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TRAFFIC ALERT: Collision closes Roxbury at 15th
April 22, 2024 10:20 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Updated screengrab from nearest SDOT traffic camera, looking east toward scene)

10:20 PM: According to SPD radio, King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are closing Roxbury at 15th, after a collision reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian – reportedly a hit-run with life-threatening injuries. The driver was last seen heading eastbound on Roxbury. One officer says a witness believes the vehicle was a gray Mazda SUV.

10:38 PM: SFD medics are taking the victim to Harborview.

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Don’t toss your dull knife – sharpen it! West Seattle pop-up Tuesday
April 22, 2024 8:22 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That’s Genevieve, who rejuvenates knives by “traditional hand-sharpening on whetstones.” As listed in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, she’s having a pop-up tomorrow (Tuesday, April 23) at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 9 am-4 pm. $10 per knife. Here’s the FAQ on her Kneighborhood Knives website, in case you have a question before just showing up.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound West Seattle Bridge offramp closure Tuesday
April 22, 2024 6:36 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

We received this Tuesday traffic alert from SDOT late today:

Tomorrow morning, the Seattle Department of Transportation’s urban forestry and signs and markings teams will be closing the westbound off-ramp to SW Admiral Way from the West Seattle High Bridge at around 9:30 a.m. This closure is necessary due to a broken limb that requires removal, although our team has already stabilized it earlier today.

Detour signage will be in place to guide drivers to SW Admiral Way. The designated detour route is as follows: continue on the West Seattle High Bridge onto Fauntleroy Way SW. Then, turn right onto SW Oregon St, followed by another right onto California Ave SW, which will lead you to SW Admiral Way.

They’re not sure yet how long the work will take.

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From the ‘other’ Healthy Street to hope for ‘The Hum,’ updates from HPAC’s April meeting invitation
April 22, 2024 6:22 pm
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 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

We’ve published recent updates on the Alki Point and High Point “Healthy Streets” – so what’s up with the other one SDOT set up in West Seattle, the Delridge/Highland Park “Healthy Street”? That’ll be a central topic at this Wednesday’s HPAC meeting. HPAC’s announcement also includes an update from the resident who was sleuthing the return of “The Hum” as discussed at a previous meeting:

As folks are starting to get out and about, gearing up for spring and summer walking and rolling, SDOT will be our guest this month to talk about the future for the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street network. All users of the routes in question are welcome, regardless of where you live.

These routes were put in place during the pandemic to broaden access to safe outdoor spaces. Most often they were installed along existing or planned Neighborhood Greenways. Streets being considered for changes include portions of 21st Ave SW, 15th Ave SW, 17th Ave SW, 11th Ave SW, SW Webster and SW Trenton, noted in dashed purple lines on this map.

We understand that Planners want to hear:

-What part of the network should be kept and improved?
-What kind of barriers, amenities and signage are preferred?
-What part(s) should return to general usage?

We will also expect to have Seattle Police Department representatives on hand to answer community questions and hear any concerns.

Look forward to seeing folks in person!

General announcements:

Just in!! We have an Update on “The HUMM.” From concerned resident Matthew H, who has been leading outreach on this quality of life issue:

“I’ve been in touch with CalPortland and they conceded their industrial vacuums are creating noise. The mufflers they installed wore out faster than they thought they would. They assured me that the new mufflers would be installed by the end of the month.”

For those not aware, or new to the area. These huge vacuums are used by the concrete supply companies along the Duwamish Waterway to unload powdered materials shipped here to use in their products. Hopefully they are able to get these repaired shortly as promised!

That turned out to be the source of the sound back when we covered community advocates’ quest to figure out the same problem more than a decade ago, and as we’ve told people more recently, the sporadic reports of its return have usually coincided with a dry-cargo ship being in port on the river. Meantime, HPAC’s meeting starts at 6:30 pm Wednesday (April 24) at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

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WHALE SIGHTING: In Elliott Bay
April 22, 2024 5:00 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

A gray whale is feeding close to shore off Alki. Kersti Muul says it’s about 100 feet out off the 1700 block of Alki Avenue SW right now and was close in off the west end of Alki earlier.

