day : 15/03/2024 12 results

FOLLOWUP: Southwest Teen Life Center security cameras now operating, councilmember says; community safety meeting set

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, January 23)

A month and a half after the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old at Southwest Teen Life Center, the Seattle Parks-operated facility has working security cameras again, as announced by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka today in his weekly newsletter:

I am very happy to report that the security cameras are now installed and working at West Seattle’s Teen Life Center, the location of the tragic shooting of Chief Sealth International High School student Mobarak Adam in January – Seattle’s first homicide of 2024.

I want to thank Mayor Harrell and our Parks Department for their partnership in helping us deliver this new camera system at the center. We continue to monitor progress on the investigation into this tragic event. As more information becomes available from the SPD, we will share out. Mobarak’s family deserves answers. I will continue to partner closely with the Mayor and SPD to ensure that the City provides Mobarak’s family with the clarity about what happened at the facility that they so desperately need.

As for who monitors the cameras and how, that’s a followup question we’ll be asking. Meantime, three weeks after Parks Deputy Superintendent Christopher Williams said his department would be part of a community meeting regarding safety at school and Parks facilities in the area, a date is set: The Chief Sealth IHS PTSA tells WSB that the meeting, with city, district, public safety, and other reps expected to participate, will be at the school at 6 pm April 16th.

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UPDATE: Suspect arrested after police standoff at Delridge/Thistle

March 15, 2024 7:49 pm

| 37 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:49 PM: Police are blocking SW Thistle both ways just east of Delridge because of an incident. We’re still working to find out more about the original callout – but they’re calling in negotiators and setting up a command post. Avoid the area.

8:05 PM: We’ve talked at the scene both with police and with a woman who says her boyfriend is the person police are after – this is described as a domestic-violence situation. The suspect is believed to be barricaded in an apartment in a building on the southeast side of the intersection.

9:12 PM: We’re continuing to monitor this; it’s not resolved yet.

(Traffic-camera framegrab showing closed streets north of response scene)

9:45 PM: Police just told dispatch they’re shutting down Delridge, too, and they’re calling for help directing traffic. Meantime, SWAT has arrived on scene. Radio exchanges indicate the suspect is wanted for two incidents involving guns.

10:10 PM: Police said the suspect told them by phone he would surrender – and they just told dispatch he has, and is now in custody. They’re checking inside the apartment just to be sure it’s now empty (others who were inside were reported earlier to be out), so the response won’t start winding down until after that.

10:34 PM: Thistle is still closed “until SWAT clears out.” … Per dispatch, the suspect has a warrant related to what was described as a “drive-by shooting” incident as well as the domestic-violence incident to which they initially responded.

10:53 PM: Thistle is reopening too.

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Brown water reported near Alki Point

March 15, 2024 7:33 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

A texter reports discolored water near Bar-S Playfields on Alki Point. No incidents are shown on the water-outage map. Remember to report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 if it ever happens to you.

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BIZNOTES: Alki Kayak Tours, Portage Bay Café, Nepenthe

March 15, 2024 5:26 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Updates from three West Seattle businesses:

(Alki Kayak Tours photo, 2022)

ALKI KAYAK TOURS: The watercraft-and-more rental business at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) will be open tomorrow: “With our first 70° weekend … We wanted to let you know that Alki Kayak Tours will be open for tours and rentals this Saturday from 11-7!” Find out more about AKT on their website.

PORTAGE BAY CAFE: Spring and summer hours have launched at this West Seattle Junction restaurant: “We’re back to seven days a week.” Their hours at 4725 42nd SW are 8 am-1:30 pm Mondays-Fridays, 8 am-2 pm weekends.

NEPENTHE: Proprietor Naomi Rivera is starting a walk-in clinic on Saturdays, 3-5 pm: “Short specific sessions. Great for that crick in your neck you woke up with or to sample my work before committing to a full appointment. No charge; however, gratuities are appreciated.” Nepenthe is at 9447 35th SW.

