West Seattle, Washington
28 Sunday
(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2022)
For a quarter of a century, The Hall at Fauntleroy has served a free Thanksgiving feast to community members – open to all. In addition to diners, they’re also again welcoming volunteers and dessert donors, Here’s the announcement:
All are welcome on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23rd from 12 pm-3 pm – for this year’s annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner! The delicious meal, created this year by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering‘s Jr. Sous Chef Zach Mosely, will include a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community. No need to RSVP, just show up at Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California Ave SW) on Thanksgiving Day between 12-3 pm.
This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer or bring a dessert on signup.com.
Gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations can be dropped off at our SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S., from Monday, November 20, to Wednesday, November 22, from 9 am-3 pm [or drop in Fauntleroy Schoolhouse hallway bin] or bring it to The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving Day from 10 am-1 pm.
By this time tomorrow night, we’ll see the first round of election returns. So far in our area, the percentage of ballots received is up to just under 22 percent. The turnout so far is higher than it was with one day to go before the August primary – at that point, only 16 percent of ballots had been received. Another number of note – according to one of the ballot-return breakouts, by far the largest group to have turned in ballots so far is voters 65+ – more than twice the next highest group, 55-64. Reminder that you have only nine decisions to make:
Seattle Proposition 1 (Housing Levy)
Seattle City Council District 1
King County Council District 8
Seattle School Board Districts 1, 2, 3, 6
Seattle Port Commission Position 5
Your ballot includes some uncontested races, too. For it to count, it has to be in a King County Elections dropbox – West Seattle has three – by 8 pm tomorrow, or in the USPS mail early enough tomorrow to be sure it’ll get a Tuesday postmark. Then we’ll get one round of results around 8:15 pm, and updates most weekday afternoons thereafter until the results are certified on November 28.
8:17 PM: SFD is sending units by land and sea to look into a report of a 30′ sailboat that’s possibly adrift 200 feet offshore, south of Lincoln Park.
8:23 PM: Responders say it’s an anchored vessel, not in distress, so they’re canceling the response.
Two reader reports related to our wet weather:
TOPPLED TREE: Mike Munson sent the photo and report:
A tree at the southeast corner of Gatewood School broke off at its rotten base and fell against the school. It didn’t fall far but that looks like a lot of weight against the building/roof. There was a crew there figuring out what to do when we walked by at 4:30. This is the same tree that had a big piece break away about a year ago, which tore off an electrical connection to the commercial building just to the east of the school.
Here’s our story about that previous tree trouble.
WHERE TO GET SANDBAGS: In case you need them before the next deluge, Rosalie Miller shares what she found out:
I just returned from the South Park address listed on the county’s website to get free sandbags [731 S. Sullivan]. There are plenty of bags remaining. The county asks that you take no more than 25 bags per household. There are no bags being distributed at the Delridge Community Center this year. You will need to load the bags yourself and each weighs approximately 35 – 40#.
5:51 PM: Thanks for the tips. The bridge will be closed for a short time at the eastbound entrance by Fauntleroy/35th while SDOT resets barriers after an earlier crash.
5:56 PM: Reopened. No serious injuries reported in the crash.
(WSB file photo)
No, the forecast isn’t for temperatures THAT low, though it’s cooled down a bit from last week, but you might see a snowplow. SDOT says it’s having “a snowplow training exercise” today and tomorrow, to make sure the equipment’s working and that drivers know their routes. SDOT’s announcement explains:
During this practice run, SDOT snowplow drivers travel the specific routes they would clear during and after a real snow and ice storm, following a network of pre-identified arterial streets all across the city. This helps drivers be familiar with the latest street conditions. At the same time, other City of Seattle specialists ensure vehicles, equipment, and supplies are where they need to be at several maintenance facilities in Seattle.
SDOT says Seattle Public Utilities and Parks drivers are also cross-trained to drive snowplows. Here are some links to save in case of snow:
–Snowplow routes map
–Winter Weather Response map (during snow/ice events, it’ll show you what’s been cleared)
–Winter-weather info/resources
(WSB photo, October 3)
The King County Sheriff’s Office has announced that 17-year-old White Center bus-murder suspect Miguel Rivera Dominguez is in custody. Here’s the entirety of the announcement:
This morning, November 6, 2023, at 9:55 AM, homicide suspect Miguel Rivera Dominguez turned himself into the King County Sheriff’s Office without incident. Rivera Dominguez was named as the suspect in the shooting of 21-year-old Marcel Da’jon Wagner, who was fatally shot while riding on a King County Metro Transit Bus in White Center on October 3rd.
We want to thank our neighboring law enforcement agencies and community members for their assistance, tips, and support during this extensive investigation. Together, we are working to make our community safer.
According to a WSB tipster, he surrendered at the KCSO precinct in Burien, the city in which he had been residing. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Rivera Dominguez as an adult with first-degree murder last week, saying video from the bus suggested he shot and killed Wagner – who may have been asleep – without provocation or any sort of confrontation, without even saying a word. He’ll be held in lieu of $3 million bail.
Just received from SPD crime-prevention coordinator Sarah Lawson:
We will be holding a Personal Safety Class on November 9th from 6 PM to 8 PM virtually. We will discuss things such as awareness, trusting our instincts, making a safety plan, how to stay safe in different situations, how to call 911, etc. The class is suitable for anyone 14 years old and older who would like to learn some basic tips and tricks to live, learn, and work safety in Seattle. Here is the link to register.
