day : 16/05/2024 12 results

A victory for West Seattle Junction FC days before the new soccer team takes the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). You might recall the club owners had some challenges with the stadium’s owner, Seattle Public Schools, not giving permission for some things Junction FC considers critical to success – like scoreboard use. They’ve now secured permission for that – paying an SPS employee to operate it – so the scoreboard will be in operation when Junction FC plays Capital at 2 pm Sunday (May 19). Tickets are still available – go here to get yours. Also, the club says, “We’re lining up street-side food vendors and pop-ups. Interested vendors can contact info@wsjunctionfc.club” If you can’t make it to opening day, the next two home matches after that are Friday, May 24, 7 pm vs. Lane United, and Sunday, May 26, 2 pm vs. United PDX. Same link for tickets. Junction FC players and coaches also have the team’s first two youth-soccer clinics on the schedule, June 21 and 22 at local fields – go here for info and registration.

ADDED FRIDAY: Junction FC supporters are planning a March to the Match after a pre-game gathering at The Westy (7908 35th SW) – gathering at 11:30 am, march at 1 pm.

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Field trip to The Troll

May 16, 2024 7:51 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Almost nine months after her installation, Bruun Idun the troll remains a popular attraction at Lincoln Park. Today, her visitors included dozens of students from Pathfinder K-8, on a doubleheader field trip. First they released salmon fry at Fauntleroy Creek, not far from the park; then they went to visit the troll. Their time there was highlighted by a short talk from docent Jane Gunwaldsen, who talked about the connection between the Nordic nations – including troll creator Thomas Dambo‘s native Denmark – and the Northwest, including Indigenous traditions caring for the land and water.

Bruun Idun and the other trolls, you might recall, are meant to be symbols of environmental stewardship, made from discarded/reclaimed/found material. Jane told the students that Dambo has installed trolls in 17 countries including ours. Also of note: The students along for today’s field trip included about half a dozen living with disabilities – Salmon in the Schools volunteer Judy Pickens explains that the program has expanded to find new ways of including students outside the general-education classroom environment. (This year’s Fauntleroy Creek releases run through the end of the month.)

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FRIDAY MORNING: ‘Bike Everywhere Day’ station at west end of low bridge

May 16, 2024 6:34 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Bike Everywhere Day 2023)

Tomorrow (Friday, May 17) is “Bike Everywhere Day,” formerly “Bike to Work Day,” and that means “celebration stations” around the city. The one for our area will be set up 6 am to 9 am at the west end of the low bridge, organized by West Seattle Bike Connections, which outlines the plan:

Homemade baked goods, coffee and information on bicycling routes and planned improvements will be available, and local enthusiasts can answer questions about commuting, recreational cycling and other biking issues. Local bike repair shops will provide simple, on-the-spot bike repairs, and BIRD scooter and bike share will provide demos of their services. For more information, see westseattlebikeconnections.org The SDOT East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project team will host an information booth to share updates on construction between S Spokane St and S Atlantic St on E Marginal Way S. Stop by or visit seattle.gov/transportation/eastmarginalway to learn more about what bicyclists can expect.

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UPDATE: 12th/Holden crash; SW Edmunds tree

May 16, 2024 5:40 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:40 PM: A crash is reported to be partly blocking 12th/Holden, so if you’re headed that way, you’ll want to detour for a while. No major injuries reported so far – one SFD engine dispatched.

5:59 PM: Another traffic alert, while we’re still in PM prime time:

Thanks to Ian for the photo and report: “There’s a big tree down behind Safeway in the Junction, on Edmunds. It is partially blocking the street, cones are in place.” As the photo shows, SDOT is on the scene.

10 PM: A nearby resident just told us via X/Twitter that “the tree is still there, but they trimmed it back out of the road and put caution tape around it.”

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Alki Elementary moms organize support campaign for school’s appeal-delayed rebuild/expansion

May 16, 2024 4:45 pm

| 33 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, past-and-future Alki Elementary site earlier this week)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“We’re frustrated that the school’s not being built, and that our voices are not being heard.”

That’s how Eva Chappell explains the letter-writing campaign she and Stefie Deeds have organized in support of the Alki Elementary rebuild/expansion, so far delayed almost a full year because of appeals filed over zoning exceptions involving parking.

Chappell and Deeds are both parents of Alki Elementary kindergarteners. The old school closed after the 2022-2023 school year and has been demolished, with other site preparation under way, but no construction until the latest appeal is resolved. Right now, it’s set to go before a city hearing examiner right after Memorial Day.

A bit of backstory if you’re just tuning in: Seattle Public Schools sought nine zoning exceptions (“departures”) for the rebuild/expansion. The city granted them. Nearby residents appealed. A hearing examiner denied the appeals on all but one point – the plan for no on-site parking (following zoning rules would require 48). The district went to court to try to overturn the ruling but was unsuccessful. Finally it submitted a new plan with 15 parking spots. The city approved that. A different set of nearby residents appealed in March. And that’s the subject of the upcoming hearing.

