West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
(Photos courtesy South Seattle College)
It’s Earth Week and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) used the occasion to show off the solar array installed a few months ago atop Cascade Hall on the north end of campus as part of the larger Seattle Colleges systemwide campaign to decarbonize. It’s an 82-kilowatt array, successor to the building’s original 7-kilowatt array, supported with state financing that will be paid back over 15 years by energy savings. SSC’s Steve Abercrombie led a tour of the installation atop the roof:
But first, those gathered heard from not only Abercrombie but also reps from partner McKinstry – which is helping with a variety of energy-efficiency campus upgrades – and from Seattle City Light, which supported the Seattle Colleges installations with $425,000 in renewable-energy credits:
The array is not only generating power, but it and the arrays at the other Seattle Colleges campuses are also integrated into the curriculum, including sustainable building.
Abercrombie says, “Students get tours of the arrays to understand the mechanics of the siting, installation, and considerations for solar. They then engage in projects related to solar feasibility, planning, and renewable energy financing through several of our classes.” They also use the real-time data to learn about performance evaluation and, ultimately, workforce opportunities. He says those “include identifying and practicing 21st century skills like troubleshooting and communication that are the heart of careers like energy analysis and commissioning.”
As mentioned in our coverage of the most-recent Morgan Community Association meeting, the group’s summer festival is expanding again this year, getting closer to what it used to be, including an area for community groups and vendors. If you’d like to be part of that, MoCA wants to hear from you ASAP – here’s the reminder:
The date for the Morgan Junction Community Festival is on the horizon, so we need to make the LAST CALL for Festival Vendors and Nonprofit Booths!!
The Morgan Junction Community Festival returns to Morgan Junction on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It features live entertainment in Morgan Junction Park, and the return of the popular vendor booths with everyone’s favorite local businesses, artisans/crafts people, nonprofit organizations, and government groups in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza.
Applications for the vendor booths are found at the Morgan Community Association (MoCA) website morganjunction.org/festival. Application deadline is 5:00 pm April 30, 2024.
Contact the Morgan Junction Community Festival team at mocacnc@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you for helping make the June 15th Morgan Junction Community Festival absolutely amazing!
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN 4RUNNER: Sent by Lauren:
1988 4Runner STOLEN!!! Please keep an eye out for my truck! It occurred at around 4 am on Friday morning the 19th. It was parked across the street from Fauntleroy Park on SW Barton/SW Henderson when it was stolen. They drove it east on Barton up toward 35th when they took off. It wasn’t super dirty like in the pic when it was taken but please use it as a reference. Plate CV1083A. It is light blue with a black top and hood, and rhino coating on part of the detachable hardtop, tops of doors, as well as the rear storage area inside. Newer camo interior, sunroof, and Grey dash. Please, please contact the police and reference incident # 2024-105705 if you see it. My dad is the reason I was able to get this truck and he has since passed. It is very special to me.
FENCING THIEF: The owners of the ex-Midas site at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW had fenced it off for environmental cleanup. Then on Sunday, just before 6 pm, a man went onto the property, started removing clamps from the fencing, stacked the panels up, and drove a vehicle in to take them away.
Here’s an image of the thief.
And the vehicle’s rear end and plate:
If you have any information, you can refer to police report # 24-906637.
Side note: Regarding the site’s future post-cleanup, we asked about a notation in city files that it might become a Sherwin-Williams paint store. That’s one possibility, the owners say, but there’s “no lease or commitment” and the site could go to “another interested business.”
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Alki Point Healthy Street: Permanent.
High Point Healthy Street: Permanent.
Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Streets: Undecided.
And it might remain that way until late this year, the community coalition HPAC heard last night at its monthly meeting, facilitated by co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick.
SDOT’s Michael Taylor-Judd was there for the discussion during HPAC’s meeting at Southwest Library. He stressed that while he’s an outreach person for the Healthy Streets program, he’s not a decisionmaker, but promised he would convey what he heard. Here’s the stretch under discussion:
Taylor-Judd said it will get upgraded signage by summer, he said. He was asked to describe what a “Healthy Street” is; he went back to their pandemic roots, acknowledging the city said it was originally temporary, but “what we heard from the public was that people really liked the increased space” to walk, roll, and ride. “That led to an evaluation of all of them … to see if this is something that neighborhoods want to keep or not.” In most cases (Alki Point being an exception) these were rolled out on streets already designated as greenways, Taylor-Judd said. They are intended to be “safer routes” for people to use. They were evaluated on factors such as whether more people are walking, rolling and biking, is there neighborhood support, are fewer people driving? The stats he showed dated back to 2020 and 2021, but he said new data is to be collected soon. Two attendees said they haven’t seen pedestrian or bicyclist traffic on these stretches of streets. He said the decision is not likely to be made until year’s end, later than originally thought. The three questions would be:
(WSB photo, Tuesday)
As we’ve been noting in our weekday-morning traffic notes, the project to reinforce the Delridge Pedestrian Bridge is officially under way. SDOT says it’s expected to last about a year, during which time the Delridge/Oregon intersection will be narrowed. Here’s the official fact sheet for the project, and today we also have more information about the phases of work:
To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, the bridge will be closed to people walking, biking, and rolling during construction. In addition, we will be closing sidewalks and car lanes under the bridge on Delridge Way SW in three phases to divert people walking, rolling, biking, and driving away from where work is occurring. At least one lane of travel in each direction and a sidewalk on one side of the street will be maintained throughout each phase.
