West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
When we first heard one year ago about the Guinea Fowl (no, they’re not turkeys) roaming north of The Junction, there were four. Most of the sightings and photos we’ve received since then were of just two. Then this week, we started hearing from people about sightings of three – and today, we finally received a photo (thanks, Mariya!). To recap, the birds are reported to have a home, but they roam during the day and have often been seen on the east side of the Junction business district – sometimes in the street. The Seattle Animal Shelter told us last spring they had tried to capture them, but were not successful.
(September 11, 2023, photo courtesy “Boating Motes”)
Washington State Ferries, long strapped for vessels, is going to be without one of its biggest boats for an extra year. WSF announced this morning that the conversion of M/V Wenatchee to hybrid-electric, under way for about a year at Vigor on Harbor Island (the photo above is from the day it was towed there), won’t be complete until next summer. The work was supposed to be complete by now. WSF’s announcement says it’s not just conversion work but also “the necessary and long-planned upgrade to its aging propulsion system” that’s under way. The announcement quotes WSF’s System Electrification Program administrator Matt von Ruden as saying, “There are no issues with the technology itself, but as is common with major vessel retrofits, we have faced some challenges in working this new technology into the existing vessel.” They’ll be applying lessons learned to the next two Jumbo Mark II class ferries scheduled for conversion at Vigor; WSF says the next one, M/V Tacoma, won’t be taken out of service until Wenatchee is back in operation. So far the remaining work includes installation of thousands of feet of electric and fiber optic cable plus installation of battery modules, and once all the work’s done, they’ll have at least a month of sea trials and other testing. The conversion will give the ferries the ability to run on diesel, battery, or hybrid-diesel battery. Though these boats don’t serve the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, news of the longer downtime is of note systemwide with the ongoing vessel shortage.
ADDED 1:26 PM: We asked WSF spokesperson Suanne Pelley specifically about any Triangle Route impacts. First, she reiterated that Tacoma won’t go in until Wenatchee is out. Here’s the response:
In the big picture, we will not begin conversion and propulsion work on the Tacoma, the next of our largest vessels to undergo hybrid-electric conversion, until the Wenatchee returns to service so this news does not change the immediate status of available vessels. The Chimacum, a 144-car Olympic Class vessel, will continue to run on the Seattle/Bainbridge route while Wenatchee is out.
For Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth, we will continue to operate the third “bonus” boat when we have crew and a vessel available. Starting on Sunday, with the start of fall schedule, we expect to be able to run the third, unscheduled vessel seven days a week instead of M-F as we’ve been doing all summer, providing more consistency and helping to keep the weekend service on schedule.
Another quick weekend preview – the West Seattle Art Tour (previously known as Art Hop and Shop) is just two days away, on Saturday (September 21). You can plan in advance which of the participating studios you want to visit – here’s the latest from organizers:
The 2024 West Seattle Art Tour is this Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 5 pm! Tour 14 artist-hosted locations across West Seattle on this free, self-guided tour. The event features a full spectrum of art, a chance to meet and talk with 55 participating artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods.
How does it work?
Head over to the West Seattle Art Tour Plan Your Tour page, where you can plot your route using the online map, print off a paper copy of the map, and view a virtual gallery and artist directory. Tour stops are organized from south to north, with Daniel Bernunzio’s Highland Park studio at Stop No. 1 and Jan Koutsky’s Admiral studio at Stop No. 14. Each host artist has opened their space to guest artists who live, work, teach or contribute to West Seattle’s vibrant art community.
Past tour guests recommend previewing the tour stops and planning your route with a paper map ahead of time, then using the online map to navigate across West Seattle. On Saturday you’ll be ready to head out to discover new work, meet the artists, and enjoy a day full of art!
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by an all-volunteer committee of more than 20 artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com.
(Wednesday photo of Elliott Bay by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
If you haven’t already checked the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop late-summer-and-beyond plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: A presentation on the newly published West Seattle Link Final Environmental Impact Statement is on the agenda for the Sound Transit Board‘s Executive Committee meeting at 1:30 pm. Here’s the agenda, with info on how to comment and how to watch online.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Tummy Yummy at HPCS.
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Fifth of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two home contests on the schedule – in girls’ soccer – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Roosevelt, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle), and in volleyball, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Seattle Academy,7 pm (2600 SW Thistle).
