West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
(Photo by Jean Sherrard: At left, Clay and Meg Eals, with West Seattle-connected heritage activists Mike and Jen Shaughnessy, Susie and John Bennett, (front, from left) Dora-Faye Hendricks, Deb Barker, Kerry Korsgaard)
Thursday night, West Seattle historian/journalist/author Clay Eals was in the spotlight at Historic Seattle‘s 15th annual Preservation Celebration. We reported in June that the organization had chosen Eals to honor as a “Preservation Champion.” On Thursday, he accepted the award at the event at Washington Hall in the Central District kicking off Historic Seattle’s celebration of its 50th anniversary. He was introduced by emcee Feliks Banel as, among other things, “Mr. West Seattle History”:
Eals spoke of the moments dating back to childhood that made him fall in love with Seattle, and observed that emotions shape preservationists – particularly joy and hope. His work has brought joy to many others, too – with preservation efforts dating back decades, including the fight to save the Admiral Theater. (You can see him in this 1989 TV news story about that.) Eals’s current work includes the Sunday Seattle Times “Now & Then” column, on which he collaborates with Jean Sherrard.
We just ran up to The Junction after two tips that Pizzeria Credo (4520 California SW) was closing after tonight. One was from John, who reported, “We were just at Credo and Jacques told us this was their final night. Sad they are leaving.” At the restaurant, proprietor Jacques Nawar confirmed to us that this is closing night:
He told us his lease was ending (we noticed earlier this year that the space was listed). He’s not planning to reopen elsewhere, but he is keeping his Panterelli coffee-and-pastry shop elsewhere in The Junction. He opened Pizzeria Credo 10 years ago and has even been featured on the Food Network.
Just received from Vanessa: “I just spotted a coyote crossing SW Southern St. right off of California Ave. (a few blocks east of Lincoln Park). It went up into the backyard area of the house on the northwest corner of that intersection.” We publish sighting reports for awareness, not alarm; read this to learn about co-existence advice. (See past sighting reports by scrolling through this WSB archive.)
One week from today, SDOT is scheduled to start a one-week closure of the West Seattle low bridge (aka the Spokane Street Swing Bridge) to non-maritime traffic. As announced this past Monday, the closure is so crews can “reinstall the repaired turn cylinder inside the east pier housing that was removed in early 2023.” While SDOT has promoted the West Seattle Water Taxi as an alternate way for bicyclists and pedestrians to get across the bay during the closure, there will be an overlap with the previously announced October 14-15 Water Taxi service suspension; SDOT says the low-bridge closure could continue until “mid-afternoon” on the 14th. (We’ll be checking Monday on the exact time the closure is scheduled to start next Saturday.)
ORIGINAL SATURDAY REPORT: Police are investigating what was dispatched as “road rage” gunfire near 7th SW and SW Cambridge [map] around 3 pm. Officers subsequently reported finding casings at that intersection. The shooter was reported to have been in a newer-model white 4-door Toyota Camry, last seen headed “eastbound.” No injuries or property damage reported.
ADDED MONDAY: Here’s the SPD summary of the incident:
At 1500 hours, officers responded to a shooting/Road Rage call at Southwest Cambridge Street and 7th Avenue Southwest. The victim advised that a white vehicle was driving fast and cutting vehicles off. The victim turned onto 7th Avenue Southwest and the suspect’s vehicle followed him. The victim advised that the suspect pulled along the side of his car and fired rounds at him. The suspect left the area heading eastbound on Southwest Cambridge Street. The victim sustained no injury and no damage to his vehicle. Officers conducted an area search, but the suspect was not located. Officers located shell casings at the intersection.
Until 10 pm tonight, and again 9 am-10 pm tomorrow, you’re invited to a birthday party. The Missing Piece, the café and game lounge on the northeast corner of 35th/Roxbury, is celebrating three years in business. You can drop in and congratulate proprietors Alex and Michael:
From their announcement of this weekend’s party:
During the event there will be a 10% off sale on all food, drinks and games, several raffles including games and cafe related items, new T-Shirts available for purchase, and autumn seasonal drink specials. The all-new pumpkin spice latte served by The Missing Piece is prepared with a delicious house-made pumpkin sauce.
