West Seattle, Washington
08 Friday
On the right side of our top photo is the newly installed Peace Pole outside American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle, installed and dedicated during a Veterans Day commemoration this afternoon. It’s the eighth one installed around this area by the Rotary Club of West Seattle – and Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes says it’s the first of three that will help transform the Post’s front lawn into a Peace Park. The Rotary’s Kjersti Stroup said it’s one of more than 300,000 installed worldwide as a “symbol of the continuing quest for lasting peace.”
A short song expressed the sentiment embodied by the pole, which is decorated with messages of peace in eight languages: -:
Before the pole was dedicated and placed, those gathered inside Post 160 – which also serves as the West Seattle Veteran Center and Westside Neighbors Shelter – paid tribute to veterans, Scouts from Troop/Pack 282 presented the colors:
Commander Hughes gave a short speech he credited to Legion headquarters, telling the story of Korean War veteran and former POW Hiroshi Miyamura, who died last year.
His voice broke as he recounted the story of Miyamura rescuing a fallen fellow soldier. He reminded everyone that veterans’ service to the country deserves respect and gratitude every day of the year, not just this one holiday. The American Legion exists, he noted, because “warriors need advocates.”
(Rendering by Ankrom Moisan)
That’s a rendering of 4440 Fauntleroy, one of the two “Sweeney Blocks” mixed-use buildings planned in The Triangle. The city has given a key approval to the plan for ~222 apartments and ground-floor retail in a 7-story building with 150 off-street parking spaces. But don’t expect the backhoes to show up any time soon. Like some other projects, this one’s in a wait-and-see phase, according to Lynn Sweeney, spokesperson for the entrepreneurial family that owns the property: “Overall status and timetable continues to be dependent on the overall state of the world, so we don’t have a firm ‘break ground’ timeline yet, though we are pleased to have been awarded the MUPs on both blocks and continue to work on the refinement of the sites.” The other “Sweeney Block,” 4406 36th SW, got the same pivotal approval back in June; it’s planned for 7 stories, ~284 apartments, commercial space, and 162 off-street parking spots.
Meantime, you might recall that part of the development property holds Alki Lumber, which the Sweeneys sold, after a century, two years ago. At the time its new owner was announced, its new location – South Park – was too. But Lynn Sweeney tells us it’s expected to “remain in its current location for at least a year.”
P.S. The approval for 4440 Fauntleroy opens an appeal period, through November 9; this notice explains how that works.
(WSB photos)
The shopping started early at this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap, happening now at the VFW Hall in The Triangle (3601 SW Alaska). It’s presented by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), whose store is across the street, and proprietor Greg Whittaker decided to open the doors early so shoppers didn’t have to wait in line. It’s not just skis, though they are available in abundance – you’ll also find snowboards:
And boots:
Plus gloves and other apparel/gear to keep you comfortable during your winter adventures:
Most of the items are from hundreds of your neighbors who consigned them for the sale. Day 1 continues until 5 pm, and then there’s a second Ski Swap day tomorrow (Sunday, October 15th), 10 am-4 pm.
(WSB photo from West Seattle Ski Swap day 1)(WSB photo, 2022 West Seattle Ski Swap)
Quick reminder that one of this weekend’s biggest events will be the West Seattle Ski Swap, presented each year by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska) both days this weekend. If you have something to sell – skis, snowboard, boots, gear – you need to preregister ASAP and drop off your items this afternoon, 3-7 pm. Here’s where to find the link to sign up. Otherwise, if you’re just shopping, sale hours are 10 am-5 pm Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday.
(WSB photo, 2022 West Seattle Ski Swap)
With the summer encore this weekend, it might be difficult to convince yourself that winter weather isn’t far away, but this might help: A reminder that Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is presenting the annual West Seattle Ski Swap next weekend:
Do your snow dances and get your gear together – you have one week left to pre-register your gear for the annual West Seattle Ski and Snowboard Swap. This event is a great avenue to outfit yourself and your entire family with good useable ski and snowboard gear. The key to this event is to help spread the word! Who knows what’s in your neighbors’ garage that might be the perfect tool for the snow rider you met on the chairlift last year?
If you have something to sell, the dropoff time is 2-5:30 pm Friday (October 13th) – the link for registering to sell is on this page. The venue is West Seattle’s VFW Hall, right across the street from M2SO in The Triangle, 3601 SW Alaska. If you’re shopping, the hours next weekend will be 10 am-5 pm Saturday (October 14th) and 10 am-4 pm Sunday (October 15th).
