West Seattle, Washington
18 Wednesday
7:47 PM: Two lanes of the westbound West Seattle Bridge are blocked by an emergency response after a collision described as a driver hitting a man who was either standing or walking on the bridge. This was initially reported to have happened on the Spokane Street Viaduct section of the bridge, near the 1st Avenue S. ramp.
7:55 PM: From the traffic camera showing the response, it appears this happened further east on the SSV.
8:31 PM: The scene has cleared. We’re checking with SFD regarding the person who was reported to have been hit.
9:42 PM: SFD tells us the man who was hit is 30 years old and was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.
Still looking for COVID and/or flu vaccinations? Neighborhood Naturopathic West Seattle (WSB sponsor) asked us to share this announcement with you:
Neighborhood Naturopathic currently has a limited stock of pediatric COVID vaccines (Moderna) and both adult and pediatric flu vaccines available for patients and non-patients. Anyone interested is encouraged to give us a call to schedule: 206-486-8383. We are located at 5410 California Ave SW, Suite #203.
3:36 PM: Thanks for the tip. Police are at 35th/Webster investigating gunfire. The 911 call came in around quarter till 3. At the scene, we noted that police have found multiple casings.
The area taped off is on the west side of the intersection. Traffic on 35th is getting through but Webster is blocked there.
3:40 PM: Update – we’ve just talked to a police supervisor. Police say one person was injured and taken to the hospital. They say a “blue sedan” was involved.
7:29 PM: There was no SFD response for a victim, and finally getting a chance to listen to dispatch audio (this happened while we were out on an unrelated story), we know why – the victim “showed up” at Harborview 20 minutes or so later. Also, officers told dispatch about bullet damage in an apartment building on SW Webster by the scene. And police were investigating a possibly related blue Honda Civic found, empty, at Westwood Village, with “bloody clothing” inside. … SPD says in an update on SPD Blotter that “multiple” buildings were hit and that the victim is a 30-year-old man.
West Seattle’s only emergency shelter is expected to open this week, with nighttime departures forecast to get down into the 30s. Manager Keith Hughes tells us, “Going by (the) weather reports, I am planning to open the Cold Weather Overnight Shelter starting Thursday night.” The shelter at the West Seattle Veteran Center/American Legion Post 160 building in The Triangle remains entirely volunteer- and donation-powered, so if you can help, here’s the wish list:
Food Pantry
Ground Coffee (Folgers 3# cans)
powdered coffee creamer (like Coffeemate)
Instant Hot Coco Mix (for hot water)
Bottled water
Soft drinks in cans (store brands and things on sale)
Instant Oatmeal packets
Granola type low sugar cereal
Pancake mix, bisquick mix,
Pancake syrup, butter, jam
Canned soup, chili, beef stew
Packaged food like top ramen, cup-o-noodles
Rice-a-roni, noodle-roni boxes
Dry pasta (spaghetti, egg noodles, macaroni )
Spaghetti sauce in jars
Food store gift cards so we can get fresh things like milk, eggs, butter, meatOther Needs
Travel size individual soaps, shampoo; tooth brushes & tooth paste (ask your
dentist for donations) bar soap for shower, laundry detergent pods
Toilet paper and paper towels, napkins, disinfectant wipes
Folding Camp Cots(Amazon or Big5), Single bed size blankets
Stocking caps, cotton gloves, tee shirts (mens L and XL) socks
Sheatshirts, regular and hooded -L, XL, XXL
You can drop donations off at 3618 SW Alaska starting tomorrow: “The Legion Hall will be open every morning starting Tuesday at 7:30 am to receive donations.”
12:33 PM: SFD and SPD are at California/Manning [map] for a collision with an initial “rescue extrication” dispatch. Updates to come.
12:39 PM: One person’s been extricated. California is completely closed at the scene, between Manning and Spokane. We’re on our way to find out more.
(Added: Photo sent by Christopher Boffoli)
12:37 PM: We’re told the driver of a blue car – not shown – hit the light-colored car that is shown in the photo above. SFD is gone, traffic is reopened, and one police car remains, awaiting a tow. We’re checking on the condition of the person who was extricated; the medic unit was canceled at one point, which suggests injuries were not life-threatening.
