West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day this year – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The deadline is one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 25)! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day just might be the biggest yet – 300+ sales are signed up already, and that’s 25 percent more than at this point last year. Sale day is Saturday, May 11 (always the second Saturday in May), 9 am-3 pm (some start earlier, some end later, some even add extra days – be sure info like that is in your listing when you register). We haven’t been through all the listings yet but we already have a pile of notes about what people are selling and how they’re describing their sales (one seller simply declares, “It’s lit”) – fun stuff, practical stuff, old stuff, new stuff, handmade stuff, designer stuff, big stuff, little stuff, we could go on … that’s why we make the map and guide available a week in advance, so you can check out the listings and see who’s selling something you might want. (Or even if you’re not planning on major shopping, see who’s having a sale near you and walk over to say hi.) If you’re selling but not yet registered – here’s the form!
Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photos. Crews were back at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this week for more of the finishing touches on the dock-replacement project. The new docks are open for public use but Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells us a few things remain to be done – installation of bollards to keep people from trying to drive onto the docks – “a nearby resident had informed the project manager of this was an issue” – and installation of “additional cleats (for vessel tie-up).” The project replaced deteriorating, weather-beaten docks and pilings. It was partly funded by grants and has been in the works for seven years; we first reported on the plan in early 2017.
One day after the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two teenage boys arrested in a Burien ravine after Friday’s armed carjacking in a West Seattle alley, both were arraigned this afternoon. The 15- and 17-year-old suspects both pleaded not guilty, and Judge Veronica Galvan agreed with prosecutors that both should remain in juvenile detention. The next hearing for the younger suspect is a week from today; the older suspect’s next hearing is May 7th. Both are charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree unlawful gun possession, and second-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission (related to the Audi carjacked in West Seattle); the 15-year-old is also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (related to the Hyundai in which they arrived at the carjacking location).
Out of the WSB inbox this afternoon:
In the interest of keeping our neighborhood a safe place, I am writing to let you know of an incidence of stalking that happened to me this week in our neighborhood:
This Tuesday morning around 9:40 am I was walking east up Admiral and walked by a car that was parked in the “dead zone” between 49th Ave SW and Garlough Ave SW. When I was almost to 48th on SW Lander, he drove the wrong way up Lander, pulled over in his car and started talking to me. He let his feelings be known that he liked me and wanted to see me twice, which I answered with “NO” and “NO, I’m married.” and then he drove away. I was very distraught but dismissed it as a weird one-time occurrence. Wednesday I took my daughter to school and stayed for a school activity. Driving home, I saw his car again in the same place and time on Admiral; this was at about 9:15 am. Today, as I was running with my friend, west down Admiral he took a right turn in front of us from 51st onto Admiral and pulled over between 51st and Garlough at around 9:10 am.
After seeing him again this morning I called and made a police report. SPD gave me a case number (24-105089), told me to call 911 if he tries to make contact again, and asked that I put my neighborhood on high alert. I did not get a picture and do not remember any more than this: He presented as a white male with dark hair in his mid 30-40s. He was driving what I remember as a newer-looking black or very dark blue small sedan or hatchback with fully tinted windows. When I first walked by his car, the windows were cracked and I could smell cigarette smoke.
You might know the Southwest Seattle Historical Society best for its headquarters at the historic Log House Museum on Alki – but that’s just part of its work, as you can learn while supporting SWSHS via its gala and/or online auction in the weeks ahead. Here’s what to know:
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. It is also a year that coincides with significant anniversaries including its founding (1984), the building of the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead (1904), and the ten-year anniversary of the installation of the Belvedere/Admiral Viewpoint replica Totem Pole at the Log House Museum at Alki Beach (2014).
As the historical society commemorates these anniversaries, and begins work on new strategic goals, it is branding the annual Spring Gala and Online Auction on May 3 as Navigating Our Past, Anew. The organization will announce new initiatives, including updating signage for the Totem Pole to provide more complete historical context (Totem Poles are not representative of Coast Salish art traditions and the one at the museum is in fact a replica of an earlier pole and was carved by non-indigenous artists).
The Historical Society will also be announcing a new project to develop an interactive, permanent exhibit on the history of the Duwamish Peninsula at the Log House Museum, made possible from a grant from the newly established Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit timeline coincides with the organization’s three-year strategic plan adopted earlier this year.
Guest speakers for the event represent community partners that are integral to both projects and include Alex Gradwohl, Program Director, Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Kristina Pearson, Director, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.
The event includes food, a cash bar, and an exciting live auction featuring priceless experiences, including a chance to custom paint a traffic signal box with Desmond Hansen Art, a private tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman, and more.
In addition to the May 3 Gala, the organization is hosting an online auction from April 29 through May 2. The auction includes unique West Seattle experiences, local services, art, and gift certificates to local businesses. This year, the historical society is also auctioning numerous unique vacation rentals including a three-night stay at a luxury ranch outside Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley, Montana.
Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased online at loghousemuseum.org, which is also where you can register for the online auction, free.
The gala is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).
P.S. You can also learn more about the SWSHS and its work right now in the spotlight display at HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (41st/Alaska; WSB sponsor) – visit before next Tuesday afternoon and you can register for a drawing for two tickets to the gala!