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle!
TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE: Some tickets are expected to be available at the door – 5:30 pm VIP entry, 6 pm general admission, almost 30 food and beverage purveyors offering tastes and sips at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank – here’s the newest info.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM EXHIBIT OPENS: 6-8 pm, first chance to see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit at the home of West Seattle’s history! RSVP and find out more by going here. (61st/Stevens)
PAINT AND SIP: Get creative, 6 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Half-hour general meeting before board working session, 7 pm, online. Agenda and connection info are in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Naima Bock performs free, all-ages in-store show, 7 pm. (4559 California SW)
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Second week for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
We’re still just a few weeks into the new school year, and some things are still getting settled – like a roster of volunteers to help local kids via Invest in Youth. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Can you give 1 hour, 1 day a week to be a volunteer tutor for the 2024-25 school year?
Invest in Youth is currently accepting applications for volunteer tutors! Tutors are paired with a 3rd-5th grade scholar at any one of our several Seattle Public School locations, starting in late October 2024 through mid-May 2025.
What makes Invest in Youth tutoring so unique is its emphasis on being both academic-focused and relationship based. Tutors have the same student over the course of the school year. Our mission is to help students to believe in themselves and become confident, capable, and resilient learners. “I feel like I can be myself with my tutor,” says last year’s student at Sanislo Elementary.
You can choose to be a tutor or a substitute tutor at any one of our 5 schools most convenient for you. In West Seattle:
Tuesdays, 2:40 PM – 3:40 PM @ Roxhill Elementary (at EC Hughes)
Thursdays, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM @ Sanislo Elementary
No experience is necessary; just a commitment to showing up for a young person and providing caring learning support. Tutors typically work on math skills, reading fundamentals as well as being a friend and mentor to their students. Time is spent in the classroom with other student-tutor pairs and materials are provided. An SPS teacher and Invest in Youth staff member are also onsite with you and available to help.
Our youth today have experienced a wide range of Covid learning loss. By joining our volunteer community, you can help to bridge that gap by giving a student 1:1 learning support and mentorship to help them thrive.
Adults as well as high school juniors and seniors (in strong academic standing) are welcome to apply. This is a great opportunity to give the gift of mentorship and for students to receive credit for service learning hours throughout the year.
Learn more at InvestinYouth.org | Questions? Please contact Jenny Ho, Invest in Youth Program Manager (jho@investinyouth.org)
6:03 AM: This is the fifth day that the West Seattle low bridge is closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling) because of crash damage:
Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT
Metro buses today – Regular schedule
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Patchy morning fog, then partly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:53 am, while sunset will be at 7:11 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*SDOT made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding work tonight – see the plan here.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
STADIUM ZONE
Day game for the Mariners, 1:10 pm vs. NY Yankees
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
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.
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!
(District video of Wednesday night’s board meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Seattle Public Schools Board directors stopped short of telling Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to throw out the two closure-plan options he unveiled last week and start over – but at times during their meeting tonight, that seemed like a possibility.
West Seattle/South Park director Gina Topp even tried to propose a resolution asking him to promptly draw up a third option that would close only a handful of schools, but she was ultimately dissuaded, with questions about whether that was appropriate without advance public notice.
The board’s mostly critical words about the “Well-Resourced Schools” plan, meant to shrink the SPS system in hopes of covering up to a third of a nearly $100 million budget gap, followed a presentation by district executives, primarily Dr. Jones and Dr. Marni Campbell, who’s in charge of the plan. (Here’s the slide deck, which also attempted to address some of the concerns/questions they said they’d been receiving.)
A few quick toplines from last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting:
FAUNTLEROY YMCA UPDATE: As noted here recently, the Fauntleroy YMCA branch – once in danger of closing – recently expanded its hours. New administrator Ethan Clark told the FCA board that the number of people using the Y has steadily increased since the start of the year, but there’s still quite some way to go before the location is sustainable. There has been an increase in use over the summer, which he said was encouraging, as usage traditionally falls off inJune, July, and August. Also of note: Some youth sports have been added, including indoor pickleball and basketball.
