day : 26/07/2024 11 results

Desmond Hansen’s new signal-box portrait: Tribute to West Seattle-born composer Earl Robinson, thanks to an auction donation

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

That’s the newest signal-box portrait painted by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen. It’s at California and Hanford [map]; a reader tipped us about it today. It’s a tribute to Earl Robinson (1910-1991), an accomplished composer who spent his early and late life in West Seattle. His life was chronicled by West Seattle filmmaker, storyteller, and educator B.J. Bullert in a televised documentary, “Earl Robinson: Ballad of an American,” after his death in 1991 in a car crash on Admiral Way.

Earl Robinson Ballad of an American from BJ Bullert on Vimeo.

You can also thank Bullert for the new portrait, as well as Hansen – it’s the result of her winning bid at this year’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society auction (as we noted in our report on that event). After her $1,200 bid scored the right to commission a box by Hansen (his donation for the auction), she said she was envisioning Earl Robinson. She was there today as Hansen worked on the box:

(Photo by Ken Workman)

The location is doubly relevant – Mr. Robinson attended West Seattle High School, around the corner, and, Bullert says, lived at 41st and Manning, blocks away, a few years before his death. Some of his better-known songs, she says, are “Joe Hill” – “Joan Baez sang ‘Joe Hill’ as did many on picket lines. Frank Sinatra sang ‘The House I Live In,’ and Paul Robeson sang ‘Ballad for Americans.’ Three Dog Night made ‘Black and White’ a hit. Lots more. One of his last songs was ‘Message from a New Address’ about death. It’s in the film.” In addition to watching her film, you can learn more about Earl Robinson from this HistoryLink essay.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Specialized e-bike

July 26, 2024 9:04 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Received tonight from Mark:

My dark green Specialized electric Mountain Bike was stolen out of the PCC garage 7:40 pm Friday 26th. 2 men in a Hummer H2 SUT short-bed pickup.

Mark’s awaiting the police-report #; we’ll add it when available.

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Another West Seattle bridge project is about to start

July 26, 2024 7:12 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Back in February, we mentioned that work was ahead for the “salmon bone bridge” across Longfellow Creek in North Delridge. Now Seattle Public Utilities has announced that work is about to begin. As explained on the project page:

The Salmon Bone Bridge was designed by renowned Seattle-based artist Lorna Jordan and was installed in 1999 as part of the Longfellow Creek Habitat Improvement Project. The bridge was designed to invoke the skeletal structure of a fish and the deck was made from recycled cedar timbers arranged in a herringbone pattern. The Bridge is also known as the Adams Fish Bridge.

Since then, the timber deck has deteriorated and has become unsafe. As a result … SPU covered the deck with plywood and an anti-slip surface, which altered the bridge’s aesthetic. This project aims to honor the artist’s original vision while improving pedestrian safety by replacing the deck with materials designed for slip resistance and long service life.

After exploring several materials for deck replacement, SPU selected Cordeck Dots decking material. This weathering steel product is a long-lasting option that will mimic the visual appearance of the original deck.

SPU will replace the deck … The restored bridge will preserve the artist’s original design, but will be more durable and accessible, and safer, while requiring less maintenance.

The work will start in early August and will close the bridge for up to three months, according to this notice that SPU says will be circulated to neighbors starting next week.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed in West Seattle fire-engine theft

July 26, 2024 5:46 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The man arrested for allegedly briefly stealing a fire engine in West Seattle early Wednesday is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Emanuel D. Wentworth of South Park with motor-vehicle theft and second-degree driving with a suspended/revoked license. The narrative with the charging documents says he only drove the engine (South Park-based Engine 26) about 300 feet from where it had been parked during a medical call at Arrowhead Gardens; as he left the cab, firefighters and a bystander yelled at him to stop, but he kept walking. Police subsequently found him walking nearby, at 1st/Cloverdale. The charging documents say that after being advised of his rights, Wentworth explained that he took the fire engine because he wanted to “see how it feels.” A firefighter explained to police that Wentworth might have been able to drive it farther if they hadn’t set the parking brake.

As we reported in our previous story, the King County Jail docket shows that this is Wentworth’s ninth booking in nine months. Only two of those cases have been referred by police to prosecutors – both auto thefts – and KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB they charged Wentworth in both those cases, which are still making their way through the system. He adds, “In every other investigation, King County prosecutors have gone to court and asked for the defendant to be held, and been successful in those arguments. But none of those five felony investigations have been referred by police to King County prosecutors. … The cases may still be under police investigation. The diminished staffing of Seattle Police might also be a factor here. Either way, we know SPD officers and detectives have hard jobs and prosecutors will review any case if it’s sent to our office.” The cases in which he has not been charged included three burglaries, a robbery, and a stolen vehicle, one case in southeastern West Seattle and the others in South Park, downtown, and North Seattle. His most recent jail stay, for a failure-to-appear warrant, ended July 1st, when he was released to an alternative check-in program – with which he never checked in,, In the new case in which he has just been charged, bail is set at $50,000, and he remains in custody, pending arraignment in two weeks.

