West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
6 PM: Got questions about how the city is proposing to rezone your property – or your neighborhood? Wondering about what “neighborhood centers” – of which (updated) District 1 would have 8, if the rezoning plans announced three weeks ago are approved – really would be like?
Until 7:30 pm, in the gym at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), this is your chance to peruse large versions of the rezoning maps, and/or ask questions. Right now this is mostly circulating between easels and one-on-one conversations, but we’re told they’re expecting a brief presentation at some point.
6:16 PM: Office of Planning and Community Development director Rico Quirindongo spoke shortly after our first update, mostly just explaining the setup of the meeting – and the purpose of the process. Also speaking, City Councilmember Rob Saka, veering onto the topic of the presidential election, promising that the city would continue to fight to be safe and welcoming, where everyone can “thrive and be safe … we’re going to continue to do the people’s work.” That, in this case, will eventually involve legislation to change the zoning, Some of what’s proposed is to get city code in line with the “four units per lot” mandate from the state; but the overarching goal is to add more housing capacity. The “neighborhood centers” are also meant to bring mini-hubs of business and housing together. Get here during the meeting and you can look at the maps for the ones nearest you. OPCD tells us they want to hear what you think about the borders and density – before the final version of the rezoning plan goes to the council. There’s a chance to comment here, and you also can do it via the rezoning-proposal website.
8:15 PM: Keep in mind that the neighborhood-center names don’t necessarily dovetail with neighborhood names. “Upper Fauntleroy,” for example, is mapped to stretch southeast to 29th/Roxbury. The neighborhood center known as Holden spans part of Sunrise Heights and Gatewood. But the “centers” – including the renaming of “urban villages” like The Junction, Morgan Junction, and Admiral to “urban centers” – aren’t all that the plan will change. Look closely at the upzoning proposals – some of which are relatively subtle, 55′ become 65′, for example.
WHAT’S NEXT: Comment deadline is December 20.
(Tuesday night WSB photo)
Here’s the updated King County results list, released this afternoon; here are the latest state results. Nothing of note was so close locally last night that today’s results might make a change, but the updates are worth a look at anyway. They represent 60 percent of the King County vote; so far the county has received 77 percent of the ballots it sent out. And we have two notes at the end, including one about a gathering today.
CITY COUNCIL, CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck leads Tanya Woo, 57% to 42%
SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION LEVY: 67% yes, 33% no
STATE INITIATIVE 2066 (Energy): 51% yes, 49% no
STATE INITIATIVE 2109 (Repeals capital-gains tax): 63% no, 37% yes
STATE INITIATIVE 2117 (Repeals Climate Commitment Act): 62% no, 37% yes
STATE INITIATIVE 2124 (Long-term care insurance): 56% no, 44% yes
GOVERNOR: Bob Ferguson (D) 57%, Dave Reichert (R) 43%
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Nick Brown (D) 57%, Pete Serrano (R) 43%
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS: Dave Upthegrove (D) 53%, Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) 46%
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (nonpartisan): Chris Reykdal 54%, David Olson 46%
Also:
PRESIDENTIAL: We had one complaint that we didn’t include presidential results in last night’s coverage. So here’s how King County voters are going: Harris/Walz 75%, Trump/Vance 22% … Statewide, it’s Harris/Walz 59%, Trump/Vance 38%
POST-ELECTION NOTES: A group is gathering near the seal sculptures east of the Alki Bathhouse at 5:30 pm today for those feeling “anxiety or isolation” post-election. … Governor-elect Bob Ferguson and his successor-elect as state Attorney General, West Seattle resident Nick Brown, plan a 10:45 am media briefing in Seattle tomorrow to talk about “preparations for a second Trump Administration.” … Outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement which may provide a preview, saying in part, “Washington has strong statutes that protect our values, and when Trump messed with our state we sued him 97 times – only losing two cases on the merits while he was in office.”
Lindsey sent that photo and wondered what was burning in the Bremerton vicinity. We found the explanation posted by the Brinnon Fire Department:
We wanted to let you know that Rayonier will be conducting a permitted burn in our area today, near the base of Mt. Jupiter, close to where the 2620 Road Fire took place this summer. We understand the concern that many may feel after experiencing such a significant fire season, so we’re sharing this to keep everyone informed.
