day : 23/05/2024 11 results

WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Park sighting

Sent by Andras:

Not sure if this is well known or not but it’s my first time seeing them in Lincoln Park and I’m here every morning. Was stalked by a couple very resilient coyotes (Wednesday) morning while walking my dog; they were skittish as usual but kept coming back after running off. I managed to get a picture of one.

We have long published coyote sightings (click “coyotes” under the headline and scroll through our archive) – for awareness, not alarm. Here’s information on coexisting with coyotes.

SIDE NOTE: You can learn about urban wildlife from a naturalist while volunteering with Friends of Lincoln Park 10 am-noon Sunday, June 2 – sign-ups are open, here.

BIZNOTE: Is Korean restaurant Miso in Highland Park closed temporarily or permanently?

ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tips. That’s the note on the door at Miso, which opened eight months ago at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Park. The other piece of paper is a Seattle Public Utilities notice dated today saying that water is facing imminent shutoff in the face of a $2,106 bill. Does this mean the restaurant is permanently closed? We’ve tried to reach the owner, including via phone numbers in licensing and corporate records, but have not made contact yet. Miso started serving Korean food last September in the space vacated five months earlier by Wanna Burger and Teriyaki. We’ll update with anything more we find out about its status.

FRIDAY UPDATE: Went by to check late this afternoon – still closed, same two notes on the door.

CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth International High School celebrates spring student-athletes

When Chief Sealth International High School students, teachers, coaches, and family members gathered last night for the winter sports-awards banquet, college signings were among the highlights. Ocean Freeman signed a letter of intent to play football for Lewis and Clark College:

Gavin Brown signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Gig Harbor:

He also won the spring Seahawk Award – an honor presented to outstanding student-athletes from each sport. Here are all the winners:

Jennie Brown, fast-pitch softball:

Jason Nguyen, boys’ tennis:

Reachany Oung, girls’ tennis:

Carter Reeve, boys’ track:

Stoli Slywester, boys’ soccer:

Not in attendance was Tori Lillich-Roberts for girls’ track. Meantime, Chief Sealth’s Cheer Team was there to celebrate everyone:

Also part of last night’s celebration, retiring softball coach Karen Rains:

Sealth’s sports program is led by longtime athletic director Ernest Policarpio

BIZNOTE: Fitness Together West Seattle’s small-group training classes, with a deal

May 23, 2024 5:31 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: Fitness Together West Seattle’s small-group training classes, with a deal
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction is now offering small-group training classes, and a deal:

Fitness Together is now offering Small Group Training Classes! Our groups will be capped at 6 people so you get a personalized experience while still enjoying the community support and camaraderie. To sign up for a free trial class, click HERE.

After the free class, FTWS is offering a 10 percent discount. They recently expanded its studio space (4546 California SW), as we reported earlier this year.

Unanswered questions, project purpose draw scrutiny as HPAC meeting focuses on Highland Park Way hill lane-change plan

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The proposal to replace one downhill driving lane on the Highland Park Way hill with either a protected bicycle lane or expanded multi-use path is mostly about slowing down speeding drivers. That was made clear by an SDOT rep who was at last night’s HPAC meeting to talk about the plan.

The SDOT reps led by James Le were also there for Q&A, but more than a few questions went unanswered aside from “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

First, if you are reading this before Thursday evening, you have another opportunity to go try to get answers in person, 4-8 pm tonight at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). That was supposed to be the last in-person event for now, but SDOT has just added another one this Saturday – more on that at the end of this story.

Backstory on the proposal: In 2020, SDOT had a plan for a bike lane on the Highland Park Way hill, but put it on hold. The concept re-emerged in a 2022 application for federal funding. Two weeks ago, SDOT formally announced a plan for a downhill bike lane and/or expanded path along about half a mile of the hill.

In the announcement of this plan on May 10, SDOT also opened a survey, which they tell us today has already brought in almost 1,000 responses. We don’t know how the opinions are going on that, but last night, with about two dozen people attending the online meeting, HPAC did an informal survey of its own:

(Zoom screengrab)

That “straw poll” had one option not in the SDOT survey or project plan – improving the existing path without removing a driving lane. Le was asked repeatedly if SDOT would consider an option that keeps the current motorized-vehicle-lane configuration, and Le eventually said, “Let me throw that back at you – how would you (slow traffic) without removing a lane?” He had repeatedly referred to traffic-slowing as a prime goal of the project, citing SDOT data showing that while the posted speed limit is 25 mph, hill traffic averages 43 mph, so, he said, “we have to redesign the roads.” The hill has too much “capacity,” he contended, which would be reduced by removing a driving lane. He cited 49 collisions of note in five years, including head-ons and sideswipes.

