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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until Fauntleroy Fall Festival. What you’ll see, and how to help
October 5, 2024 10:26 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2023 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)

No major events this weekend, so we’ll take some time looking ahead to what’s next – including the Fauntleroy Fall Festival! Organizers have sent a reminder of what you’ll find at this free festival, plus a request for help in filling up the volunteer roster:

We are a little bit over 2 weeks away from the Fauntleroy Fall Festival. This year’s Festival is Sunday, October 20th from 2-5 pm and will feature a number of annual favorites — bunny petting zoo, birdhouse building, pumpkin decorating, bouncy houses, live music, arts & crafts, much more.

As always, our event is free to the community, except for our food vendors. Come join us at The Hall at Fauntleroy, Fauntleroy YMCA, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, and Fauntleroy Church. We are very grateful to our sponsors to keep this event free to the community including Birdhouse, Endolyne Joe’s, DSquared Hospitality, Garden Coaching Solutions, Hazelwood, Wildwood Market, Fauntleroy Church UCC, Fauntleroy Children’s Center, and the Fauntleroy Community Association.

We are still looking for a few last volunteers to help out with the festival; please feel free to sign up to help make the event a success.

The festival venues are on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, and crossing guards are part of the volunteer lineup to help festivalgoers get safely back and forth. And – given the season – we’ll remind you, the festival happens rain or shine!

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 31 notes!
October 5, 2024 6:07 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Michael Ostrogorsky, West Seattle seen from city’s new Overlook Walk downtown)

Here’s what to know for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.

VACCINATION CLINIC: School clinic, but community’s welcome too – flu and COVID shots available, 9 am-3 pm at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW).

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season isn’t over yet! (Is it ever?) Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Rat City Studios and Rain City Clay‘s annual show at Dubsea Coffee officially opens with a 10 am reception. (9910 8th SW)

DELUXE TAG SALE: Three fashionable vendors you probably know are throwing a “deluxe tag sale” 10 am-3 pm both days this weekend, “in the Alki neighborhood in the south side alley between 60th and 61st Ave SW off Admiral Way.”

FREE WRITING GROUP: Canceled this week due to illness.

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

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

OKTOBERFEST AT HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE: 11 am-7 pm, brats and beer, pretzels and polka, to celebrate Oktoberfest at HPCS. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

PCC PARTY: 35 years of PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle! Visit the store (2749 California SW) between noon and 4 pm to enjoy the festivities.

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Another bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

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

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

\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR, WITH FLASH SALE: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. And today’s the last day of a FLASH SALE – see our calendar listing for details.

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: 2-9 pm, second of three days of beer, food, and fun. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

TRIO OF TRIOS: 2:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – “In just over an hour, this program will take listeners through three centuries, with three different composers and three different combinations of instruments.” Find the program, performers, and ticket link here.

BOOKS AND BRICKS BENEFIT: Enjoy international cuisine and a fun night to benefit education in Kenya, 5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR MADISON MUSIC: At the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 5:30 pm, all welcome, details in our calendar listing.

DESTINATION DELRIDGE – CASINO NIGHT: DNDA‘s biggest fundraiser of the year! 6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

CIRCLE OF SONGS: Monthly unplugged-music event, 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, Stout Pounders plus Mayfly at The Skylark, $10 at the door, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Alain Johannes live in-store, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.