The burn is set to begin at 7:30 AM, and DNR plans to be on-site during their operations to keep a close eye on things and make sure all remains safe.
Here’s what we reported about the 2620 Fire back in August.
As previously reported, Sanislo Elementary is one of four elementary schools around the city that Seattle Public Schools is proposing to close to save money. One week ago, we covered a community-organized meeting on the Sanislo playground to talk about families’ desire to fight the closure. The final vote wouldn’t be until early next year, with the closure to take effect starting next school year – Sanislo students, and some of its staff, would be merged into Highland Park Elementary. So what happens in the meantime? First, a meeting for Sanislo families, next Tuesday (November 12), 6 pm at the school (1812 SW Myrtle). The announcement sent by principal Erika Ayer underscores that this meeting is intended for the Sanislo community, and that the formal “hearing” would be in December.
(Reader photo, March)
12:03 PM: Just months after new floats were installed at West Seattle’s Don Armeni Boat Ramp, they’re being removed for emergency repairs. We just got word from Seattle Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin:
Due to abnormal wear, all floats at Don Armeni Boat Ramp must be removed for immediate emergency repair. All floats will be removed on November 7th, 2024. It may take until late January before they are reinstalled.
During this time, Don Armeni Boat Ramp will remain open, but there will be no floats to tie up to. For most, this will mean that a second person will be needed to launch and retrieve.
The nearest Seattle Parks and Recreation Boat Ramp with saltwater access is Eddie Vine Boat Ramp in Ballard, located at 8001 Seaview Ave NW, next to Golden Gardens Park.
We have a followup question out in hopes of getting more information about the problem.
8:46 PM: Parks sent more info tonight:
For safety reasons, the contractor for the Don Armeni Boat Ramp Replacement project, Bellingham Marine Industries (BMI), will remove all the concrete floats except those connected to the abutment on both the north and south side at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The boat ramp opened in March 2024 and over the past 8 months the hinges between the floats have been failing and the concrete on the floats is spalling and cracking.
BMI will remove the floats from the water individually using an off-road telehandler forklift and store them within the boat launch facility parking lot. BMI will work with Seattle Parks and Recreation on a retrofit design and anticipates the floats will be replaced in early 2025. During this time the final two floats on the south side dock will also be installed. The replacement project was partially complete in March of 2024 and we anticipated the additional south floats would be added in early 2025.
Don Armeni Boat Ramp, 1222 Harbor Ave SW is in West Seattle. Boats can still be launched at the site, however, the site will be closed on November 7 and after will not have the extended dock floats.
(October photo courtesy Aimee Owenz)
Last month, we reported on the opening of the Aimee Owenz food truck at 35th/Barton. Today the sibling operators are offering a deal in honor of their shared birthdays:
We (my brother and I) at Aimee Owenz happen to share a birthday November 6th (not twins) and are offering a special to celebrate our birthday with everyone! We are selling the Owenz Sandwich (steak) for $11 and the Aimee Sandwich (tofu) for $6. We also added a website for online ordering aimeeowenz.com and Door Dash should starting this week. I know the election stuff has got everyone feeling all types of ways, but hopefully we can bring smiles and full happy bellies with our sandwiches!
Birthday siblings Jenn and Zach operate one of two food trucks in the lot outside the former Tony’s Market,
(One more view of Tuesday’s rainbows – photo by Thomas Bach)
Here’s today’s list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more events than we spotlight in the list):
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE CONTINUES: Middle of the second week for this dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm inside the school.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am. Details in our calendar listing.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
DESIGN YOUR WORLD: Kindergarteners through third graders can “join co-author Maria VanDeman for a read-aloud of ‘Design Your World.’ This engaging book highlights the potential of interior design and promotes diversity in the field. Then, kids will have a blast in a workshop designing their own rooms!” 3 pm, West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW). Preregistration requested; our calendar listing explains how.
TODDLER STORY TIME: At Southwest Library, 3 pm. (9010 35th SW)
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers are there to help K-12 students with their homework.
(added) POSTSEASON SOCCER: The Chief Sealth IHS girls play Lindbergh at 5 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 5 pm, and are in the state tournament if they win,
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Get food from Chipotle (4730 California SW) in The Junction 5-9 pm, and give a boost to the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA – our calendar listing explains how to ensure your purchase counts.