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‘Dynamic and inclusive’ bike park for West Seattle? New group ready to roll
April 22, 2024 3:18 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Images provided by Friends of West Seattle Bike Park. Above, possible location off 35th south of Alaska)

Could that strip of city-owned land south of Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th/Alaska) be transformed into West Seattle’s first bike-skills park? Or another location? The new group Friends of West Seattle Bike Park says it’s something missing and needed on our peninsula, and wants you to know what they’re advocating for, as well as how you can join in:

Skills parks for bikes promote healthy lifestyles, are increasingly popular with people of all ages and abilities, and are currently a long drive from West Seattle.

Friends of West Seattle Bike Park (FOWSBP) is proposing the establishment of a modest public bike-skills park in West Seattle. This park will serve as an inclusive community hub for cyclists and other wheeled adventurers of all ages and skill levels, providing a safe and accessible environment for outdoor adventure and community building.

Objective

The primary objective of the proposed skills park is to create a dynamic and inclusive space where individuals and families can experience the thrill of mountain biking, BMXing, dirt jumping, one-wheeling and ADA-accessible biking/wheeling, while promoting physical activity, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community building. Additionally, the park aims to foster a sense of community among cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, promoting social interaction and camaraderie. We are committed to utilizing the diverse skills, talents, and resources of West Seattle residents towards the creation of more than just a recreational area – we are building a symbol of community collaboration and pride.

Facility Features

The bike skills park is envisioned to feature a variety of trails and amenities designed to accommodate riders of all ages and abilities. Key conceptual features of the park include:

(Dirt pump track in Baltimore)

Pump Track: A loop that consists of a series of rollers and berms. The “pump” part is the pushing-down and pulling-up action performed by riders in accordance with the structure’s design as the main source of propulsion. It’s a thrilling experience because users experience an up-and-down feeling of weightlessness, similar to the drops and climbs in a roller-coaster, but on a micro-level.

(Paved pump track in Port Angeles)

Pump tracks are designed this way so they can be ridden completely without the need for pushing and pedaling and a great avenue for new riders to learn how to ride a bike. The pump track will include design elements making it ADA-accessible.

Skills Area: A designated skills area equipped with features such as rock gardens, boulders and skinnys to help riders develop and improve their biking skills in a controlled environment.

Jump Lines: A diverse network of three to five trails catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Trails will vary in difficulty and terrain, offering a range of experiences from gently sloping, rollable table tops to large steep-faced jumps. The trails will be designed to allow riders to progress safely and confidently as their skills develop and be ADA-accessible where possible. These trails will also allow for the general public to observe and rally behind the aerial capabilities of some very talented West Seattle-based riders!

Amenities: The envisioned park design includes amenities such as picnic tables, a drinking fountain and a tool stand to enhance the overall visitor experience and encourage prolonged stays.

Safety Measures: Safety is a top priority, and the park will implement well proven design measures that allow riders to push themselves as much as desired, in a controlled environment.

Community Engagement

Community engagement and involvement will be integral to the success of the bike skills park. To foster a sense of ownership and pride among West Seattle residents, the park will offer opportunities for volunteerism, educational programs, events, and workshops focused on biking skills, trail stewardship, and environmental conservation.

Partnerships

The establishment and operation of the bike skills park will require collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, cycling organizations, environmental groups, community members, and local businesses. Partnerships will be sought to secure funding, resources, expertise, and ongoing support for the development and maintenance of the park.

The establishment of a public bike-skills park in West Seattle presents an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant yet modest outdoor recreational area that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement. With careful planning, collaboration, and investment, we can realize the vision of a unique facility that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. We look forward to working with stakeholders to bring this vision to fruition and create lasting memories for generations to come.

In the coming weeks, FOWSBP will launch a website which will serve as a centralized location for community members to stay updated on project happenings, submit feedback on project design and location, and provide a schedule of times and locations for public meetings.

Being that FOWSBP is still very much in its infancy, we are looking for volunteers interested in supporting this effort. Immediate needs are folks that can write grant proposals/navigate the grant seeking process, are familiar with web design, and those that can produce conceptual renderings of skills park designs. Please send an email to friendsofwestseattlebikepark@gmail.com if you would like to be part of this amazing project!

For more information on pump tracks, please explore the links below:

Bermstyle – Guide to pump tracks
Port Angeles Pump Track Grand Opening


The new group says they’ve already had a preliminary discussion with Parks about the possible location shown atop this story but it’s very early and they’re truly interested in feedback about the site and the overall idea.

