West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Thanks to everyone who sent photos of tonight’s drop-everything-and-stare sunset, seen looking northwest from Alki; the pic above is from Gene Pavola. The clouds are not expected to entirely leave us between now and Memorial Day – the forecast suggests some sun tomorrow, Friday, and Monday (when the temperature might hit 70), but mostly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday.
Story and photos/video by Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
No matter how busy you are, set time aside to celebrate your hard work and success.
That advice was offered by the guest speaker at today’s Westside Awards breakfast, at which West Seattle Chamber of Commerce members and other attendees did exactly that – celebrating the four award recipients the Chamber had announced three weeks ago.
Each year, the Chamber invites community nominations for the four categories – Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Not-for-Profit of the Year, and Westsider of the Year – before choosing winners. All winners were at this morning’s celebration at The Hall at Fauntleroy – here’s what they had to say:
Business of the Year – Alki Beach Academy
10 years after founding their still-growing child-care business in North Delridge, Julieann Donohue and James Donohue said the award was “very unexpected, given some of the issues we’re dealing with right now” (a reference to the possibility they’ll have to move because of light-rail routing). They talked about Alki Beach Academy’s inclusion of special-needs kids, rooted in their decision to start the business because their own child, living with autism, was having challenges in a traditional school setting. Here’s everything they told the attendees:
Emerging Business of the Year – Southpaw Barber Shop
Co-proprietors Tommy Andrade and Jeff Chou accepted the award, and Andrade noted that the shop will celebrate its first anniversary this weekend. He explained he had left a tech career to answer the call to be a barber and help the community – “service first, community first” is the business philosophy. Here’s his speech:
Not-for-Profit of the Year – A Cleaner Alki
Erik Bell, who founded the growing organization that leads cleanups far beyond Alki, told his story of starting with cleanups while taking walks with his brother and broadening into a communitywide organization – with an invitation to anyone and everyone to get involved. Here’s everything he said:
Westsider of the Year – Madison Middle School teacher Mike Kreiger
This is a “community champion” type of award; Kreiger is a teacher and coach at Madison, involved with programs including eighth-graders mentoring newly arrived sixth-graders. Here’s his brief and energetic speech of gratitude:
Chamber executive director Rachel Porter, presiding over the first Westside Awards since she started the job nine months ago, congratulated all the winners and nominees for “dedication and excellence that makes West Seattle tick”:
Before the presentations, emcee Brian Callanan sat down for a conversation with guest speaker Fred Rivera, executive vice president of the Seattle Mariners.
Their far-ranging conversation included a discussion of inspiring your workforce by taking time to celebrate – for example, Rivera said, the Mariners have “First Place Fridays” – every Friday that the team is in first place, they celebrate with treats. Other advice included being aware of how people are using your product; the M’s, for example, are aware more and more people are seeing games in small chunks rather than the full three hours. Here’s their entire conversation:
Kreiger’s words bear repeating – they apply to all ages, even if you’re not an educator or parent: “No one remembers what you taught them, but they remember how you made them feel.” It’s likely that most on hand felt inspired, to say the least, as they headed out into the morning shortly thereafter.
All the past Westside Awards winners are listed here.
The West Duwamish Greenbelt is our city’s longest stretch of unbroken forest, running through eastern West Seattle – and if you have images of it, the Log House Museum would like to see them! Here’s the call for contributions:
(Photo courtesy West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society and the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group invite community members to submit photographs and other artistic depictions of the West Duwamish Greenbelt for an upcoming exhibit at the Log House Museum.
The Greenbelt, the city’s largest contiguous forest, spans 500 acres from Pigeon Point to Westcrest Park, from the Duwamish Waterway to Puget Ridge. The exhibit will highlight its indigenous and industrial history, the story of civic advocacy that led to its protection, and – through community-sourced submissions – contemporary depictions of its flora, fauna, and urban stories.
Submissions can include historical or contemporary images and documentary or artistic representations. Submissions that depict the diversity of the Greenbelt, including both natural and urban environments, are encouraged.
Submissions are due by June 10. To submit, use this online form.