We understand these closures will impact everyone who uses the bridge and Delridge Way SW regularly and we will do what we can to minimize impacts. The three phases will include the following closures:
Phase One
Our first phase of sidewalk and lane closures is currently in progress. Delridge Way SW will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with car traffic shifted to the east. Between SW Genesee St and SW Oregon St, the sidewalk on the west side of Delridge Way SW will also be closed while crews work on the west side of the bridge. We will share a map showing the sidewalk and lane closure soon.Phase Two
During the second phase of sidewalks and lane closures, Delridge Way SW will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with car traffic shifted to the west. Between SW Genesee St and SW Oregon St, the sidewalk on the east side of Delridge Way SW will also be closed while crews work on the east side of the bridge. We will share a map showing the sidewalk and lane closure in phase two as we approach the end of phase one.Phase Three
Our final phase of sidewalk and lane closures will reduce Delridge Way SW to one lane in both directions. The innermost lanes will be closed and traffic will be shifted to the outermost lanes while crews work underneath the middle of the bridge. The sidewalks on both sides of Delridge Way SW will remain open to people walking and rolling during this phase. We will share a map showing the lane closures in phase three as we approach the end of phase two.
Though the project page doesn’t cite a number, the city previously has listed the project budget as $5 million; the successful “base bid” by Ferndale-headquartered contractor IMCO Construction is shown online as $2.3 million. At one point the city contemplated demolishing the bridge rather than upgrading it, but community feedback led to the city scrapping that idea.
SIDE NOTE: An earthquake-safety project is ahead for the Admiral Way bridges over Fairmount Ravine, too. The city is in the process of finalizing the contract for the north bridge, so we should have a timeline soon.
Three business notes:
HOMESTREET X SWSHS: We photographed Bob Livingston of HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) and Elizabeth Rudrud from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society as HomeStreet wrapped up its month of spotlighting SWSHS at the West Seattle branch. Visitors have had the chance to enter a drawing for two free tickets to the upcoming SWSHS gala, and the drawing was held Wednesday. Elizabeth told us they’ve added a third guest speaker to the gala on May 3 (tickets and info here): Michael Halady, the Duwamish artist who carved the story pole now at Admiral Way Viewpoint Park. Live-auction items at the gala include making your own ice cream with Husky Deli and a custom mural with Desmond Hansen. If you can’t get to the gala, the online auction – open to all – starts next Monday (April 29), with items including a three-day stay at a lodge near Yellowstone. Preview – and register for – the online auction by going here.
LITTLE DONKEY BRUNCH: When the new restaurant at 3401 California SW opened in February, the proprietors said they’d be adding brunch – and that finally launches this week, every Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm. Here’s the menu.
MOLLY MOON’S TIMELINE: Almost three weeks now since we reported Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream is moving into 4540 California SW in The Junction. It’s not going to happen as quickly as you might expect – Katie from Molly Moon’s answered our followup inquiry: “Of course everyone wants to know ‘when will you be open?’ and all I can say is that we want to be open as soon as possible! So much of the timing is out of our control (permitting, construction schedules, etc) but if it goes our way, we’d love to be scooping cones and cups by this fall!” City records show the company has indeed applied for permits, so the process has begun.
(River otters at Anchor Park, photographed Tuesday by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Today’s list is late because of breaking news, but here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
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.
ESTATE PLANNING: 2 pm discussion at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) – tour while you’re there!
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 Kathmandu MoMoCha.
SOFTBALL: Two high-school home games scheduled today (though it’s raining as we write this) – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Bishop Blanchet and West Seattle HS hosts Ballard, both games listed as 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle)
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.
OPEN HOUSE: Summit Atlas charter middle/high school welcomes prospective families, 5:30 pm. (9601 35th 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.
