month : 07/2024 306 results

CONGRATULATIONS! Two more West Seattle Little League All-Star teams are district champions, heading to state competition

July 3, 2024 10:57 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! Two more West Seattle Little League All-Star teams are district champions, heading to state competition
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle Little League has two more All-Star teams celebrating district titles – the report and photos were sent by WSLL’s Jackie Borg:

Little League WA District 7 tournaments wrapped up this week with West Seattle Little League (WSLL) 10s Softball and 11s Baseball teams taking the district title win to secure their spots in the WA State tournament.

10s Softball All-Stars

The 10s went undefeated in the District 7 tournament! In a nail-biter game, the 10s held onto their lead to clinch a 7-6 victory over Seattle Central LL.

All three of WSLL’s All-Star softball teams will represent WSLL and District-7 at the state level! Congratulations to the amazing players and dedicated coaches on this incredible achievement! Their state tournament starts July 14th in Othello, Washington.

11s Baseball All-Stars

The 11s Baseball All-Stars faced a challenging start, losing their initial game to Rainier District LL on Tuesday night. However, they showcased resilience and determination, staging an impressive comeback in a decisive winner-takes-all match. Their hard work paid off with a triumphant 5-2 victory, demonstrating their grit and teamwork under pressure. Their state tournament starts July 20th in Richland, Washington.

In all, WSLL is sending five teams to the state tournaments to represent District 7: 11s and 12s baseball and 10s, 12s, and Juniors softball. The 12s softball All-Stars are in the midst of their state run and have won their first two games. They play again tomorrow (Thursday, 7/4), at 10 a.m. at Hartman Park in Redmond vs. Mill Creek.

To continue following their All-Star journey, visit the WSLL All-Stars News page.

FOURTH OF JULY: West Seattle Kids’ Parade is hours away!

(WSB file photo)

Just 13 hours to go untili the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. It’s actually a two-part event – first the parade, leaving from 44th/Sunset in North Admiral at 10 am, ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a celebration with sack races, activity tables/booths, and food/treat trucks/pop-ups (bring $ for those – everything else is free). For details, see the preview we published Tuesday; one addition since then, according to parade coordinator Megan Erb – Admiral’s own Arthur’s has joined the food lineup. Here’s one more look at the route map:

Police will stop traffic on California SW at SW Atlantic as the parade crosses. There will also be more pedestrian traffic than usual in the area as families leave the park when they’re ready (the activities usually wrap up by noon). WSB is one of the parade’s community co-sponsors – see you there!

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Guinea fowl pair still roaming, mistaken for turkeys

Ten months after we first mentioned West Seattle’s roaming guinea fowl – when there were at least four of them – this pair is still drawing attention. The photo is from Robert Livingston at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, which got a visit from the guinea fowl about a week and a half ago. We’re writing about them again today because we’re still getting relatively frequent reports, often from people who think they’re turkeys – such as the reader who emailed us after seeing them near 39th/Oregon about an hour ago. They’re still most often seen on the east/northeast side of The Junction. As we’ve noted before, they do apparently have a home. Fun fact from this infopage: They can be “an effective means of pest control.”

FOLLOWUP: See exactly where Fairmount Avenue will be blocked starting Monday, as Admiral Way Bridge project begins. New info on Admiral itself, too

We have some answers today to questions that readers had after we reported two days ago that SDOT would start the Fairmount Avenue closure next Monday, as the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project gets going. The main question was where exactly Fairmount will be blocked off, so that area residents can get to and from their homes, and so that would-be through traffic isn’t turning around halfway up/down the hill. Dr. Matthew Howard from SDOT’s project team says:

The contractor confirmed with me that there will be barricades at the bottom of the hill at SW Prince, at the top at SW Forest, and then another set farther down at the actual work area, with fencing. There will be no thru traffic as the work will be taking place on the bridge structure with cranes and equipment blocking the road. See the below image to see a rough view of where barricades will be:

He says they’re hoping that will be enough to dissuade would-be cut-through traffic. This is a full closure – not just for drivers, but also for people walking, running, riding, and rolling. On the bridge deck itself, SDOT says the lane closures – between Walnut and 39th – aren’t expected to start until August, and dates aren’t yet set for the two full weekend closures that will be needed for that part of the project.

