West Seattle, Washington
26 Sunday
8:06 AM: A few reports in so far (from various spots around West Seattle) of loud explosion-type sounds. We’re monitoring the scanner and the 911 log and so far no related incidents have been reported – here or anywhere else in Seattle, anyway. Just wanted to make a note here in case you were wondering whether anybody else heard them! Please comment (or e-mail us) if you have any more info – we’ll update if there’s anything to add.
8:35 AM NOTE: Still a mystery – nothing locally or regionally. If anything ever emerges, we’ll add it here; otherwise, it’s in the “mystery boom” file …
(Early photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand, added 7:06 am – participants arriving)
Before we get to the full daily preview – a quick reminder that the fifth annual 
West Seattle Junction Car Show is an hour and a half away, 8 am-4 pm in the heart of The Junction. If you have a classic car, motorcycle, or scooter that meets the criteria, there’s same-day registration – info’s here. If you’re interested in going – it’s free (but bring $ for the raffles, which raise money for Pencil Me In For Kids). Whether you’re going or not, remember that California SW will be closed to traffic from Oregon to Edmunds, and SW Alaska from 44th to 42nd. But the weekly West Seattle Farmers Market IS ON, 10 am-2 pm as always – featuring the annual Zucchini 500 “races” for kids. Co-sponsors for this year’s Junction Car Show again include WSB (full list here), and we’ll be there reporting live all day. Two after-parties are in the works, a scooter rally and screening of “Quadrophenia” – more on those in today’s preview.
Parade season’s not over yet, as the Denny International Middle School community knows! The first two photos from Saturday are courtesy of Denny principal Jeff Clark, who reports:
The Denny International Middle School scholars did a great job today celebrating Fiestas Patrias in the South Park parade. The band sounded terrific and the Dolphin pride was loud and clear. Thank you to all the students, families, and staff who joined in this fun and important community celebration!
It was a spectacular parade:
That photo is by contributing photojournalist Nick Adams, and we have 20 more of Nick’s photos – dancers, musicians, spectators, more – in a gallery published on our partner site The South Park News; see them here.
At West Seattle Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Seattle Lutheran High School‘s Bryce Morgan and Jake Lamb provided the Saints with an offensive one-two punch, but their A-game wasn’t enough to beat the Eastside Catholic junior varsity. Eastside rolled up a big early lead and hung on to finish with a 40-26 win. Eastside ran out 26 quick points in the first quarter, while Seattle Lutheran had only one touchdown in that quarter, scored by Bryce Morgan.
The Saints had a much-better second half, which saw Lamb lead the offense on the ground.
Lamb picked up a touchdown after Lutheran’s defense managed to contain Eastside on several drives. This was the last non-conference game; the Saints return to conference play against Concrete next Saturday at 1 pm, which is also the homecoming game.
Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and downtown is open again in both directions, with this weekend’s closure ending early as crews finished connecting the new northbound section through SODO to the rest of the roadway. Ahead, the detailed announcement from WSDOT:Read More
Luthier Todd Baker was doing some restringing when we stopped by the first-ever West Seattle Guitar Show and Sale at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) this evening. As the original announcement explained, this is a show *only* for West Seattle guitar makers, sellers, and tradespeople. It’s continuing into the night, with Aaron Daniel performing at 9 pm. It’s co-presented by West Seattle’s Thunder Road Guitars:
Thunder Road is online-only but looking for a place to set up bricks-and-mortar business, according to proprietor Frank Gross, who says they’re “actively searching for a retail storefront / showroom … Ideally, something along California Avenue that is between 500 – 1000 square feet. If you know of something opening up, feel free to send e-mail at hello@thunderroadguitars.com.”
