West Seattle Blog… https://westseattleblog.com West Seattle news, 24/7 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:49:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Victories for both Chief Sealth IHS teams https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/basketball-playoffs-victories-for-both-chief-sealth-ihs-teams/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/basketball-playoffs-victories-for-both-chief-sealth-ihs-teams/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:32:29 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113608 Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Both Chief Sealth International High School basketball teams played must-win district-tournament games at home Tuesday night.

After the CSIHS girls’ basketball team’s tough loss to Foster High School in the opening round of the tournament, head coach Mario Martinez decided to play up-tempo ball from the initial possession of their game. The Seahawks deployed a full-court man-to-man press the entire first half and wreaked havoc on their opponent, the Lindbergh Eagles (Renton). Sealth forced multiple turnovers and kept Lindbergh from setting up their offense.

Lindbergh tried to stop Sealth’s Alysse Bland (above), but she had little problem shaking off defenders. Sealth’s smothering team defense, along with a couple of key three pointers from Bethel Bisrat and Keimani Proctor-Mills’ dynamic rebounding helped the Seahawks build a 29-20 lead at the half.

At the start of the second half, Sealth started racking up fouls that gave Lindbergh bonus free throws with over 3 minutes left in the third quarter. The free throws kept Lindbergh in the game as they cut Sealth’s lead to three heading into the 4th quarter. But Bland continued driving and scoring.

Presley Williams (above) drained two timely 3-pointers and the team iced the win 50-37. After the game, Coach Martinez was proud of the determination of the team. “If we keep playing with intensity and energy, we can make it through to the State tournament.” Next up for the Sealth girls is an away game at Cedarcrest High School in Duvall on Thursday at 7:00 pm.

Now to the boys’ game:

After a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to Renton High School on Saturday. the Sealth boys’ team played a must-win game in Tuesday night’s Class 2 District Tournament game against the Evergreen Wolverines from White Center.

After head coach JaLyn Jones made an early adjustment to address Evergreen’s defensive press, the outcome of the game was never really in doubt. The Sealth boys combined outside shooting with effective inside play and led by a score of 32-24 at the half.

The Seahawks went on a quick run to start the 2nd half by forcing turnovers and making quick fast-break points. Sealth players repeatedly beat defenders to the basket and Chase Valdez (above) poured in buckets from the outside. By the end of the game, the Evergreen defense was worn down as the Seahawks notched an 83-57 win.

Chase Valdez led the team with 19 points and Taj Washington (above) contributed 13. The team moves on to play an away game on Thursday night at either Foster or Lindbergh.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Sign of hope https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/west-seattle-scene-sign-of-hope/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/west-seattle-scene-sign-of-hope/#comments Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:44:25 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113599 We don’t cross the bridge often, so we hadn’t seen this sign until Lisa texted this photo today:

We have noticed this sign a few weeks ago. It’s so hopeful. We love West Seattle! It says “Your mistakes don’t define you.”

Love, Lisa, Ben, and Max The Third

Commentary on the crashes? The concrete? Or? Lisa says it’s on both sides of the southwest end of the bridge.

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STATE OF THE CITY: Mayor wants to speed up West Seattle light rail https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/state-of-the-city-mayor-wants-to-speed-up-west-seattle-light-rail/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/state-of-the-city-mayor-wants-to-speed-up-west-seattle-light-rail/#comments Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:59:45 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113587

We haven’t had a chance to watch Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s entire State of the City address yet (that’s the ~50 minutes of video above, courtesy of Seattle Channel), delivered today at noon – we saw the start and the finish, but had to go check out the South Delridge gunfire scene in the middle. However, a quick look at the summary provided by the mayor’s office yielded this point of interest:

Expediting light rail expansion: Mayor Harrell will issue an Executive Order this week to support faster delivery of light rail expansion to West Seattle and Ballard. The mayor will propose legislation that could speed up delivery by more than a year and the City will create the Office of Waterfront, Civic Projects & Sound Transit, which will orchestrate up to 50 staff in supporting project design and engineering, station area planning, and more.

We subsequently asked mayoral spokesperson Callie Craighead for details, and she said those would be forthcoming in a few days: “We will be announcing the Sound Transit Executive Order later this week, so more to come on that.” The “prepared remarks” version of his speech used this verbiage:

Growing our transit network with fast, reliable service is one of my highest priorities, and Sound Transit 3 is the largest transit expansion in the country. That’s why, this week, I will issue an Executive Order to make sure the City of Seattle is taking immediate action to safely and efficiently expedite delivery of light rail to West Seattle and Ballard.

