West Seattle, Washington
26 Wednesday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though the motion approved by a Sound Transit Board committee today recommends the West Seattle light-rail “project to be built,” committee members needed to be amply reassured that their vote was not a commitment that it will be built.
They got that reassurance from Terri Mestas, ST’s deputy CEO of megaproject delivery. She told System Expansion Committee members the board would have other milestone votes before a commitment to construction, while stressing that moving the project further along the design path was the only way to resolve some of the concerns.
Committee chair King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci of Bellevue observed that there are “some big questions besides cost.” But it’s the potential $7 billion price tag, which emerged with the Final Environmental Impact Statement last month, that hung in the air throughout the discussion.
7:05 PM: As it gets dark, the factors remain promising for aurora visibility again! West Seattle skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen has updated her aurora-viewing tips. West Seattle photographer Kevin Freitas sent a community invitation:
Join me tonight ~8:45pm down on Alki (64th & Alki) for some aurora viewing. This area has a great view to the north that’s relatively dark from city light pollution. Regardless, looking at photos from the east coast and elsewhere, this could be a good one and visible from wherever you are. I’ll be the guy in the bright yellow stocking cap. Bundle up because it could be cold down there!
We’ll update as the evening progresses.
7:54 PM: First photo in, via text, from a Junction-area rooftop:
Geomagnetic activity is currently well into “storm level” per this page.
8:59 PM: Alki seems to be the viewing spot of choice. Carol Ann Joyce sent this photo, one of several we’ve received from people at the beach (thank you!):
9:58 PM: Two more photos from Alki – first, from the VanCooten family:
And from Kevin Freitas, who, as mentioned above, went to the beach to lead a viewing/photo session:
10:14 PM: Also from Alki, Rosalie Miller just sent this:
6:10 PM: Our first stop on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), where Jessie Summa Russo is the guest artist. She’s highlighting work made with oil and cold wax on collage. And in addition to Viscon wines – you’ll find a table full of snacks (while they last):
From North Admiral to Morgan Junction, you have many choices for tonight’s Art Walk – see the map here, and venues’ featured artists here! Plus the Art of Music‘s three mini-concerts, until 7:45.
6:37 PM: Our second stop was one of the Art of Music hosts, Alki Arts (6030 California SW):
Terra Nova Duo is serenading Art Walk-ers there, while gallery proprietor Diane Venti hosts a multi-artist show – more on that, and photos, shortly!
6:53 PM: Diane explained that she chose “Rising Above” as the theme of the show – and the participating artists rose to the challenge.
Joanne Shellan (above) explains that she took inspiration from literally rising above – a flight in a private plane piloted by a friend. The work of Steffanie Lorig (below) is symbolic – “each animal represents strength, hope, and resilience.”
Also participating in the Alki Arts show – with a reception until 8 tonight – are Lisa Lamoureux and Steve Jensen.
We’ve been mentioning that SDOT says “a bit” of work remains to be done for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project (the SSV is the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between Highway 99 and I-5). SDOT told us late today that some of that work will be done overnight tonight, so one lane closure is planned, the inside left westbound lane, 8 pm to 6 am.
(Added: WSB photo, from South Delridge)
Just in case you missed Wednesday’s hubbub about three U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters from Joint Base Lewis McChord circling in our area, the base finally officially confirmed they were training for a flyover at tonight’s Seahawks game. The game’s about half an hour away and the helicopters are back; we just saw them flying eastward over White Center.
(Added: Photo by Jerry Simmons)
(WSB file photo)
Five months ago, we reported on Cupcake Royale‘s statement that they would eventually close its West Seattle cafés (and its others). No timeline, at the time. Now there is one – next Monday is CR’s last WS day. Here’s the announcement we received from proprietor Jody Hall:
Thank you and farewell West Seattle!
We are closing our West Seattle location. Our last day is Monday, October 14.