Questions? Contact museum@loghousemuseum.org or call us at 206.350.0999
Thanks to Conrad Cipoletti, vice president of the Morgan Community Association, for the tip! For the first time in four years, West Seattle has a new King County Elections ballot dropbox – the fourth one on the peninsula, after High Point Library, The Junction, and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). This one has popped up on the sidewalk in front of the north end of Morgan Junction Park, in the 6400 block of California SW. We have an inquiry out to KC Elections; next election will be the August 6 primary. (And you’ll be able to see the new ballot box up close and personal during the Morgan Junction. Community Festival, which MoCA is presenting in and around the park 10 am-2 pm Saturday, June 15.)
Almost five months ago, on Christmas Eve, we reported on a break-in at West Seattle Smoke Shop in The Junction, updated with word that a suspect had been arrested. That was the last we heard of the case until now. 
Earlier this week, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged the suspect, 40-year-old Eric J. Mason of Alki, with second-degree burglary and obstruction of a law-enforcement officer. (At right is an arrest-night photo from charging documents.) The KCPAO notes the case was not sent to them by police until last week; they filed the charges Monday. As we noted on the night of the break-in, police found the suspect after he showed up at a Morgan Junction business with suspiciously bloody hands, allegedly from breaking glass to get into the Smoke Shop, from which he is accused of stealing about $1,500 in merchandise. Court documents say the obstruction charge is because he tried to run from officers that night. According to the jail register, Mason spent four days in custody. He has been back in jail since May 13, arrested in connection with an attempted robbery in Shoreline, for which he has been charged. Documents in the West Seattle case say Mason is also under investigation for two bank robberies in Seattle (which ones, the document doesn’t specify) and that he has an “extensive multi-state criminal history.” The jail docket shows that his bail is set at $100,000.
Got a car, van, motorcycle to show off? The students organizing this year’s Car Show invite you to join them! Noah sent the announcement:
This year we’re having our 3rd annual car show … June 1st, 2024, from 12 pm – 3:30 pm in the main WSHS parking lot.
The event is free to the public, and there is a small fee ($10) for people showing their cars that goes directly to support the WSHS Car Club. WSHS is the only high school in the district that still has an auto shop so we’re doing everything we can to keep it alive and well! We will have an award show, activities for kids, and a food truck from La Chingona Taqueria.
This year our car show is in association with the WSHS Alumni Association car show, so we’re expecting a great turnout.
The show will be in the school parking lot (3000 California SW). Here’s the registration link.
Lots of school news, now that we’re in the last month of the school year. If you have a Chief Sealth International High School senior in your household, the CSIHS PTSA reminds you that Friday (May 24) is the deadline to apply for the new scholarships they’re offering: $1,000 each for up to five graduating seniors planning to attend a college, university, or technical/vocational program. Get more info – and the application form – by going here.
(“Monday maritime traffic jam” on Elliott Bay, as photographer Lynn Hall described it)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
JUNCTION FC KICKOFF PARTY: It’s the first week for the new pre-pro soccer club West Seattle Junction fC, and Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) invites you to a celebration, 5-7 pm – details in our calendar listing.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: DO fix what IS broke, to reconfigure the saying. Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
FREE ART CLASS: Watercolor mixed-media class, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm.
FREE GROUP RUNS: The weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run welcomes all levels, 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
SDOT AND MORE AT HPAC: 7 pm online, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge meets, featuring an SDOT presentation about the department’s proposal for a big change on Highland Park Way hill. Details are on the HPAC website, where you’ll also find the link for attending.
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather June 1 to celebrate the life of Georgia Mae Hutchison, as well as the life of her husband Dick, who died in 2020. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing for her now:
Georgia Mae Baskett Hutchison
January 19, 1932 ~ April 22, 2024Even at the age of 92, Georgia Mae Hutchison was a woman who lived life to the fullest. She was well known for her sense of humor and endless talents. Earlier hobbies included gardening, water volleyball, and the daily task of solving the New York Times crossword puzzle.
Born and raised in Seattle, Georgia graduated from West Seattle High School in 1949, and married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Hutchison, in 1951. She attended beauty college, and eventually opened her own salon in West Seattle. It was called the Crown House, and the staff joined the local bowling league. She was an excellent seqmstress, making costumes for restaurants and theaters, as well as matching outfits for her children and grandchildren for Easter and Christmas.
