West Seattle, Washington
13 Friday
After a little more than one year in business, Camp West in The Junction (4539 California SW) is expanding its schedule. Toni from Camp West messaged us to say, “Camp West is moving to opening 7 days a week. We will now be open from 4-9 on Monday and Tuesday.” The change starts today. The restaurant/bar remains 21+.
(Photo by James Tilley – ‘Bey the Bald Eagle in a very focused dive’)
6:01 AM: Good morning and welcome to Monday, February 19th, Presidents Day. Here’s what you should know:
TRANSPORTATION
Transit – No Water Taxi service today; Metro is on a regular weekday schedule; no planned state-ferry changes; here’s the Sound Transit holiday plan
Traffic cameras – Here’s our page of West Seattle-relevant cameras; the citywide map is here
Parking – No charge today for pay-station spaces on city streets in neighborhoods with them
OTHER SERVICES
Schools – Closed
Libraries – Closed
Parks facilities – Here’s what’s closed and what’s open
Mail – Holiday for most USPS facilities/services
Banks – Holiday
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 50s.
EVENTS
Check the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – a highlight for tonight is 7 pm comedy at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) – check here to see if any tickets are left.
If you see news – including traffic trouble – please call or text 206-293-6302 when you can do so safely – thank you!
Noting for the record: From more than a few neighborhoods in north West Seattle, people texted us tonight, wondering about what one reader described as “racing cars and loud bangs,” audible all the way up to Admiral. Reviewing police-radio audio, we note the activity was a summer-size crowd of drivers drawn to Don Armeni Boat Ramp. One police officer dispatched in the 7 pm hour reported back, “There’s too many people here for me to do anything.” But others were sent and before 8 pm, one officer reported that they were planning to close the entrance to Don Armeni, where police estimated hundreds of cars/drivers had gathered. There were no confirmed shots-fired incidents; some cars are modified to generate backfire noise similar to gunshots (early in the evening, eastbound on Roxbury, we were right behind one). No injury incidents logged.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Public safety was first up at the second meeting of the new-era Alki Community Council this past Thursday.
For starters, ACC leaders are inviting you to a free personal-safety-training event the ACC is organizing with Seattle Police crime-prevention experts, 3:30 pm Wednesday, March 13, at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW) – here’s the registration link.
Guests from SPD were up first, including crime-prevention coordinator Mark Solomon, who brought trends and data: “2023 was a bad year”; though many categories of crime decreased slightly, all neighborhoods citywide saw a continued rise in auto theft. Alki had more homicides (two) and robberies (nine). Regarding specific recent crimes, the police delegation briefly addressed the one-night wave of Starbucks burglaries; we covered two, Admiral and Alki, but it turns out there was a third that night, 35th/Avalon. The burglars “knew enough to get in but didn’t know Starbucks doesn’t keep cash in the register,” they observed. Solomon said that while there were four assaults logged in Alki in recent weeks, they all involved people known to each other. And there was one “shot fired” incident (February 3rd).
Looking ahead to summer, there was some discussion of how disorder on the beach will be handled. Solomon said that park rangers will be deployed “in the neighborhoods” such as Alki, not just downtown as in years past. The SPD contingent explained that rangers – who will be uniformed in brown vests and brown pants – have powers of “citation and exclusion” but not arrest, and they’re unarmed. So, “if something bad happens, we will go onto the beach.”
One attendee asked about the carjackings in recent months.
SUNDAY: The photo and report are from Juan:
I noticed that a number of bus stops along 16th Ave SW in Highland Park had signs stating the stops were under consideration for closure by Metro. The provide a deadline of February 29, 2024 to submit comments. I have not seen this information provided anywhere else and this came as a complete surprise.
The feedback address on the sign is busstopsw@kingcounty.gov. We’ll be inquiring with Metro on Tuesday (since offices are closed for Presidents Day tomorrow); if you’ve seen closure alerts elsewhere, please let us know.
ADDED MONDAY: We traveled along 16th for a closer look at where the stops are posted for removal. We saw the signs on some – not all – stops from south of Donovan to south of Holden.
