day : 03/12/2024 12 results

Following up on the man arrested for allegedly robbing the Westwood Village McDonald’s last week – he isn’t charged in that case yet, but he’s being held on another case in which he is charged (that’s the warrant we mentioned the night of the arrest). He’s 36-year-old Cody L. Bowlin, charged back in October 2023 with three counts of ID theft linked to a stolen purse and attempts to use stolen cards at businesses in Burien. The case has a lengthy trail – he didn’t show up for his initial arraignment in late October of last year, so a warrant was issued. He was finally back in custody in January, but released to an alternative program after two weeks, with orders to report withn 24 hours. He never showed. Another warrant was issued in May; he wound up in custody in June and was sent to treatment in Spokane. He was released to another alternative program in July, and never showed up for that, so another warrant was issued in August. That’s what he was arrested on last week, besides the alleged robbery (after which, police say, they recovered the screwdriver he allegedly used as a weapon, plus the stolen cash box and “a plethora of burglary tools”). His current bail for the ID theft case is set at $15,000. Court records show no previous felony cases against him in King County.

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Up on the roof

December 3, 2024 8:50 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s Christmas lights spotlight shines on the roof of homes about a block east of Chief Sealth International High School, on the south side of Thistle [map]. The roof’s configuration is a perfect platform to line with inflatable Christmas characters.

Got a display to suggest? With or without photos? We’re planning a spotlight every night so we appreciate your tips as in years past, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302.

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Two Festivals of Trees to see!

December 3, 2024 6:51 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Festivals of Trees to tell you about tonight – one event tomorrow, and one with many chances to see the trees, plus both with ways for you to do more than look:

WEST SEATTLE ROTARY’S FESTIVAL OF MINI-TREES: Wednesday night (December 4) from 5 to 7 pm, be at Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW) to view and bid on more than 20 mini-trees! It’s the fourth year, says Rotary past president Kjersti Stroup:

Local businesses and community members donated 21 artificial trees and wreaths to this event, pre-lit and decorated in fun themes … On Wednesday, December 4, all are welcome to come by Brookdale from 5-7 to enjoy music and hors d’oeuvres, celebrate the holidays, and place silent bids on wreaths and tabletop trees! Bidding ends at 6:45 and winners can take home their items that night. There is no cost to attend, and all proceeds go directly to Rotary’s service foundation projects. These projects include providing new clothing and school supplies to local students, building clean stoves in Guatemala, awarding local scholarships, and much more!

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH’S FESTIVAL OF TREES: All month long, you can visit the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) 9 am-noon Mondays-Thursdays, plus the hour before each of the church’s Christmas concerts, and admire the dozen-plus trees decorated mostly by church groups and families. Yere’s a few we photographed today:

That’s the penguin tree … below, the “trash tree”:

The “peace tree”:

And the Hazelwood Preschool (which rents space beneath the church) “gingerbread-man tree”:

Bring nonperishable food donations and use the cans/bags/boxes to “vote” for your favorite(s)! We’ll showcase more of the trees through the month. But go visit when you can!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Go out and look at this if you can!

December 3, 2024 5:31 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

If you have a view to the southwest, go see the waxing crescent moon! Christine K caught it – along with West Seattle and beyond – while landing about half an hour ago. Cold night ahead – forecast says we could drop into the upper 20s.

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FOLLOWUP: Alexis Mercedes Rinck now officially in office as citywide Seattle Councilmember

December 3, 2024 4:17 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

After defeating appointed incumbent Tanya Woo with 58 percent of the vote last month, Alexis Mercedes Rinck is now officially on the Seattle City Council. She’s had two swearings-in, including a ceremonial event as part of today’s City Council meeting. She will serve the final year of the unexpired term that Teresa Mosqueda gave up to run for King County Council, and then a full four-year term for citywide Position 8 will be on next year’s ballot, along with citywide Position 9, currently held by council president Sara Nelson. From the news release announcing Councilmember Mercedes Rinck’s swearing-in:

… “I am honored to join the Council and look forward to working with them to tackle our city’s most pressing challenges to create a Seattle that works for everyone,” said Councilmember Rinck. “The stakes for our city are high, and we must stand firm in defending the rights of women, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, immigrants, and workers against both federal threats and local challenges. Together, we can build a strong, healthy, and inclusive community.” …

Councilmember Rinck is committed to progressive revenue solutions, affordable housing, worker protections, public safety, and climate action. She has a clear plan to tackle Seattle’s budget crisis, expand housing supply to meet the city’s growing needs, and protect workers’ rights. Her public-safety approach focuses on building alternative responses and preventative measures as well as community engagement, while her climate action plan prioritizes equity and sustainability. ….

The new councilmember will serve as chair of the Sustainability, City Light, Arts & Culture committee and as vice-chair of the Libraries, Education & Neighborhoods committee. She will also be on the Housing and Human Services, Land Use, and Transportation committees. You can find her contact info here.

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CLOSURE ALERT: Highway 99 tunnel closing Friday night, and what’s happening while it’s closed

December 3, 2024 3:10 pm

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| Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screenshot from Highway 99 traffic camera this afternoon)

Sent by WSDOT today – word of one of the Highway 99 downtown tunnel’s periodic maintenance closures, and info on the work that’ll be done:

Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, for maintenance.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 9 p.m., with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. Drivers going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, and northbound SR 99 drivers will need to take the Alaskan Way off-ramp. Also, the Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps will close at 9 p.m.

