West Seattle, Washington
17 Thursday
The Blue Angels left Seattle just after 10 am today. Before we all forget about them for another 11 1/2 months, we have some images to share courtesy of West Seattle photographers. First, from Kevin Freitas:
He describes these images as “stacked frame”:
Meantime, Joe Cruse shared this edited video compilation – with on-screen commentary – of the view “from a West Seattle deck”:
Monica Zaborac photographed the Angels while looking toward West Seattle, from Queen Anne:
And Greg Snyder shows us the support aircraft “Fat Albert” against the downtown skyline:
According to their schedule, they’re in Chicago next weekend; next year, the Seafair shows are August 1-3.
Sent by Amy:
My son’s blue 2008 Jeep Patriot was stolen last night sometime between the hours of 6 pm-6 am. It has a Spider-Man sticker on the rear windshield. We live off 34th and Roxbury. Plate # CMA3682; police report 24-217982.
If you find it, call 911 and refer to that incident number.
(SDOT camera view, last Monday night)
SDOT has a new schedule for closures this week and next weekend because of the Spokane Street Viaduct – the West Seattle Bridge extension between 99 and I-5 – resurfacing project. They include lane closures tonight and for three nights after that but NOT a full directional closure until the weekend:
Tonight (Monday, August 5) – Eastbound middle and right lanes closed 7 pm-6 am
Tuesday night (August 6) – Eastbound middle and right lanes closed 7 pm-6 am
Wednesday night (August 7) – Eastbound middle and right lanes closed 7 pm-6 am
Thursday night (August 8) – Eastbound left lanes closed 7 pm-6 am
Friday night (August 9) – Eastbound two left lanes closed 7 pm-10 pm, then:
Friday night through Monday morning (August 9-12) – all eastbound lanes and left westbound lane closed, all weekend from 10 pm Friday to 5 am Monday
The eastbound bridge ramp to northbound 99 remains open through all these closures. Ramps east of that will be closed during these times except for 7-10 pm Friday, when the 1st and 4th Ave. exit ramps also will be open. Plus, next weekend’s closure will also include the northbound I-5 exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge. If you lose track of this schedule at any point, we’re keeping it linked in our morning traffic roundups and weekend daily event lists, plus SDOT is updating it on the project page.
That’s a framegrab from security video sent by Diane, showing someone casing her alley on the northwest edge of The Junction early Sunday. Here’s her report:
On this past Sunday early morning at 5:45 am, a neighbor saw a black car — no lights — casing mailboxes and cars in our alley — between 44th Ave SW and 45th Ave SW and Genesee and Dakota by the Alaska Junction. The guy broke into my mailbox and checked for open car doors. Enclosed is video capture from outside camera. But can’t see license plate number.
Diane is wondering if anyone else in the area was cased/broken into, and if anyone has security video with the black sedan’s plate more visible. She has filed a police report, temporary tracking number T00007468.
The heavy equipment that arrived last week was put into action today, as the next phase of work begins at the Morgan Junction Park expansion site. The city bought it 10 years ago for $1.9 million; two years later, the convenience store and dry cleaners that were on the site closed, and the building was demolished that summer (August 2016). The current work is to demolish the foundation and dig down 15 feet to remove contaminated dirt, then replacing it with clean fill, over the next two months; the park addition is to be built next year.
The plan now includes an all-wheel area to be incorporated into the current park site, with a separate community-led effort continuing for that. This is one of three “landbanked” sites in West Seattle where the city plans new parks; the other two are on 40th north of Edmunds in The Junction – also planned for construction within the next year – and 48th/Charlestown, not expected to be complete until early 2026.
If you have computers, phones, or other electronics you no longer need – even if they’re not working – Southwest Library is collecting them for e-cycling!
They’ve partnered with InterConnection this summer. Here’s the library announcement:
From now until September 30, the Southwest Library is accepting a wide variety of used technology on behalf of InterConnection – items do NOT need to be in working condition! When you donate your laptops, phones, tablets, speakers, video game consoles, cables, modems/routers, and other devices, InterConnection will:
completely wipe all existing data on the devices
refurbish them into good working order
help to bridge the digital divide by making the devices available to low-income communities
Here’s the list of everything InterConnection accepts.The library is at 9010 35th SW; it’s open every day but Saturday, and hours are listed here.
12:45 PM: In our morning traffic/transit roundup, we mentioned that Metro was not running King County Water Taxi service between downtown and West Seattle this morning because of “mechanical” trouble. They’ve just sent an update, saying the route is still suspended, no ETA for resumption. We’re seeking more information on which boat is having trouble and why there’s no backup, since usually there are three boats available for the WT’s two routes.
3:45 PM: Here’s the explanation we received from Metro’s Al Sanders:
Service to West Seattle is tentatively suspended for the rest of the day.
There are some mechanical issues with the Sally Fox. On Sunday, the West Seattle crew noticed some anomalies with the docking controls. The vessel was taken out of service as a precautionary measure.
The Spirit of Kingston, the water taxi’s back-up vessel, is in the shipyard for its regular USCG out of water inspection.
With only one vessel — the Doc Maynard—available, it is being used for service to Vashon due to the critical transportation needs of that community.
And if you’re not familiar with transportation alternatives, here are their suggestions:
Buses:
• Metro’s RapidRide C Line and RapidRide H Line, routes 21, 56, 57 & 125 connect West Seattle to downtown Seattle – near the Pier 50 passenger-only facility located at Alaskan Way and Columbia Street.