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TONIGHT: ‘Common Ground’ film screening for Earth Day
April 22, 2024 2:30 pm
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 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Breaking news kept us from publishing our daily event list today – you can always preview what’s up for the hours/days/weeks ahead by checking the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, to which we add new listings every day. But we do want to take a moment to mention the lone one-time-only event on the calendar tonight – an Earth Day screening of the film previewed above, the documentary “Common Ground.” All are welcome to the screening at 7 pm in Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Pastoral Center (northeast corner of 35th/Myrtle). Organizers say, “Common Ground was a winner at multiple film festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, and provides hope for future generations, with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system.”

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BASEBALL: Chief Sealth IHS Senior Night tonight after ‘Best in the West’ win vs. WSHS
April 22, 2024 12:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos courtesy CSIHS Athletics)

Tonight is Senior Night for Chief Sealth International High School‘s baseball team, playing Cleveland at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). The players in the photo above are seniors Noah Tewolde, Gavin Brown, and Isaac Martinez, and as CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio recounts below, the team scored this year’s “Best in the West” crosstown-rivalry win over West Seattle High School on Friday night:

Both teams were strong on the mound on Friday, but Chief Sealth defeated West Seattle Varsity Wildcats 2-1.

Isaac Martinez started on the bump for Chief Sealth. The starting pitcher gave up four hits and one run over five innings, striking out six and walking five. Nevin Pivar threw two innings of no-run ball for Chief Sealth in reliefl he gave up three hits, walking two.

Miles Chandler led things off on the hill for West Seattle, He gave up four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out 10 and walking three.

Chief Sealth got on the board in the first inning after Teo Perala singled, scoring one run. Clay Pecore singled, which helped West Seattle tie the game at one in the top of the second.

Chief Sealth didn’t take the lead until later in the game. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the sixth when Miles Chandler induced Marko Woefle to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.

Teo Perala and Marko Woefle each drove in one run for Chief Sealth Brady Murphy went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Chief Sealth.

West Seattle’s Matthew Hazlegrove made the most of his chances at the plate; he led the team with three hits in four at bats. Clay Pecore went 2-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with one run batted in.

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FOLLOWUP: Alki Point Healthy Street construction about to start, SDOT announces
April 22, 2024 11:07 am
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(Constellation Park section of Alki Point Healthy Street, February)

When SDOT reiterated one month ago that it would build the permanent features of the Alki Point Healthy Street – both Beach Drive and Alki Avenue SW, west of 63rd SW to the point – the construction schedule was still pending.

(Rendering of design for Beach Drive north/west of 64th)

This morning, they’ve announced via email that work is imminent:

We are excited to share an update that last week crews marked the five new speed hump locations. As soon as this week, they will start construction of the permanent treatments for the Alki Point Healthy Street. This work will include:

-Removing two speed humps and installing five new speed humps
-Marking for the new street layout, pavement markings, and sign locations

Once the new speed humps have cured, crews will install:

-A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
-Three ADA parking spaces
-Stop controls at intersecting streets
-Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lot

Unauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of intersections will be removed for new installation. Please visit the project webpage for more information on design elements.

SDOT originally announced those design elements last December, more than a year after saying the “Healthy Street” would be made permanent. It was originally designated a “Stay Healthy Street” in the early months of the pandemic, starting with the Beach Drive stretch – which had long been the source of resident complaints about driver gatherings – and quickly expanding to add the Alki Avenue stretch. More recently, the final parking-removal plans for the project sparked a new round of opposition, but the plan apparently is proceeding unmodified.

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UPDATE: Car-on-side crash west of West Seattle Junction; driver arrested for investigation of DUI
April 22, 2024 9:46 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:46 AM: Now a Seattle Fire “rescue extrication” response is on the way to the 4700 block of 45th SW for what’s reported as a car-on-side crash. Updates to come.

(Added: WSB photo)

9:49 AM: SFD crews are arriving and report “all occupants are out” of what police tell dispatch is a “minivan.” The response is being downsized.

10:04 AM: Our photographer just arrived; photo added above. No serious injuries, we’re told; a woman and child got out of the van. (added) Police tell us the van went on its side after hitting this parked pickup truck:

(added) Thanks to Guy for this photo of the scene:

2:54 PM: Police confirm what a commenter below first reported – that the woman driving the minivan was arrested on suspicion of DUI and reckless endangerment and booked into King County Jail. They also confirm that two children were in the minivan at the time of the crash and that both were taken to the Southwest Precinct, but had no information beyond that.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash on Delridge Way
April 22, 2024 9:08 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:08 AM: As noted briefly in our morning traffic roundup, that flipped car is blocking Delridge Way SW near Elmgrove. Our photographer just arrived at the scene and reports a tow truck is arriving. Unlike many flipped-car crashes, this one did not initially draw a major “rescue”-type SFD response, and the one engine that was sent was dismissed quickly, which indicates no major injuries.

