West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Thanks to Ashley for tonight’s photos of a display featuring a Halloween spider (featured here in October) who’s now decked out for the winter holidays:
Garth the Spider has put away his pumpkins and is in full Christmas mode. The neighbors had started adding their own touches – aka Wayne the snail.
Garth, Wayne, and trimmings are at 7019 14th Ave SW [map]. If you have, or see, lights that you want to share with the community, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com, with or without photos – thank you! Every display we feature is listed in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. You can browse the archives (past years, too) here.
(WSB photo, November 2020)
In addition to the already announced Eastridge Church turkey-and-groceries giveaway in The Junction on Saturday morning, the West Seattle Food Bank is also again offering free turkeys and other holiday food in a drive-through distribution at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) that day. WSFB development director Breanna Bushaw says the Saturday distribution is “open to any West Seattle family in need of Thanksgiving groceries.” Details:
Each family will receive a turkey and a box of produce, or turkey and thanksgiving box.
Drive Thru Distribution
South Seattle College, North Lot
6000 16th Ave SWSaturday, November 20, 2021
10 am to 2 pm (or supplies run out)Masks are required. Must remain in your car.
Maximum of 2 families per household. Each family must be present & show proof of address.If families are not able to make it to our Saturday Thanksgiving distribution, our walk-up distribution at West Seattle Food Bank will have turkeys next week:
Monday: 10 am – 2 pm
Tuesday: 10 am – 2 pm
Wednesday: 10 am -4 pmThursday & Friday: CLOSED
The WSFB is headquartered on the southeast corner of 35th SW and SW Morgan. If you don’t need food but would like to donate, Bushaw says the food bank needs money most of all: “Monetary donations help us purchase fresh produce, meat and dairy products. Donations also go to fund our emergency financial assistance program to help neighbors stay in their homes and keep utilities on when they are going through a tough financial time.” (Here’s where to donate.)
Today brought the start of fall quarter at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). The campus on Puget Ridge is still relatively quiet, though, because most classes this quarter are being held remotely, as explained in this overview on the college website. SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson tells WSB that “our professional-technical and apprenticeship programs continue to offer in-person instruction, and we slightly expanded in-person college transfer courses.” He adds, “We have increased on-campus/in-person student services, currently offered Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Virtual assistance continues to be offered as well, so students have a hybrid support model for fall.” SSC hopes to offer more in-person classes in the winter quarter and beyond.
Logwatchers may have noticed a “scenes of violence” callout just before 3 am. Here’s the police summary of what that was about:
On 7-14-21 at about 0250 hours, an unknown male entered a business in the 1600 block of SW Holden St and requested the employee call 911 because he had accidentally shot himself. The subject then fled the business, got into his vehicle, and fled the area. Responding officers observed the vehicle leaving and followed it to the area of 17 Ave SW / SW Graham St, where the subject parked the vehicle and fled into the greenbelt area. An extensive area check was conducted, but the subject was not located. A handgun was observed inside the locked vehicle, which was impounded to the processing room.
If you’re in the Puget Ridge vicinity this afternoon, Ellie is selling ice-cream cones at 5428 16th SW. Experts say it’s a good idea to teach kids entrepreneurial skills early, and Ellie’s proud family texted us, “5-year-old girlboss open for business!” Tillamook ice cream; gluten-free cones available, until 5 pm.
On wheels and/or on foot, Class of 2021 graduates got to celebrate tonight at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge. School faculty and photo-op stops lined the southwest corner of campus.
SSC President Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap and Seattle Colleges District leadership were there for the photos and cheering.
SSC called this the “Unstoppable Graduation Celebration,” in honor of the perseverance this year’s nearly 500 graduates showed in finishing their programs and earning a degree or certificate despite the many life changes brought on by the pandemic.
South Seattle College’s announcement noted 487 awards this year, including:
313 associate transfer degrees that enable graduates to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in Washington and beyond to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
61 career training associate of science degrees and certificates that prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately.
