Another one-car crash tonight toward the southwest (Fauntleroy) end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, near the remaining Walking On Logs sculptures. No injuries reported. SDOT was called to reset the pushed-out-of-position barrier(s) into which the driver crashed.

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: ‘Deadman’s Hideaway’

October 21, 2023 9:25 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Halloween | West Seattle news

Our nightly Halloween-decoration spotlights continue. Thanks to Aaron for sending tonight’s photos with the simple note that this is “on 64th Ave SW, between Admiral and Alki.”

Got/seen a great display? Let us know – with or without pics – via westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And see our list of seasonal events, including major trick-or-treat opportunities, at westseattleblog.com/halloween.)

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Two early-morning coyote sightings

October 21, 2023 7:30 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Both of these sightings were reported Friday:

GATEWOOD: From Cathy:

As usual, it happened while walking the dogs early this morning. About 5:15, my dogs were suddenly very alert to another canine crossing 37th Ave SW ahead of us at Willow St. The coyote was also very alert to us, but even more so to the rabbit flushed between us. This coyote looked to be the same size as in the photo you posted previously from “Rob.” I thought it looked pretty skinny and it didn’t run very far away nor very fast. We entered our yard and it lingered in our neighbor’s bushes across the street. Our neighborhood is rife with wild rabbits and plenty of outdoor cats and fruit trees; it’s a wonder we don’t spot more of the pack.

BEACH DRIVE: From a texter:

Coyote spotted with middle-sized animal hanging out of its mouth, this AM at 6:30 on my way to work. It ran across the street from a house on the water on Beach Drive, toward Jacobson!

As always, we include a note that we publish these sightings for awareness, not alarm, and for education: Here’s the state’s advice on do’s and don’t’s for coexisting with coyotes. (If you’re interested in previous sightings, click on the coverage-category link – “coyotes” – under the headline above.)

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VIDEO: Lincoln Park court-conversion opponents rally, plot strategy

October 21, 2023 4:59 pm

| 170 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As they promised last weekend, opponents of Seattle Parks‘ plan to convert Lincoln Park‘s former tennis courts into pickleball courts came back today for a larger protest rally.

Their main concerns remain two-fold: That pickleball is too noisy for an area of the park where birds roost and nest in trees and people come for refuge from urban bustle, that possible lighting of the courts would also disrupt wildlife and that Seattle Parks made the court-conversion decision without environmental review and public input.

To recap – we reported in August, after a reader tip, that Parks planned to add pickleball striping to three of nearby Solstice Park‘s six courts during resurfacing work. At the time, the resurfacing work was considered imminent. But it hadn’t happened by the time Parks announced a change in plan in mid-September – that it would create six pickleball-only courts on the former tennis courts in the north part of the park, long used for storage. Solstice, Parks said, would remain tennis-only. Both these protesters and pickleball players said soon after that they would like to see Parks go back to the previous plan.

We counted about 60 people at the gathering’s peak. The protesters waved signs along Fauntleroy Way for a while before marching and chanting to the planned court site, where they gathered for speeches, by both organizers and by park users who spoke passionately about the solace they take in visiting it.

(Video added below, 7:33 pm)

They acknowledged a youth soccer match happening next to the court and described children’s laughter as a welcome sound, unlike the sound of pickleball, a recording of which was played at one point during the gathering, They also talked strategy, since so far Parks has not granted their request to have a public-comment period on the court-conversion plan. They plan to continue gathering names on an online petition, as well as emailing politicians and political candidates, from the City Council to Congress. Parks, meantime, plans to put an informational sign at the site this week, according to a brief discussion at this past week’s Morgan Community Association meeting, and Parks told us last week – after one activist launched an “occupation” – that a “work zone” will be created at the site.

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HELPING: Seattle’s only river gets hundreds of helping hands during Duwamish Alive!

October 21, 2023 3:21 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Seen at Duwamish Alive! this morning – one example of what the twice-yearly habitat-helping event is all about. That was just before volunteers set out by water and by land for four hours of volunteer cleanup and restoration.

First, at həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat in West Seattle, some of the volunteers heard from river champions – like Cecile Hansen of the Duwamish Tribe, whose longhouse is just across West Marginal Way SW:

It’s important for you to understand why Seattle’s only river – West Seattle’s eastern border – matters so much. Listen to what the speakers had to say:

If you missed this work party, watch for the next Duwamish Alive! in spring – and many other work parties in the months ahead.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Great Pumpkin Search in Fauntleroy

October 21, 2023 1:17 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Halloween | West Seattle news

On the first of this year’s two “Halloweekends,” there’s lots to do, and one fun event is happening right now – the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s second Great Pumpkin Search. Between now and 3 pm, you can go to the Endolyne business district (centered on Wildwood/45th/Brace Point) and search for hidden pumpkins large and small. FCA adds, “As a bonus, there will be special pumpkins and holiday gifts to find in various locations.” But don’t wait – it’s popular – FCA told us they’d counted 23 pumpkin-hunters in the first five minutes!

