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From Alki Beach Pride to South Delridge Farmers Market, 18 events around West Seattle and vicinity for your Saturday
August 13, 2022 6:25 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed at Lincoln Park by David Dimmit)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening on this mid-August Saturday:

TRAFFIC ALERTS: Here’s what SDOT has announced for today:

We will be working in South Delridge at 16th Ave SW and SW Cambridge St to update curb bulbs and curb ramps. Work will begin as early as 8 am and conclude by 5 pm. We’ll maintain one lane of traffic in each direction.

Between 7 am and 5 pm, we’re paving 8th Ave S from S Kenyon St to S Portland St in South Park. We will restrict parking and maintain one lane of traffic in each direction. People driving should expect delays while the lanes are closed.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, local vendors sell fresh-grown and prepared food at this twice-weekly market; details in our calendar listing, (9421 18th SW)

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: Explore tribal use of native plants during this hike starting at 10 am at The Heron’s Nest (4818 15th SW).

ZEN 101: 10 am at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), explore what happens if you start a meditation practice. Info’s in our calendar listing.

FREE WRITERS’ GROUP: Held in West Seattle, 10:30 am. Our calendar listing has details, including how to register.

ALKI BEACH PRIDE, DAY 1: 11 am Sip ‘n’ Paint starts the day, which is centered on a noon-7 pm celebration headquartered at Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW), with DJs, live music, more. That’s also where to get your wristband for discounts at participating businesses.

LOW-LOW TIDE: 11 am-1:30 pm, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Constellation Park (60th/Beach) beaches for the last time this season; low tide is at 12:27 pm, out to -2.3 feet.

WADING POOL/SPRAYPARK: With sunny, warm weather expected, the city will open the wading pools, so the pool in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm. Also, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) will be open 11 am-8 pm.

COLMAN POOL: You can swim at the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore today, noon-7 pm.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WINE TIME: The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room – selling wine by the glass or bottle – is open 1-6 pm. (5910 California SW)

WHITE CENTER COMMUNITY MARKET: 3-6 pm, the White Center Community Development Association presents an array of local vendors in the parking lot on the east side of 16th SW just south of SW 98th.

FIELD DAY & FOOD DRIVE: Highline Premier FC invites both youth and adults to participate in Field Day events 4-6 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th and Myrtle), with a “Fill the Goal” food drive – spectators can bring food to contribute to that, too. Details in our calendar listing.

MUSIC AT C & P: The trio Citizens of Earth will play 7 pm-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover.

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Catch Rabbit, Sprig, David Plell perform tonight, doors at 7 pm, music at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘LET THERE BE DRAGONS’: Final weekend for this one-person musical, written and performed by Felicia Loud, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm curtain – info and ticket link in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Fourth of this summer’s five free screenings is at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), gates open at 7:30 pm, tonight’s movie – ““Coco“.

DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: 9 pm, with with Queen Andrew and VJ Lacefront at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Small ceremony for a big tree
August 12, 2022 10:22 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photos)

To the untrained eye, this tree might look like just another one of the many towering evergreens in Lincoln Park. It’s not.

It’s a Giant Sequoia (redwood), officially declared a Seattle Heritage Tree, thanks to the efforts of Al Rouyer:

Rouyer is a retired college educator. He specialized in political science, particularly Middle Eastern affairs – and took an interest in trees after retiring. Studying the trees in Lincoln Park is what led him to seek the designation for this one, estimated at 100 years old and more than 150 feet tall. He said most people walk through the park and have no idea that there’s so many kinds of trees and that some are worthy of special recognition, like this one in the north end of the park. Instead of getting a big fancy plaque, he opted for this simple tag:

Friends joined him today for a small gathering to commemorate the designation and celebrate the tree:

As explained by Plant Amnesty, the Heritage Tree designation does not confer any legal protection – but the organization hopes it will encourage tree preservation (which happens to be back in the news this week – we hope to write more about that this weekend).

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Today’s low-low-tide sights, and what’s ahead Saturday
August 12, 2022 8:02 pm
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 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Rosalie Miller for sharing three sights from today’s low-low-tide – above, the siphon of a Piddock Clam; below, a Moon Snail:

And an Anemone:

Tomorrow the tide will bottom out at -2.3 feet at 12:27 pm. The Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are scheduled to be at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Constellation Park (60th SW/Beach Drive SW) for the last time this season, 11 am-1:30 pm.