POLICE UPDATES: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Nate Shopay said Fauntleroy’s crime stats have stayed steady. Asked if three recent commercial burglaries, including Wildwood Market and The Birdhouse, were believed to be related, he said not so far – there are no “pattern” crimes being investigated in the Fauntleroy area right now.
FALL FESTIVAL: This year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, 2-5 pm Sunday, October 20, is taking shape. So far The School Of Rock is one of the musical groups scheduled, plus the bunny petting zoo is returning, and they’ve booked a magician who also does balloon animals. The Fall Festival is entirely powered by donations and volunteers, and got a big boost from a fundraiser at The Birdhouse earlier in the day that raised $900.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN HUNT: FCA is presenting it 1-3 pm on Sunday, October 27, and needs volunteers to help hide pumpkins. If you can help, contact Candace Blue at blueyvette47@gmail.com.
FERRIES: President Mike Dey recapped the most-recent Community Advisory Group meeting for the ferry-dock replacement (WSB coverage here); also note, Washington State Ferries has two systemwide online community meetings next week.
NEXT MEETING: FCA’s board meets second Tuesdays, 6 pm, most months, but rescheduled this one so people could watch the presidential debate. Next month’s meeting will be October 8.
Chanting “keep schools open” and “fund our schools,” hundreds of people of all ages rallied outside Seattle Public Schools headquarters in SODO this afternoon, before the school board meeting with an update on the newly proposed school-closure options. The district faces a budget shortfall of almost $100 million, and is looking at closures to cover up to a third of that. Two of the West Seattle schools facing possible closure were amply represented in the crowd:
The “Option A“ proposal, which would close 21 schools citywide for an estimated savings of $31.5 million, would close Lafayette and Sanislo Elementaries and Boren STEM K-8, as well as changing Pathfinder from a K-8 option school to a regular elementary school. The “Option B“ proposal, which would close 17 schools for an estimated savingd of $25.5 million, would close Boren and Sanislo. The rally, organized by the All Together for Seattle Schools coalition, was intended to focus on two points – prevent closures, and enable that by convincing legislators to “amply” fund schools. Speakers included Lafayette parent Brooke Fox, contending – as did other speakers – that the closure plan would result in the opposite of the “well-resourced schools” district administrators say would remain:
Other speakers included former School Board director Vivian Song, who said she would vote against closures if she were still on the board, and 43rd Legislative District State House Rep. candidate Shaun Scott, who said legislators must fully fund education and could do so by closing “corporate loopholes.” After a few more speakers, many attendees went into the building for the board meeting, chanting as they entered:
As we publish this, the board meeting continues and they’re discussing the closure proposals. No vote scheduled tonight; next major development is regional community meeting, with West Seattle’s meeting set for 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 25, preceded by local board rep Gina Topp’s community meeting 5-6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW). We’ll have a separate report later about tonight’s meeting. (Added: Find that here.)
(WSB photo from spring 2024 Recycle Roundup)
Lots going on this weekend, so we’re starting the reminders now – first, if you have unwanted items you can’t recycle at curbside, this Saturday (September 21) is the day every fall when you can bring those items to the free Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. 9 am-3 pm Saturday at 9140 California SW, drive up, ride up, or walk up, and drop off, between 9 am and 3 pm. Here’s the list of what the church’s Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will – and won’t – take, this time.
No photo (yet), but Thomas emailed today to say the future Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic at 3400 California SW is getting painted, and to ask when it’s opening. It’s now been 3 1/2 years since the health-care organization announced it would take over the former Swedish building, plagued by vandalism and burglary over those many vacant months. So we sent the question to VMFH’s media team and received this response attributed to Franciscan Medical Group COO Jane Root:
We’re excited to open the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion – West Seattle (3400 California Ave.) in the coming months to bring services including primary care, cardiology, women’s health, gastroenterology, and more to the community. We are targeting opening before the end of year 2024 and will keep you apprised of the grand opening details.
The original announcement had targeted fall 2021 for the facility’s opening. Swedish was in the building previously and moved to The Junction.
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
12:49 PM: You may have already heard about the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales’ new baby, born just days ago in L Pod. But before the official orca-documenting organizations started circulating the news, the photographer who took these photos was first to see the little one, L128, with its mom, L90. We heard about this from West Seattle’s Kersti Muul, who often tips us about orca sightings; she explained that her friend Ashley Whitman had spotted the new calf. We contacted Ashley to ask for permission to use her photos.