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Here’s what Metro’s next service change brings to four West Seattle routes

March 15, 2024 3:21 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 6)

Metro has just gone public with its list of what’ll be different after the next semiannual “service change,” which takes effect two weeks from tomorrow (on Saturday, March 30). The full list is on this page; here are four West Seattle routes with changes, with links to their new timetables:

ROUTE 21 – adding one trip late Sunday nights

ROUTE 56 AND ROUTE 57: Changes (including three weekday deletions on 56) are planned to “align” these two routes “and provide service approximately every 20 minutes between routes 56 and 57.”

RAPID RIDE H LINE: “On Saturday and Sunday, between 6 am and 8 am, several trips will be added at the direction of the city of Seattle to better align Seattle Transit Measure service investment with the city’s goals.”

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No longer just a ‘mud field,’ Madison Middle School’s upgraded playfield is dedicated

March 15, 2024 1:21 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Five years after voters passed the levy that funded it, Madison Middle School‘s upgraded playfield was dedicated this morning in a short ceremony featuring an all-school photo.

Madison principal Dr. Robert Gary, speaking to his assembled students via megaphone, recalled, “This used to be a mud field with mud problems. It wasn’t healthy and-or safe.”

Now the field has turf and lighting; as first reported here in 2019, the ~$3 million project included widening the field by more than six feet.

It’s getting rave reviews – among the people we talked to was 8th grader Oliver Miller, who played soccer on the upgraded field earlier this week, and declared it “really nice,” recalling its previous near-unusability because of the damage done by neighborhood use as a dog park. Sheree Porter, who retired as Madison’s longtime PE teacher two years ago but was back today as a substitute, declared it “amazing.”

She laughed, “I retired too soon. This is the real thing.” Another PE teacher, Courtney Schiro, marveled, “This is going to be a game-changer.” Then in the bright-but-breezy sunshine, members of Madison’s student government cut a ceremonial ribbon.

Dr. Gary says the field will be reserved for school use during the day but then there’s an agreement in place with Seattle Parks for community use, such as sports teams, during other hours. Other major West Seattle projects in 2019’s BEX V levy included the West Seattle Elementary addition that opened last fall and the on-hold-for-another-appeal Alki Elementary rebuild.)

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VIDEO: Orcas in Elliott Bay

March 15, 2024 12:43 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

12:43 PM: Here’s an opportunity for Friday afternoon whale-watching: Kersti Muul just texted with a report that “a big group of transients” headed southbound just entered Elliott Bay off Magnolia. Let us know if you see them!

3:35 PM: In addition to the updates in comments, we now have video! Thanks to Jamie Kinney for sharing this:

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Still need to shred? Another West Seattle event next month

March 15, 2024 11:56 am

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| Environment | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo, April 2023)

If you weren’t able to get shredding done at last weekend’s free event in West Seattle – today we have word of another one coming up. John L. Scott Real Estate Westwood (WSB sponsor) has announded the date and time for its annual free shredding event – 9 am-12 pm Sunday, April 28. They’ll be set up again in the northwest parking lot at Westwood Village, and accepting donations for the White Center Food Bank – food and/or cash. Last year, community donations totaled 1,250 pounds of food and $2,000, while more than two and a half tons of paper got shredded. So if you need to shred, set your calendar now for April 28!

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West Seattle Community Orchestras, WSHS Big Band Dinner Dance, senior-living tours, soccer, much more for your Friday

March 15, 2024 9:58 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor Seal sunbathing along the Duwamish River, photographed by Steve Bender)

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

STAY & PLAY OPEN GYM: 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), free!

JAPANESE STORY TIME: Hosted by Sayoko at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 10:30 am,

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

SENIOR LIVING TOUR: Visit Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) 2-6 pm to see Parkview Senior Residences’ independent-living possibilities! Enjoy refreshments and entertainment while you’re there.

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

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

HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Two home matches – West Seattle HS hosts Nathan Hale, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), while Chief Sealth IHS hosts Seattle Prep, 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

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).

