West Seattle, Washington
16 Thursday
On the last night of winter, talk about spring and summer with the Alki Community Council! You’re invited to the ACC’s in-person meeting Thursday (March 19), 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Planned topics include crime prevention as the beach’s busy season approaches, rebooting the Block Watch Captain program, Schmitz Park Creek restoration, A Cleaner Alki volunteer work, and more. Door-prize giveaways as always. Check in on more of what’s up at alkicommunitycouncil.org.
Often, stories about saving trees involve trees in the path of development.
Not this one – a tree so wide and gangly, we have to show it to you on video rather than just a photo.
The threat to this weeping willow tree in Upper Alki is not development, but another d-word … drainage – according to its owner.
The tree is in Irene Trimble‘s yard in Upper Alki, along SW Spokane east of 59th SW. It’s a landmark – “I’ve given the community access to the tree for engagement, prom, and senior photos as well as wedding ceremonies at no charge to anyone. A lot of memories have been made here by folks in West Seattle.” She provided this photo of one couple:
Part of the tree hangs over her fence, and she’s let people into the yard to visit it.
But it’s dying because of too much underground water just inches below the south side of the yard after a shift in the flow, which she has been told is a natural phenomenon. Irene says an arborist estimates the tree will die in about a year unless the excess water is drained away and rerouted. She’s been told that can be done – for about $9,000.
A friend suggested she try crowdfunding to cover some of that cost, and set up this GoFundMe campaign.
It describes the tree as “ancient” – that’s a relative term, as willows go; Irene says this one is believed to be at least a century old. She bought the property six years ago, and says it didn’t come with any history of the tree, such as who planted it there and why.
All that’s clear is that too much of a good thing – water – is killing it. And for those who know it and appreciate it, Irene says they have a chance to help save it. At least its human fans do – it has wildlife fans too, like this video Irene provided from a duck family’s visit:
Irene says the tree is registered with Plant Amnesty as one of Seattle’s remaining “heritage trees,” and if she is able to save it, it could live to be cherished by at least another generation.
(WSB photos and video by Torin Record-Sand)
We stopped by two more early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at West Seattle venues this afternoon:
At Ounces in North Delridge, West Seattle Irish Dance performed, after offering a free class this morning.
And at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), students of Tudy McLain presented an Irish music festival, including harp and flute.
The students were joined by guest performers too.
St. Patrick’s Day is still two days away, and the festivities that day will include Highland Park Corner Store transforming into “Highland Park Pub,” 5-8 pm Tuesday, with “baked potatoes and corned beef sandwiches, green beer, shamrock scoops, Irish tunes.”
4:29 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to in the 5700 block of SW Stevens [vicinity map], across from Alki Playfield, where flames are reported coming from a shed.
4:32 PM: Firefighters assess it as an “exterior” fire and are reducing the size of the response.
5:02 PM: Our photographer is on scene and has verified with the incident commander that the fire’s out and no one was hurt.
10:40 PM: SFD tells us the cause remains under investigation.
Thanks for all the bird photos these past few weeks! Time for a Sunday afternoon gallery. Above, five juvenile Bald Eagles in formation at Lincoln Park, photographed by Rainer Klett; below, a Pheasant – the photo is from Terry Blumer, whose daughter saw it in North Admiral:
Terry’s wife got this view of two Northern Flicker woodpeckers:
Remember the West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) Anna’s Hummingbird eggs? Susan Whiting Kemp photographed the mom in view with babies’ beaks:
Jerry Simmons photographed a Peregrine Falcon:
A Sharp-shinned Hawk, from Carol Christian:
This is from K Smith:
Another corvid – a Steller’s Jay at Al‘s feeder:
Jon Anderson spotted a Spotted Towhee:
And Keri Watson caught a Gull with what appeared to be a snack:
Thank you so much to everyone who sends photos from around West Seattle – whether it’s a bird or breaking news, scenery or surprise sightings – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302 any time!
(WSB file photo)
Another reminder: The next West Seattle recycle/reuse/shredding event is now less than a week away, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and partners next Saturday (March 21). To ensure you’re ready, we’re again publishing the list of what you’ll be able to drop off during the 9 am-noon event. And remember that the location is changing – now in the south parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – drive/ride/walk in via the southernmost SSC entrance off 16th.
The list:
ACCEPTED ITEMS include:
Small propane canisters
Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
Household batteries
Clothing, bedding, curtains in good condition
Small electronics (TVs, computers, cellphones)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes)
home goods and toysNON-ACCEPTED ITEMS include:
Furniture
Hazardous waste
Bicycle/tricycles
CRT tube TVs
Mattresses
AC units
Car seats
Stained, ripped or worn-out fabrics
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Garbage, compost and household recycling items
Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
For suggestions about disposing of those items or others not mentioned at all, check out this Seattle Public Utilities lookup tool. And note that a wider variety of electronic items will be accepted next month at the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 25.
(Saturday evening off Beach Drive – photo by Bob Burns)
Here’s the event lineup for winter’s final Sunday (spring arrives this Friday!), mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but starting with an off-peninsula traffic alert:
HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURES FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY DASH: WSDOT advisory:
Several closures will affect traffic on State Route 99 from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, near the Seattle Center for the St. Patrick’s Day Dash. These include:
All lanes of northbound SR 99 from Republican to Lynn Street.
The northbound SR 99 on-ramp from Seventh Avenue/Harrison Street.
The southbound SR 99 off-ramp to Seventh Avenue/Harrison Street.
Speaking of running …
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Seacrest at 8:45 am today for a Sunday Funday trail-run adventure – take the 9 am Water Taxi downtown, run back to Seacrest. (1660 Harbor SW)
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in end-of-winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta, more.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, LAST DAY: Multiple locations and times, running as late as 8 pm (use the Cookie Finder)!
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s while enjoying a buffet breakfast.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FREE TAX HELP, BUT … 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library, registration strongly encouraged as we’re told it’s been all booked up. (9010 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
LEARN A JIG: Free Irish line-dance class at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) before their St. Patrick’s Day party.
SINGING RESISTANCE WORKSHOP: Noon at Peace Lutheran Church (39th SW and SW Thistle), learn to raise your voice in songs of resistance.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm, featuring an Irish line-dance performance at 2:30 pm, get your green on at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW).
PERIMENOPAUSE MOVIE: 12:30 pm free screening and social – see “The M Factor, Before the Pause, Perimenopause” at Dragonfly (3270 California SW).
DROP-IN SEED PLANTING: 1 pm to 2:30 pm again today, drop-in seed planting for members of the Growing Gardeners Club at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PLANT STICK HAPPY HOUR AT MR. B’S: “Give your greens some bling,” suggests the invite to this 1 pm event at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
TIM’S MATINEE: Festival of Friends fundraiser for Tim’s Tavern, 2 pm, all ages, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Trio Oscuro, 2:30 pm, piano, viola, cello, with program including Shostakovich and Beethoven works. (7904 35th SW)
GREENSLEEVES AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Irish flute and harp students’ showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, no cover, all ages.
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: This month’s meeting focuses on community action and preparation for March 28 rally, 3:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
HONEY BUNNY PAINT NIGHT AT MR. B’S: 6 pm-8:30 pm, paint ‘n’ sip fundraiser for Special Bunny at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW). Rescue bunnies there to model for you, too. Note: Online tickets sold out; check with venue to see if there’s room.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, a jazzy way to wrap up your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or working on, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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