PHOTOS, VIDEO: Night Out 2024 around West Seattle

August 6, 2024 6:16 pm

| Comments Off on PHOTOS, VIDEO: Night Out 2024 around West Seattle

| Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

6:16 PM: Some neighborhoods have Night Out block parties year after year after year. Our first stop tonight is one of them – an Arbor Heights block near Westside School (WSB sponsor).

Thanks to JoDean for again this year being the first to invite us to stop by for a photo! We’ll be making a few other stops, heading south to north as the evening goes. We welcome your Night Out party photos too – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! And if you’re not spending the evening at your own block/building party, please be extra-careful in traveling around, with many neighborhood streets closed to traffic for the evening.

6:28 PM: Above is a photo from our second stop, the senior-living complex Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) in Westwood, where it’s a parking-lot party, with live music by Rob Sturza and friends:

Plus hot dogs.

6:55 PM: Stop #3 was Eileen‘s neighborhood on one of east Highland Park’s hidden-away hillside streets. Photo above!

7:20 PM: Now we’re in Admiral, where Rosalie invited us to stop by her neighborhood’s block party east of West Seattle High School. One of the neighbors here is a beekeeper and has an educational exhibit at the party:

7:45 PM: Now we’re on Genesee Hill. We discovered two adjacent blocks were having parties – Laurie invited us to hers, but first we accidentally wandered in the other direction, so we photographed that group too.

Above, Laurie and neighbors at their very scenic dead-end overlook; below, the block north of theirs:

8:01 PM: Night Out usually collides with Election Night, and we have to head back to check out returns shortly, so our last stop is on Gatewood Hill, where Jennifer sent word of her block party, enjoying live music again this year – the band is Head Cheese, featuring the ever-popular Tom Hutyler.

Thanks to everybody who sent invitations!

ADDED 9:25 PM: Above are our neighbors in Upper Fauntleroy; their party was still going strong when we returned home, so we gathered them for a photo. We’ve also received a few from readers – first, here’s “a small but mighty group in Arbor Heights”:

Lilly the dog was among attendees at Gabe‘s party west of The Junction:

P.S. If you want to keep the community-safety vibe going, note that the Southwest Precinct is hosting its next Crime Prevention Council (a “group” basically consisting of whoever shows up) meeting on September 11, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster), all welcome.

Share This

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Top Pot Doughnuts opens in The Junction on Wednesday

August 6, 2024 5:44 pm

| 39 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three and a half months after we first reported that Top Pot Doughnuts would return to West Seattle, it’s about to open. We visited the new space at 4709 California SW – where Wildflour closed in January – during a preview event this afternoon. The Top Pot team confirmed that they’ll officially open tomorrow (Wednesday, August 7), 6 am-7 pm.

Below are Mark and John from Top Pot, with Chris and Stacie from the West Seattle Junction Association:

The Junction shop is opening three and a half years after Top Pot closed its previous West Seattle location on Alki.

The chain was founded on Capitol Hill more than 20 years ago.

Share This

UPDATE: Two-week closure ahead for Southwest Pool

August 6, 2024 5:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

While visiting Southwest Customer Service Center today, we noticed this sign:

5:10 PM: Southwest Pool will be closing for maintenance during the two weeks leading up to Labor Day. Outdoor Colman Pool will still be open during that time, if you’re looking for an alternative. We have an inquiry out to Seattle Parks for more information on the work that’ll be done during the closure.

ADDED 5:45 PM: Parks’ Christina Hirsch tells WSB, “The Southwest Pool closure is our standard 18-month interval maintenance closure. The pool is drained to allow for repairs of various mechanical systems. This closure is also supposed to include a Health Department mandated replacement of our deep end drain covers. It is timed to coincide with the floor closure for the Teen Life Center.”

Share This

READER REPORT: Dog killed at Olson/Roxbury, taken to clinic

August 6, 2024 3:36 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Pets | West Seattle news

We occasionally receive “deceased pet found” reports and publish them on the WSB West Seattle Lost/Found Pets page, which we’ve done with this, but the circumstances are unusual so we’re including it here on the main page too. Sent by Ashley:

This afternoon just before 2 pm I came across a dog that had been hit by a car at the top of Olson Place where it turns into Roxbury. I took it in a towel to Urban Animal (in White Center) and while it was still soft and warm, it was definitely deceased. Its face was significantly harmed so we did not take photos.

