day : 03/09/2024 11 results

For thousands of local students and their families, the new school year starts tomorrow – the first day of classes at Seattle Public Schools and the independent schools that haven’t already launched 2024-2025. Here are some local SPS-related notes:

SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH: The district has promised an intensified focus on this, and the city has committed some funding for new or expanded programs. Advance announcements mention “focused intervention” for safety and security at high and middle schools including Chief Sealth and Denny – that means a variety of programs explained in the announcement, as well as – at Sealth and other “focus” high schools – police presence before/after school and during lunch “as staffing allows.” For mental health, city dollars will expand resources at school-based health centers, including seven West Seattle campuses (listed here).

NEW PRINCIPALS: Three West Seattle SPS schools start the year with new principals — Fairmount Park Elementary, where Sara Davis is now principal; Arbor Heights Elementary, where Nooria Miskell is interim principal; and Louisa Boren STEM K-8, where Kimberly Noble is now interim principal.

INTERIM SITE: Alki Elementary is holding classes at the former Schmitz Park Elementary for the second of what’s expected to be three years. Construction of the new, larger Alki has begun after the second zoning-exception appeal was rejected, as covered here in detail. Meantime, the school board voted last week to approve a 20 percent increase in the “maximum price” of the construction contract – previously $53 million, now $63 million. District documents say the added cost will be covered by the levy that is funding the project, along with federal dollars.

WSES ‘BE THERE’ RALLY: West Seattle Elementary in High Point will start the new year with this tradition on Wednesday morning, community members lining a red carpet to cheer for the students as they arrive, as they’ve been doing since 2016. They’re gathering starting at 7:15 am, at the entrance that was dedicated along with the school’s added classrooms on the first day of school last year.

What else is new? Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, staffer, parent, student, neighbor, we hope to hear from you throughout the year – 206-293-6302 (text/voice) if it’s urgent, westseattleblog@gmail.com when it’s not – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: North Admiral car-theft-attempt followup; car prowled

September 3, 2024 7:14 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes so far today:

CAR-THEFT ATTEMPT FOLLOWUP: Late Friday night, we reported on a North Admiral incident in which a man fired his gun three times “in defense” after a reported car-theft attempt. No injuries or damage reported. One person was detained – a juvenile who was initially suspected of being one of the theft-attempt suspects. He was booked into the county juvenile detention center early Saturday. Juvenile cases move quickly, even over holiday weekends, so today we asked the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office what had happened in this one so far. KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney tells WSB, “The case has not been sent to us by police, and the respondent was released from detention because there was not probable cause for the arrest of this specific respondent. The investigation with police may still be ongoing, and prosecutors will review a case immediately if police send one to us.”

Also in Crime Watch, one reader report:

CAR PROWLED: From Kelly in Gatewood:

We got our car rifled through (Sunday) night in Gatewood near 39th and Southern. My fault – I think I left the car unlocked. I hardly ever do that. They opened everything and left it all out on the seats and went through the trunk. I’m not sure that they took anything. I don’t have anything valuable in there but I also can’t really remember.

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BIZNOTE: Get out on the water! Alki Kayak Tours’ fall hours

September 3, 2024 5:46 pm

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| Seen at sea | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Prime time for getting out on the water is nowhere near over. Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) has launched fall hours, and wants you to know about your options for tours, rentals, and classes:

September is here, but there’s still plenty of paddling to enjoy! Late summer/early fall is one of the best times to explore the Pacific Northwest waters with vibrant fall colors and increased wildlife sightings. Starting today, Alki Kayak Tours’ fall hours will be in effect (weather permitting):

Sea Kayak Tours (7 days a week by reservation)
•Alki Lighthouse Tour: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
•Elliott Bay Tour: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Sunset Tour: Departs 2 hours before sunset

Hourly rentals by reservation, Friday through Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Check our calendar for available classes and lessons.

Happy fall and happy paddling with Alki Kayak Tours!

AKT is headquartered at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).

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SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT: Here’s this week’s closure plan

September 3, 2024 3:17 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT, this week’s plan for Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing-project lane closures, barring a change in the forecast:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY NIGHTS, 7 PM-6 AM, AND FRIDAY NIGHT, 7 PM-10 PM (Sept. 3, 4, 5, 6):

EB Left Lanes Closure
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Open

REST OF THE WEEKEND, 10 PM FRIDAY-5 AM MONDAY (Sept. 6-9):

EB Full Closure
EB Off-Ramp to NB SR-99 OPEN.
1st Ave Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave Off-Ramp Closed

WB Inside Left Lane Closure
NB I-5 Off-Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct Closed
Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Work under way at Westwood space listed as future Panda Express

September 3, 2024 2:54 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | Westwood

For those who have asked “whatever happened to the plan for Panda Express at Westwood Village?”, our photo has two signs that work is finally under way at the former Pet Pros space, just north of QFC. (Plus, a reader walking by over the weekend reported seeing a handwritten sign on the inside of the door bearing the Panda Express name.)