Our efforts will include a newly expanded Office of Waterfront, Civic Projects & Sound Transit, led by Director Angela Brady, which will be at the center of orchestrating a surge in staff of up to 50 City employees supporting project design and engineering, station area planning, and more.

We will propose new pieces of legislation to ease the permitting process – maintaining essential safety protections while reducing burdens and barriers to shorten project schedules. This work could save more than a year of project time.

Our region is clamoring for light rail expansion – this Executive Order represents the City’s pledge to do our part to get it done as quickly as possible.

Currently, the West Seattle expansion is projected for completion late in 2032, but there are myriad milestones to achieve first, not the least of which is funding, including federal dollars.

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SOCCER: Which matches will be on your calendar? Schedules announced by West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/soccer-which-matches-will-be-on-your-calendar-schedules-announced-by-west-seattle-junction-fc-and-rhodies-fc/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/soccer-which-matches-will-be-on-your-calendar-schedules-announced-by-west-seattle-junction-fc-and-rhodies-fc/#comments Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:13:50 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113559 Yet another reason to think spring, besides today’s semi-surprise sunshine! West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer teams, Junction FC men’s club and Rhodies FC women’s club, have announced their schedules – seven home matches for Junction FC:

Five home matches for the first-year Rhodies:

Single-match tickets are on sale now, and season tickets are still available too – all from this page. Home games are set for Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

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HAPPY HUNDREDTH! Meet West Seattle’s newest centenarian https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/happy-hundredth-meet-west-seattles-newest-centenarian/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/happy-hundredth-meet-west-seattles-newest-centenarian/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:53:43 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113580 The announcement and photo are from Village Green-West Seattle (WSB sponsor):

On Monday, Henry Howard celebrated 100 years of amazing life with his friends and family at Village Green Senior Living in West Seattle. Henry has been a longtime resident in West Seattle. He has an infectious smile and amazing stories to tell. His support system found out about our community from West Seattle Blog. Help us celebrate this amazing man!! Happy Birthday, Henry!!

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SPORTS: West Seattle HS boys’ swim/dive team off to state competition after ‘historically successful season’ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/sports-west-seattle-hs-boys-swim-dive-team-off-to-state-competition-after-historically-successful-season/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/sports-west-seattle-hs-boys-swim-dive-team-off-to-state-competition-after-historically-successful-season/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:26:33 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113572 Thanks for the reader report and photo! One of the local high-school teams that’s in postseason competition this year has qualified for state – the West Seattle High Schoolboys’ swimmers/divers:

Members of the West Seattle High School boy’ swim team are headed to State this week – February 20-22 @ King County Aquatic Center.

The boys are wrapping up a historically successful season for the WSHS Swim & Dive program, including going 7-1 in dual meets, sending all 25 swimmers to Metros and taking 5th overall, with 12 swimmers qualifying for and participating in 3A Districts this past week. In the season thus far, team records have been set in the 200 Medley, 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay, and sophomore Tom Wrenholt set team records in individual 100 Fly and 200 IM.

Swimmers advancing to State are the 200 Medley Relay team – Tom Wrenholt (10th – Backstroke), Nate Boehmer (11th – Fly) , Jacob Lee (12th – Breaststroke), and Mason Duffy (10th – Freestyle), and alternates Luca Conte (9th), Casey Laplante (10th), Ben Wrenholt (10th), and Mac Rysemus (11th). Tom Wrenholt also qualified individually and will be competing for the second year in a row in the 100 Backstroke.

Congrats to the team and their amazing coaches Karen Boehmer and Logan Rysemus for an awesome season, and good luck at State – Go, Wildcats!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Midday gunfire https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/west-seattle-crime-watch-midday-gunfire/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/west-seattle-crime-watch-midday-gunfire/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:04:51 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113560 (Added: WSB photo)

12:04 PM: Police are at 15th/Cambridge [map] after a 911 call from someone who thought they heard gunfire. An officer has just told dispatch they’ve confirmed it, finding “a couple casings” in the intersection. No injuries reported so far.

12:09 PM: While they’re not certain it’s related, police told dispatch a neighbor heard “an argument between a male and female” before the gunshots. No description(s).

