West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
(Dall’s porpoises in West Seattle waters, photographed by Danny McMillin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSURE: A week-long maintenance closure starts today for the city’s only indoor pool in West Seattle. It’s scheduled to reopen the day after Labor Day (Tuesday, September 2nd).
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY-AND-LEARN: 1:30 pm, parents/caregivers are invited to bring kids 2-5 to High Point Branch Library for fun activities promoting early learning; details in our calendar listing. (35th/Raymond)
LIVE MUSIC AT SALTY’S: Another warm, clear evening is forecast; spend it on the water at Salty’s (WSB sponsor), where Justin Kausal-Hayes performs starting at 5:30 pm, no cover. (1936 Harbor Ave. SW)
WHITE CENTER BIKE-CORRAL MEETING: Some business owners and community advocates are hoping for more bicycle parking to draw more business to downtown White Center, and a grant is close to being finalized for a “bike corral” to facilitate that. They’re asking for a show of support at a community meeting about it tonight, 6:30 pm, at the King County Sheriff’s Office storefront in White Center; details here. (9609 16th SW)
FREE LEGAL CLINIC: 7 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle – by appointment; our calendar listing includes info on how to get one. (Oregon/California)
BLUES TO DO: The Jelly Rollers, featuring Keith Lowe, perform tonight during Blues To Do at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. More info in our calendar listing. (6451 California SW)
EVEN MORE NIGHTLIFE AND DAYTIME ACTIVITIES … on the calendar!
Another announcement just in for a back-to-school event – this one’s tomorrow!
West Seattle High School is having its Freshman Family Night from 5:30-7:30 Wednesday, August 27: Student panel, curriculum information, building tours, meet key WSHS staff members, and purchase WSHS Spirit Gear.
Back-to-school event we haven’t mentioned yet for YOUR school? Please send info – thanks!
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
6:52 AM: Now a second fire response – again, it’s always a big response for a building, until crews get there and evaluate – this time, 6400 Sylvan Way SW, which is Neighborhood House in High Point.
6:56 AM: SFD reports it’s a kitchen fire at High Point Center. They’re reducing the response, canceling some of the units that were headed that way. The biggest challenge, per scanner, is dealing with the automatic sprinkler system.
7:07 AM: SFD’s investigator won’t be able to get to this scene until he’s done at the fire on SW Barton in Westwood.
9:40 AM NOTE: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli checked back at the center a short time ago and says they were finishing cleanup and expected to open for the day shortly.
(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Today is the last day of the rest of the Highway 99 closure, from the Battery Street Tunnel north to Valley Street. See a time lapse of the work in our reminder from last night; see the map in an earlier reminder. To check Metro routes, go here.
26TH/BARTON NOTE, 6:30 AM: A fire response across from Westwood Village is affecting traffic in that area.
6:57 AM: Now there’s another fire response, in High Point. Not a big fire but it’s on Sylvan Way a block south of Morgan and will likely affect traffic in that area for a while.
5:45 PM NOTE: In case you haven’t already seen the separate update, the eastbound bridge offramp to NB 99 is blocked right now because of a spill from a truck – described so far as a fuel spill – that’s being cleaned up.
(WSB photos by Katie Meyer)
6:09 AM: Thanks for the texts about all the sirens. There’s a “fire in building” callout at 26th/Barton.
6:38 AM: It’s a residential building across from Westwood Village. No injuries reported.
6:52 AM: Some of the units have been dismissed – again, this was a large initial callout just because that is standard operating procedure for a building fire call until crews arrive. Others are leaving now for a separate fire call in High Point.
7:06 AM: No word of the cause yet – fire investigator is still on scene.
7:47 AM: 26th SW is still closed at the scene, though the fire’s been out a while.
8:28 AM: Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore says that while the home was indeed boarded up – as noted in comments below – the “house and backyard were full of combustible materials.” Though neighbors mention squatters, he says firefighters didn’t find anyone inside when they searched the house. They’re not sure yet how it started; damage is estimated at $55,000.
8:47 AM: SFD will be keeping “fire watch” at the house (which is in the 9200 block of 26th) for a while; Ladder 11 (above) just arrived to help with that.
4:50 PM: SFD published a wrap-up report on its Fireline site, noting that “evidence of transient activity” was found inside the house, which was “released (to its) owner” this afternoon. The cause remains officially listed as “undetermined.”