LEARN ABOUT ZONING PROPOSALS: West Seattle info session tonight about the city’s new rezoning proposals, 5:30-7:30 at Madison Middle School – more info here. (3429 45th SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY: Third week for a 14-week online group following “The Artist’s Way,” 6 pm – info in our calendar listing.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
HOWLIN’ JAWS: Live at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
KUNDALINI YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm with Inner Alchemy at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35; ticket link is in our calendar listing.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn in the spotlight! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, September)
More than two dozen food and beverage purveyors participated in the West Seattle Food Bank‘s “Taste of West Seattle” fundraiser this year (WSB coverage here), and WSFB has announced the final official tally in its latest newsletter: $45,770. The WSFB says that’s badly needed because, this year alone, they’re projecting having to spend a tota of “nearly a staggering $1 million dedicated solely to food purchases” and “another $1 million in rent and utility assistance.” As they point out, they’re “more than just a food bank.” You can donate money, clothing, and/or food to help the people with whom they work.
P.S. WSFB has also announced a new name for its annual spring gala – next year it will be “Nourish & Flourish,” and will move to 4105, the Industrial District venue that’s part of the portfolio of West Seattle-rooted DSquared Hospitality; set your calendar for May 3, 2025.
8:45 AM: Crash on the eastbound bridge near the 4th Avenue exit.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, November 6.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:02 am, while sunset will be at 4:43 pm.
(Tuesday sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
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.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth back as the unscheduled third boat; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. No service on Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day).
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!
In tonight’s local races, we’re electing one citywide Seattle City Councilmember and two State House reps in the 34th District (West Seattle, White Center, Vashon and Maury Islands). City Council Position 8 wouldn’t normally be on this ballot but it’s the second phase of filling the half-served term that now-County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda gave up – Tanya Woo was appointed for the term’s third year, but the fourth year had to go to the voters – here are the first-night results:
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 8
Alexis Mercedes Rinck 57%
Tanya Woo* 42%
In the state legislative races, both incumbents ran for re-election:
34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE, POSITION 1
Emily Alvarado (D)* 86%
Kimberly Cloud (R) 14%
34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE, POSITION 2
Joe Fitzgibbon (D)* 84%
Jolie Lansdowne (R) 15%
Next King County ballot count will be Wednesday afternoon
This is a big election for ballot measures – Seattle has the $1.5 billion transportation levy; statewide, we have four major initiatives:
SEATTLE PROP 1 (Transportation Levy)
Yes 67%
No 33%
We reported in July about key points of what’s in the levy for West Seattle. …. (added) In an email statement, District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka – who chairs the Transportation Committee – says, “I can’t wait to work with our Seattle Department of Transportation – making our streets safer, building out our sidewalk network, giving our residents more reliable options to move around, and improving our transportation infrastructure.”
STATEWIDE INITIATIVES (updated 9:31 pm)
INITIATIVE 2066 (Energy)
Yes 51%
No 49%
INITIATIVE 2109 (Repeals capital-gains tax)
No 63%
Yes 37%
INITIATIVE 2117 (Repeals Climate Commitment Act)
No 62%
Yes 38%
INITIATIVE 2124 (Long-term care insurance)
No 55%
Yes 45%
While the Seattle transportation levy result won’t change until tomorrow’s results update, the statewide ones are likely to evolve through the evening, so we’ll update them when needed.
In statewide and federal offices, here are some early major results – leaders include West Seattleite Nick Brown for state attorney general (updated 9:34 pm):
Bob Ferguson (D) 56%
Dave Reichert (R) 44%
Nick Brown (D) 56%
Pete Serrano (R) 44%
(added) In an emailed statement, Brown said, “I’m deeply honored by your trust in me and I’m grateful for the commitment we share to build a safer, brighter future for Washington. Every Washingtonian will always have a seat at my table. The Attorney General’s Office is for everyone — no matter your age, race, gender, where you live, who you love, or who you voted for today.”
Dave Upthegrove (D) 53%
Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) 47%
Pramila Jayapal (D)* 85%
Dan Alexander (R) 15%
ADDED 9:34 PM: More statewide/federal races of note:
U.S. SENATE
Maria Cantwell (D)* 60%
Dr. Raul Garcia (R) 40%
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Chris Reykdal* 54%
David Olson 46%
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Patty Kuderer (D) 57%
Phil Fortunato (R) 43%
6:53 PM: North Delridge is an epicenter of election-night viewing so far tonight – above, the scene at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), and below, the scene at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW):
Both those photos are from Jason Grotelueschen, who says each had about 40 people when he was there. Meantime, Sharonn Meeks stopped in at Circa (2605 California SW), where they’re having the most spirited party – including the decor:
And the promised flag cake (plus a special menu):
More stops ahead – the national returns have been going for almost three hours already, but the West Coast returns are yet to come.