72 high-school diplomas or equivalents, allowing graduates to take a significant step toward future education and employment opportunities.
41 bachelor of applied science degrees, taking graduates’ careers to the next level and increasing their earning potential.
The school estimates about 150 of its new grads joined in tonight’s celebration.
The report and photos are from West Seattle Garden Tour president Jeff Daley:
The West Seattle Garden Tour has missed not being able to hold our garden tour these past two years, which has kept us from being able to sponsor local beneficiaries. Today we were happy to once again come together as a group and support the local gardening community. This morning we helped tend the garden of one of our previous beneficiaries, the Seattle Chinese Garden.
Wishing everyone happy gardening, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022
The garden is open daily on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge.
Big news for gardeners – the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open this season! First opening is next Saturday (May 8th), 10 am-3 pm. The Garden Center sells plants raised by SSC Landscape Horticulture students, including “unusual perennials, broadleaf and deciduous shrubs, some small trees, natives, and house plants.” This event is cash/checks only. The Garden Center is on the north end of the SSC campus, 6000 16th SW.
In case you didn’t see it in our coverage of last month’s HPAC meeting or on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – this Saturday morning (April 17th) brings another compost giveaway in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). 9 am until it’s gone, bring your own shovel and container(s) for up to a half-yard of compost per household. Masks required.
From today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin: A notice of land-use approval for a six-house project to be added on a site that currently holds one house on Puget Ridge, at 6550 21st SW [map]. You can read the decision here. The site is just over an acre. The city website says off-street parking is planned for 12 vehicles to go along with the six 2-story houses. The decision also notes that seven “exceptional” trees are on the site and that plans call for preserving all of them. The decision can be appealed – this notice explains how – with the deadline set at April 12th.
10:24 AM: If you’re headed for the recycling/shredding event in the north lot at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – be patient! By 9:30 am, the vehicle line was backed up on northbound 16th SW past the campus’s south entrance and almost all the way to SW Holly. (If you’re just bringing something you can carry, you can park on 16th and walk in.) Once you’re in, here’s the setup:
Trucks are lined up from participants including Friendly Earth for electronics/small-appliance recycling:
Bring your Styrofoam, too, since Styro Recycle is there. And for paper, Sea-Dru-Nar is there for up to four boxes of shredding:
Volunteers are there to guide you in. The event organized by the West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce is on until noon – 6000 16th SW, north entrance. Don’t forget your mask! If you have to head north to somewhere else on Puget Ridge this morning, we advise an alternate route. Southbound 16th, however, is not affected.
P.S. If you miss this event, as announced earlier this week, Fauntleroy Church is bringing back its twice-annual dropoff Recycle Roundup on April 25th (no shredding or Styrofoam, though) – details soon!
11:33 AM UPDATE: From volunteer Judy: “No longer taking light bulbs and electronics. Shredding, Styrofoam, batteries still accepted.”
Now there are TWO upcoming chances for dropoff electronics-and-more recycling in West Seattle:
(WSB photo, September 2020)
SATURDAY: We’ve told you about this one several times already – now it’s already here! The West Seattle Junction Association and Chamber of Commerce are presenting a spring recycle/reuse/shredding event 9 am-noon this Saturday (March 20th), different location this year – the north parking lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Drive up, ride up, walk up! This preview explains how it’ll work as well as what they will and won’t take. Masks required!
APRIL 25: Just announced, Fauntleroy Church is bringing back the Recycle Roundup – usually held in spring and fall, but last year both were skipped because of the pandemic. Details on what will and won’t be accepted are still in the works but the time/date is set – 10 am-3 pm Sunday, April 25, in the church parking lot (9140 California SW).
Two stolen Hondas to watch for:
STOLEN CIVIC: Liza emailed the photo and report:
My car was stolen last night from our driveway on 21st Ave SW near the Juneau staircase. Please keep an eye out for it! Red Honda Civic Hatchback 1997. License plate # ABL0186.