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

GUARDS AT THE TAJ: “Dark comedy” in its final weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – a few tickets remained as of early today, available here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Alice Camille. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Here’s the Sound Transit route/station-location recommendations for first of two major votes
October 4, 2024 11:27 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

By month’s end, the Sound Transit Board of Directors is expected to make its final decision on routing and station locations for West Seattle light rail. The first step is a vote at next Thursday’s System Expansion Committee meeting. The agenda for that meeting is out, and with it, the proposed resolution spelling out Sound Transit staff’s recommendation for the routing and station locations. The recommendation mirrors the “preferred alternative” from the Final Environmental Impact Statement – in short, the segments titled SODO 1c, DUW-1a, DEL-6b, and WSJ-5b (to find them more quickly, check the Executive Summary). The recommendation keeps all three proposed West Seattle stations (Delridge, Avalon, Junction). Here’s how the routing is described in words, without graphics, in the proposed board resolution:

The route, profile, and stations for the West Seattle Link Extension are identified in the following paragraphs (as generally described in the West Seattle Link Extension Final Environmental Impact Statement):

A. SODO Segment: The West Seattle Link Extension would begin just north of the existing SODO Station and travel at-grade west of and parallel to the existing Link light rail line replacing the SODO Busway. It would continue south at-grade under South Lander Street, which would be reconstructed as an overpass over the new and existing light rail. It would transition to an elevated guideway south of South Lander Street.

The new SODO Station would be at-grade, immediately west of the existing SODO Station. The existing at-grade pedestrian crossing of the light rail tracks at SODO Station would be closed, and a new pedestrian grade-separated crossing of both existing and new tracks would be used to access both stations. There would be a station access from the new South Lander Street bridge. Access to 4th Avenue South would occur via South Lander Street.

B. Duwamish Segment: Elevated route would continue along the west side of the existing light rail line, south from South Forest Street; continuing southwest to cross over to the south side of the Spokane Street Bridge and the West Seattle Bridge. The guideway would continue west and to the south side of the West Seattle Bridge, crossing over the Duwamish Waterway and Harbor Island on a new high-level fixed bridge. The height of the bridge could be adjusted through coordination with the United States Coast Guard. The guideway would then cross the northern edge of Pigeon Point in a combination of elevated guideway and retained cut-and-fill; turning southwest on an elevated structure that follows Delridge Way Southwest.

C. Delridge Segment: Elevated route would continue along the west side of Delridge Way Southwest, north of Southwest Andover Street. The elevated guideway would travel west along the north side of Southwest Yancy Street then cross Southwest Avalon Way, transitioning from elevated to at-grade in the vicinity of 32nd Avenue Southwest. The guideway would turn south to travel south along the east side of the West Seattle Bridge connection to Fauntleroy Way Southwest and transition into a retained cut.

The Delridge Station would be elevated north of Southwest Andover Street and west of Delridge Way Southwest in a northeast-southwest orientation.

D. West Seattle Junction Segment: Tunnel route would begin in a retained cut south of Southwest Yancy Street and follows the east side of the West Seattle Bridge/Fauntleroy Way Southwest to Southwest Genesee Street, entering into a tunnel at Southwest Genesee Street and 37th Avenue Southwest and curving southwest west of 37th Avenue Southwest to 41st Avenue Southwest to terminate at Southwest Hudson Street, with tail track in a north-south orientation under 41st Avenue Southwest. Preferred Option WSJ-5b is a refinement of Alternative WSJ-5 analyzed in the Draft EIS, and it was refined based on the Sound Transit Board’s direction to explore an option to shift a station entrance to 42nd Avenue Southwest at the Alaska Junction Station to improve access to the Alaska Junction.

The Avalon Station would be in a lidded retained cut south of Southwest Genesee Street, beneath 35th Avenue Southwest.

The Alaska Junction Station would be in a tunnel beneath 41st Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street. Station entrances would be on either side of Southwest Alaska Street. The entrance south of Southwest Alaska Street would be on the west side of 41st Avenue Southwest. The entrance north of Southwest Alaska Street would be on the east side of 41st Avenue Southwest.

The System Expansion Committee could vote on this resolution as-is, or could decide to amend it. Their meeting is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm Thursday (October 10) in the Santa Fe Room at Union Station downtown (401 S. Jackson); the meeting will also be streamed, as explained on the agenda, which also has information on how to comment. The next major step after this meeting is expected when the full board meets two weeks later.