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BIZNOTES: Fogue Gallery, Indulge Desserts, Reiki Reflect
August 12, 2022 5:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

After we reported Thursday on Bin 41‘s impending closure, we heard from readers about several other closures. This collection of biznotes starts with two:

FOGUE GALLERY: Some were sad to find out during last night’s West Seattle Art Walk that Fogue Gallery was not hosting one of the receptions that had become Art Walk staples – proprietor Patti Curtis has closed her brick-and-mortar gallery, but she’ll continue online and in pop-ups:

“The overhead for a brick and mortar couldn’t be supported by the amount of sales. I had a lot of love from the community, and I know people enjoyed having art in the neighborhood but there were many days of no one even coming in the door.

I will continue with the website foguegallery.com and will continue with pop-up art shows around town with the wonderful artists I represent. Please follow us on Instagram @SeattlePopUp and coming soon SeattlePopUp.com

A deep hearted thank you to the West Seattle Blog and the West Seattle community for their warm hospitality and support.

Fogue specializes in fiercely supporting and promoting work by artists over 50.

INDULGE DESSERTS: Thanks to Skip for the tip. The note on the door and online says this treat shop at 35th/Henderson closed late last month, but proprietor Michele Auld urged fans to continue buying her candy products Seattle Seafoam and Joe Chocolates at local stores including West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), Wildwood Market, and Bartell Drugs. Indulge had been there for almost four years, following the closure of Stuffed Cakes.

And one new business:

REIKI REFLECT: Angie sent word she has opened Reiki Reflect in the Beauty Therapy Collective building at 42nd/Oregon in The Junction, offering a variety of healing and spiritual services.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chief Sealth IHS sports open house Monday
August 12, 2022 2:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

With less than four weeks of summer break remaining, some back-to-school planning is ramping up. At Chief Sealth International High School, it’s time to look ahead to sports. All prospective 2022-2023 sports participants are invited to an open-house event at the school (2600 SW Thistle) on Monday night (August 15th), 6:30-7:30 pm. It’ll be held in the galleria. If you’re new to CSIHS, you can find more info about the athletics program here.

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Here’s how much West Seattle residential-property values have risen, according to the King County Assessor’s Office
August 12, 2022 12:59 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

The King County Assessor’s Office has announced that “the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers” has begun, and West Seattle property owners will get theirs soon. According to the announcement: “Median residential property values rose by 18.3% in West Seattle, and by 11.4% in North Central West Seattle.” (The median is “half more, half less,” NOT the average.) For the latter, that’s a higher increase than the 8% a year earlier. As decreed by state law, these valuations were set at the start of this year for taxes that will be due next year – these notices are not a bill. The KCAO says a major factor in the rising property values was the continued low inventory of housing for sale, coupled with high demand.

P.S. You don’t have to wait for the postcard to arrive by mail – if your new valuation has been finalized, it’ll show up online; one way to look it up is to use the King County Parcel Viewer to check – once you’ve gotten to the page for your address, click through to the “property detail” page. One more note: If you disagree with your valuation, you can appeal it – here’s how.

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REPAVING: What’s ahead for north stretch of California SW
August 12, 2022 11:58 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Chris for the tip (via this comment). SDOT has spot-repaving plans for California SW north of Admiral Way. No-parking signs are already up for the blocks just south of Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Here’s how SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali summarizes the plan: “Crews will be performing spot mill and overlays on California Ave SW/California Way SW between SW Admiral Way and Ferry Ave SW for the next 4-8 weeks. We will not be resurfacing the entire stretch, but will be addressing portions of several blocks. The first project is tentatively scheduled to start next week. There will be lane closures and traffic shifts.” (Here’s what “milling” a road refers to.)

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Here’s what’s up for your West Seattle Friday
August 12, 2022 10:14 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Last night’s moonrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOCK DROP: Today’s spot for picking up DIY cleanup equipment and dropping off your results until 6 pm is Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Hill).

LOW-LOW TIDE: As noted last night, the tide is out to -3.0 feet at 11:41 am, and Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks 10:15 am-1:15 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: Starting this week, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s museum at 61st/Stevens is only open Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 pm, no more Fridays.

WADING POOLS OPEN: The pools that are scheduled for Friday operations in West Seattle are Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW), noon-5:30 pm, and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm. Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm, too.

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.