Beginning during the Birthday Bash on October 1, and continuing each Sunday during October, The Missing Piece will be celebrating the spookiest month of the year with a potion brewing event for prizes. The first potion ingredients can be gathered at the Birthday Bash, so be sure to dust off your cauldron and get ready to brew some sweet prizes.
The Missing Piece also has longrunning regular weekly events, as featured in our calendar and daily lists; you can see their ongoing calendar here.
If you’re looking for something to do online, besides read, here are two city surveys open right now, both offering a chance at incentives:
SEATTLE STREET SMARTS: SDOT is currently advertising this short survey on WSB. It’s mostly a test of when and where to stop for people crossing the street. Go here to answer it.
WASTE PREVENTION: Seattle Public Utilities is trying to figure out what would get us all to a future where nothing – or at least, very little – is thrown away. This survey asks you what you’re doing now and what would be needed to get you to do more. Go here to find the link (and get more context).
Today is the 12th day since 86-year-old Jim Price was last seen leaving his home on Pigeon Point in northeast West Seattle the evening of Monday, September 18th. So many have searched and/or on the lookout for him, but his disappearance remains a mystery. We asked Jim’s family what people can do to help now. A family spokesperson replied, “We’ve put together a kit with a new flyer that includes a QR code that links back to the kit, the search map that we will continue updating, and a info sheet with the latest updates and search tips.” You’ll find the newest version of those linked and downloadable here. The “latest info” document linked there also lists “unconfirmed sightings” as well as answering questions about where they’ve searched/checked, beyond the map. Otherwise, they simply ask that people continue “searching independently.” A family friend also has created a website, jimpriceismissing.com, which includes an email address for tips, as does the “latest info” doc (though it must be stressed, if you think you see him, please call 911 *at that moment* or as soon as you can – don’t wait to tell someone later).
The security-camera images are from Tails to Astonish, West Seattle’s only comic-book shop, burglarized again this morning. Nicole, co-proprietor of the shop at 4850 California SW, says the two burglars “took all the wall books. Still doing inventory” to determine what else is missing.
This is the second burglary at Tails to Astonish in less than six weeks; they also were hit August 23rd. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 23-283214.
ADDED: The store is closed today for cleanup/repairs, and is normally closed Sundays/Mondays; they’re not sure whether they’ll be able to reopen Tuesday as scheduled: “It’s really devastating to have this happen.”
(Squirrel stocking up – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Welcome to the weekend! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend off to a fast start with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
HEARTBEET’S LAST DAY: Today is scheduled to be the final day of operation for HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Café (6032 California SW), 8 am-3 pm.
THE MISSING PIECE TURNS 3: Third-anniversary celebration, with discounts and merch, at café/game lounge The Missing Piece all weekend. Open 9 am-10 pm at 35th/Roxbury.
NEIGHBORHOOD WALK FOR ALZHEIMER’S: Again this year, the local caregivers’ support group is hosting a mini-walk in Gatewood at the same time as the fundraising walk downtown. All welcome – meet at 10 am at 39th/Holden.
WEST SEATTLE RUST BUSTER: Cross country racing at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 10 am-3 pm.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The weekly farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is open for shopping 10 am-2 pm, prioritizing vendors of color, presented by African Community Housing & Development.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SATURDAY COOKOUTS: Highland Park Corner Store is grilling, 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays through September. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
BENEFIT GAMING TOURNAMENT: Play Mario Kart and Smash Bros. to raise money for Enigma ASD Services, noon-5 pm at Till Dawn (5048 California SW). All ages.
