West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
“Thank you” was said in many ways tonight as American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle hosted its annual free drop-in dinner for veterans and others connected to the armed services, along with their families. In the photo above are Cameron Foisy, Malia Geraghty, and Ana Geraghty, students at Holy Rosary School, where thank-you cards were made, along with Gatewood Elementary.
Once the first wave of guests – who ranged in age from babies to seniors – got their spaghetti and garlic bread, Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes offered a few words. He began with gratitude that Veterans Day is a holiday about celebrating those who are still with us, and gratitude for their service:
He also paid tribute to the service that so many continue to provide, even after they leave the military – a tribute that rang true, at the dinner cooked and served by volunteers, most of whom had also spent part of the day placing and removing flags in the West Seattle Junction.
Dinner guests also heard from Chelsea Clayton, a West Seattleite who works for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who read a letter from the senator, who began it by describing herself as the daughter of a World War II veteran:
In the letter, Sen. Murray promised she would “never stop fighting for those who fought so bravely for us.”
Throughout dinner, special music this year – patriotic songs performed by Sandra Walker:
Hughes explained she was a late addition to the program – he spoke at another local Veterans Day event earlier in the day, heard her play, and invited her to be part of the Post 160 dinner. She accompanied Hughes as he sang “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” with guests invited to join in singing its chorus, before dinner resumed.
P.S. Post 160 – at 3618 SW Alaska – is also home to help for veterans year-round.
Thanks to Linnea Westerlind for the photo of Gatewood Elementary students and mascot today outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), where she reports they had a “fun, soggy time” talking to people about the Gatewood Playfield Project (featured here earlier this week). Less than a week into the campaign, they are about a quarter of the way toward their goal of $50,000 to replace the rutted playfield so the students – and neighbors, outside school hours – have someplace decent to play. This new video shows you what it’s all about:
The video was put together, with dozens participating in a shoot during yesterday’s day off from school, by alumni dad and local videographer Barry J. White, who donated his time. Want to help? Here’s how.
Earlier this week, we published Tim McConnell‘s invitation for any interested local U.S. Marine Corps veterans to join him in informally celebrating the USMC’s 242nd birthday last night. He promised to let us know how it turned out – and so today we received the photo and report:
Last night we had 5 Marines and one Marine family member whose mother was a Marine recruiter in WWII, get together to celebrate the 242nd Marine Corps birthday.
Only 2 of us knew each other beforehand, but by night’s end we all decided to make this an annual event!
Thanks to Poggie Tavern for letting us get together, swap stories, meet up with old friends (last saw each other April of 1990!), and make a few new ones.
Thanks for the tips. We’ve been trying to confirm this one for a while, ever since a liquor-license notice appeared for Café Mia at the same address as Fiddlehead Fine Foods in The Junction (4310 SW Oregon) – and today Fiddlehead has itself confirmed that it’s closed (the shown-above notice is in the window – thanks to Daniel for the photo):
Thank you for your support and business over the last 6 years. It has been quite a journey and we have enjoyed meeting and serving our neighbors here in the West Seattle Junction. We are excited to announce there is a new breakfast/lunch cafe (Cafe Mia) that will be taking over and wish them the best of luck.
Café Mia describes itself as a “bistro + vin bar in West Seattle specializing in house-made global cuisine, wines, craft beer, teas, PNW coffee, & organic juices + smoothies.”
The photo is from Brigit, who wonders if these are stolen items:
There’s some items at the bottom of 16th and Orchard that I initially thought might be free, but looking again, they look to be in basically perfect condition so it made less sense as to why someone would dump them. There’s no “free” sign, either.
Attached is a photo: a blue and black umbrella stroller that looks to be brand new, crutches in perfect condition, and a small pet crate.
The Occam’s razor answer is that they’re likely free but I thought I’d email and check if any of the blog readers knew more.
If you know – please comment (or if you’d rather not, you can e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!)
This is one of the few holiday bazaars where you’ll find a bar. Drinks and even lunch are available as the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s 2017 Holiday Bazaar continues until 3 pm. You can buy home-baked treats too, cookies, of course, and also Mike’s peach cobbler and sweet potato pie (available in individual sizes!):
(That’s Christie with Mike – she’s HPIC’s bazaar organizer, among other roles.) On behalf of Highland Park Elementary PTA, these guys will sell you cookies:
And so will a group of Girl Scouts:
Lots of non-food items, of course, including Lashanna‘s unique wares:
And if you like to celebrate your sense of place – stuff stocking with these switch plates and other items made with local maps:
HPIC is at 12th and Holden. Next holiday event is on Sunday, November 19th – wreathmaking (bring your own greens, tools, etc. and enjoy good company with your neighbors, 1-4 pm)!
