day : 08/03/2024 11 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation in Westwood

10:36 PM: Multiple people have texted us about hearing apparent gunfire in the Westwood area. Police have been searching for evidence and finally just found it – shell casings near the 8400 block of 25th SW, not far from Southwest Teen Life Center and the Chief Sealth IHS/Denny IMS campus. No report of any injuries so far. Some 911 callers reported seeing a light-colored vehicle possibly associated with this, according to dispatch and officers.

11:13 PM: In cases like this – gunfire but no injuries reported – officers often investigate the scene and simply notify the Gun Violence Reduction Unit. In this case, though, according to radio communication, GVRU detectives were going to go to the scene, perhaps because it’s within blocks of high-profile gun-violence cases such as the January death of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam at SWTLC. Still no injuries reported from tonight’s gunfire.

11:21 PM: One parked vehicle has bullet damage, an officer just told dispatch. … The location has been updated to 25th/Cloverdale.

BIZNOTES: Animated Café moving; Jet City Beignet closing

Two more food and drink biznotes:

(WSB photo, November 2022)

ANIMATED CAFE MOVING: After two years of operating her pink Animated Café trailer in West Seattle, Melanie – aka “Ana” – is moving across the Duwamish River. This is her last week in the lot at 4518 Fauntleroy Way SW, where she’s been since November 2022, and where she says her lease is running out with no option to renew. After a few weeks off, she expects to reopen in a new location next month: “I believe I will have a location on a major intersection in Georgetown, but I’m waiting to finalize the details. Until then, March 14th will be my last day operating for a bit.” She shared her distinctive path to entrepreneurship in a WSB story just as she launched her business.

JET CITY BEIGNET CLOSING: The popular purveyors of the New Orleans-style treats, operating in West Seattle for four years, abruptly announced this week that they’re closing the business, promising an explanation at a future date. They said next weekend, March 16-17, will bring their final pop-ups; we don’t have their full schedule, but Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) says JCB is scheduled to make its last appearance there 10 am-2 pm Saturday, March 16.

SATURDAY: One more reminder – West Seattle recycling/shredding event is hours away

(WSB file photo from past recycling/shredding event)

Tomorrow (Saturday, March 9) is the big day – free drop-off recycling/shredding for a variety of items, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-noon. As noted earlier this week, the list of what they’ll take has been expanded:

ACCEPTED ITEMS
Foam blocks
Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
Small, empty propane camping canisters
Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
Household textiles – clothing & curtains
NEW: Reusable building materials (doors, windows, cabinets, plumbing, electrical, flooring, lighting, HVAC, hardware)
NEW: Solid wood or plywood furniture

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:
Commercial loads
Garbage
Yard waste
Household recycling (items that go in your cart/dumpster)
Hazardous waste
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Non-recyclable or reusable items
Car seats
Mattresses

Drive up, ride up, walk up to drop off. Participating organizations may have limited capacity, so don’t wait until late in the morning,

FOLLOWUP: Hiawatha Community Center work finally starting on Monday

(WSB file photo)

A resident near Hiawatha Community Center told us the contractor for the long-delayed “stabilization” project was making the rounds today informing neighbors that work is about to start – and Seattle Parks has just confirmed it. Optimus Construction Co. was chosen as contractor, with a $2.5 million bid, and Parks says Optimus has received the Notice to Proceed, so they will “mobilize on site” starting Monday. Parks says that means “the contractor will set up construction fencing to allow for deliveries and construction activities on the east and south side of the Hiawatha Community Center building.” According to Parks, “This project addresses a number of major maintenance, accessibility, and program space needs at Hiawatha Community Center. It will include a seismic retrofit of the gym and brick veneer, roof replacement, and renovation of the restrooms, kitchen, childcare area and lobby spaces, in addition to relocation of the teen room.” Hiawatha has already been closed for four years; here’s our December story with Parks officials attempting to explain why.

4, 3, 2, 1 … West Seattle 5K registration off and running!