The photo is from Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle, where the West Seattle Boat Swap is happening until 4 pm. It’s all about, as M2SO describes it, “human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and accessories!” With weather like this, there’s still lots of prime time to get out on the water, and it’s also never too soon to get ready for next year. The shop’s at 3602 SW Alaska (and once you’re all geared up, join tonight’s sunset paddle for Maui, presented by M2SO’s sibling business Alki Kayak Tours).
That’s part of the new roof at 3618 SW Alaska, the building that houses the West Seattle Veteran Center, American Legion Post 160, and our area’s only emergency shelter, among other things. We first told you 3 1/2 weeks ago about the donations from Adaptive Roofing, Malarkey Roofing Products, Stoneway Roofing Supply, Do It Right Roofing, and DTG Recycle making it possible for the building to get a badly needed new roof – the old one was estimated to be at least 40 years old! We saw the center/shelter’s leader Keith Hughes at an event on Friday and asked about the roof’s status; he said final work was scheduled for this weekend. And there’s one last thing you might be able to help with – though the businesses’ generosity totaled about $90,000 worth of labor and materials, Keith still has to cover several thousand dollars of related expenses, as explained on this crowdfunding page, where you can donate if so moved.
(WSB photo)
Thanks to commenter James for the tip. The long-planned demolition of the ex-House of Kleen at 4425 Fauntleroy Way SW has finally happened. The demolition permit had already been in the works for months when the business moved out last fall (it’s now Alex Dry Cleaners at 4744 California SW in The Junction). But it’s not currently slated for redevelopment; as we reported in October, the property owner had told us the plan was just to demolish the 57-year-old building and clean up the site.
(WSB photos)
Work has begun at 3618 SW Alaska – home to West Seattle’s only cold-weather shelter as well as veterans’ organizations – getting a new roof after ~40+ years. As we reported last Friday, this is a gift – with labor, materials, and even the dumpster all donated; Adaptive Roofing is installing the roof in partnership with Malarkey Roofing Products, Stoneway Roofing Supply, Do It Right Roofing, and DTG Recycle.
The work is expected to take just under a week; we’ll check back.
West Seattle’s only emergency shelter – which is entirely volunteer- and donation-powered – could use some “resupplying.” Here’s the message from Keith Hughes, who runs the shelter from the West Seattle Veteran Center/American Legion Post 160 building in The Triangle:
My sincere thanks to the West Seattle Community for your continued and generous support for the Homeless Shelter at the American Legion Hall here in West Seattle. We made it through the winter and extended cold weather this spring, but the need has been great and our food and clothing supplies have been depleted. The overnight operation has ended for this season, but we are still operating the Warm-Up Center 7 day a week from 7:30 m till 10 am including a hot breakfast every morning. This is our current need list:
Ground coffee, powered coffee creamer, 12 oz Hot cups (no lids)
Instant Oatmeal packets, Instant Hot Chocolate packets
Old Fashion or 1-minute oatmeal
Pancake mix, pancake syrup, butter, peanut butter
Cup-O-Noodles, single-serving instant soups
Safeway/QFC gift cards so we can get perishables like milk, eggs, orange juice, butter
Clothing items needed: men’s socks (9 – 12), underwear L & XL, tee shirts L & XL, cotton gloves, stocking caps. NOTE: We partner with the Clothesline for outerwear so we don’t need to stock shirts, pants, and coats this time of year.
To learn more about the Shelter or make a monetary donation, you can go to our website. www.westsideneighborsshelter.org
Thank you again for your continued support. This is an all-volunteer operation supported only by the Community. We do not receive monetary aid from any governmental entities.
The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska.
Spring’s here and get-out-on-the-water season isn’t far away. On one recent sunny day, in fact, kayaks arrived at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), where their winter clearance sale continues through this weekend, too. Here’s the announcement and photo sent by the shop in The Triangle:
Hey there sun-seekers,
Spring is here and kayaks have landed! Mountain to Sound has just received a shipment of new kayaks, including top brands such as Eddyline, Old Town, Current Designs, Epic, and Ocean Kayaks. These kayaks are perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect kayak for your needs.
We invite you to visit our store locally or online to get the first spring picks of our kayaks as this first shipment won’t last long. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you choose the perfect kayak for your needs and answer any questions you may have.
We also offer kayaking accessories and rentals, so you can make the most of your time on the water. As always, thanks for all the support!
Don’t forget, we are still doing our winter clearance until 3/26/23!
See you out there,
Mountain to Sound Team
Keith Hughes, who runs the West Seattle Veteran Center and the emergency shelter hosted inside it, is “Washingtonian of the Day.” Governor Jay Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee traveled to West Seattle this morning to present the award in person.