Here are the best details we have on the sweet dog:

Female
Not Spayed
No chip or collar
Approximately 20 lbs
Grey and soft / curly coat
Possible Poodle / terrier mix

Urban Animal will keep the body for one week.

Super sad, but happy to know she is not getting further run over by cars.

If this dog might be yours, the number for Urban Animal (9610 17th SW; WSB sponsor) is 206-257-1524.

Share This

WATER TAXI UPDATE: Back to regular service for West Seattle and Vashon Island

August 6, 2024 2:06 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

After a day and a half of no or reduced service to West Seattle, and a half-day of reduced service to Vashon Island, the King County Water Taxi is back on its regular schedule this afternoon. Metro spokesperson Al Sanders says the Coast Guard cleared M/V Sally Fox to return to service, so it sailed from downtown to West Seattle at 1:30 pm, and M/V Doc Maynard will leave downtown for Vashon Island at 3 pm, with both routes sailing their regular schedules this pm. The Water Taxi’s regular backup boat, M/V Spirit of Kingston, has been unavailable because it’s at a shipyard for its periodic “out-of-water inspection.”

Share This

Nola’s Events: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

August 6, 2024 1:03 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming Nola’s Events as a new WSB sponsor. Local businesses joining the sponsor team get the chance to tell you what they do – so here’s a message from Nola’s Events!

(Pictured with Nola: Chef Weeze, her daughter and sous chef Sarah, sales assistant Clementine)

Hello to our West Seattle Friends – We are excited to become a sponsor for the WS Blog and tell you a bit more about Nola’s Events.

We are a woman-owned-and-operated business here in WS and we love our community! I have been a resident of WS for many years and actually started my first catering business here in the ’90s across the street from the Cow on 35th.

We pride ourselves in using local, seasonal, and organic foods in our hand-crafted menus for private parties, weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and special occasions. Drawing from the bounty of the NW and cuisines from around the world, we work with our clients to create wonderful events for family, friends and associates.

Some of our clients and those we support include the WS Food Bank, WS Center for Active Living, WS Garden Tour, and many private clients. We can’t wait to tantalize you with our beautiful foods and warm, professional service. Please visit our website at nolasevents.com. You can also enjoy some of our favorite dishes featured at West Seattle Thriftway in the deli-prepared take-home foods…

Bon Appetit and we look forward to helping you plan your best moments!

Nola and Chef Weeze and our fabulous team
Nola’s Events
nola@nolasevents.com

We thank Nola’s Events for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here. You can email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

Share This

Three notes from Center for Active Living: Open house, mural update, call for volunteers

August 6, 2024 12:05 pm

| Comments Off on Three notes from Center for Active Living: Open house, mural update, call for volunteers

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The Center for Active Living (ex-Senior Center) in The Junction has three things to share:

OPEN HOUSE AND DANCE PARTY THURSDAY: Haven’t visited the center lately – or ever? 5-8 pm Thursday (August 8) you’re invited to a community open house, with tours and refreshments. Then 8-10 pm, stay for an ’80s dance party – no charge, beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic) available for purchase, along with “throwback-themed snacks.” Dress ’80s-style if you want to!

MURAL UPDATE: We’ve reported previously on the center’s plan for an exterior mural, and the choice of artist Brady Black to paint it. The center says he “will present his final design for The Center’s mural this Thursday at the Community Open House … He’ll be available to chat with community members and answer questions about his process. He is planning to begin painting the week of August 18.”

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: The center is a nonprofit powered in large part by volunteers. Maybe you can help? Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

The Center for Active Living is currently in need of volunteers to fill the following positions:

Retail Sales Clerk/Cashier: provide general customer assistance in the retail thrift shop

Chef Assistant: help prepare meals for Community Dining Program; chop, bake and general commercial kitchen help

Kitchen Dishwasher: load and unload a commercial kitchen dishwasher

Café Attendant: Take customer orders and prepare sandwiches and salads in The Center’s onsite café

Westside Friends: provide companionship and support to seniors in their home location in West Seattle

Must be 18 years of age or older, and shifts are generally weekdays during the day, and can be two to three hours in duration. Flexible scheduling options are available. To apply, click this link to complete a volunteer application or email dannyp@wscenter.org

The center is at 4217 SW Oregon.

