day : 21/11/2024 12 results

10:07 PM: A water-rescue response – on land and sea – is on the way to the 1300 block of Alki [map], where a car is reported to have gone into the water. Whether anyone’s still inside it is not known yet. Updates to come.

(Reader photo)

10:11 PM: Police on the scene report “no one seriously injured here,” saying the vehicle has “gone completely over the embankment.” Apparently the car is on the rocks, NOT in the water.

10:18 PM: Added reader photo looking over the scene. According to cross-reference of the license plate mentioned on police radio, the vehicle is an F-150 pickup.

10:26 PM: The water-rescue response was canceled since it was on the rocks, not submerged. This is the same block where a driver was rear-ended and pushed into the water last year.

(WSB photo)

11:23 PM: We went to the scene for a closer look. The front grille of the truck is right up against the top of the seawall. Police were awaiting a tow truck to lift it off the rocks.

ADDED SATURDAY: Finally got a summary from SPD:

Police determined that a vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed in the 1300 BLK of Alki Avenue Southwest before the driver struck a sign and drove over an approximately eight-foot drop. The vehicle was partially on the rocks, and partially on the ledge.

Police and the Seattle Fire Department arrived to check for injuries, and they cleared the vehicle; it was unoccupied. Officers spoke to several witnesses and community members that were present yet is unknown who was driving the vehicle. Any injuries the driver may have sustained are unknown.

If you have any info, the incident # is 24-330216.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Pathfinder K-8 wins Ultimate Frisbee championship

November 21, 2024 8:29 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Yet more student-athletes in West Seattle are celebrating a championship. Here’s the update we received on the Pathfinder K-8 Ultimate Frisbee team:

The Pathfinder K-8 Ultimate Frisbee team prepared well this season with an almost perfect season leading to their victory in the SPS, middle school division C final this past Saturday. Their growth as a team was obvious as they moved the disk down the field with precision and applied a stifling defense, which took all of their best weapons away from them to lead 6-1 at halftime. Our opponent, Hazel Wolf K-8 – who we fell to in our only loss this season – could not begin a comeback after the rain began in the second half. All 14 players who were available were important contributors in the 11-2 final score. Thanks to all the players, coaches John and Dominik, and all the supporters that came out to cheer the team on!

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CITY BUDGET APPROVED: From turns to turf, here’s how our area’s Councilmember Rob Saka changed it

November 21, 2024 6:31 pm

| 108 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The City Council, sitting as the Select Budget Committee, voted this afternoon to pass a budget for the next two years. They’ve made dozens of changes since Mayor Bruce Harrell first sent them a budget proposal back in September. If you want to see how, this is the key document to read. Reading through it, we note that District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s sponsored or co-sponsored changes include:

(WSB file photo)

*$2 million for what he’s calling the Delridge Safety Project, including likely removal of a divider that keeps drivers from turning left at Delridge/Holly (the budget item spells out, “for improvements to Delridge Way SW near the SW Holly St right-of-way to allow for left-turn ingress and egress from adjoining properties, including the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Bilingual Preschool”)

*$1.5 million for turf at Fairmount Playfield

*$200,000 for neighborhood business districts

*$175,000 to eliminate angled parking at Duwamish Head, a longtime request of nearby residents concerned about street disorder and gatherings (the budget item spells out “to convert angled on-street parking on Harbor Ave SW at Duwamish Head to parallel-only parking, and to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Ave SW adjacent to this location”)

*$1 million for transit security, plus a report on implementing it

*SPD reports including officer recruitment/retention and sound-enforcing technology

*$50,000 for cleaning RV sites, plus a report on RV strategy

*A report on the pothole-repair program

*A report on attracting food retailers to food deserts

The Delridge project has been the subject of much discussion; it’s something that Saka pursued even before he was a council candidate. He defends it in the newsletter he sent out after the budget vote, including:

… I became aware that certain members of the organized opposition to this project is driven by fringe ideological framing and a purist “proxy war” of sorts that seeks to pit cars against cyclists, transit riders, or pedestrians. I wholeheartedly reject this divisive narrative. The Delridge Safety Project prioritizes inclusive safety improvements for ALL road users, not one mode of transportation choice over another. …

Saka’s newsletter also explains why the field at Fairmount Park was singled out for turf conversion, saying it traces back to the survey he circulated earlier in the year after “an extensive consultation process with five local youth recreational softball/baseball leagues,” and lists these results:

The voting results data for each of the eight candidate projects are as follows:

Fairmount Park Playfield: 137 votes, earning 31% of the total vote.

Riverview Playfield: 107 votes, earning 24.2% of the total vote.

Lincoln Park South Playfield: 46 votes, earning 10.4% of the total vote.

Hiawatha Playfield: 45 votes, earning 10.2% of the total vote.

EC Hughes Playfield: 38 votes, earning 8.6% of the total vote.

Highland Park Playfield: 27 votes, earning 6.1% of the total vote.

Bar-S Playfield: 24 votes, earning 5.4% of the total vote.

Walt Hundley Playfield: 19 votes, earning 4.3% of the total vote.