If you have questions about the new “pre-pro” soccer team West Seattle Junction FC, which just announced its schedule for home matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this spring and summer, here’s your chance to get answers: The organization will host a community meeting at adjacent Southwest Teen Life Center on February 29th. From the announcement:
West Seattle Junction FC is hosting a community meeting at the Southwest Community Center on 2/29/24 from 4:30-7 pm for any interested parties who wish to hear more about the club or to ask questions of our staff.
WHO: West Seattle Junction FC
WHAT: Community Meeting for those who would like to know about the club or ask questions.
WHERE: Southwest Community Center
WHEN: 4:30 pm – 7 pm on 2/29/2024A new USL League 2 soccer team, West Seattle Junction FC, will be playing their inaugural season May through July of this year at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Center. This Community Meeting will provide an opportunity for people in the community to ask questions about these events. There will be 8 home games this season.
General Game Information:
â— We will set-up the field approximately 1 hour to the start and tear down within an hour of each game.
â— We will leave the neighborhood as we found it: litter and recycling will be handled professionally.
â— During the event hours, we expect between 500-1000 attendees.
â— No streets will be closed and our spectators will be encouraged to take public transportation.
â— Sound amplification will be limited and non-audible beyond the field. .We are working closely with the City of Seattle Parks Department to minimize the impacts of the event. Our goal is to create an enjoyable and positive experience in the neighborhood.
Junction FC says the meeting will be open-house format – just drop in during that window. See the full announcement, including contact information if you have questions before then, in our calendar listing.
4:16 PM: Avoid Fauntleroy Way just south of Fairmount Playfield for a while – a two-car crash at Fauntleroy/Findlay [map] has blocked northbound Fauntleroy, and police are detouring traffic. No major injuries, but SFD was called in to check out one person with pain from airbag deployment.
4:49 PM: Police have reopened northbound Fauntleroy.
(WSB photo)
When the Seattle Kraken hockey team’s mascot Buoy showed up for story time at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library this morning, children’s librarian Leslie Sumida had the perfect books: “I’m Cool,” featuring a Zamboni (the machine used to smooth the rink for hockey) and “The Three Silly Billies,” starring a troll tending a bridge. We counted about 50 people there (including a few little kids who found Buoy a bit scary!).
Local libraries have regular story times, sometimes with other guests – for example, this Tuesday (February 20th), it’ll be Firefighter Story Time, meant for preschoolers, at 3:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
Six months ago, we reported on the closure of Ephesus Restaurant (5245 California SW), which had previously been taken over by new ownership that changed the menu from Turkish to Greek. Now, its original owner wants to bring back the original Ephesus. We learned this after a tip from Mark that someone was painting inside the building. We went over and found Hasan Ocak, who told us his plan is to reopen the restaurant he founded in 1995. The space needs a lot of work, though, he said – noting he’s already made six dump runs with debris – so he’s not sure about a timeline.
The photo was shared by Karla, who’s in the 5400 block of 34th SW, just south of Camp Long. She explains, “I put out a game camera last week and caught this coyote posing in our yard.” What should you do if you see one? Scare it away, as advised in this state-produced Living With Wildlife guide, which has other helpful information about coexistence. We report coyote sightings for awareness and education, not alarm; you can browse our archives here.
(Photo by Smithtwin, near White Center)
Here’s what’s on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7749 Highland Park Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering winter vegetables and fruit plus cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP FAIR: While you’re at the Farmers’ Market, check out this market too, with local vendors selling a variety of items inside Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.
STORY TIME WITH BUOY: At West Seattle (Admiral) Library, meet the Seattle Kraken hockey team’s mascot. Doors open 10 am, story time is at 10:30, Buoy stays for meet-and-greet at 11. Free. (2306 42nd SW)
PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND SALE: Continuing today at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), lots of snow sports gear on sale – as shown here. The shop is open today 10 am-5 pm.
DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm, Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) is looking for warm outerwear to help people in need stay warm through the remaining weeks of winter (and the chilly spring nights). See our preview for more on how you can help.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need to borrow something for a home project? Visit the WSTL 11 am-4 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
‘BORN WITH TEETH’: Third matinee for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm – tickets here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: See and hear the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Planning something that we can include on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos. Above, Wildcats’ postgame huddle)
Next stop for the West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team is the state tournament, after their second-place finish tonight in the District 2 3A tournament. Eastside Catholic left the Bellevue College gym with the championship win, 87-65. The Wildcats had the biggest cheering section, hoping all game long for a comeback.
But the Crusaders were out to a 13-2 lead by the midpoint in the first quarter, and never gave up much ground. #4, junior Duncan Monnin, was first on the scoreboard for WSHS with a basket at 6:20, after Eastside Catholic opened with a three, and that’s the only time the Wildcats were close.
Top West Seattle scorer tonight was #0, junior Alex Pierce, with 14 points:
#23, senior Pawlose Aschalew, was next with 10 points:
#3, senior Bo Gionet, had 9:
Both sides played fairly ferocious defense, but Eastside Catholic’s hottest outside shooter, senior Kayden Greene, managed to be open time and again for passes that translated to threes; the Crusaders also had the upper hand on rebounds for most of the game. They held a 45-27 lead at halftime, 71-49 at the end of the third quarter; there was a spark of hope when #5, junior Brittin Joyner, and #14, junior Jake Kriley, opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back threes, but Eastside Catholic started running out the clock, inbetween some insurance baskets, and that was the game.
Head coach Dan Kriley and the Wildcats will find out tomorrow afternoon who they’re facing to open state play – and when/where – which starts Tuesday.
SUNDAY UPDATE: The bracket has been released, and so far we know that WSHS will play its must-win opening-round game at home, either Friday or Saturday, vs. the winner of Tuesday’s game between Lincoln or Lake Washington.
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Further refinement of the bracket – WSHS will play at 2 pm next Saturday (February 24) and while they’ll be the “home” team, the game will be at Bellevue College.
(WSB photo, City Council chambers, last month)
When we talked with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka the day he was sworn in, he promised to open a district office. No word of the location for that yet, but he’s launching “office hours” next week – regular times where constituents can make appointments to talk with him in the district, rather than having to go downtown. According to Saka’s weekly newsletter, his first office-hours dates are February 23 and March 6, at the Southwest Customer Service Center (same building as the pool and Teen Life Center, 2801 SW Thistle). According to the signup form for the first date, hours will be 11 am-1 pm, at least for starters, and he’s booking 20-minute windows, either in person or via videoconferencing. He’s also planning South Park office hours, starting March 23 at the Duwamish River Community Hub.
West Coast Willow is now open at 5902 California SW. That’s the space vacated when Good Sister moved south to 6959 California, as reported here in December. West Coast Willow is right next to WSB sponsor Moon Room Shop and Wellness, and says that together they’re creating a “holistic corner” of the neighborhood, dubbing it the “Juneau Junction.” West Coast Willow explains, “We have a dreamy wall of bulk herbs (over 60 different herbs and spices), tea blends (which we will be blending on site for sipping and changing up weekly or more) and accessories, tinctures (made on site), candles, oils, smudge sticks and beautiful products from local makers such as flower essences, soaps, and roller balls. We also carry organic beauty products made on site by Nicole Leitner, our owner and local esthetician who has been working in the neighborhood for the last ten years.” They do facials and Reiki, and plan to offer classes and workshops. “Our goal is to inspire people to follow their intuition and feel confident in making their own herbal remedies and ritual practices.” Hours are 11 am-5 pm Sundays, closed Mondays, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 am-6 pm Wednesdays and Fridays, spa days (by appointment) Thursdays.
No sunset colors tonight, so let’s admire the sunrise! Thanks to everyone who sent photos of today’s early-morning show. Above, that’s from Liz; below, from Jerry Simmons:
And a panoramic view from James Tilley:
Though winter still has a month remaining – spring equinox is March 19 – before it’s done, we’ll be in Daylight Saving Time, which returns three weeks from tonight – 2 am Sunday, March 10.