12:34 PM: Added photo while at the scene. The casings are actually on 15th just south of the intersection.

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CLOSURE ALERT: New date for next Highway 99 tunnel closure https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/closure-alert-new-date-for-next-highway-99-tunnel-closure/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/closure-alert-new-date-for-next-highway-99-tunnel-closure/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:55:08 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113557

WSDOT has announced the new date for the next Highway 99 tunnel closure, 2 weeks after it was announced and then canceled. The new date is this Friday night and Saturday morning, February 21-22:

Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, for maintenance.

Washington State Department of Transportation will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 9 p.m., with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. Drivers going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, and northbound SR 99 drivers will need to take the Alaskan Way off-ramp. Also, the Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps will close at 9 p.m.

The closure will let crews do several important tasks, including:

-Fire-suppression testing.
-Cleaning and marking drains.
-Fixing lights.

People traveling through downtown Seattle Friday night should use alternate routes.

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From history to health to ukuleles to basketball playoffs, here’s what’s up for your West Seattle Tuesday https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/from-history-to-health-to-ukuleles-to-basketball-playoffs-heres-whats-up-for-your-west-seattle-tuesday/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/from-history-to-health-to-ukuleles-to-basketball-playoffs-heres-whats-up-for-your-west-seattle-tuesday/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:54:06 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113460 (Photo sent by Eileen: Squid eggs on West Seattle shore near Lincoln Park)

Here’s the list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: As reported here, the Washington State Black Legacy Institute is welcoming visitors all month for its first major public exhibit. Hours today are 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Program:

Rotary Club of West Seattle program: George Lewis and Ruth Bowling will speak about how Rotary and AdventHealth partner through Global Grants to heal disadvantaged children in Latin America born with cleft lip or palate. The specific project they will discuss is scheduled to take place in November of 2025.

STATE OF THE CITY: Mayor Bruce Harrell presents this year’s “State of the City” speech at noon at Benaroya Hall. You can watch live on Seattle Channel.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

HOMEWORK HELP: Students can drop in for free help, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK: Actually more than a week at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open today 5-10 pm

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.

POSTSEASON BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth‘s varsity teams both host district playoff games tonight, girls vs. Lindbergh at 5:30, boys vs. Evergreen at 7. The West Seattle HS boys also have a district game, 7:15 pm vs. Bellevue, at Newport HS (4333 Factoria Road SE).

UKULELE PLAYERS’ EVENING MEETUP: In addition to their weekly daytime meetups, West Seattle ukulele players are gathering once a month in the evening too! 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander).

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

TOASTMASTERS 832: Join them online at 6:30 pm to work on your leadership and communication skills. Our calendar listing explains how to get the link.

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 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).

OPEN MIC: Signups at 6:30, music at 7 at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 6: Six trivia options for Tuesday night – 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … 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) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW).

Hosting an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial services March 1-2 for Betty K. Olson, 1933-2025 https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/memorial-services-march-1-2-for-betty-k-olson-1933-2025/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/memorial-services-march-1-2-for-betty-k-olson-1933-2025/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:00:13 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113544 Family and friends will gather March 1 and 2 for memorial services in honor of Betty Olson. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:

Betty K. Olson
July 15, 1933 – January 25, 2025

Betty Kinney Olson, age 91, passed peacefully and unexpectedly in her home on January 25th. She was a kind, joyful, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and community member.

Betty Jean Kinney was born on July 15, 1933 to Bessie and Edward Kinney in Washington D.C. and raised with her younger brother, Ron Kinney, nearby in Arlington, Virginia. Despite being born with a malformed leg and suffering from severe childhood asthma she was an active, strong, and happy child. Betty was 9 years old when World War II began which influenced her values of hard work, sacrifice, and political awareness. Throughout her life, she loved animals and reading. Caring for a sick dog when she was a young child sparked her interest in becoming a nurse.