Meantime, Alki Elementary students and staff are wrapping up the first of at least three years in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which is so small, Chappell and Deeds say, some of the classes – third- through fifth-graders – are in portables.

But what they’re most concerned about is that parents like them have no voice in the process that’s extended their children’s stay in temporary quarters. In a conversation with WSB earlier this week, they explained that many Alki parents don’t even know what’s going on with the project – they “have no clue that it’s being held up,” Deeds says. “Nobody thought this was going to happen.” She’s an eight-year Alki resident who was excited about being able to send her child to a neighborhood school – but now for at least three years, they’re not within walking distance. “Alki really deserves a walkable school.”

She contends that appellants are wrong to contend that the new, larger school will pose a traffic nightmare because everybody drives, saying that in fact, many parents they’ve spoken with say they’ll be walking, as will her child.

So they’re hoping their voices of support can make a difference; more than 200 letters have been sent already via their online campaign. District officials including our area’s School Board director Gina Topp are the designated recipients.

They’re stressing that their intent isn’t “to diss anyone” – not even those who’ve been fighting the rebuild; they want to “regain a sense of community, in raising awareness.” They hope to “sit down together” with school neighbors as well as with other school families and staff, to discuss the school-related traffic concerns.

But first – they want to see the project back on track.

WHAT’S NEXT: The appeal hearing is scheduled to start at 9 am Tuesday, May 28, in the Hearing Examiner’s hearing room in the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown (700 5th Avenue). If a second day is needed, that’s scheduled for Thursday, May 30.

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BIZNOTE: Five years for il Nido at Alki Homestead

May 16, 2024 2:46 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Alki Homestead | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Five years have passed since the restaurant il Nido opened in the historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge (2717 61st SW). We received this anniversary announcement today:

Our staff at il Nido wanted to reach out and let you know we are celebrating the restaurant’s 5th anniversary this week.

It’s an honor to be a part of the Alki community & the current caretakers of the historic Homestead — we’ve welcomed many neighbors through our doors over the past five years, and we are grateful for each guest who has made these years so special. It has been an eventful time in the world and within our industry specifically, and we are thrilled to be thriving in West Seattle!

With care —
Candice & the il Nido staff

The restaurant was founded by Mike Easton in 2019 and taken over three years later by its executive chef and general manager, Katie Gallego and Cameron Williams. If you’re new to the area, the building itself has a long backstory as the city-landmark Fir Lodge, built in the early 1900s, its future long in question after a 2009 fire until area investor Dennis Schilling bought it in 2015 and restored it.

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LIGHT RAIL: Two more rounds of Sound Transit drilling in West Seattle Junction area

May 16, 2024 1:54 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Sound Transit is still working on its final Environmental Impact Statement for West Seattle light rail – that’s the next major milestone before final routing decisions. Environmental studies have included drilling for samples at various sites around the area, and two more rounds have been announced. Sound Transit sent us the notices:

*”As soon as” May 20 (next Monday), 41st SW south of Edmunds (here’s the notice with details)

*”As soon as May 29, 41st SW (here’s the notice with details) north of Edmunds

No date yet for the final EIS to go public – ST has most recently said “midyear.”

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Set your calendar! Dine out next Tuesday for Fauntleroy Fall Festival

May 16, 2024 11:56 am

| Comments Off on Set your calendar! Dine out next Tuesday for Fauntleroy Fall Festival

| Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Pumpkin-decorating at 2023 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)

Yes, spring/summer event season is just getting started, but one of fall’s biggest events will have a moment in the spotlight at a tasty fundraiser next Tuesday. It’s the annual Endolyne Joe’s dine-out day for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, a free-admission event that runs entirely on donations and volunteers. If you come to the restaurant (9261 45th SW in the heart of Fauntleroy’s mini-business district) on Tuesday, May 21 (it’s open 8 am-10 pm), you’ll be part of it. Here’s the announcement from festival organizers:

Join us @ Endolyne Joe’s on Tuesday, May 21st, for a full day of fundraising! A portion of the daily sales from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be donated directly to our beloved Fall Festival. Dinner time (4-9 pm) @ Joe’s will have the famous raffle ticket sales for amazing gift baskets donated by our local community.

If you haven’t been to the Fall Festival before – check out our coverage from last year.

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Alki Community Council, Highland Park Way project Q&A, more for your West Seattle Thursday

May 16, 2024 10:48 am

| Comments Off on Alki Community Council, Highland Park Way project Q&A, more for your West Seattle Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen at Lincoln Park. Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here are highlights for the hours ahead!

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 what’s now the Center for Active Living (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 Paparepas.