On some Sundays, Alki UCC hosts a communitywide donation drive seeking specific items for people in need. Tomorrow’s the next one, with an emphasis on helping people stay warm – winter still has a month to go! Here’s the announcement:
Alki UCC Donation Drive this Sunday, February 18
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front CourtyardOuterwear is the priority. We have no warm coats for men, need all sizes.
Also welcome: vests, long underwear, heavy hoodies, sweatshirts, gloves, beanies and socks.
Your donations of food, clothing, and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.
Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
Thanks for the tips and photo. That’s the aftermath of yet another crash-and-grab burglary (or attempt) at Global Smoke and Vape (35th/Roxbury), hit repeatedly in recent months. According to police audio, it happened just before 3:30 am; the 911 caller reported seeing two people get out of the vehicle that was used, and into a second one to get away. The vehicle left behind was radioed in as a 2015 Kia Optima that officers believed to have been an “unreported stolen” registered to someone in Auburn. We don’t know if burglars made it into the store to take anything or not. P.S. The Twitter/X call log shows police were also called to the strip mall around the same time Thursday for a suspected burglary, but we don’t have information on how that turned out.
12:10 PM: Thanks for the texted tip: “Reporting brown water in Alki, near Admiral and 64th. There was a fire truck out earlier, but I wasn’t paying attention if they messed with the hydrant.” Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. Any time you notice discolored water at your residence, business, school, etc., report it to SPU at 206-386-1800 (and let us know too – thank you!). The discoloration is from “sediment” – usually rust – in the pipes getting stirred up by activity such as hydrant testing/use or pipe breaks.
2:19 PM: Also received this note from Karla: “All morning we’ve had brown water in High Point (5400 block of) 34th Ave SW.”
For many, Valentine’s Day is a chance to show your love to someone special. For West Seattle Girl Scout Troop 41843, their “someone special” was the entire community. Christine sent us this report on what they did for Valentine’s Day this past week:
Girl Scout Troop 41843 was out sharing some LOVE with our community. It was really sweet to see the smiles these scouts put on lots of faces with their Valentine’s. Several people told us that we made their day. The Troop started up at Dakota Place Park and walked down through the Junction passing out homemade cards, lollipops, smiles, and lots of love to those they passed on their way to The Great American Diner to end their mission with a delicious cup of hot cocoa.
P.S. In case you were wondering (we were, so we checked), this year’s cookie booths start in two weeks.
(Friday afternoon clouds, photographed by Hilda Burton)
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what our Event Calendar listings suggest for today/tonight:
FREE! GROUP RUN: Start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event but registration required.
CARE FOR TREES ON LONGFELLOW CREEK: 10 am-1 pm volunteering event; meet at the Longfellow Creek Trail/Juneau.
PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND SALE: Continuing today at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), lots of snow sports gear on sale – as shown here. The shop is open today 10 am-6 pm.
(added) SWEET POP-UP: At Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW):
Lovely & Dapper Desserts + McCormick Jam Pop-Up @ HPCS
West Seattle’s own Lovely & Dapper Desserts will be at Highland Park Corner Store selling their delightful tin-can cakes. And they’re bringing friends and collaborators McCormick Jam Company with them – so swing by for some sweet treats!
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Scheduled to be open today:
We are open 10 am-2 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! We have all your indoor plant needs, with pots, advice and more! Plus, any last-minute winter outside plants you might need. The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects.The selection includes perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, as well as indoor plants. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW)
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
SHE MADE THE MAP: Artist Sonya Reasor is at Inner Alchemy (3043 California SW) 1-3 pm, selling and signing her popular West Seattle map.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open 1-6 pm, north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
MISSION’S FINAL NIGHT: As announced earlier this month, the Admiral restaurant/bar is closing permanently after tonight. You can dine/drink there one last time 4 pm-midnight. (2325 California SW)
BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The West Seattle High School boys play for the district title tonight, 6:30 pm vs. Eastside Catholic at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE). Get tickets here.
