West Seattle, Washington
12 Thursday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“All these changes are good, but where is the student voice in this?”
That was said by one of the few students at tonight’s community-safety forum at Chief Sealth International High School, three months after a student’s shooting death at nearby Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center.
“There needs to be more communication with the students …we’ve been kind of left in the dark,” continued the student, Satomi. “We need to hear ‘we understand that this is tough’ … even for a middle-schooler, they understand the loss, that a sibling or friend could be gone at any time … this is a huge issue because of gun violence.”
Communication was the intent of the forum, organized by the Chief Sealth PTSA and featuring an onstage panel with school and city officials – along with Sealth principal Ray Morales and adjacent Denny International Middle School‘s principal Mary Ingraham, panelists were Seattle Public Schools‘ regional executive director of schools Chris Carter and executive director of operations Marni Campbell, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera, City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s district-relations director Leyla Gheisar, and Seattle Parks‘ interim recreation-division director Brian Judd and interim deputy superintendent Daisy Catague.
To Satomi’s point, the panel did not include a single student. But the event was intended to listen as well as inform, Morales explained, describing it as a “continuation of a listening session with mostly East African families back on February 1st,” a little over a week after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s death in a restroom at the pool/teen center, Seattle’s first homicide of 2024, for which no one has been arrested.
We’ve been reporting on the expanded hours at the Fauntleroy YMCA (9140 California SW; WSB sponsor), responding to community requests voiced after the branch’s future was called into question at the start of the year. Those new hours are official as of this week: 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm Mondays through Thursdays. And as of this week, classes have relaunched – starting with circuit at 9:30 am Mondays and Wednesdays, yoga at 9:30 am Tuesdays and 10:30 am Thursdays, and Zumba at 10:30 am Wednesdays (see the full Fauntleroy schedule here). To welcome more people in to enjoy the classes and facility, the Y is offering new memberships for the next two weeks with no joining fee – go here to sign up, and use the code WSJOIN2024. The no-fee offer continues through April 30.
Several questions today about the fence going up around the California/Graham building where Sub Shop #9 closed two and a half years ago. As we noted back then, the property is owned by the family who owns O’Neill Plumbing (WSB sponsor) next door. We asked them this afternoon about the fence; they say it’s going up so they can use the site and building for storage.
(Added: WSB photo, stolen car abandoned at 42nd/Andover)
5:20 PM: Thanks for the texts. Police are searching for a suspect wanted for among other things eluding and hit-run in Admiral. He was reported to be driving a white Crown Victoria, no plates, which police have reported finding at 42nd/Andover and have confirmed to have been stolen. Before being abandoned there, the vehicle is reported to have been involved in a hit-run near Hiawatha, at Walnut/Stevens. The suspect is reportedly on foot, and all we have is a partial description – white man, bald, glasses, dark hoodie or jacket. We’re trying to find out more.
5:26 PM: The Guardian One helicopter will be joining the search. The suspect was last seen southbound from where the stolen car was abandoned – a few more descriptive details: White or Hispanic, in his early 30s, 6′, 200-250 pounds, bald, glasses, dark top.
5:37 PM: After a possible sighting near 45th/Stevens, the search has moved there, including the helicopter. … Police tell us this all started in North Admiral, in an alley in the 2100 block of California.
6:05 PM: No updates since then. The search has apparently dead-ended for now and that’s why the helicopter moved on.
4:05 PM: Thanks for the tips. Brace Point is without electricity again, for the second time in three days – 329 customers lost power last Saturday night/Sunday, and that’s the size of this afternoon’s outage. As updated Monday, the weekend outage was blamed on a failed fuse and transformer; this one also is attributed to “equipment failure” – we’re checking with Seattle City Light on specifics (and still awaiting a requested update on the long-planned project to improve the area’s underground system).