Share This

Election Day, Night Out, free climbing, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

August 6, 2024 10:53 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen along Beach Drive – photo by Thomas Bach)

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

ELECTION DAY: Last day to get your ballot in. If you’re using USPS mail, hurry – it has to have today’s postmark. If you are using a King County Elections dropbox, you have four West Seattle options, plus White Center, South Park, and others around the county – see the list and map here – they all close at 8 pm. First results are usually published around 8:15.

NIGHT OUT: Tonight’s the night for community-building block parties around the nation – many will close side streets – some will be in other venues including apartment-complex courtyards – hours will vary, though it’s generally 5 pm to dusk. Many of the West Seattle events are mapped here.

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 wading pool is expected to be open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area, with the weather due to warm up this afternoon.

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: 2 pm weekly meeting, with public comment in person or online – the agenda explains how. Watch via Seattle Channel.

GRAND OPENING: New clinic Deeds Health (4141 California SW) is celebrating with a 2:30 pm ribboncutting and reception.

FREE DROP-IN CLIMBING: Try out Schurman Rock at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) – two free sessions, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, with signups starting half an hour before the session begins.

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.

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.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners 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).

CONCERT AT ALKI UCC: New concert series starts with performance and Night Out party, 7 pm, featuring Asia. More info in our calendar listing. Free admission, donation requested to support musicians. (6115 SW Hinds)

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).

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

Share This

BIZNOTE: Second Gear Sports to close

August 6, 2024 9:00 am

| 28 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Another one-of-a-kind West Seattle shop has announced it’s closing. Here’s what we received “on behalf of the Bremen family and the team at Second Gear Sports,” the sports-consignment store at 6529 California SW:

For the past 11 years, you’ve trusted Second Gear Sports to help your great gear find a new home. Our families grew up together. Your kids (and ours!) recycled and replaced what they’d outgrown.

You made our store a community hub, often lingering after the sale to chat with a neighbor you hadn’t seen in a while. You shared your upcoming recreational plans with us. We are proud to have supported countless local schools and organizations. We cherished every partnership and camaraderie with fellow local business owners.

It’s no surprise that the pandemic made recovery hard for many businesses. For outdoor-centric businesses, last winter’s slim snowfall compounded issues. We attempted positive changes in store footprint, product, and price balancing, but this could not offset steeply rising costs in labor and rent. Our inability to negotiate our lease to meet our business needs is the final blow. Hence, we have made the difficult decision to close on August 31.

Second Gear was born after two economic downturns and, as a result, our household endured back-to-back mass layoffs. The West Seattle community helped us hit the ground running, proving the local need for what we had to offer.

When a regular person starts a small business, they have a vision and a dream. When things go well, that vision and dream expand. Rarely does an owner consider the day they might have to close up shop.

We’ve seen a lot of this in West Seattle lately. It’s hard to watch. For every closure, rest assured that owner explored every possibility to press on. They are your people, your neighbors, their kids may know yours. They employed local residents. Keep your mind and heart open for anyone closing a business. It’s a loss.

In the meanwhile, come see us through August. We will hold sales to liquidate inventory. It’s the perfect time to get needed gear for the remainder of summer or early for winter.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says only 35% of small businesses make it this far. All in all, we had an excellent run. We appreciate your support over the years and helping us reach this milestone.

Mark and Ellen Bremen opened Second Gear Sports in September 2013; just half a year later, the shop was honored as Emerging Business of the Year by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Share This

TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday notes, with reduced Water Taxi service and updated Spokane St. Viaduct plan

August 6, 2024 6:01 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, August 6.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Becoming sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:54 am, while sunset will be at 8:35 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES, WITH REDUCED WATER TAXI SERVICE

Water Taxi today – With two boats out, Metro is planning a “hybrid” schedule today so that one boat (M/V Doc Maynard) can serve both West Seattle and Vashon Island. See that schedule here.

Metro buses – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.

EASTBOUND SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT’S NEWEST CLOSURE SCHEDULE

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues. Here’s the newest closure schedule, including some eastbound lane closures tonight (and the entire eastbound direction closes again next weekend).

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.

TONIGHT – NIGHT OUT ALERT

*If you’re out tonight – be mindful of side-street closures for Night Out block parties.

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!

Share This