March 8, 2024 5:09 pm
|    Comments Off on 4, 3, 2, 1 … West Seattle 5K registration off and running!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

We told you last month that the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki will be back this year on May 19. As of today, registration is officially open! That means it’s time for full details – here’s what the coordinating organization, the West Seattle High School PTSA, tells us:

All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K provide funding for West Seattle High School to fund monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom-supply needs, and student-led initiatives.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years or so. In 2023, we had almost 1,200 registrants and raised $34,000 for West Seattle High School! Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at the Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in many categories.

Coming back for a second year – we will have a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefited the high school, so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair.

“As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and limited funding for the programs we know our students need,” says WSHS PTSA president Holly Rikhof. “The WSHS PTSA is dedicated to funding the academic and classroom support we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until 2023, our students benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. This year, we have been able, through your generous donations, to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom supply needs, and student-led initiatives.”

Other popular 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5k if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is our community neighborhood high school and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to directly give back!

Registration is live now at westseattle5K.com. Pricing:
● Adults are $35 (5/13 and later is $40)
● Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/13 and later is $30)
● West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/13 and later is $30)
● West Seattle High School staff is free (need passcode and can buy shirt for $15)
● Kids under 6 are free (no shirt included, but can buy for $15)

We have amazing sponsors to thank: Sea Pines Physical Therapy, West Seattle Runner, Homes By Pia, Space B.A.R. Wellness, and so many more. Please go to westseattle5K.com to see all sponsors!

The West Seattle PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit Parent, Teacher and Student Association of West Seattle High School. We provide parent education, opportunities for families to connect to the school community, and support for education through fundraising and advocacy.

WSB has signed on as media sponsor, as we’ve done every year since the first West Seattle 5K in 2009.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Mail-truck thief sentenced

(Images from charging documents, Mixayboua at West Seattle Target with stolen card)

The man who stole two USPS mail trucks in West Seattle – and others elsewhere in the city – was sentenced in federal court today. 27-year-old Johny Mixayboua got a 3 1/2-year sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones. That’s what federal prosecutors had recommended for Mixayboua’s convictions on charges of theft of government property, mail theft, illegal transactions on access devices, and illegally possessing a firearm. The West Seattle mail-truck thefts both happened on January 17, 2023 – one on Beach Drive SW, the other on 57th SW. Three weeks earlier, he had stolen a USPS vehicle in South Seattle and with it, a key used to access cluster mailboxes; at one point the USPS entirely shut down residential service in the 98118 for a week during the investigation. Investigators used home security video and store-security video to link Mixayboua to mail thefts and attempts to use stolen credit cards (including images from Target in Westwood Village). He was eventually found near where he was living in a vehicle near a relative’s home, and officers also found a “ghost gun,” which compounded matters as Mixayboua was already a convicted felon and not allowed to have firearms. He pleaded guilty last December to the charges on which he was sentenced today, seven months after his May arrest.

Ever wanted to ride your bicycle on the West Seattle Bridge? Here’s your chance

(Course map, from Emerald City Ride website)

The westbound West Seattle Bridge will be briefly bicycles-only one morning in May as part of the Cascade Bicycle Club‘s Emerald City Ride. This big in-city ride is returning this year for the first time since pre-pandemic 2019. It usually includes a stretch of major highway infrastructure – past examples have included the Highway 520 floating bridge and I-5 express lanes – and this year for the first time, that’ll be the high bridge. This is set for Sunday, May 5th, a 20-mile route that starts (at 7 am) and ends in the SODO Stadium District, outbound over the West Seattle Bridge and around Alki, to Fauntleroy, through Delridge, then returning over the low bridge. (See the course map here.)

We just talked to Cascade’s executive director Lee Lambert and media-relations manager Paul Tolmé about the ride plan. On the morning of the ride, they’ll close the bridge, plus southbound 99 from the stadium zone to the bridge onramp, from starting at 5:30. Riders start at 7, in waves, and bridge access closes at 8; all riders have to be off the bridge by 9, and the bridge will reopen by 9:30. Those are the only road closures – once off the bridge, Lambert says, it’s “rules of the road,” though he notes, “There’ll be a LOT of bicycles.” How many? Tolmé says they’re expecting at least 2,000 riders; Lambert says they’re capped at 4,000. In addition to the full 20-mile route, there’ll be shorter options, too, 7 to 10 miles. Registration opens next Tuesday (March 12) at 10 am.