Congratulations to another West Seattleite for an amazing accomplishment – a high-elevation challenge completed by Martin de Vrieze recently in Colorado. Francine Stroud shares the story and photo:
Martin de Vrieze, a 20-year West Seattle resident, recently ran the Leadville 100 “Race Across the Sky.” This race is 100 miles of extreme Colorado Rockies terrain. The race spans elevations between 9200 feet up to 12,600 feet, and has a total elevation gain of 18,168 feet. The race must be completed in 30 hours or less. Generally, only one half of the runners that start are able to finish the race. This year there were 612 starters and only 351 finishers. The race begins at 4:00 AM in the dark and for Martin ended at dawn the following morning. Martin finished in 25 hrs. 43 mins. 48 secs. He came in 25th in his age group and 93rd overall. We are very proud of him.
Find out more about the race here; results are here.
Two notes before the night’s out:
That time lapse from WSDOT shows the work that’s been done on Highway 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel – the section that’s scheduled to be closed one more day, until early Wednesday, as a bridge is rebuilt. With the Alaskan Way Viaduct back in action as of this (Monday) morning, the commute was OK by most accounts, but it’s also widely acknowledged that it was also an off-day for many trying to get vacation time in before Labor Day, so just in case everybody’s back tomorrow, don’t get complacent – check our morning traffic watch. (And thanks again to those who shared notes about how it went – and to the WSB’er who noticed when the SDOT cameras got “stuck”!)
ALSO ON TUESDAY: It’ll be the final day of “microsurfacing” in Arbor Heights and the revised map was causing some concern, explains Joe Szilagyi of the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council. He pursued answers with SDOT and discovered:
*The intersection of 100th and 33rd was surfaced today (contrary to the map), so the Tuesday work will NOT “trap” residents along several blocks – they will be able to get to 102nd via 33rd
*SDOT still expects to finish tomorrow, per SDOT, “including the area that was added on California/Fletcher and a segment on 112th that is getting a special test formulation.”
Above are Jei and Sonia, co-proprietors of Straight Blast Gym of Seattle (WSB sponsor). Jei turned blue for this recent photo in honor of a promise he made when the SBG crowdfunding campaign hit a milestone; that campaign is now 86 percent of the way to its goal. But that’s not why we’re mentioning them tonight. SBG is inviting you to help them help a nonprofit with a last-minute school-supplies drive:
New Beginnings-Ending Domestic Violence is a fantastic organization that has asked us to run a school-supplies drive. They provide “services to those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence – physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Some who use our services are in physical danger. Others are living with controlling partners in relationships that are emotionally abusive. Explore our site to learn how to get help, how to get involved, how to donate and how to learn more about domestic violence in our community.”
I know this is semi-last minute; we have until the end of August to collect items. We’ll be taking donations in the front room next to the couch. If you’re shopping for your child, or at Target, grab something… every little bit counts.
– Backpacks (Ninja Turtles, Princesses, Sports, Solid Colors, etc.
School supplies:
– Scientific Calculators,USB Drives, Protractors
– Highlighters, rulers, pencil sleeves
– Coloring pencils
– Markers
– Glue sticks and Elmers glue
– 3-ring Binders, zip-up 3-ring Binders
– Mechanical pencils (with extra lead)
– Refillable water bottles
– Folders with cool DesignsBack to School clothes
– Boys boxers/boxer briefs (S, M, L, XL),
– Men’s boxers/boxer briefs (S, M)
– Girls leggings (S, M, L, XL)
– Sweatshirts in youth sizesGift certificates for new school outfits:
– Target, H&M, Forever 21, Pac-sun
Whatever you can donate, drop it off at SBG, which is at 5050 Delridge Way SW (map).
Another back-to-school event announcement to share:
The Pathfinder Back-to-School BBQ is August 28 from 5-7 pm. The PTSA invites the Pathfinder K-8 school community and Pigeon Point neighbors to celebrate the new playground paint and kick-off our 2014-2015 school year. Food and drink provided. Details about this and other events can be found at our new PTSA website. pathfinderk8ptsa.org
P.S. Thanks to ALL the parents, PTA leaders, volunteers, staffers (and sometimes students) who share announcements/news here so we can help get the word out too – here’s how
A purse-snatching victim got her purse back after chasing the man who tried to steal it at the bus stop by Roxhill Park. 
According to the Seattle Police report about the incident, categorized as a “strong-arm robbery,” it happened early Sunday morning, around 12:30 am. A Metro Route 21 bus driver saw it happen and called police on behalf of the victim, who said the would-be robber came up behind her as she was boarding the bus. He pulled her purse off her shoulder; she ran after him as he fled onto a trail into the park. According to the report, “the man didn’t run far before he threw the purse onto the ground and kept running southbound.” The victim got everything back, though her purse was ripped in the process, and her arm was scratched when the robber pulled it off her shoulder. Officers couldn’t find the robber, described by the victim as 18 or 19 years old, Filipino, “long black hair in the back,” 5-8, thin build, wearing a black vest, white T-shirt, and khaki pants.