(add) TAILGATING A DAY EARLY: Join Chef Gino for food and music outside Patrick’s Café and Bakery (100th/15th) in White Center, 5-10 pm, looking ahead to the Seahawks’ preseason opener tomorrow – this will be a regular “Blue Friday” feature.

.SANDLOT FUN DAYS: Tonight’s West Seattle Little League pickup game is for all 9-12-year-olds interested in baseball – details in our calendar listing. At Bar-S Playfield (64th/Admiral).

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Monthly songwriters’ showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

MUSIC AND ART AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm-midnight, a benefit titledSafe Atlas:

Ollieoverart.com and the Ollie Over Art [Collective], a nonprofit art collective dedicated to constructing social justice presents Safe Atlas, a visual, literary, and musical artist showcase. In association with Skylark Cafe and in benefit of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Oliver Amatist, Wesley of the Wolves and Shawn Rose present a night of healing and inspiration. Five dollars from each ($15) ticket and painting sold benefits Seattle Children’s Hospital, along with other ways to donate.

(3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘HERE THERE BE DRAGONS’: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s new play. (4711 California SW)

Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned September 24 for Rick Weglin, 1955-2022
August 12, 2022 9:13 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather September 24th to celebrate the life of Rick Weglin, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

Richard “Rick” Earl Weglin
August 3, 1955 – July 11, 2022

“To the world, he may have been one person. But to us, he was the world.”

Rick Weglin passed away, peacefully, in the early evening hours of July 11th, after a valiant, 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His wife and sons were at his side, surrounding him with love and giving thanks for the gift he was in their lives.

Rick was the third of six children born to Dr. Robert and Marian Weglin. He had fond memories of growing up “in the country” of rural Federal Way and Des Moines, where he developed an appreciation for growing fruit trees and nurturing animals of all kinds. While in elementary school, the family moved to West Seattle and it was here that Rick put down lifelong roots, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1974.

Rick had a strong affinity for cars from an early age. He would often sleep with matchbox cars instead of stuffed animals and wake with an imprint of the cars on his cheek. He was curious by nature and enjoyed learning how something worked—usually by taking it apart. Rick studied automotive repair at South Seattle College and eventually opened his own shop, Harrah’s Automotive, that operated out of the same location in North Admiral for 38 years. Honesty and integrity were the hallmarks of how he approached his business.

Rick met his wife, Mary, when he stopped to ask about her 1966 Mustang. He had been leaving notes on her car for several months, but she never called the number because she wasn’t interested in selling her car. These two were destined to be together and after a 5-month, whirlwind courtship, they were married. In September, they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage. Rick, quite simply, adored his wife. As a husband he was exceedingly thoughtful and endlessly supportive of anything Mary wanted to pursue.

When Rick was four years old, he broke both of his legs and had to be hospitalized, in traction, for several months. His dad, an optics engineer at Boeing, visited him every day for lunch. His mom would bring him dinner every evening. Once he was released from the hospital, his dad built him a special bicycle to help strengthen his atrophied muscles. They worked through a series of exercises every night when his dad got home from working his second job, a private optometry practice. This example of selfless dedication set the tone for the type of parent Rick would become when his sons Spencer and Brandon were born. Family was always his highest priority; he never missed a game or a play or any event involving his boys. He supported their interests with equal amounts of enthusiasm and encouragement. He was a big believer in childhood wonder and never missed an opportunity to foster it. Watching Spencer and Brandon grow and flourish filled him with great joy.

In addition to cars and family, Rick loved holidays, celebrations big and small, Mary’s cooking (especially fudge ribbon cake), helping those who needed a hand, staging garage sales, dogs, strawberry waffles, Rhode Island Reds, the Greenwood Car Show and visiting Cannon Beach. He was an eternal optimist. His mindset was that there was a solution to any challenge and that anything that was broken could be fixed. Despite the physical toll his cancer treatments took, he never lost hope that he could emerge on the other side to live a happy life and to help others through their cancer challenges. There were so many things he wanted to do.

In addition to his wife, Mary Batterson, Rick is survived by his sons Spencer and Brandon, brothers Bob Weglin (Kathy) and Ron Weglin (Anne), and his sisters Diane Dempster (Bob), Debbie Rosenstiel (Norm), and Denise Felhosi, nieces and nephews, extended family, and many Harrah’s customers who became lifelong friends. He felt fortunate to share his life with three pups who continue to look for him on a daily basis: Hudson, Zoe and Billie.

There are no words to describe the void Rick’s absence leaves in the lives of those who loved him and who had the privilege of being loved by him. May he rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.