ABOUT THE COST: As reported when the Final Environmental Impact Statement was published, the West Seattle extension’s cost projection has swollen, potentially past $7 billion. The decision on routing and station locations does not include an allotment of construction money; it moves the project further down the design road, which is expected to take three more years. Past the midway point in design is usually when a “baseline” budget will be set and approved, for example. At last month’s meeting, board members passed this motion “directing the (CEO) to develop a workplan on measures the agency will pursue to address rising project costs and inform future baselining decisions.”

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Man hit by driver near Westwood Village, taken to hospital
October 4, 2024 10:56 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

For those who asked about an emergency response at 26th/Barton around 9:30 pm, it was reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian. We don’t know details of the circumstances, but Seattle Fire says the pedestrian – a man in his mid-30s – was taken to the hospital by AMR ambulance, in stable condition.

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BIZNOTE: All The Best Pet Care launches pet-food drive, doubling your donations
October 4, 2024 7:33 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

If you’re shopping for pet food this weekend – or any time this month – you can also do a good deed by being part of this month’s pet-food donation drive at All The Best Pet Care (WSB sponsor), which has a West Seattle store at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW. Here’s the announcement:

(Photo courtesy All The Best Pet Care: Volunteers from Dog Gone Seattle picking up Nulo donations from the 2023 food drive)

Many people are seeking ways to make sure their donation dollars are maximized and used wisely. Those who wish to help local animal shelters and rescues can double their donation at All The Best Pet Care. For the entire month of October, any Nulo or Weruva dog or cat food purchased for donating at an All The Best Pet Care stores will be matched, pound for pound. Customers who buy Nulo or Weruva products for their own cats and dogs will also have a matching amount donated. Customers purchasing these items receive 10% off all month.

The donation recipients will include Alley Cat Project, Ballard Food Bank, Bella’s Voice, Dog Gone Seattle, Homeward Pet, MEOW Cat Rescue, Motley Zoo, Pawsitive Alliance Seattle Area Feline Rescue, Seattle Veterinary Outreach, Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary, Washington Health Outreach, and White Center Food Bank.

“Our goal is to donate 24,000 pounds of premium quality cat and dog food to our many deserving animal shelters and rescue groups, which is about equal to a $60,000 donation. We’re excited about this opportunity to make a huge impact on needy dogs and cats in our community,” said Josh Moss, co-CEO of All The Best Pet Care.

The West Seattle All The Best Pet Care store‘s hours are 9:30 am-7:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 10 am-7 pm Sundays.

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SPORTS: Successful week for West Seattle HS, Chief Sealth IHS volleyball
October 4, 2024 5:31 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Our area’s two biggest high schools are both having excellent seasons in volleyball, and each team notched two more wins this week. West Seattle HS is leading the Metro League Mountain Division at 7-0; Chief Sealth IHS is second in the Metro League Sound Division at 9-1. This week, the Wildcats beat Bishop Blanchet 3-0 at home and Holy Names 3-1 on the road; the Seahawks were victorious over Cleveland and Rainier Beach, both by a score of 3-0, both at home. Next week’s schedules for both teams are here; if you want to see them both on the same court at the same time, WSHS and CSIHS will face off one week from Monday, 7 pm October 14, in the West Seattle gym (3000 California SW).

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READER REPORT: Wet-season warning about a treacherous turn
October 4, 2024 4:00 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Received from Rachel, who has a warning for you:

The rains have returned and I wanted to send a warning about a very slick corner that has caught numerous drivers off guard when taking it too fast.

These photos are a result of making a left from SW 16th to SW Austin going too fast on a wet road. I have lived at this corner for 20 yrs and this is a yearly occurrence. Note: tree always wins and this poor tree has taken quite the beating. I also have concerns that someone standing on this corner might end up getting hit.

One car took out the walk signal and kept going. I have brought this to the city’s attention and they said since there are no police reports there is nothing they can do. Most drivers hobble off or call a tow truck and it never gets called into 911.

