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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect charged in hit-run death of Tommy Joe Garrett, booked into jail three days after first release
May 27, 2024 2:02 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Victim’s photo, as displayed at April 27 vigil)

The man initially accused in the hit-run death of 81-year-old Tommy Joe Garrett, then released when a judge disagreed with prosecutors’ charging proposal, has been charged after all. Thanks to commenter K for the tip; the King County Jail roster shows 37-year-old Isaiah L. Cooper of Puyallup has been in custody since last Thursday, after the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed a charge of felony hit-and-run two days before that – the day after he was released from jail. The jail docket indicates Cooper’s bail is set at half a million dollars. We’ll add details from the charging documents later.

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WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY: New mini-park gets Eagle Scout help
May 27, 2024 12:40 pm
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 |   Holidays | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

More volunteering on this Memorial Day! Outside the West Seattle Triangle building that is home to American Legion Post 160, the WS Veteran Center, and Westside Neighbors Shelter, a mini-park centered on Peace Poles is taking shape, and an Eagle Scout’s project is adding to it today.

That’s Troop 282 Eagle Scout Lincoln Saad, there today to install – with helpers – benches built for the mini-park:

Lincoln planned the project along with Keith Hughes, who runs the center/post/shelter and is creating the mini-park. Thanks to Don for the tip about today’s installation, noting that it honors “the war heroes’ contribution to preserving our freedom we hold so dear to all of us.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglarized twice in 5 days; dumped-possibly-stolen license plates
May 27, 2024 11:48 am
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports:

BURGLARIZED TWICE IN 5 DAYS: Thanks to neighbors for tips on this. Junction True Value managers confirmed to WSB today that the store has been burglarized twice in the past five days. The first one happened just before 2 am Wednesday; the second one happened around 3:30 am today. The store says the burglar(s) got away with about $4,000 in tools in the Wednesday break-in, fewer tools today; they suspect an organized ring might be targeting their store. Police-audio archives indicate the burglar(s) left in a stolen car found on a nearby dead-end street (Rutan Place, per a neighbor) and ran into a brushy area. Police searched but, the audio indicates, had trouble getting extra resources – no aerial resources were available, and no SPD canine, though a King County Sheriff’s Office K-9 (from Kirkland) was eventually dispatched. (Update: Archive audio indicates the search eventually ended unsuccessfully.) If you have any information, this morning’s incident # is 24-143457, while the Wednesday number is 24-138494.

DUMPED-POSSIBLY-STOLEN LICENSE PLATES: The photo and report are from Austin:

I was taking out some trash this morning and noticed some suspicious items were dumped in my can in Seaview overnight, including license plates and other items that look like they could have been from a stolen car (hats, camera cases, food trash) There was even a bleach bottle…which was extra strange.

Austin is working on reporting this to police, but in the meantime, if the plates and/or hats happen to be yours, contact us and we can connect you. (Added: A

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WEST SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY: Volunteers place flags in The Junction
May 27, 2024 10:33 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Flags are flying along California SW in the heart of The Junction today, thanks to volunteers spanning a wide age range.

The Junction Association recruits volunteers for occasions like this; they gathered this morning to put the flags in place, and will be back at the end of the day to remove them.

If you notice that some of the flags – like the one in that photo – look new, good eye; The Junction says generous donors helped cover the cost of some replacements recently.

P.S. If you’re interested in joining The Junction’s volunteer ranks for future occasions, go here!

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West Seattle Memorial Day 2024 notes
May 27, 2024 6:03 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Juvenile Bald Eagles, photographed this week by James Tilley)

Here’s info you might find useful on this Memorial Day Monday:

TRANSIT

Metro: Sunday schedule

West Seattle Water Taxi and its shuttles: Sunday schedule

Washington State Ferries: No announced changes

Sound Transit: Schedule changes here

Other services: See a list here

TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Our page highlighting local cameras is here

SDOT’s map with cameras and alerts from around the city is here

CLOSURES/CHANGES

Most Seattle Parks facilities

Seattle Public Library facilities

Schools

Government offices

Banks

USPS holiday

No charge for street parking in Seattle neighborhoods with city pay stations

OPEN

Highland Park Spraypark (11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale)

Colman Pool (noon-7 pm, on Lincoln Park shore, session schedule here)

SPECIAL EVENTS

*American Legion poppies will be available outside Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska) again today, by donation

*For the first time since 2019, a Memorial Day remembrance will be held at Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW), 2 pm, all welcome

*Volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach) and Lincoln Park, 12:15 pm-3:15 pm, for low-low tide (-2.4 feet at 2:19 pm)

Anything else we should know/let others know about? Texting’s the best way to reach us today – 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another gunfire investigation
May 27, 2024 12:23 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another round of reported gunfire has brought multiple 911 calls and a police response confirming it. This time, in an alley off the 9000 block of 17th SW. Officers have told dispatch they’ve found five shell casings so far. No injuries reported.