The state Department of Ecology confirms it’s investigated a fuel spill first reported online Wednesday by local wildlife biologist/advocate Kersti Muul. She received photos including the ones she gave us permission to republish here – showing the sheen on the water off Harbor Island and the West Seattle Bridge.
Here’s how Ecology spokesperson Ty Keltner responded to our inquiry:
There was a spill a couple days ago in the Duwamish. Ecology got multiple reports of sheen near the southeast end of Harbor Island. The source of the spill is believed to be the tug Westrac II. The tug reported a spill of 40-50 gallons of hydraulic oil to due to an engine drive unit issue. Ecology Spill Responders went out to determine if anything could be recovered and to ensure the vessel is no longer spilling. We sent out a responder again yesterday to see some of the leftover sheen, but it’s very weathered and there isn’t much we can do for recovering what is left.
Kersti notes, “We should continue to keep eyes out for wildlife and pockets of concentrated oil.” The state hotline for reporting a spill is 800-OILS-911.
1:20 PM: Whale sighting just in from Kersti Muul – a baleen whale, northbound, close to shore, headed toward Brace Point. (That description means it could be a gray or humpback, among others.) Let us know if you see it!
6:12 PM: Kersti noted earlier in a comment that this is a gray whale. Added above, a photo from David Hutchinson, who says he “was fortunate to see the gray whale passing Constellation Park just after 3 PM today.”
When the city launched what were originally called “Stay Healthy Streets” four years ago, the first one announced in West Seattle was in High Point/Sunrise Heights. SDOT announced today that construction of its permanent features is about to begin:
First, SDOT’s reminder: “As announced earlier this year, 34th Ave SW will become a permanent Healthy Street and the other streets will return to neighborhood greenway (status).” So, for 34th (the stretch shown above in purple), the emailed update says:
We are excited to share an update for the High Point Healthy Street! We will start construction of the permanent installments for the High Point Healthy Street as soon as late April!
We will install permanent signage with a concrete block base and newly painted curb space around it at each intersection along the Healthy Street. At intersections where neighbors requested planters, we will install the permanent signage with a planter sign base.
SDOT crews will likely be on site soon to start preparing for work. You may see crews marking the pavement along the Healthy Street.
The project’s official page is here.
OTHER HEALTHY STREETS: SDOT says it’s still determining whether the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street will become permanent. And we’re checking on whether the construction schedule has been clarified for Alki Point since the reiteration four weeks ago that the design features announced last December will be built.
As school fun(draising) season continue, tomorrow’s your last chance to get a ticket to Prom Through the Ages, an April 27 celebration benefiting cooperative elementary The Bridge School! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Step back in time and dance through the decades with us at The Bridge School Auction: Prom Through the Ages!
Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, fun, and philanthropy. (Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm)
Your ticket includes:
-Admission to the event
-A delectable dinner from Centro Neighborhood Kitchen, featuring a taco bar buffet with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans
-A complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage courtesy of your drink ticket
-Dress to impress and compete in our prom costume contest (optional)
-Gain exclusive bidding privileges in our electrifying live auction
-Additional drinks will be available for purchase, ensuring the party never stops! Secure your spot now and join us in supporting our school while reliving the magic of prom night. See you on the dance floor!Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm
What: Prom Through The Ages: Live Auction Event to support The Bridge School
When: Saturday, April 27th 6-9 PM
Where: Explorer West Gymnasium
10300 28th Ave SW
An alert from the King County Sheriff’s Office:
Heads up! Today until 3 PM we are conducting joint training with the King County Water Taxi in Elliott Bay. If you see Guardian One & an increased police presence, there is no cause for alarm.
Guardian One is the KCSO helicopter, which is also used by other law-enforcement agencies including Seattle Police.
(Rainbow photographed Tuesday morning by Erin O)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week for the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays – now with classes (see the schedule here).
FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.
SOFTBALL: One high-school home game today – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lincoln, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle)
FREE CLASS: CommunityFlow at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), 4-5 pm – sign up here.
FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.
BASQUE WINE AND VERMOUTH TASTING: 5-7 pm at Sebastiano’s (3278 California SW).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Parks and Police reps are among the guests to talk about plans for spring/summer at the park, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – attend in person or online; info’s in our preview.
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!
THIRD WEEK FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) takes the stage at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for info, including the ticket link.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Would you recognize when someone is thinking about self-harm – and know how to help them? You can learn this Sunday at Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is inviting community members – including middle- and high-school students – to this workshop:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is hosting a Suicide Prevention Workshop this Sunday, April 21st, from 9 am-12 pm.
This workshop is facilitated by O’Dea High School students and helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connects them with resources to help them choose to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training — anyone who wants to make a difference can learn the SAFETALK steps. There will be scheduled breaks and opportunities to practice the skills built in the workshop, including practice on how to talk about this subject with others.
Mental health, depression, and especially suicide are prevalent in our community. The more informed we are, the more we can keep our community safe. Click on this link to sign up or use the QR Code in this flyer.
OLG is at 35th/Myrtle.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 18.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, low-60s high. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:13 am, sunset at 8:04 pm.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE COUNTDOWN
The West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface traffic 6 am Saturday (April 20) to 5 am April 29 (at the latest, SDOT says):
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. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start tomorrow night.
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):
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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