Saka’s newsletter lists other points that he considers key in the final budget.

P.S. One West Seattle budget point we noted early on, disbanding the Highland Park-based Mounted Police Unit as part of the SPD budget, never came up for reversal, so it appears that unit’s end is near.

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: Today’s West Seattle updates, and what’s next

November 21, 2024 4:59 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB photo, this afternoon)

On the second day after the windstorm, some effects linger – like that huge tree across Walnut Avenue south of Hanford, with vehicles stuck beneath its branches and utility-pole damage nearby; we photographed it a few hours ago. But there’s good news for some who have been without power since Tuesday night’s storm – via comments, residents of west Charlestown/Genesee Hill say they finally have electricity again. Commenter GHMike reported:

Power was restored around 3:30 PM for the area on Genesee Hill involving 155 residents on 52nd SW and 53rd SW. between Andover and Schmitz Park(and surrounding area). Looks like crew trucks are working on the area involving 55 residents in the adjacent area between Andover and Genesee on 52nd Ave., SW and 53rd Ave., SW (which was the first reported outage on Tuesday evening on Genesee Hill).

City Light‘s map shows a little over 6,000 customers still without power, down from a six-digit total at the peak of Tuesday night’s storm. The utility says it still has “dozens of crews” in the field working on restoration.

Meantime, you might have heard some talk of another storm on the way tomorrow. There’s no alert for our area right now, but the forecast calls for “breezy” conditions, south/southeast winds possibly gustings into the 30s – considerably less powerful than what blew through Tuesday.

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools superintendent officially cancels closure meetings

November 21, 2024 3:40 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

His final decision on whether to withdraw the four-school-closure plan isn’t in yet, but Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has announced the upcoming meetings/hearings for the affected school communities are canceled/on hold. Here’s his statement released today:

We are canceling our upcoming round of online community meetings at North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo, and Stevens elementary schools. We are doing so as the board has decided to delay the December closure and consolidation hearings, in part based on important input from families that we all value. As a result, I am considering withdrawing my earlier recommendations for closure and consolidation.

Our next step is to sit down with the school board for further planning. Having community meetings before or during these conversations would not be fair at this time.

Closing and consolidating schools is one of the hardest conversations we have ever had as a community. The conversations with affected school families, with the larger Seattle Public Schools community, our staff, and our board have been productive and at times painful. We understand that no one wants their beloved school to close – and we appreciate how much you love your schools, the teachers, the staff, and the culture that helps each student thrive.

I want to thank our school community for providing feedback as we work to address our budget gap and build a sustainable system so that every student thrives.

As noted in our report on the school-board meeting that preceded this, local school board director Gina Topp will have a community-conversation meeting at 6:30 pm next Tuesday (November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), and that’s a good place to plan to voice your opinions and ask questions.

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UPDATE: Water break in Admiral

November 21, 2024 1:32 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:32 PM: Thanks for the tip. Another big incident being dispatched right now – a water-main break reported in the Admiral District, on California near College. Water’s reported to be coming up from the covers on both sides of the road. We’re on the way to check it out.

1:48 PM: Still on the way but hearing emergency responders say that while the water’s shut off, there are two big holes “in front of the Admiral Theater” that will have to be filled.

(WSB photo)

2 PM: Here now, adding photo. It’s really mainly the one hole you see in our photo. A Seattle Public Utilities crew member told us they got here fast to shut off the break but likely won’t be able to fill the hole until tomorrow – both sides of the street are lined with parked cars that will have to get out of the way. (That’s why you’ll see “no parking” signs in the area.) If you’re anywhere nearby, remember that sometimes service disturbances like this lead to discolored water. No traffic effects right now except that an SPU truck is parked in the center lane.

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UPDATE: House fire in North Delridge (added: cause)

November 21, 2024 1:20 pm

| Comments Off on UPDATE: House fire in North Delridge (added: cause)

| Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

1:20 PM: A fire call in the 4800 block of 25th SW has just been upgraded to a “full response” and arriving crews have declared it a “working fire.” Updates to come.

1:23 PM: Fire crews believe the fire is centered in the basement. They’ve found it and are putting water on it. Meantime, thanks to the neighbor who sent the photo we’ve added above. Police are blocking off surrounding streets (including Edmunds at Delridge). They’ve quickly declared the fire under control. No word of injuries so far.

1:33 PM: SFD confirms no one is hurt. They’ve searched the building and report it “all clear.”

1:40 PM: SFD has declared the fire “tapped” (out). They’ll be investigating the cause and starting to dismiss units.

ADDED FRIDAY: “Investigators ruled the fire was accidental. Likely caused by faulty electrical,” SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB.

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BIZNOTE: Emerald Water Anglers invites you to new space’s grand-opening celebration

November 21, 2024 12:37 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo – seen in new EWA space when it opened in late September)

When we first visited the new space for West Seattle’s only fishing-focused shop in September, Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), at 4707 California SW, proprietor Dave McCoy promised a proper grand-opening celebration later in the fall. That’s happening the next two days, Friday-Saturday, November 22-23. Here are some of the highlights announced by EWA:

We’ll be featuring presentations by:

–LOC Waders, maker of revolutionary breathable waders like none other, introducing themselves to the West Coast via our new space.