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West Seattle Transportation Coalition hears the newest plan for Vision Zero
May 26, 2024 11:33 pm
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 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

One year ago, SDOT released its “top-to-bottom review” of the Vision Zero program, concluding that Vision Zero wasn’t making progress toward its goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on Seattle streets by 2030 because too little action was being taken. One year later, the trend has yet to reverse, and SDOT’s newly released Vision Zero Action Plan Update calls again for more to be done. SDOT reps explained what that will detail as the spotlight guests at this past Thursday’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting.

SDOT’s David Burgesser opened by saying it’s all put in perspective by remembering the humanity of each victim – the 1,700+ people seriously hurt and ~228 people killed since the program’s launch in 2015 (update: four this week alone, with deadly crashes in North Seattle and downtown in the hours before the meeting, and another downtown on Friday night, plus one as we wrote this story). A majority of the victims are those most vulnerable, he said – people walking, rolling, or riding.

The updated plan, he said, focuses on 22 strategies, and 80+ actions, most of which, he said, “fall within the safer roads/safer speeds category.”

Part of the plan also seeks better data – for example, while the city has many data dashboards, it does not have one for Vision Zero, but Burgesser said they are working on that. Two sections of the update also call for better correlation of SFD and SPD data from collision responses.

The WSTC meeting discussion didn’t dive into West Seattle specifics, so we browsed the Action Plan Update looking for them. What we found were mentions of some projects already planned or even under way. One was completion of the Terminal 5 Quiet Zone, safety improvements meant to enable trains serving T-5 to (mostly) avoid horn use. (A port rep in attendance at the meeting said the Quiet Zone work should be complete within a few months – that’s a bit behind what was estimated last fall, and way beyond the original plan for it to be done before the first modernized T-5 berth opened.) Another was to “Develop an updated plan to improve the safety of bridge expansion joints, railings, and barrier types for people biking, rolling, and walking,” and the soon-to-begin Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project was designated for that work. West Seattle light rail, though it’s not planned to launch until 2032, got a mention too: “Develop station access plans for future light rail stations and enhance the experience and quality of existing facilities that connect people walking, biking, and rolling along and across major transit corridors,” with a “2024 target” listed as “Develop a priority list of station access projects for the West Seattle Link Extension stations that can be supported with available station access funding from Sound Transit.” And it’s likely some West Seattle locations will eventually be part of citywide plans like these:

In Q/A, WSTC’s Deb Barker said she had recently visited Australia and learned that it too was having what she termed “abysmal” results despite working under Vision Zero. (We later found this story about that.) She asked Burgesser for an example of where it’s working. New Jersey communities were cited in response – no fatalities in 7 years in Hoboken (population 60,000), for example. (We found this recent story verifying that.) Why a three-year plan? That’s meant to give them an opening for “one more pivot” before 2030 if needed.

ALSO AT THE WSTC MEETING: Kate Nolan from the Northwest Seaport Alliance – the cargo-shipping authority for Seattle and Tacoma – talked about their zero-emission truck program; we weren’t able to watch that section of the meeting, but the full video will eventually be up on the WSTC YouTube channel (now at youtube.com/westseattletc). Asked how many vessels are using shore power now that it’s available at both T-5 berths, she said “about half” was what she’d most recently heard. … Board elections were postponed until the next meeting, July 25, to give time for recruitment efforts; there’s been a lot of attrition in the past year-plus, so lots of room to get involved – email info@westseattletc.org to find out more.

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REMINDER: Memorial Day remembrance returns, Monday at Forest Lawn in West Seattle
May 26, 2024 7:12 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Flags are flying over veterans’ graves at Forest Lawn Cemetery (6701 30th SW), where West Seattle’s traditional Memorial Day remembrance returns tomorrow for the first time since 2019, described as “a special way to honor and remember our fallen heroes.” We’re reminding you in case you missed our announcement last Monday. All are welcome for the ceremony, which will feature speakers and music. Look for the canopy.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
May 26, 2024 4:58 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

4:58 PM: After multiple 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire in North Delridge, officers have just reported to dispatch that they’ve confirmed it, finding “a scene” at 25th/Juneau. No report of injuries so far.

