West Seattle, Washington
12 Thursday
We start today’s highlight list with tonight’s biggest event:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: It’s the second Thursday of the month, which means West Seattle Art Walk night! From North Admiral to Morgan Junction, you are invited to visit dozens of businesses offering art and/or music and/or food/drink specials. Here’s the list:
You can preview specific venues and participating artists here; most receptions run 5 pm-8 pm. Among the highlights is one we’ve already previewed, the West Seattle Art Tour preview at NORD Design and Construction (5953 California SW, 5-8 pm).
Also during tonight’s Art Walk, the September Art of Music! Three free mini-concerts scheduled for 6-7:45 pm – the Toujaise Flute Duo (have you seen them playing in the park?) at CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW), Trevor Ras at Welcome Road Winery in South Admiral (3804 California SW), and McPage & Powell at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW).
Here’s the rest of our list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop late-summer-and-beyond plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ at HPCS.
UNDER-21 OPEN MIC: Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) presents this special monthly Open Mic next door at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), signups at 5 pm, performances at 6 pm. This month’s optional theme: Beatles songs!
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, as well as participating in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk!
B.J. BULLERT @ WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: West Seattle historian, author, and documentary filmmaker B.J. Bullert has the spotlight tonight in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s monthly speaker series, online at 6 pm. Our calendar listing has the link you can use to register to attend.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One home contest on the schedule, in volleyball – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Lakeside, varsity at 7 pm (3000 California SW).
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Opening night for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 12.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Cloudy, possible pm showers, high in upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:43 am, while sunset will be at 7:26 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*Again tonight, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – the two left lanes are scheduled to be closed 8 pm to 7 am, then no work Friday-Sunday nights.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
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!
(WSB photos)
As hundreds of mourners gathered tonight on Alki Beach to mourn former West Seattleite AyĹźenur Ezgi Eygi, our state’s two U.S. senators echoed her family in calling for an American investigation into her killing. Israeli soldiers shot and killed her as she participated in a demonstration in the West Bank last Thursday. Friends from the UW, where she graduated just a few months ago, were among those celebrating her life tonight on the beach where she is reported to have recently celebrated her 26th birthday.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell both sent letters to the White House (here’s Cantwell’s letter; here’s Murray’s letter, co-signed by U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal).
Israel is reported to have said its soldiers likely killed Ms. Eygi “unintentionally.” Her family has said in a statement that they are “deeply offended” by that claim. A statement from them was read by a friend at tonight’s memorial, remembering Ms. Eygi as a loving, caring person.
Also speaking tonight on Alki were friends of hers from pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the UW this past spring, describing her as a shining influence on their activism. Some mourners flew white kites:
Ms. Eygi attended West Seattle High School, but not all the way to graduation. Readers have remembered her from Alki Elementary and Madison Middle School as well.
As reported here last month, Seattle Public Schools promised to set up a “hub” starting this week with information about the next steps in its plan to close/consolidate schools to save money. More than a “hub,” the district has just announced “two plan options” for potential closures – and two schools, Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and Sanislo Elementary, are on both potential closure lists. From the district announcement:
Like many districts, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is facing declining enrollment and budget challenges. As a result, many of our schools are struggling to provide the resources our students deserve. To address this, we are working to ensure our schools are the right size and have the resources needed for preschool through 5th-grade students to succeed.
We are considering two plan options:
Proposed Option A: Operates 52 attendance-area elementary schools. This option closes 21 elementary and K-8 schools. [Saves $31 million]
Proposed Option B: Operates 56 schools, including attendance-area elementary and one K-8 school per region. This option closes 17 schools. [Saves $25.5 million]
On our website, you can explore the details of each plan, including which schools are being considered for consolidation in each region.
Here’s how Option A would affect West Seattle/South Park:
Southwest and West Seattle: Option A
Southwest Operating Schools:​ ​Alki, Genesee Hill, Fairmount Park, Pathfinder, Gatewood, West Seattle, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, Arbor Heights​
Closing:​ Lafayette​, Boren STEM K-8​, Sanislo​
School Type Changes: Pathfinder K-8 becomes an attendance area K-5 school
Here’s how Option B would affect West Seattle/South Park:
Southwest and West Seattle Option B
Southwest Schools that Remain Open: Alki, Genesee Hill, Fairmount Park, Lafayette, Pathfinder K-8 (option), Gatewood, West Seattle Elementary, Roxhill, Highland Park, Concord, Arbor Heights​
Closing:​ Louisa Boren K-8, Sanislo
The links to each option take you to pages that also include draft maps of how boundaries would be revised as a result. Meantime, the district stresses that these are draft plans, not final
WHAT’S NEXT: The district’s announcement lists these dates:
Sept. 24: Online information sessions to provide an overview of both options.