4:18 PM: SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang says they don’t know yet what caused this: “We have dispatched an underground crew to the area to investigate.” The cable-replacement project, meantime, is still a ways off: “City Light continues to work with SDOT and other agencies to complete the permitting process before it can open the bidding process later this summer.” The last in-depth update on the project website was two years ago and details a pandemic-related permitting snafu.
9:18 PM: We weren’t able to check back in the last several hours but resident Nathan tells us the power was restored around 5:45 pm. We’ll follow up again tomorrow to see what went wrong this time.
2:49 PM: Just east of the south end of Lincoln Park, four Seattle Fire units are responding to a natural-gas leak in the 4300 block of SW Cloverdale. They’re saying a one-inch line was struck and ruptured and are evacuating adjacent houses. Updates to come.
3:13 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch the gas has been shut off.
It’s grow time for gardens – from apartment container gardens to house-yard gardens the size of mini-farms, and everything inbetween. This weekend, two giveaways you should know about:
SATURDAY – FREE PLANT STARTS FOR GIVING GARDENS: If you can grow vegetables to donate, this one on Saturday is for you:
Calling all home gardeners who would like to grow and share with their community.
Pick up free plants to grow and harvest for local food programs! Get starts this Saturday, April 20th, 11 am to 1 pm at The Heron’s Nest, 4818 Puget Way SW. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers at Heron’s Nest, these plants are ready for your garden! The plants available will be:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Tatsoi
Pac choi
Collards
Mustard Greens
Kale
Mizuna
Chard
Swiss chard
Lettuce varietiesAs an added bonus, Heron’s Nest is offering free compost. Bring buckets and help yourself to the uncovered portion of the pile.
Questions? info@sggn.org
SUNDAY – FREE SEEDS: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s seed giveaway is set for this Sunday at the Farmers’ Market:
The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be giving away vegetable and flower seeds at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sunday, April 21st. Seeds will be distributed from 10 am to 1 pm at the Kiwanis booth, located between Easy Street and Cupcake Royale. There are a limited number of packages, so packages will be given away on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Kiwanis Seed Project hopes to encourage growing vegetables at home and teaching children how food gets to the table. Chairperson Jay Potratz has received seed donations from West Seattle Nursery and Page’s Seeds. Seeds can be used in classroom instruction too. Please contact Denis Sapiro at 206-601-4136 with any questions.
(May 2014 WSB video of Camper Van Beethoven at Easy Street Records)
Just last night, we brought you the story of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts enlisting community help to move, with their building (and other businesses) right in the path of the Delridge light-rail station’s location. Music being near and dear to the heart of Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan, he has just announced a unique donation to the Mode campaign – he’s auctioning off his shop’s iconic stage – seen above in video of one of the many shows we’ve covered there – to make room for a new one, after so many unforgettable concerts. From his social-media announcement:
There have been so many iconic moments on our stage, guessing about 2,000 performances. Have a favorite? Discover an artist? Meet a new friend?
Time has come, we need a larger stage and better flow for our cafe patrons and staff. Originally our lil stage was designed for singer/songwriters, DJs, acoustic sets. We eventually added extensions to the stage for larger acts. The list is too long to mention, but yes…this is the same stage @brandicarlile has performed on multiple times, @pearljam and their various side projects, just about every local musician in the PNW. U see @theheadandtheheart last year? @duffmckagan a month or so back, The Sonics & Friends on #RSD15, @ayronjonesmusic @mudhoney_ @symlmusic @sandriderseattle @cavesingers #DamienJurado @shabazzpalaces @brittanydavismusic … @billybraggofficial @reignwolf @foyvance. Not sure who the first on the stage was, we built it in ‘98. Our earlier instores were on the floor (no stage), back where the poster racks are now and then later where the kitchen is now. Who was the first performance on this stage ? @easystreetguy guess is either @theejohndoe #rocketfromthecrypt #blackrebelmotorcycleclub @peteyorn or #Luna
Our very 1st proper instore was #CrittersBuggin @loosegrooverecords @skerik Were u there?
Interested in acquiring this legendary stage? Proceeds will go to Mode Music Studios New Home.