We will gather to celebrate Rick’s life on Saturday, September 24th at 1:00 pm at Fauntleroy Church UCC, 9140 California Ave SW. Remembrances can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or a charity of your choice. Our heartfelt thanks to Emmick Family Funeral Home for their exceptional service and care.

Share memories, condolences & photos of Rick on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Rick-Weglin

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Friday notes + weekend alerts
August 12, 2022 6:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, August 12th.

WEATHER

Sunny and warm again today, with a high around 80 (Thursday’s high was 81).

FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI

Ferries: WSF remains on the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

WEEKEND ROAD WORK

Here’s what SDOT has announced for this weekend:

On Saturday between 7 AM and 5 PM, we’re paving 8th Ave S from S Kenyon St to S Portland St in South Park. We will restrict parking and maintain one lane of traffic in each direction. People driving should expect delays while the lanes are closed.

On Saturday and Sunday, we will be working in South Delridge at 16th Ave SW and SW Cambridge St to update curb bulbs and curb ramps. Work will begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 5 PM. We’ll maintain one lane of traffic in each direction.

On Sunday, we’re completing two maintenance projects with work expected to begin as early as 5:30 AM and conclude by 5 PM:

-To complete safety and maintenance upgrades, we’ll be pouring a concrete pad on SW Spokane St in the vicinity of 11th Ave SW that will impact the eastbound direction. This is east of the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge). Traffic impacts include closure of the East Marginal Way S and the lower SW Spokane St ramps. There will be a detour in place for those traveling in the area.

-To improve visibility due to overgrowth, we’ll be cleaning the planting strip located on the westbound side of SW Roxbury St between 9th Ave SW and 14th Ave SW. We will close the westbound curb lane, so people driving can expect delays.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

873rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 37 days until the day SDOT expects to reopen it, September 18th.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – camera malfunctioning, as are a few others in eastern West Seattle (still no estimate on when they’ll be fixed)

Highland Park Way/2nd SW (one of four recently installed cameras):

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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READER REPORT: West Seattle stop for solar-powered two-continent bike ride
August 11, 2022 11:59 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

David Liguoy is spending the night in West Seattle tonight, another stop along his two-continent journey aboard a solar-powered recumbent bicycle, from Argentina to Quebec. Brian sent the photo, explaining he happened to meet Liguoy while at Angle Lake Cyclery in South Delridge, where Liguoy had stopped for a new tire. Brian explains that Liguoy is a peace and climate activist from France who’s stopping in the Seattle area “to meet with some well-known philanthropists.” He’s seeking support for initiatives that are explained on his website. He’s headed to Canada next; tonight he’s staying in a camper at Brian’s house, and Brian plans to “help him fit up some panniers to cross Canada.”

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LOW-LOW TIDE: Today’s scenes from West Seattle’s shore
August 11, 2022 10:06 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Low-low tides are back this week – not as low as earlier this summer, but low enough to get out and explore the shore, with some expert help. Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists were out at Lincoln Park and Constellation Park; the latter is where Susan Romanenghi photographed some of the turnout. For the three wildlife photos below, Michael Ostrogorsky was nearby, in the Alki Point vicinity:

Tomorrow’s low-low tide will be -3.0 feet at 11:41 am; the naturalists will be at Constellation (60th/Beach) and Lincoln (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) 10:15 am-1:15 pm tomorrow, and 11 am-1:30 pm Saturday – their last scheduled day this summer.

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DEVELOPMENT: West Seattle’s first tower crane in a year-plus, and 2 other notes
August 11, 2022 8:35 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Three development notes tonight:

TOWER CRANE: For the first time in more than 14 months, West Seattle has a tower crane. The last one to come down was for the 1250 Alki SW Infinity Shore Club (WSB sponsor) condo project; as of this week, this one is up for the 4508 California 7-story mixed-use project. Work at the site has been under way for almost three months.

DESIGN REVIEW: A little more than one block west, the 4515 44th SW project is going into the next phase of Design Review, though without a public meeting, as it’s going through Administrative DR. It’s a four-story building with 43 microapartments and no offstreet parking. The design packet is linked from this city webpage; you can comment to the city’s assigned planner at theresa.neyton@seattle.gov.