OKTOBERFEST! Second annual Oktoberfest celebration at The Good Society (2701 California SW), noon-9 pm. Featured beers plus the renowned bratwurst plate – details in our calendar listing. All ages.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See what’s new at the home of West Seattle’s history – visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
RESTAURANT OPENING: First day for Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) planned to start at 4 pm – here’s our story from earlier this week.
LIVE JAZZ: 6-8 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW).
BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)
AT THE SKYLARK: The monthly drag extravaganza West End Girls happens tonight at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm, $20 at the door.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
‘MATT & BEN’: Second-to-last show for the season-opening play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.
AT KENYON HALL: Nick Droz & Kurt Lindsay, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link and other details. (7904 35th SW)
Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? Get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photos and video by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
For the second consecutive week, the Chief Sealth International High School football team suffered a last-minute loss. Tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, they were tied with Ingraham, 14-14, until, with 1:04 remaining in the game, the Rams got a touchdown, and the Seahawks were unable to answer. Sealth scored both TDs in the first quarter, out to a 14-0 lead after sophomore quarterback Mason Filitaula‘s TD just :47 into the game.
The point-after attempt was blocked but Sealth made up for it with a two-point conversion after the next TD by #5, senior Jamal Guy Jr., at 9:31.
Ingraham battled back, with one TD at 4:23 to go in the first half, which ended at Sealth 14, Ingraham 7, after a Seahawk field goal attempt failed in the last half-minute. Ingraham’s second TD came with 4:55 left in the third quarter, tying things up at 14-14 until they got their third with 1:04 left to play.
This was homecoming night for Chief Sealth, so both the band and cheer team were in full force, with the band playing on the field at halftime:
WHAT’S NEXT: Head coach Daron Camacho and the Seahawks (3-2) play on the road, at Brewster High School in Okanogan County, at 1 pm Saturday (October 7th).
Today’s been a very aerial day … first the Guardian One helicopter, then the C-17 over Elliott Bay, then two fighter jets loud and low just before dusk (we were under the awning at the high-school football game so could only hear, not see, them, and they weren’t on tracker). People at the Mariners’ game confirm it was a pregame flyover (here’s a pic).
ADDED: In comments, Jason uploaded photos including this one, plus a link to video.
The West Seattle High School PTSA hopes you can help – they’re bringing back the annual auction event and seeking both attendees and donors. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Dear West Seattle Community,
We are excited to announce the return of our annual auction to support WSHS students and staff! Please plan to join us at The Tailgate Auction on Saturday, November 4, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Dakota Place Park (4304 SW Dakota Street).
Why do we need an auction?
As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and funding is limited for the programs we know our students need.
The WSHS PTSA is making every effort to fund the academic and classroom supports we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until last year, we benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. Last year, we were able—through your generous donations—to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefited an average of 100 students each session!
What will the funds be used for?
This year, we are hoping to fully meet the academic needs of our students. Our goals are to:
-Fully fund staffed Saturday School
-Bring back after-school study hall tutoring two days a week
-Bring back credit recovery in-person summer school
-Fund classroom and student club needs through PTSA mini-grantsAmbitious, I know!
How can you help?
–Get your tickets to the Tailgate Auction now. Make it a night out with your WSHS friends!
–Donate an item for the auction. Do you own a business or have a special skill (artist, talented chef, etc.)? Can you offer gift certificates, services (photographer, home improvement, etc.), sports tickets, theater tickets, vacation home stays, or other unique experiences?
–Make a tax-deductible gift to support our goals.Thank you for supporting WSHS students and staff!
(Photos by WSFB board member Nicole Lutomski)
The Hall at Fauntleroy was full of tastiness last night as the West Seattle Food Bank fundraiser Taste of West Seattle returned to its original format, with dozens of local food and beverage purveyors serving tastes and sips to attendees. While WSFB was the biggest winner of the night, some of the participants went home winners too, as attendees got the chance to vote on their favorites. WSFB development director Breanna Bushaw sent us the list:
Best Savory: Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes
Best Vegetarian: Aroy Mak Thai
Best Beverage: Aroy Mak Thai – yes, they won two!