In order to contribute to her college education, Betty learned practical secretarial skills in high school. One of her first jobs was taking dictation for the Department of Foreign Aid in the Pentagon, which she found very interesting. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (now University) and worked in a Virginia Mason ENT clinic after moving to Seattle. In 1958 Betty took a break in her nursing career to start her family of three children, and then returned to work when her youngest child was in school. Betty had a passion for the health care of children, and worked for the Seattle School District as a school nurse for 25 years. She continued her education while working which enabled her to work more independently and make more positive changes in public health care. At the age of 43 she completed her certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and at the age of 54 she earned a master’s degree in Health Administration from the UW. Betty was a pioneer in the establishment of school-based health clinics in Seattle Public Schools, successfully operating the pilot program at Rainier Beach High School in 1988. She also helped open a children’s clinic at Harborview. Betty served her last two years of work as a Health Services Supervisor for Seattle Public Schools prior to retiring at age 60.

Betty met Seattle native Donald Olson while he was working in Maryland and they married in 1955. Upon completion of her education, they moved to Seattle where they raised their family and engaged in the beauty and activities of the Pacific Northwest including hiking, camping, skiing, and kayaking. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling to many places around the world together until Don died in 2014 after 59 years of marriage.

Betty loved being involved in Fauntleroy Church for her entire life (since moving to Seattle) where she served in ministries and committees including the pastoral search committee, the Caring Ministry Team, and the Choir.

In 2018 Betty decided to sell her house and move to Judson Park (JP) Retirement Community. It did not take long before she was involved in many aspects of the community, leading not only to the enrichment of her own life, but also that of many others. She participated in the College of Intellectual Inspiration Advisory Committee (CII), the Resident Advisory Committee, the choir, and a bridge group, among other resident activities. Betty made many friends at JP, and in particular she met her final close companion in life, Joe Grillo. She continued to travel, returning to Cannon Beach, Hawaii, and enjoying small-ship expeditions to the Arctic, around the UK, and up to Canada.

Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was a great joy for Betty. In the midst of pursuing excellence in healthcare for children and participating in community involvement, she always made her family a priority. She shared with her children her love for the ocean with many camping trips to the Washington coast. After her children became adults and started their own families, she and Don treated the entire family to annual trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon, for 20+ summers, which will always be a treasured memory for her children and grandchildren. After moving to JP, she continued to enjoy travel, and she embraced spending time with family and friends whenever the opportunity arose. She of was an example of joy, peace, love, and hard work, and has been an inspiration to many.

Betty is survived by three children, Eric Olson (Kim), Michael Olson (Jackie), and Susan Underbrink (Jim), ten grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two dogs (Gibbs and Kenna), and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church on Saturday, March 1st at 1 p.m. and at Judson Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Fauntleroy Church endowment fund.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC CAMS, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday notes https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/traffic-cams-transit-weather-post-holiday-tuesday-notes/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/traffic-cams-transit-weather-post-holiday-tuesday-notes/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:00:16 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113538 6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

It’s almost warm! Cloudy today, rain likely back by late tonight, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:09 am and 5:38 pm.

SCHOOL REMINDER

-Today is part of midwinter break for most schools – all week for Seattle Public Schools (the Vashon district too), but some other schools will be back in session tomorrow (Wednesday).

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Water Taxi Also on a regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V now serving as the “bonus boat.”

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 (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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Farewell, Harold! Celebration planned for longtime Admiral Chevron worker who’s about to leave after more than a quarter-century https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/farewell-harold-celebration-planned-for-longtime-admiral-chevron-worker-whos-about-to-leave-after-more-than-a-quarter-century/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/farewell-harold-celebration-planned-for-longtime-admiral-chevron-worker-whos-about-to-leave-after-more-than-a-quarter-century/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:21:27 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113532

By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

For nearly three decades, Harold Chacon has been a fixture at the Chevron station at California/Admiral in West Seattle, known for his big, bubbly personality and infectious laugh. As he prepares to retire and return to Puerto Rico to care for his aging mother, the community he’s served for years is reflecting on the impact he’s had.

“I only sell gas, I don’t buy it,” Chacon said with a laugh, noting that despite his long tenure at the station, he’s never owned a car.

Chacon’s journey to West Seattle began in 1998, when he moved from Puerto Rico to Olympia at the age of 29. After a year, he relocated to West Seattle, where a serendipitous turn on the West Seattle Bridge led him to fall in love with the area. He quickly found work at the Chevron station after noticing a “hiring” sign outside the store.

“I got lost on my way here,” Chacon recalled. “But I liked it. I stayed.”

For three years, Chacon worked the graveyard shift from 11 pm to 7 am. “You become like a vampire,” he said. The arduous hours allowed him to witness the changing dynamics of West Seattle, including the families who came in and out of the station.