If you’ve read the notes that have been up on the windows/door of temporarily shuttered Jones Barbeque in West Seattle, you might recall a reopening date of September 15th was projected at one point. We’ve been trying to get followup information to verify that – but we were unsuccessful until finally today spotting an open door on the restaurant at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW. Not open because the restaurant’s reopened, yet, but they WILL reopen, we were told – they’re aiming for Thursday. Besides doing some work inside, they also had family matters to deal with – the death of co-owner Joyce Lee Jones (here’s her obituary). When they reopen, they’ll be known as Seattle Hog Heaven, the family says – the Jones Barbeque name will be incorporated, too.
(First 2 photos by Hannah Letinich)
Been to Alki today? Notice something missing? Thanks to volunteers including the ones above, here’s what you’re NOT seeing on and in the Alki Beach sand:
Today’s big work party for International Coastal Cleanup Day, led by partners including Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, is a wrap – but help ’em out and be sure to toss your non-recyclables and pack out your recyclables next time you’re there!
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Thanks to Tom Foley for additional information and photos. He says about 80 people joined in:
And the cigarette butts alone totaled more than 30 pounds, Tom adds. Two unusual items recovered: a rusty hatchet and pocket knife:
Tom volunteers with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.
Celebrating fall in the waning days of summer, Holy Rosary School‘s family festival WestFest is on till 10 tonight – and while the outdoor attractions can be hair-raising:
… the gym full of games and treats is enough to keep you busy for a long time.
See more of what’s at the festival, ahead:
Read More
Espresso is back at 16th and Holden in Highland Park! This is opening day for Jenny’s Java Joint, and proprietor Jen Francisco is thrilled to be up and running, with coffee from Zoka. (The congratulatory flowers on the left side of our photo are from family members, as she explained on Facebook.) We brought you her story just four weeks ago – and now her dream is reality. She’s open till 2 today, 6-2 tomorrow, 5-2 Mondays-Saturdays.
It’s a world of bargains until 3 pm today – and again 11 am-2 pm on Sunday – at Fauntleroy Church‘s 2nd-Time Sale. And it’s not just the small stuff – volunteers are excited about the barely used furniture donated this year:
The small stuff’s there too, of course. Commemorative spoons, anyone?
And it’s never too soon to get ready for Christmas:
Fauntleroy Church is at 9140 California SW. And NEXT weekend, it’s where you’ll find the twice-yearly Recycle Roundup – start stacking up your electronics and more now (but don’t bring them to the church parking lot until Sunday 9/23, 9 am-3 pm).
(West Seattle’s Friday sunrise – photo shared by Ashley – thanks!)
Last official weekend of summer – fall starts exactly one week from today (the equinox is at 7:49 am our time on Saturday 9/22). Not a moment to be bored, from traffic changes to big events:
NORTHBOUND 99 CLOSED: Between the West Seattle Bridge and Royal Brougham Way, northbound 99 is closed right now and scheduled to be closed until early Monday, as WSDOT gets ready to open the new elevated northbound section in SODO. (Here’s our photo-tour report of Thursday’s media briefing at the site.)
RIDE AROUND THE SOUND: West Seattle’s South Seattle Community College is the starting point for several versions of this many-options bike ride to raise money for the American Lung Association. Even if you’re not registered, you can register there before starting the ride, 6:30-8 pm for two of the longer rides, 11 am for the 12-mile family ride. Full details here.
SECOND-TIME SALE: At Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 9 am-3 pm, “in and around the Fellowship Hall,” browse and buy at the big sale. Bake sale too!
HOLY ROSARY WESTFEST, ALL DAY & INTO THE NIGHT: 10 am-10 pm, it’s the second, final, and biggest day of Holy Rosary School‘s family festival, WestFest (on the campus along 42nd north of Oregon). Lots of info in our preview from earlier this week.
ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: Check in (and register if you hadn’t done so online already) at Duke’s on Alki, then head across the street and start cleaning up. as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day! 10 am-noon; details in the calendar listing.
ONE LAST DOGPADDLE: 10 am-1 pm today is the final session of swimming for dogs only at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club‘s pool (already closed to humans for the season). Details/map here.