Best Sweet: Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Best Pour (Wine & Beer): Darby Winery
If you missed the event, you can of course support WSFB any time – here’s how.
Thanks to the texter who just sent that photo (and to everybody else messaging us about the sighting). The jet is a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet, dozens of which are based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County.
ADDED: Another view, emailed by Jan Pendergrass:
PLUS: West Seattle skywatcher Kevin Freitas caught the flyby on one of his cameras:
Get your style on for fall with Doll Parts Collective‘s Sunday event – here’s the announcement, in case you haven’t already seen this in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
Join Doll Parts this Sunday, October 1st for our first annual Designer Showcase!
Starting at 11:00 AM, there will be a pop-up vendor market at our storefront (4832 California Ave SW). The event will kick off with a fashion walk – if you’d like to catch the runway looks, meet us at the shop at 11 (or.. you might want to make your way to the West Seattle Farmers Market around that time).
The fashion walk will culminate at the shop around 11:30 with a performance by local drag queen Jolene Granby, followed by live music spun by DJ NotSoGood, personal cakes from Lovely & Dapper Desserts, coffee from Till Dawn, and a FREE table sponsored by Freeya!
Featured local vendors include: Batch Life, Chub Rub Clothing, Playdate Vintage, So Fun, and Soft Stella! Festivities will continue until 6:00 pm, with clothing & accessories available from all of our designers, and of course the best selection of vintage in town!
(File photo, courtesy West Seattle Community Orchestras)
The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ new season is about to begin with rehearsals, and WSCO is sponsoring WSB right now to be sure you hear about it. The orchestras include musicians of all ages, but this fall they’re issuing a special invitation to students too:
STUDENTS! Join an Orchestra, Band, or Beginner class — FREE!
West Seattle Community Orchestras will soon be starting the fall session. Students grades 3 through 12 are welcome and may participate with no charge. Of course adults are welcome too! Both students and adults can choose from three orchestras, a Wind Symphony (concert band) and beginner string classes.
All ensembles are mixed-age and have space for more musicians. Two beginning string classes are available; one for students, one for adults.
Registration is open now at wscorchestras.org/register. Sign up for an audition when you register for ensemble placement. (The auditions are friendly, just to see which level would work best for you. Details will be provided after you register.)
Weekly rehearsals will be held Tuesday evenings, October through early December, with community concerts planned for early December.
For more information, email info@wscorchestras.org
Join us!
P.S. In need of an instrument? WSCO has a small collection of string and wind instruments to loan — also at no charge.
First rehearsals start next Tuesday evening (October 3).
Some readers have been wondering what’s going on with the vacant Fauntleroy space where The Original Bakery closed in February. As we reported at the time, the space at 9253 45th SW was taken over by the same company that owns Endolyne Joe’s next door. Owner Peter Levy told us in February that they planned to open a new establishment that would serve “morning pastries and espresso,” with other details to come. But with no outward sign of activity in the past seven months, readers asked if the plan was still on. Reached by email, Levy tells us they’ve been waiting all this time for a building permit: “We finally did get approval and the final permit required was issued yesterday.” So, he says, “We will be starting construction activity immediately, with an expected opening now estimated in mid-January.” Some details are still being worked out: “What we know at this point is that we will be opening at 7 am, providing an assortment of baked goods and coffee/espresso. We are still in the development stage as to what our service will include for the lunch and dinner hours. We are at this time intending on a limited breakfast menu with the aforementioned baked goods and continuing service throughout the day and evening. Up until about a week or two ago, we were still not clear if we would be able to secure the permits required to proceed, but with permit in hand it’s full speed ahead.”
(Rainbow photo, from a break in this week’s stormy weather, by Jerry Simmons)
Highlights for the rest of September’s final Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor gym for kids 5 and under and their caregivers, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
OKTOBERFEST: Celebrate at Brookdale (4611 35th SW), 3-5 pm. Our calendar listing has RSVP info.