She’s hoping a highlight here might “help save a few from falling victim.” So consider yourself warned!

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Easy Street Records cleaning up after flooding damage – not because of the weather
October 4, 2024 12:16 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(first two photos courtesy of Matt Vaughan)

Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan opened the shop a little later than usual this morning after cleaning up from flooding. No, it wasn’t a weather problem – Vaughan says the water was from a burst pipe in an apartment over the shop. So far, he says he’s lost about 5,000 records and 300 hoodies and tote bags to water damage.

Both the shop and the café are open, however (and as noted in our daily event list, an in-store concert is planned tonight).

1:08 PM UPDATE: WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen stopped by and talked to Vaughan, who took a quick break to show us that his staff had things mostly cleaned up at that point, with fans running. He noted where the water initially came into the store upstairs, before leaking down to the lower level of the store and even through to the Corner Pocket bar in the basement:

He added that he was grateful to those who worked hard to mitigate the damage, and said he had experienced “much worse” in terms of water damage during the store’s 36 years in business.

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MISSING: Annie – UPDATE: Found
October 4, 2024 10:55 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news

4:05 PM: Annie has been found, safe.

Earlier:
Read More

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READER REPORTS: Stolen work van, found trailer, hit-run info sought
October 4, 2024 10:00 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | Westwood

Three reader reports this morning:

STOLEN VAN: Sent by Greg:

Reporting that my van was stolen last night from our home in the Gatewood area about 9:00 pm in case someone spots it parked in the area. The van is a white 1998 Ford Econoline 150 with a roof rack, license #C74786Z. The van was filled with carpentry tools. Please contact me at 206-234-6402 if you see it!

FOUND TRAILER: Jo spotted this trailer parked, door open, no one around, items inside:

If it’s yours, let us know – we don’t know if it’s been reported to police yet. (Update: It apparently was stolen from a band – we’ve heard from them and told them where Jo saw it.)

HIT-RUN INFO SOUGHT: Sent by Tracey:

My friend was hit and run on his e-bike yesterday afternoon. Details are sketchy as I took him to urgent care and he hit his head (helmet on). He lives on 32nd and Thistle and was on his way home with groceries from QFC. His groceries were scattered all over the street and he lost his glasses. He said there was a roundabout at the intersection he was hit at. No one stopped to help him recover his belongings. Any information from the community would be supportive. And his glasses remain lost.

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16 things to do on your West Seattle Friday
October 4, 2024 9:04 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wednesday’s sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Time to review our reminder list of what’s happening in West Seattle and vicinity for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there any time to look into the future):

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Last of four days to bring your artwork to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, as explained in our preview. Library hours today are 10 am-6 pm.

STAY ‘N’ PLAY RETURNS: Free weekly drop-in indoor play for little ones at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), 10 am until 11:30 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is here, and season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am until 3 pm.

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: 3 pm to 10 pm – today’s the first day of this year’s Oktoberfest celebration at Ounces in North Delridge. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

VISCON CELLARS: Venture south of The Junction, where this tasting room/wine bar is open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOTBALL: One home game tonight – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lakeside at 6 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

PLAY GAMES: Game Night at Spruce Hill Winery (WSB sponsor) & T2 Cellar, 7-9 pm, just minutes away in SODO, bring your own game(s) or use theirs. Reservations recommended – our calendar listing explains how. (2960 4th Ave. S.)

