day : 07/09/2023 11 results

FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth solves crew challenge

September 7, 2023 10:23 pm
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 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from Washington State Ferries: “For Friday, September 8, due to a shortage of crew, the route will be operating on one-boat service for start of the service day on the #1 sailing schedule.” Schedule links are on the alert page, which is where to check in the morning to see if the one-boat plan really happened or not – lately some of these announcements are followed by “never mind” after WSF manages to find the crew member(s) needed.

6 AM: And indeed, WSF solved the problem and is back to 2 boats.

BIZNOTE: Buy or sell at West Seattle Boat Swap on Saturday

September 7, 2023 9:41 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

You can buy, sell, or trade paddlesports gear this Saturday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) during the West Seattle Boat Swap. Extra reason to go to the shop: As announced last week, the M2SO store in The Triangle (and online) is getting out of the paddlesports business, so they are offering hot clearance deals as they get ready to focus on winter sports. If you have gear to sell on Saturday, register online first – deadline is 6 pm Friday – and then drop the item(s) off 9-11 am Saturday; if you want to buy, Boat Swap hours on Saturday are 11 am-4 pm. (P.S. You can also set your calendar now for M2SO’s West Seattle Ski Swap, October 14-15.)

LIFE-SAVING GIFT: Blood-donation opportunities in West Seattle on Friday, and beyond

If you can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest would love to see you at their West Seattle pop-up tomorrow – or another upcoming event. This month, they’re offering an extra incentive: They’re giving away a trip for 2 to Las Vegas to see Katy Perry. Whether it’s for the Friday pop-up (10 am-4 pm at the West Seattle YMCA [WSB sponsor]) or elsewhere, you must make an appointment to donate – start here. If you have any trouble with booking online, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Bridge bus-lane enforcement camera to be installed this weekend

ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Three and a half weeks after SDOT announced it would install a bus-lane-enforcement camera on the West Seattle Bridge, installation is scheduled for this weekend. SDOT just sent word that crews will be working on the bridge Saturday (September 9th) “between about 7 am and 5 pm to allow for installation of the camera as well as warning signs and Seattle City Light inspection.” After that, there will be a 30-day grace period before SDOT activates the camera. This is part of a “pilot program” in which the city also has transit-lane and “block the box” cameras downtown. The first violation will get you a warning letter; the second, a $75 fine.

P.S. The installation is the second project that’s likely to affect eastbound traffic on the high bridge Saturday – the ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed from late Friday to early Sunday.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Much discussion below centers on whether you’ll be ticketed simply for crossing the lane. We asked SDOT to clarify. Here’s what spokesperson Mariam Ali sent:

Here is a clip from the design plans that shows the detection zone in yellow-green:

Anyone mistakenly in the exit-only lane will have ample space to change lanes to the thru lanes before the exit gore.

REMINDER: Beach fire season is over

With the weekend in view, a reminder – Alki Beach’s fire rings have been picked up and taken away because beach-fire season ended on Labor Day. (Thanks to Guy for the nudge to remind you.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Junction EV-charging station hit by vandalism/theft again

That’s the stub where a cord should be connected to the base of one of the city-owned EV-charging stations on 39th SW in The Junction. We went over after tips this morning and saw the cords missing on both of the chargers. We subsequently asked Seattle City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang about the plan for repair; she indicated the situation was news to them, but said somebody would be dispatched to investigate. The chargers were installed three years ago, and we’ve covered multiple vandalism/theft incidents before.

READER REPORTS: Found bicycle, bag. Are either yours?

Two from the “possibly dumped/stolen” files:

FOUND BICYCLE: Reported by Bill:

The bicycle in the attached photo has been parked near the corner of 48th Ave SW and Hanford St SW for several days.

FOUND BAG: Reported by multiple readers including Terry, who sent the photo and report:

Found this AM in North Admiral: ladies’ green bag on parking strip (SE corner of SW Massachusetts Street & 46th Ave SW) with some of its contents a short distance away along 46th Ave SW.

Terry reports the items have since been consolidated into the bag so it’s all in one spot.

YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank donation drive at HomeStreet Bank

September 7, 2023 11:59 am
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 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As mentioned here last week, this month’s spotlight at HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is shining on the West Seattle Food Bank – and it’s accompanied by a donation drive! You can bring food and/or clothing (for the WSFB Clothesline) to the branch (look for the display shown above) during regular hours, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am-6 pm Fridays. While you’re there, register for this month’s prize drawing – on September 15th, they’ll draw the winner for one ticket to the Taste of West Seattle.

Silent Book Club, ‘Matt & Ben,’ soccer, more for your West Seattle Thursday

September 7, 2023 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Silent Book Club, ‘Matt & Ben,’ soccer, more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise photo by Doug Eglington)

Here’s the list for your almost-fall Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FILL THE BOOT: Firefighters are fundraising for the fight against muscular dystrophy; in West Seattle, you’ll find them until 2 pm at California/Alaska.

LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE: 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), health-insurance broker Patrice Lewis helps you figure it out.

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

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

SOCCER: Two high-school girls’ soccer home games today, both at 4 pm – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Ballard at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); West Seattle HS hosts Holy Names at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).

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

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

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

SILENT BOOK CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: This month’s gathering is spread across NINE local venues! Starting at 7 pm, bring your book and get ready to read. Find the venues – and more info about the SBCWS – in our calendar listing.

(added) PIANO BAR: At the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon):

7-10 pm – Join Larry Knapp and other musical guests for an evening of live music at the Senior Center. Wine, beer, specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Entry fee: $10. Tickets available at the door or at sc-ws.org/piano-bar.

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

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: In case you wonder who’s playing at West Seattle Stadium – tonight it’s Rainier Beach vs. Seattle Prep at 7 pm.

‘MATT & BEN’: Official opening night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

Look ahead any time with our calendar!

Signups open for West Seattle writer’s free youth program ‘Write YOUR Story’

Back-to-school time is also afterschool-activity time. Here’s an opportunity: West Seattle writer Julia Douthwaite Viglione is organizing another free “Write YOUR Story” series. She asked us to share this announcement:

Write YOUR Story now enrolling for Fall 2023!

Free writing workshop for people ages 8—12, on Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm —7:30 pm, in the Concord Elementary School cafeteria space! Concord International Elementary, 723 S. Concord St. (South Park).

A semester-long program of twelve (12) meetings from Tuesday September 26, 2023, to Tuesday December 12, 2023, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. By enrollment, limit: 12.

We will read two beautifully illustrated classics of world literature, vote on our favorite plot, then rewrite it and illustrate our story together. Every child receives a copy of our book at the end, in color and spiral bound!

Fall 2023 TRICKSTERS! Books we will read:

Gerald McDermott, Papagayo the Mischief Maker, about a parrot of the Amazon rain forest who helps the other jungle creatures learn to make noise without fear.

Charles Perrault, Puss in Boots, the story as it was originally told in the 1670s, in France, of a trickster cat and his lucky owner.

Write YOUR Story is a free program offered by West Seattle writers who love to share their passion for good stories and the creative process. Established in 2012 in South Bend, IN, “We read, we write, and we have a lot of fun.” jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1

To enroll, contact Ms. Julia, at juliawsea@gmail.com

Hope to see you this fall! — Julia Douthwaite Viglione, PhD, Shepherd Siegel, PhD, and the Write Your Story team

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

September 7, 2023 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 7th.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:35 am; sunset will be at 7:37 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Remember that all schools have reopened.

ROAD WORK AHEAD

-If you missed the announcement Wednesday, this weekend and next will bring pavement work on eastbound SW Alaska between 44th and California.

(added) Friday night through Sunday morning, the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5 will be closed – here’s the WSDOT alert:

The southbound I-5 on-ramps from the Spokane Street Viaduct, South Spokane Street and Sixth Avenue South will close for construction from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, through 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. A signed detour will use northbound I-5 to westbound Edgar Martinez Drive to southbound First Avenue South to eastbound South Holgate Street to northbound South Fourth Street to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. Please allow extra time for travel.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on the 2-boat schedule. Check Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

Metro – Regular schedule; one last reminder that the September “service change” happened last weekend – in West Seattle, Route 55 was suspended, and Routes 50 and 22 have changes.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low-bridge cam:

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

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

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter/X 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!