THE NOT-ITS AT HIGH POINT COMMUNITY CENTER: Fun band! They’re headlining a Family Fun Saturday at HPCC, starting at 10:30 am – $5 admission if you didn’t buy an advance ticket.
FIESTAS PATRIAS: Head to South Park for the parade at 11 am and festival afterward. Our partners at The Seattle Times have a detailed preview here.
HIGH POINT CC OPEN HOUSE: Right after The Not-Its’ show, 11:30 am is the start of an open house to which you’re invited, so you can find out more about the community center’s programs and facilities.
SECOND-TO-LAST DAY FOR COLMAN POOL: The renovation-shortened season ends tomorrow at West Seattle’s only city-owned outdoor pool (on the shore in Lincoln Park). Today, swim sessions run noon-7 pm – see the schedule for the breakdown.
HONEY HARVEST! Noon-4 pm, special event with Seattle Bee Works at West Seattle Produce – details on this Facebook event page.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS GRAND OPENING: 6-9 pm, see the art/wellness space and find out more about Photosynthesis.
GUITAR AND GEAR SHOW: At Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), a first-of-its-kind show, followed by Aaron Daniel performing live at 9 pm.
NIGHTLIFE: Several listings for today – see the calendar!
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Huge win for the West Seattle High School Wildcats varsity football team Friday night at Southwest Athletic Complex – 46-0 over the visiting Franklin Quakers – and a big night for #12, Joe Ylagan:
… though Franklin tried to stop him:
Eight more photos, with game notes, ahead:
Read More
If you like explosive, action-packed football, you wouldn’t have been disappointed if you had come early and stayed late Friday night at Chief Sealth International High School‘s road game against Rainier Beach HS. While RB scored on the opening kickoff and racked up 28 unanswered points by 30 seconds into the second quarter, the Seahawks made a go of battling back:
Two months ago, we reported on the city’s consideration of a system to automatically detect gunfire – and one vendor’s suggestion that it be purchased and placed in part of West Seattle, as well as two other “hot spots” in the city. (Here’s the story, which included the map you see above.) At the time, it was just a presentation – but now, Mayor McGinn says he is going to propose almost $1 million for a system – brand not specified, so far – in his budget plan for next year. Read the city announcement (which includes other public-safety-budget proposals) here.
(Photo by Patrick Sand)
Police were still talking to people at the scene, so we don’t have official information on how it happened, but a vehicle went up the embankment at Fauntleroy and Myrtle and took out one of the signs that the Gatewood Elementary PTA announced last February.
(Photo by Nick Adams)
No injuries reported.
(SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Proprietor Miranda reports via FB that she has signed the lease.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
She’s not sure yet whether it’s a total move or an expansion.
But Miranda Krone, proprietor of Meander’s Kitchen in north Morgan Junction, tells WSB she is signing the lease tomorrow for a space in White Center (the former Papa’s Pub, closed since February, at 9635 16th SW).
If you follow Meander’s on Facebook, you know she’s been talking for the past week-plus about a potential new location – first, maybe Delridge, then, maybe White Center. And now, the decision is in – like Zippy’s Giant Burgers before her, she’s heading south to WC.
Big buzz for a new festival – the West Seattle Junction Association‘s Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 28th (10 am-2 pm), an expanded, streets-closed version of the megapopular annual trick-or-treat event – combined with a one-time-only California SW version of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Here’s our report about the festival, as published when it was announced last weekend; now, the Junction Association is putting out the call for kids’ activities to be included in the festival. Excerpted from the announcement:
West Seattle schools, non-profits, and businesses are invited to provide a Harvest Activity for kids in the neighborhood. This will help make a fun and healthy event and give families an alternative to candy! The applicant will provide the materials and hopefully their own tent.
It is free to participate and the Harvest Committee will choose the projects best suited for the event. Your Harvest Activity must be a fun kids activity and meet ALL of the guidelines…
• Activity must be FREE and suited to children. No sales.