UPDATE: 26th/Roxbury investigation

4:38 PM: A texter says traffic is blocked at 26th/Roxbury right now. According to radio exchanges, a teenager was hit by a bus but not seriously injured; they proceeded to board the bus, on the eastbound side of Roxbury, and reportedly said they were OK, but Metro wanted them checked out, so SFD was called. The one engine that responded has already closed out their response.

10:39 PM: SFD tells us the teenager is 18 years old and suffered only minor injuries, declining to be taken to a hospital.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Heat alert ahead

It’s almost an embodiment of the classic joke about summer in Seattle starting right after the Fourth of July. The Fourth actually still looks great – but the day after, and all the way to Monday, a heat alert kicks in. The National Weather Service’s Heat Advisory for our area will be in effect noon Friday (July 5) through 10 pm Monday (July 8). The NWS expects “Hot conditions with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s … This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness.” This is our first heat alert since last August. (Don’t worry about tomorrow … mid-70s.)

Library wi-fi is almost back, and other service-restoration updates from Seattle Public Library

Seattle Public Library wi-fi is expected to be available again next week. That’s one of the timelines just announced by SPL for the restoration of services that aren’t yet back from the outages it blames on a “ransomware attack” back in May. The full list of what’s available now, what’s available soon, and what’ll be a while longer is here; we’ve distilled the list of “what’s not back yet” to these key points:

NO ESTIMATED RETURN DATE YET
Physical item returns / due dates

EXPECTED TO RETURN NEXT WEEK
Wi-Fi
Printing (via Wi-Fi and Email)
Catalog stations (in-building)

EXPECTED TO RETURN IN MID-JULY
Scanning/Faxing with ScanEZ

EXPECTED TO RETURN IN LATE JULY
Physical item self-checkout
Microfilm/microfiche

EXPECTED TO RETURN IN LATE JULY/EARLY AUGUST
New Library cards (online)
Patron account access
Placing new holds (physical items)
SPL Pickup Lockers

EXPECTED TO RETURN IN MID-TO-LATE AUGUST
Computers

In summary, SPL’s update says, “The Library expects that most, if not all, remaining offline services will be restored in the next 6-8 weeks.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize this motorcycle? (update: owner has it back)

July 3, 2024 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize this motorcycle? (update: owner has it back)
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

E & E sent the photos of this motorcycle that turned up in their Fairmount Park-area neighborhood. Tampered ignition is the telltale sign it was likely stolen.

Note the expired plate.

(Google Image Search says it’s a Honda CB1100.) We’re checking to be sure E & E have already called this in to 911, but in the meantime, if it’s yours, contact us.

FRIDAY UPDATE: We heard from the owner Thursday – but by that time the motorcycle had disappeared – then it reappeared in Burien, located by police there, and now he has it back.

Highlights for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Alki Point Lighthouse grounds, photographed from the water by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FOOD DRIVE: The almost-daily summer food-donation drive continues at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – you can drop off nonperishable items until noon.

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Multiple locations and varying times in West Seattle – here’s the list.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy) – info’s in our calendar listing.

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm, free.

COLMAN POOL: The season continues for 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.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Also open, next to Delridge Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

TODDLER STORYTIME: For kids 1 to 3 years old, 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), free, no preregistration required.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 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 – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: Four places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers triviaLarry’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)

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead Wednesday night outdoor-yoga events at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 7:30 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIGHTS ON: Reminder that four Seattle Parks fields in West Seattle will have lights on approximately 9 to 11 pm tonight to try to deter fireworks use.

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!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Home burglarized

The report and images were sent by James, reporting a home burglary late last night at 33rd and Andover:

Stole a silver Fender Jazz bass, a Panasonic Lumix camera and lenses, and an Oculus.

They used card to break entry.

You can see him running off with guitar in second photo. This was about 11:04 PST. Camera alarms finally scared him off.

Seeking anyone who lives on 33rd or 34th between Andover and Charlestown to check camera footage around 11:05 PM

2024-934410 is police report.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Pre-holiday Wednesday

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 3.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

On our way to a warm, sunny holiday, today promises sunshine and a high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:17 am, while sunset will be at 9:09 pm.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is close to starting; SDOT has placed signage saying the Fairmount Avenue closure will start next Monday (July 8), lasting up to seven months.

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

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

TRANSIT NOTES

Fourth of JulyHere’s info on all local transit services’ plans for the holiday. Meantime:

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. Meantime, extra daily weekday midday Vashon Water Taxi runs to downtown started this week.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, but now with the unscheduled “bonus boat” on weekdays when available; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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:

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!