Here’s our video of the short ceremony, in which the governor presented that certificate as well as an apple pin:
There to show their support were community leaders from groups/organizations including the Westside Interfaith Network, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (which honored Hughes last year as Westsider of the Year), and WS Junction Association.
Before presenting the award, the Inslees toured the center/shelter, housed inside historic American Legion Post 160. With another snap of sub-freezing weather forecast for later this week, we asked Hughes if the shelter has any specific current needs. Here’s what you can donate: Hot-cocoa mix (packets preferred), coffee creamer (powdered type), underwear, T-shirts, and jeans (men’s and women’s) – not a huge amount of those items, maybe a dozen each. The center/shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska. (Added: And as noted in comments, it now has a website.)
With another round of extra-cold weather on the way, we’ve received this reminder from the emergency shelter at the West Seattle Veteran Center in The Triangle:
Just wanted to send out a reminder that the Shelter is open during these winter months. If you know someone/see someone that needs shelter, please send them our way: 3618 SW Alaska St.
-Cold Weather Shelter (overnight below 40F) open 5:00 PM, dinner at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
-Warm-Up Center open daily 7:30 am to 11:00 am. Hot breakfast from 8:30 am – 9:30 am
When the daytime temperature is forecast as below 40 F, the Shelter will be open all day.
The extended forecast says lows in the 20s are possible starting Sunday.
When Christmas brought an end to subfreezing weather, Keith Hughes finally got a break from round-the-clock operation of West Seattle’s only emergency shelter/warming center. Temperatures are expected to drop again next week, so he’s announced the shelter will reopen Monday at the West Seattle Veteran Center:
We will be back open on Monday morning, Jan 2, 2023 from 7:30 am till 11:00 am, and again at 5:00 pm for a hot meal and overnight every night that the overnight temperature is forecasted to be in the 30s. During the last Cold Weather Emergency, from November 3 thru December 25, we averaged 20 people per night, both men and women, as the only Shelter in the West Seattle/White Center area.
With that, the “Keep the Heat On at the Warming Center” crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs will continue. Keith explains:
It takes a lot of help and support to feed, clothe, and house a group this size as a private, all-volunteer, non-profit organization. “Keep the Heat On” literally means being able to pay the gas bill, electric bill, water and sewer bill, insurance, and building maintenance (like cleaning supplies). We can’t do it without your help. Thank you to all who can join us in supporting our local Homeless community.
If you know someone who needs a place to go inside and be warm, the address is 3618 SW Alaska.
12:14 PM: In case you wondered too, as did a few readers, West Seattle’s only weather-emergency shelter, at WS Veteran Center in The Triangle, is indeed in operation right now. We spoke this morning with shelter operator Keith Hughes, who said he expects to keep the shelter open until Christmas morning, by which time the temperature should be headed into the 50s. As for whether the donation-and-volunteer-powered shelter has any current needs with which the community could assist, Keith says no – they’ve received enough recent donations that they’re stocked up.
12:54 PM: While Keith didn’t mention it, we’ve just learned that there is some financial need for shelter operations, and one of the shelter volunteers has started a crowdfunding campaign for expenses including a big utility bill – you can donate here.
With trucks getting stuck on hills as mentioned in our weather coverage, it’s no surprise that this was just announced by Seattle Public Utilities:
Due to winter weather conditions, there will be delayed residential garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste pickup in Seattle for customers in Seattle today, Tuesday, Dec. 20 through the rest of the week. SPU’s Haz Waste sites and stations are closed to customers today, Tuesday Dec. 20 and will attempt to reopen tomorrow, weather permitting.
Weather and road conditions permitting, garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste service will resume Wednesday, December 21, 2022 on a revised schedule — with customers scheduled for pickup today, Tuesday, collected tomorrow. All remaining residential services will be delayed one day this week. For example, if your regular collection day is Friday, your garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste will be collected on Saturday this week. Customers should be sure to have their containers out by 7 am to ensure collection.
If your materials are not picked up by the end of the following day, please put them out on your next regularly scheduled pickup day. Customers missed this week will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling, and yard waste at no additional charge, on their next scheduled collection day.
11:15 PM: Police are investigating whether two West Seattle robberies tonight were committed by the same people, Right now they’re responding to the Shell station on Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle after a report that it was held up by two people described as Black, male, 16 or 17 years old, wearing masks and black jackets over hoodies and blue jeans; one had a black handgun. One officer pointed out to dispatch that the description matched that of two robbers who held up someone at California/Fauntleroy a few hours ago, getting away with the victim’s Air Pods. In that case, a getaway vehicle was reported, described as a black Hyundai SUV.