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
She explains that her sighting was “the first documented encounter with new calf L128 and mom L90, on Sunday, September 15 at 12:49 pm on the west side of San Juan Island.” [vicinity map] Later, she adds, a research boat showed up:
(Photo by Ashley Whitman)
On Monday, the Center for Whale Research and SR3 checked on mother and baby; CWR reported that day, “The calf (L128) is VERY new; it’s tiny and has very clear fetal folds. Our best guess is that it was born within the last three days. We can also confirm that the calf is nursing and moving normally.” Mom L90, also known as Ballena, is 31 years old; this is reported to be her first known calf. L Pod is the largest of the three Southern Resident pods. P.S. Fall is historically when Southern Residents come into the central Sound, chasing salmon, so there’s a chance the new baby might make an appearance nearby.
ADDED 6:24 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail has two important reminders;
While of course it is good news that there is a new calf, there is cause for concern: L90 is a first-time mom, and she stayed behind when the southern residents exited the Sound over the weekend. While we hope for the best for L90 and her calf, we do so with the understanding that the survival rate of an orca calf in its first year is less than 50%, and that the separation from the rest of the pod is very unusual. We know how much people care about these whales, and we want to be sure that everyone is fully informed.
Boaters can help L90 and her calf by staying 1,000 yards away from them. Take the pledge to Give Them Space, and report violators to 800-853-1964.
(Looking east on SW Trenton)
10:57 AM: As announced by the city via signage last week, the cleanup operation is under way at the SW Trenton encampment site between Westwood Village and Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Workers from multiple city departments and agencies are at the scene. We checked starting at 7 am; the crews showed up around 8:30 am, and a supervisor told us they would be starting at 9. One RV and one trailer remained in the area then (six had been there until recently); when we returned for these photos a short time ago, one trailer remained.
(Looking west on SW Trenton)
We will be checking back later and also asking the city for the information they usually provide afterward, such as how many people they contacted and whether any vehicles were towed (one tow truck was at the scene but appeared to be in standby mode).
11:54 AM: Our photographer went through the area again and says the clearance appears to be over. (Photo added above)
(Western leafcutter bee ‘foraging in sunflower patch,’ per photographer Rosalie Miller)
Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the days and weeks ahead – we add to it frequently):
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SCHOOL-CLOSURE PROTEST: Supporters of local schools on the potential-closure lists plan to participate in a protest at 3:45 pm outside Seattle Public Schools‘ SODO HQ (3rd Ave. S. and S. Lander), as previewed here.
DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Fourth of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
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).
CREATE ‘BEE SIPPERS’: 6-9 pm Potterings class with Lora at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), $40 – our calendar listing has details, including how to reserve your spot.
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’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).
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Free! Join Alice Kuder from Just In Case for a fun, fast 45-minute start on your preparedness journey, 6:30 pm at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP, for tonight or any of the six other free parties Alice has planned.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two options! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’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!
Family and friends will gather October 4 to remember John Enger. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:
John Enger was born in Princeton, MN on January 30, 1949 to Harold and Phyllis Enger. The family moved to Seattle in 1955. John graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967. In 1971 he graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Washington, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a track and field athlete.
John married his first wife, Jackie, in 1971 and they welcomed Ian on August 1, 1974.
In 1971 John began working for what would later become known as The Banana Pages, a local independent yellow page publisher. He would go on to become the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Co-Owner before selling the company in 1997/98 and retiring in 2005.
John married Karin in December of 1984. On November 12, 1986, their daughter Tori was born.
Rotary was a pivotal part of John’s life. He joined the West Seattle Rotary Club in 1975. Throughout his time in Rotary, he had held almost every position within the club. He served as the District Governor of Rotary District 5030 for the 2014/15 term. He truly upheld the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” John was always willing and eager to help in any way he could – for Rotary, for the community, for friends, and for his family.
John loved being a father, but he loved being a grandpa even more. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was so proud of Ian’s children, Treyton and Marissa. He loved spending time with Tori’s children, Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan. Even when he was no longer able to communicate well, just seeing his grandchildren would put a big smile on his face.
