day : 27/07/2024 10 results

VIDEO: Celebration wraps up Metro Flex’s first week of on-demand transit for Delridge and South Park

Today’s El Mercadito pop-up shop and farmers’ market in South Park had special guests:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City Councilmember Rob Saka, Metro general manager Michelle Allison, SDOT senior deputy director Francisca Stefan joined South Park community advocates, including members of the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, in celebrating this week’s launch of Metro Flex on-demand transit serving Delridge and South Park. While Metro is a county service, as we reported when the launch was announced two weeks ago, the Seattle Transit Measure is paying for the new service. That’s why both city and county reps spoke at Duwamish Waterway Park today – here’s what everyone had to say:

Harrell and Saka stressed that this is a boon for “underinvested” communities like Delridge and South Park.

Stefan said this is filling gaps in the transit network, and being able to get where you need to go “can be life-transforming.”

Allison said it’s about equity and flexibility as well as convenience, and reflects community voices.

One of those voices is that of South Park’s Ruby Montes De Oca, who said that additions like this are helping as “South Park is starting to shine with new hope”:

Metro Flex’s South Park/Delridge launch is the start of a two-year pilot. We asked Metro how the first week had gone; spokesperson Jeff Switzer said those numbers aren’t in yet but we might be able to get an update next week. They realize the word hasn’t gotten out widely yet and plan a new promotional campaign to ensure more hear about it. You can book a ride, in the service area, by calling 206-258-7739, using this website, or using this app. Here’s a peek inside one of the vans:

One of the places especially excited about Metro Flex is the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle – their location at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW isn’t on a bus route but Metro Flex can take you there! The service is available seven days a week, 6 am to 11 pm.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another smoky sunset, but rain’s on the horizon

July 27, 2024 9:35 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another smoky sunset, but rain’s on the horizon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo of tonight’s smoke-pink sunset. The haze won’t hang around too long, though, according to the National Weather Service, which says that “wildfire smoke aloft continues to wrap around a weak upper trough axis east of the Cascades. That system will continue to shift eastward overnight and increasing low level onshore flow will pull the marine layer inland further than what we saw this morning. … Another upper trough with a more westward trajectory will arrive Sunday night into Monday, providing some uncharacteristically wet (and beneficial) weather for what is climatologically the driest period of the year.” Here’s fire/smoke info for our state (Oregon and BC are plagued with fires too).

ADDED: One more photo, from Tom Trulin:

UPDATE: Shooting investigation in Highland Park/Riverview, with two gunfire locations (updated Monday night)

7:51 PM: Police are responding to a report of a shooting in Highland Park/Riverview. One person is reported to have arrived at the 16th/Holden fire station with a gunshot wound, though the shooting apparently happened elsewhere, possibly near 16th/Holly.

The person or persons who fired at the victim are believed to be in a black Jeep.

7:54 PM: The description of the shooter(s’) vehicle has changed again – possibly a dark green Kia Soul. … The possible shooting location is also now being described as 13th/Myrtle, “where the victim was parked” when shot.

7:59 PM: Officers tell dispatch they’ve found casings on 13th just north of Myrtle, near Riverview Playfield. … The vehicle description has changed for the third time – officers are saying that neighborhood security video shows a copper-colored Kia Sportage.

8:27 PM: Police are wrapping up their investigation at 13th/Myrtle (where our photo above is from) but have also just reported casings at 16th/Myrtle, so now they are closing 16th to investigate there. Meantime, we’re trying to clarify the status of the victim who showed up at the fire station.

10:29 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us, “Crews treated a 39-year-old male for minor injuries. He declined transportation to a hospital.”

ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: SPD clarifies that the man’s injury turned out to be from broken glass, not a bullet. No other updates on the case.

ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: A detailed SPD summary provided since we talked with them this afternoon attributes the wound to “shrapnel” and includes a variety of additional details:

At 1944 hrs, SW Patrol responded to a report of a shooting that had occurred near 16 Ave SW/SW Holly St. While en route, responding Officers located a secondary victim vehicle at 16 Ave SW/ SW Holden St. This victim had been shot at while in a vehicle and suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his hip from shrapnel. SFD evaluated and cleared at the scene. This victim stated that the scene for this shooting was at 13 Ave SW/SW Myrtle St. The original victim vehicle was located at 16 Ave SW/SW Holly St. This first victim vehicle had been driving northbound on 16 Ave SW when suspects in a vehicle overtook them in the bike lane firing as they passed. The vehicle was struck by multiple rounds, but the occupants were unharmed. One of the suspects at some point dropped a firearm at 16 Ave SW/SW Myrtle St. The firearm was damaged and spilled numerous unspent rounds in the intersection. The firearm was retrieved by the suspect, and they fled northbound on 16 Ave SW. Officers processed scenes at 16/Myrtle (40 9mm unfired rounds, 1 9mm FCC, 1 .45 FCC), 16/Holly (Victim Vehicle), 16/Holden (Victim Vehicle) and 13/Myrtle (11 9mm FCC, 2 .45 FCC).

FOLLOWUP: Cantanna Fest no longer planned for Lincoln Park – moving to Myrtle Edwards (update: now planned for Puyallup)

Two days ago, we reported on a music-and-advocacy festival called The Cantanna Fest changing its venue to Lincoln Park with just over two weeks to go, after losing its planned site in Snohomish. The City of Seattle process for approving and planning major events usually involves a much longer lead time, and news of the festival coming to Lincoln Park on short notice sparked many questions. Then yesterday, as added to our original story, Seattle Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch told us the department was “in discussion with the event organizer about possibly relocating the event to a different location.” That location will be Myrtle Edwards Park on the downtown waterfront, according to organizers’ announcement on Instagram (thanks to commenters for the tip), where they wrote: “… This has been a Rollercoaster. Thank you Seattle Parks and Rec for helping us and apologies to those in West Seattle freaking out about Lincoln Park. Although it would have been an amazing show we do not want to upset the community and we have listened. …” The organizers added in a comment there, “To be fair when getting a permit we are supposed to send mailers out to all the residents and the Parks and Rec helped us rush the permit but that step was not possible.” Myrtle Edwards Park was the longtime home of Hempfest, though the organizers’ comments also stress, “We are not Hempfest and we DO hope they return.” Cantanna Fest’s political component is to campaign for a Cannabis Industry Bill of Rights.

UPDATED AUGUST 7: We now have word this is instead happening at McMillin Farm in Puyallup – same dates.

COUNTDOWN: One more day to register your block party for Night Out 2024

July 27, 2024 3:46 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One more day to register your block party for Night Out 2024
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Having a Night Out neighborhood-safety/solidarity block party on August 6 but not registered for street-closing permission yet? Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite wants to be sure you know that tomorrow (Sunday, July 28) is the deadline to register: You can have a Night Out party in many places – schools, apartment buildings’ community rooms, courtyards – but you need to register for permission to close your (non-arterial) street to vehicle traffic that night. SPD has a registration link here. They’ll also offer the option for your Night Out party to be shown on the citywide map (not mandatory). One more note – we’ll be out taking party photos on Night Out as usual – if you’d be OK with us stopping by your party for a photo, let us know where and when, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you, and thanks to those who’ve already emailed!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Summer-camp counselor assaulted

Reader report, received today from a staffer at Hazelwood Preschool, which rents space at Fauntleroy Church, next to Fauntleroy Park, and is operating a summer camp program too:

We have to use a small part of a Fauntleroy Park trail to get to our playground. Yesterday – Friday, July 26th, around 2 PM – two of our camp counselors were leading a group of 4-7 year olds up the trail and entered our playground. While the children were getting inside, a man walking his Husky off-leash was coming down the trail toward our group. His dog, though not aggressive, ran toward the children and jumped up on the gate as it was closing, which opened it more and he tried to come inside. One of our summer camp counselors immediately intervened, placing himself between the dog and the children, and called for the owner to get his dog on a leash. Unfortunately, the man became very upset and aggressive, yelled and grabbed our staff member, and pushed him violently against the slide, causing him to hit his head and fall to the ground. The man then quickly left the premises. While none of the children were physically harmed, many of them witnessed the incident and were understandably scared.