The danger of head-on collisions is one reason not to remove a lane, some attendees countered, saying that the lane reduction would mean nowhere to get around an obstacle, and asking if there was any consideration of a barrier between the two directions as a safety measure. Le said SDOT had considered “some barrier options” but none seemed feasible, so the lane removal is a “self-enforcing design.” One attendee said they were “strongly in favor” of that, and disagreed with other attendees’ contention that the single downhill lane would be a “chokepoint,” observing that drivers coming off Holden, for example, are in one lane as they turn onto the hill. That attendee was one of the few who identified themselves as riders, and also voiced support for the project providing a better connection for riders headed toward Georgetown.

Even if the hill seems to have “too much capacity” now, other attendees said, it should be preserved in case of access trouble such as a repeat of the West Seattle Bridge closure, which turned the Highland Park Way hill into a lifeline in and out of West Seattle for 2 1/2 years as the 1st Avenue South Bridge became the major detour route. “It’s a vital connector,” stressed one attendee. Le’s answer to concern about another West Seattle Bridge closure was, “I don’t think that will happen” – since the WS Bridge is expected to last its full lifespan following the repairs that reopened it in September 2022.

The questions that went unanswered included the cost/budget for the project. The SDOT reps said they didn’t have those numbers, repeating that it’s very early in the design process, and there’s no funding yet beyond “early design,” explaining that future funding would depend on what option they eventually decided to pursue. Attendees pressed the question of how much money is allotted so far, but that wasn’t answered. Nor was a question about how many bicycle riders and pedestrians use the hill path now. (We’ve sent those and other followup questions to SDOT’s media team today.) There also was a concern about how the bike path would be maintained, given that others – such as the relatively new one on Delridge – have been observed with leaves, broken glass, and other debris.

One attendee, identifying herself as a pedestrian as well as driver, said she wanted to see “traffic calming that is actually calming,” fearing the lane removal will be the opposite, invariably resulting in more road rage. What about stationing a police officer on the hill full time? asked another attendee. Le thought that would be “very expensive.” Also suggested: A “holistic” look at the traffic situation in Highland Park, considering all the changes implemented during and after the bridge closure, including the HP Way/Holden intersection work and all the “Home Zone” neighborhood traffic-calming installations.

Eventually the discussion ebbed and HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick ran the informal “straw poll” shown above. Le said all the feedback – including the HPAC meeting – would be compiled in a report that would be out midsummer or so. No date has been given for a final decision or for construction.

WHAT’S NEXT: As noted above, SDOT plans to be at Highland Park Corner Store tonight, 4-8 pm, and the project outreach team just told us this morning that they’ve added one more in-person tabling event for Q&A and feedback, this Saturday (May 25) at Delridge Farmers’ Market (9421 18th SW), 10 am-2 pm. The survey is open until June 15, and the project page offers an email address and voicemail line you can also use for feedback and/or questions. And though it’s not an official project-related event, the proposal is expected to be discussed at tonight’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting too (6:30 pm online, connection info here).

ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: We took some of the unanswered questions to SDOT post-meeting; here are the answers.

UPDATE: Two crashes, one involving a Metro bus, one involving a stolen car

(Reader photo)

1:17 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo of the first of two crashes that police are handling right now, not far apart – the one in the photo is reported to involve a car and bus, with Delridge blocked near Kenyon. Police are also being called to the 2600 block of SW Thistle, near Chief Sealth IHS, where someone driving a gray Kia Soul is reported to have crashed into two parked cars before abandoning the Kia and running away.

(WSB photo)

1:22 PM: Officers at the SW Thistle scene just asked dispatch to check the Kia’s plate; the dispatcher told them the number belonged to a Kia Rio stolen somewhere in Seattle.

(WSB photo)

Meantime, officers at the Delridge/Kenyon scene told us that investigation is being turned over to transit police (who are part of the King County Sheriff’s Office), since it involved a bus.

2:34 PM: Delridge is clear. We don’t have an update on Thistle.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Origins almost ready for West Seattle move

Almost two years after the parent company of Origins Cannabis bought the commercial building at 4822 California SW, they’re almost ready to move in. When Than Brothers Pho closed there in July 2022, we reported on the new ownership, but they hadn’t announced plans for relocating from 4800 40th SW (long set for redevelopment). Now after months of renovations, the sign is up at the new location and a mural has been painted on the north side of the building. Origins tells us, “We are on target to move to our new West Seattle location in July. We wanted to move to a space that would allow for a more open and interactive shopping experience for our adult-use consumers.”