PREVIEW: New kid stuff at West Seattle Summer Fest 2024 – foamy fun and games!

West Seattle’s biggest party of the year is just a week and a half away: West Seattle Summer Fest, Friday-Sunday, July 12-14, in the heart of The Junction. We’ve already previewed one brand-new festival feature – food and drink vendors will be serving you reusably! Tonight, more of what’ll be new at this year’s Summer Fest – extra fun at the festival Kids’ Zone. Lots of it will be free. That includes a “foam party,” a special area with big foam machines enabling everybody to get bubbly (and misting to get those bubbles off if need be). Speaking of bubbles, the legendary Bubbleman will be performing at Summer Fest, on Saturday. That’s also the day that Gary “The Balloon Guy” will be making balloon creations. Little ones also will be able to romp for free in a fenced area with grass and large toys, guided by volunteers from local schools. For slightly older kids, West Seattle Arcade will bring some free games to Summer Fest, including pinball and Dance Dance Revolution. And there’s science/tech fun too – robotics on Friday and Saturday, hands-on engineering with Pacific Science Center on Sunday. Sports get spotlighted too – soccer, basketball, and volleyball in particular, with Kid Zone sponsors Junction FC and West Seattle Reign. Then there’s the perennially popular question we always get in the Summer Fest Info Booth: “Where’s the face painter?” Two vendors will be offering face painting throughout the festival on The Junction’s midblock raised crosswalks. And last but by no means least, the inflatables – five will be available, including an obstacle course and slide; you can even buy your $20 day pass in advance online (you can do that here), with an option for a $40 day pass/festival T-shirt package), or pay $5 for each individual inflatable use at the festival. More previews to come – and we’ll see you at Summer Fest!

Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement: Advisory group to get long-awaited info this month

No summer hiatus for the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement project. It’s still in the planning stage, working toward a decision on the size and shape of the replacement. The project’s Community Advisory Group has been waiting for results of traffic studies, which could show how technology advances in ticketing could affect the vehicle flow – for example, some group members have asked, could the new dock be smaller if Washington State Ferries used Good To Go! electronic passes to eliminate the need for most vehicles to stop at toll booths. That information is expected at the next meeting, just announced for Tuesday, July 16, 6 pm, online (first meeting since March). You can register here to observe; there’s no public-comment period, but you can send feedback any time to FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov. The project’s Technical Advisory Group will be meeting two days later, 1 pm July 18, also online (register here to watch). Construction of the new dock isn’t expected to start before 2027.

WILDLIFE: West Seattle coyotes – recent reader reports

Stefanie sent that photo after seeing that coyote – squirrel in mouth – running across 35th and down Juneau in mid-June. We’ve been publishing coyote sightings for a decade and a half, often one-offs, but this time we have several in queue, to perhaps provide better context of how they’re living around and among us. This is important for pet owners to realize, since in addition to eating small wildlife like the squirrel in the photo, rats, and more, unattended domestic animals can be part of their diet too. Other sightings, minus prey, included this one texted a few days ago:

Not a great shot but we saw a lone coyote scampering around 37th and Henderson … Public service announcement.

Also via text, sent Monday:

There was one in Sunrise Park in the High Point neighborhood around 6:30 am … We have many outdoor cats in the area that I worry about. Looks to have headed into the ravine toward Delridge.

Early morning is a common sighting time. Aaron saw one this morning:

I was not able to snag a picture, but we just saw a coyote trotting up Frontenac and then head south on 39th in Gatewood. Have appreciated the community sharing updates on locations but this was the first time we’d seen one out and about.

Also in Gatewood, Pam reported a sighting last Friday:

For the second time in the last two weeks (?) I saw a leggy coyote heading down the alley between California and 41st, this morning, it was moving fast and carrying a critter. I sure hope it was a rabbit … might be worth letting everyone know that there’s a hunter around and to keep an eye on their pets. Here’s a good source on keeping our four-legged smalls safe.

They can travel a lot of ground, too – Terris observed this one a little over a week ago:

Coyote spotted coming across the Oregon hill (23rd/22nd, whatever we call that road) from Delridge up to Puget Ridge. It crossed the intersection where 23rd branches off and ran up by the houses on the east side of the hill along on the retaining wall. Please keep your pets safe.

