day : 19/12/2024 13 results

11:10 PM: Thanks to Brian for the photo and tip about that crash on California south of Findlay. We don’t have details about injuries so far, but SFD only sent an engine, so likely nothing life-threatening.

11:59 PM: The scene has cleared.

CRIME WATCH: Have you seen Metro bus driver’s suspected killer? (update: arrested)

December 19, 2024 7:33 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Crime | Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

THURSDAY: A Metro driver and WSB reader asked us to share the photos of the man being sought in the murder of one of their co-workers in the U-District: “Do you mind posting on WSBlog the image and news release of the suspect in the murder of our coworker Shawn Yim, killed yesterday on the job? He is a known transient and rides the buses, so he can be anywhere (not just downtown Seattle or U-District) or as our WS neighbors ride into downtown and other areas they (may) recognize him. They can silently text 911 or they can tell their bus driver (they’ve been instructed how to safely handle notifying our dispatch). He needs to be caught and more eyes out there. Supposedly 6’5 in height – that could help sort out and distinguish in wondering if ‘him.’ Our coworkers are hurting and our whole city and communities are still in danger with him out there.” Here are two of the photos (see two others on SPD Blotter) and the police announcement:

Seattle police homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richard Sitzlack, who is believed to have stabbed a Metro coach driver in the University District Wednesday morning.

Sitzlack is a 53-year-old white male with brown eyes, brown hair, 6’5” tall, weighing 195 lbs. He was last seen wearing a navy-blue hooded sweatshirt, dark gray/blue jacket, black beanie, yellow backpack, blue camouflage pants, dark sneakers with white soles, carrying a red shopping bag.

Sitzlack is transient and frequents the University District and Downtown Seattle.

Do not attempt to approach Sitzlack, he is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information regarding his identity or location, please call 911 immediately.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: As reported separately, SPD says Sitzlack is in custody.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: First of two pre-holiday events at Easy Street Records

December 19, 2024 6:16 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCENE: First of two pre-holiday events at Easy Street Records

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

This is not an official “Shop Late Thursday” in The Junction, but there’s at least one place you CAN shop late tonight … Easy Street Records is hosting a mini-Holiday Bazaar in the café area until 9 pm. We dropped in and visited two artists – Hannah from Rubbish Goods, who makes clay creations:

And Alexander K. Harris, who’s a photographer and illustrator:

Easy Street has another holiday event coming up this Sunday night (December 22nd) – the annual photo sessions with Cocoa Cris Cringle, 4:30-7 pm, a “funraiser” – $20, goes to charities. No appointment needed – just show up!

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TRAFFIC CHANGE: 45th SW in front of Madison MS to become ‘School Street’

December 19, 2024 4:39 pm

| 58 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Looking north on 45th SW, future ‘School Street,’ in front of Madison MS)

Thanks for the tip! From the Madison Middle School PTSA newsletter comes word that 45th SW in front of the school will become an SDOT-designated “School Street“ starting in mid-February. Here’s the SDOT flyer explaining what that means:

In short, as explained by the PTSA:

Starting on Monday, January 13th, this block will be closed from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM to all through traffic, including parents dropping off children. It will remain accessible for: residential access, district provided transportation, anyone with ADA needs, local deliveries, and any non-motorized vehicles.

The PTSA is recruiting volunteers to help with the transition. Meantime, the parent who alerted us to this says, “This is great news for safety concerns.” Other “School Streets” around the city include SW Dakota in front of Genesee Hill Elementary (recently adorned with a mural – we don’t know if one will be sought for 45th; we’re awaiting followup info from SDOT).