The closure will let crews do several important tasks, including:

-Cleaning drains.
-Lubing tunnel fans.
-Cleaning safety areas.
-Checking fire extinguishers.
-Testing data switches.
-Replacing coaxial cable connections.
-Troubleshooting dampers.
-Fixing lights.
-Repairing cameras.
-Fixing message signs.

People traveling through downtown Seattle Friday night should use alternate routes.

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You asked, so we asked: Progress report on Beach Drive gas-pipeline work, lasting longer than planned

December 3, 2024 1:30 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

Our photo shows work – with traffic flagging – continuing today on the Puget Sound Energy gas-pipeline project on the south end of Beach Drive SW. A commenter recently asked for a progress report, so we asked PSE after the holiday weekend. A spokesperson tells WSB, “Construction on the upgraded natural gas system will be finished mid-January 2025.” The commenter also wondered about restoration on the patched and plated cuts in the road; here’s what PSE tells us about that: “Due to weather, the final restoration will happen in April 2025. Once done, there will be updated ADA ramps, restriping of the fog and yellow centerline and road improvements, along with the updated natural-gas system.” Work started more than half a year ago, two years later than originally planned because of what PSE attributed to permitting delays. The work (shown in section-by-section detail here) was originally projected to be done by now.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Theft reported from USPS mail truck

December 3, 2024 12:52 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Police are responding to a report of mail theft a short time ago. According to the dispatch, two or three trays of mail are reported to have been stolen from a USPS truck near 42nd/Graham. The thief/thieves are reported to be in a white Lincoln SUV with Florida plates, possibly a “rental vehicle” per dispatch. Call 911 if you have any info.

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UPDATE: City crews at 9th/Henderson encampment

December 3, 2024 11:05 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

11:05 AM: Thanks for the texted tip. City crews are working this morning at 9th/Henderson [map], where RVs have camped for months. We went over for these photos after the tip. As is usual, the operation includes multiple city departments, SPD included.

The texter told us, “… The 9th and Henderson RV camp was partially moved today. The city is out there now. However they just moved from the interaction north of Henderson to maybe 75 feet away to now being on the west side of the intersection of Henderson. This encampment has in some variation been here since February. When they cleared out Trenton a few moved here.”

The texter said a car had already been towed this morning; we saw one tow truck standing by in the area. We’ll be checking with the Unified Care Team later in the day for a summary.

ADDED TUESDAY EVENING: A UCT spokesperson says info from this “remediation” – a description that suggests it was more a cleanup operation than a sweep – will be provided tomorrow. Meantime, if you’re interested, the city released its third-quarter homelessness-related data today.

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Trees, toys, Chief Sealth PTSA, Rotary, Toastmasters, Tae Kwon Do, trivia, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

December 3, 2024 10:12 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday photo by Gary Pro)

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:

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Second day you can go see the decorated trees in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), until noon, and “vote” for your favorite(s) with nonperishable food donations. If you miss it today, they’re open for viewing 9 am-noon Mondays-Thursdays all month, plus one hour before the church’s upcoming holiday concerts (see the Holiday Guide).

FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND TOY DRIVE: This is the second week that you can bring new, unwrapped toy donations to the John L. Scott Westwood offices (WSB sponsor) on the breezeway at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton).

BLOOD DRIVE: BloodWorks Northwest is back in West Seattle today and other upcoming dates – sign up to donate!

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.

HOLIDAY LUNCH: 11:30 am at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) with live music – call ahead to be sure there’s room.

REGISTRATION FOR POTTERY CLASSES: Pottery classes are returning to the Alki Bathhouse in January, and registration opens today at noon.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), program details in our calendar listing.

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

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.

TAE KWON DO: First December class for the West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club, all levels welcome, 6 pm at High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)

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

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

CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA SWEETS & SOCIAL: 6:30 pm in the school library, meet up with the CSIHS PTSA for treats and updates – bring something to share if you want! (2600 SW Thistle)

TOASTMASTERS 832: “Join us online at 6:30 p.m. to work on your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills! RSVP for Zoom link: wstoastmasters832@gmail.com.”

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: 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).

Hosting an event, seasonal or otherwise? 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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Coats and warm clothing to spare? Two 1-day West Seattle donation events this Saturday

December 3, 2024 9:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

If you have coats/warm clothing you don’t need – donate them to someone who does. in addition to ongoing drives (see the list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide), here are two opportunities on Saturday (December 7):

CAUDLE FAMILY’S DROP-OFF DRIVE: Once again this year, the Caudle family will be in the lot behind Hope Lutheran Church (off SW Oregon just east of 42nd SW), where you can drive up/ride up/walk off and drop off your donation(s).

They’re collecting non-perishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank as well as coats/warm clothing for WSFB’s Clothesline and the Westside Interfaith Network, 10 am-3 pm. Leah, Tim, Atticus, and Dominic Caudle hope to see you there.

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT DRIVE: Seattle Police Community Service Officers are collecting warm clothing 11 am-3 pm the same day (Saturday, December 7) at the precinct, 2300 SW Webster. They’ll be in the community room, right off the parking lot on the south side of the building.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday notes

December 3, 2024 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday notes

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, December 3rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

More areas of frosty fog this morning, then mostly cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the mid-40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:39 am, while sunset will be at 4:18 pm.

(Photo by Carol Ann Joyce – glimmer of light at Monday’s sunset)

TRANSIT

Water Taxi today – Regular service today.

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

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

*This week, King County crews are expected to be doing roadway work near the 1st Avenue South Bridge – on the West Seattle side – to get ready for building a sewer-overflow-control project, as announced here.

*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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