• Route 128 connects the Admiral District, Morgan Junction, High Point, Delridge, South Seattle College and White Center areas with the West Seattle
• Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 & 775 will continue to operate their regular routes and schedules during this time, connecting West Seattle riders to the West Seattle Junction and Alki Beach via Harbor Avenue, Alki Avenue and North Admiral.Link light rail:
• Metro Route 50 connects West Seattle – including North Delridge, the Alaska Junction, the Admiral District and Alki Beach to Sound Transit Link 1 Line at SODO.
6:37 PM: Now Metro has announced a “hybrid schedule” for Tuesday, handling both West Seattle and Vashon Island routes with one boat. You can see the schedule here.
Another reminder that tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 6) is the deadline for voting in the statewide primary. As of this morning, only 17.2% of Seattle ballots have been received at King County Elections. The ballots received by voters in West Seattle have 14 races – U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 7, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, State Attorney General, State Commissioner of Public Lands, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Insurance Commissioner, State House Representative Positions 1 and 2 (two candidates each, so they all advance to November), State Supreme Court Justice Position 2, and Seattle City Council citywide Position 8. (If you haven’t decided in that race, the West Seattle Democratic Women hosted a forum in June with four of the five council candidates; here’s our coverage, with video.)
Mailing your ballot? Get it to the U.S. Postal Service in time for a Tuesday postmark. Using a county dropbox? They are open until 8 pm (sharp!) Tuesday. West Seattle now has four: By Morgan Junction Park, by High Point Library, The Junction, and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – exact locations here (along with others, such as White Center and South Park if those are more convenient for you).
(Rosalie Miller photographed the work of leafcutter bees)
Here’s the list for your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GLASS FLOAT HUNT: Day 5 of the hunt for hidden glass floats around West Seattle – here’s how to join the search.
NIGHT OUT SWAG PICKUP: Having a registered Night Out party tomorrow? Stop by the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) 9:30-11:30 am or 2:30-4:30 pm today to pick up your swag – including crime-prevention info and goodie bags for kids.
BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Here’s the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Four places to play tonight – 6:30 pm, free music quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome at free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community hosts meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
‘FIRST LOOK’ AT ARTSWEST: Tonight’s preview of next season is sold out!
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING TONIGHT! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 27 to remember Paul “Mike” Wilson. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community now:
Paul Michael Wilson, affectionately known as Mike, a cherished longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away on June 27th, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on July 26th, 1951, to Paul Leroy Wilson and Rosemary Anne Tierney Wilson, Mike’s life was a testament to love, friendship, and service. Mike is survived by his devoted wife Pam Wilson, his sons Thomas (Emily) and Michael (Christina), and his beloved grandchildren Henry, Jack, Michelangelo, and Callahan, who affectionately called him “Papa.”
Mike’s early years were filled with joyous memories of boating adventures in the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, fishing trips, and carefree days at Alki Beach. Whether he was roller skating, skim boarding, or simply soaking in the local community, he embraced life with enthusiasm and joy.
As graduate of West Seattle High School, Class of 1969, Mike began his adult life by serving his country in the Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate on the USS Cochrane from 1970 to 1973. His naval service was marked by the formation of lifelong bonds. Upon completing his service, Mike attended North Seattle Community College and University of Washington, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Following college, Mike briefly worked with his parents at their unemployment agency before embarking on a career with UPS as a truck driver. It was at UPS where Mike’s dedication to workers’ rights blossomed; he became a shop steward, fiercely advocating for fair contracts. His passion led him to a distinguished career as a business agent with the Teamsters Union, first at Local 174, 313 and later at Local No. 763. Known as a formidable negotiator, Mike was renowned for his thorough investigations and adept application of labor rules, law, and contract language.
In 1980, Mike met the love of his life, Pam, and they made their home in West Seattle, where they started their family. Beyond his professional achievements, Mike was deeply involved in his community, coaching his son’s basketball and baseball teams, and contributing to the Holy Rosary Christmas tree lot. He cherished time spent with his family, teaching his boys to play cribbage and golf, and was always fond of visiting Husky Deli for his favorite ice cream. Mike found immense happiness in road trips to Sun Valley and family vacations in Lake Chelan. He delighted in the outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery and family escapades which included fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, and floating the river.
Mike will forever be remembered for his warm chuckle, bright smile, and his unyielding kindness and dedication. His legacy is one of love, fairness, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Mike at the West Seattle Golf Course on September 27, 2024, from noon – 3 pm. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Please share condolences and memories on the Tribute Wall at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Paul-Wilson
Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 5.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:52 am, while sunset will be at 8:36 pm.
EASTBOUND SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT REOPENS – BUT CLOSES AGAIN NEXT WEEKEND
*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. The eastbound SSV reopened last night but will have closures much of the week (NOT tonight) and all next weekend (follow our link for the list).
OTHER ROAD WORK NOTES
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too. But SDOT now says it will NOT have weekend closures of the entire bridge.
*The 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.
TUESDAY NIGHT ALERT
*If you’re out Tuesday evening – be mindful of side-street closures for Night Out block parties.
TRANSIT NOTES, WITH METRO FLEX
Metro Flex – Third week for this on-demand service in Delridge (and South Park), starting a two-year pilot. Here’s how it works.
Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – UPDATE: West Seattle route canceled this morning due to mechanicsl trouble.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.
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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