AEGIS LIVING PROJECT: We reported last month that Aegis Living is buying and planning to develop the long-idle, much-vandalized 5242-5258 California SW site. Now it’s appeared in the city’s Early Outreach for Design Review pipeline, with a few more details via this description:

Construction of a 95-100 unit, five level Assisted Living Community. In-building parking for 40-50 cars. Project will pursue living building challenge environmental certification.

Aegis already has a location in West Seattle, at 4700 SW Admiral Way. The new site holds a former strip mall/office bulding and two former restaurants.

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UPDATE: August’s West Seattle Art Walk, with music
August 11, 2022 5:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

5:22 PM: We didn’t get a chance to publish an event list today – but it’s time now to get out and enjoy the night’s biggest event, this month’s West Seattle Art Walk. Here’s the venue list:

And here’s the list of restaurants/bars offering food/drink specials for Art Walk-ers:

To see who’s hosting artists, and who’s where, scroll through this month’s update on the official Art Walk website. For places staying open late and/or having artist receptions, hours will vary but most generally run until about 8 pm. Tonight also features two live performances for The Art of Music, 6-7:45 pm in The Junction and Admiral – here are the details on those. We’re headed out soon to make some stops and will add updates!

ADDED 6:22 PM: At Mystery Made in The Junction, you can create art:

Buy a T-shirt and tie-dye it outside!

ADDED 6:50 PM: We stopped at California/Alaska to enjoy the music:

ADDED 7:20 PM: At Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), Rodolfo Rios Garza is tonight’s featured artist, with work focusing on trees:

ADDED 7:35 PM: One more stop for us – Verity Credit Union (4505 California SW; WSB sponsor) is hosting photographer Julija Naskova, who’s showing images of Buddhist temples in Asia:

Even if you didn’t get out tonight, many businesses keep the art up throughout the month, so you can still see it – and in many cases, the artwork is for sale, too. Art Walk is always the second Thursday, so next one is September 15th.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire damage; ‘prolific shoplifter’ arrested; two thefts – catalytic converter and bike battery
August 11, 2022 4:49 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

GUNFIRE: From today’s police summaries – just before quarter till 10 this morning, an officer checked out a report of damage in the 3200 block of Harbor SW. The summary says, “The officer saw damaged windows and a damaged wall” and collected evidence of gunfire. Two businesses were affected, SPD says – but the incidents happened 5 nights apart, with the second one last night/this morning.

‘PROLIFIC SHOPLIFTER’ ARRESTED: Also from today’s summaries, a suspect described by police as a “prolific shoplifter” was booked into jail after two West Seattle incidents this morning. In the first one, he’s accused of trying to steal $50 worth of beer and swinging a bottle at people who tried to stop him, turning the incident into a robbery. Later in the morning, an officer who had investigated that incident was flagged down about a theft at the Marshalls store in Westwood Village. The summary says, “The officer recognized the suspect from the earlier robbery and placed him in custody for both crimes.”

Also today, two reader reports:

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT: From Lyn:

Reporting another catalytic converter theft in the neighborhood. My CR-V was parked off 45th and Glenn overnight and had the catalytic stolen, along with subsequent damage to the underside of my car.

BIKE BATTERY THEFT: From Ryan, a report with a warning:

I wanted to give you all a heads up that our Rad Powerwagon bike battery was stolen last night. It was locked to the bike but there was no sign of damage. Apparently there is a way to get the battery off without the key or with a different key. I know there are a lot of Rad Bikes around West Seattle so everyone should be aware and cautious. The person who stole my battery did it very quickly and I have no doubt they are living in the area. It was stolen near Alaska Junction on California ave. You may want to keep an eye on your bike battery or take it with you. A replacement is $500.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Junction wine shop Bin 41 closing at month’s end
August 11, 2022 1:59 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Tonight, you might want to visit Bin 41 at 4707 California SW during this month’s West Seattle Art Walk. Not only is proprietor T. Frick the featured artist, she’s just made a big announcement: After 12 years, she’s closing her wine shop. Sunday, August 28th, will be the last day. In the meantime, she’s having a sale, and also mentioned to us in a brief phone conversation that if you have a gift certificate for Bin 41, now’s the time to use it. Store fixtures will be available too. For now, the shop remains open its regular hours, 1-6 pm Thursdays (open until 8 tonight for Art Walk) and Fridays, noon-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Providing inventory isn’t sold out sooner, the shop will be open daily its last week (starting August 22nd), 1 pm-6 pm Monday-Friday, noon-5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Any late-breaking changes, Frick says, will be announced via social media.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SPACE: Before Bin 41, the space held children’s-clothing store Georgia Blu for 2 1/2 years. We noted here last year that the building was purchased last August by owners associated with the Maharaja restaurant/bar, who also had purchased the building a few doors south that formerly held Taqueria Guaymas. We spoke briefly today with Sam Virk from the ownership group; he said he hasn’t started seeking a new tenant yet, but said there are no plans to redevelop the building. (We also asked Virk about the status of the ex-Guaymas space, where a new restaurant, Indochin Wok, is planned. He told us they had more work to do inside the space than expected, but it’s still on the way.)