The mural is by artist Glynn Rosenberg: “We were excited to collaborate with Glynn to help beautifully maintain the old-school charm of the Junction.” This will be Origins’ third location since opening in West Seattle in 2016; it was originally at 15th/Roxbury before moving to 40th SW.

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library branches’ summer hours will continue with only 1 local branch open 7 days a week

Seattle Public Library has just announced its summer schedule – and only one of West Seattle’s four branches will be open seven days a week, High Point; the one that’s currently open daily, Delridge, will join Southwest and West Seattle (Admiral) in being open 6 days a week. The new systemwide schedule starts June 20; the current schedule – originally announced as being in place at least through June 4 – will continue until then. Here’s the new schedule:

Summer Hours schedule effective Thursday, June 20

Delridge Branch

Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m.
Thu Noon to 8 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun Closed

High Point Branch

Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thu 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Southwest Branch

Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue Noon to 8 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m.
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat Closed
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Seattle Branch

Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue Noon to 8 p.m.
Wed Noon to 8 p.m.
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri Closed
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

So why move the closure day from High Point to Delridge? Systemwide, SPL says it made the closure decisions based on maximizing hours at larger, air-conditioned branches. The SPL announcement also notes that our area’s one branch without air conditioning, West Seattle (Admiral), is one of five SPL Carnegie-era branches for which it is seeking federal funding for HVAC modernization. After semi-recent upgrades, the Southwest Branch is now fully air-conditioned.

14 options for your West Seattle Thursday

May 23, 2024 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on 14 options for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   WS miscellaneous

(Seen in Gatewood – WSB photo)

Here are highlights of what’s happening in the hours ahead!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Need plants? The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

‘LUNCH AND LEARN’ – SKIN CARE: Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) launches its new series of noontime online “lunch and learn” sessions, as previewed here. 12:30 pm-1 pm today, learn about healthy skin care – go here to register and get the link.

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.

EMPATHY HOUR: At what’s now the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 1-2:30 pm, free:

We all long to be heard with attention, kindness and empathy—and without judgment, criticism or lecturing. Come to Empathy Hour to receive empathic listening and to give the gift of empathic listening to others. Sura Hart, a trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication, will help you strengthen your listening skills through fun activities, role plays and her No-Fault Zone® game.

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. Food too – drop by to sip and nosh!

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 Sam Choy’s Poké to the Max.

TALK WITH SDOT ABOUT HIGHLAND PARK WAY HILL: Also 4-8 pm at HPCS, for a second consecutive Thursday, 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.

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.

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.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: The new report on SDOT’s Vision Zero program is part of the agenda for this 6:30 pm online meeting. Connection information is part of the preview in our calendar listing.

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!

Celebration of Life planned June 1 for Jim Price, 1936-2023

When the long search for Jim Price ended in January, his family said a memorial would be planned for a later date. Now they have set that date – June 1 – and are sharing it with this remembrance:

Born 12/3/36, James Connon Price, “Jim,” went for a walk September 18, 2023, and didn’t return. He was found deceased on January 15, 2024 in the Duwamish Greenbelt of West Seattle.

Son of Herbert and Evelyn Price, Jim grew up in West Seattle and Vashon. A grad of West Seattle High and University of Washington, he was a commercial interior architect. Jim had a very active life. He belonged to Historic Seattle, Center for Wooden Boats, Backbone Campaign, YMCA, and the Senior Center in West Seattle.

He married Sharon in Scotland, the first of many trips including a summer teaching English in China. He raced 10k’s to triathlons and also his sailboat. Jim is survived by his wife Sharon, children Connon and Anne by former wife Celeste, stepson Richard, 6 grandsons, and loving nephews and their families who led searches for Jim. More can be found at emmickfunerals.com.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Senior Center of West Seattle on June 1 at 2 pm.

(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)

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes

May 23, 2024 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 23.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clearing by afternoon, high in mid-60s.. Today’s sunrise was at 5:22 am; sunset will be at 8:50 pm.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS

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

*Sound Transit is scheduled to continue drilling on 41st SW in the east part of The Junction – here’s the alert info.

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. P.S. Metro tells us NO extra late-night runs after the Billy Joel concert tomorrow – just the regular Friday night schedule.

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!