6:36 PM: SFD tells us the driver who was extricated is a 47-year-old woman who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.
11:28 AM: Workers are putting up fencing this morning at the Lincoln Park site where Seattle Parks plans to convert former tennis courts, long used as storage, into pickleball courts. We went down for a look after getting a tip that police were there too.
No incident was reported as far as we could determine – the officers were apparently there as a precaution, after last week’s report that a project opponent “occupying” the site had “interfered” with workers; the officers were getting ready to leave while we were there. They were heard explaining to a few concerned bystanders what constituted “trespassing.”
We also talked at the site with a Parks manager, Sandi Albertsen. She told us that the informational sign – as noted toward the end of our story about Saturday’s protest at the site – is expected to arrive soon, She also said that in addition to the new overlay for the existing paved pad, Parks plans to make ADA improvements on the west side of the site, improving a trail so the site is more accessible. This view looks toward the northwest, from the south side of the fencing.
If you’re just hearing about this situation, here’s a brief recap: Parks was planning to add pickleball striping to the tennis courts at Solstice Park as part of then-imminent resurfacing (now postponed until next year). Reaction to that led to Parks changing its mind and instead announcing it would use part of a previously received Associated Recreation Council grant to create six pickleball-only courts at this site in Lincoln Park while keeping Solstice tennis-only. The courts might eventually get lighting, depending on additional funding and other factors, Parks said. Opponents who contend that pickleball’s distinctive sound will be bad for wildlife and people have launched a push to at least get Parks to open a public-engagement process about the plan. Parks says it’s not planning to do that and is moving ahead with the project.
ADDED 6:59 PM: We went back before sunset for a look at the fencing and the signage.
That sign was just west of the existing paved area, behind the fencing that stretches out to the west, where Parks told us this morning that “accessbility” work would be done.
Project opponents have attached multiple copies of a flyer to the fence. Meantime, we’ll be asking Parks tomorrow for more specifics on the plan for the extra fenced-off area.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: A police summary from Monday, just released, describes the reason for the response:
On 10-23-2023, at 08:46hrs, officers were dispatched to Lincoln Park for a report of two men with dogs harassing work crews attempting to set up fencing for a proposed pickleball court. Police assisted in resolving the disturbance between both parties.
(West Seattle scene, photographed by Justin in Gatewood)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead:
COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED: Today WAS the deadline for comments on the draft Seattle Transportation Plan, but it’s been extended to October 31st. Here’s the original story we published when it was released in August.
FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance 9 am-1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM: Age-Friendly Seattle presents a forum with Seattle City Council District 1 candidates Maren Costa and Rob Saka, 3 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), all welcome.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, this is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
MONDAY MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
BEDHEAD OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 7 pm (signups at 6:30) – info in our calendar listing.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Though the ’23-’24 school year is less than two months old, it’s the season to start thinking ahead to ’24-’25. For families of K-5 students interested in independent schools, Tilden School (WSB sponsor) is hosting the first of two open houses soon. You’ll be welcome to visit the Tilden campus on the north edge of The Junction 1 pm-3 pm Saturday, November 4th. If that date doesn’t work for you, Tilden also will offer an open house 10 am-noon on December 2nd. The school is at 4105 California SW. If you’d like to learn more about Tilden – now in its fourth decade of offering “academic, engaging, individualized K-5 education” – go to tildenschool.org and read our story from earlier this year.
9:36 AM: Police are at the scene of a “jackknifed semi” at 47th/Spokane.
10:02 AM: An officer actually just arrived and reports it’s a truck making a delivery to a construction site, NOT a “jackknifed” truck.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, October 23rd.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. High in the upper 50s – then we might not even break 50 for the rest of the week. Sunrise today is at 7:39 am; sunset, 6:06 pm.
ROAD-WORK ALERT
We’re checking with SDOT to see if the Delridge repaving in the northbound lanes north of Genesee is expected to wrap up today as projected. (11:11 am update: Even while we awaited an answer to that inquiry, somebody at SDOT tweeted that the work may last until Thursday – thanks for the tip.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular schedule today – now on fall/winter schedule, still 7 days a week, but no late-night service Fridays/Saturdays.
Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.
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:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – southeastern 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 that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!
(WSB photos and video unless otherwise credited)
Any day now, Fauntleroy Creek is likely to see the first spawner of the season. Today, the biggest turnout in years gathered for an annual tradition, singing and drumming to call the salmon home. As always, Jamie Shilling led the songs, starting with “Habitat,” to the tune of the 1960s classic “Lollipop“:
We counted more than 80 people, from babies to seniors, gathered steps from the creek, outside the home of Judy Pickens and Phil Sweetland, long active not only with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, but also the Salmon in the Schools program, which teaches local students about salmon’s life cycle as they raise fry to release into the creek each year. But this afternoon’s gathering was a celebration of what’s yet to come.
Interspersed with Shilling’s songs, Judy told the story of how – after work to restore the creek – the first known modern-day spawners, nicknamed Harry and Louise, showed up 29 years ago. Community members gathered to drum – inspired by ancient traditions – in hopes that would encourage more. Over the years, thousands have shown up, counted by volunteer creek watchers like Dennis Hinton (below with Judy):
Three salmon were spotted near the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek earlier in the weekend, Judy revealed at this afternoon’s gathering – adding that watchers also saw “seals with napkins under their chins.” The mouth of the creek is near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. Judy noted that Washington State Ferries employees came to the gathering today for the first time – helping out during one song:
Today’s gathering ran a little longer than some years because of a surprise – the Watershed Council honored your WSB co-publishers for all our years of covering their work.
We were not only surprised but deeply honored. Everyone then gathered for a group photo – another dedicated creek volunteer, Tom Trulin, took it from atop a ladder:
This week, Tom, Dennis, and others will be out watching for spawners to make it into the creek. Last year, they counted 254, a near-record in the quarter-century of counting. We’ll let you know when we get word of sightings. Meantime, learn more about Fauntleroy Creek – one of Seattle’s few salmon-bearing streams – at fauntleroywatershed.org. There’s an overlook tucked away at upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director, just south of the stairway that leads to the bus stop across from the ferry dock.
8:09 PM: In the past hour, a woman reported to police that her purse was stolen while she was at a bus stop in West Seattle. Exactly where, we’re not sure, as the call was first reported as California/Willow in Morgan Junction, but then the victim called police from the 7-11 in The Junction, and officers told dispatch the robbery happened at a bus stop “on Alaska.” We do know that the robber(s) were reported to have gotten away in a white 2020 Hyundai Elantra that matched up with a vehicle reported stolen somewhere outside the city. And a similar car, with two people wearing face coverings, was reportedly spotted at the California/Andover mini-mart a short time ago, so the robbers may still be in the area.
8:39 PM: Police are now talking with another woman who reported a street robbery, not far from California/Andover, with items taken including her grocery bag. So far the only descriptions mentioned are an “older white sedan” with three people in ski masks.
Multiple readers suggested we check out this Halloween display at 37th/Graham. As our video above shows, it’s a light show with music. The yard has additional decorations too:
You can hear the music via 87.9 FM.
We’re continuing to spotlight West Seattle displays nightly through Halloween – if you have one to suggest, whether yours or someone else’s, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – with or without photos – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Issues from traffic safety to crime to two park concerns were discussed at this month’s meeting of the Alki Community Council.
The meeting facilitated by ACC president Tony Fragada was held Thursday night in hybrid format, although the in-person gathering dropped off the Zoom call prematurely, so the meeting’s end was a bit muddied.
TRAFFIC SAFETY: Residents on 56th SW say it’s the only gateway-to-Alki street without traffic calming. They would like to change that, so they’ve launched an online petition. Problems related to the road’s use include two homes hit by three drivers in recent years, and two drive-by-shootings with bullets going into houses (here’s one we covered, in which bullets broke dishes). Neighbors are asking SDOT for speed humps to at least discourage the speeding and perhaps reduce the street’s popularity. If you’re interested in signing the petition, it’s here.