(Photo added: Courtesy of Maris, who was bicycling through the area)
2:17 PM: Thanks to Leeann for the tip – low-bridge commuters and others driving in the Harbor Island vicinity might need this heads-up: Protesters say they’ll be staging at the Spokane Street Fishing Pier, east of the low bridge, at 4 pm today. They are protesting an arriving ship operated by an Israel-based company, the Zim Chicago (which is off Manchester as of this writing, per MarineTraffic.com), in opposition to Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. A similar protest is reported to have drawn more than 100 participants Saturday in Tacoma. The Port of Seattle’s schedule says Zim Chicago is coming in at Terminal 18.
6:03 PM: Yes, that’s why there’s a TV helicopter over the north end of West Seattle.
ADDED: One protester was arrested, per multiple reports (including the protest group itself).
Karen Sisson is back at the Senior Center of West Seattle – as a consultant.
As first reported here July 14, after 25 years as center director, Sisson was fired by Senior Services, the citywide nonprofit that provides staffing to centers including West Seattle, after sending an e-mail that expressed concern over possible operational changes SS was reported to be considering. SS would not comment on the reason for Sisson’s ouster, but multiple sources attributed it to the e-mail.
Now, the Senior Center’s board – which operates independently of Senior Services and its board – has hired Sisson as a consultant, and is demanding that SS reinstate her as center director. From board president David Robertson:
The Senior Center of West Seattle unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing Karen Sisson as Center Director and expressing its lack of confidence in Paula Houston, the Agency Director of Senior Services. A copy of the resolution is attached:
The Senior Center of West Seattle has hired Karen Sisson as a consultant to assist the Board in dealing with financial matters of the Senior Center of West Seattle as the Senior Center evaluates its relationship with Senior Services.
Unlike most of the Seattle senior centers that are staffed through Senior Services, the West Seattle center owns its own building. In addition to the board resolution, Sisson’s firing also has sparked a community outcry, including a petition drive, and an earlier board “vote of confidence” in her work. Sisson herself hasn’t commented directly on her firing but told WSB she appreciates the messages of support.
(Seen at Alki Sunday morning. Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Last full week of summer vacation for most local schools tends to be a quiet week all around. But a few things are on the schedule, including:
CITY AQUATICS: This is the last full week of 2014 operations for Colman Pool, Lincoln Park wading pool, and Highland Park Spraypark, all of which close after Labor Day (Sept. 1st); also, today’s the last day for Southwest Pool until its weeklong closure. (Each facility’s name in that sentence is linked to a page with its schedule info.)
GAMING AND ‘HOUR OF CODE’: 3 pm at High Point Branch Library, details in our calendar listing, as the last full week of summer vacation begins. (35th/Raymond)
YOUNGSTOWN MURAL – THE MOVIE! The weeks of work that went into the new mural outside Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (here’s our report on the August 14th unveiling) were documented by the Rec-Tech crew, and their completed documentary will premiere there tonight, 6 pm, all welcome. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AND TRIVIA … multiple venues, on the calendar. (Yours missing? Please e-mail us the info!)
(8:41 AM NOTE: SDOT cams have been stuck for an hour-plus. So we have added WSDOT Highway 99 cams below)
(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Just so we’re all clear – While Highway 99 has reopened between the West Seattle Bridge and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel, it’s still closed for two more days from the tunnel north to Valley Street, while WSDOT rebuilds a bridge. So anyone still on The Viaduct this morning northbound past Seneca will have to exit at Western, and that’s likely to mean slow going. See the map in last night’s reminder. If you need to doublecheck your Metro route, go here.
ONE OTHER ROAD WORK NOTE: Here’s the updated map for Arbor Heights/south Fauntleroy microsurfacing, as it continues through tomorrow.
8:18 AM: No problems reported so far, on 99 or elsewhere – see the comments for some commute stories. Of course, this is a big week for vacation-taking, since schools reopen next week, but still, it’s good news.