3 WEST SEATTLE BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW):

West Seattle’s very own Full Life Crisis is playing the Skylark Cafe on Friday, October 4th! This will be the debut of FLC’s new drummer Lee Brown!! Come check out the thunderous rhythm and tight power pop that is their signature sound! FLC will be joined by the legendary Slags, and also prog rockers Alki Heathens. It will be an evening of great local music at one of the best live music venues in Seattle! Doors open at 7 pm and Full Life Crisis takes the stage at 8 pm! $10 cash at the door.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Naked Giants show and signing, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Final weekend for this “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

VISIT YOUR FIRE STATION: 8 pm to 8:15 pm tonight, join your local firefighters in remembering those who’ve lost their lives:

In a gesture of remembrance, Seattle Fire will pull their apparatus out front of each station to flash their red lights continuously between 8-8:15 p.m. Please note: Stations that are on an emergency response may not be in quarters to participate.

Community members are invited to show their support for firefighters by visiting their neighborhood station to observe the remembrance or change out an exterior light with a red bulb for the evening.

West Seattle’s five fire stations are 11, 29, 32, 36, and 37. Addresses and other info are on this page.

MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s bands at Southgate Roller Rink are Crazy Eyes, Wild Powwers, The Fabulous Downey Brothers. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight is spinning tonight! (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday + weekend info
October 4, 2024 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Friday, October 4th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rainy, breezy, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:13 am, while sunset will be at 6:41 pm.

ROAD WORK

*SDOT has not announced any work this weekend for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm tonight to 6 am Saturday (and again next weekend, for longer – 10 pm October 11 to 6 am October 13).

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides later this month, exact date TBA. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues too, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” which is also being used on weekends when crew/vessel are available. Check for alerts here.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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.

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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FOLLOWUP: More about the $50 million Chief Sealth IHS addition proposed as part of Seattle Public Schools’ $1.8 billion BEX VI levy
October 3, 2024 7:20 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

When we reported Monday night on Seattle Public Schools‘ proposed $1.8 billion, six-year capital-levy renewal/expansion – BEX VI (aka the sixth “Building Excellence” levy) – we noted the biggest West Seattle project on its list is a $50 million addition for Career Technical Education at Chief Sealth International High School. We also noted that the levy document linked to the agenda for next week’s School Board meeting (4:15 pm October 9) has no other details about the proposed project, and that the process of developing the levy list did not involve community consultation the way BEX V did. So we had to ask SPS’s media team to dig up details on the proposal, which they’ve done over the past few days. According to district spokesperson Tina Riss Christiansen:

An addition to Chief Sealth International High School is proposed to meet the needs of the Career and Technical Education Program, eliminate the eight portables along the west property edge, and enhance energy conservation, addressing both State of Washington Clean Energy and City of Seattle’s Building Emissions requirements.

The classroom addition is planned to be added at the northern portion of the existing school and will include relocating the existing Career and Technical Education construction trades classroom from the basement and the food service classroom from the interior of the building. Both classrooms are undersized for the student populations they serve and poorly located for routinely transporting the materials and supplies required to meet the educational program needs.

In addition, SPS plans to construct eight general education classrooms.

The project is contingent on School Board approval of the levy projects and voter approval of the levy. Construction is planned to occur with students remaining on-site.

The $50M is divided 2/3 construction and 1/3 A/E fees, permit costs, construction contingency, furnishings, and Washington State Sales Tax.

No renderings yet, the district says, because design work won’t start until and unless the levy – one of two that the district plans to send to voters in February – is approved.

We are in the process of scheduling community information meetings on both levies after the Oct. 9, 2024, Board Meeting and Study Session.

Adding proposed project information to the website is also in progress.

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ORCAS: In Elliott Bay as sunset nears
October 3, 2024 6:19 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

6:19 PM: Up for sunset whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports that transient orcas are in Elliott Bay, headed southbound toward Alki. Let us know if you see them!

6:29 PM: Update from Kersti – now in the ferry lanes, heading toward the point.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: ‘Screenagers: Elementary Age Edition’ premiere @ Admiral Theater
October 3, 2024 5:59 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

Social media isn’t just a complication in the lives of middle- and high-school students. It’s increasingly factoring into the pressures faced by elementary students too. That’s the focus of a new film that’ll have its Seattle premiere at the Admiral Theater this Sunday (October 6), co-presented by the Lafayette Elementary PTA, with the filmmaker present for a post-screening Q&A. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

Seattle’s Dr. Delaney Ruston will speak after the city’s premiere screening of her latest film, “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” this Sunday, October 6 at the Historic Admiral Theater in Seattle.