5:01 PM: Police say they’ve found 19 casings of two different calibers so far and that a witness told them a “group of four” did the shooting.

(WSB photo)

5:35 PM: Police were wrapping up when we got to the scene a short time ago but did point out what you see in our photo above: a bullet hole in the windshield of a Range Rover parked on Juneau outside the Longfellow Creek Apartments.

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WEEKEND SCENE: Full Tilt Ice Cream’s White Center farewell
May 26, 2024 4:29 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

4:29 PM: For one final day, Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center is not just serving ice cream, but also serving as a community gathering place. People are lined up to get in for one last scoop before the shop closes after 16 years.

Inside, community-created art pays tribute to Full Tilt co-founder Justin Cline, whose untimely death in March led to wife and co-founder Ann Magyar‘s decision to close.

Ann is there, of course, for the last hurrah, as is son Moss, helping out behind the counter.

Ann plans to return to her original career, teaching. But first, wrapping up a business is hard work – selling the equipment, for example. And eventually a celebration of Justin’s life will be held. But today, you have until 8 pm to stop by the shop at 9629 16th SW for ice cream, pinball, and memories.

8:37 PM: Thanks to those who’ve sent photos! From Megan, the scene inside the shop early this afternoon:

And from Gabe – here’s James with one last Full Tilt treat:

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DEVELOPMENT NOTES: 5249 California; 3507 Webster; 2236 Alki; Admiral Church
May 26, 2024 2:34 pm
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 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Four development notes this afternoon:

5249 CALIFORNIA: We noticed new signage today at this long-mostly-idle site just south of the past-and-possibly-future Ephesus: “New Homes Coming Soon!” A check of city files shows that permits are still under review for the latest proposal here, two 3-story buildings with nine townhouses, same project we last mentioned in early 2023. The website for J&T Development, which bought the site two years ago, says the units will all be 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.

3507 SW WEBSTER: This 4-story townhouse project, replacing a 2-story building, is in the “early design review” stage and a community survey closes after tomorrow (Monday, May 27). Project information is on a webpage the developers set up here; the survey is here.

2236 ALKI SW: This site also has a townhouse project in “early design review,” and an outreach webpage set up by the developers. It says they’re planning a community “site walk” for Q&A and info, 4-6 pm on Thursday, June 6.

ADMIRAL CHURCH AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP: Also coming up, Homestead Community Land Trust and Admiral Church plan an update meeting at the church (4320 SW Hill) 2-4 pm next Sunday (June 2) with “concepts” for their affordable-homeownership project. (Here’s our most-recent coverage.)

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Going to the library? ‘Disruptions’ affecting some services
May 26, 2024 12:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip! Seattle Public Library branches are reporting some tech trouble today:

Due to disruptions to the Library network, several services will be unavailable including public computers, public printing, and some online services. Library technology staff are working to restore services, but at this time there is no estimated time for restoration.

A post on the SPL X/Twitter account shows some system work was already planned for today anyway. All SPL facilities are scheduled to be closed for the Memorial Day holiday tomorrow.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary suspect arrested in Alki area
May 26, 2024 10:08 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks for the tips about a briefly large police response seen heading into West Seattle. We’ve just talked to police at the scene. It was a call for backup while officers were responding to a burglary reported in the 2500 block of 57th SW. A suspect was taken into custody and the request for backup was canceled. According to what an officer just told dispatch, the suspect might also have been involved in an Admiral-area burglary on Saturday. (added) Listening back to original dispatch audio, the suspect was reported to have had a knife when this morning’s incident was first called in and was “possibly in crisis.”

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Full Tilt finale, lighthouse tours, low-low tide, Colman Pool, more for your holiday-weekend Sunday
May 26, 2024 6:16 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s what you should know about today/tonight, including highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MEMORIAL DAY POPPIES: Again today, look for the canopy outside American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska), where you can get your poppy, by donation. (We photographed Post commander Keith Hughes there on Saturday.)