Sept. 25-Oct. 8: In-person meetings in each region for families, staff, and community. Separate SPS staff meetings will also be held.
Mid to Late October: Superintendent announces the preliminary recommendation.
November: Public hearings on each proposed school closure.
December: Final School Board vote before winter break.
We’re now reading through the rest of the new online “hub” to look for other details such as where students from the schools considered for closure would be moved to.
ADDED 5:35 PM: Here are the draft maps showing the elementary “attendance areas” that would be the result of each option – first, the Option A map (including an attendance area for Pathfinder if it became a regular neighborhood elementary):
Second, the Option B map:
If you are a Seattle Public Schools elementary family, even if your school is not on either possible closure list, it’s important that you browse the “live” maps (both linked above) – because there are attendance area changes proposed for other schools, too. Click and zoom way in on the striped areas to see what’s proposed (or if you’re just interested in your specific address, use the search tool provided for that).
ADDED 9:40 PM: In addition to the upcoming meetings and hearings (dates TBA), you can send feedback via this form. The next School Board meeting, 4:15 pm September 18, also will have the usual public-comment period.
This weekend brings a unique chance to enjoy choral excellence in West Seattle, with the Evergreen Ensemble performing one of its season-opening concerts here. The preview is from artistic director David Hendrix:
Our upcoming concert is on Sunday, September 15, at 3:00 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and features a performance of the GRAMMY®-nominated piece, the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, by American composer Benedict Sheehan. Drawing on the tradition of the great Russian liturgy settings by Rachmaninoff, Gretchaninov, and Tchaikovsky, this landmark work from Benedict is majestic, intimate, grand, mystical, and everything in between. The performance includes 33 of the finest professional ensemble singers from the Seattle area and beyond, and will feature basso profundo Glenn Miller and solo performances from bass Jason Thoms, baritone Harrison Hintzsche, and alto Sarra Sharif Doyle.
The Evergreen Ensemble is sponsoring WSB this week to be sure you hear about the concert – and to offer a ticket deal, 30 percent off. Buy your ticket(s) here and use the code LITURGY30.
Following up on a stellar 2023 season that took them all the way to the state tournament, the West Seattle High School volleyball team has opened its 2024 season with a win. Megan Behrbaum from WSHS Volleyball sent the photo and report, and an invitation to come cheer for them at their home opener Thursday:
Last night the varsity WSHS volleyball team won their season opener against Roosevelt in an away game [3-1]. Our first home game is this Thursday. We play against Lakeside in our gym. Game starts around 7 pm and follows the JV game (starts at 5:30 pm).
Thursday’s theme is beach, so we welcome everyone to root on the Wildcats in their best beach attire.
The school is at 3000 California SW; the gym is on the southwest side of campus. Here’s the home schedule for the full season.
The Seattle Public Library has announced its fall schedule, which increases its systemwide open hours by six percent – 77 more hours, from 1,283 hours per week to 1,360 hours per week. None of those added hours will be in West Seattle; we compared the fall schedules for local branches to the current schedules – (corrected) two branches have changes.
LIBRARY OPEN HOURS BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25, Library locations will operate according to the schedules listed below, which will also be posted at the Library’s Hours and Locations page. When branches are scheduled to be closed, their book returns will remain open and patron holds will be extended.
Delridge Branch - no change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Wed Noon to 8 p.m. 
Thu Noon to 8 p.m. 
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sun Closed High Point Branch – Wednesday/Thursday hours change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Tue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Wed Noon to 8 p.m. (currently 10 am-6 pm) 
Thu Noon to 8 p.m.  (currently 10 am-8 pm)
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Southwest Branch  – no change
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Tue Noon to 8 p.m. 
Wed Noon to 8 p.m. 
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sat Closed 
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. West Seattle Branch  – (corrected) Wednesday hours shift
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Tue Noon to 8 p.m. 
Wed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Fri Closed 
Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more info on the state of SPL, including an update on the aftermath of the summer-long tech crisis, you can watch the briefing during the City Council’s Libraries, Neighborhoods, Education Committee meeting tomorrow (Thursday, September 12) at 9:30 am – here’s the agenda. (And here’s the slide deck, mostly about the tech crisis.)
