day : 26/11/2024 11 results

(Photo of J pod in Puget Sound by Maya Sears, Permit #21348)

Earlier today, we told you about the record salmon count in Fauntleroy Creek. Other fall fish have brought the Southern Resident Killer Whales to central Puget Sound – and two weeks from tonight, you’ll get to celebrate them with The Whale Trail. Here’s their event announcement:

Welcome the Orcas 2024
Celebrating the Seasonal Return of the Southern Resident Orcas to Central Puget Sound

It’s been orca-palooza in central Puget Sound this year! A larger-than-expected chum run has kept J pod here for a record-setting number of weeks. Join The Whale Trail and friends on December 10 to celebrate the orcas’ return, and learn what you can do to protect them.

Featured speakers include Capt. Alan Myers (WDFW Enforcement) who will talk about new distance regulations for boaters that take effect January 1. Researchers Mark Sears and Maya Sears will discuss their fieldwork and recent encounters with the orcas, including a rare superpod in October.

The event will also feature light refreshments and information tables from organizations including Seal Sitters, Washington Conservation Action, and American Cetacean Society, Puget Sound. Come early and get the holiday season off to a good start!

What: Welcome the Orcas 2024
Community event to Celebrate the Seasonal Return of Southern Resident Orcas to Central Puget Sound
When: Tuesday, December 10, 7 to 8:30 PM.
Doors open at 6:15
Where: Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 Fauntleroy Way SW
Tickets: $10 suggested donation, kids under 12 get in for free.
Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Program Details

Beginning Jan 1, 2025, boaters in Washington state will be required to stay 1000 yards away from southern residents. The distance is based on best available science showing the harmful impact of noise and disturbance on the ability of southern residents to find and catch their prey. Captain Alan Myers (WDFW Enforcement) will discuss the new rules, why they matter for the whales, and how boaters can comply with them.

The southern residents return to the central Sound an average of 20 days per year between October and February, following chum salmon runs. This year, the salmon run is bigger than expected and J pod has been in the area since October. NOAA-permitted researchers Mark and Maya Sears will share updates about their fieldwork and recent encounters with J, K and L pods.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the big police response in The Junction (updated)

November 26, 2024 8:03 pm

| 25 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(Texted photo)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 8:03 PM TUESDAY: Thanks to everyone who texted about a big police response on the west side of California SW north of Alaska. We just talked to SPD at the scene. They explained that a man was being disruptive – including banging on windows as if he was going to break them – and then fled when officers tried to catch up with them; once they did, a struggle ensued, so they called for backup, and that’s why the big response. The suspect eventually was taken into custody, SPD says, and will be booked for investigation of obstruction and trespassing (police say he had been kicked out of at least one business).

ADDED 1:50 PM TUESDAY: We obtained narrative from SPD. They say the original call was for a man at Alaska/California “running in and out of the street, punching nearby cars …” When the first officer arrived, they tried to talk to the 24-year-old suspect, but he took off running. The officer chased and caught him, but he continued resisting, which is when backup was summoned. Police subsequently were told that the suspect had bee causing “disturbances at multiple businesses,” the narrative says, including a bar where he was asked to leave but refused (and ultimately was escorted out), and reportedly took a swing at an employee. At another business, he reportedly got kicked out and the employees locked the door behind him. The narrative says he was taken to jail by AMR ambulance and tried to spit on the crew. He was booked into jail for investigation of Municipal Code violations for resisting arrest, obstructing a public officer, and criminal trespass.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle small businesses team up for holiday ‘passport’

November 26, 2024 5:47 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As we’ve written many times, EVERY day should be Shop Small Business Day, not just one designated date during the holiday season. That’s the idea behind this:

That’s a holiday passport for more than half a dozen small businesses from Admiral to The Junction, and Miranda from And Arlen explains, “Our goal is to focus on supporting small businesses and collecting donations for WestSide Baby throughout the next month or so.” The passport cards will be available starting on Small Business Saturday – November 30 – at the participating businesses:

1. Current Coffee
2. Hoste
3. soirée
4. PUBLIC
5. And Arlen
6. Spruce Apothocary
7. Walter’s / Upwell

For the WestSide Baby drive: “Drop a new or gently used toy, winter clothing item, or other basic needs (diapers etc) with any of us to get your 8th stamp!” Find out more here – including the prizes for which participants are eligible once they’ve collected all the stamps.