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: No Sunday Funday run this week.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering spring vegetables, flowers, fruit, and plants, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Second day of the season – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

LOW-LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Third day of the season for volunteer Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists! The tide bottoms out at -2.7 feet just after 1:30 pm; they’ll be at Constellation Park (63rd SW/Beach Drive) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near Colman Pool) 11:30 am-2:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL: Second day for the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Today brings your first chance this year to visit the historic lighthouse most Sundays through the summer – free tours begin at 1 pm, and the last tour of the day starts at 3:45 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

FULL TILT’S FINALE: As announced in early April, today is the final day for Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s original White Center shop. Art, music, merch, and of course, ice cream, 2-8 pm. (9629 16th SW)

JUNCTION FC’S 3RD HOME MATCH: The new club plays a 2 pm match vs. United PDX at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Match tickets still available.

LOCAL BAND AT FOLKLIFE: If you’re headed to the festival, note that Better As Brass plays Folklife Festival at 4 pm at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre (305 Harrison).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Your weekend can conclude with music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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PHOTOS: West Seattle High School baseball team wins state championship!
May 25, 2024 9:34 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Added: Photos by Joe Christian for WSB)

9:34 PM: The West Seattle High School Wildcats are the state 3A baseball champions! The Wildcats roared out to a big lead over Mount Vernon HS early – six runs in the top of the 1st inning – and went on to victory, 9-3, playing in Pasco. This caps a sterling season in which WSHS also won the Metro League championship. Full story and photos to come!

ADDED 3:10 AM: The trophy-hoisting celebration on the field was three years in the making. In the team’s third consecutive year of reaching the state’s final four – every year Dylan Mclauchlin‘s been head coach – they finally made it all the way to the top. And from the opening moments of the game, it was never in doubt that it would end up that way.

Thr Wildcats were up 6-0 on four hits and five walks before the Bulldogs even came up to bat; among those with RBIs in the first inning was winning pitcher #17 Matthew Henning:

He struck out five and yielded only two runs and four hits over five and two-thirds innings. Meantime, West Seattle hitters were relentless, and piled up a 9-2 lead before Henning made way for #9 Sam Waskowitz in the sixth. He gave up one run in the seventh before closing out the biggest victory in West Seattle High School baseball history.

#2 Bobby Trigg had one of the hottest bats of the night, going 2 for 4 – both doubles – with 1 RBI, and scoring twice, including the ninth and final WSHS run in the third, on a single by #24 Lukas Cheha, who went 3 for 3.

#13 Parker Eley had 2 RBI on a second-inning double; seven other Wildcats had one each.

Now it’s time for the trip home with the trophy.

This was WSHS’s first appearance in the title game since May 25, 2013, exactly 11 years to the day before this win resulted in the school’s first-ever state baseball championship.

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NEXT SATURDAY: West Seattle High School’s 2024 All-School Reunion and afterparty
May 25, 2024 7:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo, 2019)

If you attended West Seattle High School, no matter which years, you’re invited to return to WSHS next Saturday for the annual All-School Reunion! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

The West Seattle High School All-School Reunion is taking place on Saturday, June 1st from 4-7 pm! Alumni from all classes are welcome to this free event. Reconnect with classmates, roam the hallowed halls, and check out the classic car show outside the main entrance! Not ready for the fun to end? Dance the night away at the unofficial afterparty with live music provided by West Seattle’s own Nitemates taking place at Whisky West starting at 7 pm!

Wondering where the Alumni Chinook newspaper is? The print version was delayed, but should be on its way to your mailbox next week. In the meantime, you can view the electronic version on the West Seattle High School Alumni Association website.

This issue of the Chinook notes the two alums joining the WSHS Hall of Fame this year are Tom Jensen (’66) and Dr. Susan Rutherford (’70).

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CONGRATULATIONS! Three new Eagle Scouts, with two making troop history
May 25, 2024 6:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Big news from West Seattle’s Troop 284, sent by Eric Linxweiler:

In 2025, Troop 284 will celebrate 110 storied years of helping boys and, since 2018, girls, grow to be strong and confident men and women! Over 109 years our troop had presented the prestigious Eagle award to 115 scouts. This past month, we have the honor of recognizing our newest Eagles, including our first female Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to Lauren, Owen, and Heidi!

Owen is pictured with Scoutmaster Dan Vornbrock, who also congratulates Heidi, along with Scoutmaster Laura Kincaid.

Lauren is also a member of Troop 678 on Mercer Island.

Special note: as 3rd-generation Eagle Scouts, both Lauren and Heidi were pinned with their grandfather’s Eagle Medals!

Troop 284 says those 109 years of history make it the oldest troop in Seattle! If you have membership questions, bsatroop284westseattle@gmail.com is their email address.