(Juvenile red-tailed hawk, descending from its perch on a tree high above photographer James Tilley’s backyard)
Some major events tonight, so even though we’re running late today, can’t skip the reminder list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the hours, days, and weeks ahead – we’re adding to it frequently):
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: This month’s meeting is online and begins with a 5:30 pm pre-meeting program focused on Project 2025. Go here to register to get the link to attend.
MEMORIAL FOR AYSENUR EZGI EYGI: As previously announced, a gathering is planned tonight at Alki to celebrate the life the former West Seattleite killed last week at a protest in the West Bank. (57th/Alki)
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four places where you play tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
TALK WITH POLICE AND YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER: The quarterly Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting at 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster) is open to all. Bring questions and concerns. Guest speaker: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka.
AUTHOR EVENT: Q&A with West Seattle romance author Annie Marcus, celebrating her new book “Small Town Romance,” 6:30 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead this outdoor-yoga event at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 6:30 pm – follow the link for ticket info.
POETRY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.
PIANO NIGHT: All requests! 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two options! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo at 7:30 pm Wednesdays, hosted by Mingo Maniac.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THEATER: Preview night for “Guards at the Taj,” new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – tickets here.
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Reader photo sent by AP)
9:59 AM: Apologies that we were’t able to report this in real time – a flipped-car crash toward the top of the Admiral Way hill [map]; thanks to those who sent photos. The log shows one engine responded just before 8 am – the driver was already out, so no “rescue extrication” response was needed. No medic unit dispatched either, indicating no major injuries; we’re following up with SFD for specifics.
(Reader photo, texted)
11:10 AM: SFD tells us its crews checked out a 3-year-old girl and 28-year-old woman, neither seriously hurt.
The start of the school year always brings changes and challenges – new teachers, new classmates, new lessons – but for one high-school junior from West Seattle, this school year finds him in a new country, with a new family (temporarily). Boden Hammerstad‘s proud mom Joelle Hammerstad shares the announcement of his adventure:
Boden Hammerstad, a student from Seattle, has been awarded a Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) scholarship for 2024-2025. Boden will live with a host family and study in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the academic year.
Boden is one of only 20 students selected competitively from across the United States who were selected by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the FLEX Abroad program. The merit-based award covers the full cost of an academic year abroad, providing Boden a full academic and cultural immersion experience including living with a host family in Georgia, attending a Georgian high school, and helping him develop the skills necessary to be a leader in the global community. The FLEX Abroad program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Through Boden’s participation in FLEX Abroad, he will be at the forefront of citizen diplomacy, serving as a “youth ambassador” in his host country, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and deepening trust by building lasting relationships with his host family and peers, and engaging in volunteer service and leadership training to help his host community. Through the FLEX Abroad experience, Boden will develop the skills to share American values, find new ways for America to compete effectively in the global marketplace, and contribute to a more peaceful world.
The FLEX program was first authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1992, as an effort to increase dialogue and mutual understanding between people of the United States and people of Eurasia. Initially created as a program for international high school students to live and study in the United States, the FLEX program was expanded in 2021 to include FLEX Abroad for American high school students to study overseas. FLEX Abroad provides opportunities for Americans to study for one academic year in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Romania, or Poland.
FLEX Abroad is administered by American Councils for International Education, an international nonprofit that strives to create access to educational opportunities for individuals and institutions across the globe. A leader in international education, academic exchange, language acquisition and assessment, and research, American Councils prepares individuals and institutions to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.Â
For more information about FLEX Abroad, visit discoverflex.org/flex-abroad – scholarship applications are open now. For more information about hosting a FLEX international exchange student, visit discoverflex.org/host-families-and-schools.
Joelle says Boden left for Georgia on September 1 and will be back in June. Next year, he’ll attend The Downtown School, where he went last year. “He didn’t have any career goals associated with international diplomacy or leadership when he heard about the program, but the whole concept really captured his imagination — so he went for it,” she explains.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 11.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: More showers possible, maybe even pm thunderstorms, high around 65. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:42 am, while sunset will be at 7:28 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*This week, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – nightly closures of the two left lanes are planned, 8 pm to 7 am.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
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!