• Must try to have a Harvest connection and be an activity or project
• Activity should not be an advertisement or promotion of the
applicant. Of course have your banner and some materials, but the emphasis is on giving kids a fun activity and families an alternative to candy.
Got something in mind? You have just over two weeks to send in your proposal; applications will be reviewed October 1st. You can e-mail WSJA’s Susan Melrose at susan@wsjunction.org. (Postal-mail, fax options are on this PDF with the full announcement.)
In West Seattle Crime Watch this evening, Timothy reports his home was broken into this afternoon:
I wanted to alert the neighborhood (we live in North Admiral on 46th between Hill and Walker) of our house burglary today 9/14/12, around 12:30 pm. My wife, our two kids, and my visiting mother-in-law came home to a loud noise in the upstairs bedroom. A side ground level window was jimmied open, with a small hammer left on the ground which was used to pry the window up thus breaking the lock. My wife went upstairs to find a shoebox on the bed, where she keeps her meds, that had been rifled through. Her jewelry box was emptied, which fortunately mostly had costume jewelry in it. Her iPhone is missing too. The upstairs window was open with the blinds hanging on the outside.
It seems that this burglary was interrupted at the very beginning, and the thief exited the house onto the roof while my kids and wife and MIL entered the house. Fortunately, no one was injured and only a few things were stolen. … There were several neighbors around at this time, and only one finding was a “tall lanky white guy with light hair” was walking down the street, likely a coincidence.
If you have neighborhood crime concerns, note that the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council resumes its monthly meetings next Tuesday (September 18th), 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge and Webster).
3:42 PM: One Genesee Hill area resident says she heard a “boom” – then the power went out. The outage wasn’t on the City Light map when we got that note, but it is now: 157 homes affected, with restoration expected by early evening. The cause is listed as “bird/animal.”
5:13 PM NOTE: Back on, according to commenters AND the City Light map. (The image above is a screengrab of the map, before the power was restored.)
After Mayor McGinn’s August 28th Town Hall meeting at Southwest Teen Life Center (WSB coverage here), we brought you followups on two of the issues citizens asked him about – computer access and a bike lane that was about to be built without neighborhood discussion. Now, a third – Alki Community Council president Tony Fragada called the mayor’s attention to the FAA’s public-comment process on the “Greener Skies” proposal, which would (among other things) bring the flight path a lot closer to Alki, Admiral, and the rest of north West Seattle. Today was scheduled to be the comment deadline – after public meetings last week, neither of which was in or near West Seattle (here’s our coverage of the closest one, which was in Ballard). We just got word from the mayor’s office that he has sent the FAA a letter asking for an extension, AND for a meeting on the south side of the city (Beacon Hill is concerned too). Read on for the full text of the letter:
Read More
An update on another Delridge Way road project – this time, transit-related work including the rechannelization of the north end, from Oregon to Andover, to add a bus lane. We first reported on this project back in April (there have been some changes since then – which we’ve added to the end of this story). Metro has just sent word that this work is scheduled to start soon:
A new bus lane will soon be under construction on Delridge Way Southwest to improve bus speed and reliability for Route 120 – one of Metro Transit’s Top 10 busiest routes.
During construction and restriping work, crews will maintain two open lanes of traffic by shifting lanes on Delridge Way Southwest. When weather-dependent construction starts later this month, work is planned during daytime hours outside of commute times, Tuesday through Saturday.
When complete, the half-mile-long northbound bus lane along a key stretch of Delridge Way Southwest will improve travel times approaching the West Seattle Bridge during the morning commute.
Wherever you are, the smoke that’s drifted over from fires to our east is hard to miss – for the reduced visibility and for the breathing difficulty it’s causing for some. Cliff Mass showed satellite views on his website Thursday, and that’s also when West Seattle pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen took the photo you see above. No rain in the forecast any time soon, by the way.
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