As noted in the FAQ Pam shared, as well as many infosheets (like this one) that we’ve shared over the years, avoiding feeding coyotes – intentionally or unintentionally – is the best way to avoid you and/or your pet coming into close contact with them.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green CR-V

Thanks to all the WSB readers who help watch for cars reported as stolen. Here’s the latest report, from Sura:

My green 1998 CR-V was stolen early this morning, July 2, from where I always park it, across from my house at 30th & Henderson. I don’t have a photo of it, but pretty standard, normal aging scratches, rack on top, spare tire on back. WA license #338XKY. Police report #24-180819. I love my car. If you see it or the license plate, please call me: 805-698-3332.

FOURTH OF JULY: Seattle Parks will turn on lighting at four local fields for two nights again this year

(Reader photo of fireworks debris collected post-Fourth at Walt Hundley Playfield park)

The annual announcement is just in – Seattle Parks will turn on the lighting at fields around the city for two nights in hopes of discouraging fireworks use. The list includes the same four as last year – two of which have since received new turf:

Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Ave. SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW

Parks’ announcement says the lights at those fields (and most others on its list) will be on from “approximately” 9 pm Wednesday and Thursday (July 3-4) nights and turned off at 11 pm, with roving security then monitoring fields until 2 am. The list does not include Seattle Public Schools-owned fields (which include West Seattle’s Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex and Madison Middle School); the district has historically just had roving security monitoring its fields.

HOLIDAY HELP: Can you be a flag volunteer for West Seattle Junction?

(WSB file photo)

As is customary on the Fourth of July, the West Seattle Junction Association will place dozens of American flags in the heart of the business district – with volunteer help. WSJA’s Stacie Woods tells WSB they have enough help in the morning but need more in the afternoon to remove the flags, 4-5 pm. All ages welcome – sign up to help out by going here!

COUNTDOWN: 2 days until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade – new info!

July 2, 2024 11:38 am
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 2 days until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade – new info!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, July 2023)

Before the barbecue – before the beach – Independence Day begins with the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade. We have more details today of what’s happening before and after the parade, thanks to Megan Erb, who’s organizing the parade again this year for the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

As always, the parade starts from 44th/Sunset shortly after 10 am. Eliza Cooper will sing the anthem, on behalf of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), and you’ll hear words of welcome from organizer Megan as well as ANA president Joanie Jacobs and City Councilmember Rob Saka. Again, here’s the parade route, proceeding west and then east to Hamilton Viewpoint Park (to be in it, just show up! also, please avoid parking oon the parade route):

If you are traveling in the area Thursday morning, note that traffic on California Avenue SW will be stopped by officers at SW Atlantic as the parade crosses. At the park, you’ll find free post-parade fun – including sack races by age groups, starting with 3-year-olds (there’s usually a grownup round too).

Activity booth/table providers (parade co-sponsors):

Mode Music, Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools, Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, Holy Rosary School, Dragonfly Yoga & Pilates, Mathnasium, Wicked Rae’s Art Studio, Admiral Neighborhood Association

Plus food/treat trucks/carts.

Lil’ J’s Super Dawgs, West Seattle Grounds, Seattle Sorbets, NWTXBBQ, LaLa’s Lemonade

At the park for up-close visits:

SFD, SPD vehicles

Also at Hamilton Viewpoint: Four portable restrooms thanks to Potter Construction (WSB sponsor). The post-parade festivities usually wrap up at the park around noon, and it’s on with the rest of the holiday!

Running, swimming, storytime, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

July 2, 2024 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on Running, swimming, storytime, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Summer garden flowers photographed by Gary Pro)

Here’s what’s happening, as listed on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (send us your event any time – westseattleblog@gmail.com):

TRANSPORTATION LEVY: The City Council is meeting right now as the Select Committee on the Transportation Levy, to finalize and vote on the renewal/expansion of the city transportation levy, to go to voters this November (after a council vote next week). The agenda, with documents for the basic proposal and various amendments, is here. If the meeting’s still happening when you see this, you can watch live via Seattle Channel

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Our calendar listing has information on where and when kids 1-18 can get free food.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Advocacy from afar, 10:30 am-noon every Tuesday at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Daily operation continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: Continued daily operations for the 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.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly meeting of the Seattle City Council, 2 pm. There is a public-comment period – in person or by phone – if there’s something you want to tell the council. The agenda explains how. You can go to City Hall downtown or watch live via Seattle Channel (and comment by phone).