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West Seattle Junction Christmas tree gets unplanned ‘butchering.’ Who did it?

November 26, 2024 3:29 pm

| 77 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

After commenter “Anonyme” – who has identified themselves previously as a former arborist – noted that the Junction Plaza Park tree that serves as The Junction’s official Christmas tree appeared “butchered,” we went over for a look. Our photo above is what we saw. Definitely trimmed – to put it mildly – in a major way, with the lighting event just a week and a half away. We checked in with the West Seattle Junction Association to see what happened – and executive director Chris Mackay says it’s news to them, though there’s been someone doing uninvited “butchering” on other trees in the area. She wanted us to ask if anyone saw it happening, or “has photos of the culprit.” (If you do have info and/or visuals, please contact WSJA – info@wsjunction.org.) Meantime, the tree lighting will proceed anyway (6 pm-ish on Saturday, December 7), because, as Chris puts it, “we have to” – the tree lighting is part of a 4-8 pm festival that night, featuring performances, a Night Market, beer garden, and more.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 days until Thanksgiving! Here’s what our Holiday Guide is serving up

November 26, 2024 1:13 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, The Hall at Fauntleroy)

Two days until Thanksgiving! We wanted to take the chance to remind you of what you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, related to the first big holiday of the season:

FREE FEASTS: The Hall at Fauntleroy, the West Seattle Eagles, and Admiral Pub all welcome you this year

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE SHOPS: We have two lists linked in the Holiday Guide, if you’re interested in someone else doing the cooking or coffeemaking

GROCERY STORE HOURS: See who’s open (and when) and who’s not

START YOUR HOLIDAY ON THE RUN: Want to move before you eat? See the organized events

Beyond Thanksgiving, our guide lists dozens of West Seattle holiday events and activities. (If we’re missing yours, send it! Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302, any time!

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Surprise second wave of salmon spawners breaks Fauntleroy Creek record

November 26, 2024 11:38 am

| 22 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Competition was intense as sizable fish competed for spawning sites)

Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog

Since 1994 when the first coho spawners in modern history came into Fauntleroy Creek, the count has ranged from 0 to 274, with 20 per year being typical. This year, however, the count hit an all-time high: 347.

Records were also broken elsewhere in central Puget Sound, including east West Seattle’s Longfellow Creek. The reason could be that these fish found ample food during their two years in saltwater, or because of other factors yet to be determined.

On Nov. 1, volunteer watchers began documenting the first of 19 spawners in the lower creek. With no more fish for a week, the Fauntleroy Watershed Council called off the watch on Nov. 10. Dennis Hinton, Tom Trulin, and Mark Sears continued to check, just in case especially high tides brought in more.

(Mark Sears made sure drift logs did not block spawner access to the mouth of the creek)

“More” proved to be an understatement. On Nov. 14, a second wave of vigorous two- to seven-pound spawners began pouring in from Fauntleroy Cove. The daily count ranged from 76 on Nov. 15 to none by Nov. 24.

The council had hosted an open creek for the general public during the first wave. Now without watchers on duty every day to ensure visitor safety, organizers instead invited volunteers to stop by and bring guests. All told, at least 400 visitors came during spawning season, including student groups ranging from preschool to high school.

With so many fish trying to leave fertilized eggs in the gravel, tens of thousands of eggs were lost to birds and other predators. How much “home hatch” results will be evident in mid winter when any surviving fry will emerge from the gravel to start feeding in the creek.