TALK WITH SDOT ABOUT HIGHLAND PARK WAY HILL: Also 4-8 pm at HPCS, SDOT will be tabling with information and Q&A about the proposal to replace one downhill vehicle lane on the Highland Park Way hill with a protected bike lane or wider multi-use path.

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) not just for Art Walk but also for wine by the glass or bottle.

ROBOTICS INFO NIGHT: For 8th- through 12th-graders interested in involvement with a robotics club next year, 6 pm open house. Our calendar listing has RSVP info (location provided to RSVPers).

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: 7 pm hybrid meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – agenda includes an update on summer beach hours and a presentation on the CARE Department; all welcome. More info in our calendar listing, including the link to attend online.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Mia Day‘s album-release show, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

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!

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Four-hour fishing season

May 16, 2024 9:53 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Logan for the photo. Several people have asked about the gathering of boats in Elliott Bay (and trailers at Don Armeni Boat Ramp). It’s the one-day, four-hour spot-shrimp season, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife website – 9 am to 1 pm. There may be an encore during the same hours May 30 “if quota remains,” WDFW says. Spot shrimp, aka prawns, are described as the largest shrimp in Puget Sound; they can grow to up to nine inches long.

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Memorial gathering planned June 1 for QMCM R.L. ‘Beau’ Beaucage, 1941-2024

May 16, 2024 9:36 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather June 1 to celebrate and remember QMCM R.L.”Beau” Beaucage. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:

Robert Laurence Beaucage was born on October 1st, 1941 in Portland, Oregon to John and Barbara (Pfund) Beaucage. He passed away on May 3rd, 2024.

He spent his early years in Portland, Spokane, and Albany. As a teen he worked in a store that was both a bicycle and hobby shop, here he was able to build a brand loyalty to Schwinn and foster a lifelong love of trains and model railroading.

Upon graduation he left to find his fortune in the United States Coast Guard. His first orders were St Petersburg, Florida to the cutter Nemesis. At a party he met the love of his life, Sandra Kay Slattery. They were married and eventually welcomed their daughter Michele.

When Beau’s enlistment was up, he returned home to Albany, Oregon with his young family. He found work at the local plywood plant. During this time his son David was born. Following a layoff at the plant, he decided to return to the Coast Guard.

His duties took him to Seattle (Icebreaker Northwind), Cape May, NJ (Tracen, Cutter Unimak), New London, CT (Cutter Vigorous) and, in 1974 back to Seattle (Puget Sound VTS, Icebreaker Polar Star, and District 13 Search and Rescue). He retired from the Coast Guard in 1981.

Beau then worked briefly as a dock superintendent for Stevedoring Services of America. It wasn’t really for him, but provided a foot in the door when an opportunity came to become a skipper for the motor yacht White Lightning. He managed all business related to the upkeep and operation of several boats. In 1997 the owners built and launched a larger White Lightning. Beau traveled to New Zealand a few times to ensure everything was just right with the construction. The owners treated Beau and Sandy like family, sometimes traveling together. He retired from White Lightning in 2003.

Retirement allowed Beau plenty of time with the things he loved. He would spend time in his shop woodworking or tinkering with old machines. He restored an old railroad motorcar and a few antique hit and miss engines. He had Scotties to walk and grandchildren to entertain. One of his passions was volunteering at the Camp 6 Logging Museum at Point Defiance. He would lend his talents to restoring some of the equipment, mentoring young train enthusiasts and driving the Shay locomotive during the summer and for the Santa train at Christmas.

After Sandy passed away in 2018, he would walk down the street to Lowman Beach Park and Lincoln Park, sometimes twice a day, developing close relationships with neighbors and those who came from all over West Seattle to walk and play. Some of them visited regularly and he always had treats handy for their canine companions.

Beau is survived by his daughter Michele (Michael) Karnes, his son David (Carda) Beaucage, and grandchildren Lauryn Karnes, Justin Beaucage, Kaitlyn Karnes, and Shelby (Brett) Sheldon.

An open house gathering will be held Saturday, June 1st to celebrate Beau and share memories from 1-4 PM at his West Seattle residence. Of course, dogs are welcome.

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday FYIs

May 16, 2024 6:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 16.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly cloudy, chance of showers, high around 65.. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am; sunset will be at 8:42 pm.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS

*SDOT is at Highland Park Way/Holden – the permanent signals are now working, but they have to repair the sidewalk at the intersection’s northwest corner, restripe the road, and rebuild the curb ramps to fix accessibility issues.

*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon:

WEEKEND ADVANCE ALERT

Harbor and Alki Avenues will be closed to traffic approximately 8-11 am Sunday morning for the West Seattle 5K.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check for 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

Low bridge: Open.

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 – Here’s 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. (SDOT says it’s working on the low-bridge absence from the feed.)

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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