7:25 PM: Jason also visited what might be West Seattle’s biggest election-night party, at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center:
This party is hosted by members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority as a scholarship fundraiser:
They’ll be there until about 10:30 pm.
8:45 PM: Jason went back to check in. They’re looking for bright spots and cheered when the Washington governor’s race was announced. Just before that, he was at Admiral Pub when the crowd cheered the calls of our state’s presidential and senatorial results:
With that, we’re wrapping our watch-party patrol.
4:47 PM: More photos from local dropboxes:
At the West Seattle Junction ballot dropbox, Keith Bacon found Robin Parrott and Molly, 8, assisting her by “voting in style.” … For some on the south end of West Seattle, the White Center Library (1409 SW 107th) box is most convenient, and Cindi Barker says traffic there is “steady and building”:
4:55 PM: Back to The Junction, here’s the 4:30 pm ballot pickup, photographed by Sharonn Meeks:
5:16 PM: In High Point, Jason Grotelueschen reports, “High Point library drop-off, 5 pm. ‘Consistently busy this afternoon, and getting busier!’
“Saw people arrive on foot, bike, scooter and car. 6 helpers onsite for most of the afternoon … 2 on the curb directing traffic for those arriving by car, 2 box monitors helping voters and handing out stickers, one sheriffs officer, one security guard.”
5:41 PM: At the Morgan Junction dropbox, Cindi reports the lights aren’t on yet:
“The King County election staff van just showed up to pick up the ballots. They say staff will be here at 6:00 and hopefully someone will then know how to turn on the lights.” Then security just showed up and didn’t know how to turn on the lights either, so he’s going to report that in.”
6:26 PM: Lights not on there yet.
7:35 PM: Now they are, reports Cindi: “Drove home by the Morgan ballot box at 7:20 and the lights were finally on. Not much activity though. Also peeked in the Post Office in the Junction, no one putting their ballots into the mail slot at the time, ghost town.”
7:37 PM: No traffic jam at High Point either, Jason reports:
“Still very steady traffic, lights are on, helpers onsite making everything go smoothly. … They said it’s been smooth, no issues, everyone has been nice and cooperative. They’re emphasizing/saying to everyone visiting “is your ballot signed?” to ensure it gets counted. Voting stickers are popular!”
7:50 PM: And in the final minutes, smooth sailing back in The Junction. We’ll start posting local/state returns as soon as they’re available.
Take it any way you want to – but a rainbow has appeared off West Seattle with hours left in Election Day. Doug Eglington sent the photo above; Curry Gibson sent the one below:
Some polls are already closing in the east, so the earliest results aren’t far away.
(WSB file photo)
With overnight temperatures expected in the 30s this week, the Westside Neighbors’ Shelter in The Triangle is getting ready to open. Here’s the update from shelter manager Keith Hughes:
I will be opening the Overnight Cold Weather Shelter for Wednesday and Thursday nights this week.
Hours are 5:00 PM till 11:00 AM the next day. We will serve a hot dinner at 6:30 pm each day and a hot breakfast at 8:30 AM each day as well as provide cots and blankets inside. We serve adult men and women without exception.
Westside Neighbors Shelter is a 501c3 private nonprofit at 3618 SW Alaska, co-housed with American Legion Post 160 and the West Seattle Veteran Center. We’re checking to see if they have any current donation needs as they get ready to ramp up operations.
ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: Here’s how Keith replied:
Top of the List needs are: dry pasta (spaghetti, egg noodles) and pasta sauce, rice in 1 and 2 pound bags, peanut butter, salted butter cubes, store gift cards so we can get eggs, milk, fresh veggies. Non-food items needed are: socks, stocking caps, gloves, men’s boxers L and XL, winter coats.
Thanks to Cindi Barker for the photo. She shares a vignette from the ballot dropbox at High Point Library:
I stopped by the High Point box to see if there was any action. Here’s a picture of Jenny Hammer and her dog Kiba. She asked the voter attendant to take a picture of her as she cast her ballot, to get a selfie of the moment, as she put it. Taken about 12:15 today.