The man then walked to the parking lot of Fauntleroy Church, where our security cameras took this picture below.

Unfortunately, his car doesn’t have plates so the police have not yet been able to locate him.

We need help identifying this man. The man was wearing a blue shirt and shorts. White, possibly in his 40s. Tan with short hair. The police gave us an incident #, 24-207530, and if anyone has any information, they want them to call 911.

Brown water in South Delridge

Thanks to Iris for the photo and report:

Sharing that our house has brown water running from all faucets in South Delridge. Curious if others have reported the same?

No emergencies on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, so it could be hydrant testing … nonetheless, discolored water should always be reported to SPU’s 24/7 hotline, 206-386-1800.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: 2024 ‘Da Grind’ racing for outrigger canoes – and other paddlers – off Alki

July 27, 2024 11:14 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: 2024 ‘Da Grind’ racing for outrigger canoes – and other paddlers – off Alki
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Outrigger canoe racers are in the water off Alki today for the annual “Da Grind,” presented by the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club. But they’re not the only paddlers participating – the event has a standup-paddleboard component too:

Short-course racers took off at 9 am.

Some long-course racers were scheduled to start at 10:30.

And the final group heads out at 1 pm. The event also includes booths on the beach:

It all wraps up with an award ceremony around 3:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Parade on the way to the parade

Thanks to Eddie for the photos! In today’s highlight list, we mentioned the annual sighting of “no-parking” signs on Harbor Avenue because Seafair Torchlight Parade floats would be parking in a port lot. Eddie caught some of the floats crossing the low bridge this morning:

The parade starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and heads southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca.

Some of the parade entries travel hundreds of miles to participate.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes!

July 27, 2024 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Honey bee on flower, photographed near Lincoln Park by Steve Bender)

Welcome to the weekend! Here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

HARBOR AVENUE PARKING RESTRICTIONS: It’s an annual tradition – some of the Seafair Torchlight Parade floats use a port-owned lot before and/or after the parade, so Harbor becomes a no-parking zone to ensure they’ve got enough room to maneuver.

SPEAKING OF THE TORCHLIGHT PARADE: If you’re heading downtown, remember there’ll be street closures for the parade, which starts at 3 pm near the Space Needle and proceeds southbound on 4th Avenue to Seneca (here’s the map)

‘DA GRIND’ OUTRIGGER RACING: Dozens of outrigger canoes will be racing short and long courses from Alki through the day, with registration starting at 7 am, the first races at 9 am.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run,

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW).

WALKING IN SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am, join Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks for a unique look at this park. Registration is closed but organizers told us last night that they DO have room for walk-ups. Free. Meet at Admiral/Stevens trailhead.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)

STORYTIME AT SEOLA POND: Join a local teacher for stories in the greenspace off SW 106th [map], 10 am.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Summer gardening season still has weeks to go – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. Last chance to see its award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HAND-BUILT COFFEE MUGS: Make your own at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 1-3 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

RAT CITY BAZAAR: 3-7 pm, shop an eclectic array of items at this monthly bazaar inside Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘READY FREDDY’ PARTY: Just 45 minutes can get you a jump-start on the road to being prepared in case of disaster – information to help keep you and your family safe. Get it at Alice Kuder‘s free “Ready Freddy” prep party, 3 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Music! Food! Art! One-of-a-kind chance to hang out and enjoy a summer evening with your West Seattle neighbors. Starts at 4 pm in the 6300 block of 46th SW; our calendar listing has the ticket link, prices, and event schedule.

SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Ready to dance? Another session at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza starts with lessons at 4:30 pm – details and fees in our calendar listing.

BRAZILIAN JAZZ: Tarde em Itapoa live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: David Duvall Trio, doors at 7 pm, ticket link in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT WHISKY WEST: Tom Hutyler, 8-11 pm. (6451 California SW)

BEATS AT THE ROOM: Revelry Room continues with Saturday night DJs – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Proh Mic. (4547 California SW, alley side)

WEST END GIRLS CANCELED: No drag extravaganza at The Skylark tonight, but hostess Cookie Couture promises the show will be back next month (August 31 – tickets here).

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!