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: SDOT announces September 18th reopening date
August 11, 2022 10:30 am
|      127 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Tuesday, looking west at part of the bridge repair-work zone)

Two months ago, SDOT announced it expected to reopen the West Seattle Bridge “the week of September 12th.” (That was a revision from the previous “midyear” estimate, first cited in early 2021.) Since the “week of September 12th” announcement, they’ve stuck to that projected timeframe, with a promise that they’d get specific with about a month’s notice.

This morning, they’ve finally announced a specific date: Sunday, September 18th, which will be five days short of exactly 2 1/2 years since the bridge’s sudden closure on March 23, 2020 because of growing cracks. Today’s announcement was foreshadowed two days ago, when we toured the repair-work zone atop the bridge with SDOT and learned from project director Heather Marx that this would be the day they’d announce a date. Today’s announcement also contains this caveat regarding the September 18th reopening date: “This will depend on the successful completion of remaining work, including finishing epoxy injections, carbon fiber wrapping, paving, safety inspection platform installation, and robust safety testing.”

(Photo by Mike Burns, looking north from Andover foot/bike overpass)

(Our Tuesday report includes details of what’s happening now and what’s yet to come.) Today’s announcement (read it in full here) also notes, as has been reported multiple times, “All restrictions on the Spokane St. Swing Bridge (also known as the West Seattle low bridge) will end on the same day” that the high bridge reopens.

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THIS WEEKEND: 9th annual Alki Beach Pride
August 11, 2022 9:22 am
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

This weekend’s biggest event is just two days away – the ninth annual Alki Beach Pride celebration, spanning both Saturday and Sunday, at multiple locations. Each day features a slate of live music and DJs, Saturday (August 13th) at Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW) and Sunday (August 14th) at Marination Ma Kai (1660 Harbor SW) – you can see the slates on the ABP website. Those are the two locations where wristbands will be available for discounts at participating venues. Other planned events include: Drag brunch at Arthur’s in The Admiral District, 11 am-3 pm Sunday; a wheels parade (skating, bicycling, etc.) from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza at 1 pm Sunday; yoga at the beach at 6 pm Sunday; and an outdoor movie at Alki Playground – “The Birdcage” – at 7 pm Sunday. Organizers again this year are Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden and they’re excited to get the party started.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes
August 11, 2022 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, August 11th.

WEATHER

Today’s forecast is for sunshine and a high around 80.

FERRIES, BUSES, WATER TAXI

Ferries: WSF remains on the 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

And if you see this boat –

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

That’s the new Des Moines passenger ferry to/from downtown Seattle.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

872nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. 31 days until the week SDOT hopes to reopen it. (The exact reopening date is expected to be announced today.)

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use until the high bridge reopens; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – camera malfunctioning, as are a few others in eastern West Seattle (still no estimate on when they’ll be fixed)

Highland Park Way/2nd SW (one of four recently installed cameras):

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here, many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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NIGHTLIFE: ‘Adult spelling bee’ coming to North Delridge’s S-k-y-l-a-r-k
August 10, 2022 11:53 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

If you follow the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and/or the daily preview lists we compile from it, you know West Seattle nightlife brings many chances to play games in West Seattle – trivia, bingo, Scrabble, more. Now, get ready for a different kind of contest – an adult spelling bee! It’s on the way to The Skylark in North Delridge next month – here’s the announcement:

Skylark, West Seattle’s most intimate live entertainment & dining venue, is pleased to announce the launch of Spelldown After Dark (TM), an adult-only spelling bee to take place every Friday night in September and that will pay cash prizes to nightly winners and to the final 2022 Spelldown Champion.

Says Skylark owner and Spelldown co-founder Matt Larson: “Spelldown has been developed over many months, has been tested with live players who left wanting more, and is now primed to bring a game show-like competition to greater Seattle. We expect players to feel the rush of competition in their veins, but there is a limited number of seats per Friday night and we encourage players of all levels to sign up quickly. Spelling has never been this much fun … both to play and to watch, so bring your friends!”