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YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH signups open for softball, baseball, T-ball
May 25, 2024 3:51 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle Baseball wants you to know that its Summer CRUSH signups are open until June 17. Here’s the announcement:

Summer CRUSH is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with more of the fun, summery vibe from sandlot-style baseball with your friends. It is also an opportunity for players to take advantage of more reps, plus try new positions and new facets of the game in a fun, low-stress situation. There generally are no practices and the baseball feels more like sandlot games or scrimmages. Again our focus is on having fun and playing more baseball.

CRUSH is divided into three divisions, Pinto 8U, Mustang 10U, and Bronco 12U. 8U and 12U are scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays. 10U is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Softball is back and expanded to two days per week! Softball will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. The goal is to identify their knowledge and skill set to aptly teach and help gain confidence in their abilities. Division will probably be in the Pinto (8U), Mustang (10U) and Bronco (12U) range; however, this is subject to registration.

New to Summer CRUSH, we will be adding a Shetland/T-Ball instructional division one night per week. This division of T-Ball (6U) will be on Thursday nights 5-6 pm and continue to be a fun level of baseball to run around and play some ball.

Team rosters are built with summer vacations in mind. Larger rosters can sometimes mean that the batting order gets long, more often, however, it prevents teams being too short-handed to realistically play when multiple players are out of town on family trips. Again, games are scheduled only for weeknights, leaving weekends completely free.

Registration fee for CRUSH Baseball and Softball is $125; cost includes a ballcap and team jersey for each player. Registration fee for Shetland/T-Ball is $100. The CRUSH season will begin the week of July 8 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 18.

West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH registration is open through June 17th. For more information about Summer CRUSH, go here.

West Seattle Baseball is volunteer-run and nonprofit.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Historic former Coast Guard Cutter Comanche
May 25, 2024 2:02 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Gary Jones for the photo! The historic former Coast Guard Cutter Comanche passed West Seattle today, northbound from its home in Tacoma, headed for South Lake Union, where it’s scheduled for an open house at Lake Union Park. It’s owned by a foundation that’s been raising money to restore it; the ship’s history is on this website – it’s 80 years old and served as a tug after its decommissioning in 1980.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Miso says closure is temporary
May 25, 2024 12:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

We still haven’t heard back from them directly but this morning, Miso – the eight-month-old Korean restaurant at 1513 SW Holden – has put up two messages saying their closure is temporary. First, while – as noted in our original report – the signage on the door was the same yesterday, we went by again a short time ago while in the area and found the new sign: “Sorry, we’re temporarily closed, but! still awesome.” The restaurant’s sporadically updated Instagram page also has changed since we last looked late last night, with the new message in the profile area, “We regret to inform you that we are temporarily closed for renovation. See you in few days again!” (It should be noted that a similar sign popped up a few days after what turned out to be the permanent closure of predecessor Wanna Burger and Teriyaki.)

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Remembering Frank T. Zuvela, 1922-2024
May 25, 2024 10:03 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Frank Zuvela, and sharing this with his community:

Frank Thomas Zuvela, a devoted man of faith, family, and community, lit up a room with his crystal blue eyes and radiant smile. Always energetic with eternal optimism, he could be counted on for a good story or joke.

An entrepreneur at heart, he was an illustrious businessman who spent time as a fisherman and built his own gillnet fishing boat. He was a builder, developer, real estate broker, and most of all a family man. Frank was an impressive dancer. He and his beloved wife, Sharon, whom he snuck into speakeasies when she was underage, would gracefully soar across any dance floor. They loved music, traveled the world, and enjoyed many facets of life together. It’s safe to say he left no stone unturned.

While growing up in West Seattle’s Riverside Croatian community during the Depression, Frank began selling fish he caught at Pike Place Market to help his father support the family after his mother passed. He was a proud graduate of West Seattle High School and commuted daily via the streetcar. He was an avid sports fan who supported the Huskies, Mariners, and Seahawks. He was also a US Navy veteran who served in World War II.

Frank’s passions included dancing, fishing, making his own lures, woodworking, family parties, and golf. He regularly played 18 holes into his 100th year. Later in life, he enjoyed many hobbies including cooking (he made a mean Bolognese), crossword puzzles, gardening, and reading. He loved sharing a meal and his stories with family and friends around the dinner table. Frank was a history buff and began leading tours with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, even helping to create a monument for the community. Always proud of his Croatian heritage, Frank regularly volunteered at Seattle’s annual CroatiaFest, where he enjoyed reconnecting with old friends.