(Added: WSB photo)
8:53 AM: Thanks for the tips: Seattle Fire is arriving at another “rescue” callout for a crash, this time on SW Admiral Way, near the viewpoint [map]. Avoid the area. More to come.
9:02 AM: At least one person is being taken to the hospital, per scanner, and they’re looking into the possibility a medical problem might have preceded the crash. SPD is calling for more traffic-control help, so again, avoid Admiral Way south/east of the business district. We’ll be there shortly to find out more.
9:12 AM: SPD is calling out the Traffic Collision Investigation team, which usually means the crash scene will stay closed for hours.
9:22 AM: Two vehicles collided – we’ve just added a photo. Only one person had to be taken to the hospital. Admiral’s been taped off, and police really need drivers to stay away. Slow down on side streets, too (we’re parked on 36th and people are going by way too fast).
11:36 AM: JoAnne says in comments that Admiral is still closed both ways.
12:33 PM: Just went down the hill – reopened both ways.
7:13 PM: In a comment, Brad says this collision actually involved three vehicles, and also reports having heard that the driver who had to be taken to the hospital had experienced a health incident. SFD tells us tonight that the driver is an “adult female” who was transported in critical condition – we don’t know her current condition, but that was the assessment after the crash.
(Added, WSB photo: American Legion Post 160 volunteers putting up Junction flags this morning)
Happy Saturday! First, today is the official Veterans Day holiday, so here’s the Veterans Day info:
VETERANS DAY CLOSURES/CHANGES: Seattle Public Library and King County Library branches closed … banks closed … U.S. Postal Service holiday … Most Seattle Parks facilities that are usually open Saturdays are open today (see the list).
DAV FORGET-ME-NOTS: As reported here on Friday, the local Disabled American Veterans chapter plans to be at Chelan Café today with forget-me-nots. (3527 Chelan SW)
STATE FERRIES’ TRIBUTE: Washington State Ferries plans a moment of silence on all vessels at 11:11 am, lasting two minutes, followed by blowing the ships’ whistles.
VETERANS DAY DINNER: 5:30-7:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle, veterans, active-duty service members, Guard/Reserve, and families are all welcome to drop by for a free Italian dinner. (3618 SW Alaska)
Also happening today/tonight:
MARTIAL-ARTS TOURNAMENT AND HURRICANE-RELIEF BENEFIT: 9 am-3 pm at Evergreen Tang Soo Do Academy in The Admiral District, you’re invited to watch today’s tournament, $5 admission fee going toward Puerto Rico hurricane relief, as explained here. (2701 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-3 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, more than 20 vendors – bar open, lunch for sale, come browse and hang out. (1116 SW Holden)
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: 10 am-4 pm, it’s the second day of this year’s show/sale at Fauntleroy Church‘s Fellowship Hall, with 17 artists participating – here’s our report from last night. (9140 California SW)
GATEWOOD PLAYFIELD PROJECT AT THRIFTWAY: 10 am-1 pm, “kids, parents and the Gatewood Gator mascot himself” will be tabling at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) to answer questions about the project to raise money for a much-needed playfield renovation. (4201 SW Morgan)
FAUNTNEAU WORK PARTY: 10 am-noon, the Fauntleroy/Juneau rejuvenation continues – help spread mulch! (Meet at the Fauntleroy/39th bus stop)
SHOREWOOD HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm, bazaar with food trucks, book sale, bake sale, Santa photos, more – details in our calendar listing. (2725 SW 116th)
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: The legendary holiday open house at West Seattle Nursery is today, 11 am-2 pm. (California/Brandon)
ANDREA & JOSEPH: Originals, covers, multiple genres, live music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
CAROLE J. BUFFORD & ARTHUR MIGLIAZZA: After-Hours Stomp at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm – details in our calendar listing, including how to make your reservation. (7904 35th SW)
‘LAST CROISSANT’ SECOND NIGHT: 8 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the second performance of “The Last Croissant,” a world-premiere production of a new play by Veronica Tjioe. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
NEIL YOUNG BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE: Featuring Rubies in the Dust, “awesome tribute band featuring local artists Kathy Moore, Norman Baker, Kent Halvorsen, Scott Goodwin, and Gary Westlake. Live painting during the show by Orion Misciagna.” $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
LOOK AHEAD TO THE REST OF THE WEEKEND … by checking our complete calendar.