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: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FOOTBALL: High-school season continues, with one home game – Chief Sealth International High School plays Ingraham at 4;30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Also, at 7 pm at West Seattle Stadium, Eastside Catholic plays O’Dea.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: ZoJo performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.
DANCE NIGHT AT THE SPOT: Fridays are DJ Dance Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
‘MATT & BEN’: Final weekend for the acclaimed play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Georgetown Orbits, The Cascadians, The Bandulus, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm at The Skylark, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:31 AM: The Guardian One helicopter circled Gatewood and Upper Fauntleroy – including our HQ – for a bit (they’ve just cleared). One reader reports there was a PA announcement about looking for a missing person. We’re trying to confirm whether it was a possible Jim Price sighting, since “silver alert” was mentioned.
9:34 AM: Recorded dispatch audio confirms it was a possible sighting of Jim Price.
9:47 AM: The original report was a possible sighting near Delridge/Holden.
9:52 AM: SPD just confirmed to us that officers made contact with the person who was the subject of the report but it was NOT Jim, so that’s why the helicopter moved on.
P.S. In comments, Bill includes this link to a website set up about the search for Jim.
(WSB file photo – an entry from 2018 showcase, on display at SW Library)
A fall tradition is returning, and the Southwest Library invites you to participate. Here’s the announcement:
In 2023, the Southwest Artist Showcase is back for its 31st year! This free, month-long event at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library features artists from all over Southwest Seattle. We welcome submissions from people of all ages and experience levels.
The showcase is a non-juried, non-profit art exhibit. All artists who identify as West and Southwest Seattle residents are invited to submit up to 2 pieces of art. Artwork will be accepted Tuesday, October 3 through Thursday, October 5 only and will be on display at the Southwest Branch from Saturday, October 7 through Saturday, November 4. Artwork will not be offered for sale at the Library. All works must be picked up by 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 11.
To view the Showcase, visit the Southwest Branch during open hours from Saturday, October 7 – Saturday, November 4 to view the art displayed throughout the branch.
Please note that some works may not be included if their size or construction prevents their effective display in the library. Library staff will determine the placement and display of each piece, and artwork will not be moved once it has been placed.
For more information about the Southwest Artist Showcase, please visit spl.org/southwestartistshowcase or call the Southwest Branch at 206-684-7455.
Branch hours, for dropping off and/or viewing art, can be found here.
Family and friends are remembering Daniel O. Neville and sharing this with the community:
Daniel O’Dell Neville, 76, of Port Orchard, peacefully passed away after a long illness on September 8th, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
Daniel was born on May 10, 1947, to Catherine Fern Brady and Bert O’Dell Neville in Seattle, WA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 and served in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he joined “the family business,” working on the Seattle Waterfront as a longshoreman for 29 years. He was a proud member of the ILWU Local 19.
Daniel loved fishing, playing cards, road trips, nature, baseball, and his family and friends. Daniel had a big heart and lived an equally big life; moderation was not in his vocabulary. He had an undeniably quick wit and a free spirit that did not conform to the norms of society.
Daniel was welcomed home by his parents, Dell and Dorthy Neville and Catherine Neville, sister Marlene Flanary, and brothers Phillip Neville, James Griffin, Marvin Griffin, Gerald Griffin, Lonnie Neville, William Neville, and Patrick Secrist. He is survived by his wife Joni Neville, children Lois Neville and Dylan (Hellen) Neville, grandchildren Leyla and Kobe, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Services are still being planned at this time.
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 29th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Becoming sunnier as the day goes on, high near 60. Sunrise today is at 7:05 am; sunset, 6:52 pm.
ADVANCE ALERT – LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
Another reminder that the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface traffic Saturday, October 7, through Saturday, October 14, as SDOT announced Monday.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low-bridge cam:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X 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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