“I know people who came here when they were minors on a skateboard, and I used to throw them out. Now their kids come, and I throw them out too,” Chacon said with a laugh. “The genes pass by.”

Over the years, Chacon developed a unique bond with the community he served. For him, the Chevron counter was more than a place to work — it was an equalizer.

“It doesn’t matter who you are,” he said. “It doesn’t matter your class. It doesn’t matter how big or small you think you are. Everyone’s equal in front of me at my counter.”

Chacon ultimately stayed all these years because he grew close to the family that owns the station, describing them as “really good people.” “I put roots down wherever I go … I’m like a tree,” he said.

“[Working in a gas station] you get confronted with the ugly side of humanity, but at the same time, you see the tender side,” he said.

Chacon has come to love Seattle’s ever-changing weather and the distinct seasons, a contrast to Puerto Rico, where only one season prevails year-round. He’s been particularly savoring the recent snowfall, aware that it may be the last time in his life he walks through it, feeling the flakes on his skin.

He’ll miss Seattle’s transformation into a “flower basket” in spring, the crisp shifts of fall, the harvest moon in October, and the ultra late-night sunsets.

“This community in West Seattle has been my home and so many people have touched my life, and I have touched them, I’ll take them with me in my heart and I leave part of me here too with all of them,” Chacon said. His exuberant community love was on display in the 2016 “group hug” photo for the neighboring moviehouse – in the cropped version below, you can see Harold in the back, at right, with his arms raised:

In Puerto Rico, Chacon looks forward to fully embracing retirement—relaxing on the beach, caring for his bonsai trees and taking care of his mother.

“It’s time to do my duty as a son … and take care of mama,” he said.

To honor Chacon’s retirement, the Chevron family is inviting the West Seattle community to a farewell celebration on Friday, February 28, from 10 am to noon, at the Chevron station, next to the Admiral Theater at 2347 California Ave SW–and there will be cake!

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TUESDAY: Transit safety, levy spending @ Councilmember Rob Saka’s Transportation Committee https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/tuesday-transit-safety-levy-spending-councilmember-rob-sakas-transportation-committee/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/tuesday-transit-safety-levy-spending-councilmember-rob-sakas-transportation-committee/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 01:45:46 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113528 Since this’ll start before we publish tomorrow morning’s daily event list, we’re mentioning it tonight: 9:30 am tomorrow (Tuesday, February 18), the City Council’s Transportation Committee – chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka – takes on two big topics: Transit safety – with a multi-agency/department roundtable – and the transportation levy’s spending plan for this year. We reported toplines of the latter here, after a media briefing last month. You can see the presentations for both, and get information on how to comment to the committee if you want to, via the agenda. The meeting will be viewable on Seattle Channel.

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NOMINATION TIME! Who should win the 2025 Westside Awards? https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/nomination-time-who-should-win-the-2025-westside-awards/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/nomination-time-who-should-win-the-2025-westside-awards/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:06:54 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113522 It’s time for your nominations for this year’s Westside Awards! Here’s the announcement:

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Westside Awards, recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals making a significant impact in West Seattle.

Each year, the Chamber highlights those who contribute to the strength and growth of our local economy. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations in the following categories:

Westside Business of the Year – Recognizing an established business (3+ years) demonstrating success, growth, and community involvement.
Westside Emerging Business of the Year – Honoring a promising new business (under 3 years) making a strong impact in the community.
Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year – Celebrating non-profit organizations dedicated to social good and community service.
Westsider of the Year – Recognizing an individual who has made a lasting impact through leadership, volunteerism, or service.

Nominations are open online here and will close on Tuesday, March 14, 2025.

“The Westside Awards celebrate the businesses, non-profits, and individuals who help shape West Seattle as a strong and connected community,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber. “Those nominated represent the passionate dedication that drives local business innovation and success.”

The Annual Westside Awards Breakfast will take place in person on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Hall at Fauntleroy, where the Chamber will recognize the winners and finalists.