PICKLEBALL/TENNIS AT PARKS BOARD: As previewed, the city Parks Board agenda for tonight – 6:30 meeting, downtown or online – includes a presentation on the department’s vision for pickleball and tennis.
THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!
FINAL 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 – if sold out online, check directly with the box office.
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!
10:02 AM: Thanks for the tips. There’s a power outage in eastern West Seattle – 1,300 customers as shown on the Seattle City Light outage map. Updates to come.
10:35 AM: No info yet on the cause. If you’re in the outage zone and see City Light crews, let us know!
10:50 AM: Highland Park Elementary is out of power, according to email we’ve just received. Louisa Boren STEM K-8 also appears to be in the outage zone but we haven’t heard from anyone there, so we’re checking with the district. (Added: Commenters confirm STEM affected too.)
11:23 AM: City Light map shows the outage resolved. We’re inquiring as to what/where caused it.
1:07 PM: City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang tells us “a branch on a line” near SW Orchard was to blame.
Family and friends of Marty Schutt will gather tomorrow to remember him and want to invite others who knew him to be there too:
A memorial gathering for Martin E. Schutt will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 14022 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien.
Marty passed on April 11 at his retirement home in Pacific County.
Marty was West Seattle-born – February 25, 1944, he was the first baby in the Schutt family to not be home-birthed (which was the standard then). He was born in the West Seattle hospital that stood at the corner in The Junction where Starbucks is now.
He attended Alki Elementary School and graduated from West Seattle High School in the Class of 1963.
Marty worked as an engine specialist at Mack Truck of Seattle, formerly on Airport Way.
If you have a memory, a story, or a photo of Marty you’d like to share, the family would be glad to have you bring it to share at the gathering.
(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)
Last call to register a sale for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 on Saturday, May 11! One year short of its 20th anniversary (the first WSCGSD was in 2005), West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day will be bigger than ever this year, with more than 450 sales registered. We’ve read through 400 of those registrations so far and the variety is impressive to say the least! Descriptions range from “museum-quality dumpster finds” to “kitschy treasure-hunting vibe” … there’s a “kitchenware-palooza,” “teen-curated clothes/shoes,” businesses with Garage Sale Day deals … two sales promising DJs … The map and guide will be ready a week in advance so you can browse it all (or just look for the sales near you). Registration ends at 11:30 pm tonight, so if your sale isn’t signed up yet, don’t wait another minute … go here to register!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 25.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
The West Seattle low bridge is closed for a sixth day, expected to reopen by Monday morning; here’s SDOT info about the closure, including how to get free bus or Water Taxi trips.
SDOT said on Wednesday that “the control system upgrade continues. 90% of the system is in place, and we’re booting up and testing the programmable logic control units one by one.”
ROAD-WORK ALERTS
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues at Delridge/Oregon, down to two lanes for the project’s duration, up to one year.
*Final work on the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is under way, as previewed here. We photographed the crew on Wednesday:
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, rain, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:01 am, sunset at 8:14 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by Gene Pavola)
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. 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, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
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!
After multiple 911 calls about suspected gunfire in South Delridge, police looking for evidence have found some – one casing so far, which an officer told dispatch he found in the 1400 block of SW Henderson. No injuries or property damage reported so far.
2:25 AM: Almost three weeks ago, we reported that a woman had been attacked and robbed at the Westwood Village Rite-Aid, and followed up with a report on the charges filed against the 13-year-old arrested shortly after the attack. On Wednesday, SPD released this video of both the incident and the arrest:
The SPD post featuring the video did not include any case information beyond what we reported back when this happened. As we noted in our first follow-up report, the suspect already had two warrants out for his arrest before the Rite Aid incident, including one related to a business robbery and assault in Normandy Park in September that had been the subject of TV-news reports because of security video. The other was for a stolen-car case in Renton in October. He also was wanted for escape after cutting his home-detention bracelet and leaving home six days after being released from secure detention back in February.
So here’s what court documents say has happened since our last report:
-He’s been charged with second-degree robbery for this month’s Westwood Rite Aid incident.
-He’s been charged with second-degree escape for cutting off the monitoring device and leaving home in February
-He’s been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle for another October incident in Renton, this one involving a Kia Soul stolen from Auburn
With all that, the suspect is now charged with five felonies. He’s still in secure detention and is due in court today (Thursday) to be arraigned on the three newest felony charges. We’ll update when we find out what happens.
4:48 PM: Court documents from today’s brief hearing say Judge Kristin Richardson ordered the suspect to remain in custody. His next hearing is scheduled for May 9.
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