Voter attendant said that it was starting to pick up and wanted to make sure people knew to get to the box early. If someone arrives and gets in the car line, they have to be in line at 8:00 sharp, as they will have attendants with flashlights closing off the line at that point.
A lot of people, of course, have already voted – as of a short time ago, 65 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots are in.
P.S. We welcome other Election Day/Night photos – what are YOU seeing? westseattleblog@gmail.com
Thanks to Saben for the photo and report:
Someone has cut the grounding wires to some power poles in Alki along 60th Ave SW. Not sure of how widespread the problem may or may not be, but the three closest to my house were all cut. You can see by the pic that they also bent/cut the metal guard protecting the wire so this was intentional and thought the community should be aware.
You can report vandalism to Seattle City Light at 206-684-3000.
(The Olympics just after sunrise, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Whether you’ve been looking forward to it or dreading it, Election Day is finally here. We start the Tuesday lineup with a voting reminder plus the half-dozen West Seattle election-night parties on our list:
VOTING: We can’t say this often enough – King County Elections dropboxes close at 8 pm. They’re all mapped here, including the four in West Seattle. Don’t wait till the last minute – there’s no grace period. If you would rather use USPS mail, consider the advice shared last night by a local letter carrier.
LAST-MINUTE REGISTRATION + VOTER ASSISTANCE: Seven “vote centers” are open around King County – the nearest one is at Lumen Field:
Vote centers are available to register new voters, update current voter records, obtain a voter registration card and to provide assistance to voters who need help completing their ballot. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot.
All vote centers are open now through 8 pm.
RESULTS: Here’s where you’ll find King County’s first results, around 8:15 pm … Statewide results will be updated here after 8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTIES
OUNCES (3809 Delridge Way SW) is hosting a Collective Cringing/Cheering party:
Collective Cringing Election Night Watch Party at Ounces
Tues, Nov 5th | Coverage Starts at 7 pm (Pre-Coverage 4-7 pm)Ring in Election Night with beer at Ounces! Election Night Coverage will be on should you want to collectively cringe or cheer with others as the results come in. Drink some beer, eat some burgers and watch (or shield your eyes) as it all unfolds. Official Coverage with sound starts at 7 pm. Pre-Coverage with subtitles on from 4-7 pm.
ADMIRAL PUB (2306 California SW)
Starting at 7 pm, sound up on the big screen, themed drinks and treats
THE SKYLARK (3803 Delridge Way SW)
The Skylark will be hosting an election night viewing (hopefully!) party. We open at 4:00 with Happy Hour till 6:00.
CIRCA (2605 California SW)
Every single person running for office throws a party on their election night. Why can’t we?! It’s better than sitting home wringing hands and pacing the halls. Free American flag cake from @bakedseattle all night long! Decorations that’ll make your eyes swirl red, white & blue! And a special menu filled with Bill-level humor and a touch of sarcasm aimed at all parties involved.
BROCKEY CENTER (SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE) (6000 16th SW):
2024 Election Watch Party, hosted by the Seattle graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®️, in partnership with Dynamic Urban Opportunities Foundation and South Seattle College. … All proceeds will support our annual high school senior scholarship fund. This year, we awarded two $3,000 scholarships to young Black women from King and Snohomish counties who enrolled in four-year universities. Each ticket sold will help fund our 2025 scholarships. Doors open 5:30 pm.
YOUNGSTOWN FLATS (4040 26th SW)
From Pacific NW Black Pride: “Welcome to our Election Night Watch Party! Join us on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 5 pm-10 pm for a night of excitement and anticipation as we watch the election results roll in together. Bring your friends and family to enjoy food, drinks, and community as we follow along with the latest updates. Let’s come together to celebrate democracy in action and cheer on our favorite candidates! This is a historic and pivotal moment in this Country’s history.”
Any place else? Add a comment below and/or email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com.
(Monday night’s sliver moon, photographed by Chris Frankovich)
Here’s what else is happening for today/tonight (subject to change because of Election Night, so check before you go) – mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can preview events days, weeks, even months ahead:
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE: Second week of the dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Weekly 10 am Tuesday sessions: “Arrive 15 minutes early for an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and stay afterward for a brief meditation.” RSVP here. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Instead of the usual long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states, the group is having an election-day party 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), Program: Charles Torres from Washington State Ferries will talk about the Fauntleroy project.