John lived a life full of things he loved. He cherished his time with the “boys,” hiking, shrimping, spending time in Chelan, “The Feast,” etc. Some of his dearest friendships lasting nearly 70 years. He loved traveling with Karin, especially cruising. They traveled to six continents together, including Ethiopia for a Rotary International Polio Vaccination project. John and Tori also traveled to Kenya together on another Rotary project. One of his greatest passions was Seattle sports. A Charter Season-Ticket Holder for the Seattle Seahawks, John rarely missed a game. He loved his Seahawks, Huskies, and even his sometimes painful to love Mariners. Beyond following his beloved teams, he was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia.
After a very fast but brutal battle with bile duct cancer, John passed away July 30, 2024. John is survived by wife Karin, daughter Tori and grandchildren Blake, Charlotte, and Jordan, son Ian and grandchildren Treyton and Marissa, and brother Tryg. We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 4th at South Seattle College Brockey Center starting at 1:00 pm. Please wear Seattle sports apparel in honor of John. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s name to help eradicate polio.
(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)
6:03 AM: Again today, we begin with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):
No estimate yet how long it will be until SDOT finishes repairing “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.
This morning’s other notes:
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro buses today – Third weekday since the twice-yearly service change – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:51 am, while sunset will be at 7:13 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*SDOT has made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding Thursday night work – we’ve updated here. Tonight: Eastbound left lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):
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.
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!
The flyer was sent by a friend of the missing man – who lives in Ballard but has West Seattle ties, including a longtime Seattle Parks job at Delridge Community Center:
Kevin’s friend Andrew tells us the missing man, a lifelong Seattleite, was last seen September 1. His family has already checked hospitals and jails around the region but no luck. They’re casting the net as wide as they can in the hopes he’ll be found.
An apartment fire in High Point on Sunday didn’t bring a huge response, so it didn’t hit our radar, but we’ve since learned it has left two people and two cats dealing with the aftermath. Both people work at Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), which has organized a crowdfunding campaign and request for other help:
Dear West Seattle community,
Hanna Oatts (on the left), our newest Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care employee, recently experienced a major apartment fire that destroyed most of her belongings and has left her and her sweet kitties, Dillinger (16) & Bubba (12), without a home. The fire occurred while good friend Stina Borst (on the right, also an employee of NN!) was catsitting, resulting in a loss of many of her belongings as well. Both humans and kitties are safe and unharmed (but exhausted) and need your support.
Please consider donating what you can via our GoFundMe campaign on their behalf.
Do you, or someone you know, have resources to provide access to any of the following
-Temporary housing
-Kitty fostering
-Possibly, a more permanent long-term lease in the West Seattle, White Center, Burien areas (studio or 1 bedroom apartment preferred)
-Legal assistance, support navigating tenants rights in WA stateIf so, please email hello@neighborhood-naturopathic.com
Thank you for your assistance,
Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care team
Six days after Seattle Public Schools announced two options for closing schools to save money, school closure opposition is intensifying.
‘SAVE OUR STEM’ RALLY: That flyer is being circulated on behalf of Louisa Boren STEM K-8, the Delridge option school that is on both of the proposed closure-option lists. The rally is just before tomorrow’s school board meeting, 3:45 pm Wednesday outside district HQ, the John Stanford Center, at 3rd and Lander in SODO. Organizers ask supporters to bring signs with the SAVE OUR STEM message. (9:30 pm update – As noted in comments as well as at a neighborhood-group meeting we attended tonight, Lafayette, which is on one of the possible-closure lists, is organizing too, and closure opponents have set up this website.)
BOARD MEETING: The school board then meets at 4:15 pm tomorrow inside the Stanford Center. The agenda has a long list of people signed up for the public-comment period (116 just on the waitlist!), as well as business items including an update on the closure proposal (aka “well-resourced schools”). The agenda item for that includes this summary of what’s currently under consideration.
‘ALL TOGETHER FOR SEATTLE SCHOOLS‘: This group is organizing citywide to oppose closures. A West Seattle parent who went to an off-peninsula organizing meeting over the weekend shared a photo and notes:
All Together for Seattle Schools identified two essential paths to save our schools:
1. Say NO to the School District DRAFT
-Oppose budget cuts and school closures.
-Our steadfast goal is to maintain great community schools for all children without compromise.2. Take Legislative Action
-We are mobilizing to demand fully funded schools from representatives, candidates and more.