Come visit us!A love note from Jody – founder & ceo:
Thank you. We’ve called this corner in the Alaska Junction home for 19 years. Thanks for being a part of our journey and story. Thank you for including us into your family and celebrations. It’s been an absolute honor and pleasure to have been a part of the West Seattle community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
West Seattle was our third location in as many years after opening one of the nation’s first cupcake shops in 2003. You may recall that we announced earlier this year that we planned to close our locations once we found new tenants to take over our leases. We did this because we knew we wouldn’t survive if we continued business as usual.
Don’t fret! Cupcake Royale will still be making the city’s best cupcakes! While we’re closing our cafes (Madrona is still open – our last of the original cafes), we are NOT CLOSING Cupcake Royale. In fact, we’re expanding. We’re opening a new location on Capitol Hill (1102 E Pike Street & 11th) – across from the old Cupcake Royale locations. It’s 300sf vs 3,000sf. Our bakery in South Park (a hop-skip from West Seattle!) is also open to the public for pre-order pick ups. In fact, we’re excited to narrow our focus and team on just cupcakes – made every day, from scratch with real ingredients–from the oven to your belly.
SO COME VISIT US IN WEST SEATTLE – OUR LAST DAY IS MONDAY OCT 14!
Jody will be at the cafe over the weekend to say thanks – open 10a to 5p thru Monday. Come by and grab a box to enjoy and share with pals. We’ll have a yard sale of some classic merch and other treasures too. We’d love to see you and thank you for the love.
We invite you to continue to support our business!
Order online at CupcakeRoyale.com.
Pre-order the day before for best pricing!
Delivery available in Seattle & Bellevue.
Visit our Cafe in Capitol Hill: 1102 E Pike St
Visit our Bakery in South Park: 1605 S 93rd St
Keep it Royale West Seattle!
Thank you!
Jody
We’re following up on what’s ahead for the space.
USPS just delivered the 111-page voters’ pamphlet for the general election, a reminder that voting begins in a week. King County Elections starts sending ballots next Wednesday (October 16); KCE ballot dropboxes open next Thursday (October 17). Here’s the list of what will be on your ballot:
RACES WITH CANDIDATES (click that link for the lists with links to candidate info)
US President & Vice President (10 options)
U.S. Senator (2 candidates)
Congressional District 7, U.S. Representative (2 candidates)
Washington State, Governor (2 candidates)
Washington State, Lt. Governor (2 candidates)
Washington State, Secretary of State (2 candidates)
Washington State, State Treasurer (2 candidates)
Washington State, State Auditor (2 candidates)
Washington State, Attorney General (2 candidates)
Washington State, Commissioner of Public Lands (2 candidates)
Washington State, Superintendent of Public Instruction (2 candidates)
Washington State, Insurance Commissioner (2 candidates)
Legislative District 34, State Representative Pos. 1 (2 candidates)
Legislative District 34, State Representative Pos. 2 (2 candidates)
State Supreme Court, Justice Position No. 2 (2 candidates)
State Supreme Court, Justice Position No. 8 (1 candidate)
State Supreme Court, Justice Position No. 9 (1 candidate)
State Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 1 Judge Position No. 4 (1 candidate)
State Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 1 Judge Position No. 7 (1 candidate)
King County Superior Court, Judge Position 41 (2 candidates)
City of Seattle, Council Position No. 8 (2 candidates)
BALLOT MEASURES (click that link for the lists with links to measure info – the very short descriptions below are from that page)
State Initiative Measure No. 2066 (regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification)
State Initiative Measure No. 2109 (taxes)
State Initiative Measure No. 2117 (carbon-tax-credit trading)
State Initiative Measure No. 2124 (state longterm-care insurance)
City of Seattle Proposition No. 1 (property tax levy renewal for transportation)
So, you have 26 decisions to make on your ballot. We’ll take closer looks at the local races and issues in the days ahead.
Back in July, after this year’s Alki Art Fair, we reported that paintings had been stolen from at least two participating artists. This week, after almost three months, half a dozen stolen paintings mysteriously reappeared and are being returned to the artists. We just received that news from Elizabeth Rudrud of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum (which is on Alki, about a block and a half inland from where the fair was held). She tells WSB via email:
This week, I found, and am in the process of returning to the artists, six canvas paintings that were stolen during Alki Art Fair.