11:35 PM: And now a third robbery is reported, with two robbers matching that same description, this time at a gas station on the unincorporated side of Roxbury.
(West Seattle Veteran Center photo)
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8:42 PM: As mentioned earlier, the fall’s first round of very cold weather is on the way. So West Seattle’s only emergency shelter – at American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center – is getting ready to open. From its manager Keith Hughes:
The time has come – the first Cold Weather Emergency for winter 2022 has been declared by City of Seattle and King County Regional Homelessness Authority to run Sunday evening through next Friday night.
The West Seattle Warm-Up Center and Shelter, operating in the West Seattle Veteran Center at 3618 SW Alaska St, will officially open at 5 PM on Sunday.
I know that the cost of everything has gone up since I requested help for last winter, but I believe that the good people of West Seattle will step up and help support this All-Volunteer shelter operation.
Here’s the list of what the shelter needs:
Food Pantry
Ground Coffee
#4 cone coffee filters
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix (for hot water)
Bottled water
Soft drinks in cans (store brands and things on sale)
Instant Oatmeal packets
Granola type low sugar cereal
Pancake mix, bisquick mix,
Pancake syrup, butter, jam
Canned soup, chili, beef stew
Packaged food like top ramen, cup-o-noodles, mac and cheese
Rice-a-roni, noodle-roni boxes
Dry spaghetti, egg noodles, macaroni
Spaghetti sauce in jars
Food store gift cards so we can get fresh things like milk, eggs, butter, meatOther Needs
Socks, gloves, stocking caps, t-shirts and underware (men’s large and X-large)
Travel size individual soaps, shampoo; tooth brushes & toothpaste (ask your dentist for donations) bar soap for shower, laundry detergent pods
Toilet paper and paper towels, disinfectant wipes
Single-bed-size blankets
We have a question out about optimal drop-off hours. Also last year there was discussion of donors ordering items online and having them shipped directly to the center/shelter.
1:26 AM: The reply: “Best times for dropoff are in the morning before 11 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 9 pm. Those interested may call 206-932-9696 for more information on extended hours.”
(WSB photos)
By the time this weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap opened this morning at the VFW Post 2713 Hall in The Triangle, more than 700 people had consigned 2,500+ items for sale. Many were skis, of course – somebody even brought in brand-new K2s – but, as Riley from Ski Swap-presenting Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) showed us, some are one of a kind:
(That’s a full-length coat.) Lots of interest, too – big line to get in, in the early going:
Today is the first of two days for the West Seattle Ski Swap, which (aside from the pandemic hiatus) is a decade-plus-old tradition. It’s open at 3601 SW Alaska (right across the street from M2SO’s storefront) until 5 pm today, then again 10 am-4 pm tomorrow (Sunday, October 23).
(WSB file photo)
Sooner or later, we’ll see rain (maybe even next Friday). And when we do, the mountains will (likely) get snow. So you might as well be ready for snow-sports season. We’re now one week away from this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap, a tradition dating back more than a decade. Next Saturday and Sunday (October 22-23), Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) will present the event at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska, across the street from M2SO). It’s a chance to sell and/or buy gear. If you’re selling, the dropoff hours are 3-7 pm Friday (October 21) – first, register here, For browsing/buying, the Ski Swap hours will be 10 am-5 pm next Saturday and 10 am-4 pm next Sunday. And it’s more than skis – the Ski Swap brings an opportunity to buy/sell snowboards, boots, apparel, and other winter accessories.
Another veterans’ organization is offering Memorial Day poppies as a fundraiser. Here’s the announcement we received this morning from Keith Hughes, American Legion Post 160 commander:
The American Legion will have Poppies at the American Legion Hall at 3618 SW Alaska St on Sunday and Monday, 10 am to 4 pm. Drive up at the curb or drive in. Donations all go to direct support of Vets and their families for emergency financial support during these hard times.
Look for the canopy right out front on the westbound side of SW Alaska just east of 37th SW.
Last October, we brought you first word that West of Chicago Pizza Company planned to move from its Delridge kitchen to a sit-down space in The Triangle, 3770 SW Alaska, formerly home to Chaco Canyon Organic Café. This week West of Chicago announced that the “last day of operation at the Delridge location will be Sunday, May 29th” and that the deep-dish pizza place “anticipates opening our doors at the new location somewhere around the end of June and the beginning of July.” (Thanks to Greg for the tip.)
No need to worry about the weather – Healthy Kids Day fun is happening indoors at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor). We stopped by to see how it’s going. Kids can bounce and jump in the gym:
Art-making too:
It’s all free, membership NOT required, and happening until 1 pm!
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