All The Best Pet Care in West Seattle: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

March 8, 2024 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on All The Best Pet Care in West Seattle: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!
 |   Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) as a new WSB sponsor. When new sponsors join us to advertise their local businesses to you, they get the opportunity to tell you about who they are and what they do – here’s what All The Best would like you to know:

Since 1985, All The Best stores have been neighborhood gathering places where pets are celebrated, and customers are introduced to a progressive nutritional philosophy. As we open our 17th store in West Seattle, we remain locally and family-owned and led. Helping people keep their beloved dogs and cats at their healthiest drives everything we do and every decision we make.

We encourage customers to bring their dogs (and adventuresome cats) to the store so we can make them feel as special as they are, give them treats, and better understand their needs. Regular customers tell us their dogs practically drag them into the store whenever they’re near! We also provide free same-day delivery for local orders $75 and up.

Our most popular promotion is our birthday club. Customers who sign up for our free Healthy Rewards program are eligible for a discounted shopping spree on their pet’s birthday or gotcha day. They also receive a free tote bag that features custom-commissioned work by a local artist. The reusable tote contains a toy, a birthday hat, samples, and treats. Healthy Rewards members also receive points for purchasing items from participating brands, and when 400 points are accumulated, they receive a store credit.

All The Best is committed to giving back to our local pet rescues and our community at large. Each year, we donate hundreds of gift cards to local nonprofits and nearly half a million dollars worth of food and supplies to numerous pet rescues and food banks.

We consider working toward a more sustainable future another important part of helping to build a better community. We are active members of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. With their guidance, we are making great strides in reducing waste by converting every possible All The Best brand package to recyclable packaging. Our customers share our concerns and help make this initiative a success by consistently returning qualifying pet food packaging to us to be recycled.

We look forward to meeting our West Seattle neighbors – and their pets!

We thank All The Best Pet Care in West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

Music, theater, more on the event list for your West Seattle (and a bit beyond) Friday

March 8, 2024 10:39 am
|    Comments Off on Music, theater, more on the event list for your West Seattle (and a bit beyond) Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo, Thursday)

Here’s our list of Friday highlights! They’re mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: Second week starts today. Go here for cookie booths’ locations and hours.

FREE TODDLER GYM: 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

‘INGRESS’ FILMMAKER @ THE ADMIRAL: As previewed here, see “Ingress” at the Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) tonight at 7 pm, followed by Q/A with director/screenwriter/star. Rachel Noll James.

‘KING X: THE MEETING’: Acts on Stage Theater in White Center (10806 12th SW) presents a play about the “explosive, impassioned confrontation that never happened.” 7 pm; the ticket link’s in our calendar listing.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: One home game – West Seattle HS hosts Bainbridge Island, 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

MUSIC BINGO: Anniversary edition at The Good Society (2701 California SW), 7-9 pm tonight.

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Tonight, you can enjoy the Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.

SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

KENYON HALL CABARET: All-ages drag event, 7:30 pm, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – reservations link is in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, The NightCry, Casual Panic, Michael Weber. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! Tonight: DJ Buttnaked. (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Panda Conspiracy, Bigtooth, Annie J. $18 cover + $5 skate rental

LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Learn ‘Birding Basics’ at Camp Long

(Red-breasted Merganser, photographed by Steve Bender)

Good news for beginning birders! Camp Long can help your knowledge take flight – we just received this announcement:

Sign up now for the Birding Basics three part Series in West Seattle, This 3-week course starts tomorrow at Camp Long.

March 9th-March 23rd, 2024, 9 am-11 am
$30/individual, $80/family of 3-5

Here’s the registration link.

Haven’t been to Camp Long? 5200 35th SW.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday before time-change weekend

March 8, 2024 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday before time-change weekend
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 8th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 6:35 am, sunset at 6:05 pm.

GET READY TO SPRING FORWARD

Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday morning at 2 am, when we “spring forward” to 3 am (and the sunsets will suddenly be after 7 pm).

ANOTHER WEEKEND NOTE

Saturday morning, 16th SW northbound on Puget Ridge may have a backup of vehicles on the way to the recycle/reuse event (9 am-noon, north lot at South Seattle College [WSB sponsor]).

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!