8:41 AM: Commenter just noticed SDOT cams have been stuck at 7:21 am for a while. Here’s a WSDOT cam, which is NOT stuck:
And another one:
With some simply describing the Highway 99 work as a “4-day closure,” here’s a reminder: For the part most used by West Seattleites, it’s not. The Alaskan Way Viaduct WILL reopen by 5 am Monday, WSDOT says (as will 99 between the AWV and West Seattle Bridge). What will NOT be open (yet) is Highway 99 north of The Viaduct – from the Battery St. Tunnel north to Valley Street on Lower Queen Anne, as shown here:
That section is supposed to remain closed for bridge work until early Wednesday. Though The Viaduct will be open again, it’s still wise to avoid it if you can, since anyone still on 99 past Seneca will have to exit at Western, and that’s likely to back things up. South of there, state crews spent the weekend closure replacing concrete panels; WSDOT’s latest update says, “The final concrete has been poured on these new panels and will cure overnight. Drivers should experience a smoother ride in SODO during Monday morning’s commute.” We’ll be monitoring morning traffic here as usual, with live cameras in our daily update as well as on the WSB Traffic page.
(WSB photos by Katie Meyer)
The “soapbox race” downtown wasn’t the only one in Seattle today – Beverly invited us to check out the one that happened in her North Admiral neighborhood this afternoon/evening as part of its annual block party.
She explained in the invitation, “We neighbors around College between Walnut and 41st Ave. SW have an annual block party the second to last weekend in August each year” – and much of it is headquartered in her home’s front yard. “There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood, so this year we decided to have a soapbox derby!” In the photo below, that’s Beverly’s son Asa in the striped shirt on the right; he designed the cart with Tinkercad.
The derby featured kids of all ages – here’s 3-year-old Reider and 1-year-old brother Hudson:
Whatever the cart design – the neighborhood derby featured human-powered transportation at its finest! Some of it, animal-inspired:
Thanks to Beverly for letting us know about the derby so we could stop by. Something cool happening in YOUR neighborhood? Here’s how to reach us.
In light of today’s Northern California earthquake – we have two preparedness reminders. First, do you know where your Emergency Communication Hub is? The map above is courtesy of West Seattle Be Prepared, local volunteers who have worked for years on helping facilitate local neighborhood preparedness. The hubs are explained here – in short, the place you would go if regular communication channels/methods weren’t working in the aftermath of a disaster (big quake, storm, etc.). If there’s no hub near you, it’s because no one has stepped forward to set one up – this is an all-volunteer effort; here’s how to get one going.
Second, the city offers classes to help you retrofit your residence to make it more capable of withstanding a quake, and as mentioned on WSB recently, registration is open for one coming up this fall – info is here.
We’re continuing to publish local back-to-school events as we get word of them. Today, from the Lafayette Elementary PTA:
On Tuesday, September 2nd from 5-7 pm, the Lafayette PTA is sponsoring a “Back to School BBQ” on the Lafayette playground. There will be free food and drinks with some great music. Come and meet new friends and reconnect with Lafayette families you have missed over the summer!
P.S. Thanks yet again in advance to the parents, PTA leaders, volunteers, staffers (and sometimes students!) who share big news here so we can help get the word out too – here’s how
ORIGINAL REPORT, 1:14 PM: When we noticed the tower-crane base in place at 40th/Edmunds, and then “no parking” signs for today, we thought maybe the crane was arriving.
Then, Andy sent a note wondering what a video/photography type of crew was doing at the site. We went over to find out.
It’s a shoot for Brooks Running, we learned on-site from Erika of Blondehouse Production. And they’ll be shooting in West Seattle again on Tuesday, just a few blocks from today’s shoot, over by food truck Beloved Mexico and West Seattle Produce – so if you’ve seen the “no parking” signs on the east side of Fauntleroy Way SW south of SW Alaska, now you know what they’re for.
ADDED 8:41 PM: Maris, who lives near the construction site, took this photo during the actual shoot:
If you’ve lost track of the project on that site, by the way, it’s 4745 40th SW, 135 apartments plus some ground-floor live-work units and a relatively small amount of retail. The site next door (south of the bank) is owned by Seattle Parks but in the shorter run will be temporary home soon to Seattle Fire Station 32 during the rebuild on its permanent site at 37th/Alaska.
Almost 1,100 runners and walkers are on the course along Alki as this year’s Alki Beach 5K got under way minutes ago. First, they heard inspirational words from “Warrior Marathon Runner” Carol Dellinger, a breast-cancer survivor who has run 278 marathons, and just keeps running.
The Alki Beach 5K is a benefit for West Seattleite-founded-and-led Northwest Hope and Healing, and a fun time for all.