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West Seattle’s Gina Topp elected Seattle School Board president

December 19, 2024 2:37 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

After just one year as an elected Seattle Public Schools board director, West Seattle/South Park (District 6) rep Gina Topp is the board’s new president. She was elected unanimously last night, the only director nominated to take over the job. You can see her post-election comments three hours and 26 minutes into the meeting recording; she called the board presidency an “awesome” and “heavy” responsibility that she is “excited” to take on. Topp also observed the now-scrapped school-closure process “did some damage in our communities” so “we hae some work to do to regain trust.” But Topp added that there was a bit of a silver lining to that process too – it “highlighted how impactful our schools are in our communities,” and she offered words of gratitude for educators. Her presidency started immediately after the vote. Other board members elected to leadership roles last night: Evan Briggs of Northeast Seattle as vice president and Joe Mizrahi as member-at-large.

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UPDATE: Delridge/Oregon pedestrian bridge reopens

December 19, 2024 1:05 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news

(Reader photo from atop the newly strengthened Delridge pedestrian overpass)

1:05 PM: Two weeks ago, SDOT confirmed to WSB that its other bridge-seismic-strengthening project in West Seattle, the Delridge/Oregon pedestrian bridge, was entering its final phase. Today, we’re hearing from multiple readers that the bridge has reopened and the work zone on the street is clearing. We’re checking with SDOT for the official status and will update when we hear back; the status report earlier this month had said they expected to “temporarily” reopen the strengthened bridge in “early 2025” with some short-term closures necessary later for finishing touches.

2:24 PM: SDOT confirms the bridge has officially reopened.

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ROAD WORK: Admiral Way Bridge traffic switch, crosswalk removal delayed

December 19, 2024 12:23 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Reader photo from Mark after crosswalk’s installation in August)

As we’ve been reporting, today was the day SDOT said it would switch traffic flow again across the Admiral Way Bridge, as the earthquake-strengthening project continues, while also removing the temporary crosswalk at 39th SW. Project spokesperson Matthew Howard just sent word of a change:

The work we originally had planned for December 19-20 on the Admiral Way bridge will not occur. The new date for the traffic shift will occur on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

When we transition into our third phase of traffic control on December 31, the two center lanes on Admiral Way SW will be closed during this phase, with one lane in each direction open for people driving. As part of this transition, the temporary crosswalk at Admiral Way SW and 39th Ave SW will be removed.

SDOT doesn’t expect the project to be fully completed before summer.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Northbound submarine

December 19, 2024 10:13 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

10:13 AM: Thanks for the photos! (The one above is from Rick Cocker, the one below is uncredited.) That submarine was seen headed northbound a short time ago.

VesselFinder IDs it only as “U.S. submarine” and shows it already off North Seattle. Most submarines at Naval Base Kitsap are based on Hood Canal but Bremerton’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard also hosts submarines in for maintenance or deactivation (the Kitsap Sun recently reported on two in the latter category).

3:56 PM: Commenter says it’s the USS Ohio, on sea trials after maintenance.

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Easy Street bazaar, Rat City Art Walk, ghost stories, more for your West Seattle Thursday

December 19, 2024 9:58 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday photo by Jon Anderson)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants and holiday greenery 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! (Tomorrow’s the last day before temporary holiday closure.)

OFFICIAL OPENING DAY: Noon marks the start of the official opening day, after two “soft-open” days, for Gary’s Place (2820 Alki SW) – here’s our look inside from Tuesday.

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: First of four events tonight at this venue – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Tolu.

BONUS FOOD AT HPCS AGAIN TONIGHT: Also 4-8 pm at HPCS again this week, “Mark Thai Food Box Pop Up – Mark Thai Food Box will be at the Corner Store giving out samples of his delicious curries and rice.”

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: A regular Thursday feature at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – details here.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: And after all that fun, run or walk the neighborhood with the Run Club, leaving from HPCS at 6:30 pm – info here.

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 – including sparkling wine!

NORTH STAR POP-UP: Still selling sheepskin specialties at a West Seattle pop-up, 5-7 pm, (7138 30th SW)

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

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Local vendors, 5-9 pm. (California/Alaska)

RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: Monthly event at multiple White Center venues, 5 pm start – here’s the list and map for this month, featuring a Holiday Market theme.

GHOST STORIES AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Short Order Theater Company performs.