As middle and high schools are banning phones, elementary schools are seeing a surge in smartwatches and devices in classrooms. “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” the fourth documentary in the Screenagers series, exposes how devices like smartphones and smartwatches, and the content on them – mainly social media and gaming – rewire young minds, affecting focus, academics, sleep, behavior, and development. Get the hard-hitting truth, real-life stories, practical strategies, and expert advice from renowned physicians, psychologists, and researchers like “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt, to make screen time less invasive.

This groundbreaking new documentary takes a deep dive into the profound impact social media, video gaming, excessive screen time, smartphone & smartwatches in schools is having on sleep and the academic, social, and emotional development of kids in K-5. According to the CDC, children ages 8-10 spend an average of six hours daily on screens. One elementary school principal in the movie told us smartwatches are appearing more and more in classrooms and are highly problematic.

“We wanted to create a film that helps parents, educators, and caregivers understand the effect screens and gaming are having on younger children and offer them strategies and tools they can use,” Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston says. “We want to spark conversations and “empower families and educators with the knowledge they need to set clear rules and make informed choices.”

Sunday’s event at The Admiral (2343 California SW) starts at 5:30 pm. You can get tickets in advance through the theater’s website.

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Remembering Rick Cook, West Seattle’s ‘psychic barber’
October 3, 2024 2:54 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Rick Cook, long known as “the psychic barber,” has died. A reader tipped us that this announcement was first made via the voicemail announcement for his shop at 4845 California SW; while the announcement says Mr. Cook has passed away, the note on the door says only this:

According to this brief online mention, Mr. Cook died September 25, at age 68. We’ve reported on him multiple times over the years because of his shop and its distinctive sign, as well as because of his repeated displacement by development. He had moved to this location just south of The Junction in 2019, when his previous location, 6016 California SW, was planned for redevelopment; he had been there six years, after leaving a longtime location just south of Rite Aid on California. (Ironically, while that building was demolished, the site has to date not been redeveloped; at the time its then-owner planned on a mixed-use building, and now it’s slated for townhomes.) A WSB contributor first interviewed him at that location in 2009 (photo at right), and got the story behind “Psychic Barber.” (No, he wasn’t a psychic, but a neighboring business was, and he eventually ended up with their sign.) Mr. Cook was a Chief Sealth graduate and had been cutting hair in West Seattle for more than 45 years.

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One day, many ways to care for Seattle’s only river during fall Duwamish Alive!
October 3, 2024 2:20 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news


(WSB file photo)

The twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! day for cleanup and restoration work on the Duwamish River and in its watershed is almost here. Four West Seattle opportunities are part of the list for the fall edition of Duwamish Alive! Here’s the announcement we received today from Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive! coalition:

Saturday, October 19th 10 – 2 at multiple Sites

Join Duwamish Alive! this fall as our salmon are returning in our Duwamish River and Longfellow Creek, with this watershed wide effort in improving the health of our salmon by restoring their habitat which provides food, shelter and cool, clean water that salmon need. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces by removing invasive weeds, planting native plants, removing debris, and learning about healthy habitat. This is a family friendly event, all ages welcomed and encouraged.