Eight weeks from tonight, voting ends and vote-counting begins. You’re well-aware that the races to be decided include president, governor, and one City Council seat. You probably recall that the renewed/expanded Seattle Transportation Levy will be on your ballot too. But did you know you’ll be asked to approve or reject four statewide initiatives too? Today the campaign against one of them, I-2117, came to West Seattle. From the state voters’-guide website, here’s how it will appear on your ballot:
Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which seeks to result in a 95 percent reduction in carbon emissions within the next quarter century. Its provisions raise money to help with environment-related programs, and that’s what today’s news conference was about. The “No on 2117” campaign gathered supporters at Southwest Youth and Family Services, the nonprofit headquartered just east of Delridge Playfield, to talk about how approval of 2117 would take away funding that they say is needed by schools as well as nonprofits like SWYFS to upgrade their indoor-air systems. We recorded the 15-minute briefing by SWYFS’s new executive director Essence Russ, Seattle teacher Andrew Echols, and pulmonologist Dr. Vin Gupta:
As Russ explained in response to our question at the end, and as local State House Rep. (and House Majority Leader) Joe Fitzgibbon affirmed, SWYFS is in line for $273,000 in Climate Commitment Act funding to help cover the cost of an HVAC overhaul. That’s one of several local commitments shown on this map – others in our area include electric-vehicle charging stations in various areas and a utility-meter upgrade at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).
Those gathered in support of the speakers at today’s event included local advocates and even former SWYFS executive director Steve Daschle, who left the organization last year after 35 years.
THE OTHER SIDE: 2117 backers’ main argument is a contention that the Climate Commitment Act has been a “hidden gas tax” and repealing it will save people money.
6:07 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “scenes of violence” response to the Westwood area for a report that a woman has been stabbed. SFD is staging near 30th/Trenton but police are also responding to a scene on Cloverdale, and have a possible suspect detained.
6:12 PM: We don’t yet know exactly where it happened; circumstances sound relatively chaotic. Police are also checking on a report of a fight near the 26th/Trenton RV encampment.
(Added: WSB photos)
6:23 PM: Our crew reports a woman being treated on Trenton and is headed over to the 24th/Cloverdale scene where a man is reported to have a stab wound to the knee. No life-threatening wounds reported; the weapon is described as scissors. The circumstances now are being referred to as “domestic violence.”
6:33 PM: That’s also what a police sergeant tells us at the scene, adding that the man in custody, suspected of attacking the injured woman, is the man with a leg wound.
FIRST REPORT, 4:22 PM: Highline Public Schools – the district serving communities including White Center and Burien – will be closed again tomorrow. It’s the third day without classes since the district disclosed it was dealing with “unauthorized activity” in its technology systems. Highline is an out-of-district draw for its Raisbeck Aviation High School and Maritime High School, so the closure’s effects reach beyond the district’s borders. Today’s announcement is here.
7:41 PM: As noted by K in a comment, Highline says it’s expecting to reopen schools on Thursday because they’ve “taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner.” Details of how they’ll reopen are on the district website.
(SDOT camera image from shortly after crash)
A year and a half after two 18-year-olds died when a wrong-way, high-speed DUI driver hit them on the West Seattle Bridge, their killer is awaiting sentencing. After a reader question today, we checked on the status of 37-year-old Delfino Lopez-Morales, charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving two and a half months after the crash, and discovered he pleaded guilty to all charges last month. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November for killing Khalea Thoeuk and Riley Danard, both from Snohomish County and on their way to Alki shortly after 12 am March 22, 2023, to celebrate Riley’s birthday, when Lopez-Morales hit them head-on going 100 mph. Three hours after the crash, he tested at a blood-alcohol level of .14, nearly twice the legal limit, and was shown to have recently consumed THC as well. He was in the hospital for weeks after the crash, and charges were filed before he was moved to jail. Case documents from his plea agreement say the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will recommend 11 years, 4 months in prison – the top of the standard sentencing range for vehicular homicide – followed by one year in jail for the reckless-driving count, plus 18 months probation. Documents say Lopez-Morales, who had been living with his disabled father in the Westwood area, was not licensed to drive; his record only shows a citation for driving without insurance in 2016; the pickup truck in which he hit the victims was borrowed from a friend. King County Superior Court Judge Angela Kaake will sentence him at 1 pm November 1.
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Groups of transient orcas are approaching Brace Point, spread out, northbound. Let us know if you see them!
Thanks to everyone who sent the link. A memorial vigil for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who grew up in West Seattle, is planned for Wednesday night at Alki Beach. She is the 26-year-old recent UW graduate – and former West Seattle HS (yearbook photo at right), Madison MS, and Alki Elementary student – shot and killed by Israeli soldiers during a protest in the West Bank last Friday. The memorial announcement posted on social media says that Alki was one of her favorite places and invites people to gather 6:30 pm-9 pm Wednesday on the beach across from Blue Moon Burgers (57th SW and Alki SW). Meantime, the Associated Press reports today that the Israeli military says Ms. Eygi was likely shot “indirectly and unintentionally” by its soldiers, also reporting that her family released a statement saying in part “we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional.” They have called for the U.S. to launch its own investigation.
