West Seattle, Washington
31 Saturday
(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!
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