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THE KENNEY: Rat City Brass performs “Herb Alpert holiday favorites,” 6:30 pm. Free, all welcome, RSVP requested. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Canceled tonight and next Thursday.

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

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: The holiday show continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing – looks like a few remain for tonight.

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Chloe Harris 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Package-poaching suspect west of The Junction

December 19, 2024 9:16 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

9:16 AM: Texter called in – and radio exchanges confirm that police are looking for – a suspected package poacher in a gray Audi, last seen minutes ago a few blocks west of The Junction (49th/Hudson was mentioned most recently). Tipster says it’s a sedan, likely 2000s vintage, no plates, “driving recklessly.” No driver description so far. Call 911 if you see it.

10:16 AM: Texter has since described the driver as a Black man, “possibly 20s-40s, orange hooded construction jacket with white reflective stripes.”

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FROM OUR HOLIDAY GUIDE: Friends of Roxhill Elementary request

December 19, 2024 9:05 am

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Many holiday donation drives featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide have ended, but the Friends of Roxhill Elementary say there’s still time to help their school’s students and their families (donate here):

Every child should have a holiday meal and present, and parents and caregivers could use less stress this holiday season. You can make a difference by donating today to Friends of Roxhill Elementary, our school’s non-profit PTO.

Bring holiday cheer and help families cover basic household needs (e.g., groceries, cleaning supplies, utilities). Our goal is to provide each family with $200 in holiday and household support this year.

While we typically have about 50 families in our community who need support through the holiday season, Roxhill Elementary School’s counselor, Ms. Amber, has shared that the need for assistance has increased this year.

“Roxhill Elementary has the most amazing community of bright, loving kids and caring, generous families,” said Ms. Amber. “I know how hard it is to ask for help, so I honor every parent that has had the courage to let me know they need help right now. This is what community is about.”

Roxhill Elementary is a small but mighty Title I school with approximately 245 students, located in the south end of West Seattle. 60% of our students are on free and reduced lunch. Over 72% of our students are from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our school has a strong sense of community. We come together to celebrate and support each other.

You can help us show every family that they are seen and cared for.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes

December 19, 2024 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, December 19th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Winter arrives at 1:20 am Saturday – here’s the final Thursday forecast of fall: Rainy, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset: 7:54 am and 4:19 pm.

SCHOOL

Last days before winter break – Seattle Public Schools dismiss one hour early tomorrow (Friday, December 20).

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, with a “ghost/bonus boat” set to return today – check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. SDOT expects crews to change that today: “We’ll be transitioning into our third phase of traffic control on December 19. The two center lanes on Admiral Way SW will be closed during this phase, with one lane in each direction open for people driving. As part of this transition, the temporary crosswalk at Admiral Way SW and 39th Ave SW will be removed.”

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon. SDOT recently provided an update, with word of a lane shift.

*Beach Drive gas-pipeline work continues into January, PSE tells us – here’s our latest update.

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.

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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VIDEO: Memories of Christmases past, and hope for the future, at The Mount’s first Hallelujah Lights

December 19, 2024 1:38 am

| Comments Off on VIDEO: Memories of Christmases past, and hope for the future, at The Mount’s first Hallelujah Lights

| Holidays | West Seattle news

The candles were lit and the memories were flowing even before sunset as Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) held its first “Hallelujah Lights” event at sunset Wednesday. The light in the sky briefly outshone the lights of The Mount’s “singing tree”:

The Mount’s Molly Swain explained that the “singing tree” is lit to respond to sound nearby – whether it’s someone walking up and clapping their hands, or music, the lights will reflect the rhythm:

The singers you heard off-camera were the event’s featured group, local vocal ensemble The Starry Crowns:

Remembering the departed at Christmastime was a central reason for the gathering, and it is especially important at a place like The Mount, it was noted, as it’s the “last stop” for many. But it’s also a place of joy and hope, with its Intergenerational Preschool, whose students were scheduled to come out for carols and cocoa later in the event (we had to move on). You can see the tree, by the way, south of the central main entrance.

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