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UPDATE: Man found dead on Fauntleroy beach

July 26, 2024 3:01 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

3:01 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating the discovery of a dead person on the beach in Fauntleroy, in a residential area south of the ferry dock. Our photo was taken looking south from the dock; the person’s body was on the beach just to the right of the driftwood at the photo’s right edge. This is the same area where a search was under way early Wednesday morning after a report of someone splashing and calling for help. Despite searches by sea and, later in the day, by air, no one was found at that time. We’re following up with police and will add anything more we find out.

3:49 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Brian Pritchard says the call originally came in as an unclothed man dead on the beach, and that’s what police confirmed upon arrival. He says there’s no sign of foul play, though it’ll be up to the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

(Photo sent by Leif)

They do believe this is the same person who was the subject of the Wednesday morning search, because of the clothing found on a small swimming dock (as mentioned in our previous story).

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Restoration dilemma after West Seattle Junction mural vandalized again

July 26, 2024 1:25 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Cropped photo – the red-paint tagging extends the full length and to the bottom edge)

If you’ve been to the West Seattle Junction parking lot behind the KeyBank block in the past few weeks, you might have noticed the extensive tagging vandalism on the mural along the south side of the lot, “The Old Mud Hole.” Thanks to Doug for the photos – including this one showing the plaque with the mural’s history:

This is at least the second time in five years that vandals have damaged this mural – here’s one of our 2019 reports – and this time, restoration poses a dilemma. Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB, “Our graffiti team attempted to clean the mural but it’s not possible without destroying it.” So for starters, she’s trying to reach its artist, Mike Svob (who is in British Columbia). This mural is one of 11, mostly in The Junction, created and installed more than 30 years ago as part of a civic enhancement/beautification project. Some were restored through an endowment from the late Adah Rhodes Cruzen, widow of Earl Cruzen, who had spearheaded that original project. WSJA’s Mackay tells us there is some money available to restore this mural – depending on what the cost turns out to be.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outrigger-canoe racing Saturday at Alki

July 26, 2024 11:58 am

| Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outrigger-canoe racing Saturday at Alki

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, July 2023)

The first of this summer’s two major human-powered-boat racing events at Alki is happening tomorrow! Dozens of outrigger-canoe paddlers from around the region are expected for the annual “Da Grind” races, hosted by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. The event will last much of the day, starting with registration at 7 am and continuing until awards are presented around 3:30 pm. Paddlers will race on one of two courses – 4 miles (along Alki) or 12 miles (out to Blake Island and back); see the maps on the race page.

P.S. The other major human-powered boat racing event is Sound Rowers’ Great Cross-Sound Race, coming up August 24.

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Ways to enjoy your West Seattle Friday

July 26, 2024 10:20 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Savor the summer sun, now that July’s almost over! Thanks to TB for the sunrise photo. Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)

WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in this outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CLAY CREATIONS: Make handbuilt animals at The Clay Cauldron, 6:30 pm. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

DUBSEA FISH STICKS BASEBALL: Tickets available for tonight’s 6:35 pm game vs. Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center)

WEEKEND WRITING RETREAT: Not too late to sign up for this West Seattle retreat, starting at 7 tonight and continuing all day Saturday and Sunday. Info and registration link in our calendar listing.

AT KENYON HALL: Capital Focus Jazz Band, featuring Chief Sealth Jazz, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors at 7, show at 7:30. Info and tickets here.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, CHEER Seattle presents: SPLITZ! A Drag/Talent Show Fundraising Extravaganza!, $20 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $38. Ticket link in our calendar listing.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Swerveone! (4547 California SW)

YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Disorderlies, Not Your Ex Lover, and more TBA. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.

What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Jeep Wrangler

July 26, 2024 9:32 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Jennifer:

My husband’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler was stolen sometime last night from the 9200 block of 35th Ave SW. It’s dark green with a black hard top, and a worn spare tire on the back. Seems hard to believe it would be stolen since it’s a manual, but there must be some jerks who still know how to drive a stick. Police report being filed – will update when available, but if you see it please let me know. Plate # ABJ5683.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info

July 26, 2024 6:00 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 26.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:40 am, while sunset will be at 8:50 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX

Metro Flex – Fifth day for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works. Used it yet?

Metro buses – Regular schedules; 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 – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

ROAD WORK

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is about to start, first with overnight lane closures, then with several all-weekend one-direction closures. Here’s the announcement.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025. Deck work is likely to start in August

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

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.

WEEKEND NOTE

No road-closing events in West Seattle this weekend, but if you’re going downtown, be aware that streets will be closed for Saturday afternoon’s Seafair Torchlight Parade, which starts at 3 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (West Seattle Bridge cameras are back but some others remain out)

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

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!

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UPDATE: 2 to hospital, rescued from car ‘wrapped around tree’ on West Marginal Way SW

July 26, 2024 12:10 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:10 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response for what arriving crews are describing as a “car wrapped around a tree” in the 3800 block of West Marginal [map]. At least two people are injured.

12:16 AM: Firefighters report they’ve gotten one person out of the vehicle, and have another to rescue next.

12:21 AM: They’ve gotten the second person out of the car.

12:26 AM: According to radio exchanges, the two injured people are a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s; he’s believed to have been the driver, and is more seriously injured. Both will be taken to Harborview Medical Center.

12:39 AM: Police have told dispatch that the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad will be coming to the scene. That means the road closure is likely to last a few hours. (added) We don’t have any imagery from the scene but plate lookup indicates the car is a 2006 Civic.

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