-Applying pressure on the legislature to secure full funding for our schools is imperative.Key Points:
Current Situation: Closing schools will address only $31 million of a daunting $91 million deficit. The remaining $60 million will need to be cut from the schools that remain open, leading to under-resourced schools, potential teacher layoffs and no guarantee of support for the influx of students moving from closed schools.
Funding Trends: Pre-pandemic, Washington State dedicated 50% of its budget to funding schools. That figure has now decreased to 42%. We must urge legislators to restore full funding.
Timing: The school district is set to vote on school closures this fall, with closures to take effect within a year. The state legislative session begins in January, with budget approval expected by spring. The school district is moving too soon to apply pressure in Olympia.
Community Mobilization:
All Together for Seattle Schools aims to sidestep the efforts to pit schools against each other and instead unify all communities.
-Highlight stories from families, especially those who struggle to attend board meetings and require vital services.
-Distribute fliers outside schools, at farmers markets, and local sports events.
-Network with sympathetic public figures, board members, and local political candidates.
-Involve local businesses that will be affected by reduced community foot traffic.
-Organize families willing to speak to the media.
-Advocate through letters to school boards and state legislators.
-Foster hope and belief that collective action can save our schools.
They’re looking for volunteers to help with all of the above; here’s their contact form.
UPDATE – COMMUNITY-MEETING DATES: The district has yet to send out its promised list of upcoming community meetings on the closure proposals (according to West Seattle’s school board director Gina Topp, 6:30 pm September 25 is the tentative time for this area’s meeting). 9:30 pm update – Thanks to the parent who forwarded what the district sent parents but has not yet posted online nor sent to the media. Here are two meeting times of potential interest to people here:
Online: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting (Families and staff will soon receive the Zoom meeting link, and the link will be posted on our website.)
Southwest Region: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. Genesee Hill Elementary, 5013 SW Dakota St.
(back to original) After those meetings, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones is expected to settle on a final proposal next month, followed by hearings at schools proposed for closure, and final board action by year’s end.
(SDOT photo)
4:57 PM: An SDOT crew has removed the low-bridge barrier “severely damaged” when a suspected drunk driver hit it at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our report on the crash). As explained yesterday, that was an important next step so they could take it to the repair shop and evaluate it to see whether it can be fixed or needs to be replaced. Once they’ve done that, SDOT will be able to estimate when the bridge can reopen to drivers; bicyclists and pedestrians can use it, but people in motor vehicles can’t. In addition to the barrier, the gate-control panel and wiring were damaged too, and those are being worked on. Since the barrier’s gone, here’s what’s in place across the bridge instead:
(SDOT camera screenshot)
If any other updates emerge tonight, we’ll add them here.
7:28 PM: SDOT has published an update, including this:
If the repairs are not completed before the weekend, crews would continue working on repairs over the weekend and we would reduce the scale of work on the nearby Spokane St Viaduct paving project to make sure that people have access to get on the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge from SODO.
You can read more – and see more photos of the damaged barrier – here.
Also, SPD published a blotter post tonight about the crash – no new information beyond what we’ve already reported here, but some photos taken that night by responders are part of it.
(Beach cleanup in Alaska – photo courtesy Ocean Conservancy)
West Seattle already has a strong cleanup community (A Cleaner Alki is testament to that), and this Saturday an international cleanup effort, coast to coast and pole to pole, is leading an event here and inviting you to participate. From the announcement we received today:
Ocean Conservancy, a national environmental NGO headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with offices in Bellingham and other coastal cities across the country, is partnering with Puget Soundkeeper to bring its flagship International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) event to Seattle. Volunteers are invited to join the world’s largest beach and waterway cleanup movement at Statue of Liberty Plaza at Alki Beach on September 21, 2024. Breakfast, lunch, and cleanup supplies will be provided. (Register here.)