Tuesday, I arrived at the Log House Museum and found six canvas paintings placed behind a bench on our protected porch. I initially thought someone had left these as an anonymous donation for the museum, which, as this is a good opportunity to remind your readers, is always, always discouraged and doing so creates significant work for museum staff.
It was immediately apparent, however, that these paintings were not intended as a museum donation. Taped to the back of one of the canvases was a note that said “Return Paintings to Artist” with two artist names. The paintings appear in great condition. I found their websites, confirmed that these were in fact stolen artworks, and contacted the artists.
It is likely the person who initially stole these original paintings, or someone close to them, who made the right decision to return them and correctly believed that our historical society would assist. I am glad that I found these before a passerby decided to take them or weather damage occurred.
Richard Jahn picked up his paintings yesterday and described how devastated he was when they were taken. He said it felt as though he lost a family member. I have been in contact with the second artist and these will be returned to her soon.
We don’t know if that leaves any other stolen paintings unaccounted for, but will try to find out.
Two major events lead our Thursday list:
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT-RAIL ROUTING: As we reported last Friday, the Sound Transit board’s System Expansion Committee is scheduled to consider routing and station locations for the West Seattle Link Extension today. Here again is the resolution laying out the staff recommendation. The committee meets at Union Station on the south side of downtown (401 S. Jackson) at 1:30 pm; the agenda explains how to comment, either in-person or remotely, as well as how to watch/attend the meeting.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, WITH MUSIC: Second Thursday of the month is West Seattle Art Walk night! Tonight starts the fall quarter – which means a new walking map/list of participating venues, including the ones offering food/drink specials to Art Walk’ers:
To see who’s having artist receptions tonight, check out the October preview. Most are 5-8 pm but some venues are keeping different hours … Also, The Art of Music is back with three free mini-concerts, 6 pm-7:45 pm, as shown here – Sue Quigley at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), Cami Voss at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), and Terra Nova Duo at Alki Arts (6030 California SW).
Now, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are other highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall 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!
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON: 11:30-1 pm at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), this month’s focus is “Empowering DEIAB – Cultural Humility Strategies.”
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.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
SPORTS: Both high-school girls’ teams play locally today – WSHS (1-7-1) plays Seattle Academy at 4 pm at Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW); CSIHS (4-2-4) takes on Ingraham at 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
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 Delfino’s Chicago Pizza.
OPEN HOUSE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (34th/Myrtle) invites prospective families to visit, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm.
UNDER-21 OPEN MIC: The monthly open mic presented by Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) next door at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), optional theme “costumes.” Signups at 5, performances at 6.
VISCON CELLARS: In addition to participating in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk (with a reception for featured artist Jessie Summa Russo), 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!
‘ORCA RESCUE!’ AUTHOR: Donna Sandstrom tells the story of Springer – and more – as the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s featured Words, Writers, Southwest Stories speaker this month, 6 pm online. Here’s our preview; here’s the RSVP page, to get the link to watch/listen.
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: New meeting spot for the 6 pm weekly run – now from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).
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!)
VOLLEYBALL: One home match tonight, Chief Sealth IHS (8-1) hosts Rainier Beach, 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Boeing Employees Choir, which rehearses in West Seattle, is inviting singers to any of three upcoming open rehearsals. Despite the name, you do not have to be a Boeing employee to join. The rehearsals are at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska), at 6:30 pm October 15, 22, and 29. If you’re interested in participating on one of those dates, they’d love to hear from you at president@boeingchoir.org – but RSVP isn’t mandatory. The choir has openings in all sections; read more about it here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, October 10th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Increasing sunshine, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:22 am, while sunset will be at 6:29 pm.
NOTE FOR TOMORROW
Most students will be out of school Friday because of a staff in-service today.
ROAD WORK
*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm Friday (October 11) to 6 am Sunday (October 13) – as its first “six-year inspection” is completed (explained here).
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides later this month, exact date TBA. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Summer season is ending – which means no more later Friday/Saturday sailings until spring.
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:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
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.
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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