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Update on this afternoon’s Southwest Library vaccination clinic

October 21, 2023 12:43 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

Just received this update on this afternoon’s planned COVID/flu vaccination clinic at Southwest Library:

This morning, we received an unfortunate update from Seattle/King County Public Health. Due to a shipping delay from the manufacturer, the COVID doses earmarked for today’s clinic have been drastically reduced. Here is the updated availability for the vaccines at today’s clinic:

VACCINE DOSES AVAILABLE AT 10/21 SOUTHWEST LIBRARY CLINIC:

NO COVID doses for insured folks who are 12+
Only 7 COVID doses available for uninsured 12+
Limited pediatric COVID doses (5-11 years old) for children insured by state Medicaid or private insurers

Plenty of flu shots available for ages 3 years & older (including high-dose flu shots for seniors)

We anticipate running out of the 7 doses for uninsured folks 12+ very early on. Library staff have been numerous phone calls to pharmacies all over the west/southwest Seattle area, and have only located two sites with confirmed walk-in COVID vaccine availability for today: Sea Mar Burien (14434 Ambaum Blvd SW; 206-812-6140) free for folks regardless of insurance, and Fred Meyer Burien (14300 1st Ave S, Burien; 206-433-6446) free for folks with insurance and out-of-pocket for folks without insurance ($180). We’re working to locate more walk-in COVID vaccine options for today.

For more information, patrons are welcome to call the Southwest Library at 206-684-7455. We’re very, very sorry for this unforeseen development.

The clinic remains scheduled for 2-5:30 pm; the library is at 9010 35th SW.

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UPDATE: Woman found dead on Lincoln Park shore

October 21, 2023 10:06 am

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police

(Photo sent by Sam)

ORIGINAL SATURDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tips. A person was found dead on the Lincoln Park beach just south of Colman Pool this morning. The 911 dispatch happened just before 8 am. The person was described as an “adult female” whose body was “wet.” Police responded, as did SFD in case there was a chance she could be revived, but she could not. So far there’s no indication of suspicious circumstances that would require a homicide investigation; it’ll be up to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, which sent a crew to the beach to take possession of the woman’s body, to determine what caused her death.

ADDED MONDAY: Police tell us the woman was 61 years old; and, “There were no signs of trauma or foul play at this time.” Again, the Medical Examiner will determine how/why she died.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 30 notes!

October 21, 2023 6:16 am

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Fish photographed from Jack Block Park Pier on Wednesday by Steve Bender)

Welcome to the weekend! Highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Halloween Guide:

ROAD WORK ALERT: Northbound Delridge Way traffic north of SW Genesee is temporarily in one of the southbound lanes because of ongoing road work that’s scheduled to wrap up by Monday.

FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend going with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

FREE HIKE: Explore the West Duwamish Greenbelt on a guided hike! Meet at 9:30 am at the South Seattle College Arboretum (north end of campus at 6000 16th SW)

DUWAMISH ALIVE! 10 am-2 pm at multiple sites, today’s the fall installment of the twice-yearly mega-work party to take care of the Duwamish River’s watershed. If you haven’t already signed up to volunteer, the Herring’s House site in West Seattle still has volunteer openings. All are welcome, volunteering or not, for the opening ceremony and speeches at həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat at 10 am (across from the Duwamish Longhouse in the 4700 block of West Marginal Way SW).

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: You can admire the community art on display at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), open 10 am-6 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 – second-to-last time this year – prioritizing vendors of color, presented by African Community Housing & Development.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is planting season, and you can shop for student-raised plants at the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open 10 am-2 pm on the north end of campus.

WESTCREST DOG PARK TLC: If you can spare a little time to help out at the dog park, be there at 10:30 am. (9000 8th SW)

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

COURT-CONVERSION PROTEST: People opposed to Seattle Parks‘ plan to convert the former Lincoln Park tennis courts to pickleball courts plan a protest today, meeting in the park’s north lot (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) at 11 am.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH: Seasonal specialties at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM FAMILY DAY: Special day to visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), 12-4 pm – as previewed here, it’s Family Day, with opportunities to learn about the beavers of Longfellow Creek!

CANDIDATE COFFEE: School board candidate Debbie Carlsen will be at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) noon-2 pm to meet voters.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Alki UCC and Kol HaNeshamah team up for this walk-by event, with live music, 12:30-1:30 pm in the front courtyard of their building at 6115 SW Hinds.

GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH: The Fauntleroy Community Association invites you to the Endolyne Triangle (Wildwood/Brace Point/45th) to search for pumpkins big and small, 1-3 pm.

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HALLOWEEN PET PHOTOS: 1-5 pm, free Halloween pet photo booth at Mud Bay (2611 California SW).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR: Leslie Harris hosts her final community conversation before the election in which she’s not running for re-election, 2-5 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW). She again promises to bring her famous lasagna!

FREE VACCINATIONS: Flu and COVID shots available 2-5:30 pm in a clinic at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), no appointment needed, just show up. (UPDATE: Changes announced at the last minute – details here.)

FALL BEER SHOWCASE: 30 fall favorites, 2-9 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), where the Tat’s truck also is visiting 3-8 pm.

HALLOQWEEN BASH: 4-6 pm, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) hosts “an afternoon of fall festivities including seasonal pastries and cider, costume contest, kids’ activities, drag performances and FUN with Seattle drag queens Holli B. Sinclair, Cookie Couture, and Sylvia O’Stayformore!” Tickets here (by donation).

BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)

ARTSWEST GALA: 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) – tickets and details here.

SPOOKY SHOW: Nightfall Orphanage, spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, 7-10 pm (see our Halloween Guide for full-season schedule). No admission charge, but charity donations requested – food or funds.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

‘GREAT NIGHT’ LAUNCHES: New Saturday night program for young adults 18+ to hang out 7 pm-midnight, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s invited, get your event on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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