“We’re downsizing to a motor home to travel the country, so everything must go!” one West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 seller explains. Another has clearly racked up some miles already, offering “Odd treasures from travels.” Yet another promises “no broken electric knives or Tupperware without lids here.” And another seller declares, “I am famous for my garage sales.” Lots of reasons, lots of promises, lots of merchandise in the 350+ sales listings we’ve received after three weeks of registration for WSCGSD, which is happening Saturday, May 11, 9 am-3 pm, all over West Seattle (and a bit beyond). If you plan to be a seller but haven’t registered yet, you have four more days – Thursday night (April 25) at 11:30 pm, we close the list so we can get busy making the map and guide, which will be ready a week before WSCGSD so shoppers can preview who has what and where. Maybe you’re looking for something specific, or maybe you just want to see who’s hosting a sale in your neighborhood so you can walk over to look. And if you’re one of those not-registered-yet-but-ready sellers, just go here!

TRAFFIC ALERT: Highland Park Way/Holden signal work wraps up starting this week

April 21, 2024 7:57 pm

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: Highland Park Way/Holden signal work wraps up starting this week

| Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

(March 2020 photo)

Four years after the “temporary” signal went up at Highland Park Way/Holden, shortly after the West Seattle Bridge closure dramatically increased traffic there, the signal’s permanent replacement is almost complete. “Final steps” of the project start tomorrow, according to this advisory sent by SDOT:

We are on the final stretch of construction for the permanent traffic signal at the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St. Over the next few weeks, we will attach the traffic signal heads to the metal mast arms so they are no longer hanging from a wire.

After that, we will hang traffic cameras to monitor and adjust the signal in real-time and install traffic loops in the pavement on all four sides of the intersection so the signal can recognize when a person driving is waiting at the light. We will also activate the crosswalk button on the sidewalk, so people can request a signal change when they need to walk across the street.

All of these steps will improve traffic signal timing for people who are driving, while providing signalized crossings for people who are walking.

When

This work is scheduled from April 22 – May 10, though that could shift based on weather and crew availability. Our work hours are from 7 AM – 4 PM.

What to Expect

Alternating traffic lanes will be closed during some of this work, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures and detour routes for people walking. This is not particularly noisy work, but if you live or work in the area, you may hear construction equipment running and some beeping when crews back up equipment.

The signal is the centerpiece of a wider safety project at the intersection following years of community advocacy for improvements.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 9 new views, and 1 way to help the ones that are migrating

April 21, 2024 5:27 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Spring means migration time for some birds, so West Seattle bird-watchers might see seasonal sights, as shown in some of the reader photos we’re spotlighting today. Above are Bonaparte’s Gulls at Constellation Park, photographed by David Hutchinson, who says that’s also where he saw these Brant in flight:

Constellation’s a hotspot for bird viewing – that’s where Jamie Kinney photographed shorebirds including Dunlins and Black Turnstones:

That’s also where Emily Carlston saw this Black Oystercatcher in flight:

Jack Block Park is where Steve Bender photographed these Canada Geese:

At Don Armeni Boat Ramp, Robin Sinner photographed a Heermann’s Gull:

Robin also sent this photo of a White-crowned Sparrow:

In Schmitz Preserve Park, Tony Tschanz happened onto a Crow in the process of construction:

And we conclude with another photo from the Admiral area – John Keatley explains that this Barred Owl “seems to be living in the cedar tree in our backyard. It has been quite active this past week, and we just saw it resting on our shed roof.”

Huge thanks again to everyone who sends bird (and other) photos, which we feature not only in galleries like this but also with some of our daily event lists – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we also appreciate other information, such as Kersti Muul‘s reminder that it’s “Lights Out“ time to be kind to birds in flight – look how many!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Bruun Idun the troll presides at forest-restoration event

April 21, 2024 4:28 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Along with the 12-site Duwamish Alive! mega-work party, one of the other Earth Day events on our Saturday list was at Lincoln Park, around the section of bluffside forest watched over by Bruun Idun the troll. Thanks to forest steward Lisa McGinty for the photos and report:

39 volunteers and one much-loved troll shared their time and efforts to honor the earth and environment yesterday at Lincoln Park. We also had a lovely surprise visit from Deputy Mayor Greg Wong, who jumped in to help us remove vast amounts of ivy from the forest floor!

Thanks to all who showed up – you really made a difference!

Speaking of the city, the One Seattle Day of Service on May 18 has a long list of volunteering opportunities – at least 10 in West Seattle.

Share This

VIDEO: Alki throng joins Jill and Eddie Vedder at ‘Plunge for Patterson’ on behalf of EB research, awareness

April 21, 2024 1:56 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Not a bad Sunday morning for a swim in the Sound – 50-degree water, 50-degree air, and an infinite degree of generosity from those who took the plunge. This happened to be – as previewed here last weekend – the “Plunge for Patterson,” on behalf of a local boy living with EB, organized by his friends Jill and Eddie Vedder:

As explained in the event announcement, this is “part of a national campaign to raise money to treat and cure Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a family of painful and life-threatening rare genetic disorders that affect the body’s largest organ: the skin. The Vedders serve as global fundraisers and ambassadors sharing the mission of curing and treating EB with the world,” as co-founders of the EB Research Partnership, which Jill Vedder chairs. This morning she thanked the crowd, and Patterson had a few words too:

Then it was time to plunge:

EBRP’s goal is to cure EB by 2030. The Vedders co-founded the nonprofit in 2010.