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.
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.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), $40; sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Not this week – election-night party instead, as mentioned above.
TRIVIA X 1: Only one trivia options for Tuesday that isn’t pre-empted by Election Night, so far as we’ve heard – 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink.
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Last month, we reported on the death of Rick Cook, known as the “Psychic Barber” because of the sign at his shop (explained here). Today we have his official obituary:
Richard Cook
Born July 1956. Passed away suddenly September 25, 2024.Rick was a well-known West Seattle resident who owned the barber shop on California Avenue SW, and he was a beloved fixture who touched almost everyone’s life. For 46 years generations of family and friends enjoyed stopping in his barber shop to swap stories and/or get a hair cut. Rick was in his element serving his customers, and he was always willing to lend a hand, going the extra mile to help someone out or find a bargain for them.
Rick’s family moved to West Seattle in 1972, and he graduated from Chief Sealth High School in ’74, after which he served in the Air Force. Upon completion of his service, Rick returned to West Seattle to establish his barber shops, necessitating several moves along California Avenue over the years as development took over the village.
His passion was riding motorcycles, and driving different cars, often trading every couple of years.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lisa Cook; also his sisters Maria and Paula, and brother Ron Cook.
Rest in Peace, Psychic Barber.
We welcome you to share your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Richard-Cook – Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, November 5.
ELECTION DAY
Ballot-dropbox traffic jams are likely, especially in the hours before the dropboxes close at 8 pm. Traffic directing, no-parking signs, and security guards are expected at the boxes – SW Alaska between California and 44th, South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), High Point Library (SW Raymond between 34th and 35th SW), Morgan Junction Park (California SW about a block north of Fauntleroy).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Calmer today, partly sunny, showers possible, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7 am, while sunset will be at 4:44 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is now closed after the Friday switchover, 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.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth back as the unscheduled third boat; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
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!
(#23 Olivia LaForest boots a shot on goal)
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Special to West Seattle Blog
Tonight, the Chief Sealth International High School girls’ soccer team took on the Sultan Turks in Division 2A postseason play.
It was a cold, crisp night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. For the first half,
the Sealth girls dominated the time of possession and fired off several promising shots on goal. The Sultan goalie stood strong until, with under 5 minutes to play in the half, freshman Olivia LaForest rocketed a shot off the goalie and then punched in the rebound. The Sealth Seahawks led 1-0 at half-time. The home team pulled away in the second half as Sultan could not keep pace with the athleticism and superior footwork of the Seahawks.
(Head coach Mike Rillo with three-goal Riley Yip)
Senior Riley Yip repeatedly broke through the Sultan defense on the way to scoring 3 unanswered goals. Final score: Sealth 4-0 over Sultan. Sealth’s next game is at (updated) 5 pm on Wednesday night at NCSWAC against Lindbergh. The winner of Wednesday night’s game is guaranteed a slot in the State tournament.
Haven’t voted yet? Planning to use a USPS box instead of a King County Elections dropbox? A longtime reader who is also a letter carrier based out of a West Seattle post office has advice for you – anonymously since they’re not authorized to officially speak for USPS. Here’s the note they sent us:
We are advised at the 98116 station that we will be doing multiple pickups on our collection box with most carriers picking up right before their 8-hour shift (~3:15 pm). I would highly advise people to not use the collection boxes after 3:00 pm as we cannot guarantee any ballots deposited at the time to be postmarked Nov 5 as they may not be serviced again at this time. (I cannot count how times many ballots I have collected the next day that will not be counted because of not being postmarked on the correct day.) After 3:00 pm I would recommend voters to drop off at any ballot dropbox locations or any mail carrier they see on the streets after 3:00 pm. Routinely the last truck leaving for the plant is ~5:30 pm but I assure you there will most likely be a late one running because of the Nov 5 elections.
We at the USPS in Washington State take great pride in being part of one of the fairest ways of holding an election. We have made great effort and work long hours to deliver ballots and information to the general registered voters and it would be a shame if we did not pass on this information in regards to our collection boxes. Thank you for your time and consideration on this sensitive but important matter.
P.S. County stats show 62 percent of ballots so far have come in via drop box, 37 percent via USPS.
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