BEER AND CHEESE TASTING: 7 pm at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) – $45; go here to see if any tickets are left!
FULL LIFE CRISIS: West Seattle band heads a 7 pm slate at Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th), $15 at the door.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: James Nason at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
‘BORN WITH TEETH’: Third weekend continues for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm – tickets here.
COMEDY AT GREAT AMERICAN DINER & BAR: 8 pm, semifinals of “Washington’s Funniest Mammal,” check here for tickets. (4752 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK:
BEATS: Saturday night DJ at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Go here to see who’s DJing tonight. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm, with Michael Van Fleet.
Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, walk, run, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo: Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington, right, with Office of Housing director Maiko Winkler-Chin)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In advance of Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s mid-term State of the City address next week, his administration says its homelessness response is making progress.
To elaborate on that, the mayor’s office invited reporters to a City Hall briefing today. The mayor wasn’t there – he was out planting trees – but Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington, whose portfolio includes the homelessness response, presented updates and answered questions. Video recording wasn’t allowed. We were there; here’s what we heard.
A key point: The city has developed a database that allows them to track actions, statuses, and results. Before the database, Washington said, it was all tracked by hand, and not very well at that. Building the database took up much of this administration’s first year, she added. Among the toplines they’re touting are these stats from the Unified Care Team, the multi-department city task force that handles encampments (not to be confused with the crisis-response CARE Team):
Another major change: Washington says they no longer remove encampments based on who’s complaining the loudest. That wasn’t fair, she said, since the loudest usually meant those who had the luxury of the most time on their hands to complain. Now they have criteria. That was part of the briefing, to review how they evaluate encampments for removal, or at least cleaning. For one, the assignation of points:
But, she said, it’s not just a scoring system:
10:23 PM FRIDAY: Reported by Kellie via email:
Stolen 1988 Chevrolet white 1/2-ton van – not running, so it was pulled away by someone. It is covered in vinyl stickers – one says National Green Log Society with a picture of a green log and on the back doors in 10-inch purple lettering it says “hang up and drive.” Stolen from Arbor Heights area this morning.
We’re still awaiting the license plate and police report numbers, plus we’ve asked if a photo is available, but the description sounded vivid enough that you’d probably recognize this if you see it, so we’re publishing this for starters. ADDED: Plate is S019694. … SECOND ADDITION: Police report # is 24-044805.
2:13 PM SATURDAY: As noted in comments, found in Fauntleroy. Owners are aware and handling.
(WSB photos. Above, #10, freshman Seneca Lucas)
The West Seattle High School girls simply ran out of time tonight in their district-tournament game against Roosevelt. The two were tied 46-46 with :10 to go in what was a close game throughout, but then Roosevelt sank a three and WSHS didn’t have enough time to get back downcourt to try to answer it, and the buzzer sounded to end their season.
Games don’t get much closer than this one. The first and second quarter both ended in ties, 9-9 and 19-19. The Wildcats had a one-point lead at the end of quarter #3, 32-31. But the Riders went on a run and pulled out to a 5-point lead with 5:50 left in the game, 39-34. West Seattle battled back, in part thanks to #20, junior Colby Timmons, hitting two baskets in short order.
(WSB photos. Above, #20, Colby Timmons, second-leading scorer with 13)
With 3:10 to go, WSHS took the lead, 43-42, after #4, senior Carmen Cruz, nailed one of her trademark threes:
(WSB photos. Above, #4, Carmen Cruz, third-leading scorer with 11)
They swapped the lead again and got it back 45-44 at 1:35 remaining, with a reverse layup by #21, junior Alyssa Neumann:
(WSB photos. Above, #21, Alyssa Neumann)
But they couldn’t pull away – and were on the wrong side of the scoreboard when it hit 00:00. Head coach Darnell Taylor and the Wildcats finish the season 13-13.
With only two seniors this year, the team has a good chance to build on this year’s success next season.
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