Sign-up for players is now open! The games will begin on Friday, September 2nd at 8:00 pm and will repeat each Friday in September starting at the same time. Players, who we call Spelldowners, will be limited to 12 per Friday night. For the first four Friday nights, all players will be new, so in total for all of Seattle, we are limited to 48 players for Spelldown 2022. There is a one-time sign-up fee of just $15, one winner per night, and the first four winners plus 2 runners-up will play in the thrilling championship finale on Friday, September 30th.

Sign-up for audience members is also now open! To maximize the fun of being in the live audience, audience members will be limited to 65 per Friday night. There is a small cover charge of $10 per audience member and there will be opportunities for audience participation! Given limited availability, Spelldowners, invite your friends and followers to support you in this game show-like experience before space runs out on the night you have selected.

For Spelldowners, more information and sign up here:
simpletix.com/e/spelldown-after-dark-contestant-slot-ticke-tickets-111813

For audience members, sign up here:
simpletix.com/e/spelldown-after-dark-an-adult-spelling-bee-tickets-111812

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FAUNTLEROY FERRY-DOCK PROJECT: Community Advisory Group to reconvene
August 10, 2022 9:04 pm
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 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Three months after the last meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy terminal-replacement project, the next one is scheduled. If you’re interested in the project, set your calendar for 6 pm Wednesday, September 21st. The meeting will be online, and you can register to attend by going here. The project is still at least three years away from construction, and many decisions remain to be made. At the May meeting, WSF said it had ruled out building the new terminal/dock at a different location, so that’s settled. Here are the basic options they’re studying:

If you need to catch up on other points of discussion, here’s our coverage of an online community meeting held in June.

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UPDATE: PCC/Luna building declared safe after Seattle Fire hazmat response for CO2 problem
August 10, 2022 4:29 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

4:29 PM: A Seattle Fire “hazmat response” is arriving at the Admiral building shared by PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) and the Luna Apartments. Firefighters have told dispatch they’re evacuating the building. SFD says they’re investigating “reports of a hazardous-materials spill.” Updates to come.

(Added: This photo and next by Christopher Boffoli)

4:33 PM: They’re asking police to close California SW while they continue investigating. They’ve just told dispatch that one worker reported hearing “a loud boom in the room that supplies the refrigerant system.”

4:46 PM: Incident command has told dispatch that a team is getting “suited up” to go inside, which should take about 15 minutes. … In the meantime, in case you’re wondering, the zone of concern has NOT spread to Hiawatha/WSHS. SFD is staging Stevens, by the McDonald’s. Note that the California SW closure is rerouting buses for now.

(Added: Photo by Patrick Sand)

5:06 PM: A two-person “entry team” is going in. SFD confirms to our crew at the scene that the initial report was of a carbon-dioxide problem in the refrigeration area.

5:11 PM: They’ve just told dispatch they’ve confirmed it’s a CO2 problem and they’re working on a shutoff plan.

5:14 PM: And now they report verifying “very low levels” of CO2, and will start working on a “demobilization” plan.

5:25 PM: Our crew at the scene reports they’re also checking the garage to be sure the air is safe there. Meantime, the street likely will remain closed at least another hour, we’re told.

5:29 PM: Incident command has just reported SFD has “mitigated the source” and the apartment residents are being allowed back in. We don’t yet know the store’s status.

5:50 PM: SFD confirms the entire building has been deemed safe. No injuries. And SFD has just given the clear for California to be reopened.

6:05 PM: Metro says buses have resumed. PCC is open but not currently selling refrigerated items.

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FOLLOWUP: What led to play-structure closure at Alki Playground
August 10, 2022 4:13 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle schools

(Texted photo)

Last week, signage and caution tape went up around a play structure at Alki Playground, one day after readers told us the structure had been fenced off without explanation. When we inquired with Seattle Parks , they said only that the closure followed a “recent play-area safety check.” On followup, they’ve offered a bit more of an explanation:

The safety inspection revealed a major structural issue with the wood decking. This play structure is long overdue for replacement. We plan to remove the wooden structure prior to this school year. We are working with Seattle Public Schools on a replacement plan.

The playground is a Seattle ParksAlki Elementary, which is scheduled close in one year for a reconstruction project.

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