To volunteer, visit www.DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice, or email info@duwamishalive.org

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FOLLOWUP: Crowdfunding for family of Triangle murder victim
October 3, 2024 12:07 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

A little over a week has passed since 32-year-old Laupule Talaga was shot and killed at his workplace in the West Seattle Triangle. Police have yet to release any additional information about the case. Mr. Talaga’s employers at Seattle Soul Kitchen described him as a father of three, and his family now says his partner is expecting twins. For those who have asked if there’s any way the community can help Mr. Talaga’s family, they just let us know that they have set up a crowdfunding page – you’ll find it here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police chase after another 7-11 robbery
October 3, 2024 10:08 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle 7-11 robbery early today, but this one played out differently. An officer was on “directed patrol” focused on the Harbor Avenue 7-11 around 1:30 am when, according to the early summary, “The officer saw two suspects enter the 7-11 and grab the till. The officer interrupted the robbery, and the suspects entered a white Kia SUV. The officer recognized the robbery suspects being the same from the night prior at the 7-11 on SW Admiral. The officer initiated a pursuit, and other officers joined.” The archived audio indicates the robbers were chased across the bridge and onto northbound I-5, above 100 mph, at which point “it was terminated due to speeds” around Exit 168, north of downtown. Eventually, SPD tells us, the vehicle was dumped “in the East Precinct’s area and it was recovered.” Turned out to be stolen. The robbers, however, remain at large. They did not get away with the till, which police say was left at the scene when the robbery was interrupted. The Harbor Avenue 7-11 was the fourth one in West Seattle targeted in the past week, as detailed here.

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West Seattle Book Club, Piano Bar, park walk, more for your Thursday
October 3, 2024 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Black Turnstone visiting Alki, photographed by Rainer Klett)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) “to get a clearer understanding of how it all works,” 11 am.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall 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.

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 Isidro’s Tacos.

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!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).

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!)

PIANO BAR: Monthly music/dancing event at The Center for Active Living, 7 pm. $10 at the door. (4217 SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7-9 pm, first gathering since West Seattle’s biggest book club changed its name! Bring your own book to any of the locations listed here.

VOLLEYBALL: One home match tonight, Chief Sealth IHS (8-1) hosts Rainier Beach, 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets in person for the first time since pre-pandemic, 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Final week for the “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

COMEDY: Jokes in the Junction (Great American Diner)
Local headliner Greg Beachler will be closing out this monthly show at Great American Diner. $10! Tickets at CozyComedy.com.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Fairmount Park Elementary PTA request
October 3, 2024 9:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local students have another opportunity to get an early start in volunteer work! The Fairmount Park Elementary PTA asked us to share this request with you:

Fairmount Park Elementary PTA is hosting the annual Falcon Fest on October 18th from 6-7:30 pm. This is a fall festival with family friendly games. The PTA is need of Middle and High Schoolers to help run the stations. If you are a past Fairmount Park student, this is a fun way to earn volunteer hours and support your alma mater. Please sign up here.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch
October 3, 2024 6:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, October 3rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

One more day of sun before rain revisits. Mostly sunny today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:12 am, while sunset will be at 6:43 pm.

(Wednesday sunset – photo by Jen Popp)

ROAD WORK

*No dates yet from SDOT about any possible lane closures ahead for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides later this month. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues too, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday (and again the following weekend, for longer – 10 pm October 11, to 6 am October 13).

TRANSIT

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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.

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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Our area’s only law-enforcement helicopter, Guardian One, gets upgraded
October 2, 2024 11:56 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

(King County Sheriff’s Office photo)

That’s the new Guardian One, the helicopter operated by the King County Sheriff’s Office but also used to support Seattle Police (which have no helicopter of their own) among others. Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall and King County Executive Dow Constantine introduced the new helicopter today at the Renton airport, where it’s based. It’s a Bell 407GXi, which the KCSO announcement says “is designed for quick, smooth landings in unpredictable conditions and will support a wide range of missions, including law enforcement patrol, search and rescue, wildfire response, and more.” Its predecessor was more than 50 years old. KCSO says the county spent almost $6 million on the new helicopter and the state added nearly $1 million. The KCSO Air Support Unit includes the Guardian Two more often used for search and rescue, plus 30+ drones; the county says it’s flown more than 300 missions so far this year, and 480 last year.

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