(Dennis Hinton with a board full of tick marks)

“The real benefit of such a glut of spawners is what it indicates about water quality,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “Hatcheries would have released most of these fish as smolts. Without a home creek or river to return to, spawners sniff for clean water.

“The fact that they found it here is a testament to how successful this community and our agency partners have been in restoring this small urban creek to health and keeping it that way.”

The council will have more extensive summary of spawning season in its 2024 annual report; watch for it in late January at fauntleroywatershed.org.

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New play area ahead for Southwest Teen Life Center. What do you want to see?

November 26, 2024 10:45 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Westwood

(Added: WSB photo, current SWTLC play area)

Seattle Parks says the Southwest Teen Life Center play area – on the south side of the building that also houses Southwest Pool – is getting an overhaul. Parks just announced a December 10th event for community feedback, 4-6 pm at the site (2801 SW Thistle). The design team will be there. The play area dates back to when the facility was a full-service commuity center; Parks’ announcement says, “All ages are encouraged to participate as we consider adding elements for teens at the site. This project will replace the existing play equipment and make necessary accessibility improvements. The equipment will include play structures and seating for children of all abilities.” Construction isn’t expected to start until 2026, but they’re looking for design opinions now. Funding – estimated at $720,000 – is coming from the King County Parks Levy.

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Talk with your school-board director, discuss a Christmas movie, play trivia, more for your West Seattle Tuesday!

November 26, 2024 9:54 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Dan Ciske)

Here are highlights of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead, and our West Seattle Holiday Guide:

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states – the work continues post-election – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), followed by volunteering with Food Lifeline.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: The board meets online at 5 pm to officially accept the superintendent’s withdrawal of the school-closure plan; here’s the agenda, which explains how to watch.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

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.

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

FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD MEMBER: 6:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, join West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp for her periodic community-conversation meeting – any Seattle Public Schools topic that you want to discuss.

‘CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN’: Film and discussion, 6:30-8:30 pm. Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Free movie screening and discussion of “Holy Night,” by the producers of “The Chosen” series. Christmas cookies and popcorn, too! All welcome!

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 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! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 5: Now there are five trivia options for Tuesday – new, 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … 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? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: Gray whale off southwest West Seattle

November 26, 2024 9:18 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Whales

9:18 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the sighting tip – a gray whale was spotted off The Arroyos, and we’re told several watchers are looking south from the Fauntleroy ferry dock. Let us know (24/7 text is 206-293-6302) if you see it!

9:59 PM: Here’s video recorded by Dave, a member of Kersti’s text-alert group:

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YOU CAN HELP: If you have a few extra hours, The Center for Active Living has possibilities

November 26, 2024 9:00 am

| Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: If you have a few extra hours, The Center for Active Living has possibilities

| How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo by Holli Margell)

The Center for Active Living runs on volunteer power. That means you, if you have a little extra time. Volunteer coordinator Danny Perez says this is what they’re looking for right now:

The Center for Active Living (formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle) at 4127 SW Oregon St is currently in need of volunteers to fill various positions. Volunteers can enjoy connecting with fellow volunteers and seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment. The Center is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions:

Café Attendant: Mondays and/or Fridays from 11 am-2 pm; take customer orders and prepare sandwiches and salads in The Center’s onsite café

Dining Room Attendant: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 10am-1pm; Serve beverages and prepared meals to seniors participating in our Community Dining program

Retail Sales Clerk/Cashier: provide general customer assistance in The Center Thrift Shop

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

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

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

November 26, 2024 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Pre-holiday Tuesday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, November 26, two days until Thanksgiving. (See our West Seattle Holiday Guide for everything you need to know on Thanksgiving – open restaurants and coffee shops, supermarket hours, free dinners …)

SCHOOLS

No classes at Seattle Public Schools elementaries and K-8s, since it’s conference time, but middle and high schools ARE in session..

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, slight chance of showers, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:31 am, while sunset will be at 4:22 pm.

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. Triangle Route will run the weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

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 beneath 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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