STOLEN CR-V: Posted in the WSB Community Forums by Jgarcia, word of a stolen silver/gray ’98 Honda CR-V, taken near Delridge/Genesee, license plate # BPE9312. The post has details on interior and exterior decorations.
If you see either of these, or any other known stolen vehicles, call 911.
Just in case you missed the original announcement last week … tomorrow’s the day for this giveaway:
(Here’s a map.)
(SPU file photo via Twitter)
Announced at tonight’s HPAC meeting (full report later): A chance to pick up free compost in West Seattle in a week and a half. It’ll be in the north parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) on Saturday, March 6th, 9 am-3 pm – or while it lasts. Each household gets up to a half cubic yard; it’ll be in bulk, so bring your own shovels/scoops and containers. It’ll be distanced, masks required, and you’re advised to be ready to wait in line. The giveaway is co-sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities.
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle’s only “edible park” invites you to stop by on Thursday night and bid 2020 farewell. Stu Hennessey sent the invitation on behalf of Puget Ridge Edible Park volunteers:
With our sights set on new hope in a new year, many of us feel the need to reflect on the struggles and losses of the past year and the 1.7 million souls we have lost. We also may want to say a swift goodbye to 2020 as well.
Therefore, the volunteers at Puget Ridge Edible Park thought it would be a good idea to invite our friends and neighbors to a Covid Candlelight Vigil and Say Goodbye to 2020 New Year’s Eve at the community garden. We have a luminaria-candlelit pathway to bring up to 5 people at a time to our New Year’s Eve fire to toss out the old year by throwing into the fire a written message or any symbol of bad memories over the last year.
The vigil will take place Thursday, New Year’s Eve, from 6 pm to 8 pm at 5265 18th Ave. SW. Be prepared to wait your turn to enter the park as we are limited to 5 people at a time. Wear warm clothes and bring some warm drinks. Parking will be available along 18th Ave. SW and SW Brandon St. Heavy rain will cancel. The volunteers at Puget Ridge Edible Park would like to offer you a healthy and happy New Year!
We’ve added this to the New Year’s section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Thanks to Pete for the tip. Seattle Public Utilities has been notifying residents of Pigeon Point and Puget Ridge about a planned water outage for about 6 hours next Tuesday night, December 8th, 6 pm until midnight or so. The SPU outage map – which displays planned outages as well as emergencies – shows 200+ homes will be affected, but has no details of the reason for the outage. We asked SPU spokesperson Sabrina Register, who replied: “Seattle Public Utilities water crews will be installing a 12” isolation valve on a nearby water main. This work requires a temporary water outage for some customers in the area. Isolation valves allow smaller sections of a water main to be shut down (impacting fewer customers) when repairs and maintenance are needed in the future. They also provide an additional safety measure should an emergency water main shutdown need to occur.”
(WSB photos)
11:10 AM: Second major pre-holiday food-distribution event of the day in West Seattle, and it’s going fast. The West Seattle Food Bank has staffers and volunteers in the north parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) with turkeys and other food for those who need it. This too is a drive-up event – approach the entrance from northbound 16th.
Within the first 40 minutes, they told us, they had already given out half the 500 turkeys (and boxes of fresh produce and dairy) that they brought.
But if you missed it, you’re not out of luck – the Food Bank also has pre-holiday distributions at its High Point HQ (35th/Morgan): Monday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, and Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, with available food including turkeys and chickens.
11:32 AM UPDATE: The Food Bank was down to the last 25 turkeys but is getting a few more – Eastridge is bringing over its 40 remaining turkeys since its event in The Junction has ended.
P.S. If you are fortunate enough not to need help this holiday season, you might consider helping the WSFB continue to do this work – it’s handling more need than ever, especially after merging with the Helpline, helping people with emergency aid to prevent homelessness – here’s how to donate.