–Vision Fly Fishing spey rods, of which we’re proud to be the exclusive North American dealer. Let’s get one of these in your hands so you can experience it for yourself.

–Patagonia, Bruce Skinner will be in store talking about what’s new for Patagonia in the upcoming season.

To help get you excited for winter fishing and the year beyond, Dave McCoy will give presentations on fly fishing around Seattle on the 22nd and 23rd at 4 PM. We will also have resident tiers in store representing some of their favorite patterns.

Capping off Friday’s festivities, Bill Marts, longtime friend, lifelong wild-fish advocate, influential fly angler, and industry professional will be celebrating his 80th birthday with us — and we invite all of you to join.

EWA’s hours are 10 am-6 pm Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am-5 pm Sundays.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s volleyball champs head east for state showdowns

November 21, 2024 11:35 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

West Seattle High School volleyball head coach Scott Behrbaum shared that video shown at WSHS on Wednesday as his team prepared to head east today for the start of the state 3A tournament in Yakima tomorrow. After winning the district championship, the Wildcats’ next challenge is a 1:30 pm Friday match against either Stanwood or Lakes, depending on which of those teams wins its opening match hours earlier. However their first contest turns out, they’ll have a second match Friday evening. This is WSHS’s first trip to the state tournament in a half-century; you can follow their progress via the tournament bracket here.

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Anniversary party, shopping, running, feasting, more for your West Seattle Thursday

November 21, 2024 9:58 am

| Comments Off on Anniversary party, shopping, running, feasting, more for your West Seattle Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Snowy Cascade Mountains as seen from Alki – photo by Michael Rohter)

Here’s what’s happening this afternoon/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

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!

PRE-THANKSGIVING DINNER: High Point Community Center cooks up a full Thanksgiving feast one week in advance, 1-5 pm today. Dine in or take out, $12 – call in advance to be sure there’s a plate for you! Info’s in our calendar listing. Walk-ins welcome if they’re not booked up. (6920 34th SW)

DUCKS IN A ROW: Death happens to everyone eventually, so why not get your ducks in a row for end-of-life decisions? 1 pm today, it’s the third and final presentation in this series as West Seattle (Admiral) Library offers a series of presentations, today focusing on advance care directives,

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).

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 Galileo’s Pizzeria.

OUNCES TURNS 8: 5-7 pm anniversary party at Ounces with free fries and $5 beer! (3809 Delridge Way SW),

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s cozy tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

RAT CITY ART/FOOD WALK: 5-8 pm at 17 venues in White Center and South Delridge – see the list here.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park, continuing into the fall and winter after all – details in our calendar listing.

MENASHE AND SONS JEWELERS OPEN HOUSE: “Join us to celebrate the season!” 6-9 pm Thursday, November 21. 40% off the store. “Raise a glass and enjoy light bites!” FYI: Sale excludes Rolex. (4532 California SW)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: The 6 pm weekly run is now departing from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).

AT EASY STREET: Gemini Affair DJ Depeche Mike at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6-9 pm

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!)

GRIEF-SUPPORT PEER GROUP: 6:30 pm with Listening to Grief, meeting at Counseling West Seattle (6957 California SW), preregistration required – info in our calendar listing.

COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater brings laughter to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

CLOUDBREAK FESTIVAL AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm music as the citywide Cloudbreak Festival presets Carl Christiansen and the Lake Flora Band with special guest Lemonboy. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm hybrid meeting – attend in person or online. Here are agenda highlights, including police updates and holiday event previews. (6115 SW Hinds)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘OPHELIA’ AT WSHS: Second-to-last chance to catch the student production, 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School theater (3000 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: Opening night for the holiday show at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing.

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Teddy Buckspin starting at 8 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!

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HOLIDAY GUIDE: 1 week to Thanksgiving! Here’s what’s inside

November 21, 2024 9:00 am

| Comments Off on HOLIDAY GUIDE: 1 week to Thanksgiving! Here’s what’s inside

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo – seen at a Hall at Fauntleroy Thanksgiving dinner)

Just a reminder this morning that this year’s edition of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide is live and stuffed with Thanksgiving information, from ordering deadlines to free community dinners (both The Hall at Fauntleroy and the West Seattle Eagles are offering theirs again this year). For those in need, the Eastridge Church turkey giveaway is coming up this Saturday morning; the West Seattle Food Bank is not having a drive-up turkey pickup this year, but we have their Thanksgiving-week hours in the guide. Also there, you’ll find a link to our list of West Seattle restaurants and bars planning to be open on the holiday, and our coffee-shop list will be linked later today. If you have additions or changes, please let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com or (text/voice) 206-293-6302. The Holiday Guide includes lots of other info too, and we’re frequently updating it all season long!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday info

November 21, 2024 6:02 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, November 21.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Showery, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:24 am, while sunset will be at 4:26 pm.

(Wednesday photo by Christopher Boffoli)

TRANSIT

Water Taxi today – Regular service.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

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

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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