9:11 AM: We talked briefly with police, who told us the driver fled the scene, after hitting a parked car and flipping this one. They hope to have the street reopened within 20 minutes or so.

9:22 AM: Reopened.

9:40 AM: Listening back to the original dispatch audio, two people were in the car and both bolted. No initial description other than “black clothing.” When the officer checked on the status of its plates, it came back “clear” – no theft reported – but expired.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday info; day 3 of low-bridge closure
April 22, 2024 6:00 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:45 AM: Thanks for the tip. Flipped-car crash is blocking Delridge both ways at Elmgrove. Separate update to come.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, April 22.

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE

The West Seattle low bridge is closed for a third day, due to reopen by next Monday morning; here’s SDOT info about the closure, including how to get free bus or Water Taxi trips.

ROAD-WORK ALERTS

*As previewed here, final work on the Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to start today.

*Work at the Delridge/Oregon intersection has narrowed it to one lane each way.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high near 60. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:06 am, sunset at 8:09 pm.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, with registration deadline approaching
April 21, 2024 10:24 pm
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 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

“We’re downsizing to a motor home to travel the country, so everything must go!” one West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 seller explains. Another has clearly racked up some miles already, offering “Odd treasures from travels.” Yet another promises “no broken electric knives or Tupperware without lids here.” And another seller declares, “I am famous for my garage sales.” Lots of reasons, lots of promises, lots of merchandise in the 350+ sales listings we’ve received after three weeks of registration for WSCGSD, which is happening Saturday, May 11, 9 am-3 pm, all over West Seattle (and a bit beyond). If you plan to be a seller but haven’t registered yet, you have four more days – Thursday night (April 25) at 11:30 pm, we close the list so we can get busy making the map and guide, which will be ready a week before WSCGSD so shoppers can preview who has what and where. Maybe you’re looking for something specific, or maybe you just want to see who’s hosting a sale in your neighborhood so you can walk over to look. And if you’re one of those not-registered-yet-but-ready sellers, just go here!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Highland Park Way/Holden signal work wraps up starting this week
April 21, 2024 7:57 pm
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 |   Highland Park | Safety | West Seattle news

(March 2020 photo)

Four years after the “temporary” signal went up at Highland Park Way/Holden, shortly after the West Seattle Bridge closure dramatically increased traffic there, the signal’s permanent replacement is almost complete. “Final steps” of the project start tomorrow, according to this advisory sent by SDOT:

We are on the final stretch of construction for the permanent traffic signal at the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St. Over the next few weeks, we will attach the traffic signal heads to the metal mast arms so they are no longer hanging from a wire.

After that, we will hang traffic cameras to monitor and adjust the signal in real-time and install traffic loops in the pavement on all four sides of the intersection so the signal can recognize when a person driving is waiting at the light. We will also activate the crosswalk button on the sidewalk, so people can request a signal change when they need to walk across the street.

All of these steps will improve traffic signal timing for people who are driving, while providing signalized crossings for people who are walking.

When

This work is scheduled from April 22 – May 10, though that could shift based on weather and crew availability. Our work hours are from 7 AM – 4 PM.

What to Expect

Alternating traffic lanes will be closed during some of this work, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures and detour routes for people walking. This is not particularly noisy work, but if you live or work in the area, you may hear construction equipment running and some beeping when crews back up equipment.

The signal is the centerpiece of a wider safety project at the intersection following years of community advocacy for improvements.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 9 new views, and 1 way to help the ones that are migrating
April 21, 2024 5:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Spring means migration time for some birds, so West Seattle bird-watchers might see seasonal sights, as shown in some of the reader photos we’re spotlighting today. Above are Bonaparte’s Gulls at Constellation Park, photographed by David Hutchinson, who says that’s also where he saw these Brant in flight:

Constellation’s a hotspot for bird viewing – that’s where Jamie Kinney photographed shorebirds including Dunlins and Black Turnstones:

That’s also where Emily Carlston saw this Black Oystercatcher in flight:

Jack Block Park is where Steve Bender photographed these Canada Geese:

At Don Armeni Boat Ramp, Robin Sinner photographed a Heermann’s Gull:

Robin also sent this photo of a White-crowned Sparrow:

In Schmitz Preserve Park, Tony Tschanz happened onto a Crow in the process of construction:

And we conclude with another photo from the Admiral area – John Keatley explains that this Barred Owl “seems to be living in the cedar tree in our backyard. It has been quite active this past week, and we just saw it resting on our shed roof.”

