USCGC Robert Ward; SPD’s Harbor 2 kept watch after it.

2:10 PM: Photos added, ours unless otherwise credited, like this one from Gary Jones at Alki Point – he noted the USS Barry was flying the flag of Hawai’i until swapped out just before the parade started passing West Seattle’s shore:

Information on touring the visiting ships this week is here.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Highland Park Way hill blocked

August 1, 2023 11:40 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Highland Park Way hill blocked

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Though SFD has already closed out of a crash call reported on the Highland Park Way hill about half an hour ago, two texters report the hill is blocked, so avoid the area for a while.

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Brown water in North Admiral

August 1, 2023 11:36 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Texter reports brown water in North Admiral. Anyone else? If you’re seeing it, be sure to report to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 – it’s often fire-hydrant testing, but sometimes it can be first indication of a problem.

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Election Day, Night Out, Seafair Parade of Ships, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

August 1, 2023 10:03 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Theresa Arbow-O’Connor for the photo of last night’s moonrise. Tonight at 9:24 pm, the Full Sturgeon Moon – second of this summer’s four supermoons – will rise. Before then, here’s what’s happening, starting with two major events:

ELECTION DAY: Your deadline for voting on City Council District 1, County Council District 8, School Board District 6, Port Commission Position 5, and the Veterans, Seniors, Human Services, Seniors Levy is 8 pm tonight if you’re using a King County Elections dropbox (here’s the list/map – West Seattle has three) or sooner if you’re sending your ballot by USPS mail (ensure it gets today’s postmark). Tonight’s first and only round of results should be out by 8:15 pm.

NIGHT OUT: Hundreds of block/building parties tonight, part of a nationwide event celebrating community and focusing on safety. General hours are 5-9 pm – be aware that many non-arterial streets will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration.

Also today/tonight:

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

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.5 feet at 11:09 am.

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.

SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS: Around noon (time approximate), one U.S. Navy ship, three Royal Canadian Navy ships, and two U.S. Coast Guard cutters will “parade” past West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shores, headed toward downtown, where they’ll be open for tours later in the week as part of Seafair. Our preview lists the specific ships.

E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (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 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 starting tonight. (5078 25th SW)

PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: The West Seattle Community Orchestras welcome you to play music with them one last time tonight, at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – 6 pm easy music, 7 pm intermediate music. Audience welcome too! More info in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: First August lesson, 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.

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

MORE TRIVIA: Three places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 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 look into 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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Celebration of life August 10 for John H. Langen, Jr., 1930-2023

August 1, 2023 9:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather August 10 to celebrate the life of Harry Langen. Here’s the remembrance being shared now with his community:

John Henry (Harry) Langen, Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 5, 2023. Harry and his twin brother Charlie were born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 28, 1930 to John and Catherine (Mahoney) Langen. John Sr. was a career Navy man and the family lived in a number of places across the U.S., moving to Bremerton, WA in 1943, where his father was stationed at Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Harry attended Bremerton High School, where he met the love of his life, Gloria Mary Strattman. They both were members of the graduating class of 1948 and were married on September 9th, 1950. In 1953 Harry and Glo moved to West Seattle, where they made their home, raising 6 children.

His artistic talents were always an important part of his life and he started his career as a sign painter. It didn’t take too long for him to realize climbing up on billboards to paint was not for him and he began studying technical drawing at Edison Technical School (now Seattle Central College) on Capital Hill. In 1952 he took a job as a draftsman at Boeing Airplane Company. Harry would remain at Boeing working as a draftsman and engineering illustrator on a variety of both military and civilian projects, including the SST (Supersonic Transport), 747 passenger jet, and the B-1 Bomber. Retiring on January 1, 1990.

Harry enlisted in the US Army in 1948, eventually serving 30 years in the Army Reserve and attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major. After basic training, he was assigned to the Reserve Unit of the 6th Army’s Training Division based in Bremerton, WA. He was later assigned to the 104th Infantry Training Division based at Fort Lawton in Seattle, with 2-week active duty posts at Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Lawton, WA, and the Mojave Desert. The 104th Infantry headquarters was eventually relocated to Fort Ord, California, preparing new recruits for deployment to Vietnam. Harry’s Reserve Unit then began reporting to Fort Ord for their required annual 2 weeks of active duty.

During his trips to Fort Ord, Harry’s artistic nature became enchanted with the natural beauty and rugged shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula, where Fort Ord is located. Glo began accompanying him for his two active-duty weeks. She in turn fell completely in love with the area, the small town of Carmel, California, as well as the history and beauty of San Francisco.

Thus began a tradition of the Langen vacations in Monterey, California, both as a couple’s getaway (sans children) or as a road trip down US 1 with all the kids, where many memories (and beautiful watercolor paintings) were made.

Marriage, family and the Catholic Church were central to Harry’s life. As founding members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Harry and Gloria were active in the parish throughout their many years; involved with liturgical committees, teaching CCD, developing church decorations, and singing in the choir. They were recognized for their legacy with a seat of honor on the OLG 50th anniversary show car in the West Seattle Grand Parade.

A constant throughout Harry’s life was creating and sharing his art. Not having any formal art training, he developed his skills through self-study and workshops with many of the Northwest’s well-known artists. He originally began working with watercolor, then evolved into other mediums such as stained glass, silkscreen (serigraph), pen, stick ink, fabric art, and then came pastel. It soon became his media of choice, relishing the challenge of understanding the medium and the joy of working in it. A self-described “people person,” he always took pleasure in sharing his art, whether in casual conversation, teaching classes or through in-person demonstrations. A member of several Northwest art organizations, he particularly enjoyed his time spent with Artists United.

In addition to his art, Harry and Gloria were active members of the Westside Wheelers Square Dance Club for many years as well as spending much of their annual vacation time camping with their extended family and friends.

In 2012, Gloria and Harry sold their longtime family home and moved to the Bridge Park Retirement Community in West Seattle, where he played an active role in the community and once again shared his passion for art by conducting art classes for the residents.

Harry was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria, his sister Francis, his brother Charles and his grandson Joshua Waleryszak. He is survived by his children, Judy Waleryszak (Tom (d)), Mike Langen (Alyson), Cathy Olson (Frank (d)), Teresa Langen Earl (Ken), Margaret “Peggy” Langen, and James Langen (Andrea), six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

A funeral mass in celebration of Harry’s life will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Thursday, August 10th, 2023 commencing at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow in Walmesley Center. Interment will be at Holyrood Cemetery that afternoon.

To share your condolences and memories of Harry, please visit emmickfunerals.com/obituary/John-LangenJr

(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 begins

August 1, 2023 6:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 1st.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:47 am; sunset will be at 8:44 pm.

ROAD WORK

We didn’t get to check on whether the “quiet zone” project along West Marginal indeed started Monday, but if not, it’s imminent – here’s the announcement from last week.

NIGHT OUT

Tonight hundreds of non-arterial street sections around West Seattle will be closed to traffic for a few hours for the annual Night Out block parties; times usually vary but the general window is 5 pm to 9 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

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

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

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

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