day : 15/04/2024 13 results

A Gatewood resident reports “completely brown water coming out of our tap” as of late tonight. No emergencies (or planned work) on the Seattle Public Utilities map. But if you’re in that area, check yours, especially before doing any laundry; if you have discolored water, there or elsewhere, always report it to SPU at 206-386-1800. 24/7.

With light rail ‘becoming a reality,’ Mode Music Studios has to build a new band – of backers to cover their move

April 15, 2024 7:12 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Sound Transit | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Imagine a band, orchestra, choir, mega-group of more than 500 musicians, stretching from the century-old brick building at the north end of Delridge onto the neighboring West Seattle Bridge, playing a song together. Maybe “Don’t Stop Believing.” Or “Let the Music Play.”

That would suit the determined mood of Erin Rubin, whose Mode Music Studios has that many students, something you might be surprised to hear, given how unassuming Mode’s building looks to passersby as they head to or from the bridge or the industrial zone below it.

Mode Music Studios (a WSB sponsor) is not the entirety of her tuneful 10-year-old enterprise, either. Erin also leads nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts – headquartered in the same building in the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW – which brings music and theater into schools, and into the lives of students whose families might not be able to afford it otherwise.

Not all small-business owners run nonprofits too. But most know the challenge of keeping a business not just surviving, but thriving. In the past four years or so, that’s been especially grueling. “When you’re trying to tread water, since the COVID shutdown and the bridge shutdown, it’s been one thing after another … you aren’t able to make the moves you want to, now it’s just kind of survival mode.”

“Moves” has a double meaning for Erin, Mode Music Studios, and Mode Music and Performing Arts. She is almost certainly going to have to move, with the likely location of Sound Transit‘s Delridge light-rail station spanning the location of her business and others, including music venue/restaurant/bar The Skylark next door, Ounces Taproom and Beer Garden just down the block, and other North Delridge businesses to their west, including Alki Beach Academy and others in the Frye Commerce Center.

Erin and her neighbors stress that they are not trying to stop the light-rail project. “I welcome public transportation but I’m concerned we’re gonna lose a lot of what we love.” Despite the near-certainty that her business will have to move, the building is not included in the recent “early acquisition” decision, meaning she’s in a unique kind of limbo. The circumstances are so difficult, Erin sent an open letter to the Mode community last week, as we noted here; we spoke with her the next day, just before Mode’s monthly all-ages open mic at The Skylark next door.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUPS: Court appearances for carjacking, burglary suspects

April 15, 2024 6:19 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Followups on two incidents on which we reported in the past three days:

CARJACKING ARRESTS: On Friday night, we reported on the arrest of two suspects in Burien after a pursuit and search that began after a carjacking in an alley near 35th/Roxbury. This afternoon the two suspects appeared in juvenile court; the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office argued that both should remain in detention, and the judge agreed. We have no further information about the suspects or the case yet; unlike adults’ first court appearances, police-report narratives are not made available after juveniles’ initial hearings, and while we requested information directly from SPD first thing this morning, we have not yet received it. Prosecutors’ deadline for filing charges in this case is Wednesday.

BURGLARY ARREST: On Saturday, we reported on the arrest of a man suspected of breaking into a house on Sylvan Way. He also appeared in court this afternoon, and after finding probable cause to hold him, a judge set bail at $50,000. According to the probable-cause document, the suspect is 53 years old. The document tells a slightly different story of what happened than what a neighbor initially reported: The resident told police he had left home and locked up at 7;45 pm Friday; he returned at 10:45 am Saturday and found an intruder in his home. He asked the intruder to leave and then noticed some items were missing; he called police, and they found the suspect right outside the house when they arrived. An initial check of records includes he has prior burglary arrests.

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TUESDAY: Chief Sealth International High School community-safety forum

April 15, 2024 5:35 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Tomorrow is the night for the long-planned community-safety forum at Chief Sealth International High School, organized by the CSIHS PTSA and newly formed Campus Safety Team after the January shooting death of Chief Sealth student Mobarak Adam at nearby Southwest Pool/Teen Center. The meeting will be held in the school auditorium 6:30-8 pm and will include not only principal Ray Morales and other school administrators, but also officials from the school district and city – Seattle Police, Seattle Parks, Seattle City Council, Seattle Housing Authority, all of which have been asked to provide an update on how their work enhances student safety. Interpretation will be available in Oromo, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. All are welcome.

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All-Wheels Area for skating and more when Morgan Junction Park expands? 2 dates to know, plus a survey

April 15, 2024 3:33 pm

| 30 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

(Clarification: ‘All-wheels area’ is proposed for south part of the park, as shown at last MoCA meeting)

As we’ve reported previously, an all-wheels area is now on the drawing board for skating and more at expanding Morgan Junction Park, and you have two upcoming chances to get involved – first, a community meeting and survey just announced by the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association:

Join us for a Community Meeting at By and By Skate Shop – 4502 California Ave SW, April 27th at 10:00 AM.

The Morgan Junction All Wheels Association has invited Grindline Skateparks to design a brand-new All-Wheels Area in Morgan Junction, West Seattle. To make sure the design is the best it can be, we want to hear from our local community. (Click here) to take our online survey for the skate dot. Survey closes on April 26th.