9:58 AM: Runners and walkers keep crossing the finish line. First one across, last year’s winner Miler Haller, 17 years old:
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
ADDED 12:32 PM: Here’s our video of everyone leaving the starting line:
First-time emcee (whose voice you hear in our video): Shellie Hart from Warm 106.9 radio:
Overseeing everything as always – NWHH executive director Shari Sewell:
The Alki Beach 5K is for a serious cause – helping NWHH help breast-cancer patients – but it’s fun too, and smiles abounded:
Eye-catching outfits, too:
3:59 PM: The results are now available online. In addition to first finisher Miler Haller, shown above, the other top finishers were:
#2 male – Joe Sheeran, 56, in 16:49:
#3 male – Chris Tolonen, 45, in 16:53:
#1 female – Somer Kreisman, 25, in 18:07:
#2 female – Hailey Kettel, 18, in 18:30:
#3 female – Caoline Austin, 23, in 18:46:
(The spellings are exactly as shown on the official results page; please let us know if anything is incorrect!)
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: More scenes from race day:
Read More
Today, we start the daily preview with three traffic alerts/reminders:
VIADUCT CLOSED AGAIN TODAY: The Alaskan Way Viaduct and Highway 99 south to the West Seattle Bridge are closed again today, scheduled to reopen early Monday. From the Battery Street Tunnel north to Valley Street, 99 is scheduled to remain closed until early Wednesday. Above is the “live” camera from a stretch of 99 where concrete-repair work is continuing; WSDOT posted an update Saturday on how things are going so far (it also includes maps and specific traffic reminders).
FERRY NOTE: Washington State Ferries is expecting extra traffic on the Fauntleroy-Vashon run today, particularly motorcycles, because of events on the island.
ROAD CLOSURE FOR ALKI BEACH 5K: Alki Avenue SW will be closed along the usual 5K route until about 11 am today, with more than 1,000 runners and walkers expected to participate in the Alki Beach 5K, benefiting Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps breast-cancer patients.
Warrior Marathon Runner Carol Dellinger will be there for inspiration. Last-minute signups are open now by the Alki Bathhouse. Race starts around 9 am.
Also happening today:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Fresh local food and beverages, as always, 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)
DIY BIKES: Noon-4 pm, free bicycle repairs at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center; also accepting donated bikes to be fixed up. More at diybikes.org. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
TOUR THE ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Second-to-last weekend this summer to enjoy a free tour of historic Alki Point Lighthouse with US Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, 1-4 pm. (3201 Alki SW)
‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ MATINEE: 3 pm today is the final performance of the ArtsWest youth-conservatory production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown“; tickets online here. (4711 California SW)
OPEN-MICROPHONE JAM: Every Sunday night in August at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), hosted by Lynn Sorensen – just show up with your voice and/or instrument starting at 7:30 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6451 California SW)
MORE … for today/tonight – browse our calendar.
Congratulations to West Seattle athlete Tom Donohue for his victories at the USA Cycling National Track Championships, which continue through tomorrow on the Eastside. The report and photos are by proud wife Lisa Donohue:
Fauntleroy resident Tom Donohue earned his 2nd Gold medal Saturday at the USA Cycling National Track Championships at Marymoor Velodrome in Redmond. Tom slayed the competition in both the Match Sprint and 500m Time Trial 50-54 year-old category. In addition, he also set a new track record in the 500m.
Tom is a member of the Cucina Fresca cycling team. You might spot him sprinting along the streets of West Seattle in his red and black jersey.
Tom will be traveling to the Manchester England for the World Championships this October. Last year he ranked top 10 in World, and hopes to make it to the podium in 2014.
You can see his 500m time in the results on this page detailing today’s highlights, and his sprint time in the highlights report from Thursday.
Full house at @WSMovies – with 'Frozen' in about half an hour – last WSOM of the year! pic.twitter.com/fTHLIZtI8p
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) August 24, 2014
It’s wall to wall in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) in The Junction for this year’s sixth and final West Seattle Outdoor Movies presentation, “Frozen” – with movie time coming up around 8:15 (amazing how sunset/twilight suddenly get so much earlier as the season goes along). As requested, diaper donations for WestSide Baby have come in from moviegoers.
WS Baby also benefits tonight from concession and raffle proceeds, which are fundraisers for a different local nonprofit each week. Lots of sponsors make the series possible; PB&J Textiles donates the concessions each week, and we at WSB are happy to have been the media sponsor again this year. Every week also features spotlight sponsors for that movie – tonight’s lineup includes Bend n Move, which just led a round of Zumba:
Tonight also featured a free barbecue courtesy of West Seattle Christian.
P.S. Watch these pages next spring – we’ll let you know when movie host and emcee Lora Swift (above – of Hotwire and more) sends out the call again for movie suggestions.
| 3 COMMENTS