A look at past winners can be found here: loom.ly/EjWEFFs

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Rezoning discussion, new leadership, event planning, more @ Fauntleroy Community Association’s February meeting https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/zoning-discussion-new-leadership-event-planning-and-more-fauntleroy-community-association/ https://westseattleblog.com/2025/02/zoning-discussion-new-leadership-event-planning-and-more-fauntleroy-community-association/#comments Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:12:19 +0000 https://westseattleblog.com/?p=1113126 By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog 

With new leadership at the helm, last week’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting featured updates about neighborhood events and areas of concern and opportunity, along with (as the new board chairperson put it) a “spirited discussion” about the zoning implications of the One Seattle Plan.

The hybrid meeting at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse was facilitated by Frank Immel with assistance from Dave Follis (more below on their planned roles for the year), in the first meeting since former president Mike Dey stepped down last month after 11 years. Meeting notes below:

SPD UPDATE: After opening meeting remarks, introductions and approval of minutes from the prior meeting, Officer Michael Bateman from the Seattle Police Department (attending online and filling in for crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite) provided some crime updates and statistics:

  • For the Fauntleroy area, year-to-date, crime overall is down compared to last year (and is historically low this time of year). Theft is down 50%, motor vehicle theft down 60%, no burglaries reported.
  • At the “macro level” (West Seattle’s Southwest Precinct as a whole), the statistics also show overall lower crime comparing year-to-date numbers with numbers from the same time period in 2024. For violent/property crime, there were 427 crimes last year during this time period, this year 392 (8% decrease). A significant reduction in assaults (down 32%) and motor vehicle thefts (down 35%). There has been a slight uptick in theft (property, vehicle prowls, etc) of 10% (217 year-to-date last year, and 238 this year).

A question from attendee Chris Lampkin (who serves on King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda’s staff, but was there on “personal capacity” Wednesday night because he’s a Fauntleroy neighbor): What’s the process for school lockdowns? When safety issues are occurring, schools may not be aware of what’s going on. Bateman: The first priority, of course, is for officers to make the scene safe. After that occurs, dispatch is notified to open the school and to provide overall status.  Follow-up Q:  How do they coordinate between schools? (there are a lot of them in/near Fauntleroy). Bateman: Generally, there is a lot of communication. And just because there’s a border line in the area (between Seattle and unincorporated King County) it doesn’t mean that there won’t be notification and coordination.  Other meeting attendees then discussed recent criminal activity in the area (such as the gunfire incident at the Barton St. 7-11 store) and law enforcement activity at a home in the area (WSB coverage here).

What about hiring trends for new officers?  Bateman said the trend is very good, with a “fully hired unit” of 25 additional SPD officers this year — “that’s a lot; exceeded our expectations.” He said SPD is working hard to get the new officers processed and trained, and then “they’ll go to wherever needed most.”  Attendee Lampkin added that King County is also working hard to fill the vacant storefront deputy position (serving White Center and vicinity). How about overall SPD morale? Bateman said that morale seems very good (which aligns with similar comments from Satterwhite in FCA’s January meeting), and he knows that “SW Precinct is a coveted precinct to be assigned to — generally, great morale.”

Q about what hours the SW Precinct is open for people to drop by — Bateman said it varies (the desk clerk position is one of last positions to be staffed), and people should call ahead to be sure, but generally there are officers there during business hours.

Q about whether SPD still hands out locks for steering wheels — Bateman said he’s not sure, but will check and get back to the group’s leaders.

ANNUAL MEETING & “FOOD FEST”: Board member David Haggerty reported on planning for the group’s March 18 annual meeting (6-8 pm) and “Food Fest” (local vendors serving small plates and drinks).  He noted that FCA, as a non-profit, is required by law to have an annual meeting with neighbors, and the group adds the free-food element, along with collecting money for annual dues and hosting info tables with representation from various. community groups. FCA also holds a brief “business meeting” during the event, to vote in new board members.

Immel emphasized that “this is our largest event, and a great chance to talk to people” and that important for the event to be welcoming and inviting for neighbors and potential new FCA members. Board member Bruce Butterfield offered a bit of history, noting that the origins of FCA were rooted in the “Fauntleroy Environmental Association” (FEA). Board members agreed that they’d make an effort to invite local elected officials, and would use the FCA website and email system to get the word out. Treasurer Alan Grainger said that he had increased the event’s budget from $2,000 to $2,500, to cover expenses.