The All-Wheels Association also will be represented at this Wednesday’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association – 7 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s lower-level community room (7141 California SW) and online (attendance link is in the agenda). MoCA also is scheduled to get a status report from Seattle Parks, whose next action at the site is to clean up the soil (contamination is left over from the dry cleaner that used to be there).

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WHALES: Transient orcas in the area

April 15, 2024 2:49 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Another marine-mammal sighting tip just in from Kersti Muul: About six transient orcas, northbound along the east side of Blake Island, “about to Tillicum Village.” Let us know if you see them!

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CLOSURE CHANGE: SDOT now plans to close West Seattle low bridge starting Saturday, April 20

April 15, 2024 1:14 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Low bridge, SDOT traffic camera)

Thanks to Lorrie for the tip via a comment. SDOT has updated its plan for closing the West Seattle low bridge to enable its control-and-communications upgrade work. Now the closure is scheduled to start at 6 am Saturday (April 20) and end by 5 am Monday, April 29. SDOT explains, “The closure was originally scheduled to begin on April 19, but we realized we could accomplish the work planned that day without closing the bridge until April 20.”

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BIZNOTE: Need to recycle a no-longer-needed car seat?

April 15, 2024 1:00 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Your neighbor Jon thought other parents of small children should know about this since, he says, “Finding someplace to recycle old child car seats is a struggle!”: Westwood Village Target is participating in the chain’s car-seat trade-in promotion for the next two weeks. You have to be a member of their loyalty program to get the reward, described as “Guests who trade in their old car seats will receive a 20% off bonus toward a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller or select baby home gear.” This is happening through April 27; the dropoff box is near Guest Services in the front of the store.

P.S. If you just want to donate no-longer-needed car seat(s), White Center-based WestSide Baby accepts them – if they meet the parameters listed here.

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DEVELOPMENT: Demolition under way at 1704 SW Roxbury, future mixed-use project site

April 15, 2024 11:56 am

| 16 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

11:56 AM: Thanks to Bob for the tip. Demolition is under way at 1704 SW Roxbury, the official address for the planned project on parcels including the former Meineke shop – which moved to 35th/Barton – and buildings to its north. Last time we mentioned the project was more than two years ago, when it went into the city’s Early Outreach for Design Review program. It remains in the relatively early stages of the permitting process, according to the city’s online files. This – like almost-complete 3405 Harbor Avenue SW, just-underway 9201 Delridge Way SW, and planned 4448 California SW – is a collaboration between Housing Diversity Corporation and STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor). HDC’s website outlines the plan as:

-9,428 SF retail
-34,008 SF lot
-Six stories
-214 unit development, 161 attainably priced market-rate units, and 54 rent-restricted units through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program

We have an inquiry out for more information on the site’s status beyond the now-underway demolition.

12:27 PM: Demolition is expected to last two to three weeks, we’re told. Construction will not follow immediately as the project is still “in feasibility.”

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D&D benefit, comedy, more for your West Seattle Monday

April 15, 2024 10:53 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Poppies in sunset glow, photographed by Suzanne Krom)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: It’s the third week of expanded hours at the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm Mondays-Thursdays.

BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D BENEFIT: Tonight’s a special D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW) – benefiting Justin Cline‘s family. As always, all welcome, first-time players too.

MONDAY NIGHT COMEDY: “Former West Seattleite turned national-headlining comedian” is how Cozy Comedy describes Bo Johnson, who’s at the top of the bill for tonight’s monthly comedy night at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 7 pm. Tickets available online.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome to join free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community welcomes you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE: 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Elephant-seal sighting

April 15, 2024 10:23 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just in from Kersti Muul: “Male elephant seal off Weather Watch Park. Pretty close in.” If you’re not familiar with it, Weather Watch is the beachfront pocket park at Beach Drive/SW Carroll (across from La Rustica). You can see what elephant seals look like in this sighting report from 2021.

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, as registration continues!

April 15, 2024 9:49 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, as registration continues!

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Quick update before we move on with the rest of what’s looking to be a busy news day: We are now 26 days from this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coordinated by WSB, on Saturday, May 11. Sale registration continues for 10 more days, until Thursday, April 25. We’re now up to 250 sales signed up for spots on the map (which will be available, along with the printable guide of listings, one week before WSCGSD). We’ve reviewed many of the listings already and are making notes for promotional mentions – along with the WSCGSD staples of clothes, toys, books, furniture, etc., we have sellers with coffee equipment, beer-brewing equipment, motorcycle gear, roller skates and roller-derby gear, camping gear … and, as some sellers promise, “much, much more!” Ready to register your sale? Go here!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Mid-April Monday

April 15, 2024 6:02 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:20 AM: As noted in comments, there’s water on the road under the 1st Ave S Bridge. Regional media shows the water rained down from the deck above and that it’s been stopped.

Earlier:

6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, April 15, tax-deadline day, and the first day back for all the schools that were on spring break last week.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:19 am, sunset at 8:00 pm.

(Sunday sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

ROAD-WORK UPDATE

Paving’s done on 21st/22nd/23rd.

SPORTS-RELATED TRAFFIC

-In SODO, Mariners’ homestand continues with an evening game against the Reds.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here – lots of trip cancellations this week.

Water Taxi today – Back to regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start this week.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. 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 – remember, it’ll be closed to surface traffic April 19-28 – still waiting to hear what time the closure begins on Friday:

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 open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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