Frank’s will to enjoy life was fierce and he was steadfast in his convictions. He was the definition of a great man who had a profound impact on everyone he met and loved. Pop was compassionate, witty, caring, and had a mischievous sense of humor. When asked what the key was to living to 101, he would say “I married the right woman” and in his humorous fashion would add, “just don’t die” or “keep having birthdays.” His love of Chinese food may also be a secret to longevity.

Frank Zuvela was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife Sharon of seventy years, daughter Karen Santa, son Steven, grandchildren Karri, Tommy, and Nicholas Santa as well as countless other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Frank.

Pop will be sorely missed by all; may he rest in peace knowing the impact he had on the world was immense & forever lasting.

(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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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 26 options!
May 25, 2024 6:16 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday night’s rainbow as seen from Arbor Heights – photo by Kristin G)

Here’s what’s up for the first day of the three-day holiday weekend, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S FREE GROUP RUN: The store is where you and other runners will meet up for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

(Photo courtesy Keith Hughes)

MEMORIAL DAY POPPIES: All weekend, look for the canopy outside American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska), where you can get your poppy, by donation.

QUEER COMMUNITY – IN THE WOODS, ON THE BEACH: 10 am-2 pm gathering with Seattle Aquarium and GSBA at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) “intentionally designed for LGBTQIA+ and/or queer communities and their allies.” RSVP link is in our calendar listing.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET, WEEK TWO: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)

SDOT AT THE MARKET: Also at the Delridge Farmers’ Market, one more chance to talk with SDOT reps about the Highland Park Way hill driving-lane-removal project, 10 am-2 pm.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: First day of the season – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOW-LOW TIDE WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Second day of the season for volunteer Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists! The tide bottoms out at -2.7 feet just before 1 pm; they’ll be at Constellation Park (63rd SW/Beach Drive) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near Colman Pool) 11 am-2 pm.

COLMAN POOL: First day for the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MAKE A VASE: Class at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 1-3 pm. Our calendar listing has signup info.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SYNC SEATTLE MEMORIAL DAY PARTY: Beach party with networking group for Black-led nonprofits and businesses, 1-5 pm at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), tickets here.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

WSHS BASEBALL IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: West Seattle HS is in the state-championship game vs. Mount Vernon HS, 7:15 pm in Pasco. The NFHS Network is expected to stream it (paid subscription required).

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: It’s the night for West End Girls, the monthly drag extravaganza at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, tickets here or at the door.

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Lady Coco spins. (4547 California SW, alley side)

KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

Planning a happening? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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PHOTOS: Semifinal shutout triumph sends West Seattle High School to state-championship baseball game
May 24, 2024 10:59 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Joe Christian for WSB)

10:59 PM: The West Seattle High School Wildcats will play Mount Vernon HS for the state 3A baseball championship on Saturday night. That’s after West Seattle’s just-concluded shutout defeat of Eastside Catholic, 6-0 in Pasco. This is the third consecutive year the Wildcats have made it to the state final four – but the first time since 2013 that they’ve slugged their way into the title game. Details from tonight’s win, plus photos, coming up later!

ADDED 3:01 AM: #27, senior Miles Chandler, got the win for the Wildcats, pitching 5 shutout innings – with five strikeouts – despite a bit of turbulence in the 1st inning, when he got into a bases-loaded jam, but got out of it without yielding a run. That was the biggest threat the Crusaders posed for the entire game.

#7, senior Caden Fahy, had four of the six WSHS RBI, starting with two when he hit a triple in the top of the third.

That brought in #13, senior Parker Eley, and #14, junior Clay Pecore, who had a 2-for-3 night.

With a single in the fourth, Fahy brought in Pecore again, and #1, junior Dex Pudduck.

That was after #5, senior Matthew Hazelgrove, had smacked a two-run single of his own, which scored #24, junior Lukas Cheha, and #42, senior Sabin Tomlinson.

#6, senior John Langen, closed the shutout by holding Eastside Catholic to two hits in two innings.

Head coach Dylan Mclauchlin and the Wildcats are scheduled to take the field at 7:15 tonight (Saturday, May 25).

The time might vary depending on the games that precede it (which is why this game started so late). The Mount Vernon Bulldogs got the other championship-game spot by beating Edmonds-Woodway 9-7 earlier in the evening. While this is WSHS’s third year in a row to reach the semifinals, it’s the first trip in almost a quarter-century for Mount Vernon.

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