“Over a garbage truck’s worth of plastics – much of it single-use – enters the ocean every minute, where they accumulate year after year,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Conservation Cleanups, Allison Schutes. “While it’s critical that we turn off the tap of plastics flowing into the environment through prevention measures, we also need to clean up what’s already out there. Every piece of plastic collected and recorded as part of the International Coastal Cleanup informs important research and advocacy and makes a tangible difference for our ocean and the creatures that call it home.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Ocean Conservancy on this flagship cleanup at one of the most iconic beaches in the Pacific Northwest,” said Sean Dixon, Executive Director of Puget Soundkeeper, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024. “This year’s event will bring families, neighbors, activists, and community champions out to help safeguard this vital ecosystem. Plastics in our environment are superhighways transporting toxic chemicals into the food web and, especially during salmon migrations, are a literal poison pill for our already endangered and threatened fisheries. Every little piece of trash collected helps save a salmon.”
Partners in Washington state have been participating in Ocean Conservancy’s ICC for 36 years. Since 2019, in the Puget Sound area alone, nearly 9,000 volunteers have removed close to 200,000 individual pieces of trash, weighing a whopping 75,000 pounds. Meanwhile, Washington state has been at the forefront of plastics policy. The state has banned plastic foam foodware, including clamshell containers, plates and cups, as well as single-use foam coolers and packing peanuts; and last year, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law legislation designed to reduce single-use water bottles, other plastic packaging, and plastic foam docks. …
Globally, since the first ICC in 1986, over 18 million volunteers have joined local cleanup efforts big and small to remove over 385 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways, making it the largest beach and waterway cleanup in the world. At last year’s ICC, over 486,000 volunteers collected nearly 8 million pounds of trash globally, including nearly 2 million cigarette butts, over 1.3 million beverage bottles, and over 850,000 bottle caps. Ocean Conservancy is expecting an even larger turnout in 2024.
Every year, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic waste are estimated to enter the ocean, impacting more than 1,300 species of marine life, including seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals. Plastics never fully breakdown in the environment and instead, break into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. Microplastics are being found everywhere scientists look, from the depths of the Mariana trench to mountain tops, and even our dinner tables, showing up in proteins, salt, and even drinking water.
The cleanup is set for 9 am-noon Saturday (September 21); you can register here.
As we – with your help – continue documenting the coyote resurgence, we publish sighting reports for awareness, not alarm:
The photo is from Michael, who reports: “Coyote spotted walking on 39th Ave from Willow toward Morgan St. [last night]. It seemed healthy but obviously should be avoided.”
South of there, from JP in Gatewood:
A very healthy coyote was in my back yard twice midday 9/16 sniffing air where bunnies graze. I shooed it away from safety of my deck. It was not skittish. My son saw a smaller one later. Sadly, neighbors found a dead cat in their driveway (white paws & tail). It was covered. SW 39th & Othello. Watch out for your roaming cats.
(And it should be noted that coyotes are far from the only threat to small unattended domestic animals.)
We also have a cluster of sightings from last week. One anonymous reader reported, “I saw a coyote at the intersection of Palm and SW Massachusetts (last Tuesday) morning (~6 am).” About that same time, also in North Admiral, Brenda reports a cat was killed in an attack that neighbors attributed to a coyote, though none was seen. That night, near 20th/Holden, Jon reported that he “heard a noise out front and went to look. I knew they were coyotes, maybe 3 to 4 that were attacking something in the bushes. It was loud and they moved to my neighbors’ driveway. I threw a chunk of 2×4 at them and they took off.”
Scaring them off is part of experts’ advice on how to encourage coyotes to keep their distance. Here’s the short version of state Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations.
(King County Assessor website photo)
After less than six months on the market, the major Admiral Junction commercial building on the northeast corner of California Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way has a new owner. We reported back in March – after Wells Fargo, the building’s then-owner, closed its branch – that the 25,000-square-foot site at 2358 California SW was going up for sale. It was originally listed for $7.6 million and sold last Friday for $6.3 million. The new owner is Mercer Island-based commercial investor/developer Henbart, whose other properties are in neighborhoods including Magnolia, Ballard, and Edmonds. We’re inquiring with the new owner; in the meantime, a source close to the deal says they have no current plans to redevelop the property – zoned for mixed-use development up to 75 feet, as are the parcels on the other three corners of Admiral/California – but are looking for a new tenant for the ex-bank space and “have had a lot of interest.” (Thanks to Jason for the tip about the deal, first reported by the DJC.)
SIDE NOTE: The building kitty-corner across the intersection, where Quality Cleaners closed four years ago, is shown online as still on the market, listed for $1.5 million.
| 20 COMMENTS