While the webpage for the class says it’s “full,” Sarah says it’s NOT, so sign up for the waitlist and you’ll be registered from there.
She also has provided four flyers with personal-safety information, in light of recent robberies targeting all ages:
Purse Snatching
Phone Snatching
Safety for Youth, part 1
Safety for Youth, part 2
As we move into the season of long dark nights, we have news of a light show coming to West Seattle for the holiday season. The website for the Seattle Chinese Garden, which is on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge, points to the site for Astra Lumina, a traveling light show described as an hour-long “enchanted night walk” along a “celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song” comprising a “multisensory immersive experience for all ages.” It’s been to 19 other places, including Los Angeles, for which this promotional clip was prepared:
This is expected to be a regional attraction, December 8-31, running Thursdays-Sundays, 5 pm-10 pm (Saturdays until 1 pm), then seven nights a week December 14-31. Admission, according to the Astra Lumina website, will be $41 for ages 13 and up, $35 seniors 65+, $31 kids 4-12, group discounts available, plus paid parking if you drive. Lots of info on this page (scroll down and you’ll find an FAQ link).
(Fall color photographed along Harbor Avenue by Ann Anderson)
from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
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)
LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first day of a two-week closure of Southwest Library for HVAC installation.
GREATER WEST SEATTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: Looking ahead to middle school? Independent and public schools from around the area are participating in this informational event at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Walmesley Center (northeast corner of 35th/Myrtle), 6-7:15 pm. School list in our calendar listing.
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.
ALKI MEDITATION: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to twice-monthly meditation, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
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!
9:10 AM: Thanks to Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail for the tip: “J Pod is exiting Colvos Passage, heading north, We will be at Alki, south of the lighthouse, with binoculars to share.” (Colvos Passage is the waterway along the west side of Vashon Island.)
9:37 AM: Donna says they’re now visible from there.
10:22 AM: Update from Donna – they’re moving fast and now out of sight. She says local researchers Mark Sears and Maya Sears are with them.
Family and friends are remembering Phyllis Wharton and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Phyllis Joy Herald Wharton was born in Naches, Washington on February 16, 1937. She died peacefully on October 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family; exactly as she wished. Phyllis is survived by her three loving children, Gary (Betsy), Kathy (Scott), and Glenn (Debbie), 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, her sister Faye, numerous nieces, nephews and their families, and many friends who hold her fondly in their hearts.
Phyllis grew up in Naches with her parents Willis and Katie, brother Roy, and sister Faye. She graduated from Naches Valley High School in 1955 and went on to attend business college in Yakima, WA. Shortly after high school, Phyllis was introduced by mutual friends to Robert Russell Wharton. Phyllis and Bob quickly realized they were meant for each other and were married in 1957. They started their family the next year and happily became a close family of five. Those early years in Yakima were filled with family since Bob and Phyllis each had two siblings who lived locally.
Bob and Phyllis decided in 1965 to move their family to Seattle and bought a home in the heart of West Seattle, where members of the Wharton family lived for 30+ years.
The Whartons are a family who loved camping and over the years they stayed in campgrounds all over Washington state. Phyllis and Bob packed up the kids and took off for weekends, oftentimes meeting up with family members and giving their kids a chance to play with their cousins. Those travels also included many visits to Yakima and several trips to South Dakota, where Bob’s mother lived.
Bob passed away in early 1985, and Phyllis and her family became closer than ever as they grieved their loss. The family continued to grow as Gary and Kathy had both gotten married by this time and started families of their own. Phyllis relished being a Grandma and this introduced a new aspect of her life that she enjoyed until she passed away. The camping trips continued on through the years, with different logistics as babies were added and growing. Grandma Phyllis was always there to help with the grandkids!
Phyllis moved from her house to West Seattle Soundview Condominiums in 2007, quickly got involved in the Ownership Board and made dear friends throughout the building. She volunteered at the West Seattle Senior Center and continued her active social life by playing cards, going to happy hour, and spending time with family. In 2022 she moved to Wesley Homes, a senior living community in Des Moines. Phyllis quickly made more friends at Wesley and really enjoyed her Terrace apartment with a view of Mt. Rainier and a large deck to hold all the plants she loved to keep. Her outgoing nature and desire to volunteer fit in well with the Wesley community and she was beloved by many.
A Celebration of Life was held at Wesley Terrace on October 28th, where family and friends gathered to share fun and poignant stories about Phyllis and calm our grieving hearts. Although Phyllis’ passing left us all with a huge hole in our hearts, we are comforted by the knowledge that she lived a long, happy, and full life – and that she is with her forever love, Bob.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be directed to the Wesley Foundation wesleychoice.org/community-foundation
(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)
8:53 AM: Crash reported toward the end of the eastbound bridge, just before the exit to NB I-5. Two vehicles reported to be involved.
8:56 AM: Arriving units say it’s closer to the 4th Avenue exit.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, November 6th, first weekday since we went back to Standard Time.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showers, possible pm thunderstorms, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise today is at 7 am; sunset, 4:44 pm.
HOLIDAY AHEAD
Friday is when Veterans Day will be observed by most (though some will observe on Saturday – libraries will be closed, for example).
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!
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