POLICE UPDATES: The same SPD delegation who attended Wednesday’s Morgan Community Association meeting came to the Alki CC meeting –
SPD and SFD are arriving at the scene of a collision at 16th/Myrtle. According to emergency-radio exchanges, a 35-year-old woman is reported to have been hit by a driver and suffered an ankle injury. The driver, according to dispatch, pulled over and remains on scene. Avoid the area for a while.
Your ballot likely has already arrived. You might even have voted already. If not – tomorrow (Monday, October 23) brings another opportunity to see the Seattle City Council District 1 candidates. Rob Saka and Maren Costa are scheduled to answer questions about topics of interest to older Seattleites during a forum presented by Age-Friendly Seattle. It’s set for 3 pm to 4:30 pm Monday at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). Registration isn’t mandatory but if you sign up here you can also submit a question for consideration and list the topics you’re most interested in hearing Costa and Saka address.
Just in case either of these items is yours …
ABANDONED BOAT: Sent by Susanna:
Guessing this paddle boat was stolen and dumped in the middle of the night when criminals got tired of carrying it. It is currently in front of 9028 14th Ave SW. Reported it to the city as illegal dumping.
ABANDONED BICYCLE: Sent by Seth:
Possibly stolen bike at 26th and Nevada. Bike’s been here for a few days.
One week from today, while the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be in its usual spot on California SW between Alaska and Oregon, an extra block will be closed for The Junction’s Halloween celebration. To recap, the West Seattle Junction Association decided, starting this year, to split what had been the Harvest Festival into two events – the Fall Festival, with a variety of games and activities, happened four weeks ago, and Halloween in The Junction, with a costume parade and trick-or-treating, happens next Sunday (October 29th). It’s set for 11 am-2 pm, kicking off with the costume parade starting at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), led by the West Seattle High School Band as in years past. Then at noon, the Seattle Thrillers will perform. An extra block of California SW, from Alaska to Edmunds, will be closed to vehicle traffic; you’ll find trick-or-treating and activity booths there (as well as treats offered throughout Downtown West Seattle by businesses). See you in The Junction next Sunday!
P.S. This and other business-district-trick-or-treat events – along with other Halloween-season events – are listed on our West Seattle Halloween Guide page.
(Photo by Jamie Kinney – see more here)
Here’s what’s happening as the weekend continues!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Now they’re running on Sunday mornings too – meet at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Community art on display at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), open 10 am-6 pm.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering fall fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list.
DONATION DRIVE: Help people in need – bring donated items to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm. The wish list is in our calendar listing.
ADMIRAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT MEETING: All are invited to come hear and talk about the church’s recently finalized partnership with Homestead Community Land Trust, 1:30 pm. (4320 SW Hill)
LEARN TO RESEARCH FAMILY HISTORY: Free family-history lab at the West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW), 2:30 pm-4:30 pm. Email to reserve a slot if you can – info’s in our calendar listing.
DRUMMING TO CALL THE SALMON HOME: It’s just about time for splmon to show up in Fauntleroy Creek, looking for love. To encourage them, the annual tradition of gathering to drum and sing for a bit is set for 4 pm. Come to upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director (across and upslope from the ferry dock), and a drumbeat will lead you down the driveway to the gathering.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As always, the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting was update-laden. Here’s what we heard at Wednesday’s online meeting, facilitated by MoCA president Deb Barker. Here’s how it unfolded, starting with the quick notes dubbed Morgan Minutes:
‘WE NEED HELP’: MoCA needs a recording secretary – “very easy position” since the organization meets only once every three months. This person takes minutes and posts them online – email mocacnc@gmail.com if you might be interested in helping.
EX-BANK BUILDING: The former Washington Federal building on the northeast corner of California/Fauntleroy remains for sale, two and a half years after closing; Barker talked to the broker recently and was told the bank “only wants to sell the building and is not interested in leasing it” – but with the stipulation that future owners can’t use or lease it as a bank. Price has been cut to $2 million.
MORGAN JUNCTION FESTIVAL PLANNING: MoCA will start talking in January about next June’s festival. First thing: Pick a festival date, then consider the scope of the event. All are welcome to help plan – if interested, mocacnc@gmail.com.
HYBRID MEETING? MoCA hopes to move from online-only to hybrid meetings next year.
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.
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.)
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.)
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.
| 7 COMMENTS