Even if you weren’t at Alki to plunge this morning, you can support the cause by donating here.

Share This

UPDATE: Power outage in Admiral

April 21, 2024 1:08 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

1:08 PM: Jesse emailed to report, “I heard a loud pop from outside my window at Lander and 42nd ave sw about an hour ago. Since then half of our appliances are dim like at half-power.” That would have been around 11 am; since then, Seattle City Light‘s outage map says, 84 customers north of Hiawatha have lost power. “Equipment failure” is blamed.

7:44 PM: As noted in comments, the outage has been resolved. We’ll be asking SCL about the specific cause of this one tomorrow (as well as about the Saturday outage).

Share This

COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until West Seattle 5K!

April 21, 2024 11:11 am

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until West Seattle 5K!

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Four weeks from today, you can start your Sunday with a scenic run/walk along Alki during this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, May 19. This will be the 15th anniversary of the first West Seattle 5K, in 2009. If you’re not registered for this year yet, today’s a great day to do it – here’s where to go. The West Seattle 5K is coordinated by the West Seattle High School PTSA, and funds a variety of programs. If you can’t get out on the course on May 19, you can still donate. Find out how and see the race-day schedule on the registration page. (WSB is the WS5K media sponsor again this year.)

Share This

YOU CAN HELP: Buy flower baskets, help Skunks!

April 21, 2024 10:42 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Short notice but the sunshine might have you contemplating flower baskets for the growing season ahead, and these are available to benefit local students in the Skunk Works Robotics Team. Arbor Heights resident Jen, who has two teens on the team, explains:

It’s a 4H robotics club that is part of FIRST Robotics. Our team of 30 high-school kids just competed in the Portland District Competition representing West Seattle and Burien.

The team is selling flower baskets again this year, in shade- and sun-loving options. They’re very comparable to baskets you’d buy at garden stores, but the Skunks get half of the proceeds! The funds go to support to help the team build a competitive robot and help reduce travel costs. They will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week or to beautify your home all spring and summer long. Last day to purchase is April 21, and pickup will be May 3 at the Skunk Works building at the old Beverly Park Elementary building. Our kids are awesome and available to talk robotics at pickup. Teens are welcome to check out what joining a robotics team is like.

Order [by tonight]: fundraiser.bid/skunks-flower-baskets

Go Skunks!

Share This

Low-bridge closure Day 2 and much more on the list for your West Seattle Sunday

April 21, 2024 6:07 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday rainbow, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what you need to know for today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE, DAY 2: The West Seattle low bridge is closed to road/path traffic again today for communication-and-control system upgrades and will reopen no later than early the morning of April 29. More closure details from SDOT here (including how to get free rides on the Water Taxi or Metro buses).

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSED: The branch at 3411 SW Raymond is closed Sundays through at least early June as part of a schedule shuffle as the system deals with staffing shortages.

RIDE FOR MAJOR TAYLOR: Too late to register if you’re not already signed up for this big fundraising ride, but we’re mentioning it because you might see riders around the West Seattle leg of the course (which starts and finishes in White Center).

LIFE-SAVING WORKSHOP: 9 am-noon, free suicide-prevention workshop at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), all welcome, as explained here.

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

PLUNGE FOR PATTERSON: Bonus opportunity to jump into the water off Alki today – 10 am with Vedders & Friends, raising money to fight EB, as previewed here – where it’s explained how you can take the plunge this morning too.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meets at 9 am Sundays at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering spring vegetables, flowers, and fruit, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

FREE SEEDS AT THE MARKET: As previewed here, you can stop at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market 10 am-1 pm today and get free seeds for your garden, while they last.

TRANSPORTATION LEVY INFO AT THE MARKET: While you’re there, look for the city’s booth offering info about the draft Transportation Levy – you have five more days to comment on the draft.

POP-UP MARKET AT JET CITY LABS: One more thing to check out while you’re in The Junction – a big room full of small businesses at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.

KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: Family music, live, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 10:30 am, with The Highlight Quartet.

RACHAEL’S GOOD EATS @ CAPERS: Best-selling cookbook’s author – a West Seattleite – will be at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW) 11 am-2 pm.

DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm, please drop off donations from the following list in the Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) front courtyard:

Priority Need: Blankets! … smaller sized (full/twin) and fleece throws to keep our unsheltered neighbors warm during Seattle’s chilly spring nights. Clean and ready-to-use please.

Your donations of food, clothing and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.

Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

DELRIDGE GROCERY’S LAST RETAIL DAY: Discounts for all as Delridge Grocery Co-op winds down retail operations at 5444 Delridge Way SW – shop 11 am to 3 pm today.

THIRD MATINEE FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The popular new play has been selling out the house at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Check with the box office if nothing’s available online via the link in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Your weekend’s finale can be music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This