6:03 AM: Thanks for the text – Seattle Fire has an “automobile rescue” response arriving at the scene of a crash at Harbor Avenue and Fauntleroy [map]. Harbor is blocked, per the texter.
6:07 AM: Per scanner, at least two people are hurt. The location is being described as the 2700 block of Harbor, which is south of the 7-11.
6:17 AM: All but two SFD units are being dismissed. A tow truck has been called.
6:36 AM: We have arrived in the area. NB Harbor remains closed, a block-plus south of the scene where there’s a turnsround gap in the median.
6:43 AM: Added a photo. The vehicle from which someone had to be extricated hit a parked RV. Officers expect to reopen the road in about half an hour.
8:12 AM: Via Twitter, @jetcityjen reports the scene is clear.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:47 AM: Two closures happening right now:
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: The Fauntleroy Expressway end of the bridge is closed for jersey-barrier work. If you are headed westbound, you’ll have to exit on Admiral Way. If you are headed eastbound, you will have to get on the bridge via Avalon, Admiral, Harbor, or Delridge. This closure is expected to be over by 7 am.
And on Highway 99:
BATTERY STREET TUNNEL: The tunnel is closed both ways overnight because of paving work happening above it. So if you are headed northbound on 99, you’ll have to exit on Western; if you’re headed southbound, you’ll have to exit at Denny. This closure is expected to end by 5 am.
5:10 AM UPDATE: The city’s webcam shows that the West Seattle Bridge is open again.
(WSB photos)
10:53 PM: For everyone asking about the helicopter – a shooting is reported near 15th and Roxbury in White Center. King County Sheriff’s deputies have asked SPD to assist with the investigation. We are on the way to find out more.
10:58 PM UPDATE: KCSO says one man has been shot and is undergoing CPR.
11:11 PM UPDATE: Just arrived at the scene. 15th SW is taped off about a block south of Roxbury. SPD is here as well as KCSO, and Guardian One is still overhead.
11:15 PM UPDATE: A sergeant at the scene tells us the victim has died. No arrest reported so far.
8:44 AM: New information in from King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Cindi West: The victim was a 27-year-old man from Burien: “Witnesses told police that a group of men were talking with the victim prior to the shooting. The suspect who was with the group of men fought with the victim. When the fight was over, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot the victim. The men fled the scene on foot. King County Guardian One and K-9 responded but were unable to locate the suspect or the men he was with. The only description obtained was that the suspect was wearing a red hoodie.” They’re hoping for tips, 206-296-3311.
(From left, Payton Goldstein, Marley Grantor, Malia Grantor, Elliot Goldstein, Jane Howsmon)
Thanks to Marcy Grantor for the photo and report on how these students spent their day off:
We wanted to do a community service project today and chose Roxhill Park. We picked up trash from the skate park to the bathrooms to the picnic area and the soccer field too. After an hour and a half of cleaning, we collectively gathered 1,072 pieces of trash!!!!! We had fun and even had some kids jump in and help … just because.
Now Roxhill Park is a trash-free space and we feel proud!
As they should!
Two updates on local girls competing in high-schooldiving and swimming championships:
DIVERS: From Christine Leahy:
Lauren Canto, a senior at Bishop Blanchet and graduate of Holy Rosary School, placed 6th in the District 3A Diving Championship last Saturday and qualified, for the first time in her diving career, for the Washington State Interscholastic Div 3A Diving Championships Friday, Nov. 10th and Saturday, Nov. 11th, at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
Kate Leahy, a junior at Seattle Prep and graduate of Westside School, placed 12th in the District meet and scored a personal best score of 290 point. She’ll be at the meet this weekend cheering on her teammate, Lauren!
KENNEDY TEAM: From Brent Lindblom:
While Kennedy Catholic is not technically inside of the West Seattle boundaries, it does have a large West Seattle student presence.
Kennedy Catholic girls swim and dive team have advanced to the WIAA 4A Swimming and Diving Championships being held this Saturday at the King County Aquatics Center located at: 650 SW Campus Dr, Federal Way.
This is Coach Eric Kress and Assistant Coach Michelle Markle’s first year as the Lady Lancers swim coaches in the Girls NPSL 4A Cascade League, and leading them into their first WIAA 4A State Championship meet is a terrific accomplishment.