10:00 AM: SFD is sending a “rescue extrication” response to a 2-vehicle crash reported at Highland Park Way/West Marginal. Updates to come.
10:03 AM: SFD has rescued one person from a car on its side.
(WSB photos)
10:13 AM: We are in the area. The HP Way hill is blocked at the bottom if you are headed downhill – you have to turn around at Pioneer Industries.
10:19 AM: SFD is leaving.
10:47 AM: Added a photo we took (from passenger seat) while driving by after approaching from a different direction. This was at the bottom of the hill on the eastbound/downhill side.
(Live traffic cam from the heart of The Junction)
Here’s the list for the rest of today/tonight (remember that you can always preview what’s scheduled hours, days, weeks ahead via our Event Calendar):
ORIGINS GRAND OPENING: Special events throughout the day at new West Seattle location of Origins Cannabis (4822 California SW; WSB sponsor), including DJ set, food truck, meet-and-greet with growers, more.
INTRO TO QI GONG: 10 am every Tuesday at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) – info in our calendar listing.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards to be sent to voters in other states – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly full City Council meeting, 2 pm in council chambers at City Hall downtown. The agenda document explains how to comment, either remotely or in person. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS: Fall sessions continue at Seattle Parks facilities – 3 pm today, first Creative Ballet session for 4- to 6-year-olds at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW)
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: We’ve heard of two venues committed to sound-up viewing, if you want to watch with others – The Good Society at California/Lander, co-sponsored by nearby West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor), and Whisky West, 6451 California SW. Others? Please comment below, or email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com so we can add to the list.
Added: Also, Mission Cantina at 2325 California SW.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: Seasons change, weekly run continues – all runners welcome! Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.”
MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia options Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LISTENING PARTY: Early chance to hear Miranda Lambert‘s new album, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), with giveaways – free, all ages.
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:58 AM: Seattle Fire crews are at Maris, 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW [map], for a reported apartment fire. It’s already under control.
(Added: Reader photo, sent by Tony)
8:03 AM: SFD reports the fire’s out. The unit above the one where the fire happened was affected by smoke, so they’re ventilating.
8:10 AM: SPD reports Fauntleroy is currently blocked both ways at the scene, “probably for another 15 minutes,” though SFD is starting to reduce the response.
(Added: WSB photo)
8:13 AM: SFD tells our crew at the scene that this was a kitchen fire and no one was hurt.
8:58 PM: Tony, who sent the first photo, reports that people have been allowed back into Maris. And police have just told dispatch that all lanes of Fauntleroy Way are open again.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 10.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast: Mostly cloudy, possible pm showers, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:40 am, while sunset will be at 7:30 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE
*This week, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – nightly closures of the two left lanes are planned, 8 pm to 7 am.
Other projects:
*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders (explained at that link).
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back today.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – Looking east:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
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!
Police are investigating an armed robbery that happened at the 35th/Barton 7-11 store around midnight. The clerk reported being held up at gunpoint by a man described as white, wearing a black or blue mask, black coat, and blue pants. He was reported to stolen the store’s “cash box” before leaving on foot, headed southbound on 35th. The clerk was not reported injured. The robber also apparently took the clerk’s cell phone, which was just found nearby. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 24-256968.
Announced via the West Seattle Junction Association newsletter:
West Seattle Comprehensive Plan Walking Tour
Join Complete Communities Coalition and partners as we explore and learn from the example of West Seattle’s Alaska Junction how to build better neighborhoods. We will take a 2-mile walking tour and discuss how choices being made right now in Seattle’s comprehensive plan will shape our city over the next two decades. Hear how better housing options can support local businesses, provide affordability, and allow families to grow together across generations.
The event will last from 10 am to 12:30 pm. The walk and talk will begin at Junction Plaza Park [42nd/Alaska] and continue for 2 miles and end at Top Pot Doughnuts [. We’ll wrap up with writing letters to the City Council about what we learned and want them to prioritize in the comprehensive plan.
This is an all-ages event, and is welcome to all!
The comprehensive-plan update – aka Draft One Seattle Plan – has yet to be finalized; you can read here about the Complete Communities Coalition’s priorities for amending it.
| 0 COMMENTS