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: First July class, 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm Tuesdays all summer, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.

FREE ASL CLASS: The series of introductory ASL classes continues; you can start at any time. 6 pm at the West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW), info here.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Everyone’s welcome! Gather at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Event coming up? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Five things the West Seattle Food Bank needs most right now – not just nonperishable food

Right about this time Monday, we reported on the first day of this year’s summer meals program to keep local kids from going hungry.

Today, the other side – for those who can offer help instead of needing it, here’s what the West Seattle Food Bank is looking for right now. We asked WSFB development director Robbin Peterson what’s at the top of their list:

“We need everything, but because of our ability to purchase at lower than retail – we really need dollars. For example, if someone donates a can of tuna – we love that. But for the price of that one, we could get three from our suppliers.” Here are multiple ways to give money..

If you’d rather give food, Robbin says, “We need kid-friendly snacks and heat & eat meals. Lots of the kids experiencing hunger this summer also need to be able to prepare this food themselves; for themselves and their siblings while their adult caregiver is working. Mac and cheese, canned pasta in sauce, canned stews, canned protein like tuna and chicken to make sandwiches, and snacks.

“Also – we want garden produce!!! Plums! Squash! Tomatoes! Anything people like to grow, we’d love to have to redistribute to families. Kiddos need healthy, fresh fruit and veggies and we’d love to have garden produce to supplement what we can offer.”

And if you’re growing herbs in your garden, those are welcome too: “Food banks rarely get spices, so fresh grown herbs can be a fantastic addition to our offerings and give flavor to the basics. Have a rosemary or oregano plant over growing? We’ll take the excess!” You can bring donations to WSFB HQ on the southeast corner of 35th/Morgan between 9 am and 3 pm any weekday (till 7 pm on Wednesday).

Robbin added: “Also, while not food, we are already looking for donations of back-to-school clothes for The Clothesline. The families who rely on clothing banks start looking early so they have time to find what they need for everyone. New or gently used kids shoes, coats, jackets, and clothing as well as new socks and underwear are always needed and appreciated. Clothesline donations can be taken directly to that location, 4425 41st Ave. SW, Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 10 am-1 pm.”

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 2.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:16 am, while sunset will be at 9:10 pm.

(Monday sunset, by Curry Gibson)

ROAD WORK

*No work Monday on the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, but SDOT placed signage saying the Fairmount Avenue closure will start next Monday (July 8), lasting up to seven months.

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

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

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. Meantime, extra daily weekday midday Vashon Water Taxi runs to downtown start today.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, but now with the unscheduled “bonus boat” on weekdays when available; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

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:

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!

BIZNOTE: Charcuterie by Annalise sets grand-opening date for ‘edible art food experience’

(Photo courtesy Charcuterie by Annalise)

Annalise Johnson has set the grand-opening date for the new Morgan Junction storefront of her business, Charcuterie by Annalise. She’s been remodeling 6032 California SW (next to Alki Arts, in the former Youngstown/HeartBeet space), and a ribboncutting is planned for 11:30 am Saturday, July 27, followed by an open house. Annalise’s business isn’t new – it’s been a mobile business for three years, with what she describes as “beautiful and delicious custom charcuterie spreads for every occasion.” With the new storefront, she’ll expand to “a unique food experience destination for the community, with scrumptious charcuterie boxes and charcuterie sandwiches for lunch pickup as well as curated gift baskets, cheese tastings, educational demos, and collaborations with other local woman-owned small businesses.” She’ll also use the back of the space as her prep kitchen for catering orders, which can be picked up there too. Her hours for what she describes overall as an “edible art food experience” will be 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays through Sundays.

FOLLOWUP: SDOT sets date for Fairmount Avenue closure as part of Admiral Way Bridge project

(WSB photo)

Thanks for the tips! SDOT has placed signage at both ends of Fairmount Ravine – Fairmount and Harbor, and Fairmount and Forest – with the dates that Fairmount Avenue will be fully closed as part of the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project: Starting next Monday (July 8) and potentially continuing into late February. (When SDOT announced last week that work would start “as soon as” today, they told us they still didn’t have detour plans ready to announce but that “traffic control” wouldn’t be needed immediately.) The project will also include some lane closures and two full weekend closures of the bridge itself, but we checked after verifying the Fairmount signage tonight, and there’s no signage up top – on or near the bridge – yet. We’ll circle back with SDOT tomorrow.