Below are the swimmers that advanced:
200 Medley Relay – Shayla Markle, Madelline Kalenius, Krista Markle, Anita Shield
Krista Markle – 50 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly
Bronte Shirley – Diving
Shayla Markle – 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke
Madelline Kalenius – 100 Breaststroke
400 Freestyle Relay – Krista Markle, Jacqueline Southwell, Anita Shields, Shayla MarkleSwimming Finals: Saturday, November 11th Finals Start: 2:30 PM
The Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show is on! Until 8 pm tonight, you can visit the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) to browse and buy from what 17 artists (listed here) are offering. We stopped by late this afternoon for a quick preview – including garden art by Dee Miller:
Underwater images by Jen Vanderhoof:
And fiber art by Mary Anderson:
If you don’t get there tonight, the show continues 10 am-4 pm Saturday and 11 am-2 pm Sunday.
That photo texted to the WSB 24/7 hotline earlier this week shows some of the prep work that’s getting under way for the move of the 108-year-old “log house” at 5458 California SW. The move itself is still three weeks away, we’ve learned, but getting the house ready for it is going to look fairly dramatic.
First, some backstory – we first reported a year and a half ago that the owners of the site (where Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) was a longtime tenant, had decided to redevelop, originally planning to demolish the house. Then Nickel Bros, which specializes in moving buildings, got involved. As reported back in March, a local couple agreed to buy and move it. The six-live-work-unit project for the site proceeded through the city review and permit process. And now, it’s almost moving time. (Former tenant Ventana has since moved its offices a half-mile south to 5958 California SW.)
The executive director of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Jeff McCord, was with Nickel Bros when the plan was made to rescue the house, and he answered our questions today about where things stand. He says the move is now set for overnight Saturday, December 2nd, into Sunday, December 3rd – a few weeks later than previously planned, because of the permit process. What’s imminent is removal of the roof, necessary so they’ll be able to get the house under power lines; it will get a new roof when it’s on its new site. Crews also will be removing two rooms (which were a long-ago addition) from the back of the house.
Then when moving night arrives, the house will be taken north on California SW to its destination, the Bauersfelds’ home near West Seattle High School. McCord says they just learned that there won’t even have to be parking restrictions on California that night, because it’s wide enough for the house to get through. It’ll still be something to see, as was the overnight move of a Junction house in 2010 (different company, though). We’ll update again as the move gets closer.
(New ‘preferred alternative’ upzoning map for Morgan Junction; the interactive citywide map is here)
Even before Thursday’s release of the city’s “preferred alternative” for HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability upzoning, the Morgan Community Association was working to ensure that it doesn’t override a longstanding parts of the community-created neighborhood plan. MoCA had proposed amending the city’s Comprehensive Plan toward that end; then the city countered with its own amendment. What next? Here’s the MoCA reminder about its followup meeting next Tuesday:
As discussed at the October 2017 Morgan Community Association Quarterly Meeting, the MoCA board has reviewed all the moving pieces of MHA and the Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposed for the Morgan Junction Urban Village. We found gaps between what we have heard at the community meetings and what the city is proposing to do with the single family zoned lands inside our Urban Village. Those gaps include the character change of the single family zones, the loss of starter homes and owner occupancy, and few ways to address displacement.
We have identified some specific options to address those gaps to propose for community consideration at a meeting set for Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at The Kenney Community Room, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW. The meeting is set for 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
The community discussion and voting at this meeting will identify the Morgan Junction-endorsed options to move forward into a neighborhood planning process with the city. We encourage everyone who lives, works, shops, or enjoys the Morgan Junction area to come and weigh in!
We covered MoCA’s October discussion here.
Just happened onto a group from the Disabled American Veterans‘ local Chapter 23 (headquartered at 4857 Delridge Way SW) with blue forget-me-nots at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). They’re only there until 1 pm today but will be at the Chelan Café 8 am-1 pm tomorrow.
Mike in Gatewood e-mailed this morning, hoping you can help find his stolen car – “a green 1994 4-door Honda Accord. It was stolen last night from a home in Gatewood. It’s not the prettiest car, but it runs wonderfully.” License plate ACY5949, SPD incident # 2017-416928 – call 911 if you see it.
And there’s a twist: Where Mike’s car was taken, another stolen Accord was left behind – the one Tim reported last Monday, taken from Charlestown Hill.
(Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge, photographed by Laura Goodrich and shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Before we get to what’s happening today/tonight, more holiday-related info:
VETERANS DAY, OBSERVED: This year the holiday stretches across two days – which can be a bit confusing. Transportation/transit info is noted in our morning traffic coverage. Government offices and schools are closed. Seattle Public Library branches are OPEN today (see below), closed Saturday. Banks are OPEN today, closed tomorrow. Many Seattle Parks facilities are closed today, including community centers and pools. (added) The postal holiday is tomorrow, not today.
Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FAMILY BOARD GAMES & GIANT JENGA: Go play this morning at Southwest Library! 10 am-noon. (9010 35th SW)
GAME ON! AND KIDS’ CAFE: With no school today, and libraries open,kids/teens are welcome at High Point Library for Gaming with Xbox 360, Wii, board games 2:00-4:30 pm and free Kids’ Café meals 2:45-3:30 pm. (3411 SW Raymond)
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: 5-8 pm, it’s the first of three sessions at Fauntleroy Church for this holiday show and sale. Our calendar listing includes a link to the list of who’s participating. (9140 California SW)
SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN: Acoustic Americana at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
ART LOUNGE: Bring your project to Highland Park Improvement Club, where the bar is open and you’re welcome to bask in the creative spirit along with neighbors. 7-10 pm. 21+. (1116 SW Holden)
CLOSING NIGHT: West Seattle High School drama students’ “William Shakespeare’s The Star Wars Verily, A New Hope” is onstage one more time, tonight at 7:30 pm. (3000 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MARINES GATHERING: it’s the 242nd anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and, as announced here earlier this week, USMC veteran Tim McConnell invites other local USMC veterans to join him for an informal gathering at Poggie Tavern 8-10 pm tonight. (4717 California SW)
OPENING NIGHT: 8 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the first performance of “The Last Croissant,” a world-premiere production of a new play by Veronica Tjioe. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
HOBOSEXUAL, LIVE IN-STORE: Free all-ages in-store performance by Hobosexual, 8 pm at Easy Street Records. (California/Alaska)
AT THE PARLIAMENT TAVERN: “Groovy art rock” tonight, starting at 8 pm, with X-Ray, Hourglasses, Manta Chordata. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
PREVIEW THE WEEKEND … by checking our complete calendar.
If you missed his announcement in the WSB Forums – you won’t see Hank the Dancing Guy in the West Seattle Junction today. After what he counts as 31 Fridays, dancing at California/Alaska, he’s switching to Saturdays. The video above is from August, when we featured his story here after numerous reader questions.
P.S. We asked Hank a followup about why the change; he explains he’s not off on Fridays any more.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:56 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
VETERANS DAY CHANGES: No school; no King County Water Taxi. Metro is on a “reduced weekday” schedule but most routes are not affected. (Also note, today is NOT a free-parking day in pay-station neighborhoods.)
CLOSURES TONIGHT: If you’ll be out late tonight/early tomorrow, you need to know about two closures starting just before midnight – the Fauntleroy Expressway end of the West Seattle Bridge (scheduled to end by 7 am), and the Battery Street Tunnel (scheduled to end by 5 am).
8:57 AM: Another incident-free commute. Any time you see/hear about something your West Seattle neighbors should be aware of, please alert us (if you can do so safely/legally), text or voice, at our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Triangle Route Task Force is at a crossroads – should it continue or wrap up?
It was created early this year with the expectations its members would commit a year to tackling some of the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route’s challenges.
But now Washington State Ferries says it’s time to tackle a big one – revamping the Triangle Route’s schedules – and thinking the task force might want to hang around and help.
That was one big topic at tonight’s meeting, which started 15 minutes late because the ferries were running late, not because of a Fauntleroy backup like the ones that have caused so much past trouble, but because of what WSF alerts described as an “offloading problem” on Vashon.
First – the group’s executive “sponsor” from WSF is now John Vezina, because the scope of its work has moved away from how things work at the dock. Several other WSF managers were present today; facilitating again was WSF’s Hadley Rodero, supported by Justin Fujioka, also from the WSF Communications team.
CHANGING THE SCHEDULE: The WSF reps now say this will happen – it wasn’t voiced in such certain terms earlier this year. The numbers reviewed included these:
Those are the 4th and 5th grade singers from Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle, singing “God Bless America” – which they’ll be singing at CenturyLink Field at halftime of the Seahawks’ next game, their November 20th Monday Night Football game against Atlanta. The news comes from Brian Callanan, who says OLG’s music director Ann Sager announced that the team had invited the chorus to sing “to honor our veterans.” So if you’re going to that game, be sure to cheer extra loud for a musical “home team”!
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