Huge thanks again to everyone who sends bird (and other) photos, which we feature not only in galleries like this but also with some of our daily event lists – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we also appreciate other information, such as Kersti Muul‘s reminder that it’s “Lights Out“ time to be kind to birds in flight – look how many!

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Bruun Idun the troll presides at forest-restoration event
April 21, 2024 4:28 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Along with the 12-site Duwamish Alive! mega-work party, one of the other Earth Day events on our Saturday list was at Lincoln Park, around the section of bluffside forest watched over by Bruun Idun the troll. Thanks to forest steward Lisa McGinty for the photos and report:

39 volunteers and one much-loved troll shared their time and efforts to honor the earth and environment yesterday at Lincoln Park. We also had a lovely surprise visit from Deputy Mayor Greg Wong, who jumped in to help us remove vast amounts of ivy from the forest floor!

Thanks to all who showed up – you really made a difference!

Speaking of the city, the One Seattle Day of Service on May 18 has a long list of volunteering opportunities – at least 10 in West Seattle.

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VIDEO: Alki throng joins Jill and Eddie Vedder at ‘Plunge for Patterson’ on behalf of EB research, awareness
April 21, 2024 1:56 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Not a bad Sunday morning for a swim in the Sound – 50-degree water, 50-degree air, and an infinite degree of generosity from those who took the plunge. This happened to be – as previewed here last weekend – the “Plunge for Patterson,” on behalf of a local boy living with EB, organized by his friends Jill and Eddie Vedder:

As explained in the event announcement, this is “part of a national campaign to raise money to treat and cure Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a family of painful and life-threatening rare genetic disorders that affect the body’s largest organ: the skin. The Vedders serve as global fundraisers and ambassadors sharing the mission of curing and treating EB with the world,” as co-founders of the EB Research Partnership, which Jill Vedder chairs. This morning she thanked the crowd, and Patterson had a few words too:

Then it was time to plunge:

EBRP’s goal is to cure EB by 2030. The Vedders co-founded the nonprofit in 2010.

Even if you weren’t at Alki to plunge this morning, you can support the cause by donating here.

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UPDATE: Power outage in Admiral
April 21, 2024 1:08 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

1:08 PM: Jesse emailed to report, “I heard a loud pop from outside my window at Lander and 42nd ave sw about an hour ago. Since then half of our appliances are dim like at half-power.” That would have been around 11 am; since then, Seattle City Light‘s outage map says, 84 customers north of Hiawatha have lost power. “Equipment failure” is blamed.

7:44 PM: As noted in comments, the outage has been resolved. We’ll be asking SCL about the specific cause of this one tomorrow (as well as about the Saturday outage).

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COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until West Seattle 5K!
April 21, 2024 11:11 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Four weeks from today, you can start your Sunday with a scenic run/walk along Alki during this year’s West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki, May 19. This will be the 15th anniversary of the first West Seattle 5K, in 2009. If you’re not registered for this year yet, today’s a great day to do it – here’s where to go. The West Seattle 5K is coordinated by the West Seattle High School PTSA, and funds a variety of programs. If you can’t get out on the course on May 19, you can still donate. Find out how and see the race-day schedule on the registration page. (WSB is the WS5K media sponsor again this year.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Buy flower baskets, help Skunks!
April 21, 2024 10:42 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Short notice but the sunshine might have you contemplating flower baskets for the growing season ahead, and these are available to benefit local students in the Skunk Works Robotics Team. Arbor Heights resident Jen, who has two teens on the team, explains:

It’s a 4H robotics club that is part of FIRST Robotics. Our team of 30 high-school kids just competed in the Portland District Competition representing West Seattle and Burien.

The team is selling flower baskets again this year, in shade- and sun-loving options. They’re very comparable to baskets you’d buy at garden stores, but the Skunks get half of the proceeds! The funds go to support to help the team build a competitive robot and help reduce travel costs. They will arrive just in time for Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week or to beautify your home all spring and summer long. Last day to purchase is April 21, and pickup will be May 3 at the Skunk Works building at the old Beverly Park Elementary building. Our kids are awesome and available to talk robotics at pickup. Teens are welcome to check out what joining a robotics team is like.