(WSB photo)
Two days before election results start coming in, we have a winner – the Puget Ridge community, where neighbors offered future voters a fun lesson in democracy, organizing a parade to the South Seattle College ballot drop box today, after kids got a chance to vote at Puget Ridge Edible Park. The parade even featured a mini-marching band.
The kids’ vote wasn’t about the presidential race or anything else on the official ballot – it was about what they’d like to see at the community-created, community-managed park.
(Photo by Althea Chow)
The voting was part of a mini-harvest festival at the park:
(This photo and next by Ada-Reva Spae)
This was a volunteer effort, as is everything at the park (see our report from August). Ada-Reva Spae was lead organizer, and she credits Karen Crisalli Winter as the “Magical Mystical Wizard Master of Activities,” Marty McLaren as “Chief Votemaster,” plus “party planners extraordinaire” Stu Hennessey, Lisa Kauffman, Cathy Wilmering, and Janice Singh. At SSC, a photo op with the kid-size ballot box next to the official drop box concluded the festivities:
)(WSB file photo)
Next weekend doesn’t just bring Halloween – it’ll also be the last weekend before Election Day. A unique celebration is planned on Puget Ridge. The announcement is from Stu Hennessey:
Following a harvest festival and crafts party where kids will vote on the future of their world within our neighborhood, we will be having a kids’ parade to our local ballot box at South Seattle College, at Puget Ridge Edible Park, 5265 18th Ave. SW, West Seattle, Sunday, November 1st. Kids’ parade to the ballot box starts at 1 pm.
This event is our effort to introduce children to the democratic process, giving them some voice in real decision-making that will affect a child’s view of their own neighborhood. In replacement of the traditional Halloween activities that will be curtailed due to Covid-19 we are offering a harvest festival and crafts party at Puget Ridge Edible Park. From 11 am to 1 pm, the children can do crafts and activities as well as vote for future activities and events at their local edible park. At 1 pm they will parade a short walk to the ballot box at South Seattle College to celebrate participation in democracy and take photos. A separate and smaller ballot box will be placed beside the official box.
The event is planned, Stu adds, “with wide separation and required mask wearing to comply with COVID-19 CDC and state guidelines. Any groups formed will be separated within their group and far away from any other group.”
If you bought a ticket, you’ve probably already received word, but just FYI, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has postponed tonight’s park-and-watch movie to next Friday (October 16th), since we could see rain before dark tonight. The CofC also has a few tickets left for the screening of “Secret Life of Pets” in the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) north lot – go here.
That’s the trailer for “Secret Life of Pets,” which the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce will show as a park-your-car-and-watch movie Friday, October 9th, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). Tickets are limited – $50 per carload, which includes one bag of popcorn, two boxes of candy, and two sodas. The lot will open at 5:30 pm, with the movie at 6:45 pm. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to go – register here to get your ticket, while they last.
With the general election a little more than two months away, West Seattle now has a third ballot dropbox, at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge. We got a tip about it this afternoon (thank you!) and went over for a photo. King County Elections installed it on Friday, in front of the administration building. This is not a reaction to the current concern about the US Postal Service‘s ability to handle ballots, though – we’re told it’s been in the works a long time; our tipster texted that it’s the “culmination of years of work by student, staff, and faculty.” KC Elections spokesperson Halei Watkins tells WSB it’s the 70th dropbox in the county: “The campus was very welcoming and enthusiastic about finding the best spot for it, and we’re thrilled to now have a dropbox on all Seattle Community College campuses.” No other new ones are planned right now, Watkins adds, but, “We are looking at some other ballot drop=off options, particularly to serve more rural communities around the county.” Before there were fixed dropboxes, you might recall, there were temporary sites with vans.
The new box joins West Seattle’s pre-existing ones at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) and in The Junction (south side of SW Alaska between California and 44th). The dropboxes officially “open” after ballots are mailed out, which is scheduled to happen October 14th, and they close at 8 pm sharp Election Night (November 3rd).
P.S. SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson tells us the college’s gates will reopen in mid-September, so the box will be easily accessible to voters in time for the election.
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