BIG BAND DINNER DANCE: Dine, dance, enjoy both student music and the West Seattle Big Band during this benefit for the West Seattle High School music program, 6-9 pm at WSHS (3000 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ FREE CONCERT: 7 pm, WSCO’s second of two free almost-spring concerts, featuring a world-premiere work by Arthur Peiyaro Wang and highlighting music by other Asian composers, Chief Sealth IHS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

BOBCAT BOB AT C & P: Tonight, you can enjoy a rare appearance by longtime fave Bobcat Bob 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.

OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm performances at Kenyon Hall Free! (7904 35th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, Hit It, Brother Wife, Yost. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring PR for Monsters, Sugar Bones, Tiny Monsters. $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!

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Celebration of Life in April for Robert A. Gee, Jr., 1964-2024

March 15, 2024 9:04 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next month to celebrate the life of Rob Gee. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:

Robert (Rob) Allen Gee, Jr., 59, of West Seattle, passed away on January 15, 2024 following a sudden illness.

Rob was a lifelong West Seattleite, attending Genesee Hill Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and graduating from West Seattle High School in 1982. He served over 30 years as a dispatch driver for the Seattle Times. After his retirement in 2014, he continued to work as a ride-share driver, enjoying the flexibility in his schedule so he could be available to his family. In addition, Rob was an accomplished guitar player and shared his passion for classical guitar by giving private lessons and posting online videos.

From Rob’s earliest days, he was known and loved for his deeply kind spirit, his quiet yet strong presence, his love and commitment to family and close friends. He was a devoted and caring father to his young son Troy, taking great pleasure in spending time with him and watching him grow into the adolescent he is today. In earlier years, he enjoyed working on houses, road trips (by car or motorcycle), his Rhodesian Ridgebacks Zach and Eli, fishing, basketball, and could play a mean game of chess (even by snail mail in the pre-computer era). He attended Westside Free Methodist Church for many years.

Rob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Beverly Gee, with whom he shared a lifelong friendship and partnership. He is survived by his son Troy, his sister Penny (Steve Oliver), close cousins Dale Robinson and Ron Moore, and other extended family.

A celebration of Rob’s life is planned for mid-April. Please visit this link to share a memory about Rob: emmickfunerals.com/obituary/RobertRob-GeeJr. Additional information on the celebration of life will be posted at the link as it becomes available.

(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)

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HEALTH NOTE: New provider joins Neighborhood Naturopathic West Seattle

March 15, 2024 8:29 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Health | West Seattle news

Neighborhood Naturopathic West Seattle (5410 California SW; WSB sponsor) has added a new care provider, and wants to be sure you know:

Neighborhood Naturopathic West Seattle is excited to announce Dr. Brie Woodruff recently joined the practice. She is trained as a family nurse practitioner and is accepting new patients.

Dr. Woodruff offers:

-Integrative primary care including annual well visits, routine follow-up care, and acute care
-Diabetes management: Type I and Type II diabetes management including: nutritional and supplemental support, oral/injectable medication or insulin management, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) management, and insulin pump management
-Menopausal transitions: including hormone therapy, medication and supplement management, and nutrition and lifestyle support
-Gender-affirming hormone therapy

You can read more about Dr. Woodruff and her practice here.

Neighborhood Naturopathic has one more thing to tell you: “We would also like to let the West Seattle community know that we continue to offer same-day visits for acute and more urgent concerns; more information can be found here.”

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Sunny Friday

March 15, 2024 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:55 AM: 35th/Juneau has cleared after a crash that blocked the southbound lanes. (Thanks for the photo!)

No serious injuries apparently, as only one engine and no medic unit was sent, but we’re following up with SFD.

9:24 AM: SFD says no one was hurt and its crew cleared the scene shortly after arrival.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 15th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Even warmer today! Mostly sunny, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:21 am, sunset at 7:15 pm.

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. Per WSF alerts, this is still in effect: “Due to some unplanned bridgework maintenance at the Fauntleroy terminal, single-lane loading and off-loading will be occurring until further notice.” 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!

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