Order [by tonight]: fundraiser.bid/skunks-flower-baskets

Go Skunks!

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Low-bridge closure Day 2 and much more on the list for your West Seattle Sunday
April 21, 2024 6:07 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday rainbow, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what you need to know for today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE, DAY 2: The West Seattle low bridge is closed to road/path traffic again today for communication-and-control system upgrades and will reopen no later than early the morning of April 29. More closure details from SDOT here (including how to get free rides on the Water Taxi or Metro buses).

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSED: The branch at 3411 SW Raymond is closed Sundays through at least early June as part of a schedule shuffle as the system deals with staffing shortages.

RIDE FOR MAJOR TAYLOR: Too late to register if you’re not already signed up for this big fundraising ride, but we’re mentioning it because you might see riders around the West Seattle leg of the course (which starts and finishes in White Center).

LIFE-SAVING WORKSHOP: 9 am-noon, free suicide-prevention workshop at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), all welcome, as explained here.

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).

PLUNGE FOR PATTERSON: Bonus opportunity to jump into the water off Alki today – 10 am with Vedders & Friends, raising money to fight EB, as previewed here – where it’s explained how you can take the plunge this morning too.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meets at 9 am Sundays at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

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, and fruit, 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.

FREE SEEDS AT THE MARKET: As previewed here, you can stop at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market 10 am-1 pm today and get free seeds for your garden, while they last.

TRANSPORTATION LEVY INFO AT THE MARKET: While you’re there, look for the city’s booth offering info about the draft Transportation Levy – you have five more days to comment on the draft.

POP-UP MARKET AT JET CITY LABS: One more thing to check out while you’re in The Junction – a big room full of small businesses at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm.

KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: Family music, live, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 10:30 am, with The Highlight Quartet.

RACHAEL’S GOOD EATS @ CAPERS: Best-selling cookbook’s author – a West Seattleite – will be at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW) 11 am-2 pm.

DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm, please drop off donations from the following list in the Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) front courtyard:

Priority Need: Blankets! … smaller sized (full/twin) and fleece throws to keep our unsheltered neighbors warm during Seattle’s chilly spring nights. Clean and ready-to-use please.

Your donations of food, clothing and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.

Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

DELRIDGE GROCERY’S LAST RETAIL DAY: Discounts for all as Delridge Grocery Co-op winds down retail operations at 5444 Delridge Way SW – shop 11 am to 3 pm today.

THIRD MATINEE FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The popular new play has been selling out the house at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. Check with the box office if nothing’s available online via the link in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Your weekend’s finale can be 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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CRIME WATCH: Carjacking reported at 17th/Roxbury (updated Monday)
April 20, 2024 11:51 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

ORIGINAL SATURDAY NIGHT REPORT: This alert was just relayed over Seattle Police radio – King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a reported carjacking outside Domino’s Pizza at 17th/Roxbury. Three armed carjackers are reported to have arrived in a white pickup and taken off in both that vehicle and the newly stolen white Toyota Camry, westbound on SW Roxbury. The only description of the carjackers so far: white men in their 20s with goatees and black hats. If you have any info for investigators, call 911.

ADDED MONDAY: We just checked with King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Eric White for an update. He tells us this actually happened in the O’Reilly Auto Parts lot while the victim was sleeping inside the car. Then on Sunday, Seattle Police found the car in the 9700 block of Myers Way South and arrested one person, according to Sgt. White, who had no further details on the circumstances of the arrest. We’ll be following up with SPD.

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VIDEO: Hundreds of helpers for Seattle’s only river during spring 2024 Duwamish Alive!
April 20, 2024 10:02 pm
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 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

Some paddled out on the sparkling water of the Duwamish River to remove trash and debris …

… and others dug into the forest floor for tasks to help it heal. They were among the 400 volunteers who volunteered today at 12 sites during the spring edition of the twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! mega-work party. Those who welcomed them during an opening gathering at həʔapus Village Park across from the Duwamish Tribe’s longhouse included tribe chair Cecile Hansen.

Duwamish Alive! Coalition leader Sharon Leishman also introduced indigenous Wisdom Keeper Jacob Johns, and 34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon:

After the gathering, groups of volunteers got their orders – at this park, some were off to the kayak cleanup, others to install “goose fencing,” some to remove ivy, and more.

If you missed this event, watch for word of the fall Duwamish Alive! in October, and many other opportunities throughout the spring and summer, such as those via the Green Seattle Partnership.

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