ZONING AND SEATTLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Follis provided an update about the City Council’s recent February 5 public hearing (which we previewed here) on the city’s proposed rezoning plan and other elements of the One Seattle Plan. He said that while he wasn’t able to attend in-person, he watched the complete video online (which you can too, all 5.5 hours of it, on the Seattle Channel page), and there were about 120 speakers. The proposal includes the creation of Neighborhood Centers (a new type of zoning) throughout around the city — here are maps of various areas, including the proposed NCs, for District 1 which includes West Seattle.

Some notes and observations from Follis: Almost 60% of people in Seattle are renters. Comments included both older homeowners and younger renters (even some younger kids) and everyone in between. Lots of concerns about tree cover and losing it to development, people angry at developers for building/charging too much.

Follis and other board members said that for FCA and the Fauntleroy area, the unique concerns are for the Fauntleroy Creek watershed (which has decreased in size over the years) and the salmon-bearing streams, and the increased risk of slides and environmental disasters (especially in the event of seismic activity) if development isn’t handled properly in the watershed areas. Board members also suggested that while FCA’s stance isn’t anti-development (and shouldn’t be, because it’s important to acknowledge that more housing is needed), perhaps the emphasis should be “we don’t want anything upzoned along the creek” and that development should focus on arterials with existing infrastructure (such as the 35th Ave corridor).

Haggerty and others noted that FCA’s next steps should focus on getting more input from the community, via discussion at upcoming events, surveys, etc.  Attendees discussed various aspects of the zoning plan, the ideal role of FCA going forward, and the balance between wanting FCA to advocate for the quality of the neighborhood while “not coming across as a ‘NIMBY’ organization” and wanting to make it feasible/affordable for new families to move to the area. Most board members agreed that while it’s understandable for the city to want to have a consistent approach to zoning across all of Seattle, there also needs to be consideration for unique neighborhood realities — “for Fauntleroy, the differentiation is the creek.”

Immel thanked the group for the “spirited discussion” but noted that the meeting needed to proceed with other agenda topics, and he agreed that he would follow-up with an email to board members to propose and vote on next steps for getting input from Fauntleroy neighbors regarding the zoning plans.

BUDGET AND FINANCE: Grainger (treasurer) handed out copies of FCA’s latest budget and financial report, and walked through some changes to the way transactions are categorized. Board members then discussed the particulars of accounting for dues vs donations when receiving annual payments for FCA membership, and talked about financial support for the annual Fauntleroy Fall Festival (which is a separate entity, but linked to FCA in several ways). The board moved, seconded and voted to pass the budget as-written.

TRANSPORTATION AND FERRIES: Board member and transportation rep Marty Westerman gave an update on light rail plans from Sound Transit, expressing concerns about costs and logistics (noting, for example, that the West Seattle leg of the project won’t run downtown until after the Ballard segment is built). Westerman mentioned his involvement with the Rethink the Link group (see WSB coverage of their January 25 event) and his past advocacy for a gondola system serving West Seattle rather than light rail. More updates from Sound Transit are expected by the end of the month.

Westerman and other board members also briefly talked about ferry updates, noting the upcoming Washington State Ferries online community meetings (which have since taken place — WSB coverage here). There is an upcoming online meeting on March 11 in which plans and options for the dock rebuild will be discussed. Current plans still call for a new signal by the dock to be worked on this fall.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Save the date! The popular annual event is planned for October 19, 2025.

FCA LEADERSHIP PLANS: As we reported on from FCA’s January meeting, which was the final meeting for longtime president Mike Dey, the group’s plan had been for board members Dave Follis and Frank Immel to take over as co-presidents, with Immel leading meetings and Follis focusing on operations. However, on Wednesday night, Follis and Immel said that after further consideration and discussion, they decided that Immel would serve as the group’s sole president, with Follis remaining on the board and focusing on operations. Follis and Immel added that they both have full-time day jobs, and will do their best to fill Dey’s shoes, but will need to pick-and-choose priorities and manage expectations accordingly. Board members voiced their approval of the plan, which will go to the membership for a vote at March 19’s “Food Fest” general meeting, which always includes a vote regarding leadership for the upcoming year.

IN MARCH: NEXT MEETING AND ANNUAL MEETING: FCA meets most months at 6 pm on the second Tuesday (next month, that falls on March 11), at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) in the conference room near the east entrance. Also in March, as mentioned above, is the annual general-membership meeting aka “Food Fest” on March 18, featuring small bites and drinks from local purveyors, at The Hall at Fauntleroy on the schoolhouse’s south end.

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