We first reported last October that the space had been labeled as Panda Express on Westwood Village’s directory map, the only way the center’s semi-new owners have “announced” new tenants in recent years. The map spot labeled Panda Express has remained through multiple updates of the map since then, as well as a listing on the center’s leasing flyer (note page 4), but no signage or permit applications have appeared, nor have there been signs of work – until now. The chain has 72 locations in this state already, including Burien just to the south; to date they haven’t responded to inquiries, but we’re trying again.

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FOLLOWUP: Southwest Pool reopens

September 3, 2024 1:12 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

Also back in service as of today – Southwest Pool (file photo at right). We reported last month on the plan for two weeks of repair/maintenance work, scheduled to end in time for today’s sessions, and indeed it did – we just went to the pool to check, and the noon lap swim was under way. However, for those who have asked, the long-out-of-service hot tub was not part of this work, and it’s still not fixed, nor does pool staff have a timeframe for when it will be. Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) is the only city-owned indoor pool in West Seattle; you can see its schedule online.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Library services now all ‘back online’

September 3, 2024 12:28 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

The end of summer means a new start of sorts for the Seattle Public Library – SPL says it’s now restored the last of its services affected by the tech crisis resulting from a “ransomware attack.” That means you can again use the library’s public computers and SPL Lockers, plus its “Suggest a Title” is back. SPL said via X/Twitter that this “means that all of our services are back online and ready for you to use. Thank you for your patience, support and kind words this summer as we worked to restore our services.” The trouble began just before Memorial Day, and SPL services have been coming back online incrementally ever since.

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The list for September’s first West Seattle Tuesday

September 3, 2024 10:30 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(At Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s the list for the rest of today/tonight, a bit later than usual because of breaking news (but you can always preview the hours, days, weeks ahead via our Event Calendar):

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.

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: Future utility rates are part of what’s on the agenda as the City Council returns to its regular meeting schedule, 2 pm in council chambers at City Hall downtown. The agenda document explains how to comment, either remotely or in person. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

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

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

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

FREE TRACK RUN: Seasons change, weekly run continues – all runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.”

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join them online at 6:30 p.m. to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills! RSVP: wstoastmasters832@gmail.com. Find out more at westseattletm832.org.

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 trivia options 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? If it’s open to community members, tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: House fire in 1700 block SW Cloverdale, started in kitchen (updated Wednesday)

September 3, 2024 9:02 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

9:02 AM: Seattle Fire is headed to a house in the 1700 block of SW Cloverdale [vicinity map], for a report of smoke coming from the eaves. Dispatch reports the two people who were at home report they’re safely out of the house. Updates to come.

9:06 AM: Firefighters tell dispatch they are seeing smoke from the roof and front door.

9:09 AM: They’re reporting they have “water on the fire.”

9:18 AM: They’ve made enough progress that they’re going to start dismissing some of the crews.

9:21 PM: Added photos from our crew, who reports the smoke has dissipated. SFD says it’s ventilating. They’ll be investigating the fire’s cause.

9:30 PM: Our crew has confirmed no one was hurt and that the SFD investigator is on the way. (We’ll add whatever they determine, when that info is available.)

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB, “Investigators ruled the fire as an accidental food on stove fire that spread to cabinets.”

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CAN YOU HELP? Blood drives this week in West Seattle, and a contest

September 3, 2024 9:00 am

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| How to help | West Seattle news

Bloodworks Northwest is back in West Seattle this week and tells WSB they have room for more donors to sign up. They’re running a new prize drawing, too – here’s the announcement:

Donate blood in September and October and enter to win 2 tickets to see Billie Eilish in concert (in Portland), along with a $500 gift card for travel expenses! Double entries through Sept 7! The lucky winner will be contacted Nov 3-15, and will have 24 hours to accept their prize!

This week, Bloodworks is at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) located at 4001 44th Ave SW in West Seattle. The drives will be held in the gym from 9 am to 4 pm. Please use this link to sign up! If you can’t make it this week, follow the link to see other West Seattle donation opportunities!

Appointments are required. If you need help booking your appointment, please contact the Bloodworks Northwest DONOR CARE TEAM at 800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday

September 3, 2024 6:00 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 3, and more local schools start the year today.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:31 am, while sunset will be at 7:44 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT AND OTHER ROAD WORK

*We should get the plan today for this week’s work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. (One more reminder – there’s a new 39th/Admiral crosswalk.)

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

*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders (explained at that link).

*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. You’ll find no-parking zones and steel plates, plus flaggers.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.target=”_blank”>buses will run on a Sunday schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Note that the “unscheduled third boat” will not be available for part of this week because it’s temporarily moving to another run.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

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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