Georgia was a faithful member of the church choir, and often served as director for both the youth and adult choirs. She also performed as soprano soloist for many groups in the Seattle area. All of this while raising five children!
Georgia was often called “mom” by her children’s friends. Dick and Georgia were caring and encouraging “parents” to all who entered their home. It was a welcome place for all. Singing and musical instruments of all kinds filled the air on a regular basis. Music was an integral part of daily life in the Hutchison household.
Dick and Georgia retired early to become official snowbirds, traveling to Golden Village Palms Resort in Hemet, CA. For many years, Georgia’s special yearly performance of “Oh Danny Boy” on St. Patrick’s Day was a great delight to all.
Their travels went beyond the USA to several countries around the world. Slowly but surely, they checked off their bucket list, one by one.
As Georgia’s dementia progressed, she and Dick stayed closer to home. Dick passed away in 2020, leaving Georgia in the care of family. She would often call out to him, wondering where he had gone. “Fishing with Tyler” was an often-used response until she decided, “They must have enough fish by now!”
It is a joy to know they are finally reunited once again, walking together, hand in hand. In the words of a shared quote, “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.”
Georgia is survived by her daughter Valerie, grands- Jesse, Jordan (Amanda), Kelly (Garett); son Brian (Halle), grands- Lacey, Carly; daughter Diann, grands- Ryan, Micah, Sarah; daughter Karen; daughter Kathy (Brett), grands- Taylor, Tatum, Trent, Tanner; 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, George Val and Pretoria Mae Baskett, and her brothers George, Lawrence, Wayne, and David. Also departed are son-in-law John (Diann’s husband), grandson Tyler (Diann’s son), and granddaughter Rory (Valerie’s stepdaughter). Most recent was the death of her beloved husband, Richard “Dick,” on October 5, 2020. They were together since the age of 14, and married for 69 years. What a glorious reunion awaits them in heaven.
We invite you to join us in a Celebration of Life for Georgia and Richard Hutchison at
Admiral Church
4320 SW Hill St.
Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 1:00 pmPlease share your photos and memories by visiting their full obituary pages and online guest books at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Georgia-Hutchison and emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Richard-Hutchison
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, May 22.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Chance of rain, then clearing, high in low 60s.. Today’s sunrise was at 5:23 am; sunset will be at 8:49 pm.
ROAD-WORK ALERTS
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon:
*Sound Transit is scheduled to be drilling on 41st SW in the east Junction – here’s the alert info.
NEW SIGNAL
One more mention of what Bill pointed out: The new crossing at West Marginal/17th/Marginal Place is active.
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. … Starting this week, work at the Southworth terminal is closing some lanes there for about 3 weeks.
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. (Except the low bridge, for now; SDOT says it’s working on that.)
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!
2:57 AM: Police and fire are arriving at a reported shooting scene in the 9400 block of 27th SW. A woman is reported to have been shot in the leg.
3:04 AM: The victim is reported to be in her 30s or 40s with a “gunshot wound to each leg.” No information over the air yet about the circumstances of the shooting or suspect(s) description.
3:20 AM: No one is reported to be in custody. We listened back to the first few minutes of dispatch audio (from approximately 2:45 am); the dispatcher told police that callers reported five to 15 shots, and “three unknown-race males in black clothing and black hoods … running westbound.” The dispatcher told officers that the victim was inside a residence but the shots “came from outside.”
8:18 AM: SFD tells us the victim is 21 and that she was in stable condition when taken to Harborview.
1 PM: We asked SPD for followup information; here’s what they’ve posted to SPD Blotter:
A woman was injured and her child nearly struck, when bullets pierced their bedroom wall Wednesday morning in West Seattle.
At approximately 2:40 a.m., officers responded to the 9400 block of 27th Avenue Southwest to a report of a female shot. Officers arrived and located a female victim who had been shot twice in the legs. Officers provided medical aid until the Seattle Fire Department arrived and transported her to HMC in stable condition.
Officers learned the female victim and her child were sleeping in the same bed when gunfire rang out from a nearby courtyard. The toddler was unharmed. Officers located dozens of casings and recovered several spent bullets.
Gun Violence Reduction Unit detectives responded to the scene and will be leading the investigation. The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. If anyone has information, please call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at (206) 233-5000, or Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers never asks for your name, and you can remain anonymous.
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