Bidding has begun and closes Thursday at 6 pm – email info@easystreetonline.com, subject line “Stage” – Matt adds, “Dimensions 8’ x 10’ x 1’, we will include the extension pieces as well. Stage must be removed by 9 pm on Thursday, new stage being installed!” Here’s another look in a WSB file photo:
Summer is approaching and it’s time to find out what the plans are for keeping people safe at Alki Beach as the weather warms and crowds grow. The new leadership of the Alki Community Council is laser-focused on getting answers, and this Thursday is the night to join them – in person or online – to see what they’re finding out, and ask your own questions. For one – now that city Park Rangers are able to work outside downtown, they’ll be coming to Alki, and some will be at the ACC meeting to talk with community members. Another key guest, according to ACC president Charlotte Starck, will be Seattle Parks’ director of security Markeith Blackshire, with updates including beach hours this summer – will the earlier closings resume? Other beach-related issues the ACC is tackling include how city budget woes will (or won’t) affect park maintenance. Beyond the beach, plans for Whale Tail Park and the Alki Elementary play area are on the agenda too. And Southwest Precinct police will be there. All this in less than an hour and a half, if you can invest just a bit of time in your community. 7 pm is the start time at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online (here’s the link).
(Sunday view of Mount Rainier, sent by Bill)
Here are quick links to what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week of the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) operating its newly expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays. Classes have been added, too.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop in Tuesday mornings until noon at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau).
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: 2 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon):
Are you looking for a group to support you in your Parkinson’s experience? This monthly in-person group is for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, spouses and significant others. Our goal is to help everyone live their life to the fullest by providing information, resources and space to share personal experiences. We will also host outside speakers from the Northwest Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. RSVP and info: Anne Bowman: mikeannewa@comcast.net
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly meeting of the Seattle City Council, 2 pm. There is a public-comment section – in person or by phone – if there’s something you want to tell the council. The agenda explains how. You can watch live via Seattle Channel.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
FREE INTRODUCTORY ASL CLASSES: New series is under way, 6 pm at the West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW), info here.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: Run with your neighbors! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM AT CSIHS: 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) auditorium, join school and city representatives to talk about student safety on and near campus, as previewed here.
TOASTMASTERS 832: Grow your communication and leadership skills by meeting online with West Seattle Toastmasters 832, 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm Tuesdays. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
PFLAG GROUP LAUNCH: 7:30 pm, join the celebration of the expansion of PFLAG to West Seattle – as previewed here – at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
BINGO AT TALARICO’S: You can play 8 pm bingo every Tuesday. (4718 California SW)
What are YOU planning? Are community members invited? Tell everyone via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The West Seattle-based Washington Baseball Academy is celebrating big success for one of its teams – here’s the report and photo we received to share with you:
This past weekend the 12U team from the Washington Baseball Academy and their families headed to Puyallup to compete in the JR #42 Tournament.
The tournament had teams in all divisions and teams from as far away as Alaska. The crew from West Seattle competed in the 12U Monarch division and got runner up in the Silver bracket. Each member of the team also is currently playing in West Seattle Little League or West Seattle Baseball. Next weekend, the team will be traveling to Tacoma to compete in the PINK OUT THE NW Tournament.
Coaches: Dale Ross and Peter Tarabochia
Players and Coaches:
Ben Datz
Ben Tarabochia
Calvin Carlson
Duncan McKinney
Gavin Ross
Jason Moran
Riley Landa
Lachlan Gosztola
Sidney Stauffer
Cameron Widman
Garek Wadden
Manny Barajas
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, April 16.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, chance of more rain, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:17 am, sunset at 8:01 pm.
SPORTS-RELATED TRAFFIC
-In SODO, Mariners’ homestand continues with another evening game against the Reds.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here – lots of trip cancellations this week.
Water Taxi today – 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 6 am April 20 to 5 am April 29 (new dates):
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!
| 19 COMMENTS